KEDAR GOURI PARK

This park has beautiful remains of Hindu temples, with the bada (tower in the shape of an ear of corn with spirals) so particular here in Odisha.

Parsurameswara Temple : dating from the ^7th and ^8th centuries, it is one of the oldest temples in Odisha. Built in the nagara style, it includes a vimana (sanctuary) surmounted by a bada and a jagamohana (vestibule). The temple is dedicated to Shiva but also includes representations of Shakta, goddesses belonging to the Tantric pantheon. The outer walls are richly decorated with floral motifs, demons and vampires, dancers and musicians who open the windows.

Mukteswara Temple : built around 975, it marks the apogee of the Kalinga style as much as the search for a new style. The pyramidal roof which crowns the jagamohana is a first for the time. The torana (arch) which gives access to the complex predates the construction of the temple. It dates from 900 and its style is close to Buddhist architecture. The vimana is fully carved on its outer façade, as is the richly ornamented jagamohana. This temple is considered as the first example of the Odisha style.

Siddheswara Temple: this temple dates back to the ^10th century and its style marks the meeting of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain architectures. Contemporary of the temple of Mukteshwara, it is much more stripped. Each of the 4 faces of the bada is surmounted by a lion. The temple is dedicated to Shiva, but you will also find a beautiful representation of Ganesh in the sanctuary.