JAGANNATH TEMPLE, PURI

HISTORY OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

SUB BY – ABHISHEK PANCHAL
V – SEM, III - YEAR
 History
• -Jagannath Temple under Ganga Dynasty.
• Jagannath Temple was constructed by King Chodaganga. The
king started the construction and Jaga mohan or the assembly
hall and Vimana or chariot of the temple were constructed
during his reign.
• The construction of the temple was completed most
probably by Anangabhimadeva III.
• Be that as it may, with the construction of the Jagannath
temple, Puri became a great centre of religion and culture not
only in Odisha but also outside of it. However, many later
additions to this temple were made during the rule of the
Suryavamsi Gajapatis in Odisha.
 Structure
detail-
• The huge temple complex covers an area of over 400,000
square feet (37,000 m2), and is surrounded by a high
fortified wall.
• This 20 feet (6.1 m) high wall is known as
Meghanada Pacheri. Another wall known as kurma
bedha surrounds the main temple.
• It contains at least 120 temples and shrines. With its
sculptural richness and fluidity of the Oriya style of
temple architecture, it is one of the most magnificent
monuments of India.
•The temple has four distinct sectional structures,
namely –
1.Deula, Vimana or Garba griha (Sanctum sanctorum) where
the triad deities are lodged on the ratnavedi (Throne of
Pearls).
In Rekha Deula style;
2. Mukhashala (Frontal porch);
3.Nata mandir / Natamandapa, which is also known as the
Jagamohan (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall), and
4. Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall).
 Viman
a
• Vimana is the structure over the garbhagriha or inner
sanctum in the hindu temple of South India and odisha in East
India.
• In typical temples of Odisha using the Kalinga style of
architecture, the vimana is the tallest structure of the temple,
as it is in the shikara towers of temples in West and North
India
•The imposing structure consists of the
Vimana, Jagamohana, Natamandira and
Bhogamandapa. The last two structures
were, perhaps, constructed during the
Suryavamsi Gajapati rule.
•The Vimana of the temple stands at a
lofty height of 214 ft. and 8 inches an a
square of 80 ft.
Jagamohan
a
• The Jagamohana of the temple like that Vimana, follows a
Pancharatha style.
• The roof of this structure is amply supported by several
iron
beams.
• Its outer surface contains some erotic scence. Its height is 120
ft.
•The Natamandira of the temple is
pyramidal in form. It is a square room
measuring 69 ft x 67 ft. inside and
the outside measurement of it is a
square
of 80 ft.
Natamandiraand and Bhogamandapa
• The Natamandira depicts the story of the Kanchi-Kaveri
expedition which most probably found place there during the
glorious reign of Gajapati Purusottamadeva.
• Like Natamandira, the Bhogamandapa is a pyramidal
structure
measuring 58 ft. x 56 ft.
• The sculptures in this structure depict mainly stories related
with Sri Krishna’s life like his playing
of flute when the cows listen to
it with’ upraised heads, Krishna’s
various poses, his play with the
cowherdwomen in the boat,
Dola yatra etc
 Nilachakra
• The Nila Chakra (Blue Discus) is the discus mounted on the top
shikhar of the Jagannath Temple.
• The Nila Chakra is a disc with eight Navagunjaras carved on
the outer circumference, with all facing towards the flagpost
above.
• It is made of alloy of eight metals (Asta-dhatu) and is 3.5
Metres (11 feet and 8 inches) high with a circumference of
about 11 metres (36 feet).
•During the year 2010, the Nila
Chakra was repaired and restored
by the Archaeological Survey of
India.
Anandabaza
•rThe Anandabazar is another notable site inside the
temple complex.
• Here, the Mahaprasada of the Lord is sold. At that place,
male and female irrespective of caste and creed take
the prasada together.
• Besides, Anandabazara , the Koili Vaikuntha, Nilachala
Upabana (garden) and a museum (recently opened) etc.
are other noticeable features of the temple of
Lord Jagannath.
Pla
n
Temple Elements
 Materia
l Stambha - Sun Pillar is a monolithic
•Aruna
pillar of black chlorite, set on a pedestal of
the same material 7'9“ square and 6' high.
The pedestal is richly carved and are of
unsurpassable beauty.
•The door frames are of black chorite
'Muguni', richly carved in bands. Doors
are made of heavy salwood.
•The stonework rises to a height of 192‘. (In
comparison the Lingaraj Temple of
Bhubaneswar risesto a height of 160‘
on a square base of 66').
The body of the temple has been covered
with a liberal coat of lime mortar that
masks the details of rich carvings.