La Excellence Project Setu

Temple Architecture:
Dravida, Nagara and Vesara Style
ద్రావిడ, నగర , వేసరా శైలి
 Basic Form of the Hindu Temple
Garbhagriha: Literally means womb-house. It is a cave-like sanctum which houses the main icon of the
temple. In earlier times, it was a small cubicle awith one entrance. In later periods, it grew into a larger
chamber.
Mandapa: The entrance to the temple. It could be a portico or a collonaded hall where worshippers stand.
Shikhara/Vimana: Noticed from the 5th century CE. It is a mountain-like spire on top. In north India, it is
called Shikhara and is curving in shape. In the south, it is like a pyramidal tower and is called Vimana.
Amalaka: Stone-like disc seen at the top of the temple. Mostly in north Indian temples.
Kalasha: It is the topmost part of the temple. Mainly seen in north Indian styles.
Antarala: It is a vestibule between the Garbhagriha and the Mandapa.
Jagati: This is common in north Indian temples and is a raised platform where devotees can sit and pray.
Vahana: It is the vehicle of the main deity which along with the standard pillar or Dhvaj which are placed
axialy
 Types of Temple
Architecture

Nagara Dravida Vesara

Nagara style
The style of temple architecture that became popular in northern India is known as Nagara.
Nagara style was developed regionally each region manifesting its own particular qualities.
Dravida Style
Dravida style of temple architecture became popular in South India. Dravida style of temples
was developed dynastically, however the major features of these temples remained
common across the dynasties.
Vesara Style
In the mid-seventh century, a distinct style of temple architecture grew in Karnataka region
under the patronage of Chalukya rulers. The temples in this region follow a hybridised style
which combines the features of both Nagara and Dravida styles.
 Nagara Style of Architecture
1. Became popular in
northern India.
2. Entire temple is
generally built on a
stone platform with
steps leading to it.
3. No grand boundary
walls or gateways
(unlike the Dravida
style).
4. Earlier temples had
one shikhara
whereas latter
temples had many.
5. The garbhagriha is
located directly
beneath the tallest
shikhara.
 Subdivisions of Nagara Style

Types of
Nagara Style

Rekha Valabhi Phamsana

Shekari Bhumija
Prasad/ Latina
Rekha-Prasad or Latina:
1. These temples are characterized
by a simple Shikara with a square
base and inward curving walls
that have a pointed top.
2. Early medieval temples such as
the Sun Temple at Markhera in
Madhya Pradesh (MP).
3. The Sri Jagannath Temple of
Odisha has been constructed in
the Rekha-Prasad Shikara style.
Shekari:
1. It is a variation of the Latina
where the Shikara comprises
of a main Rekha-Prasad
Shikara and one or more
rows of smaller steeples on
both sides of the central
spire.
2. Additionally, the base and
corners also feature mini
Shikaras.
3. The Khajuraho Kandariya
Mahadev Temple is one of
the most prominent temples
built in this style.
Bhumija:
1. Another type of Nagara temple
that evolved from the Latina
style was the Bhumija
architecture developed in Malwa
under the Paramara dynasty.
2. These temples have a flat
upward tapering projection
comprising of a central Latina
spire and miniature spires on the
quadrant formed by the tapering
tower.
3. These mini Shikaras carved out
both horizontally as well as
vertically.
4. The Udayeshwar Temple in MP is
built in this style.
Valabhi:
1. Valabhi style temples are
rectangular in shape
comprising of barrel-
vaulted roofs.
2. The vaulted chamber roof
has earned them the
moniker wagon vaulted
buildings/structures.
3. Teli Ka Mandir, a
9th Century temple
at Gwalior has been built
in this style.
Phamsana:

