Kalinga Temple Architecture and Puri Jagannath Temple

Inspired by the postings in our BLR temple architecture group by various members

The group is managed by Arun from Shriram Spandhana.

All picture Credits to the group members 

The Kalinga Temple Architecture:-

The Kalinga Temple Architecture is a style of temple architecture that originated in the ancient Kalinga region, which is now present-day Odisha in India. This style of architecture is known for its distinctive features and has influenced the development of temple architecture in other parts of India.

Kalinga Temple Architecture is characterized by its emphasis on verticality and the use of richly carved stone. The temples are usually built on a high platform or jagati, with a tall and slender spire or shikhara rising above it. The shikhara is usually adorned with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures.

One of the most notable features of Kalinga Temple Architecture is the presence of a vimana or tower over the sanctum sanctorum, which houses the main deity of the temple. This vimana is usually square or rectangular in shape and is adorned with sculptures and carvings depicting stories from Hindu mythology.

The temples built in this style also feature a large pillared hall or mandapa, which is used for congregational worship and gatherings. The mandapa is often adorned with elaborate carvings and sculptures, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the daily life of people.

Another distinctive feature of Kalinga Temple Architecture is the use of stone beams and lintels to create elaborate doorways and entrances. These doorways are often decorated with sculptures of deities and other mythical creatures.

The Kalinga Temple Architecture reached its peak during the rule of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 11th and 12th centuries. The temples built during this period, such as the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar and the Jagannath Temple in Puri, are considered to be some of the finest examples of this style.

The Puri Jagannath Temple:-

The Puri Jagannath Temple, located in the city of Puri in Odisha, India, is one of the most famous and revered temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.

The Puri Jagannath Temple is built in the Kalinga Temple Architecture style and is characterized by its towering shikhara, which rises to a height of 214 feet. The temple is also known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology.

The Puri Jagannath Temple is considered to be one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is located in the city of Puri in the eastern state of Odisha. The temple is also known as Shri Mandira and is considered to be one of the char dhams or four sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus.

The temple is built in the Kalinga Temple Architecture style, which developed in the Kalinga region of Odisha between the 7th and 13th centuries AD. The Kalinga style is characterized by its emphasis on verticality, the use of richly carved stone, and the presence of a tall spire or shikhara rising above the main temple structure. The Puri Jagannath Temple is one of the finest examples of Kalinga Temple Architecture and is renowned for its grandeur and beauty.

The temple complex covers an area of over 400,000 square feet and is surrounded by a high wall, with four gates in each cardinal direction. The main temple structure, known as the Jagamohan, is a rectangular hall with a pyramidal roof supported by four pillars. The roof of the Jagamohan is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures, including scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Beyond the Jagamohan lies the inner sanctum or Garbhagriha, which houses the main deity of the temple, Lord Jagannath. The sanctum is a square structure with a high tower or vimana rising above it. The vimana is decorated with elaborate carvings of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures.

The Puri Jagannath Temple is also known for its impressive kitchen or bhojanalaya, which is one of the largest in the world. The kitchen prepares food for the temple's devotees, who are served free meals every day. The kitchen is also famous for its unique cooking process, which involves using traditional earthen pots and firewood.

One of the most famous festivals celebrated at the Puri Jagannath Temple is the Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival, which takes place in June or July every year. During the festival, the deities of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are taken out of the temple and placed on large chariots. The chariots are then pulled through the streets of Puri by thousands of devotees. The Rath Yatra is considered to be one of the largest religious gatherings in the world and attracts millions of devotees from all over India and abroad