CHAPTER - 3

MONUMENTS OF EASTERN ODISHA

A monument is a type of structure either explicitly created to commemorate a person

or important event, or which has become important to a social group as a part of their

remembrance of historic times or cultural heritage. These have been created for

thousands of years, and are famous symbols of ancient civilizations. These are also

often designed to convey the historical or political, socio-cultural and economic

information. Monuments not only became a symbol of a significant time in history

embodying emerging cultural aspects but carried contemporary human aspirations.

They have become important to society for the events they represent. They bring

history alive to new generations and memories to those who experience them

firsthand. Monuments create a bridge between generations and reveal the continuity.

The sculptural depictions on the monuments in the form of dress, ornaments, musical

instruments, weapons, household objects might be reflection of the contemporary

society. Hence their study will help in reconstructing a smooth socio cultural

economic status of the people of that period.

DISTRIBUTION OF MONUMENTS:

Odisha is known as the land of temples. It consists of innumerable monuments

dating from 1st century B.C to 14th – 15th century A.D. Most of the temples are located

in the eastern part of the state as this part was the central point or capital (Jajpur,

Cuttack and Bhubaneswar) of most of the ruling dynasties. In this research, focus has

been given to the monuments belonging to 1st century B.C. to 10th century A.D. This

region comprises of monuments in continuous span of time except from 3rd to 6th

century A.D. In spite of favoritism towards different religions by different ruling

dynasties, monuments of all the major religions are found here. Earlier on, eastern

Odisha used to have only three districts namely, Puri, Cuttack and Baleshwar. But

now it has been divided into 9 districts. Cuttack was divided into 4 districts i.e.

Cuttack, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapada. Puri was divided into three districts:

Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh. Baleshwar was divided into two: Balasore and Bhadrak.

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Cuttack:

Cuttack is located at 20.5°N 85.83°E and has an average elevation of 36 m (118 ft).

Located at the apex of the Mahanadi delta, the city is surrounded by the river

Mahanadi and its tributaries i.e. the Kathjori, the Kuakhai and the Birupa from almost

all the sides. Cuttack features a tropical wet and dry climate. It is the former capital

city of Odisha state. It is located about 28 km to the north east of Bhubaneswar, the

present capital of Odisha.

The name of the city is an anglicized form of Kataka that literally means The

Fort, a reference to the ancient Barabati Fort around which the city developed. The

city spreads across an area of 398 km2 (154 sq mi) and is situated at the beginning of

the Mahanadi river delta. The city consists of 54 wards; in south it starts from

Phulnakhara to Salipur, and in east it begins from Bidyadharpur to Choudwar.

The name Kataka is derived from Sanskrit, and means a military

establishment/ camp/ bunker. The city was known as Bidanasi Katak (meaning

Bidanasi Military Base) during the days when Barabati Fort was in existence.

Bidanasi is now a ward in Cuttack city.

Established in 989 AD, Cuttack was the seat of government in Odisha for

close to a thousand years before its burgeoning size forced the creation of a new

capital at Bhubaneswar in 1948. The two cities are collectively referred to as the Twin

Cities.

Early history of Cuttack is associated with the Keshari dynasty. As stated by

the distinguished historian A. Stirling, present-day Cuttack was established as a

military cantonment by King Nrupa Keshari of Keshari dynasty in 989 A.D. Stirling

based his opinion on Madala Panji, a chronicle of Jagannath temple of Puri. The reign

of Markata Keshari was distinguished for the stone embank built to protect the new

capital from flood in 1002 A.D.

Historical evidence suggests Cuttack becoming capital of a Kingdom founded

by Anangabhimadeva of Ganga dynasty in 1211 A.D. After the end of Ganga rule,

Odisha passed to the hands of the Gajapati Kings (1435-1541 A.D.) of Solar dynasty

under whom Cuttack continued to be the capital of Odisha. After the death of

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Mukunda deva, the last Hindu king of Orissa, Cuttack first came under Muslim rulers

and later under Mughals.

By 1750, Cuttack came under Maratha rulers and grew fast as a business

center being the convenient point of contact between the Marathas of Nagpur and the

English Merchants of Bengal. It was occupied by the British in 1803 and later became

the capital of Orissa division in 1816. From 1948 onwards, when the capital was

shifted to Bhubaneswar, the city remained the administrative headquarters of Orissa.

(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cuttack)

Cuttack is not different from other ancient cities in India, and for over a

thousand years has seen the influx of every major religion in India. There are different

religious establishments, which have often been built within the close proximity of

each other. During the documentation, around 15 temples were recorded related to

the proposed time period of the research. Of these only 11 temples were selected for

the study as the rest four temples were not having any sculptural depictions.

Jajpur:

Jajpur, a historic place of pilgrimage is located at a distance of 92Km from

Cuttack. Once upon a time, it was the capital of Kalinga kingdom and had achieved

the pinnacle of glory in archeological excellence. Jajpur is honoured for its natural

resources, mines and industries. It is famous for Saktipitha of Goddess Biraja and is

popularly known as Biraja Khetra, which translates as "the place sacred to

Goddess Biraja", and is located on the banks of the Baitarani River. It was the capital

of Odisha during the Kesari dynasty, later supplanted by Cuttack.

The historical significance of Jajpur district is evident from the nomenclature

of the district, which is believed to have named after the Somavamsi King `Yayati

Keshari`, in early 10thcentury. The history of Jajpur from time immemorial is

synonymous with the Viraja or Viraja Khetra. The political situation was developed in

the district with the rise of the Bhaumakaras in 736 AD. The two powerful dynasties,

Bhaumas and Somavamsi reigned over the whole land mass of modern Odisha for

almost four centuries and saw the formative period of life and culture of the people.

This period was indeed a remarkable epoch. Somavamsi King Jajati Keshari made

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Jajpur his capital. History of Jajpur District shows that Jajpur was not only the capital

of two important dynasties but also has contributed a lot to the synthesis of different

regions which flourished in Odisha over the years. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jajpur)

History of Jajpur states that as a seat of ancient culture and a holy shrine for

Hindus, this district was once studded with scores of ancient stone temples as can be

seen in the present temple town of Bhubaneswar. It is now an area of archaeological

wealth, including the shrines of the Goddess Viraja (Durga), Sveta Varaha

(incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the white boar), Sapta Matruka, and a host of other

religious figures, all located along the bank of the River Baitarani. Apart from

Shaktism, other Brahmanical religion, Buddhism and Jainism were also quite popular

in this district which is proved by a number of monuments of different religions as

well as a number of detached sculptures lying down at different areas of the districts.

A number of Jaina and Buddhist images are found in the premises of Brahmanical

temples. More than 15 monuments were documented in this district within the

proposed time frame. But most of the temples are devoid of any sculptural

decorations. However the detached sculptures pertaining to the proposed period gives

enough data to the research. On that basis, 10 temples were selected for study. Among

the monuments, the Buddhist establishments at the Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri

are noteworthy. These three Buddhist monasteries (viharas) are between 60 km and

65 km northeast of Cuttack. They are said to be the ancient seat of Puspagiri, the

Buddhist University of 7thcentury A.D. The excavation here unearthed ruined stupa

and monastery along with a large number of sculptures which gives profuse amount

of data for the present research. At Ratnagiri, large numbers of sculptures were found

from Monastery No.1 and the surrounding area, most of the sculptures are housed in

the Ratnagiri site museum. At Lalitgiri, the sculptures have been placed in the

Lalitgiri site museum. All these sculptures along with other sculpture depicted on the

temples of the above mentioned districts have been included for the present study.

Jagatsinghpur

Jagatsinghpur got the recognition as a district on 1 April 1991, which is

situated at a distance of 41 km from Cuttack. It came into being on 01.04.1993. Prior

to that, it was a part of the old Cuttack District which was divided into four new

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districts. This coastal district is surrounded by districts of Kendrapara, Cuttack,

Khurda, Puri and Bay of Bengal in different directions

It has contributed greatly to Odisha's literature and culture. Paradeep Port and

fertilizer factory is located in this district. Alaka, Biluakhai, Kusumi, Hansua, Kuanria

and Lunijhara rivers also flows from this district (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagatsinghpur).

During documentation, only 3 temples were found which were also without

any sculptures. Hence this district did not give any data for the present study.

Kendrapada

The district of Kendrapara is one of the newly created districts carved out of

the old Cuttack district. This district was formerly a sub-division of the undivided

district of Cuttack. It is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal in the east, Cuttack district

in the west, Jagatsinghpur district in the south and Jajapur and Bhadrak districts in the

north. The river Luna (a branch of Mahanadi) is flowing out side of Kendrapara

district. The other rivers of Kendrapara are Karandia, Gobari, Brahamani, Birupa,

Kani, Baitarani, Kharasrota, Paika, Chitropala and Hansua.

Kendrapara is just about 85 km from the state capital, Bhubaneswar. To reach

Kendrapara one can go via Cuttack- Jagatpur- Salipur state high way or on the

National Highway No.5 and 5 A, crossing at Chandikhol via Chhatia towards Paradip.

Kendrapara is just two and half hour drive from Bhubaneswar Airport on the National

Highway 5 and 5 A. The Nearest Railway station is at Cuttack which is 54 km from

Kendrapara town.

The district owes its name to the presiding deity Lord Baladeva and this place

is also called the “Tulasikshetra” of Orissa. The importance of this place lies in the

fact that Lord Baladeva killed the demon king Kandarasura who ruled at Lalitgiri and

married his daughter “Tulasi”. Thereafter, the place is called Kendrapara and

Tulasikshetra as well.

