Vaital Deula, Bhubaneswar
* History
The Vaital Deula is a 10th-century Hindu temple located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. It is dedicated to Shiva in the form of Vaitarna, a fierce manifestation of the god. The temple is one of the oldest surviving temples in Bhubaneswar and is a fine example of early Odishan architecture.
* Architecture
The Vaital Deula is a rectangular structure with a square sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) and a porch (antarala). The sanctum is topped by a pyramidal tower (shikhara). The porch is decorated with sculptures of deities and mythical creatures. The temple is built of sandstone and is decorated with intricate carvings.
* Significance
The Vaital Deula is one of the most important temples in Bhubaneswar. It is a popular pilgrimage site and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The temple is also a popular tourist destination.
* References
* [Vaital Deula at the Archaeological Survey of India website](https://asi.nic.in/asi_monu/orissa/bhubaneswar/vaital_deula.html)
Architecture
Vaital Deula, Bhubaneswar
* Architecture
* Built in the 11th century CE, Vaital Deula is a Shiva temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
* It is one of the oldest surviving temples in the city and is considered to be a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture.
* The temple is built in the Rekha style and has a square plan.
* The sanctum sanctorum houses a lingam, the symbol of Shiva.
* The temple is surrounded by a number of subsidiary shrines.
* Significance
* Vaital Deula is one of the most important temples in Bhubaneswar.
* It is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and is also visited by tourists.
* The temple is associated with a number of legends and myths.
* One legend says that the temple was built by King Yayati, who was cursed by his father to become a leper.
* Yayati prayed to Shiva for forgiveness and Shiva appeared to him in the form of a lingam.
* Yayati built the temple to house the lingam and was cured of his leprosy.
* Gallery
[Image of Vaital Deula](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/Vaital_Deula_Bhubaneswar.jpg/220px-Vaital_Deula_Bhubaneswar.jpg)
[Image of the sanctum sanctorum of Vaital Deula](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/Vaital_Deula_sanctum_sanctorum.jpg/220px-Vaital_Deula_sanctum_sanctorum.jpg)