Title

Orissan Nagara architecture style

Uncommon
4.5/5(Based on 6 heritage sites)
DescriptionA regional variant of Nagara, Orissan architecture is distinguished by its curvilinear rekha deul (tower), jagamohana (assembly hall), and intricate sculptural ornamentation, often dedicated to deities like Jagannath and Shiva.
Also Known As
Nagara
Vesara hybrid
Hindu
Curvilinear tower
mandapa
Nagara Architecture
Kalinga Architecture Influences
Traditional Assamese Temple Architecture
Orissan Temple Style
Koch Architecture of Assam
Bengal
Ahom Influences
Tai Ahom Architectural Elements
Vernacular Naga Architecture
Neo-classical
religious
adapts classical forms.
Traditional Hindu Temple Architecture
Orissan Temple Architecture (influence in the decorative elements)
Gupta Period Temple Architecture (subtle influence)
Generic North Indian Temple Style
Modern Hindu Temple Architecture
Vernacular Architecture of Nagaland (minor influence in landscaping or ancillary structures)
Mughal Architecture (very minor
perhaps in decorative motifs if any)
Nagara style
Hindu temple
Curvilinear towers
ornate carvings
Dravida Architecture
Shikhara Style
Mandapa Style
Gopuram Style
Traditional Mithila Architecture
Orissan Temple Architecture
Nagara Style
Hindu Temple
stepped pyramids
Kalinga Architecture
Nagara Architecture Influences
Indigenous Arunachali Tribal Architecture
Vernacular Hindu. Adapts to local climate
materials.
Hindu Temple Architecture of Manipur
Indigenous Meitei Architecture
Orissan Temple Architecture (influence debated)
Koch Architecture (influence debated)
Ahom Architecture (influence debated)
Vernacular Manipuri Architecture
Northern Indian
intricate carvings
Orissan Temple Style influences
Ahom Architecture influences (from Assam)
Koch Architecture influences (from Assam
Bengal)
Indigenous Naga architectural elements
Generic vernacular architecture of the region
Traces of Gupta period temple architecture
Tags
Rekha Deul
Jagamohana
Kalinga architecture
Orissan temple
Kalinga
Deula
Pancharatha
Shikhara
Sculpture
Orissa
Pidha Deul
Jagamohan
Puri
Konark
Lingaraj
Rekha
Pidha
Khakhara
Amalaka
Odisha
Temple
Hindu
Deul
Nagara
Style ID
INHF-STY-2028458939-13:17:10:01:11:25:ONAS
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/orissan-nagara-architecture-style
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/orissan-nagara-architecture-style
Total Sites6
Primary Sites2
CreatedNovember 19, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 29, 2025

External References

Regions

Regions
Odisha
Nagaland
Arunachal Pradesh
Eastern India
Manipur

Historical Context

Time Periods
7th-13th century CE
7th century CE-13th century CE
Modern
8th century CE to 13th century CE
Dynasties
Somavamshi dynasty
Ganga dynasty
Eastern Ganga dynasty

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts
Hindu temples
Vaishnava temples
Shaiva temples
Shakta temples
Shiva temples
Shakti temples
Associated Deities
Jagannath
Shiva
Durga
Krishna
Vishnu
Surya

Architectural Details

Primary Materials
Sandstone
Laterite
Brick
Mortar
Architectural Features
Rekha Deul (curvilinear tower)
Jagamohana (assembly hall)
Pida Deul
Khakhara Deul
Amalaka
Kalasha
Rekha Deula
Pidha Deula
Khakhara Deula
Shikhara
Jagamohan
Natamandira
Bhogamandapa
Rekha Deul (curvilinear spire)
Pidha Deul (pyramidal roofed hall)
Jagamohan (assembly hall)
Nata-mandira (dance hall)
Bhoga-mandapa (offering hall)
Deul (sanctum)
Curvilinear shikhara
Jagamohana
Pida Deula
Rekha Deul
Pidha Deul

Keywords

Keywords
Rekha Deul
Jagamohana
Kalinga architecture
Orissan temple
Kalinga
Deula
Pancharatha
Shikhara
Sculpture
Orissa
Pidha Deul
Jagamohan
Puri
Konark
Lingaraj
Rekha
Pidha
Khakhara
Amalaka
Odisha
Temple
Hindu
Deul
Nagara

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
The Temples of OrissabookDetailed study of Orissan temple architecture and its unique features
Orissan Art and ArchitectureBookExplores the artistic and architectural heritage of Odisha.
History of the Art of OrissaBookComprehensive overview of Orissan art and architecture.
The Art of Orissa: Three LecturesBookOverview of Orissan temple art and architecture.

Heritage Sites (6)

Site NameStatusConfidence
ISKCON Temple Dimapur
Primary
100%
Parshuram Kund Temple Lohit
Primary
100%
Durga Temple Dimapur
Secondary
100%
Mahavir Mandir Patna
Secondary
100%
Shree Shyam Rai Temple Imphal
Secondary
100%
The Hindu Temple Dimapur
Secondary
100%

See Also

Related Materials

Sandstone
Laterite
Brick
Mortar

Related Features

Rekha Deul (curvilinear tower)
Jagamohana (assembly hall)
Pida Deul
Khakhara Deul
Amalaka
Kalasha
Rekha Deula
Pidha Deula
Khakhara Deula
Shikhara
Jagamohan
Natamandira
Bhogamandapa
Rekha Deul (curvilinear spire)
Pidha Deul (pyramidal roofed hall)
Jagamohan (assembly hall)
Nata-mandira (dance hall)
Bhoga-mandapa (offering hall)
Deul (sanctum)
Curvilinear shikhara
Jagamohana
Pida Deula
Rekha Deul
Pidha Deul

How to Identify Orissan Nagara architecture style

  1. Look for characteristic features: Rekha Deul (curvilinear tower), Jagamohana (assembly hall), Pida Deul.
  2. Verify geographic location: Orissan Nagara architecture style architecture is typically found in Odisha and Nagaland.
  3. Examine construction materials: Orissan Nagara architecture style typically uses Sandstone and Laterite.
  4. Consider historical context: This style dates from 7th-13th century CE.
  5. Compare with documented examples: 6 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Frequently Asked Questions