Temple Architecture PDF

# Temple Architecture ## North Indian Nagara Style ### Nagara Style Features * Style of temple architecture that became popular in northern India * It is common in this style to build an entire temple on a stone platform with steps leading up to it. * The Nagara style has its origin in the struct...

# Temple Architecture ## North Indian Nagara Style ### Nagara Style Features * Style of temple architecture that became popular in northern India * It is common in this style to build an entire temple on a stone platform with steps leading up to it. * The Nagara style has its origin in the structural temples of the Gupta period (fifth century A.D. onwards) * Used stone such as Chlorite, sandstone and white marble. * Usually built on upraised platforms. ### Nagara Style Diagram An image of a north Indian Nagara style temple is shown. It is labelled with the following parts: * **Sikhara (tower)** * **Amalaka** * **Kalasha** * **Urushringa (Subsidiary sikhara)** * **Antarala (Vestibule)** * **Garba griha (Shrine, inside the sikhara)** * **Pradakshina (circumambulation)** * **Jagati (platform)** * **Adhisthana (base platform)** * **Transepts** * **Maha mandapa (Great hall)** * **Mandapa (Hall)** * **Ardha mandapa (Entrance porch)** ### Nagara Features #### Garbhagriha * It literally means 'womb-house' and is a cave like sanctum. * The Garbhagriha is made to house the main icon (main deity) which is itself the focus of much ritual attention. #### Mandapa * It is the entrance to the temple. * It may be a portico or colonnaded (series of columns placed at regular intervals) hall that incorporates space for a large number of worshippers. #### Shikhara or Vimana * They are mountain like spire of a free standing temple. * Shikhara is found in North Indian temples and Vimana is found in South Indian temples. * Shikhara has a curving shape while vimana has a pyramidal like structure. #### Amalaka * It is a stone(horizontal fluted) disc like structure at the top of the temple (usually seen in North Indian temple). #### Kalasha * On the top of Amalak, specrical shape was placed. (usually seen in North Indian temple) #### Antarala (vestibule) * Antarala is a transition area between the Garbhagriha and the temple's main hall (mandapa). #### Jagati * It is a raised platform for sitting and praying and is common in North Indian temples. #### Vahana * It is the mount or vehicle of the temple's main deity along with a ### Nagara Features Diagram The diagram of a Nagara style temple is shown. It is labelled with the following parts: * **Shikhar (Spire)** * **Uru-shikar (Half spire)** * **Garbha-griha (Sanctum sanctorum)** * **Antaral (Vestibule)** * **Kalash (Symbolic water pot)** * **Amalak (Pure essence)** * **Maha-mandap (Larger assembly hall)** * **Mandap (Assembly hall)** * **Ardh-mandap (Entrance porch)** * **Pradakshina (Ambulatory)** * **Jangha (Walls)** * **Balconied windows** * **Jagati (Platform)** * **Entrance steps** ### Types of Shikhara There are of three types Shikharas: #### Rekha Prasad / Latina * It is the simple and most common type of shikhara. * Square at the base and the walls curve inward to a point on the top. * The top is called 'latina' or the rekha-Prasad type of Shikhara * Latina types are mainly used for housing the garbhagriha #### Phamsana * They tend to have broader base and shorter in height than latina buildings. * Their roofs are composed of several slabs that gently rise to a single point over the center of building. * They slope upwards on a straight incline. * Phamsana roofs do not curve inwards. * In many North Indian temples Phamsana was used for mandapa. #### Valabhi * Rectangular building with a roof that rises into a vaulted chamber. * The edge of the vaulted chamber is round, like the bamboo or wooden wagons that would have been drawn by bullocks in ancient times. * The form of this temple is influenced by ancient building forms that were already in existence. * They are usually known as wagon vaulted buildings ## Schools of Nagara Style Three sub schools developed under Nagara style: ### Odisha School: Features * The deul(rekhadeuls), corresponding to the southern vimana, is the cubical inner apartment which enshrines the image, and is surmounted by a tower. * In front of this is the antarala or porch called the jaganmohan which is usually square-shaped and has a pyramidal roof. * In some cases one or two more mandapas found, such as the natmandir and the bhogmandir, can be found in front of the jaganmohan * Exterior walls are lavishly decorated through intricate cravings but interior walls are plain * No use of pillars- Instead of pillars, iron