Chaurasi Varahi Temple -Odisha

Address

Chaurasi Varahi Temple -Odisha

Chaurasi, Puri District,

Odisha 752120

Amman

Goddess Varahi

Introduction

Varahi Temple in Chaurasi Village, Puri District, Odisha, India. The Varahi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Varahi and is situated on the right bank of the river Prachi.It is considered one of the few khakhara temples found in Odisha, with notable examples being the Vaital Temple and Gauri Temple in Bhubaneswar. The temple was constructed in the first quarter of the 10th century CE by the Somavamsis dynasty. It has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Puranic Significance

Architectural Features:

The temple faces east and covers an area of about 2 acres.
It follows a pancharatha plan (with five sections) and has a triangabada (triangular) elevation.
The temple consists of a khakhara vimana (main tower) and jagamohana (assembly hall).
The jagamohana has a terraced roof in two stages, separated by a clerestory, which is unique and reminiscent of the Parasurameswara Temple.
Two massive serpent pillars flank the entrance to the jagamohana.
The vimana is rectangular on plan, and the sanctum doorway has three bands decorated with different scrolls.
Female dvarapalas (door guardians) are present at the lower portion of the doorjambs, each holding a kapala (skull cup).

Deity and Iconography:

The sanctum enshrines an image of Varahi, locally known as Matsya Varahi, who has the face of a boar.
Varahi is depicted as a goddess with a large belly, symbolizing her holding the universe within her womb.
She is two-armed and is seated in lalitasana on a pedestal, holding a fish in her right hand and a kapala in her left hand.
Varahi is also represented with a third eye on her forehead.
Two Vidyadharas are depicted on either side on the back slab of the sanctum.

Exterior Decorations:

The exterior walls of both the vimana and jagamohana are intricately decorated with depictions of puranic stories, the Ramayana, various gods and goddesses, maithuna (erotic couples), mithuna (loving couples), apsaras (celestial nymphs), scenes from social life, floral motifs, and geometrical patterns.

The Varahi Temple not only showcases unique architectural elements but also preserves rich iconographic and artistic heritage, making it a significant religious and cultural site in Odisha.