1. Phamsana style temples

`are shorter but broader
structures comprising of
roofs with numerous
slabs that rise upwards in
a gentle slope on a
straight incline like a
pyramid meeting at a
single point over the mid-
point of the building.
2. The Jagmohan of Konark
Temple is constructed in
the Phamsana mode.
Sub-schools of Nagara style of temple architecture
Odisha School –
1. The most prominent
distinguishing feature is
the Shikara (Deul) which rises
vertically before curving
inwards at the top.
2. The main type is square while
the upper reaches are circular.
3. These temples have intricately
carved exteriors and usually
bare interiors.
4. Unlike Nagara temples of the
north, most Odisha temples
have boundary walls.
Chandel School –
Unlike Odishan style, these
temples are conceived as a
single unit and have Shikaras
that curved from bottom to top.
There are a number of
miniatures Shikaras rising from
the central tower and towers
that gradually rise up to the
main tower cap both the
porticos and halls.
Solanki School –
1. They are similar to the Chandel
School except that they have
carved ceilings that appear like a
true dome.
2. The distinguishing feature of
these temples is the minute and
intricate decorative motifs.
3. Except for the central shrine,
one can find carvings on both
the inner and outer sides of the
walls.
Regional Styles-
1. Central India
✓ The Lakshmana temple of
Khajuraho, dedicated to
Vishnu, was built in 954 by the
Chandela king, Dhanga.
✓ A Nagara temple, it is placed on a
high platform accessed by stairs.
✓ There are four smaller temples in
the corners, and all the towers or
shikharas rise high, upward in a
curved pyramidal fashion,
emphasizing the temple’s vertical
thrust ending in a horizontal
fluted disc called an amalak
topped with a kalash or vase.
✓ The crowning elements: amalak
and kalash, are to be found on all
Nagara temples of this period.
2. Western India
1. Nagara temples located in Gujarat and Rajasthan
2. The Sun temple at Modhera which dates back to early eleventh century and which was built
by Raja Bhimdev I of the Solanki Dynasty in 1026 is an example of Nagara style of temple in
this region.
3. The influence of the woodcarving tradition of Gujarat is evident in this temple
3. Eastern India
✓ Eastern Indian temples include those found in the North-East, Bengal and Odisha.
✓ It appears that terracotta was the main medium of construction, and also for moulding
plaques which depicted Buddhist and Hindu deities in Bengal until the seventh century
✓ An old sixth-century sculpted door frame from DaParvatia near Tezpur and another few
stray sculptures from Rangagora Tea Estate near Tinsukia in Assam bear witness to the
import of the Gupta style in that region.
✓ Regional variation: The style that came with the migration of the Tais from Upper Burma
mixed with the dominant Pala style of Bengal and led to the creation of what was later
known as the Ahom style in and around Guwahati. Kamakhya temple, a Shakti Peeth, is
dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya and was built in the seventeenth century.
•The temples of Odisha
constitute a distinct sub-style
within the Nagara order. In
general, here the shikhara,
called deul in Odisha, is
vertical almost until the top
when it suddenly curves
sharply inwards.
•At Konark, on the shores of
the Bay of Bengal, lie the
majestic ruins of the Surya or
Sun temple built in stone
around 1240. Its shikhara was
a colossal creation said to
have reached 70m
•Other famous Nagara
temples in this region
are: Muktesvara temple,
Rajarani temple, Lingaraja
temple etc
4. The Hill States Of India
✓ A unique form of architecture developed in the hills of Kumaon, Garhwal, Himachal and
Kashmir. Kashmir’s proximity to prominent Gandhara sites
✓ This began to mix with the Gupta and post-Gupta traditions that were brought to it from
Sarnath, Mathura and even centres in Gujarat and Bengal.
✓ As a result both Buddhist and Hindu traditions began to intermingle and spread in the
hills. The hills also had their own tradition of wooden buildings with pitched roofs.
✓ At several places in the hills, therefore, you will find that while the main garbhagriha and
shikhara are made in a rekha-prasada or Latina style, the mandapa is of an older form of
wooden architecture. Sometimes, the temple itself takes on a pagoda shape
✓ Of the temples in Kumaon, the ones at Jageshwar near Almora, and Champavat near
Pithoragarh, are classic examples of Nagara architecture in the region.
Dravida Style-
The Dravidian style of temple architecture of South India was pioneered by the
Pallavas who reigned in parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and northern Tamil Nadu
until the ninth century.
Although they were mostly Shaivite, several Vaishnava shrines also survived from their
reign.
The early buildings are generally attributed to the reign of Mahendravarman I, a
contemporary of the Chalukyan king, Pulakesin II of Karnataka. Narasimhavarman I, also
known as Mamalla, who acceded the Pallava throne around 640 CE, is celebrated for his
architectural works
The main features – Dravida Style:
✓ The Dravida temple is enclosed within a compound wall.
✓ The front wall has an entrance gateway in its centre, which is known as a Gopuram.
✓ The shape of the main temple tower known as vimana in Tamil Nadu is like a stepped
pyramid that rises up geometrically rather than the curving shikhara of North India.
✓ In the South Indian temple, the word ‘shikhara’ is used only for the crowning
element at the top of the temple which is usually shaped like a small stupika or an
octagonal cupola— this is equivalent to the amalak and kalasha of North Indian
temples.
✓ Fierce Dvarapalas or the door-keepers guarding the temple adorn the entrance to
garbhagriha
✓ It is common to find a large water reservoir, or a temple tank, enclosed within the complex.
✓ At some of the most sacred temples in South India, the main temple in which the
garbhagriha is situated has, in fact, one of the smallest towers. This is because it is usually
the oldest part of the temple
✓ It is common to find a large water reservoir, or a temple tank, enclosed within the complex.
✓ Subsidiary shrines are either incorporated within the main temple tower, or located as
distinct, separate small shrines beside the main temple
✓ Kailashnath temple at Ellora is a famous example of a temple built in complete Dravidian
style
Famous Dravidian temples in India-
1. The magnificent Shiva temple of
Thanjavur, called the
Rajarajeswara or Brihadeshwara
temple, built in the Dravidian
style was completed
around 1009 by Rajaraja
Chola, and is the largest and
tallest of all Indian temples