The geographical area of the district is 2644 sq. km and it constitutes 1.70

percent of the total area of the state and ranks 26thin respect to the area. The district

comprises two distinct tracts of land. The first being marshy and swampy strips along

the coast covered with wild growth of reeds. The second is the deltaic plains. The

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plain is very fertile and is subjected to frequent floods by the large rivers and their

branches. The soil is of alluvial type (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendrapada).

. The monuments found in this district are very few in number. Only one monument was documented within the proposed time period of the research.

Puri It is situated on the Bay of Bengal, 60 km south of the state capital

of Bhubaneswar. It is also known as Jagannath Puri after the 11thcentury as

the Jagannath Temple is located in the city. Puri is a holy city of the Hindus as a part

of the CharDham (four sacred places) pilgrimages. According to Hindu teachings, a

pilgrimage of the temples of India is not considered complete without a journey to

Puri.

Puri is endowed with one of the best beaches for swimming in India and is

therefore also a popular beach resort, especially as it is positioned geographically so

that both sunset and sunrise can be viewed from the beach. Sun Temple Konark is at

distance of around 35 Km from Puri.

Puri, the holy land of Lord Jagannath, has many names. It is mentioned in

Puranas as Srikshetra, Shankhakshetra, Neelāchala, Neelādri, Purusottama

Dhāma, Purusottama Kshetra, Purusottama Puri and Jagannath Puri. The word "Puri"

in Sanskrit means 'town' or 'city'and is cognate with polis in Greek. It is possible that

Puri is a shortened name for Jagannath Puri or Purusottama Puri. In some records

pertaining to the British rule, the word 'Jagannath' was used for Puri. It is the only

shrine in India, where Radha, along with Lakshmi, Durga, Sati, Parvati,

and Shakti abodes with Krishna, also known as Jagannath.

Puri is the site of the Govardhana matha, one of the four cardinal institutions

established by Adi Shankaracharya, the others being those

at Sringeri, Dwaraka and Jyotirmath.

Puri is also famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or "Festival of Chariots", when

the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, are brought out of the temple, and

placed in a chariot procession. This festival occurs on various dates of the Gregorian

calendar, typically in the month of July.

The town is famous for its many Mathas (Monasteries for various Hindu

sects). It also houses the relics of many Hindu figures as traditionally it is seen as a 36

holy place to die in or to be cremated. As a result, it has had a disproportionate

number of widows. Like other old Hindu religious towns, it has a lot of character that

is difficult to be glimpsed or picked up on easily by a casual visitor. Puri is one of the

seven most holy places for Hindus in India where Varanasi is considered as the holiest

of the seven holy cities. Puri being a coastal district of Odisha, is famous for its

Historic antiquities, Religious sanctuaries, Architectural Grandeur, Seascape beauty,

moderate climate. It holds a wealth of attraction for the visitors

(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puri).

Most of the monuments in this district were built in late period that is after 11th

century especially under the Gangas and Suryavamsis. Hence, only 9 temples were

documented for the study. And these temples have very less sculptural

representations.

Khurda (Khordha)

Khurda is an administrative division of the state of Odisha, India. It was

formed on April 1, 1993 by the division of former Puri District into Puri, Khurda and

Nayagarh districts. In the year 2000, the district name was changed to

Khordha. Bhubaneswar, capital of Odisha, belongs to Khurda district and is only

25 km from Khurda town.

Khurda district has a unique place in history as being the last kingdom to be

conquered by the British in 1803. Khurda is famous for the Paika Bidroha (soldier

revolution) of 1817, led by Jai Rajguru and Bakshi Jagabandhu. Dalabehera of

Tapanga Garha also played a leading role during that time. Khurda is famous for

Barunei temple atop the Barunei Hills. There are many villages in this district and

some of them are Gurujanga, Gadamanatri, Gangapada, Minchinpatna, Angarpada,

Mahula, Majana, Karadapalli, Bajpur, Jhinkijhari and host of others. Gurujanga

village is the birthplace of Sachi Rautarai (specifically remembered for "Chhota mora

gaan ti" poetry), Harikrushna Pradhan (another famous Sanskrit Pandit) and many

more good writers.

Khurda occupies a distinct place in the historical map of Orissa. Khurda was

the capital of Orissa Kingdom from 1568. British government took Orissa under its

rule in 1803. But it could not include Khurda in its territory till 1827. The strong

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protest from Paikas of Khurda shook the backbone of British rule in Orissa.

Khurdagada is known as the "Last Independent Fort" of India. Now the remains of

this historic fort lie as an evidence of our glorious past. Bhubaneswar, the capital of

Orissa belongs to this district. Daya and Kuakhai rivers flow through Khurda. It is

also renowned for its Brass utensils cottage industries, cable factory, spinning mill,

watch repairing factory, railway coach repairing factory and oil Industry

(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khorda).

The history of the monument building activity at Khurda district dates started

from 1st century B.C with the construction of Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves by

Chedi dynasty. After that it follows along gap from 3rd to 5th century A.D where we

don’t have any evidence of the monuments. Again after 6th century a considerable

amount of monuments were being built in this region in a continuous stage. Hence

this area gives the monumental evidence of all the religious sects. Especially

Bhubaneswar, gives a large number of monuments. During the documentation more

than 60 temples were documented during the time frame of the present research. But

most of them are devoid of any sculptural evidence and some of them are in ruined

condition. Therefore total 26 monuments have been selected for the study.

Nayagarh

Nayagarh district is one of the districts of Eastern Odisha. It was created in

1995 when the erstwhile Puri District was split into three districts. It is home to the

Baisipali Wildlife Sanctuary. Nayagarh is located at 20.13°N 85.1°E.It has an average

elevation of 178 m (583 feet). This town has Rukhi Mountain to the south and

Balaram Mountain in north (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nayagarh).

. These mountains mitigated the effects of the 1999 Odisha cyclone on

Nayagarh. From this district only 3 monuments was documented in this thesis.

Balasore Balasore is a strategically located city in the state of Odisha, at a distance of

about 194 km (121 mi) north of the state capital Bhubaneswar. Balasore district was

part of the ancient Kalinga which later became a territory of Toshala or Utkal, till the

death of Mukunda Dev. It was annexed by Mughals in 1568 and remained as a part of

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their suzerainty up to the middle of eighteenth century (up to 1750–51). Then

theMarathas occupied this part of Odisha and it became a part of the dominion of the

Marahatta Rajas of Nagpur.

The East India Company ceded this part through a treaty called treaty of

Deogaon in 1803 and it became a part of Bengal Presidency by 1912. But the first

English Settlement came into existence in Balasore region in 1634, while Sahajahan

was the emperor at Delhi. The first of English factories was established in this region

in 1640.

The English settlement of Balasore, formed in 1642, was an early trading port

for British, French and Dutch ships in the early age of Enlightenment and became a

colonial part of first Danish India, later British India.

In 1763 Balasore became a Danish possession, governed from Tranquebar, as

part of Danish India. Due to the shallowness of its bay, the trading post was

abandoned, leaving behind only a small settlement in the area.

Balasore as a separate district was created in October 1828, while it was in

the Bengal Presidency. On 7 November 1845, all Danish India was sold to the British,

who made it part of British India.

With the creation of Bihar Province, Odisha was diverted along with Balasore

district from Bengal to Bihar. But with the creation of Odisha as a separate State on 1

April 1936 Balasore became an integral part of Odisha State. The name of the district

is being derived from the name of the town (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balasore).

A total of 7 districts were documented and selected as part of the study.

Bhadrak

Bhadrak was earlier the sub division of Balasore district. On 3rdApril 1993, it

became a separate district. Bhadrak is an ancient land noted in legends dating from

the age of the Puranas, contributing to Odisha's maritime and agrarian prosperity,

trade and commerce down the ages and recorded in History. Since the inception of

Abul Fazal's Ain-e-Akabari the antiquity of this land is eloquently testified by the

gigantic tank of Asura, the Buddhist relics of the Seventh and Eight Centuries

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discovered in Khadipada and Solampur, the villages of Dhamnagar, the Buddhist

caves in Sarisua Hill near Kupari and the mysterious temple of Biranchinarayan in the

village Palia, a parallel to the Sun Temple of Konark. The last battle to vindicate the

freedom of Odisha was fought in a village called Gohiratikiri, on the bank of the river

Genguti near Dhamnagar in 1568 in which the defeated king Mukunda Dev lost his

life. In 1575 the Muslim population settled down in Bhadrak following the

discomfiture of the Afghans under Usman at the hand of Raja Mansingh. In Mughal

period Bhadrak remained a subah under the Nawabs of Bengal. When the imperial

powers of the Mughals waned, the zone consisted of some principalities like Kanika,

Ampo and Agarapada with a few administrative sub-units called Chowparhies such as

Kubera, Talapada, Nadigaon, Kasimpur, Kurigaon, Bindha, etc, all ruled by Kshatriya

chiefs with patriotic temper.

After the British occupation of Odisha, Cuttack and Balasore constituted one

of the two administrative divisions, in June 1804. In 1828 when Balasore was made a

separate District, Bhadrak become one of its Sub-Division with an Assistant

Magistrate cum Deputy Collector as the Sub-Divisional Head, while the Munsif Court

remained in Jajpur until 1901.

