The Khakkhara temple architecture is a distinctive style within the Kalinga architecture of Odisha, India. It flourished in the ancient Kalinga previously known as Utkal and in present eastern Indian state of Odisha.
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| Kalinga architectural designs, Odishaen.wikipedia.org |
Unlike the more prevalent Rekh and Pidha Deula styles (both associated with gods Shiva, Vishnu and Surya), the Khakkhara temples are dedicated to the feminine deities /Shakti deities like Varahi, Chamunda and Durga. This design style is characterized by their elongated, barrel-vaulted roofs, resembling a gourd, from which they derive their name. The rectangular building with a truncated pyramid-shaped roof, is similar to Dravidian Gopurams of South India and this style seems to have been borrowed from the south. Both the Rekha Deula and Khakhara Deula have garbhagriha - sanctum sanctorum while the Pidha Deula has outer dancing and offering halls. The Rekha Deula ( meaning a shrine with different parts in a line) depicts human forms with striking vertical line) and curvilinear shikhara or tower, which is emblematic of ancient Kalinga architecture. Exampla: Lingarajemple of Bhubaneshwar. Good example of Pidha-Deula is Konark temple with pyramidal towerr.
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| Khakhara style,Odisha, exoticindiaart.com |
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| Khakhara style of Kalinga Odisha facebook,com, |
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| Baitala Deula example of a "khakhara deula,Odisha en.wikipedia.org |
Essential features of Khakkhara temples also include their unique roof structure with numerous pediments often depicting intricate small carvings of female deities and various terrifying and eerie tantric themes - mostly in niches. Khakhra architecture is almost absent in South indian temples Varahi Temple at Chaurasi and Vaital Deula of Bhubaneswar are examples of Khakkhara order. The temples of Odisha display a picture of organic evolution from Parasurameswar(a) to Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar, eventually culminating in Puri and the gigantic Konark.
The Baitala Deula in Bhubaneswar is a prominent example, showcasing the distinctive Khakhara style and its association with tantric practices. These temples contribute significantly to the rich architectural heritage of Odisha, reflecting the region's diverse religious and artistic traditions.
In Kalinga kingdom, an ancient land of Shakti cult, divine iconography has existed since the mythological era. Present day temple historians and researchers are of the view that idols of deities were placed under auspicious trees in the ancient days. Kalinga temples retain the architectural features and iconography, honoring the traditions, customs and associated legends and mythological anecdotes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalinga_architecture
https://academy.gktoday.in/article/kalinga-school-of-architecture
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