1/8/2015Architecture Temple's in India Architecture Temple's in India Architecture Temple's in India As man began to fear and respect the forces of nature, he started worshipping them. Man personified these forces and thus the concept of God took form in his mind. The Gods in their human form came to be housed as idols in structures called the temples. Temples in India have a few thousand years of history behind them.With time the temple architecture has evolved with time and with every passing age they underwent chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.html gradual changes in their structure & form . They went about differing in 1/30 1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India time and with every passing age they underwent gradual changes in their structure & form . They went about differing in size, style and in their construction material, depending upon their geographical location and the resources available. In the early part of the Vedic era there is no clear mention of temples. All worship and rituals were carried out before the holy fire called the 'yagna'. However, in the later period of the Vedas, along with the ceremonial fire, idol worship also began to be practised. These idols were housed in very elementary dwellings .(The very first temples may have been simple earth mounds, later substituted by brickwork with grass roofs). With time, the inhabitants of the subcontinent learned the use of different tools and the science art of constructing temples started to become more and more complex. Towards the later stages of the Iron Age, people learned to chisel out temples from carving the stone existing right within the mountains and these took the form of cave temples. Later on, technology and science brought in more sophistication and temples were made using to more detailed designs (and based on certain empirical formulae). The materials used in construction quite naturally differed according to the location and resources available. Temples in the Indian subcontinent were traditionally Hindu, Jain or Buddhist. (with In the medieval , post-medieval periods there were additions by religions such as the Sikhism (notably at the Golden Temple at Amritsar), the Zorastranism Parsi (the Sun Temples), and the Bahai (the Lotus Temple at Delhi) etc, and others. Classifcation of Hindu temples: takes place mainly on the basis of their shikhara (superstructure) shape and their plan. The basic classification was as under: chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.html 2/30 1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Nagara These temples evolved mainly in northern India and were distinguishable from their conical / bee hive shape. The ‘nagara’ later developed several substyles like latina (single main curvilinear spire crowned with a ribbed ring called the amalasaraka. If the shikhara is rectilinear it is called phamasana ),sekhari (smaller spires surrounding the main spire),bhumija (central projection tapering to the top on all four faces decorated with rows of miniature spires) etc. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.html 3/30 1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Dravida These temples evolved in the south and the superstructures were mainly pavilions arranged in layers (tiers) creating a pyramidal shape. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. The shikharas were ornate with several elements / niches. These temples were earmarked usually by high gateways called Gopurams.html 4/30 . chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.India as Nagara style can also be seen in the south like Pattadakal in Karnataka and Dravida can be seen right upto Madhya Pradesh.India and Dravida in S.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Note:It is still unclear that Nagara style was developed in N.html 5/30 . Features of a typical Hindu temple: Shikhara/Vimana: It s the superstructure above the sanctum. In Dravida architecture it can be ek tala.tri tala (one tier.three tier). chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.two tier.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Vesara These temples were a cross between Nagara and Dravida and came to be seen in the Deccan region.html 6/30 .dwi tala. mainly Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. a part of the entablature(prastara/varandika). Kuta (square) . It is believed to act as a antenna communicating between the mortal and the spiritual worlds. Hara was the parapet around the shikhara. Sala (rectangular) . Kalasa/stupi is the pointed finial at the pinnacle of the superstructure.Nasi in a Dravida shikhara is a spade/leaf shaped decorative frame with a deity engraved on it.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India (one tier.Panjara were the miniature shrines(aedicules) on the shikhara (mainly in south Indian shikharas). Sringa are the spires. They are further classified as the mulasringa / ghumat (main spire. sometimes bulbous in shape) and the urahsringa or secondary spires around the main spire. Amalasaraka is a grooved capstone base for the finial resting on the griva (neck) of the shikhara. Kapotas are the cornice .two tier. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. The Harantara being its primary elements. Vimana is the upper temple.three tier).html 7/30 . whereby the garbhagriha acts as the womb and where the central idols (the embryo) are located. Dhwaja was the sacred flag a part of the temple iconography. