"Comprehensive Guide to Indian Temple Architecture"

"Discover the rich heritage of Indian Temple Architecture through this in-depth presentation. Tracing over 2,000 years of architectural evolution, this work highlights the spiritual and artistic brilliance of Indian temples, shaped by religious philosophies and cultural diversity. It explores the three major architectural styles classified by the Vastu Shastras:

Nagara Style of North India, with prominent examples like the Khajuraho Group of Temples and the Sun Temple at Konark.

Dravida Style of South India, featuring landmarks like the temples of Tanjore, Madurai, and Mahabalipuram.

Vesara Style, a blend of Nagara and Dravida influences.


The presentation also examines the intricate temple elements, from the garbha-griha (sanctum) and vimana (tower) to mandapas, gopurams (grand gateways), and pradakshina paths. Key highlights include the architectural masterpieces of the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple and the iconic Panchayatana Temple structure.

This resource is ideal for students, architects, historians, and anyone intrigued by India's architectural marvels and cultural legacy. Gain insights into the artistry, symbolism, and regional distinctions that make Indian temples unique in the world."
"Explore the fascinating evolution of Indian Temple Architecture in this comprehensive presentation. Covering over two millennia of history, it delves into the distinct architectural styles of North and South India, influenced by geographical, cultural, and historical factors. Learn about the Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara styles, iconic temples like those of Khajuraho and Mahabalipuram, and intricate features such as the gopurams, shikharas, and garbha-griha. Perfect for enthusiasts of architecture, history, and cultural heritage!"

1. Indian Temple Presented by: Ar. Hiba Gul

2. INDIAN TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE

3. Temple Architecture of India The Hindu temple architecture developed over two thousand years. The architectural evolution of the indian temples took place within the rigid frameworks derived entirely from religious thoughtfulness. Therefore the architect was bound to keep to the ancient primary dimensions and strict configurations, which remained unaltered over the period of time.

4. The architect and sculptor were given a plenty of freedom in the ornamentation and decoration of the temples. This resulted in an overwhelming riches of architectural elements, sculptural forms and decorative ebullience that is the characteristic feature of Indian temple architecture has few analogues in the aesthetic manifestation of the whole world.

5. The distinct architectural styles of temple construction of the north India and the south India was the result of the broad geographical, climatic, ethnic, racial, historical and linguistic differences resulted, from early on, in. The Vastu Shastras, the ancient canonical texts on architecture, classify temples into three different orders: the Nagara or the Indo-Aryan or Northern style , the Dravida or the Southern style and the Vesara or Mixed style of temple architecture . There are also definite regional styles in peripheral areas like Bengal, Kerala and the Himalayan areas.

6. In the early years, when the temple building had just begun, the shape of their superstructures can distinguish the two styles. The most significant difference between the later northern and southern styles are the gateways . The shikhara in the north Indian temples remained the most prominent component of the temple and the gateway was ordinarily unassuming. In the south Indian temples, the enclosure walls were built around the whole complex. Elaborate and often magnificent gateways called gopurams were ideally set along the east-west and north-south ax es of these walls, which led the devotees into the sacred courtyard .

7. Examples The best examples of the north Indian style of temple architecture are the Khajuraho Group of temples Sun temple, Konark, Surya templ e The finest examples of Dravidian style are temples of Tanjore , Madurai , Mahabalipuram , Badami, Pattadakal Kanchipuram .

8. Parts of a Hindu temple Garbha-griha , which contains the main deity of the temple. It has a tower called a vimana over it. The ardha-mandapa and maha-mandapa are in front of the garbha-griha (inner sanctum). The gopurams are entrance towers. The veranda next to the inside walls of the pradakshina path. Tanks and wells, which are either sacred or for bathing purposes. Subsidiary deities and shrines dedicated to minor gods.

9. North-Central Indian temples of Khajuraho The temples at Khajuraho, built by the Chandella rulers at the pinnacle of the Nagari architectural style. 900 AD to 1100 AD The Nagari style has several distinct features, all of which are clearly manifested in the temples at Khajuraho.

10. Panchayantana Temple Five shrined complex – Main shrine at the centre and four subsidiary shrines on the four corners of the large platform.

11. Architectural Features -Khajuraho 1000 AD High terraces Flight of steps – 10 to 12 ft Unity of composition Cella, mandapa and the entrance vestibule are the parts of a harmonious whole Shikharas – Architectural ma s terpieces Vertical axis Top piece – Amalaka or capstone in perfect rhythm with the curvilinear outline of the shikhara Kalasa on top

12. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho

13. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho Largest and loftiest in the Khajuraho group 109t X 60ft Height of it shikhara is 116ft 6 inches Mandapa size – 25 ft X 25 ft No enclosure walls Erected on platform (Jagatis) which are large enough to perform pradhakshina Garbhagriha, antharala, mahamandapa, mandapa and arthamandapa present