2. Other famous Dravidian temples

in the south are- Annamalaiyar
Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil
Nadu, Meenakshi temple, Tamil
Nadu, Airavatesvara temple etc
The Contribution of Pallavas to Dravidian Architecture-
1. In the south the Pallavas created beautiful monuments in th 7th CE AD
2. Mahendravarman and his son Narasimhavarman were great patrons of art and
architecture (Their contribution to rock-cut architecture will be discussed elsewhere)
3. The shore temple at Mahabalipuram was built later, probably in the reign of
Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha. It has shrines dedicated to Shiva and
Vishnu.
The Contribution Of Cholas To
Dravidian Architecture-
1. The Cholas perfected the Dravidian
temple style inherited from the Pallavas.
During this time, the architecture style
became more elaborate by moving away
from the early cave temples of the
Pallavas
2. Stone came to be used as the
predominant material for the construction
of the temples during this time
3. Gopurams became more prominent. They
were decorated with carvings
representing various Puranas
4. The Vimanas attained a greater grandeur
during the Chola period. Ex: The temple
tower of Brihadeshwara temple is 66
metres
5. Greater emphasis was given for the use of
sculptures in the construction of the
temple.
 Vesara Style Of Temple Architecture
1. Vesara is a combination of Nagara and Dravidian style of temple architecture styles.
2. The term Vesara is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word vishra meaning
an area to take a long walk.
3. Many historian agree that the Vesara style originated in the what is today Karnataka.
4. The trend was started by the Chalukyas of Badami (500-753AD) who built temples in a
style that was essentially a mixture of the Nagara and the Dravida styles, further refined
by the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta (750- 983AD) in Ellora, Chalukyas of Kalyani (983-
1195 AD) in Lakkundi, Dambal, Gadag etc. and epitomized by the Hoysalas (1000-1330
AD)
5. The Hoysalas temples at Belur, Halebidu and Somnathpura are prime examples of this
style.
Unique Features Of Vesara Style Of
Temple Architecture- Two special features of Chalukya
temples – Mantapa and Pillars:
✓ Ornamentation: In case of ornamentation of temple
walls and pillars, Chalukyan temple shows indigenous 1. Mantapa: The mantapa has
quality. two types of roof – domical
ceilings (the dome like
✓ Transformation of Dravida tower: The Chalukyan
ceilings standing on four
builders modified the Dravida towers by minimizing pillars are very attractive) or
the height of each storey and arranging them in Square ceilings (these are
descending order of height from base to top with
vigorously ornamented with
mythological pictures).
much ornamentation in each storey. 2. Pillars: the miniature
✓ Transformation of Nagara tower: Instead of inclined decorative pillars of Chalukya
storey here modification is seen in the vertical shape temples stands with its own
artistic value.
of the tower
Famous temples built with this
style include: Kallesvara temple,
Kukkanur; Ramalingesvara temple,
Gudur; Mahadeva temple,
Ittagi; Kasivisvesvara temple,
Lakkundi (and several other
temples at Lakkundi); Brahmadeva
temple, Savadi – notable for being
fully stellate; Mallikarjuna temple,
Sudi (and Joda-kalasha temple)
 Ramalingeswara (Ramappa) Temple-
Ramalingeswara (Ramappa) Temple was constructed in 1213 AD during the reign of the
Kakatiya Empire by Recharla Rudra, a general of Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva -- The
presiding deity here is Ramalingeswara Swamy.
The temple complexes of Kakatiyas have a distinct style, technology and decoration
exhibiting the influence of the Kakatiyan sculptor. The temple stands on a 6 feet high star-
shaped platform with walls, pillars and ceilings adorned with intricate carvings that attest to
the unique skill of the Kakatiyan sculptors.
The temple, known for its exquisite
craftsmanship and delicate relief work, is savvy
blend of technical know-how and materials of its
time. The foundation is built with the “sandbox
technique”, the flooring is granite and the pillars
basalt.
The lower part of the temple is red sandstone
while the white gopuram is built with light bricks
that reportedly float on water.
Influence of Nagara and Dravidian style of temple architecture on the style
of Vesara-