gridders were used, to support roof. ### Odisha School Diagram An image of a temple in the Odisha school style is shown. It is labelled with the following parts: * **Deul** * **Jaga-Mohan** * **Bhog Mandir** * **Nat-Mandir** * Examples: The Lingaraja temple at Bhubaneswar (11th century), the Jagannath Temple at Puri (12th century) and the great Sun Temple at Konark (13th century) ### Khujuraho/Chandel school * Khajuraho's temples are known for their extensive erotic(drew inspiration from Vatsyayana's Kamasutra.) sculptures * Patronized by Chandela kings of Bundelkhand (10th and 11th century). ### Khujuraho/Chandel school Diagram An image of a temple in the Khujuraho/Chandel school style is show. It is labelled with the following parts: * **Amalaka** * **Inner sanctum (garbhagrha)** * **Secondary tower (urushringa)** * **Vestibule (antarala)** * **Base Platform (adhishthana)** * **Great Hall (mahamandapa)** * **Hall (mandapa)** * **Entrance Porch (ardhamandapa)** #### Khujuraho/Chandel school Features * The temples had three chambers – garbhagriha, mandapa and ardha -mandapa. Some temples had a vestibular entrance to the garbhagriha known as antarala. * In these temples, both the interior and exterior walls were lavishly decorated with carvings. * The temples were made of sandstone. * The temples were generally north or east facing. * The temples were built on relatively high platform. * Panchayatan style of temple making was followed. Even the subsidiary shrines had rekja-prasad shikharas. This created an impression of a mountain range. * Example: Kandariya Mahadeva temple, Lakshman temple at Khajuraho, etc. ### Solanki school * In the north-western parts of India including Gujarat and Rajasthan, this school developed under the patronage of the Solanki rulers. #### Solanki school Features * The garbhagriha is connected with the mandapa both internally as well as externally. * The porticos have decorative arched gateways known as torans. * A unique feature of this school is the presence of step-tank, known as surya-kund in the proximity of the temple. * The steps of the tank are full of small temples. There are wooden carvings present in these temples. * The Solankis used a variety of material to make temples including sandstone, black basal and soft-marble. * Most of the temples are east-facing and designed such that every year, during the equinoxes, the sun-rays fall directly into the central shrine. * Example: The temple at Sunak (10th century), Sun temple at Modhera (11th century), the Vemala Temple at Mount Abu (11th century) and the Somnath Temple at Kathiawar (12th century) # South India or Dravidian Architecture ## Dravidian Style * Developed in South, during the Chola Empire, between 9th-12th Century AD * The majority of the existing buildings are located in the Southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka * Unlike the nagara temple, the dravida temple is enclosed within a compound wall. * There is only one Vimana in the Dravidian architecture on top of the main temple. The subsidiary shrines do not have vimanas, unlike in Nagara architecture. ### Dravidian Style Diagram An image of a Dravidian style temple is shown. It is labelled with the following parts: * **Gopuram** * **Mandapa** * **Shikhara** * **Garbhagriha** * **Vimana** ### Dravidian Style Diagram An image of a layout of a Dravidian style temple is shown. It is labelled with the following parts: * **Garbhagriha** * **Antharala** * **Mandapa** * **Gopuram** #### Dravidian Style Features * The front wall had a high entrance gateway known as the gopuram. * Vimana: were multiple storeys built above the garbhagriha (chief diety's room). Number of storeys varied from 5-7. * The crowning element is shaped in the form of an octagon and is known as shikhara( It is similar to the kalash of the Nagara temple, but not spherical). * Mandapa: a pillared hall with elaborately carved pillars and a flat roof was placed before the diety's room. It acted as an audience hall which featured ceremonial dances too . * The assembly hall was connected with the garbhagriha by a vestibular tunnel known as antarala. * The temple premise was laid out in the panchayatan style with a principal temple and four subsidiary shrines. * The entrance of the garbhagriha had sculptures of Dwaarapalas, mithun and yakshas. * The presence of a water tank inside the temple enclosure was a unique feature of the Dravidian style. * Examples: Shore temple at Mahabalipuram, Kailasanatha temple at Kanchi, Brihadeswara temple at Tanjore, Gangaikondacholapuram temple etc. ## Dravidian Style: Parts of Temple * A temple consisted of -- Vimanas, Gopurams, Mantapams