TEMPLE OF ODISHA

Odisha is known for its mesmerizing temples. The temples have their historic viewpoints and different types of architecture. The temples of Odisha have been constructed over religious views. Every temple is a reflection of the gods and goddesses of the Hindu religion. The temples have some specific architecture carved on them and they show the traditional cultures of ancient India. Though the temples of Odisha had been attacked by various foreign invasions many times, still they managed to protect the temples and their sculptures throughout. There is a great history behind the temples of Odisha. 

History of the Odisha temples

There are many temples that are seen in Odisha and each of the temples has its spiritual histories and viewpoints. A big and at the same time critical history has been seen in the temples of Odisha. For example, the great temple of Lingaraj at Bhubaneswar has been made of four halls. Assembly, sanctuary, dance, and offerings are the four most reasons behind the making of the temple. 

The temple reflects Shaivism that is the worshiping of Lord Shiva over the place. It is believed that some of the temple parts have been made in the 6th century but it is considered that the temple had been reestablished in the 11tth century onwards. It is considered that there is a mention of the Lingaraj temple in one of the Hindu scriptures that is the Brahma Purana. It is also said that at the time of the temple’s construction, the Jagannath cult began to take the shape of the temple. On the other hand, the Mukteshwar temple of Odisha has been regarded as one of the oldest and most famous temples of Odisha. The temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and is being called the gem of the Odisha temples. The temple is known for its amazing sculptures and beautiful cravings having approximately 34 feet of height. The temple had been made approximately in the ’10th century AD’ and is regarded as one of the untimely temples of the Somavamsi dynasty. 

Religious concepts behind Odisha temples

The temples of Odisha have vivid religious viewpoints and each of them is dedicated to any of the Hindu gods or goddesses. For example, the Jagannath Puri temple is a blessed temple devoted to Lord Vishnu who is considered as Lord Jagannath along with his sister Suvaddra and brother Balaram. The Jagannath temple is considered as one of the four crusade plat of ‘Char Dham’. Lord Jagannath is being regarded as the non-sectarian divinity in the Hindu religion. The temple of Jagannath Puri has one of the best annual functions that are the Rathyatra. Every year in June this famous festival is been organized by the worshippers of Lord Jagannath in Odisha. 

All the three divinities have been taken out from the Garbhagriha and each of them has been put in the three different Raths that are made of wood. Some theories of the origins can be discussed as religious concepts. Those are the Vedic origin, Vaishnav origin, and many more as well. The three divinities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram, and Suvaddra are regarded as the representation of Lord Krishna, Balaram, and Ekanamasa. This is the base of the Vaishnav origin theory of that triad. 

Architectures of Odisha temples

All the temples of Odisha are full of carved sculptures and they are known as good examples of architecture. Every temple has its topic of architecture. For example, the Parasurameswara temple of Bhubaneswar was established in the 7th century AD. The pagas of the temple are a characteristic feature of the temples of Odisha. Though the temples were not fully developed, they still have their beautiful architecture carved on them. The vocation has been developed within the three of the pagas. The pilaster that is situated in the center has the most niches. The temple consists of eleven slots and apart from Ayudha, the top portion has an Amalaka, Kalasa, and a Lingam. Another example could be the Rajrani temple of Odisha that is also in Bhubaneswar and was built in the 10th century AD. The temple is better known for its marvelous architecture. It is the only temple that has no deity in it. The temple has been made of three definite mould platforms. The Vimana of the temple is in the style of Rekha and clustered together with small-scaled sikhars. The ‘Navagraha panel’ comes out in both sectors and the parch of the Rajrani temple. These are some of the architectural techniques that the Odisha temples have over them.

Conclusion

This is article concludes the historical overview of the temples of Odisha. The histories and the religious viewpoints are the most important topic that has been discussed. The temples of Odisha have the most historical and spiritual perspectives that made them very different from any other temples of the country. These facts have been discussed here in this text so that the readers can gain their knowledge about the temples. The architectures of the temples were the most crucial thing of explanation and it does so.