In modern times, during the period of National struggle Bhadrak became the

vanguard. In 1920 when the non-cooperation movement was launched in response to

the clarion call of Gandhiji, the boycott of the law court practically resulted in closing

down of the court of the 2nd Officer for a whole year. Gandhiji came down to Bhadrak

in the last week of March 1921, being impressed with the nationalistic fervor and

fighting spirit of the people. The historic mass rebellion of Kanika started in

1922which for the time being was suppressed with the help of British troops stationed

at Bhadrak but ultimately the popular upsurge, under the leadership of Chakradhar

Behera, the doyen of Kanika tenant’s movement triumphed. With the mass civil

disobedience movement launched in 1930, Bhadrak once again became vibrant with

patriotic zeal, hearts throbbed with the urge for freedom and salt law was defied, a

shakeup given to the Govt. and success achieved. Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab's role in

steering this movement to a crowning success is so great and spectacular that it has

become already a part of Bhadrak psyche and history of modern India. Mahatma

Gandhi who visited Bhadrak again in 1934 stayed in Mahatab's residence at

Nuabazar. Gandhiji addressed a meeting of the Harizan workers in Jibaram Ashram 40

(Nuasahi, Ashram, Garadpur). It was by this time that Banchhanidhi Mohanty of

Eram was shaping, stimulating and sensitizing the national consciousness among the

people by his patriotic songs.

In the historic Quit India Movement of 1942, Bhadrak played a leading role. It

was under the leadership of Muralidhar Panda that on the 22nd Sept.1942 at Lunia,

Katasahi the movement flared up to immortal flame with Nidhi Mohalik and eight

others laying down their lives at the altar of freedom. Fittingly the place has been

hallowed as Sahidnagar. At Eram on the 28th Sept. 1942 in an enclosed place like

Jalianawal Bagh nearly forty persons bared their chests to British Bullets for the cause

of freedom. The congregated leadership, which guided the quit India Movement,

constitutes many luminous figures including Dr. Harekrushna Mohatab, Md. Hanif,

Muralidhar Jena, Gokulananda Mohanty, Nilamani Routray and others.

Since independence, the history of Bhadrak has been the history of

multifarious progress in Education, Industry, Agriculture, Trade and commerce and

with the birth of a new star it is leaping towards the twenty first century with hope and

promise. However no monuments were documented from this district

(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhadrak).

The list of the monuments found from the above districts has been shown in

the table no 3.1 given below.

Table no. 3.1 Distribution of Monuments in the different districts of

Eastern Odisha

District Name of the temples

Cuttack Angeswar Mahadev temple

Cuttack Grameswar Temple

Cuttack Panchupandaba temple

Cuttack Uttareswar Temple

Cuttack Durga Temple

Cuttack Padmeswar Mahadev Temple

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Cuttack Tareswar Temple

Cuttack Simhanath Siva Temple

Cuttack Nilamadhaba Temple

Cuttack Somanath Siva Temple

Cuttack Yagneswari Temple

Jajpur Garadeswar Temple

Jajpur Saptamatrika Temple

Jajpur Pranayameswar Temple

Jajpur Sidhha Ganesh Temple

Jajpur Someswar Temple

Jajpur Viraja Temple

Jajpur Ratnagiri

Jajpur Udayagiri Monastery

Jajpur Lalitgiri

Jagatsinghpur N.A

Kendrapada Malikeswar Siva Temple

Puri Aragadh Temple

Puri Arjuneswar Temple

Puri Balunkeswar Temple

Puri Iswardev Temple

Puri Kuruma monastery

Puri Laxminarayan Temple

Puri Ramachandi Temple

Puri Varaha Temple

Puri Vishnu Temple

Khurda Khandagiri

Khurda Udayagiri

Khurda Akhandaleswar Temple

Khurda Akhandachandi Temple

Khurda Gupteswar Temple

Khurda Gatteswar Temple

Khurda Siddhanath Temple

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Khurda Baneswar Temple

Khurda Gangeswar Temple

Khurda Gouri Temple

Khurda Bhaskareswar Temple

Khurda Lakshmaneswar Temple

Khurda Satrughneswar Temple

Khurda Bharateswar Temple

Khurda Swarnajaleswar Temple

Khurda Parsurameswar Temple

Khurda Vaital Temple

Khurda Sisireswar Temple

Khurda Rajarani Temple

Khurda Megheswar Temple

Khurda Mohini Temple

Khurda Paramguru Temple

Khurda Rameswar Temple

Khurda Taleswar Temple

Khurda Uttareswar Temple

Khurda 64 Yogini Temple Temple

Khurda Mukteswar

Nayagarh Kaurnidevi Temple

Nayagarh Sapneswar Temple

Nayagarh Singheswar Temple

Balasore Ayodhya Temple

Balasore Baneswar Temple

Balasore Biswanath Temple

Balasore Devamandapa kansa Temple

Balasore Durga Temple

Balasore Gadachandi Temple

Balasore Khajureswar Temple

Bhadrak N.A

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CHRONOLOGY OF THE MONUMENTS

While quite q few monuments taken for the present study are not datable to the

selected study period of the proposed research, they house a large number of

sculptures originated from the old temples of the same place. In some cases the new

temple has built on the remains of old temple, hence the sculptures belong to the older

temple. At some places the Brahmanical temples houses Jaina and Buddhist

sculptures. At few places the original temple are in ruin condition but the sculptures

are still intact. Only the monuments at Khurda district, originally belongs to the

proposed time period (1st – 10th century AD), are in much better condition. Hence all

the data available within the time period was taken for the study, whether the

monument survives or not. More than 100 monuments were documented in the field

area of which only 67 monuments have referred as the others do not give any

sculptural evidences neither religious nor secular. The following table shows the

chronology of the monuments taken for the study. The brief description of all the

temples has given after the table.

Table No. 3.2. Table showing the Chronology of Monuments.

Sl. No

Name of the Monument District Period Dynasty

1. Khandagiri Khurda 1st – 3rd Chedi

2. Udayagiri Khurda 1st – 3rd Chedi

3. Viraja Temple Jajpur 5th Gupta

4. Lakshmaneswar Temple Khurda 6th Sailodbhava

5. Satrughneswar Temple Khurda 6th Sailodbhava

6. Bharateswar Temple Khurda 6th Sailodbhava

7. Swarnajaleswar Temple Khurda 7th Sailodbhava

8. Parsurameswar Temple Khurda 650 A.D Sailodbhava

9. Ratnagiri Jajpur 7-14th Bhaumakara

10. Durga Temple Cuttack 8th Bhaumakara

11. Pranayameswar Temple Jajpur 8th Bahumakara

12. Markandeswar Temple Khurda 8th Bhaumakara

13. Taleswar Temple Khurda 8th Bhaumakara

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14. Gupteswar Temple Khurda 8th Bhaumakara

15. Mohini Temple Khurda 8th Bhaumakara

16. Uttareswar Temple Khurda 8th Bhaumakara

17. Udayagiri (Buddhist) Jajpur 8 -14th Bhaumakara

18. Lalitgiri Jajpur 8-12th Bhaumakara

19. Someswar Temple Jajpur 8-9th Bhaumakara

20. Sisireswar Temple Khurda 8th Bhaumakara

21. Garadeswar Temple Jajpur 8-9th Bhaumakara

22. Sculptures at Subcollector

office

Jajpur 8/9th-11/12th Bhaumakara- Somavamsi

23. Rameswar Temple Khurda 8th Bhaumakara

24. Gattiswar Temple Khurda 9th Bhaumakara

25. Baneswar Temple Khurda 9th Somavamsi

26. Vaital Temple Khurda 9th Bhaumakara

27. Simhanath Siva Temple Cuttack 9th Bhaumakara

28. Nilamadhaba Temple Cuttack 9th Bhaumakara

29. Somanath Siva Temple Cuttack 9th Bhaumakara

30. Iswardev Temple Puri 9th Bhaumakara

31. Baneswar Temple Balasore 9-10th century A.D

Somavamsi

32. Malikeswar Siva Temple Kendrapada 9-10th Somavamsi

33. Aragadh Temple Puri 9-10th Somavamsi

34. Kuruma monastery Puri 9-10th Somavamsi

35. Mukteswar Khurda 970 A.D Somavamsi

36. Rajarani Temple Khurda 10th Somavamsi

37. 64 Yogini Temple Temple Khurda 10th Somavamsi

38. Gouri Temple Khurda 10th Somavamsi

39. Akhandachandi Temple Khurda 10th Somavamsi

40. Paramguru Temple Khurda 10th Somavamsi

41. Akhandaleswar Temple Khurda 10th Somavamsi

42. Siddhanath Temple Khurda 10th Somavamsi

43. Angeswar Mahadev temple Cuttack 10th century A.D

Somavamsi

45

44. Panchupandaba temple Cuttack 10th Somavamsi

45. Arjuneswar Temple Puri 10th Somavamsi

46. Balunkeswar Temple Puri 10th Somavamsi

47. Laxminarayan Temple Puri 10th Somavamsi

48. Varahi Temple Puri 10th Somavamsi

49. Vishnu Temple Puri 10th Somavamsi

50. Bhaskareswar Khurda 10th -11th Somavamsi

51. Grameswar Temple Cuttack 10-11th Somavamsi

52. Uttareswar Temple Cuttack 10-11th Somavamsi

53. Padmeswar Mahadev

Temple

Cuttack 10 -11th Somavamsi

54. Tareswar Temple Cuttack 10-11th Somavamsi

55. Yagneswari Temple Cuttack 10-11th Somavamsi

56. Saptamatrika Temple Jajpur 10-11th Somavamsi

57. Sidhha Ganesh Temple Jajpur 10-11th Somavamsi

58. Ramachandi Temple Puri 10-11th Somavamsi

59. Kaurnidevi Temple Nayagarh 10th-11th Somavamsi

60. Singheswar Temple Nayagarh 10th-11th Somavamsi

61. Sapneswar Temple Nayagarh 10th-11th Somavamsi

62. Ayodhya Temple Balasore 10th-11th Somavamsi

63. Biswanath Temple Balasore 10th-11th Somavamsi

64. Devamandapa kansa

Temple

Balasore 10 -11th Somavamsi

65. Durga Temple Balasore 10th-11th Somavamsi

66. Gadachandi Temple Balasore 10th-11th Somavamsi

67. Khajureswar Temple Balasore 10th-11th Somavamsi

Udayagiri and Khandagiri cave, Dist. - Khurda

It is located on the right side of the Khandagiri-Chandaka Road (MDR-78),

branching from the National highway No. 5 at Khandagiri Square from which the site

is about 200m. Mahameghavahana Chedi dynasty1st century B.C. It was the Jaina

establishment. These caves were excavated for the Jaina monks. The Udayagiri cave 46

gives lot of information to the research through its massive sculptural depictions at the

caves (Donaldson 1985).

