Orissa is a land of temples. The concentration of the largest number of temples all over the state has made it a centre of unique attraction for scholars, Indologists, tourists and others. Out of the five different types of architecture, that is: devotional, memorial, civil, military and domestic, we mainly come across the devotional type of architecture in Orissa. Others have disappeared with the ravages of time and power.

Orissa is a land of temples. The concentration of the largest number of temples all over the state has made it a centre of unique attraction for scholars, Indologists, tourists and others. Out of the five different types of architecture, that is: devotional, memorial, civil, military and domestic, we mainly come across the devotional type of architecture in Orissa. Others have disappeared with the ravages of time and power.

The recent natural calamities (earthquakes, tsunamis and cyclones) in Pakistan, Indonesia, the coastal belts of Sri Lanka and India and earlier in Gujarat and in Orissa have left hundreds of thousands dead and homeless. Many of these people are yet to put their lives and properties together.

The sleepy town of Khajuraho is home to some of the finest examples of Hindu temple construction. Among the many temples that exist, most have been deserted. Hence Khajuraho is not a religious pilgrimage; rather it serves as a magnet for tourists from all over the world. And graceful silhouettes that exceeds any preceding examples. But the most distinctive feature of the silhouette of a Khajuraho temple is without doubt its distinctive shikhara.

The traditional Indian architecture is extremely simple and straightforward. The simple techniques of construction were utilized to build some of the glorious and magnificent buildings that have withstood the test of time. Structural elements like columns and beams were carefully integrated within the buildings to meet the needs of religious and cultural traditions.

Etymologically the term temple is derived from the Latin word 'Tempulum' which in its original sense means a square or a rectangular place marked out by the augur for the purpose of worship. In its primitive sense this word corresponds to a place marked off as sacred to a God, in which the house of God may be erected. The shrine or the abode of the God has different nomenclatures. In ancient Sastras or literature the temple is referred as Devagriha, Devalay, Devakula, etc.