Architecture of Shree Jagannath Temple: A Masterpiece of Kalingan Art

One of the most intensive examples of Kalingan architecture is The Architecture of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. This temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu) along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra is not only spiritually significant but also exhibits a perfect blend of artistic brilliance. This temple was built during the reign of Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the founder of the Ganga dynasty. In the early 12th century and the temple continues to be a evidence to ancient Indian architectural expertise.

Architecture of Shree Jagannath Temple

Layout and Structure

The temple is located in the centre of a rectangular surrounded by a fortified courtyard and is located on a high raised platform. It comprises of four main components:

  1. Vimana or Deula (Sanctum Sanctorum): The central shrine housing the deities.
  2. Jagamohana (Porch): The assembly hall for devotees.
  3. Natamandapa: The hall for cultural performances and devotional dances.
  4. Bhogamandapa: The hall for offering food to the deities.

These components are arranged in an east-west alignment, creating a symmetrical architectural flow.

Architecture of Shree Jagannath Temple

Architectural Styles

The Jagannath Temple architecture is a unique combination of two types of temple structures, Rekha and Pidha.

  1. Vimana or Rekha Deula:
    • The Vimana is designed on the basis of Pancha Ratha (five chariot) floor plan where the vertical structure is divided into five projected column like features known as rathas on each side. These projections lend the temple its unique vertical rhythm.
  2. Jagamohana or Pidha Deula:
    • The porch is built in the Pidha deula style, the roof structure being pyramidal. The horizontal layers of the roof present a striking visual contrast to the curvilinear shikhara of the sanctum.

Vertical Symmetry

The vertical structure of both the Vimana and Jagamohana is divided into five principal parts:

  1. Pitha (Foundation): The raised platform providing stability and prominence.
  2. Bada (Vertical Wall): The perpendicular walls adorned with intricate carvings.
  3. Gandi (Main Tower): The upward trunk-like structure, curvilinear in the Rekha deula and pyramidal in the Pidha deula.
  4. Mastaka (Crowning Elements): The head of the structure, featuring the sacred Neelachakra, an eight-spoked wheel of Lord Vishnu made of Ashtadhatu (eight metals).

Sculptural Excellence

The temple’s intricate carvings and sculptures are unparalleled in their artistic finesse, and the carvings and sculptures are also quite massive. The stone carvings depict various scenes from Hindu mythology, floral patterns and geometrical designs. The lower portions of the temple walls have friezes of elephants, horses, and warriors in procession. The carving also shows a very high level of detail to make it look like wood or ivory.

On the Vimana outer walls are carved life-sized sculptures of Madanikas and Sura Sundaris in round, exhibiting beautiful feminine elegance and intricate ornamentation. The upper jangha portion has petite models of temples engraved on it, and the interplay of architectural symmetry is evident.

The niches on the Raha paga (central projection) house the three Parsva-devatas (side deities):

  • Varaha (Boar incarnation of Vishnu) in the southern niche.
  • Trivikrama (Vishnu as Vamana) in the northern niche.
  • Nrusimha (Man-lion form of Vishnu) in the western niche.

These sculptures, made of chlorite stone, exemplify the highest degree of craftsmanship.

Unique Features

  1. Pancha Ratha Design: The division of the vertical structure into five rathas gives the temple a distinctive architectural rhythm and aesthetic balance.
  2. Neelachakra: The sacred wheel atop the shikhara is revered as a symbol of divine presence.
  3. Four Gates: The temple has four elaborately carved gates, each representing different animals:
    • Singhadwara (Eastern Gate): Flanked by crouching lions.
    • Ashwadwara (Southern Gate): Depicting horses.
    • Vyaghrdwara (Western Gate): Representing tigers.
    • Hastidwara (Northern Gate): Featuring elephants.

Conservation and Legacy

The Shree Jagannath Temple was declared a National Monument in 1975 and has since been under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI’s conservation efforts have ensured that this masterpiece of Kalingan architecture continues to inspire awe among devotees and visitors alike.

Conclusion

The Shree Jagannath Temple is not only a living embodiment of spiritual devotion, but also a testament to the engineering and artistic brilliance of ancient India. The intricately carved dome, unique structural elements like the natija gopuram and the holy beach make it a jewel in the crown of India’s architectural heritage. The temple is standing tall at 65 meters and is a source of divine inspiration and remarkable landmark of Odisha’s cultural identity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Jagannath Temple Architecture

FAQ Section

The temple comprises four primary structures:

  • Vimana (Sanctum Sanctorum): The central shrine housing the deities.
  • Jagamohana (Assembly Hall): The hall for devotees to gather.
  • Natamandapa (Dance Hall): Used for cultural performances and dances.
  • Bhogamandapa (Offering Hall): The hall where food offerings are presented to the deities.

The temple combines two architectural styles:

  • Rekha Deula (Curvilinear): Featured in the Vimana (sanctum).
  • Pidha Deula (Pyramidal): Seen in the Jagamohana (assembly hall).

The Vimana is designed on the Pancha Ratha (five-chariot) ground plan. The vertical structure is divided into five projected column-like features called rathas, lending the temple its unique vertical rhythm.

The temple structure is divided into five parts:

  • Pitha (Foundation): The raised platform that provides stability.
  • Bada (Vertical Wall): The perpendicular walls adorned with carvings.
  • Gandi (Main Tower): The upward structure, curvilinear in Rekha deula and pyramidal in Pidha deula.
  • Mastaka (Crowning Element): The head of the structure with the sacred Neelachakra.

The temple boasts intricate carvings:

  • Friezes: Scenes of elephants, horses, and warriors.
  • Life-sized Sculptures: Madanikas and Sura Sundaris showcasing craftsmanship.
  • Miniature Replicas: Temple replicas on the upper portion of the temple.

The Shree Jagannath Temple was built during the reign of Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva in the 12th century.

The Neelachakra is an eight-spoked wheel made of Ashtadhatu (eight metals), symbolizing divine protection and the presence of Lord Vishnu. It crowns the temple structure.

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