Artisans give final touches to the three miniature temples near the directorate of culture in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 11: Three miniature temples on the premises of the Odisha State Museum await final touches to showcase the traditional Odia temple architecture and style.

Five master artisans and 39 trainees are building these miniature shrines, according to Rekha, Pidha and Khakara styles of temple building. The shrines are expected to draw tourists, students of arts, history, culture, architecture and archaeology.

Master artisan from Sukhuapada near Lalitgiri in Jajpur Niramal Maharana, who was guiding the participants at the capacity building programme, said: “Traditionally, we are from a family of sthapatis (sculptors). But, many socio-economic factors have forced our community members and others interested in temple building to get diverted to other vocations. However, this capacity building programme will help the artisans in getting their skills updated and consider the trade as a valuable livelihood option.”

Artisan from Balipatna on the city outskirts Galpik Pratihari, who was trained by Maharana, said: “I had received training from several master artisans. But, knowing the comparative knowledge on the traditional temple building style taught me many new things. We don’t have any liberty to experiment while working for conservation by the state archaeology. But here at the training session, there was a great scope to learn through experiments and innovations.”

The programme started on September 23 and was expected to be over on October 31. But, as many trainers and trainees failed to turn up following Phailin attack, the work could not progress much after October 12.

The three new temples will be officially unveiled on November 19.

An official of the Odisha State Archaeology said: “While the Rekha deula (temple) is 14-foot-7-inch tall, the Pidha deula is 10-foot-6-inch tall and the Khakara deula is 10-foot-3-inch tall. All the three temples are built according to the descriptions in the Shilpa Shastra.”

Superintending archaeologist of the State Archaeology B.P. Ray said: “The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project to train 39 artisans, who work on temple building and restoration of historic monuments.”

The evolution of the temple architecture and style is also available with various shrines on the premises of the Mukteswar temple.

“We have recreated it and make it happen near the headquarters of the culture department. We will install a board reading details of the temple styles before formally inaugurating the structures.”