Viraja Temple, Jajpur Town, Dist. – Jajpur

The temple is located at Devidwar at a distance of 2.5 km from Jajpur town

bus stand and situated on the left side of Jajpur-Binjharpur road.The temple has a

rekha vimana and pidhajagamohana of Kalingan order built in the 19thcentury.

However, the presiding deity, on the basis of its iconographical features can be dated

to the Gupta period. It is a living temple; the presiding deity is a two-armed

Mahisasuramardini Durga, locally known as Viraja. The goddess stands piercing the

trident in the body of the buffalo demon by her right hand and holding the tail with

her left hand. She tramples the demon with her left leg and stands majestically in a

pratyalidha pose. The mount lion is conspicuous by its absence. The present temple

was rebuilt in the 19thcentury. However, on the basis of iconographical features, the

presiding deity can be dated to the Gupta period i.e. about 5thcentury A.D. whereas

the other detached sculptures found here can be dated to the 8th/9thcentury A.D

(Donaldson 1985).

Lakshmaneswar Temple, Bhubaneswar, Dist. - Khurda

The temple located on the left side of the road leading from Kalpana chowk to

Lingaraja temple & just opposite of the Ramesvara temple. It is a living temple of the

presiding deity and is a Sivalinga within a square yonipitha made of sandstone. The

temple can be assigned to the closing years of the 6thor the beginning of the 7thcentury

A.D. (Donaldson 1985). on the basis of the paleography of the labels above the

grahas carved on the lintel. It is decorated with chaitya motif, hamsa motif, and scroll

work in the basanta of pabhaga and lion, elephant, deulacharini, flying vidyadhara,

makara motif, hamsa found in the janghaportion.

Satrughnesvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

The temple is located on the left side of the road leading from Kalpana chowk

to Lingraja temple and just opposite of the Ramesvara temple.It is a living temple; the

presiding deity is a Sivalinga within a circular yonipitha. On architectural ground, the

temple can be assigned to the closing part of the 6thor the beginning of the 7thcentury

47

A.D. (Donaldson 1985). It is decorated with two chaitya medallion at the frontal raha

containing Ravananugraha murti and Nataraja, crowned by a kirtimukha, above which

is a seated figure of Lakulisa, different form of Siva like Nataraja, Harihara,

Ardhanarisvara, marriage scenes of Siva and Parvati, Ramayana story, linga-puja by

devotees, royal processions, fighting scenes, amorous couple, chitya motif, hamsa

motifs, makara motif, purnakumba design etc.

Bharatesvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

It is located on the left side of the road leading from Kalpana chowk to

Lingaraj temple and just opposite to the Ramesvara temple. It is a living temple; the

presiding deity is a Sivalinga within a circular yonipitha. On the basis of architectural

scheme and an inscription in the lintel of Laxmanesvara temple, which is adjacent to

it, the temple can be assigned to later part of 6thcentury A.D (Donaldson 1985). Svarnajaleswar Temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

It is located on the right side of the Kotitirtheswar lane leasing from

Parsurameswar to Bindusagara and 46 m south of Parsurameswar temple and just

north of Kotitirtha tank. It is a living temple and the presiding deity is a Siva linga

within a square Yonipitha. On the basis of architectural features and sculptural

embellishments the temple can be assigned to first decade of 7thcentury A.D during

Sailodbhava period just earlier than the Parsuramesvara temple of Bhubaneswar

(Donaldson 1985).

Parsurameswar Temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

It is the best preserved specimen of an early Hindu temple datable to the

Sailodbhava period of 7th-8th century A.D. Parsurameswar is dedicated to Lord

Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Odisha. This temple, built about 650 AD, has

all the main features of the pre-10thcentury Odishan style of architecture (Donaldson

1985). Such elements such as the pine spire that curves up to a point over the sanctum

housing the presiding deity, and the pyramid-covered hall where people sit and pray.

Though small in size, with its deul rising abruptly to a height of 12.80m, it is one of

the most sumptuously decorated temples of the early period. It is the only temple of

the early period with a surviving Jagamohana. 48

Ratnagiri, District Jajpur

Ratnagiri (Lat. 20° 38 'N: Long. 86° 20' E) the hill of jewels is an isolated low

hill of khandolite formation of the Asia range in Jajpur district of Odisha. The hill is

nearly 25 m. high which rises abruptly in the midst of a wide expanse of an Alluvial

plain. It is surrounded by three rivers in all sides, the Brahmani, the kimira, and the

Birupa and their offshoots. It is located midway between Brahmani and Birupa , the

distance being respectively 3 km and 2 km. Ratnagiri is 52km north-east of Cuttack,

21 km south of Jajpur and 100 km from Bhubaneswar. It can easily be approached

from the main chowk of Chandikhol and it is 30 km away from the chowk. In the

Ratnagiri complex a number of sculptures are found with graceful ornamentation. On

the iconographical basis these sculptures are dated from 5th to 14th century A. D.

(Donaldson 1985). But in the present research, the data taken for the study are only

the sculptures dating to the proposed period of the research and they are collected

from the following:

Brick Temple-1, Ratnagiri, District Jajpur

The Brick Temple-1 is situated in front of the Monastery no. 2, of Ratnagiri

hillock in Assia hill range and on the left bank of the river Kelua, a tributary of Birupa

and about 18 km from Haridaspur chowk on N.H 5 (A) running from Chandikhol to

Paradeep.It enshrines an image of Avalokitesvara in the sanctum, and presently the

site is a point of tourist destination.On the basis architectural style and iconographical

features of the deities the temple can be dated to the 8th - 9thcentury A.D. (Donaldson

1985).

Monastery-1, Ratnagiri, Dist.-Jajpur

The Monastery-1 is situated on the summit of Ratnagiri hillock of Assia hill

range and on the left bank of the river Kelua, a tributary of Birupa and about 18 km

from Haridaspur chowk on N.H 5 (A) running from Chandikhol to Paradeep. The site

was first reported by M.M. Chakravarti in 1906 and subsequently excavated by

Debala Mitra, of Eastern Zone of ASI during 1958-1962 A.D. It is one of the finest

Buddhist monasteries in India.On the basis of engraved seal and sealing, copper plate,

antiquities found in the excavation and the sculptural and architectural embellishment,

the monastery can be dated to the 7th to 14thcentury A.D. (Donaldson 1985). 49

Ratnagiri Museum

The Museum is built on the left side of the Road and near the Ratnagiri site

itself. A large number of detached sculptures that were found from the excavation are

kept in the museum. These sculptures are dated from 7th to 14th century A.D

(Donaldson 1985).

Durga Temple, Baideswar, District Cuttack

The temple, on the right bank of the river Mahanadi in the village Baideswar,

is situated 9 km north-east of Kalapathara chowk on old Jagannatha road. On the basis

of architectural plan and iconographical features, the temple can be dated to the

8thcentury A.D. (Donaldson 1985). The temple is decorated with architectural motifs

such as vajramundi and chaitya designs. The vajramundi niches placed in the jangha

are carved with Mahisasuramardini Durga, Parvati, Aja-ekapada Bhairava and Ganesa

images. The chaitya medallion in the bada portion is housed with Andhakasuravadha

murty and Aja-ekapada panel and the chaitya medallion surmounted the gandi is

carved with the images of Nataraja and Ganesa. Besides, each mouldings of the

badaportionis carved with chaitya medallion housing animals like - elephant, horse,

swan and floral motifs such as lotus medallion etc. A mithuna image is found on the

right lateral side of the mastaka.

Pranayamesvara Siva Temple, Jajpur Town, District Jajpur

The temple is located at a distance of 100 m east of the Viraja temple at

Devidwar in Jajpur town. It is about 2.5 km from town bus stand. It is a living temple;

the presiding deity is a Sivalinga of 1.10 m high within a circular yonipitha made of

black chlorite. On the basis of detached sculptures, the temple can be dated to the

8thcentury A.D i.e. the Bhaumakara rule in Orissa (Donaldson 1985).

Markandesvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

It is located on the south-west corner of Bindusagar and on the left side of the

road leading from Badehibanka chowk to Bindusagar. It is a living temple and

enshrines a circular yonipitha. It is assigned to Bhaumakara rule around 8thcentury

A.D. (Donaldson 1985). The temple is highly significant for its decorative program.

50

The carving of asta-graha and architectural features assigned the temple to the

formative phase of Orissan temple building tradition. It can be compared with Vaital,

Sisiresvara and Parasuramesvara temple of Bhubaneswar. It is decorated with scroll

work, chaitya motifs, vajramundi, architectural motifs like Kumbhastambha¸ semi

divine figures like Nayika, Salabhanjika, chauri bearers and divine figures like

various aspects of Siva, scene of Brahma and Visnu paying homage to Siva, and the

vajramastaka housed Nataraj in the eastern raha. Harihara in southern raha,

Mahisasuramardiniin northern raha and the west one is obliterated. Besides these

some mithuna theme, lingapuja and different motifs ascribed to Pasupata sect of

Saivism.

Taleswar Siva temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda It is located on the left side of the Kedar-Gouri road leading from

Parsurameswar temple to Vaital temple. It is a living temple and the presiding deity is

a Siva linga within a circular Yonipitha. On the basis of architectural features and

sculptural embellishments, the temple can be dated to the 8th century A.D during

Bhaumakara period (Donaldson 1985). The temple is decorated with chaitya motif,

scroll work and many more sculptural embellishments in patches.

Gupteswar Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda The temple is located in the Jambeswar temple complex, on the left side of the

road branching from Badheibanka chowk to Jambeswar patna near Bharati Matha. It

is a living temple enshrining a Siva linga within a circular Yonipith. On the basis of

architectural style and iconographical features, the temple can be dated to the

8thcentury A.D during Somavamsi period (Donaldson 1985). The temple is decorated

with chaitya medallion motifs and two Saivite images, one at the eastern raha niche

and another female deity in the frontal raha projection within a chaitya medallion.

Mohini Temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda It is located on the southern embankment of Bindusagar and on the left side of

the road leading from Lingaraja temple to Kedara-Gouri road. It is a living temple.

The presiding deity is a ten armed Chamunda standing over a prostrate corpse. On

51

architectural ground, the temple can be assigned to the 8thcentury A.D. (Donaldson

1985).

Uttareswar Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

It is located on the left side of the Kedar-Gouri road leading from Kedar-Gouri

temple to Vaital temple in Bhubaneswar. It is a living temple; the presiding deity is a

Siva linga within a circular Yonipitha. Architectural features like pabhaga moulding,

flat roofed jagamohana and iconographical details of the sculptures assigned the

temple to the 8thcentury A.D during Bhaumakara period (Donaldson 1985). The

temple is devoid of striking ornamentation; however in pabhaga portion line drawings

of chaitya medallions are noticed. The original temple has collapsed, as evident from

the renovation work above the pabhaga and presence of cult images of earlier phase

in different parts of the temple walls without conforming to the canonical

prescriptions.

Udayagiri Mahavihara-1, Monastery -1, District Jajpur

The monastery is located in the eastern slope of the Assia hill range and on the

right bank of the river Birupa and about 12 km from Haridaspur chowk on N.H 5 (A)

running from Chandikhol to Paradeep. The monastery is a huge complex made of age

old method of chatusalawith an open courtyard surrounded by number of cells and

fronted by verandah. It has a central shrine chamber, enshrined a colossal image of

Buddha. The monastery was active during the Bhaumakara-Somavamsi and Ganga

rule. On the basis of architectural style and antiquities revealed from the excavation,

the monastery can be dated to the 8thcentury to 14th century A.D (Donaldson 1985).

Mahastupa, Lalitagiri, District Jajpur

The Mahastupa is situated on the top of the Lalitagiri hillock, 46 steps are

provided to reach to the stupa in the back side of the Archaeological site museum, and

at a distance of 2 km south ward from Bandareswar chowk, on N.H 5 (A) running

from Chandikhol to Paradeep. It is a unique stupa of its kind in entire Orissa. It is only

site in Orissa where relic casket was first reported in the year 1985. The stupa is

provided with Pradakshina patha. It is entirely a renovated one. The mahastupa was 52

existed during the Bhaumakara and Somavamsi period. On the basis of architectural

ground and excavated material remains and sculptures the mahastupa can be assigned

to 8th to 12th centuries A.D. The sculptures recovered from the excavation are housed

at the Lalitgiri MuseumPertaining to 8th-9th century A.D (Donaldson 1985).

Somesvara Siva Temple, Jajpur Town, District Jajpur

The temple is located on the right side of Jajpur-Binjharpur road and situated

at a distance of half kilometer from the Viraja temple and 150 m from the

Trilochanesvara temple complex in Jajpur town. The present temple was built over

the original structure by the local zamindar Raisaheb On the basis of iconographical

features and the detached architectural fragments, the original temple can be dated to

the Bhaumakara rule i.e. about the 8th/9thcentury A.D. It has a rekha vimana of

impoverished Kalingan order. On the basis of iconographical features and the

detached architectural fragments, the original temple can be dated to the Bhaumakara

rule i.e. about the 8th/9thcentury A.D (Donaldson 1985).

Sisireswar Temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

The temple is located within the precinct of Vaital temple, on the left side of

the road leading from Mausima chowk to Badhibanka chowk. It is a living temple; the

presiding deity is a Sivalinga within a circular Yonipitha. On the architectural ground

and sculptural embellishment, the temple is contemporaneous with the Vaital temple

and is assigned to the 8th century A.D. (Donaldson 1985). The temple is decorated

with architectural motifs like Vajramundi, chaitya motifs, scroll work, floral motifs,

narrative scenes from Mahabharat, animal procession and sculptures like various

aspects of Siva, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Mahisamardini Durga, amorous and erotic

figures.

Garadesvara Temple, Garudeswar, District Jajpur

It is located on the right bank of the river Baitarani and 1.5 km south-west of

Siddhesvara temple complex. It can be approached by a narrow road at a distance of

1.5 km branching from Sundureimuhan chowk on Jajpur – Mangalpur road.The

temple has a pidhavimana of impoverished Kalingan order along with an ante-

53

chamber andmandapa. It houses a number of ancient images. It is a living temple and

enshrines a Sivalinga within a circular yonipitha. The ante-chamber houses an image

of Hanuman. On the basis of iconographical feature, the sculptures can be dated to the

8th/9thcentury A.D (Donaldson 1985).

Antiquities within the Compound of Sub-Collector Residence, Jajpur Town, District Jajpur

The sculpture shed, located within the compound wall of the Sub-Collector

residence of Jajpur town is situated on the right bank of the river Baitarani. It is a

recent built concrete building made by Archaeological Survey of India. It preserves a

number of cult icons of different faith with a wide range of time period from 8th-

9thcenturies to 10th-11thcentury A.D. On the basis of iconographical feature, the

sculptures can be dated to the 8th/9thcentury A.D to 10th/11th century A.D (Donaldson

1985).

Rameshwar Deula, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda Legend goes as when Rama was returning from Lanka after victory over

Ravana,Goddess Sita asked to worship Shiva here. So Ramachandra built a Linga for

that purpose. Traditionally during Ashokashtami, which falls one day before to Rama

Navami in Chaitra Lord Lingaraja comes to this temple by a large chariot called

Rukuna Rath and stays for four days. Historically the temple dates back to 9thcentury

(Donaldson 1985).

Gattiswar Temple, Deulabasta, District Khurda

The temple, on the right bank of the river Daya is located on the right side of

the Jatani-Tirumal road and about 7 km from Jatani and 3 km from Tirumal chowk on

Khurda-Patnayikia road. It is dated to first part of 9th century A.D during Bhaumakara

period (Donaldson 1985).

Baneswar Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

The temple is situated within the precinct of Papanasini near Badeibanka

chowk, old town, Bhubaneswar. It is a living temple and the presiding deity is a

Sivalinga made of black chlorite within a square yonipitha. On the basis of the

54

architectural features, the temple can be dated to the last quarter of 9thcentury A.D

during Somavamsi period (Donaldson 1985). The vimana is triratha on plan and

triangabada in elevation. The door jamb is plain while the lintel architrave is

decorated with graha panel and Gajalaxmi

Vaital Deula, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

Vaital Deul Temple’s striking feature is the shape of its sanctuary tower. The

semi-cylindrical shape of its roof is a leading example of khakhara order of temples-

bears affinity to the Dravidian Gopuram of the South India temples. Its gabbled

towers, with a row of shikaras, reveal unmistakable signs of southern intrusion. It is

dated to 8th- 9th century A.D (Donaldson 1985).

Simhanatha Siva Temple, Gopinathapur, Dist.- Cuttack

The temple is situated on an island in the river Mahanadi near Baideswar

(right bank) and Badamba (left bank) which can be approached from both sides by

boat. The temple has a rekhavimana and terraced roof jagamohana of transitional

phase of temple style of Kalingan order. The temple is unique for its sculptural

embellishment of both the Saivaite and Vaisnavite cult. The temple is of the

panchayatana class though only the south-east corner shrine has survived. Several

pidha shrines have been added in the compound at a later date which houses sculpture

from the collapsed corner shrines.On the basis of architectural style like four

mouldings pabhaga, incipient stage of pancharatha on plan and the decorative

element, sculptural embellishment, iconographical feature assigned the temple to the

9thcentury A.D. The temple is richly carved with sculptural panel and decorative

motifs (Donaldson 1985).