✓ The plan of shrine, subsidiary shrine, panchayatan style bears similarity to Nagara
School.
✓ The plan of vestibule joining the sanctum to mantapa bears resemblance to Odishan
temples.
✓ The most of the temple pillars in Karnataka region bears similarity to sekhari and
bhumija type of pillars in northern India.
✓ The stepped diamond plan that is a plan of
design arrangement as seen in Chalukya
temples is from northern region.
✓ The most of the temples in kalyani
portrays Nagara articulation projecting
stepped diamond or stellate plan.
✓ The Dravida influence is mainly visible in
vimana of the Chalukya temples in first part
of the Chalukya rule
✓ Miniature decorative towers and
ornamentation of walls in Chalukya temples
show combination of both Nagara and
Dravida style.
Famous temples built during the reign of several empires in South India
Chalukyan architecture-
1. Their architecture consisted of admixture of Nagara and Dravidian styles.
2. Temples built during this time can be found in- Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal
3. Temples built during their time period do not have a covered ambulatory path
4. The Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal built in imitation of Kailashnath temple is the jewel
of Chalukyan architecture
5. The Rameshwaram temple at Ellora built in 7th century was also built during the
Chalukyan time period
6. Lad Khan temple and Durga temple at Aihole are other noteworthy monuments built
during this time period
Rashtrakuta Architecture
1. They were the successors of the
Chalukyas
2. Their temples were built mostly
imitating the Chalukyan style
3. The Kailas temple at Ellora, built during
the time of Krishna II is the
representative form of architecture of
the empire
4. The Navalinga Temples in Kukkanur is
another temple built during this period.
Hoysala Temple Architecture
1. Kesava temple at Belur built during the time of
Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over
the Cholas is a representative art of this period.
2. In this temple, there are multiple shrines grouped
around a central pillared hall and laid out in the
shape of an intricately-designed star.
3. Such an arrangement could be found in temples
during this time in Halebid, Somnathpur and
elsewhere.
4. Hoysaleswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is
another famous temple built during this period.
Vijayanagara Architecture-
✓ It is a vibrant combination of the Chalukya,
Hoysala, Pandya, and Chola styles
✓ Local hard granite was the building
material of choice, as it had been for the
Badami Chalukyas.
✓ Vijayanagar temples are characterized by
ornate pillared halls and rayagopurams, or
monumental towers adorned with life-
sized figures of gods and goddesses that
stand at the entrance of the temple.
✓ Vijayanagar temples are also known for their
carved pillars , which depict charging horses,
figures from Hindu mythology,
and yali (hippogriphs)
✓ Some of the larger temples are dedicated to a
male deity, with a separate shrine intended for
the worship of his female counterpart.
✓ Some famous temples exemplifying the
Vijayanagar style include the Virupaksha
Temple at Hampi and the Hazara Rama temple
of Deva Raya I.
Buddhist architecture
Along with Hindu art and
architecture, Buddhist temple
building and artwork also went
on along with other religions.
Ellora has Buddhist, Jain and
Hindu monuments.
Bodh Gaya (or Bodhgaya)
Most important Buddhist site because Prince
Siddhartha achieved enlightenment here to
become Gautama Buddha.
The Bodhi Tree is important.