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. Garbhagriha/gabhara is the sanctum sanctorum analogous to the embryo inside the womb . In Shaivite temples the gabhara is the house of the Lingum or the phallic representation of Lord Shiva (some consider it an representation of an atom).html 8/30 .1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Gavaksha are the opaque windows with a shoe arch /spade shaped roof on shikhara and gabhara symbolizing the eyes of the lord that see the outside world. They are the Nagara counterparts of the Nasis in the Dravida style. html 9/30 . hence the name Gomukhi.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Ganesh patti Lord Ganesha holds the place in hindu scriptures as the first God to be worshipped and hence his engraving is generally present on the frame of the doorway of the sanctum.It is generally like the face of a cow. Gomukhi pranala cowhead shaped(gargoyle)-spout is a vent given on the external wall of the temple to drain out water and other liquids offered at the sanctum of the temple. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.The Ganesha also represents auspiciousnes and general well being and the devotee pays his respect to this god before stepping inside the sanctum. carvings (of Deva/gods. In Shaivite temples. Nandi was a holy bull and the carrier/vehicle of lord Shiva).html 10/30 .. motifs (floral etc). supported by carved pillars . Sabhamandpa / Mahamandapa is the square/rectangular assembly hall. experiencing the tranquility and his oneness with God ( after offering his obesience in the sanctum). etc.Devi/goddeses. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.Sapta/Ashta matrikas (the main Gods in the feminine form of mother Godesses) SurasundarisApasaras/celestial dancers. The sabhamandap is also used to hold meetings. Gandharva-Yaksha/demi gods etc). intricately sculpted with display of idols. This is the place where the devotee remains seated in a meditative pose. It generally has carved floral ceiling. pilasters. one inadvertently finds a Nandi idol (As per Hindu mythology. for cultural events etc.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Antarala is the vestibule of the temple separating the garbhagriha from the sabhamandapa. The central portion of the pillars i. animals .dancers on the keertimukh etc. Nandimandapa Some Shaivite temples have a separate housing for the idol of Nandi . Mandovara/ Jangha / Pada are the walls of the chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India The pillars in the sabhamandapa are also layered.e the malasthana has carved images of either deities.html temple joining the entablature with the socle and the plinth. They are either square faced or bell type. outside the sabhamandapa and is called the Nandimandapa.The inner 11/30 . Ardha mandapa is the portico after the sabhamandapa and holds the entrance to the temple. Vedibandha is the socle that holds the temple walls. It was a latter addition in the temple elements. Deepasthambha/deepamala is a stone lamp pillar that gets illuminated mainly during festivities. Narpatt / Narathara (panel with human carvings) etc. Generally it is composed of layers with different figurines of celestial dancers.Its base is called the Adisthana. praying to the Gods from all directions. goes around it with folded hands.The inner and the outer wall have devkoshta or aedicules/niched windows where idols of deities are placed. which is a part of a hindu ritual whereby the devotee before and after praying at the sanctum. Pitha / Adisthana It is a plinth that forms the foundation base for the temple structure.html 12/30 . Pradakshinapatha is the circumambulatory pathway around the gabhara. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.It is the lower part of the socle.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Mandovara/ Jangha / Pada are the walls of the temple joining the entablature with the socle and the plinth. The vedibandha is often divided in layers like Gajpatt / Gajathara (panel with elephant carvings). elephants etc carved on each layer. Shilalekhs are inscriptions carved in stone mentioning the patron of the temple.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Gopuram is found in Dravida architecture and is a ornate tower with vertically arranged rows of niches that acts as a gateway leading one inside the temple courtyard. date of construction and related information. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.html 13/30 . 1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Jaali is a latticed window on the temple wall. water reservoirs (jalakunda) are also essentials of a temple where a devotee cleanses himself before the rituals or uses its water during the pooja / rituals. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. The temple walls/pillars also display carvings /sculptures of other Gods . Dwarpala are engraved idols of the celestial guards generally found flanking the main doors. The Water Wells (vihir/hauda ).lintels and freizes.Godesses and other celestial beings.html 14/30 . pillars. Often sculptures depicting stories from Hindu mythology and epics Mahabharata and Ramayana are found engraved on the walls. html 15/30 . half bird. The carvings/iconography in hindu temples is particularly interesting.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Makar torana is the design on the doorstep of the temple.g Shiva temples are conspicuous of the presence of Sharabha (half beast. e. said to be an incarnation of Shiva) carvings chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. There is also a presence of a Tulsivrindavan or a mud /stone enclosure for the sacred basil plant (tulsi). Veergals (hero stones in the memory of the dead local warriors mostly found in the Deccan temples) in the courtyard etc. the tortoise (Vishnu in his 'kurma' tortoise incarnation or its significance may be that just as a tortoise withdraws its head and limbs inwards.