Temples: history, architecture and distribution

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let us travel to Orissa and see the Sun Temple Konarak, Temples of Bhubhneshwar.

1. Sun Temple Konark (12 pics) - The crowning glory of Oriyan temple architecture, the 13th century Sun temple also known as ‘the Black Pagoda’. Built by Raja Narasimha I of the Ganga dynasty, the temple is a pageant of human grandeur, in its perception, and execution. It resembles a colossal chariot, with 24 wheels, pulled by seven straining horses and has a three tiered pyramidal roof topped off by a fine spire. The Sun God’s chariot also represents the seven days of the week, and the 24 hours of the day in its concept.

Wheel of the Chariot. Each of the wheels is 9 feet 8 inches in diameter, with rims 8 inches deep, axles protruding 11 inches and 16 spokes alternatively thick & thin.
Garud. The national emblem of the Republic of Indonesia is “Garuda Pancasila”. The Garuda in Indonesian history holds a place of honor. It is a symbol of national emblem with Lord Vishnu riding it. Garuda sculpture is shown in countless temples. Garuda stands for complete devotion to Lord Vishnu and subsequent freedom from evil. Garuda also stands for the freedom of the people of Indonesia from foreign rule.
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2. Temples Bhubneshwar (6 pics) - the ancient capital of the Kalinga empire and now the capital of Orissa, Bhuvanesvara modern day Bhubaneshwar’s history goes back over 2,000 years. ‘Bhubaneshwar’means the ‘the abode of God’ or ‘master of the universe’. The sculptural decoration of the Mukteswara is referred to as the ‘gem of Oriya architecture’. Richly sculpted, the temple offers pride of place to tales from the Panchatantra. What you see is a highlight of the temple i.e. its magnificent torana – the decorative gateway, an arched masterpiece, reminiscent of the Buddhist influence in Orissa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Rajarani Mandir is famous for its ornate deul or compass, decorated with some of the most impressive Oriya temple architecture. The temple is remarkable for the absence of any presiding deity. The temple’s name is supposed to be derived from the red-gold sandstone used in building it – rajarani being the local name for the stone. Also see the famous Lingaraja Mandir.

Parasurameswara Mandir. The temple is usually regarded as the oldest among the temples of Orissa, is probably dated in the 5th or 6th century A.D. at the latest and was built in the Kalinga school of architecture. It was dedicated to Lord Shiva, but there are images of Lord Vishnu, Yama, Surya and seven Mother goddesses. Lavishly decorated it has exquisite friezes depicting animal life, human figures and floral motifs, coupled with impressive busts of Shiva.

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