Nilamadhava Temple, Simhanatha Temple Complex, Gopinathpur, District Cuttack

The temple, on the southern side of the main shrine Simhanatha, within the

complex is situated on an island in the river Mahanadi near Baideswar (right bank)

and Baramba (left bank) which can be approached from both sides by boat. It is a

living temple, the presiding deity is a four-armed Visnu (0.66 m x 0.45 m x 0.25 m in

55

dimensions), holding wheel in upper right, conch in upper left hand and the lower two

rests on the head of Bhudevi and Sridevi and flying vidyadhara on the top. Locally

the deity worships as Nilamadhava. On the basis of iconographical feature of the

presiding deity the temple can be dated to the 9thcentury A.D (Donaldson 1985).

Somanatha Siva Temple, Simhanatha Temple Complex, District Cuttack

The temple, within the Simhanatha temple complex is situated on an island in

the river Mahanadi near Baideswar (right bank) and Baramba (left bank) which can be

approached from both sides by boat. It is a living temple and the presiding deity is a

Sivalinga within a rectangular yonipitha, made of chlorite. The exterior of the temple

is highly embellished with architectural motifs and sculptural motifs. The pabhaga

has four mouldings and the patta and basanta portion are relieved with scroll work,

muktalobhi-hamsa and hanging pendant. The jangha portion is represented with

parsvadevata niches at raha pagas and flanked by elongated khakharamundis. The

khakharamundis enshrined the images of Aja-ekapada, Ardhanarisvara, Uma-

Mahesvara, Hari-Hara and Parvati. The gandi has four bhumiamlas. The

bhumivarandis are represented with miniature chaitya medallion and enshrining the

images of animal, human face, Sivalinga, dancer, Ganesa, Varahi, Parvati and

Bharavahaka, etc. Each raha projection have bho motif enshrining images of, Rishi,

Andhakasurabadha murty, Parvati and Natraj.

Isvaradeva Mahadeva Temple, Jiunti Sasan, District Puri

The temple is located in the village of Jiunti Sasan and 5 km away from

Kakatpur; it is situated on the left bank of the river Prachi. It is a living temple; the

presiding deity is a Sivalinga within a square Yonipitha. On architectural ground and

building materials the temple can be assigned to circa 9th – 10th century A.D

(Donaldson 1985).

Banesvara Siva Temple, Brahman Sah, District Balasore

It is located on the right side of the river Budhabalanga in Puruna Balasore and

1km. from the Balasore town. On the basis of iconographical features the sculptures

are dated to the 10thcentury A.D (Donaldson 1985). 56

Malikesvara Siva Temple, Adhanga-Malikeswarpur, District Kendrapara

The temple is located 4 km north of Chandol, and on the right side of the

Chandol - Derabish road. It is a living temple, and enshrining a Sivalinga within a

circular yonipitha. On the basis of architectural style, the temple can be dated to the

19thcentury AD. And the sculpture attached in the temple can be dated to the 9th–

10thcentury AD (Donaldson 1985).

Double Storied Temple at Aragada Hill, District Puri

The temple is located on the right bank of the river Daya and 200 m right side

of S.E. Railway line running between the Jatani and Motari Railway Station. It is

about 5 km from Jatani. The northern slope of the Aragada hill has rich depository of

Buddhist remains. A circular earthen mound with architectural members like votive

stupa, railing pillars, brick fragments etc. are noticed. Beside, a double storied temple

is also noticed closed to the stupa remains. Originally the lower storey is a rock cut

cave over which the upper structure is built. The northern slope of the Aragada hill

has rich depository of Buddhist remains. A circular earthen mound with architectural

members like votive stupa, railing pillars, brick fragments etc. are noticed. Beside, a

double storied temple is also noticed closed to the stupa remains. Originally the lower

storey is a rock cut cave over which the upper structure is built. On the basis of

architectural features, the temple can be assigned to the Somavamsis period i.e. about

the 9th /10thcentury A.D. (Donaldson 1985).

Kuruma; A Buddhist monastery, District Puri

The village Kuruma is situated on the left side of the Konarka–Kakatapur road

and is about 6 km from Konarka. It can be approached by a road branching from the

Bali Dokan chowk and is about 2 km from the chowk. This is a Buddhist monastery

having twelve cells and an open courtyard at the centre. The site was first reported by

Brajabandhu Das, a local school teacher and subsequently excavated by Orissa state

57

Archaeology from 1971 to 1975. On the basis of unearthed material, the site can be

dated to the 10thcentury A.D. during Somavamsi rule (Donaldson 1985).

Muktesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

It is a 10thcentury Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Siva. From the point of art

and architecture, the temple is assigned to the transitional phase of temple building

tradition. Fergusson described it as the gems of Orissan architecture. R. L. Mitra

described it as “the handmost charming epitome of the perfection of Orissan temple

architecture (Mitra 1961). The temple dating back to 970 A.D (Donaldson 1985) is a

monument of singular importance in the study of the development of Hindu

temples in Odisha. In this stylistic development the Muktesvara plays a pivotal role; it

marks the culmination of all earlier developments, and initiates a period of experiment

which continues for an entire century, as seen in such temples as the Rajarani

Temple and Lingaraj temple, both located in Bhubaneswar. The temple is highly

decorated with proper symmetrical order. The nayika figures, scrollwork, chaitya

motifs, social scene like sikhyadana, baby nursing scene and architectural motifs like

naga-nagi stamba etc. enriched the sculptural embellishment of the temple.

Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

The temple is located on the right side of the Tankapani road, branching from

N.H - 203 at Ravi talkies square. It is an 11thcentury Hindu temple dedicated to Lord

Siva. Originally it was known as Indreswara, and serves as a shrine to Shiva. It is

known as 'love temple', covered with coyly erotic carvings of women and couples.

The temple is aesthetically endearing with its graceful sculptures. On the basis of

architectural and sculptural embellishments, the temple can be dated to the

Somavamsi rule i.e. end of the 10thcentury A.D. or the beginning of the 11thcentury

A.D. (Donaldson 1985).The temple is decorated with architectural motifs such as

kumbha stamba, vajramastaka; decorative motif like scroll work, chaitya motif, jali

pattern, vidala, animal like - elephants, lion; divinities such as Surya, Nataraj,

Ardhanarisvara, Lakulisa, Hari-Hara, Parvati and semi-divinities like Vidyadharas,

bharabahakas, nayikas and mithuna figures.

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Chausathi Yogini Temple, Hirapur, District Khurda

The temple is located on the left bank of the river Bhargavi and on the right

side of the road from Balakati to Hanspal at a distance of 2.5 km branching from

Umadei Brahmapur Canal Bridge and about 4 km from Balakati. It is a living temple

enshrining the images of Yoginis and Bhairava, Mahamaya along with other 62

Yoginis and 6 Bhairavas. The temple is assigned to 9th – 10th century A.D during the

Somavamsis.The exterior wall of the temple is devoid of any decoration except the

niches enshrining the nine Katyayini images and two dvarapala images at the

entrance.

Gouri Temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

The temple is located on the right side of the road leading to Puri from

Bhubaneswar and situated within the Kedara- Gouri temple complex. It is a living

temple; the image of goddess Parvati enshrines in the cella. It is dated to Somavamsi

rule around 10th century A.D (Donaldson 1985). The architectural features of the

temple resembles with Vaital temple and the scheme of decoration resemblance with

Muktesvara temple. It is decorated with chaitya motifs, scroll works, bharabahaka,

nayikas and divinities.

Akhadachandi Temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

The temple is in old town Bhubaneswar, the southwestern embankment of

Bindusagar tank, and is surrounded by Bindusagar Tank in the east, Markandeysvara

temple in the west and private residential buildings in the southern side. It is 15.00m

east of Markandyesvara temple and to the north-west of Mohini temple at a distance

of 30.00m. It is a living temple and the presiding deity is a ten armed

Mahisasuramardini Durga image datable to 10th century A.D of Somavamsi period

(Donaldson 1985).

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Pramguru Siva temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

It is located on the right side of the Ratha road leading from Lingaraj Temple

to Rameswar temple. It is a living temple enshrining a Siva linga within a circular

Yonopitha, with Vaishnavite sculpture on the outer wall of the temple. The decorative

features and architectural style assigned the temple to the Somavansis epoch around

10th century A.D. It is decorated with chaitya motifs and the subsidiary niche on the

kanika pagas enshrines various incarnations of Vishnu.

Akhandaleswar Temple, Pratprudrpur, District Khurda

The temple is situated on the northern outskirt of the village Prataprudrapur, It

is on 300 m on the left side of the road leading from Prataprudrapur to Kenduli. It is

situated on the right side of the Hansapal-Kantapada road about 16 km from Hanspal.

It is a living temple, enshrining a Sivalinga within a circular Yonipitha. On

consideration of the architectural features and decorative elements, the temple

assigned to the 10thcentury A.D. and the additional structure like jagamohana and

pillared mandapa can be dated to the 14th-15thcentury A.D (Donaldson 1985). The

pabhagaand varandha mouldings of the temple are ornamented with sculptural and

decorative design.

Siddhanath Temple, Bainchua, District Khurda

It is a ruined but living temple and the presiding deity is a Sivalinga within a

circular yonipitha made of black chlorite. It is 0.55 m below the door level. The

temple is in ruined condition and plastered up to its bada portion. On the basis of the

sculptural embellishments kept in the temple premise, its original date can be assigned

to the Somavamsis period i.e. the last quarter of the 10thcentury A.D (Donaldson

1985).

