#1CULTURE & GI TAGS
Top ↑Dhabaleswar Temple
ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development
The President of India offered prayers at the historic Dhabaleswar Temple located near Berhampur in Odisha, marking the final engagement of an official three-day visit to the state.
ЁЯФ╣ Architectural Features and Historical Lineage
The Dhabaleswar Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on an island in the Mahanadi River near Cuttack, Odisha. The original temple foundation dates back to the early 10th and 11th centuries during the reign of the Somavamshi dynasty under King Yayati Keshari. The current structural framework was rebuilt around 1232 AD by King Bir Kishore of the Khurda kingdom.
ЁЯФ╣ Structural Plan and Design Elements
Built in the traditional Kalinga style of architecture, the main temple is constructed primarily of sandstone and features a square plan surmounted by a pyramidal roof. The complex includes three main chambers, with the central sanctum housing the deity, accessible via a decorated porch known as the Jagamohan. A distinctive feature of this temple is its elevated, marble-covered platform and a unique two-tiered roof constructed from terracotta tiles.
ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION
тАвтАв State & Location: Cuttack district, Odisha (Island within the Mahanadi River).
тАвтАв Primary Deity & Architectural Style: Lord Shiva; Kalinga Style of Temple Architecture.
тАвтАв Historical Patrons: Somavamshi Dynasty (Foundation) & King Bir Kishore of Khurda (1232 AD Reconstruction).
тАвтАв Structural Characteristics: Sandstone masonry, Jagamohan assembly hall, two-tiered terracotta tile roof.
тАвтАв UP PCS PYQ Trend: Temple architecture classifications (Nagara, Dravida, Vesara, Kalinga) and regional heritage monuments.