and Chaultries. #### Vimana * It is the structure over the garbhagriha or inner sanctum in the Hindu temples of South India and Odisha in East India #### Mandapam * A vast gateway, which led to different parts of the temple with pillars the length of its path, was known as the Mandapam-the porch. #### Gopuram * A Gopuram or gopura is a monumental entrance tower, usually ornate, at the entrance. #### Gopuram * A gopuram is usually a tapering oblong in form with ground-level wooden doors, often richly decorated, providing access. #### Choultry * Choultry is a resting place for travelers, visitors to a site, typically linked to Buddhist, Jain and Hindu temples. #### Choultry * In Southern India five kingdoms and empires stamped their influence on architecture during different times. ## Dravidian Style * The Dravidian style/ Southern style of architecture can be classified into the following periods * 1. Pallavan Style 600AD – 900AD * 2. Chola Style 900AD – 1150AD * 3. Pandya Style 1100AD – 1350AD * 4. Vijayanagara Style 1350AD – 1565AD * 5. Nayak/Madura Style 1600 AD onwards ## Dravidian Style: Pallava * 1. Pallavan Style :600AD – 900AD * The early buildings of Pallavas were rock-cut(7th century AD); while the later ones were structural (built in 8th and 9th century AD). * The lasting monolithic temples known as rathas and mandapas provide superb skill of sculptors of Pallava period. * Examples: Mahendravarman : Mandagapattu rock cut temple. Rajsimha (Mammalla): Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram, Shore Temple Mahabalipuram. ## Dravidian Style: Evolution of Pallavan Order An image showing the evolution of the Pallavan order is present * Palagai- wide abacus * Idaie- lotus form * Kumba- melon capital * Tadi- refined necking * Kalasa- Inverted lotus * Simha- lion * Introduction of Lion as an element. It symbolized the ruling dynasty - Simhavishnu ## Dravidian Style: Pallava ### Rathas and Mantapas * RATHAS are small shrines carved out of a monolithic rock. * Generally Ratha is known as chariot used for carrying the image of the deity during religious procession. * But here in pallava style it commonly refers to a monolithic shrine which has all the essential features of a temple including domed storey to shikhara. * Mahaballipuram has the preminent rathas. #### Draupadi Ratha: * Smallest among the group dedicated to Durga. #### Arjuna Ratha: * Simplest and the most finished * Stepped pyramid structure decorate with Kudus. * High relief sculptures on external walls between pilasters #### Bhima Ratha: * Reproduces the Chaitya mode. * The structure is 2 stories high. * The front portico consists of 4 columns. #### Sahadeva Nakula Ratha: * The Ratha is based on 'Chaitya Hall' of Buddhist temple * It is apsidal end on the south side and double pillared portico on the north side. * The roof is elaborately carved. #### Dharmaraja Ratha: * Largest of the 5 rathas. * Dedicated to Shiva. * Consists of 3 stories. * It is a large scale version of Arjuna Ratha with a larger no. of miniature edifices carved in the roof. #### Ganesh Ratha: * Dedicated to Shiva. Lion ornamenting a pier in the facade. * Consists of 3 stories. * Turreted roof. ## Dravidian Style: Chola * 2. Chola Style: 900AD – 1150AD * The temples pyramidal multi-storeyed Vimana rises a massive seventy metres, topped by a monolithic shikhara, and the kalasha on top by itself is about three metres and eight centimetres in height. * The main deity of the temple is Shiva, who is shown as a huge lingam set in a two storeyed sanctum. * Example: Brihadeswara temple at Tanjore(built by Rajaraja I in 1011A.D) ## Dravidian Style: Pandya * 3. Pandya Style: 1100AD – 1350AD * Pandya architecture includes both rock-cut and structural temples. * The early rock-cut temples have monolithic vimanas. * The structural ones are small stone temples and have all the features of bigger temples i.e. vimana, mandapa and sikhara. * Pandya rulers mainly concentrated on building gopurams or monumental entrances for existing temples. * Examples: Gopuram of Thillainatraja temple, Srivilliputturandal temple etc. and Groups of small temples are to be seen at Tiruchirapalli district of Tamil Nadu. ## Dravidian Style: Vijayanagar * 4. Vijayanagara Style :1350AD – 1565AD * Created their own architecture style named Provida style which plays a lot of emphasis on piers and pillars. * Built of hard stone, the temples are large structures with spacious Mandapas and lofty Gopurams * Exquisitely carved pillars and the massive solid granite rathas with three huge wheels in the open courtyard with exceptional carvings and murals both within and on the