This temple was built by Kolavati in
1061 AD, the mother of the Somavansi king Udyotakesari, in the eighteenth regnal
year of his reign, in the Siddhatirtha locality at Ekamra. One of the inscriptions,
now believed lost, stated that Kolavati presented many beautiful women to the
temple.
The temple is a fine specimen of innovative and mature Orissan style of temple
building. For the first time iron beams have been used to build up the structure.
This is the second temple, after the Mukteshwar, to boast of a Jagamohana that
has a finely carved interior. The sculptural details and the immaculate iconography
show expert workmanship of the Orissan artists of the era. The figures of the
musicians and dancers, the lion-head motif, the amusing and erotic figures and
others exude a special charm. One must notice the beautiful figure of a young
woman.
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