Suka Temple
Suka Temple is an abandoned Hindu temple located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, built during the mature phase of Odisha's temple-building tradition. Though architecturally sound, it is no longer in use and sits 1.80 meters below the current ground level. Sculptural embellishments suggest it was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Key Facts
- ›Located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, on the southern embankment of Bindusagar tank.
- ›Originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, as indicated by its sculptural embellishments.
- ›Built in the 13th century A.D. during the Ganga rule.
- ›Features a saptaratha plan for its vimana and a rekha order elevation.
- ›Its decorative features include chaitya motifs, scroll designs, dikpalas, and their female counterparts.
- ›The temple has been repaired by the Orissa State Archaeology.
Shiva
- Matured Phase of Temple Building Tradition of Orissa
Ganga
Dikpalas and Their Female Counterparts, Gaja-Lakshmi, Navagrahas
Bindusagar Tank
About Suka Temple
Suka Temple is a significant, though now abandoned, Hindu temple located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, India. It stands as a testament to the mature phase of Odisha's temple-building tradition and was constructed during the 13th century AD under the patronage of the Ganga dynasty.
Location and Orientation
The temple is situated in the old town of Bhubaneswar, specifically in Sankarananda Street, Uttaradaraja Badu Badu Sahi. It is positioned on the southern embankment of the Bindusagar tank, approximately 50 meters away, and faces towards the west. Architecturally, the temple is considered sound, but it is no longer in active use and lies about 1.80 meters below the current ground level.
Architectural Features
Architecturally, Suka Temple features a saptaratha plan for its vimana (sanctum), characterized by a central raha flanked by pairs of anuraha, anuratha, and kanika pagas. The vimana measures 5.80 square meters, with a frontal porch of 0.90 meters and a cella of 2.40 square meters. The elevation is in the rekha order, reaching a height of 11 meters. The bada (wall) is divided into five sections, with the pabhaga at the base having five mouldings. The tala jangha and upara jangha are separated by a bandhana, and the baranda comprises ten mouldings. The gandi (tower) and mastaka (head) measure 5.00 meters and 2.50 meters, respectively.
Decorative Elements
The temple's exterior walls are richly embellished, suggesting an original dedication to Lord Shiva. The raha niches, located in the tala jangha on three sides, are now empty but were once adorned with floral designs and female figures. The lintel niche features Gaja-lakshmi, and the architrave above the doorjambs is carved with the navagrahas. The gandi is decorated with chaitya motifs and scroll designs. Notably, the upara jangha depicts the female counterparts of the dikpalas with their usual iconographic features, while the tala jangha shows the dikpalas on their respective mounts and attributes. The doorjambs are decorated with three vertical bands, and the lalatabimba has Gaja-lakshmi seated on a padmasana. Saivite dvarapalas are housed in niches at the base of the jambs.
Condition and Significance
Despite its architectural integrity, Suka Temple is abandoned. It has undergone repairs by the Orissa State Archaeology under the X & XI Finance Commission Award. Its historic significance lies in representing the mature phase of temple architecture in Odisha.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Suka Temple located?
Suka Temple is situated in Sankarananda Street, Uttaradaraja Badu Sahi, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, on the southern embankment of Bindusagar tank. It is approximately 50 meters from the tank and faces west.
What is the architectural style of Suka Temple?
The temple's vimana is built in the saptaratha style, meaning it has seven divisions on each face. The elevation follows the rekha order, a common characteristic of Odishan temples, reaching a height of 11 meters.
When was Suka Temple built?
The temple is precisely dated to the 13th century AD, falling within the period of the Ganga rule in Odisha. It is considered to be from the mature phase of the Odisha temple building tradition.
What is the current condition of Suka Temple?
Suka Temple is abandoned and no longer in use, despite being architecturally and sculpturally sound. It is located 1.80 meters below the present ground level and has undergone repairs by the Orissa State Archaeology.
What deities were originally worshipped at Suka Temple?
While the temple is currently unused, its sculptural embellishments on the exterior walls suggest that it was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva.
What are some notable decorative features of the temple?
The temple is adorned with various decorative elements, including chaitya motifs, scroll designs, and depictions of dikpalas (guardians of the directions) and their female counterparts on the upara jangha. The raha niches are decorated with floral designs and female figures, and the architrave above the doorjambs features the navagrahas.
Related Temples (Hindu)
Astasambhu Siva Temples
The Astasambhu Siva Temples are a collection of eight identical Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Built around the 10th century AD, these temples are constructed from coarse grey sandstone and feature the Rekha Deul architectural style, characteristic of Kalingan construction.
Kapila Theertham
Kapila Theertham is a Shaivite temple located at the foot of the Tirumala hills in Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, referred to as Kapileswara, and is believed to have been installed by Sage Kapila. It is situated at the entrance of a mountain cave, with a temple tank fed by a mountain stream, and holds significant religious importance for pilgrims.
Mahamaya Temple
The Mahamaya Temple, located in Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh, India, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga and Mahalaksmi. It is recognized as one of the 52 Shakti Peethas and holds historical importance, with parts of the complex dating back to the 12th-13th centuries and a later structure built in 1492 CE.