3. Types and Architectural Features of Orissan Temples

According to Bhubana Pradipa, a treaties on temple architecture, the temples of Orissa have been classified into three orders viz rekha, pidha and khakhara.¹ The temples thus evolved in Orissa consists of the sanctum and the porch or frontal hall the two forming component parts of one architectural scheme. The sanctum (called vimana) can be divided into three types viz rekha, pidha and khakhara orders. 17 Similarly the frontal hall or mukhasala is either a flat roofed or rectangular hall with the roof arranged in pidhas, i.e. tiers. So the latter is called pidha deulas. N.K.Bose refers to another Style of temple, which he calls as Gauriya type. 18 But this style of architecture did not become popular for which this pattern of building was abandoned subsequently. Majority of the sanctums of Orissan temples are of 'rekha type and whereas the khakhara type is limited to a few Sakta temples. The mukhasalas of the earlier temple are flat roofed rectangular halls but in latter temples they are pidha deulas. Externally, the jagamohana or mukhasala is subordinate to the vimana (main temple) in height. There is a traditional belief among the craftsmen of Orissa that the main temple is the bridegroom and the jagamohana is the bride. 28

19 In course of time, to meet the growing needs of the rituals two more structures viz, the natamandapa and the bhogamandapa, were added. Both these structures are completely separate but integrated to form an effective and harmonious architectural organization. Standing in a row in the same axial alignment, with rising and falling peaks, they give the impression of a mountain range and take the eye to the sikhara of the sanctum, which is the highest of all." The temple complex is often enclosed by walls, but there is no gopuram as in the case of South Indian temples. The Orissan temple is remarkable in its plan and elevation. The interior ground plan of the temple is square as a rule.20 But externally, because of projections; the temple appears to show a cruciform plan. The Orissan temples are distinguished by vertical projections called rathas or pagas. Depending on the number of pagas the temples are classified into tri-ratha, panca-ratha, sapta ratha and nava-ratha. The earlier temples are characterized by a tri-ratha plan, but in course of evolution the tri ratha gave place to the panca ratha, sapta ratha and nava ratha. In later temples the projections are well developed and produce a charming effect. 21 In elevation the Orissan temples show interesting features. The vimana (main deula) is characterized by a curvilinear superstructure and the jagamohana by a pyramidal superstructure. Both the structures can be divided into four parts along with the vertical plane. The four divisions are such as pista, bada, gandi and mastaka. The Orissan craftsmen have considered the temple as the body of the cosmic Being. Therefore, the different parts of the temple are considered as its limbs and named accordingly." Just as the different parts of a human body are organically related to each other, so the different divisions of the temple bear vital relationship with each other and are integrated into an artistic composition. Both the rekha and pidha deulas are the dominant types of Orissan temple architecture. The sanctum where the presiding deity enshrined is generally conceived as the womb and thus it is called garbhagrha. Like the womb it is intensely dark. The dim light of the earthen lamp along with the fragrance of the flowers, incense, which creats an atmosphere of solemnity where a devotee can fix his/her mind in meditating to god. The image of god was sanctified by certain rites and only then the divinity was considered in some explicable manner to have taken up residence in it.22 The sanctum is a small room, often square with completely plain walls and with a single narrow doorway in the front. 29