The temple exteriors are known for its rich and detailed carving. Such carving is seen on the plinths of the temples and on the body of the main temple tower. A major portion of the plinth of the main shrine lies buried in the ground. However the portion that is visible has three mouldings, which are richly carved. It has designs of inverted leaves and has dotted borders. Other designs include the Kirita pattern, figures of royal personnel, floral and vine designs and other types of scroll work. The sculpted friezes depict procession of various animals, mainly war-animals, which are interspersed with processions of foot soldiers. Here the generals are shown sitting on palanquins and giving directions to his men. There is a sculptured panel which depicts episodes from Gopalila of the Bhagavata Purana. Seated figures of eight Dikpalas (guardian deities), and seated Acharyas (teachers) are shown teaching their pupils and disciples. The recesses have different types of figures of lion-on-elephant and lion with an elephant trunk. The standing figures ... More

The temple exteriors are known for its rich and detailed carving. Such carving is seen on the plinths of the temples and on the body of the main temple tower. A major portion of the plinth of the main shrine lies buried in the ground. However the portion that is visible has three mouldings, which are richly carved. It has designs of inverted leaves and has dotted borders. Other designs include the Kirita pattern, figures of royal personnel, floral and vine designs and other types of scroll work. The sculpted friezes depict procession of various animals, mainly war-animals, which are interspersed with processions of foot soldiers. Here the generals are shown sitting on palanquins and giving directions to his men. There is a sculptured panel which depicts episodes from Gopalila of the Bhagavata Purana. Seated figures of eight Dikpalas (guardian deities), and seated Acharyas (teachers) are shown teaching their pupils and disciples. The recesses have different types of figures of lion-on-elephant and lion with an elephant trunk. The standing figures of 16 Kanyas (maidens) in different postures are quite beautiful. All the sixteen are shown in the sixteen postures as prescribed in Silpaprakasa, an architectural text of Odisha. There are carvings of miniature temples which contain various deities, belonging mainly to the Vaisnavite sect. The ten incarnations of Vishnu, are almost equal in size. These images are made of chlorite and are very exquisitely carved. While Varaha is depicted holding the goddess earth in his raised left arm and a club in his right hand, Narasimha is depicted in a ferocious form, taking out the entrails of Hiranyakasipu, the demon king. The image of Vamana, shows one of His feet set firmly on the ground, while the other stretches upwards. These three images have ornamental designs of three rounded clover leaf-like lobes in the background. There is a depiction of Krishna's entire life-story in the Bhogmandap which quite striking.