Deula

A deula is a shrine in an Odishan temple in India.[1]
Etymology
The word "deula" in Oriya language means a building structure built with a particular style that is seen in most of the temples from Odisha. Some times the whole temple is called Deula. There are three types of Deulas:[2]
Rekha Deula

Rekha in Oriya means a straight line. It is a tall building with a shape of sugar loaf, looking like a Shikhara. It covers and protects the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). Examples :
- The Shikhara of the Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar
- The Shikhara of the Jagannath temple in Puri.
- Jagannath Temple in Nayagarh, Orissa
- Uttaresvara Siva Temple in Bhubaneswar
- The Shikhara of Yameshwar Temple in Bhubaneswar
Pidha Deula

It is a square building with a pyramid-shaped roof, like the vimanas. For the halls or service rooms of the temple. Examples
- The jaga mohan (assembly hall) of the Sun temple in Konârak
- The jaga mohan of Yameshwar Temple in Bhubaneswar
- Digambara Jaina Temple, Khandagiri in Bhubaneswar
Khakhara deula

Khakara deula is a rectangular building with a truncated pyramid-shaped roof, like the gopuras. The name comes from Khakharu (=canteen (bottle)) because of the shape of the roof. The temples of the feminine deities as Shakti are temple of that type. Examples :
- Baitala Deula, Bhubaneswar (dedicated to Chamunda)
- Varahi Deula, Chaurasi, Puri district (dedicated to Varahi)
- Brahmi temple, Chaurasi
- Kedar Gouri, Bhubaneswar
- Narayani Temple, Khalikote (dedicated to Durga)
- Durga Temple, Banki
References
External links
- http://orissa.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/nov2005/engpdf/Orissan_Temple_Architecture.pdf
- http://www.indoarch.org/arch_glossary.php