Angesvara Mahadeva Temple, Nua Pitapada, District Cuttack

The temple, on the left bank of the river Prachi is located 60 km from

Bhubaneswar and 3.5 km south-east of Panimal chowk on the left side of Niali-

Madhava road (S.H-60). It is about 2 km south-east of Madhava temple. It is a living

temple. The presiding deity is a patalaphuta Sivalinga within a square yonipitha made 60

of black chlorite. On architectural ground and the use of bricks as the building

material, the temple can be assigned to the Somavamsi rule i.e. the 10th century A.D.

(Donaldson 1985).

Panchu Pandava Temple, Ganeswarpur, District Cuttack

The temple, on the left bank of the river Birupa with the Jaluka hill in the

background is located on the right side of N.H.- 5 (Bhubaneswar-Balasore) branching

at a distance of 7.3 km from Govindpur chowk. The temple is of the panchayatana

class locally known as panchu pandava dedicated to lord Visnu. The superstructure of

the vimana, jagamohana and the north-east corner shrines have long since collapsed.

The south western and the south eastern shrines are intact.

In main living temple, the presiding deity is a four-armed Visnu made of green

chlorite, standing over a rectangular yonipitha type pedestal with female figure on

each side holding lotus. On the basis of architectural features and sculptural

embellishments, the temple can be assigned to the Somavamsi period i.e. about the

second quarter of the 10thcentury A.D. The exterior of the temple is decorated with

architectural motif such as vajramundi, khakharamundi, pilaster design, decorative

motifs like- chaitya medallion, kirtimukha, purnakumbha and nayikas.

Panchu Pandava Temple, South-Western Corner Shrine

The temple is situated within the Panchu Pandava temple complex. On the

basis of the architectural features and sculptural embellishments, the temple can be

assigned to the Somavamsi period i.e. about the second quarter of the 10thcentury

A.D.It is decorated with architectural motifs such as vajramundi niches enshrining

Dikpalas, Parvati, Kartikeya etc in the jangha; two-armed Bhairava on the frontal

raha; mithuna, maithuna figures, linga worship, rishi in penance, social scenes etc. in

the varanda; decorative motifs like scroll work, beaded border, jagrata motif,

kirtimukha, chaitya motif etc. on the walls of the temple.

Panchu Pandava Temple, South-Eastern Corner Shrine

The temple is within the Panchu Pandava temple complex. On the basis of the

architectural features and sculptural embellishments, the temple can be assigned to the

61

Somavamsi period i.e. about the second quarter of the 10thcentury A.D. It is decorated

with vajramundi niches in the jangha enshrining Dikpalas such as Indra, Yama,

Kuvera, Vayu etc. and in the varanda recess, sculptures such as nayikas, mithuna,

maithuna images, kirtimukha, hunting scenes, horse rider, Buddha image and few

female divinities are carved out.

Arjunesvara Temple, Haladibasanta, District Puri

It is located on the left bank of the river Daya and about 5 km from Dhauli.

The site can be approached by a motorable road on the left embankment of the river

Daya.It is a living temple and the presiding deity is a patalaphuta Sivalinga within a

circular yonipitha made of black chlorite and 0.68 m below the chandrasila level. The

temple is entirely renovated one, but on the basis of parsvadevata images and loose

sculptures, the original temple can be dated to the 10thcentury A.D (Website-

ignca.nic.in)

Balunkesvara Temple, Balapur, District Puri

The temple, on the right bank of the river Bhargavi is situated on the left side

of Bhubaneswar-Puri road branching at a distance of 5 km from Pattnaikia chowk and

about 8 km north-east of Sakhigopal. Architecturally, the temple can be dated to the

19thcentury but the detached sculptures kept inside the jagamohana iconographically

can be dated to the 10thcentury A.D i.e. the Somavamsi period (Website- ignca.nic.in).

Laxmi Narayan Temple, Chaurashi, District Puri

The temple is located 3 km south of Varahi temple and on the western outskirt

of the village Chaurashi.It is a living temple and enshrines an image of Laxmi-

Narayana. The original temple built out of bricks goes back to Somavamsi period.

The earlier temple was made of bricks (37 cm x 24 cm x 8 cm) and the features of the

enshrined deity assigned the temple to the Somavamsi period. (Website- ignca.nic.in)

Varahi Temple,Chaurashi, District Puri

The temple is located in the village Chaurashi and on the right bank of the

river Prachi. It is about 2 km from Amaresvara temple on the Nimapada-Kakatpur

62

road in Puri district.It is a living temple and enshrines an image of goddess

Varahi.The architectural features and decorative program of the temple assigned the

temple to the Somavamsi period. The temple is lavishly decorated with sculptural

motifs and scroll work (Website- ignca.nic.in).

Vishnu Temple, Sun Temple Complex, Konark, District Puri

The temple is situated towards the so called Chayadevi temple, in the south-

western corner of the enclosure. It is about 60 km from Bhubaneswar and 40 km from

Puri. On the basis of architectural features like - four fold divisions of pabhaga the

temple can be assigned to the early part of the Somavamsi rule.

Bhaskareswar Siva temple, Bhubaneswar, District Khurda

It is located in the northern embankment of Manikarnika tank beyond the

southern compound wall of the Kapileswar temple.It is a living temple enshrining a

Siva linga within a circular Yonipitha. On the basis of building materials and

architectural features, the temple can be dated to the 10th/11thcentury A.D during

Somavamsis (Website- ignca.nic.in)

Gramesvara Temple, Nivarana, District Cuttack

The temple, on the left bank of the river Prachi is situated at a distance of 3 km

from Nuahata chowk on the Niali-Madhava Road (N.H-60). The temple is one of the

astasambhu temples of the Prachi valley. The Gramesvara temple complex consists of

a shrine and a jagamohana built in pidha order and a rectangular flat roofed mandapa

infront. All the structures, thickly plastered with lime, house a number of images. It is

a living temple; the presiding deity is a Sivalinga within a square yonipitha. On the

basis of the iconographical features of the sculptures attached to the parsvadevata

niches and in the cella, the temple can be dated to the 10th-11thcentury A.D. (Website-

ignca.nic.in)

Uttaresvara Temple, Agrahata District Cuttack

The temple, located on the right side of the N.H.- 42 leading from Manguli to

Dhenkanal is situated at a distance of 4 km on a branch road from Durgabazar chowk,

Chaudwar towards Agrahata. In this living temple, the presiding deity is a patalaphuta 63

Sivalinga within a circular yonipitha made of black chlorite and 1.50 m below the

entrance level. It is one among the Astasambhus of Chaudwar Kataka. On the basis of

architectural features and parsvadevataimages, the temple can be assigned to the

Somavamsi rule i.e. about the 10th-11thcentury A.D (Website- ignca.nic.in).

Padmesvar Mahadeva Temple, Baneswarnasi, District Cuttack

The temple is located on the top of the hillock Baneswar, situated on the left

bank of the river Mahanadi near Narasinghpur. On the basis of architectural ground

and iconographical features, the temple can be dated to the Somavamsi rule i.e. 10th-

11thcentury A.D. Recent renovation has altered the decorative motifs but the temple

still retains many decorative motifs such as kirtimukha, chaitya medallion, naga-nagi

pilasters, angasikharas, scroll motifs, nayika images, etc and the parsvadevata images

like- Ganesa, Kartikeya and Parvati (Website- ignca.nic.in).

Taresvar Temple, Ganeswarpur, District Cuttack

The temple is located amidst the village of Ganeswarpur and on the east of the

Panchupandava temple at a distance of 300 m. It is situated on the left bank of the

river Birupa and on the right side of N.H.-5 (Bhubaneswar-Balasore) at a distance of

7.3 km branching from Govindpur chowk. The temple is in ruined condition and

exists only up to the bada portion. But its representation of elegant sculptures and

architectural motifs speaks its architectural marvels at the past during the time of its

construction. On the basis of architectural features and iconography of the images the

temple can be assigned to the Somavamsi period i.e. 10th-11thcentury A.D (Website-

ignca.nic.in).

Yagnesvari Temple, Nuagaon (Chaudwar), District Cuttack

The temple is situated on the western outskirt of the village Nuagaon and is

about 2 km from O.T.M. chowk, Chaudwar on N.H. – 42. The temple is a recent one

having a pidha vimana and a rectangular flat-roofed mandapa. The vimana stands

over the base of an earlier temple.It is a living temple and the presiding deity is a four-

armed Chamunda seatedin ardhaparyanka posture over a corpse. She is locally

worshipped as Yajnesvari. On the basis of scattered architectural members and

64

iconographical features of the presiding deity as well as the detached sculptures, the

original temple can be dated 10th/11thcentury A.D (Website- ignca.nic.in).

Saptamatrika Shrine, Jajpur Town, District Jajpur

The shrine is located on the right bank of the river Vaitarani at

Dasasvamedhaghata and close to the northern compound wall of Jagannatha temple

complex and Siddha Ganesa temple. It is situated at a distance of about 2 km from

Jajpur bus stand.The Saptamatrika images were originally kept in the Muktimandapa,

but during the Kalapahada invasion the images were thrown in to the river bed .But

subsequently the images were recovered from river bed and enshrined in the present

modern shrine. On the basis of iconographical feature of the presiding deities and the

loose sculptures the original temple can be dated to the 10th/11thcentury A.D.

