Kalinga architecture

Simplified schema of a Kalinga architecture temple
The Lingaraja Temple, a revered pilgrimage center and the culminating result of the architectural tradition at Bhubaneswar, sixth century AD.
The Jagannath Temple, one of the four holiest places (Dhamas) of Hinduism,[1] in the coastal town of Puri in Odisha.

The Kaḷinga architectural style is a style of Hindu architecture which flourished in the ancient Kalinga previously known as Utkal and in present eastern Indian state of Odisha. The style consists of three distinct types of temples: Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula and Khakhara Deula. The former two are associated with Vishnu, Surya and Shiva temples while the third is mainly with Chamunda and Durga temples. The Rekha Deula and Khakhara Deula houses are the sanctum sanctorum while the Pidha Deula constitutes outer dancing and offering halls.

In Kalinga, the ancient land of Shakta cult, divine iconography existed since the mythological era. Present day research implies that idols (deities) were placed under auspicious trees in the ancient days. The various aspects of a typical Kalinga temple include architectural stipulations, iconography, historical connotations and honoring the traditions, customs and associated legends.

  1. ^ "Welcome to Odissi.com | Orissa | Sri Jagannath". www.odissi.com. Archived from the original on 2000-03-06.