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Questions and Answers
What is the pillared hall leading to the main shrine in a Hindu temple called?
What is the name of the tower above the Vimana in a Hindu temple?
Which style of Hindu temple architecture originated in North India?
What is the entrance tower of a Hindu temple called?
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What is the circumambulatory path around a Hindu temple called?
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Which mythical creature is often depicted as a guardian of the temple?
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What is the wheel of life, symbolizing the cycle of birth and death, called?
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What is the style of Hindu temple architecture characterized by a pyramidal tower and a square base?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Hindu Temple Architecture
- Mandapa: A pillared hall leading to the main shrine
- Vimana: The tower above the main shrine, often decorated with carvings
- Garbhagriha: The inner sanctum housing the deity
- Shikhara: The curved tower above the Vimana, symbolizing the mythical Mount Meru
Types of Hindu Temple Architecture
- Nagara style: Originated in North India, characterized by a curved Shikhara and a rectangular base
- Dravida style: Originated in South India, characterized by a pyramidal tower and a square base
- Vesara style: A fusion of Nagara and Dravida styles, found in Central India
Features of Hindu Temple Architecture
- Gopuram: The entrance tower, often decorated with carvings and sculptures
- Pradakshina patha: The circumambulatory path around the temple
- Kalyana mantapa: The marriage hall, often used for rituals and ceremonies
- Yali: A mythical creature, often depicted as a guardian of the temple
Regional Influences
- Orissa: Known for its Kalinga style, characterized by a rectangular base and a pyramidal tower
- Tamil Nadu: Known for its Dravida style, characterized by a pyramidal tower and a square base
- Gujarat: Known for its Solanki style, characterized by a curved Shikhara and intricate carvings
Symbolism and Iconography
- Deities: Often depicted in various forms and poses, symbolizing different aspects of Hinduism
- Makara: A mythical creature, often depicted as a guardian of the temple
- Yantras: Geometric symbols, often used in meditation and rituals
- Chakra: The wheel of life, symbolizing the cycle of birth and death
Hindu Temple Architecture
- A Hindu temple consists of several components, including a Mandapa (pillared hall), Vimana (tower above the main shrine), Garbhagriha (inner sanctum housing the deity), and Shikhara (curved tower symbolizing Mount Meru)
Types of Hindu Temple Architecture
- Nagara style originated in North India, characterized by a curved Shikhara and a rectangular base
- Dravida style originated in South India, characterized by a pyramidal tower and a square base
- Vesara style is a fusion of Nagara and Dravida styles, found in Central India
Features of Hindu Temple Architecture
- Gopuram is the entrance tower, often decorated with carvings and sculptures
- Pradakshina patha is the circumambulatory path around the temple, used for rituals and ceremonies
- Kalyana mantapa is the marriage hall, often used for rituals and ceremonies
- Yali is a mythical creature, often depicted as a guardian of the temple
Regional Influences
- Orissa is known for its Kalinga style, characterized by a rectangular base and a pyramidal tower
- Tamil Nadu is known for its Dravida style, characterized by a pyramidal tower and a square base
- Gujarat is known for its Solanki style, characterized by a curved Shikhara and intricate carvings
Symbolism and Iconography
- Deities are often depicted in various forms and poses, symbolizing different aspects of Hinduism
- Makara is a mythical creature, often depicted as a guardian of the temple
- Yantras are geometric symbols, often used in meditation and rituals
- Chakra is the wheel of life, symbolizing the cycle of birth and death
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Description
Explore the different components and styles of Hindu temple architecture, from the Mandapa to the Shikhara. Learn about the Nagara and Dravida styles and their distinctive features.
