It is however to be noted that in the earliest group of Orissan
temples the Pidha deul is wanting and the mandapa is a rectangular
pillared hall covered by a low flat roof of two sloping tiers
with a clerestory in between. Temples of the third order viz Khakhara
deul are are only six being known from Bhubaneshwar. An oblong
plan and a wagon-vault roof, characterize them.
The temple
of Jagannath Puri is a rekha deul with curvilinear tower on a
pancha ratha plan and was built by Ananta Barma Chodaganga Dev
during 12th century A.D. and was completed by Ananga Bhima Dev.
This temple is one of the tallest monuments in the country, height
is about 214 feet from the ground level. It stands on an elevated
platform of stone measuring about 10 acres, which is located in
the heart of the down town and presents an imposing sight. The
temple is bounded by two enclosures.
The inner
enclosure is 400' x 278' and is known as kurma bedha. The outer
enclosure is of 665' x 644' with the height varying from 20' to
24' is popularly known as Meghanad Prachir. The temple has four
gates at the eastern, southern, western northern midpoints of
the Meghanad Prachir and are called Lions gate, Horse Gate, Tiger
Gate and the Elephant Gate respectively. The temple has got four
halls in a row such as Viman (main temple where Lord Jagannath
is worshipped with brother Balabhadra, sister Subhadra and Sudarshan,
Jagamohan (Audience hall ), Natamandap (Dance
hall ) and the Bhoga Mandapa (offering hall ).
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