About

The Rajarani temple was built in the 11th century in the same architectural style (Kalinga Architecture) as many other temples in the vicinity and of a similar period. It is believed that although the temple was completed, it was never consecrated and worship was never carried out in the temple. Its main temple (vimana) is adorned with a number of miniature temples, like the temples of Khajuraho. It is built in red and yellow sandstone.

The Rajarani Temple has a typical Kalinga style of temple architecture. Built on a three-molded platform in Pancharatha style, the shrine has two sections - the Jagamohana (area from which devotees witness the sanctum) and the Vimana (inner sanctum). While the Jagamohana has a roof with pyramidal shape, the Vimana has a curvilinear spire (Shikhara) that rises up to 17.9m, topped by an amalaka and a kalasha. The vimana is better preserved than the jagamohana, which has been extensively restored.

An image of a guardian lion is carved above the doorway of the Jagamohana. The two-layered doorway has an outer lintel and an inner lintel. Twin images of a Naga and Nagin are carved into the outer layer of the doorway lintel, flanking the doorway. These are believed to depict the king and queen of the land of that time. A panel depicting the nine planets (Navagraha) is carved into the outer layer just above the entrance. The inner doorway lintel features an image of Lakulisa above the entrance, with carvings of two small Shaiva doorkeepers – Chanda and Prachanda - at the foot of the panels flanking the doorway.

The walls of the shrine feature engravings depicting the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple also features a number of carvings of damsels (nayikas) carved in high relief showing the women in various poses and moods such as fondling a child, dancing, with a pet bird, applying make-up (shringar), or in an amorous mood. The deul also features a number of angasikharas or miniature shrines in rekha nagara style, many of which have no idol. The overall effect of these recursive temple motifs on the walls of the deul is to convey an image of a corn cob with corn studding the surface from tip to toe.

One of the most interesting and impressive features of the temple is its base, from which sculptures protrude in eight directions. This feature of the deul is seen on the central facets of the kanikapagas of the lower janghas. These are images of Kubera (God of Wealth), Yama (God of Death), Vayu (God of Wind), Indra (God of Rain), Agni (God of Fire), Nirriti (God of Suffering), Varuna (God of Ocean) and Ishana (Shiva). They are said to be the protectors of this ancient Hindu temple.

The jagamohana is a pyramidal structure with two balustrade windows, one each on the north and south.

Trivia

The temple derives its name from the red and yellow colored sandstone in which it is built. The sandstone is referred to as ‘Rajarani’ in the local language.

The temple hosts the annual Rajarani Music Festival in the month of January-February.