Panchromaatteja

Panchromatteja is a historical architectural term that describes a style of temple construction prevalent in India during the 18th to 19th centuries. The name "Panchramatteja" translates to "five-colored gateway" in Sanskrit, referring to the colorful depictions of the goddess Durga that adorn the entrance of these temples.

Characteristics of Panchromatteja architecture include intricately carved stone facades, typically in red or pink sandstone, with ornaments and motifs derived from Hindu and Jain mythology. The temples often feature multiple shrines, pillared courtyards, and a stepped entrance leading to the main sanctum sanctorum. The elaborate architectural details and deities depicted in sculptures are an integral aspect of this style.

Panchromatteja temples typically feature depictions of various Hindu deities, such as Shiva, Ganesha, and Kali, alongside subordinate deities and mythological creatures. Prime examples of this style can be found in southwestern India, particularly in the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Several significant Panchromatteja temples have survived the passage of time, with notable instances located in the cities of Mysore and Mangaluru.

As the Panchromatteja style merged with other regional architectural traditions, many of its specific characteristics faded from prominence. The temples were initially intended as tributes to Deity Durga Kali, but over time they lost much of their original identity and adaptations, primarily due to the continuous changes in ethnicity and culture of the worshiping people.

In contemporary times, a dedicated effort has been made to preserve and respect these sculpted masterpieces in all their precise loveliness, continually attempting to restore and reinvigorate lost cultural causes.