outer walls. * Inscribed stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata on the walls of the various temples. * Depiction of animal like horses and elephants on the walls were common figures. * Example:Vittala-swamy temple and Hazara temples at Hampi, Tadapatri and Parvati temples at Chidambaram, Varadraja and Ekambarnatha temples at Kanchipuram etc. # Vesara Style * The Vesara or hybrid style of temple architecture combines the Nagara and Dravida styles. * It is found in the Deccan region. * A typical example is the Hoysala Temple with its multiple shrines and remarkable ornate carving. * The buildings in the Deccan region are hybridized style, which contain both elements from nagara and Dravidan architectural styles and is known in some ancient texts as the Vesara style (not all temples of Deccan are Vesara type). * The vesara style became popular after the mid 7th century. ## Vesara Style ### Chalukyas #### Ravan Phadi cave, Aihole, Karnataka: * The Ravan Phadi cave at Aihole is an example of the early Chalukya style which is known for its distinct sculptural style. * One of the most important sculptures at the site is of Nataraja, surrounded by a large depiction of saptamatrikas: three to Shiva's left and four to his right. #### Lad Khan Temple at Aihole, Karnataka * The temple is dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest Hindu temples. * Built in the 5th century by the Kings of the Chalukya Dynasty. * It seems to be inspired by the wooden - roofed temples of the hills except that it is constructed out of stone. * The temple is named after a person named Lad Khan, who turned this temple into his residence for a short period. ### Temples at Pattadakkal, Karnataka: * There are ten temples at Pattadakkal including a Jain temple and is a UNESCO world Heritage Site. * A fusion of various architectural styles can be seen here. * Out of ten temples, four are in dravida style, four are in nagara style and one is Jain temple, while the Papanatha Temple is built in a fusion of both nagara and Dravida styles. * The Jain temple (Jain Narayana temple) was built by Rashtrakutas in the 9th century. * The Virupaksha temple at Pattadakkal is also known as Sri-Lokeswar-Maha-Sila-Prasad, was built by Loka Mahadevi, the Queen of the Chalukya king Vikramaditya II (733-44). * It was probably built around 740 CE to commemorate her husband's victory over the Pallavas of Kanchipuram. * It closely resembles the Kailasnath temple at Kanchipuram on plan and elevation. * It represents a fully developed and perfect stage of the dravida architecture. ## Vesara Style ### Rashtrakutas: * By about 750 CE, the early western Chalukya control of the Deccan was taken by the Rashtrakutas. * Their greatest achievement in architecture is the Kailasnath Temple at Ellora. * The Jain temple at Pattadakkal was also built by Rashtrakutas. * Hoyasalas. ### Vijayanagara: * The Vijayanagara Empire, which was founded in the 14th century, attracted a number of international travellers such as the Italian, Nicoclo di Conti, the Portuguese Domingo Paes, Fernao Nuniz and Duarte Barbosa and the Afghan Abd, al- Razzaq, who have left vivid accounts of the city. * Architecturally, Vijayanagara synthesizes the centuries old dravida temple architecture with Islamic styles demonstrated by the neighbouring Sultanates. ## Difference Between Dravida, Nagara, and Vesara Style A table comparing the three styles of temple architecture is shown: | Aspect | Dravida Style | Nagara Style | Vesara Style | |---|---|---|---| | Region | Southern India | Northern India | Synthesis of Dravida and Nagara styles | | Vimana (Tower) | Pyramidal with multiple storeys | Curvilinear or beehive-shaped with pointed apex | Combination of features from Dravida and Nagara | | Mandapa | Often includes a pillared hall | May have a flat roof or simple pyramidal form | Reflects a mix of regional architectural elements | | Entrance | Typically single, facing east | Multiple entrances, often with elaborate gateways | - | | Examples | Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, Meenakshi Temple in Madurai | Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho, Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar | Hoysala temples like Chennakesava Temple in Belur, Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu | | Characteristics | Towers narrows as it rises | Towers often intricately carved | Exhibits a harmonious fusion of Dravida and Nagara styles | | Period of Prevalence | Primarily during the Chola dynasty and subsequent periods | Predominant during the early medieval period | Prominent during the Hoysala dynasty and beyond |