(Website- ignca.nic.in)

Siddha Ganesa Temple, Jajpur Town, District Jajpur

The temple is located on the right bank of the river Vaitarani at

Dasasvamedhaghata and in between the northern compound wall of Jagannatha

temple complex and Saptamatrika shrine. It is situated at a distance of about 2 km

from Jajpur bus stand.The temple has a rekha vimana and a pidha jagamohana of

impoverished Kalingan order. The presiding deity is a colossal image of Ganesa. A

number of Brahmanical images and a Jaina Tirthankara image of Shanti natha are

kept in the jagamohana. On the basis of iconographical feature of the presiding deity

and the loose sculptures, the original temple can be dated to the 10th/11thcentury A.D

(Website- ignca.nic.in).

Ramachandi, District Puri

The temple is located on the left side of Konark- Puri marine drive road, on

the shore of Bay of Bengal and about 8 km from Konark. It is a living temple and the

presiding deity is a ten armed Mahisasuramardini Durga image. The temple is entirely

a renovated one but on the basis of available sculptures, the original temple can be

dated to the 10th-11thcentury A.D (Website- ignca.nic.in).

65

Kaunri Devi Temple, Gobindpur, District Nayagarh

The temple is located in the Gobindpur village which can be approached from

Barabati chowk on Nayagarh- Khandapada road and it is 6 km east of Nayagarh town.

Living temple, enshrining an eight-armed Durga locally known as Kamakshi

thakurani or Kaunri devi. The original temple was built during the Somavamsi rule in

10th-11thcentury A.D. On the basis of temple architecture, the temple can be dated to

the 19thcentury A.D. But the sculptures, found inside the complex and the presiding

deity iconographically are dated to the 10th- 11thcentury A.D (Website- ignca.nic.in).

Singhesvara Temple, Jadupur, District Nayagarh

The temple is located on the left side of the road leading from Nayagarh to

Khandapada. It is in the village Jadupur and at a distance of 4 km north-east of

Nayagarh town. It is a modern pidha temple, but it has housed the sculptures and

images in parsvadevata niches belonged to the early 10thcentury A.D. The sculptural

pieces and fragments assign the original temple to the 10thcentury A.D over which the

present temple has been constructed (Website- ignca.nic.in). Svapnesvara Mahadeva Temple, Patharachakada, Kantilo, District Nayagarh

The temple is located on the right bank of the river Mahanadi in the village

Patharachakada. It is about 1.5 km from Kantilo, 15 km from Khandapadagarh and 32

km from Nayagarh Township. It is a living temple and the presiding deity is a

Sivalinga within a circular yonipitha. The present temple is a renovated one. But on

the basis of iconographical features of the detached sculptures, the original temple can

be dated to the 10th/ 11th century A.D during Somavamsi period (Website-

ignca.nic.in).

Marichi Temple, Ayodhya, District Balasore

It is also known as Jaya Durga Temple. The temple is located in the center of

the village Ayodhya, which is situated 9 km north of Sujanagada. It is on the right

side of the road leading from Nilagiri to Mayurbhanj. A modern pidha temple

preceded by a jagamohana. The temple houses five numbers of Buddhist images and

66

an image of Varahi. Iconographically they can be assigned to the early part of the11th

century A.D during the Somavamsi rule (Website- ignca.nic.in).

Biswanath Temple Complex, Shergarh, District Balasore

It is located at a distance of 2km west of Phandi Chowk in Balasore, on the

National Highway No.5, leading from Balasore to Bhubaneswar. The Biswanatha

temple complex has four temples of Gaudiya and miniature pidha style of later

construction. These temples house the images of various cult affiliations such as

Jaina, Buddhist and Brahmanical deities. Iconographically they can be dated to the

10th-11thcentury AD. In this living temple complex, one of the temples enshrines an

image of Tara which is locally worshipped as Ugratara, and two temples enshrine

Sivalinga within circular Yonipitha. The sculptures and architectural fragments,

scattered and used in the temples, are of Somavamsis period (Website- ignca.nic.in).

Deva Mandapa, Kansa, District Balasore It is situated infront of Baba Chandaneswar Temple on the left bank of the river Son

and is about 6 km north of Ayodhya. It is also 21 km from the Balasore Town. It is an

open flat Mandapa enshrining a number of cult images of different faiths like

Brahmanical and Buddhist. A large number of sculptures of Buddhist and

Brahmanical faith are worshiped here. On the basis of art style of the sculptures, they

can be dated to the 10th– 11thcentury A.D.

Durga Temple, Shergarh, District Balasore

The temple in Khajura sahi, Shergarh is located at a distance of 2.5 km west of

Phandi chowk in Balasore on the National Highway No-5 leading from Balasore to

Bhubaneswar. It is a living temple; the presiding deity is the Mahisasura-mardini

Durga, made of black chlorite. The temple is a renovated one and probably built in

Zamindari period, but on the sculptural ground, the original temple can be dated to the

Somavamsi period during 10th- 11th century A.D (Website- ignca.nic.in).

67

Gada Chandi Temple, Shergarh, District Balasore,

It is located in Khajura sahi, Shergarh, at a distance of 3 km west of Phandi

Chowk in Balasore on the National Highway No.5, leading from Balasore to

Bhubaneswar. It is a modern R.C.C. shrine houses a few important sculptures, such as

Parsvanatha, Rishabhanatha, Visnu and Mahisasuramardini Durga. Iconographically

these sculptures can be assigned to the 11thcentury A.D. It is a living temple and the

presiding deity is worshipped as Gada Chandi, which is originally an image of

Parsvanatha. Besides, images of Visnu, Rishabanatha and Mahishasuramardini Durga

are also kept inside the temple (Website- ignca.nic.in).

Khajuresvar Siva Temple, Shergarh, District Balasore It is located in Khajura sahi, Shergarh, at a distance of 2.5 km west of Phandi chowk

in Balasore on the National Highway No.5; leading from Balasore to Bhubaneswar.

The temple is located over a low height mound in the middle of the village. Both the

vimana and jagamohana are pidha temples of impoverished Kalingan order. But it

houses a good number of Brahmanical deities of Somavamsi period and datable to the

10th– 11thcenturyA.D (Website- ignca.nic.in).

RELIGIOUS AFFINITY

Since the very beginning Odisha has maintained both co-operation and

toleration towards all the religions. The ancient rulers also has showed their heartily

support to all of the religions. Some ancient rulers were the follower of more than one

religion. This type of religion affinity was also seen reflected in the monuments.

The Bhaumakaras were strong patrons of Buddhism but also were following

Brahmanism like Saivism, Shaktism and Vaisnivism. Somavamsis were Saivite in

their religious pursuit. But they extended their liberal patronage to the cause of

Jainism. Udyotkeshari, the last Saiva king of the dynasty, is known to have honored

and patronised Jainism. It was during his reign that old monastic caves of Khandagiri

like Navamuni, Barabhuji and some others were converted into Sanctuaries. The

Lalatendu cave inscription reveals that Udyotkeshari in his fifth regnal year undertook

the repair of the decayed tanks and ruined temples on the Kumari hill (Khandagiri)

and also installed the image of twenty four tirthankaras on the walls of the temple. 68

Udyotkeshari is also said to have excavated a well for the Jaina monks who lived in

the Khandagiri hill. The Navamuni cave inscription of Khandagiri hill records that a

Jaina monk named Subhachandra constructed the sai cave in the 18th regnal year of

Udyotkeshari (Mohanty 1984).

Besides the famous centers of Jainism at Udayagiri and Khandagiri, Puri

districts also came under the influence of medieval Jainism. In prachi valley, 5km

from Nayahat, in the temple Grameswar, is a beautiful image of Parsvanath which is

now worshipped as Brahmanical deity. In cuttack district a large number of icons can

be located at various places. A temple on the bank of the river Baitarini on the

Dasaswameghaghat in Jajpur has an image of a Tirthankara, surrounded by 24

tirthankaras. Numerous Jaina icons were found in the close vicinity of this area like

Akhandaleswar temple premises. When Saivism reigned supreme in Odisha (from 7th

century onwards), Jainism flourished in various pockets. This was probably due to

that fact Saivites were not antagonistic to the Jainas. Rather they reconciled to the

existence of Jainism and allowed Jina images to be carved in their temples. A number

of miniature Jina images have been carved in the Muktesvara temple at Bhubaneswar.

This is probably an important example of religious tolerance (Panda 1991).

The impact of Buddhism on Saivism is very evident. The imprint of the image

of Buddha in the figure of Pasupata teacher Lakulisha, in early temple of

Bhubaneswar (7th to 8th century A.D) is very clear. In one such figure of Lakulisha in

the temple of Sisireswar, a deer is seen in the pedestal which reminds the motif of the

first sermon of the Buddha at Sarnath. A Buddha like figure is depicted in one of the

sacrificial infront of the Vaital temple. This was probably due to the fact that the artist

was very well versed in Buddhist art tradition and it came to be reflected in his work

on Ssaiva art. After the Somavamsis ultimately Hinduism accepted Lord Buddha, the

founder of Buddhism as the 9th incarnation of Visnu and Buddhism got assimilation

with Hinduism in the Jagannath cult.

Again the religious similarities were also seen in between the different sects of

Brahmanism itself. The co-operation in between the sects resulted in the introduction

of syncretic images or composite figures. During the Somavamsis period Saiviasm

and Vaisnivism were synchronized and syncretic figures of Hari–Hara and

Ardhanariswar images were introduced. 69