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These digpalas (demigods) are Indra (east), the head of the demigods; Agni (southeast), the god of fire; Yamaraja (south), the god of death; Nairuta (southwest); Varuna (west), the god of water; Vayu (northwest), the god of air; Kubera (north), the god of wealth; and Isana (northeast). The temple is also noted for its sculptural excellence reflected in the erotic postures of the mithuna couple, gajasimha and other stone carvings. |
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The Vaital Deul Temple is situated near the Bindu Sagar lake. This 8th century AD temple is devoted to Goddess Parvati — Chamunda or Shakti or Kali . The goddess is placed in the main sanctum of the temple. She is seated on a corpse which is usually hidden by her robes. The deity is adorned with a garland of skulls around her neck; she holds a snake, a bow, a shield, a trident, a thunderbolt and an arrow. She is flanked by a jackal and an owl, which displays the
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most terrifying look of Goddess Kali . It was the first temple to have erotic sculptures on its walls. The unique feature of this temple is that the interiors are embellished but the outer walls are plain. |
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The Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar was built in the 10th century AD. This exquisitely decorated temple epitomises the culmination of Orissan architecture. It depicts tales from the Panchatantra . The niches on the outer walls have the images of Buddhist, Jaina and Hindu pantheon. The temple is dedicated to the Mukteshwar
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form of Lord Shiva , which means "the Lord who bestows freedom through Yoga". The temple measures 10.52 meters. The highlight of the temple is the magnificent Torana— the decorative gateway, an arched masterpiece, reminiscent of the Buddhist influence on Orissa's art and architecture.
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