The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya:
1. The first shrine situated at the base of the
Bodhi tree was probably built by Emperor
Ashoka.
2. The vedika around the shrine is post-
Mauryan built during 100 BC.
3. Many sculptures in the niches in the temple
belong to the Pala Period (8th century CE).
4. The temple itself was constructed during
the colonial period.
5. It is a 7th-century design. It is neither
nagara or Dravida in style.
Nalanda University-
✓ It was a monastic university.
✓ It is a Mahavihara since it is a complex
of many monasteries.
✓ Only a small portion of the place has
been studied as most of it lies buried
under present civilisation and
impossible to excavate.
✓ The records of the Chinese traveller
Xuan Zang (Hsuan-Tsang) gives a huge
amount of information about
Nalanda.
✓ As per the records, the foundation of the learning centre was laid down by Kumaragupta I,
the Gupta king in the 5th century CE. Later kings added to the original centre.
✓ Evidence for all three Buddhist doctrines of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana taught
here.
✓ Monks came from China, Tibet and Central Asia in the north; and from Sri Lanka, Burma,
Thailand, and other countries in Southeast Asia.
✓ Nalanda was a centre for art production and Buddhist sculptures and manuscripts were
taken from here by monks to their countries. So, art in Nalanda had a profound impact on
art in all the Buddhist countries.
✓ The Nalanda School of sculpture was influenced by Buddhist Gupta art of Sarnath, the
local Bihar tradition and Central India. This synthesis emerged during the 9th century.
Features of Nalanda School of Sculpture:
✓ Sculptures have an ordered appearance with little effect of crowding.
✓ They are depicted in three-dimensional forms.
✓ Delicate ornamentations.
✓ Back slabs of the sculptures are detailed.
✓ Nalanda bronzes: dating from the 7th and 8th centuries to the 12th century; outnumber the
metal images from entire eastern India.
✓ Initially depict Mahayana Buddhist deities like standing Buddhas, bodhisattvas like Manjusri
Kumara, Naga-Nagarjuna and Avalokiteshvara seated on a lotus.
✓ In the late 11th and 12th centuries, Nalanda became an important tantric centre. Then, Vajrayana
deities dominated such Vajrasharada (a form of Saraswati), Avalokiteshvara, Khasarpana, etc.
✓ Many Brahmanical images have also been found at Nalanda. Many such images are still
worshipped at nearby villages.
Buddhist sites:
1. Sirpur in Chhattisgarh (550 – 800 CE);
Lalitagiri, Vajragiri and Ratnagiri in
Odisha.
2. Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu was also a
Buddhist centre until the Chola Period.
3. A reason could be that it was a port-
town and there were trade activities
with Sri Lanka which was and continues
to be predominantly Buddhist.
Jain architecture
1. Jain temples are found
all over India except in
the hills.
2. Oldest Jain pilgrimage
sites are in Bihar.
3. In the Deccan: Ellora
and Aihole.
4. In central India:
Khajuraho, Deogarh,
Chanderi and Gwalior.
Karnataka has many Jain shrines.
Statue of Gomateshwara: Granite statue of Lord Bahubali commissioned by Camundaraya,
the prime minister of the Ganga kings; located at Shravanabelagola; 18m or 57 feet high;
world’s tallest monolithic free-standing structure.
✓ Gujarat and Rajasthan have a rich Jain
heritage continuing to this day.
✓ Jain bronze images found from Akola
(near Baroda) belong to the late 5th – late
7th century CE; made using the lost-wax
process; the images have been inlaid with
silver and copper for embellishments.
