Understanding Orissan Temple Architecture: Pancharatha Deul

Orissan temple architecture, also known as Kalinga style, is characterized by distinct features, particularly the design of the tower or 'deul'. The question asks us to identify which among the given temples have a 'pancharatha' deul. Let's understand what 'pancharatha' means in the context of temple architecture.

The term 'ratha' refers to the vertical projections or facets on the walls and tower of a temple. These projections break the monotony of the flat surface and add depth and complexity to the structure's appearance. The number of these projections gives the temple plan its name:

• Triratha: Three projections on each side (central offset called 'raha' and two flanking offsets called 'anuratha').
• Pancharatha: Five projections on each side (central 'raha', two 'anuratha' offsets, and two outermost offsets called 'kanika').
• Saptaratha: Seven projections.
• Navaratha: Nine projections.

A 'pancharatha' deul, therefore, is a temple tower with five distinct vertical segments or projections on each face, creating a complex and ornate profile. This style is representative of the mature phase of Kalinga architecture.

Analyzing the Given Orissan Temples

Let's examine each temple listed to determine its deul type:

• Lingaraja Temple (Bhubaneswar): This is one of the largest and most famous temples in Odisha, dedicated to Shiva. The magnificent deul (tower) of the Lingaraja Temple is a classic example of the pancharatha plan. Its vertical sections are clearly divided into five projections on each side.
• Muktesvara Temple (Bhubaneswar): Often called the 'gem of Orissan architecture', the Muktesvara Temple is known for its exquisite carvings and the famous torana (gateway arch). Despite its relatively smaller size, the deul of the Muktesvara Temple also follows a pancharatha plan.
• Rajarani Temple (Bhubaneswar): This temple is renowned for the sculptures of mythical figures and damsels that adorn its walls. Architecturally, the deul of the Rajarani Temple exhibits the pancharatha design, contributing to its elegant appearance.
• Parasuramesvara Temple (Bhubaneswar): One of the oldest surviving temples in Bhubaneswar, dating back to the 7th century CE. The architecture of the Parasuramesvara Temple represents an earlier stage of Kalinga architecture. Its deul is characterized by a triratha plan, having only three projections on each face, not five.

Conclusion based on Temple Analysis

Based on the architectural analysis:

• Lingaraja Temple has a pancharatha deul.
• Muktesvara Temple has a pancharatha deul.
• Rajarani Temple has a pancharatha deul.
• Parasuramesvara Temple has a triratha deul.

The temples with a pancharatha deul from the given list are (i) Lingaraja, (ii) Muktesvara, and (iii) Rajarani.

Final Answer Selection

The question asks to choose the correct answer from the code indicating which temples have a pancharatha deul. Our analysis shows that temples (i), (ii), and (iii) are pancharatha.

Looking at the options:

• Option 1: Only (i) - Incorrect, as (ii) and (iii) are also pancharatha.
• Option 2: Only (iv) - Incorrect, as (iv) is triratha.
• Option 3: (iii) and (iv) - Incorrect, as (iv) is triratha and (i) and (ii) are missing.
• Option 4: (i), (ii) and (iii) - Correct, as Lingaraja, Muktesvara, and Rajarani temples all have pancharatha deuls.

Revision Table: Orissan Temple Deul Types

Additional Information on Kalinga Temple Architecture

Kalinga architecture, prominent in Odisha, evolved over centuries, transitioning from simpler forms to highly complex ones. The 'ratha' divisions are a key indicator of this evolution.

• Earlier temples, like the Parasuramesvara Temple (7th-8th century), often feature a triratha plan, reflecting a simpler structural layout.
• Temples from the 10th-11th centuries onwards, such as Muktesvara, Rajarani, and Lingaraja, typically adopt the pancharatha plan, which allows for greater sculptural decoration and a more dynamic verticality.
• Later temples might feature even more projections (saptaratha or navaratha), leading to increasingly intricate deul designs.

Understanding the 'ratha' divisions is crucial for identifying the period and stylistic development of Orissan temples. The pancharatha style represents a peak period of architectural and sculptural achievement before further complexities were introduced.