Sergarh Khajuresvara Temple Complex, Odisha

Address

Sergarh Khajuresvara Temple Complex, Village road, Shergada, Odisha 756060

Diety

Khajuresvara (Shiva)

Introduction

The Khajuresvara Temple Complex is indeed a group of ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Sergarh Village near Balasore City in the Balasore District of Odisha, India.

Puranic Significance

The temples in the Khajuresvara Temple Complex are believed to date back to the 8th century CE, showcasing the rich heritage of ancient Indian temple architecture.

Construction Period: The temples in the Khajuresvara Temple Complex were built between the 8th and 10th centuries CE, showcasing their antiquity.

Architectural Styles:

Khakhara Style Temple: This complex houses a temple constructed in the Khakhara architectural style, characterized by stepped pyramidal roofs, intricate carvings, and a square base. This temple dates back to the 8th century CE.

Rekha Style Temple: Another temple in the complex follows the rekha style, which features a tall and curvilinear superstructure (shikhara) and elaborate carvings on the temple walls.

Destruction and Restoration: The largest temple in the complex, dedicated to Khajuresvara, suffered devastation at some point. In response, a new cement-made temple was constructed to house the idols from Khajuresvara. This indicates a commitment to preserving the religious and cultural heritage of the site.

Building Material: The temples in the Khajuresvara Temple Complex are constructed using laterite blocks, a common building material in the region known for its durability.

Durga Temple: Within the complex, there is a Durga Temple that follows the Khakhara Style and has a Pancharatha (five-fold) plan. The temple’s doorframe is adorned with two bands of scrollwork, and Gaja Lakshmi is seated on the door lintel. The detached architrave features Chaitya design housing an image of Hara-Parvati. Additionally, a horizontal moulding at the base is decorated with the Saptamatrikas (seven mother goddesses) and is attended by Virabhadra and Ganesha.

The Khajuresvara Temple Complex is a valuable archaeological and religious site that offers insights into the art, architecture, and cultural heritage of ancient Odisha.

Special Features

Architectural Styles: The Khajuresvara Temple Complex contains temples built in two distinct architectural styles:

a. Khakhara Style: One of the temples in the complex follows the Khakhara architectural style. Khakhara temples are characterized by their unique stepped pyramidal roofs and are commonly associated with the Kalinga region of Odisha. These temples typically have a square base and intricate carvings.

b. Rekha Style: Another temple in the complex is built in the rekha style. The rekha style is a type of North Indian temple architecture characterized by its tall and curvilinear superstructure (shikhara) with intricate carvings on the temple walls.