Famous Temples in India

Architecture

This temple was built in Panchayathana style with two enclosures. There is a huge stone slab inside the temple courtyard on which is inscribed the whole history of the temple and also the conquest of Utkala. This large and ornate east-facing temple-complex is built in typical Vijayanagara style. Built-in the center of the complex, the main shrine has a sanctum, maha-mandapa, Ardha-mandapa, a pillared pavilion, a Devi shrine, and many sub-shrines. The main sanctum is plundered by invading Muslim forces of Deccan Sultanates. The temple kitchen is located southeast of the main shrine. The carvings of the temple are spectacular with the Yalis on the pillars and the entrances to the temple hall engraved with impressive carvings of elephant riders. The main tower at the east is an outstanding example of Vijayanagara architecture. The tower is adorned with numerous carvings. Only a part of the superstructure of the east gopura exists, but it still exhibits fine stucco figures of warriors with shields, spirited horses, and elephants. The sides of the entrance exhibit beautifully sculptured Apsaras standing on mythical animals and holding scrolls filled with panels showing different incarnations of Lord Vishnu. This is one of the few temples where the epic stories are carved on the walls of the tower. The open area with pillared corridors on the eastern side of the temple is known as Krishna Bazaar. There is a beautiful temple tank called Kalyani with nice structures around.