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India or the Gandabherunda (a two headed bird.html 16/30 .Gaja (elephant). said to be an incarnation of Vishnu). the Vyaal (tiger). Some peculiar temple styles in India: chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. similarly a devotee withdraws his senses from the material world and concentrates on the Lord )on the sabhamandap floor. The Chalukyan dynasty rose again in the 11th century in northern Karnataka and southern Maharashtra and replicated the excellent artwork of their predecessors in places like Dharwad.Lakkundi.Gadag. Their distinguishable characteristics were primarily their stellate and stepped plans.Itagi.Dambal.Kolhapur etc.html 17/30 . the Hoysalas. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Chalukyan The Chalukya dynasty came to rule about parts of Karnataka from their capital at Badami sometime in the 5th century. Their reign continued for a three to four hundred years and witnessed a flourish in temple architecture. the Kadambas etc.Some of the Chalukyan temples are today UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These styles later influenced the temple forms of the Vijayanagara kings.Haveri. Their rock cut cave temples and exquisite sculptures at Badami are as much a spectacular delight as their intricately carved temples at Aihole and Pattadakal. html 18/30 . Tambdi Surla-Goa etc. Degaon-Kittur. Their temples can be seen at Banvasi.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Hoysala This dynasty came about in the 11th century and ruled in the regions in and around Mysore in Karnataka. Vijayanagara These kings of this region created a vast empire at Hampi.Ankola.Somnathpura. at Belur. They patronized a very rich culture of temples and their most prominent feature was their stepped pyramidal shikhara which became well known as the Kadamba shikhara.Halebidu. They left behind their imprints in the form of their vast temple trove viz.Kolar. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. Their golden reign translated into the most beautiful temple architecture at the internationally renowned Hampi and other regions of Karnataka like Bhatkal.Karnataka in the 15th century.The intricacy of their craftsmenhip was truly astounding and is a visual treat for generations to come. Kadamba This dynasty ruled northern Karnataka and Goa in the 4th century.Koppal etc. Amrutpura etc. html 19/30 .1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Pallava This dynasty ruled at Kanchi in Tamil Nadu. Chola This was a old dynasty and probably the longest surviving that ruled the Tamil landsright upto the 13th century. Thanjavur etc. Their temples at Mahabalipuram (Shore temple) . Gangakondaicholapuram . in the southern peninsula of India. Their colonial extensions made it possible for the Dravida temple architectural styles to reach the shores of south east Asia. Their temples exist in Darasuram. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. Kanchipuram are a tourist delight. html 20/30 . chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. Thus Maru Gurjara style symbolizes the synthesis in architecture of these two regions and characterized by Rajasthani architectural elements like Jaali (latticed window) .Bowdi (stepped well) etc . Puri are examples of this style and were patronized by dynasties like the Eastern Gangas etc. The world famous temples of Konark. Chatri (umbrella/dome pavilions). e. Dilwara temple etc.g Somnath temple. Marudesh was the ancient name of Rajasthan while Gurjaratra was the name of Gujrat. Maru Gurjara This style evolved in the region of Gujrat and Rajputana.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Kalinga This style evolved in the present day states of Orissa and northern Andhra Pradesh.Jharoka (overhanging turret like balcony element). famous for their temple erotica. This style is evident in the present day north eastern states of Bengal. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.Assam etc. Chandela This 10th century dynasty ruled parts of central India and gave rise to the awe inspiring temples at Khajuraho (UNESCO World Heritage site) in Madhya Pradesh.html 21/30 . Bengal and Assam terracotta temples These temples are distinguished by their use of terracotta and unique shapes (curved roofs) in the contruction of their temples. The 4th century Guptas and their successors patronized this style.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Sekhari This style developed in northern India and was distinctive by its shikhara structure which comprise of a central mulasringa / curvilinear latina spire with rows of minor spires/urahsringa around it. Goa The Goan temples are unique in their appearance .html 22/30 . chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.Shantadurga temples etc. Fine examples being Mangueshi.Mahalaxmi.multi tiered brass lamps etc. They are a fusion of Indian and the Portuguese styles.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India The Dakshineshwar temple near Kolkata is an fine example of this style . Kerala temple architecture is conspicuous by their roofed (slanting and pointed/conical) shikharas and skeletal wooden structure (similar to those found in Himalayan regions and South asia). besides temple sets at Bishnupur etc. Karla at Lonavala and the Pandavleni cave temples cave temples at Nasik.Bedse.html 23/30 . They range right from the internationally renowned rock cut Ajanta – Ellora caves to Buddhist cave temples like the ones in Bhaja.