Parashurameshvara Temple Bhubaneshwar, mid-7th century

Dedicated to Shiva, this is the best-preserved of the early temples at Bhubaneshwar. It is viewed here from the southeast. The building includes a curving tower (rekha deul, subdivided into bhumis) over the sanctuary, and an adjoining mandapa (jagamohan) with two horizontal roof tiers (pidhas). For more information, see: Parts of an East Indian Temple.

There isn't a statue of Nandi on the grounds, although the sanctuary contains a lingam. The principal temple entrance is through the west end of the jagamohan, and there is a secondary door (visible in this photo) in the middle of the south side of the hall.

This early architectural style is continued and elaborated in later Orissan temples. The tower becomes more refined in profile, with elaboration of its vertical piers. Additional courses are added to the jagamohan roof, producing a triangular profile, and the awkward join between jagamohan and deul is resolved into a more pleasing transition.