Yamesvara Temple is one of the popular temples in Orissa. It is a quite large-sized temple situated on the left side of the road to the Khandagiri. The temple, with its `Deul` and `Jagamohana`, resembles the `Ananta-Vasudeva` temple both in structural features and in its intricate designing.
Architecture of Yameswara Temple
Yameswara temple it is built of soft sandstone, resulting in a large amount of exfoliation and obliteration of the carvings. However the sculptures of the `Deul` are not present now. The damaged platform that resembled the Ananta-Vasudeva temple in its ornamentation presently is in ruins. Both the `Deul` and the `Jagamohana` have lost their crowning members above the `Amla`. In addition to the other features the `Deul` further resembles the `Ananta-Vasudeva` temple in the disposition of the `Pagas.` In the Yameswara Temple the
`Dikpalas` and their female counterparts have been placed on the corner `Rathas` of both the `Deul` and `Jagamohana`. Presently among the images of `Parsva-Devatas`, only the mutilated chlorite figure of `Ganesha` survives. The porches in front of them are now reduced to the level of the platform.
The temple bears all the features of a Ganga monument. It stands on a high platform and bears a side structures in front of the niche that is adorned with side deities. The features of the temple depict advanced architectural features in being Sapta-ratha in plan, in having corbelled arch and iron beams and seven pilasters.
The non-functional balustraded windows of the `Jagamohana` are ornately carved. The pilasters below this window are decorated relieved with `Naga` and `Nagi` musicians. The niche above this window portrays a preceptor thronged by his followers, below which is a wall painting of a fighting cavalry. Though the carvings of the south window are damaged the animated frieze of trotting elephants stands intact. On the other hand the scrollwork that includes statues of animals on the facets of the central projections is worth observing.
In front of the doorjambs of the `Jagamohana` two pillars that were intricately carved have been partly preserved. The stunt Vrisha-Stambha` is placed between the steps leading to the `Jagamohana` and the pillared `Mandapa.` The Yamesvara temple has also been popular for its spacious courtyard that is bordered by an imposing compound-wall recessed with a series of niches for `lingas`.