✓ Jain bronze sculptures are also found from
Chausa (Bihar), Hansi (Haryana) and many
places in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Jain Temples at Mount Abu,
Rajasthan-
1. Constructed by Vimal Shah.
2. Also called Dilwara temples.
Built between the 11th and
13th centuries.
3. Every ceiling has unique
patterns. Richly sculptured on
white marble.
4. The exteriors are simple but the
interiors are finely carved and
exquisitely decorated
 Nagara Dravida Vesara
Deccan region(Between the
Northern region Southern region
Vindhyas and Krishna river)
Developed regionally each Mixture of two styles Hybrid style.
region manifesting its own Developed dynastically It was developed both regionally
particular qualities and dynastically.
Ground Plan: Mostly Square Ground Plan: Mostly Square Ground Plan: increasingly complex,
shaped shaped including start like plan
Curvilinear tower (Shikhara Pyramidical Tower (Vimana) The shape of tower was
built over garbhagriha) with several stories in Pyramidical but height was
gradually curving inward receding dimension reduced (Miniature Vimanas)
Subsidiary shrines are either
incorporated within the main
temple tower, or located as Multiple shrines are present side
Multiple Shikharas
distinct, separate small by side
shrines beside the main
temple.
 Nagara Dravida Vesara
Squared hall Squared hall Squared hall
Sanctum Garbhagriha Sanctum Garbhagriha Sanctum Garbhagriha
Gopurams may or may not be
Gopurams are absent Gopurams are present
present
A water tank is present at
A water tank may or may not the front of temple from A water tank may or may not be
be present where water is drawn for present
sacred purposes
Enclosed within a Compound walls may or may not
Compound walls are absent
compound wall be present
Examples – Dashavatara
Examples – Shore temple
temple (Deogarh), Examples – Badami temple, Durga
(Mahabalipuram),
Vishwanatha Temple (Aihole), Virupaksh Temple
Brihadiswara temple
temple(Khajuraho), Lakshman (Pattadkal), Keshava Temple
(Thanjavur), Meenakshi
Temple (Khajuraho), (Somnathpur
Temple (Madurai)
Jagannath temple (Puri)
 Feature Nagara architecture Dravidian architecture
Main temple Vimana that may be multistorey (talas), the top of
Sikhara above sanctum
spire (tower) which is called the sikhara
Mandapa Yes No
Curvature of the Curvilinear centred over the sanctum, also straight- Straight-edged pyramidal, sometimes curvilinear
spire edged pyramidal centred over the sanctum
Sanctum Single or multi-storey Typically single (Vimana may be multi-storey)
Mandapa, sanctum and tower plans are
predominantly Chaturasra (square);
Plan same, plus Prana Vikara
uncommon: Ashtasra, Vritta, Ayatasra, Ayata
Ashtasra, Ayata Vritta, Hasti Prishta, Dwayasra Vrita
Gopuram Not a prominent feature Characteristic, but not essential
sacred pools, fewer pillared mandapas in temple grounds sacred pools, many pillared mandapas in temple
(separate dharmashala), prakara walls rare (e.g. Odisha grounds (used for rites of passage
Other features after 14th century), single or multiple entrances into ceremonies, choultry, temple rituals), prakara
temple walls became common after 14th century, single
or multiple entrances into temple
Major sub-styles Latina, Phamsana, Sekhari, Valabhi Tamil, Karnata, Andhra, Kerala
southern parts of the Indian subcontinent,
Geography northern, western and central of the Indian subcontinent
southeast Asia
Chronology of
surviving stone- Late Kushana era, early Gupta: rudimentary archaic; 6th- Late Gupta era: rudimentary; 6th-10th century:
masonry 10th century: zenith zenith
monuments
All The Best