Called as the land of temples, Orissa houses several temples with
delineation of religious architecture and, Vaital Deul Temple is one
among them. Vaital Deul Temple or Baitala Deula is one of the finest
example of the Khakhara order of the Kalinga style of temple
architecture. Here, a Tantric worship, which combined elements from
sects of Hinduism and Buddhism can be seen in a unique way.
Built during the 9th century, it is located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa.
Built during the 9th century, it is located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa.
Dedicated to Goddess Chamundi, a tantric cult-name for Durga or Shakti,
it is locally known as 'Tini Mundia Mandira'. Also a Tantric shrine, it
is located near Bindu Sarovara. Belonging to Khakhara order, an
offshoot of the Kalinga School, the temple is noted for the 'deul'
(tower) with rectangular shape. It was a major centre of esoteric rites
and Tantric worship, the combined elements from certain sects of
Buddhism and Hinduism.
The deul rectangular in shape and oblong on plan, the temple is positioned at a right angle to the flat-roofed jagamohana which is a leading example of Khakhara order of temple.
Vaital Deul temple is renowned for its rectangular shape sanctuary deul
(tower) and the sculptural beautification on its walls and tower. The
tower at the right angle to the jagmohana (porch) is decorated with two
chaitya windows, one having a carved figure of sun God Surya with his
sisters Usha (Dawn) and Pratyusha (Dusk). The other one is carved with
an image of Arjuna (third Pandava), driving a chariot of seven horses.
The deul rectangular in shape and oblong on plan, the temple is positioned at a right angle to the flat-roofed jagamohana which is a leading example of Khakhara order of temple.
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