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Maharashtra also has a rich culture of a variety of temple forms . Aurangabad caves. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. from the Satavahanas(Junnar) . One of the early traditional forms of temple architecture was the Bhumija style. the Yadavas(Gondeshwar temple) to the Marathas and the Peshwas. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. In Maharashtra . Many dynasties contributed to these temples. The sculpture work on this temple is truly amazing. the Silharas (Ambarnath temple). built by the Shilhara king Mamuni. They also display several carvings . They date back to eras before Christ. there are a maximum number of Buddhist cave temples chiselled out in the mountains.the Rashtrakutas (Kailasnatha-Ellora caves). Ambarnath-Kalyan temple etc just to name a few. Kalachuris (Elephanta caves). the Vakatakas (Ajanta). Nasik-Sinnar temples. Its earliest examples is the Ambarnath temple at Kalyan near Mumbai. his incarnations and stories related to his life and teachings.g Ajanta Caves (World Heritage ite Unesco).Ambabai temple). e. Elephanta caves (UNESCO site) to traditional temple forms at Chalukyan Mahalaxmi temple at Kolhapur.the Chalukyas(Mahalaxmi. wall / ceiling paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha .1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Junnar caves. Amruteshwar-Ratangad temple.html 24/30 . The Gondeshwar temple at Sinnar ( built Panchayatan style with five temples dedicated to five deities in a single compound).html 25/30 . It is carved out of black stone with a star shaped plan and remains amazingly well preserved till date. It was characterized by a central latina tapering from all sides.Maharashtra in their tenure between the 18th and the 19th century AD. Hemadripant a minister in the court of the Seuna Yadava kings patronised a unique style of carving out temples from black stone (without the use of mortor. In the 13th century. The eleventh century Ambarnath temple near Kalyan (constructed by the Shilharas) is one of the early examples of the Bhumija temples. Since then its become a misnomer of sorts to categorise all temples made in black stone as Hemadpanti temples. Lonar temple etc are fine examples of the Hemadpanti style. afixing the stones in a male female fashion). with minor spires decorating the central spire. The Peshwas (prime ministers to the Maratha kings) too contributed with their unique style to temple making in and around Pune. Amruteshwar temple near Ratangad.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India The Bhumija style was one of the earliest traditional temple styles to be developed in Maharashtra. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. stone fountains and the Indo Saracenic (influenced by Persian architecture) Devali style shikharas made in brickwork and lime.html 26/30 .1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Their temples are conspicuous by their wooden sabhamandaps with cypress shaped columns. g Theur temple.Omkareshwar temple etc are examples of the Peshwa style. Buddhist temple The early Buddhist temple were constructed on mountains and carved out in form of caves.g Bhimashankar temple near Pune (off Nasik road). Their distinct features were: chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India The temples are surrounded by tall walls (constructed in a arcade like structure) with a Nagarkhana where Nagaadaas (large drums) are sounded to attract devotees e. The Peshwas and their aides also built temples in the Sekhari style e.html 27/30 . Kasba peth temple. Harmika It is like a small platform atop the stupa where umbrellas / crowns are affixed.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Chaityagriha This is the main prayer hall where the central stupa exists.html 28/30 . Stupa The central stupa in the chaityagriha is a semi hemispherical stone/mud mound which acts as the main shrine. There are also minor stupas that are also used to store the relics of the departed monks. chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. The stupa generally has a apse like background. The Buddhist temples have frescoes.carvings. They generally have stone shelves and plinths that serve as beds.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Vihara are the Spartan resting rooms of the monks.Buddhist temples also have their own iconography quite distinct from their hindu counterparts. Water reservoirs They are large pits located outside the viharas to store drinking water. the Bodhisatvas. Vakatakas and the Mauryas. Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)[1] How to use twitter Androids Government Jobs Honeymoon packages india Bollywood Facebook chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat. Karnataka. Bihar etc due to the patronage of the erstwhile royal dynasties like the Satavahanas. Temples in India are not just places of worship but also a testimony of the grandeur of the kings that patronized them and the deft skill of their artisans.sculptures and murals depicting the life of the Buddha and his incarnations.html 29/30 . Buddhist temples flourished in Maharashtra. html 30/30 .blogspot. http://hyderabad-person. Create account chromeextension://iooicodkiihhpojmmeghjclgihfjdjhj/in_isolation/reformat.com/feeds/6439599961720124950/comments/default Get a free Evernote account to save this article and view it later on any device.1/8/2015 Architecture Temple's in India Available Addition A single man dvd Sharing Links 1.