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 sometimes is referred as Orissan Temple style as well. Architecturally, Hindu temples are basically the same irrespective of their regional peculiarities and local nomenclature of their body ports. It is true of Orissa also.
The tower part of the main temple is Garbhagraha and the upper part is Sikhara, locally called rekha. Each one of these two major parts is divided into a number of moldings. In front of this main structure is a porch or mandapa, called Jagmohana in which the devotees stand and face the deity in the Garbhagraha. It has a roof which is slightly different from the porches in north Indian temples. However, in Odisha, as time passed, a couple of more porches were added in the same axis, each one used for a different purpose – Bhoga Deul and Natya Deul. In rare examples an independent Torana was also erected at the entrance.
The style consists of three distinct types of temples: Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula and Khakhara Deula.
Rekha Deula and Pidha Deula are associated with Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Surya temples. Khakhara Deula is mainely associated with Devi 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.
Deula
Temple architecture in Odisha evolved over a long period of time. Stipulated architectural principles with ample provision for artistic improvisation enabled the progressive generations. Temples in Odisha are based on certain fundamental principles of stability and take their cue from the human body. The superstructure is basically divided into three parts, the Bāḍa (Lower Limb), the Ganḍi (Body) and the Cuḷa/Mastaka (Head). Accordingly, each part is given a different treatment throughout, from the architecture to the final ornamentation of the Temple.
Konark Sun Temple (Konark), Lingaraja Temple (Bhubaneshwar), Rajarani Temple (Bhubaneshwar), Jagganath Temple (Puri) are some great examples of Kalinga architecture or Orissan Temple style.
