Varahi Deula, Chaurasi
Varahi Deula, Chaurasi is an ancient temple on the eastern coast of Odisha, India, dedicated to Goddess Varahi. Constructed in the 10th century during the Somavamsi rule, it is renowned for its unique Khakhara architectural style and the exquisite image of the deity, considered a masterpiece among Varahi depictions in India.
Key Facts
- ›Built in the first quarter of the 10th century A.D. during the Somavamsi rule.
- ›Dedicated to Goddess Varahi, locally known as Matsya Varahi.
- ›Features a unique Khakhara or Gaurichara architectural style, deviating from typical Rekha and Bhadra types.
- ›The temple complex spans approximately 2 acres.
- ›The main deity is depicted with a boar's face, a divine woman's body, and a third eye on her forehead.
- ›Notable reliefs on the Jagamohana depict scenes from the Ramayana.
Varahi
Architectural Uniqueness, Masterpiece Image of Varahi Deity, Depiction of Ramayana Scenes In Reliefs
Somavamsi
Vijaya Dashami, Chaitra Fair
Sandstone
Somavamsi Rulers
Ramayana Scenes On Jagamohana
About Varahi Deula, Chaurasi
Varahi Deula, Chaurasi, also known as the Barahi temple of Chaurasi, is an ancient Hindu temple located in the Puri district of Odisha, India. Situated on the eastern coast, this temple is a significant religious and architectural monument, dating back to the first quarter of the 10th century AD during the reign of the Somavamsi dynasty.
History and Worship
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Varahi, a form of the Sakti and believed to be the Sakti of Varaha. The image enshrined within is considered a masterpiece and is unique among the depictions of the deity found across India. The iconography of the main deity, locally known as Matsya Varahi, closely follows descriptions from the Tantric text 'Varahi Tantra'. She is depicted with a boar's face and a divine woman's body, seated in lalitasana, holding a fish in her right hand and a kapala (skull cup) in her left. A distinctive feature is her large belly, symbolizing her as the holder of the universe, and a third eye on her forehead. Worship at the temple adheres to Tantric rituals, and Goddess Varahi is offered fish daily.
Architecture
Architecturally, Varahi Deula, Chaurasi stands out in the Prachi Valley. It exhibits a novel style, referred to as Khakhara or Gaurichara in Orissan nomenclature, marking a departure from the conventional Rekha and Bhadra types. While its ground plan shares similarities with Baitala Deula in Bhubaneswar, it presents a pancharatha type in both plan and construction. The Vimana is rectangular with an elongated vaulted roof, resembling the Gauri temple of Bhubaneswar. The Jagamohana is a pidha temple with seven tiers of pidhas. The walls of both the Vimana and Jagamohana are adorned with figural and arabesque motifs, demonstrating a high degree of balance and rhythm. A notable feature is the band of reliefs encircling the Jagamohana, depicting scenes from the Ramayana with remarkable grace and precision.
Location and Significance
Spanning approximately 2 acres, the shrine is a vital center for Shakta worship. Its location between the Nimapada-Kakatpur road makes it accessible from Konark and Puri. The temple's unique architectural style and its exquisite deity image make it a significant site for both religious pilgrims and art historians. Major festivals celebrated here include Vijaya Dashami and an annual fair in Chaitra. The temple is an active place of worship and a key monument in the region's rich cultural heritage.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Varahi Deula, Chaurasi built?
The temple was built in the first quarter of the 10th century A.D. during the Somavamsi rule in Odisha.
What is the architectural style of Varahi Deula, Chaurasi?
The temple exhibits a unique architectural style known as Khakhara or Gaurichara, which is a variation from the typical Rekha and Bhadra styles found in Orissan architecture. It has a rectangular cross-section and an elongated vaulted roof.
What is the significance of the deity enshrined in Varahi Deula, Chaurasi?
The image of Goddess Varahi within the temple is considered a masterpiece and is unique among Varahi depictions across India. She is locally known as Matsya Varahi and is worshipped according to Tantric rituals, with fish offered daily.
What are the notable sculptural or mural depictions at the temple?
The walls of the Jagamohana are decorated with notable reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana, including the abduction of Sita, the murder of Jatayu, and the construction of the bridge over the sea, all rendered with grace and precision.
What festivals are celebrated at Varahi Deula, Chaurasi?
Major festivals observed at the temple include Vijaya Dashami and a fair held in the month of Chaitra.
Related Temples (Hindu)
Baitala Deula
Baitala Deula is an 8th-century Hindu temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, dedicated to the goddess Chamunda. It is renowned for its unique Khakhara style of architecture, characterized by a semi-cylindrical sanctuary tower and three distinct spires, which are believed to represent the goddess's powers. The temple also exhibits Tantric associations through its eerie carvings and iconography.
Shiva temple, Kera
The Shiva temple, Kera, also known as the Lakheshwara temple of Kerakot, is an ancient Hindu temple located in Kera village, near Bhuj in Gujarat, India. Built during the later part of the 10th century under the Chaulukya dynasty, it is dedicated to the deity Shiva and is renowned for its well-preserved spire and intricate sculptures, despite significant damage from historical earthquakes.
Thillai Nataraja Temple
The Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. With ancient roots and a history of renovation by the Chola dynasty, its architecture symbolizes the union of arts and spirituality, prominently featuring the 108 karanas of the Natya Shastra. It is a revered pilgrimage site and holds importance within Shaivism as one of the Pancha Sabha Thalam and Pancha Bhuta Thalam.