Kalinga architecture

The various aspects of a typical Kalinga temple include architectural stipulations, iconography, historical connotations and honoring the traditions, customs and associated legends.

Based on Vastu Shastra, a rectangular, square, elliptical or circular plot of land is selected in order of preference.

Like the present day Geomorphology, Seismology, Topology etc., probably this is some ancient science which guides the architect to understand natural forces and build stable massive structures in Odisha.

The Mukhya Sthaptya (Main Sculptor similar to Chief Architect) creates a scale model based on traditional stipulations and takes the Karta's (producer / financier) approval.

By observing conventional masonry and going through the following steps of the preparation of potā and piṭha the foundation of a temple could be understood: Keeping the Sanku (the vertical axis through the center of Asṭadala Padma Chakaḍā) as the exact center of Garbhagruha, the ground plan of the proposed temple is engraved by the Sthapati and Sutragrahaṇi with the help of a sharp edged instrument, on the perfectly leveled Piṭha.

As temples in every of their details depend on proportions, complex ancient methods are used for correct geometric designing and executing the ground plan (bhunaksa) to ensure long term stability and aesthetic appearance of these huge structures.

Simplified schema of a Kalinga architecture temple
The Lingaraja Temple , a revered pilgrimage center and the culminating result of the architectural tradition at Bhubaneswar , sixth century AD.
The Jagannath Temple , one of the four holiest places (Dhamas) of Hinduism, [ 1 ] in the coastal town of Puri in Odisha .