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Gauri temple, facing the east, though a specimen of the
'Khakhara' Order (locally known as "Gaurichala"), has striking
affinities with the 'Muktesvara'
temple both in respect of decorative details and style of execution
and, thus, cannot be far removed in date from it.
The Adornments
The 'Mastaka' has undergone restoration with the result that it's
plastered and white - washed surface presents a dire contrast to the
lavishly decorated purplish-red body of the temple. The 'Jagamohana' was
erected some sixty years back to replace the dilapidated original one.
Built on a low 'Tri-Ratha' plinth supported by squattish dwarfs, the
oblong 'Deul' is 'Pancha-Ratha' on plan. The ornamentation of the 'Bada'
resembles that of the Muktesvara temple, though here 'Naga-or Nagi'
pilasters only on the longer sides. The scheme of decoration, however,
differs in the 'Gandi'. Nowhere is there any representation of "Amlas"
or "Bhumi-Amlas".
Both the 'Kanika' and 'Anuratha-Pagas' are decorated with two
superimposed 'Khakhara-Mundis' with a 'Kalasa' on the top, while the
subjects of the decoration of the 'Raha' are 'Bho'-motifs as in the
Muktesvara temple. A bold moulding relieved with lotus-petals marks off
the 'Gandi' from the 'Mastaka'. The latter, now consisting of two
'Khakharas', with a recess in between, maintains the 'Paga'-divisions
throughout and is crowned by a 'Kalasa'.
Like the Muktesvara temple, this temple is noted for the exuberance of
ornamentation. The 'Nayikas' in various flexuous poses are mostly damaged,
but the few intact figures, like the one, on the south face of the east
'Raha', leaning against a post on which is perched a bird, and the other,
on the west 'Raha', taking off her anklets, are remarkable for their
masterly treatment.
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