Chapter 19

The Temple Architecture in India

16.1. Introduction
Temple architecture is one of the prominent features of Temple constructions. Various st yles of
temple architecture can be considered as tourism resources which can be made into tourism products
of distinctive nature. Numerous religions of India have contributed to the development of
architecture especially through the building of the place of worship. The specialty of the temple
architecture was that there was no decorative element included in it. During the Mauriyan rule,
particularly during the tenure of Asoka rock cult architecture flourished. He initiated the carvings of
Buddhist Chaityas and Viharas near Gaya. Gradually, this style of architecture spread to the
peninsular and western India. The first stone buildings were constructed by the Buddhists. Later the
same style was followed by the Hindus and Jains. The use of stone for the creation of monuments
added to their durability and strength.

16.2. Historical Developments

16.2.1. Development of Temple Architecture by various Dynasties

With the beginning of the sixth century A.D., the Hindus and Jains showed keen interest in accepting
stone as the medium for architecture. They started the excavations of rock cut cave temples. They at
first concentrated on the creation of monolithic rock temples. Subsequently they stood as models for
the structural temples of different ages by various rulers. The Sungas, Guptas were the prominent
dynasties which devoted much attention to temple architecture in North India. In the South the
Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and Pallavas devoted their attention and resources for the
construction of magnificent temple structures. Later, the Pandyas, the Cholas, Vijayanagara rulers
and Nayaks further developed on it. It is surprising to note that the temples erected during the sixth
or seventh centuries survive to this day.

16.2.2. South India – the Paradise of Temples

Though the some Hindus temples suffered some amount of damage during the foreign invasion, by
large they managed to exist to the present day. The Hindu rulers, nobles, merchants, merchant
guilds, artisans and even common public of various periods of history contributed their might and
main in developing temple architecture. Many small and large temples were constructed during the
6th and 7th centuries in India. Numerous modifications were also done to the existing structures in
different parts of the country. Since there was a craze for temple construction in South India it
became a paradise of temples and various styles of temple construction developed here over the
years.
16.3. Touristic Importance
The temple architecture in India could be wonderful field of tourist importance. The study and
knowledge of temple architecture as tourism product will be beneficial for tourists who are also
pilgrims. The ancient temples reveal the artistic brilliance and reflect the brighter side of the Indian
architectural excellence. The temples are not mere monuments but they serve as repositories of
historical details. The temples are promoted music and dances as part of the worship. Many of the
classical dances like Bhratanatyam and Kathakali developed around temples. The temple
architecture attracts tourists belonging to various religious and cultural affiliations.

16.4. The Literature on Temple Architecture

Though many scholars have written about Indian art and architecture only a few have left detailed
description about the temple architecture. Many of the authors are foreigners who visited India at
different times.

16.4.1. Foreign Accounts

Nicolo Conti (1419-44), Varthema (1503-1508) were among supreme among the few scholars who
visited India and have left us valuable descriptions about the temple architecture. William Finch
(1608-11) who visited in the in the 17 th century had given valuable information about the Asoka’s
Pillars. J.Coldingham (1794), William Erskine (1813), Col Sykes (1820) wrote about Elephanata
cave. The facts about Ellora were brought to 'light by Sir Charles Warre Malet (1794), Sykes (1820).
Harrington (1801) left an exquisite account on the significance of Bodhgaya as Buddhist pilgrim
Centre. He also added some wonderful pictures which made his narrative more impressive. Colin
Mackenzie, (1753-1821). Thomas Daniel (1790-1809) also did a commendable job in describing the
selected religious monuments of India with spectacular pictures.

Among the foreigners who tried to bring out the architectural elegance of Indian temples James
Fergusson's deserves special attention. From 1829 to 1847 he went around different parts of India to
study personally the temples and its architectural styles. Having researched in depth about the
temple architectural styles he brought about three monumental works namely, the Illustrations of
Rock cut Temples of India (1845), Picture Illustrations of Ancient Architecture in Hindustan (1847)
and the Book of Architecture (1855). These books have become a source materials or students of art
history as well as for tourist guides. Though his main aim was to disclose the art and architecture of
India, he has indirectly helped the tourism development. Another great personality who made
valuable contribution to literature on temple architecture was Mr. Francis Buchanan. He left a vivid
account of Bodhgaya, the famous pilgrim centre.

Among other people who have contributed greatly to the literature on temple architecture Percy
Brown occupies a place of prominence. He published the work “Indian Architecture” in 1940 which

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throws more light on the various art heritages of India. ‘The Dravidian Architecture’ published by
Jouvean Dubreuil in 1917,the Hindu Temples brought out by Stella Kramrisch (1946) and ‘The Art
and Architecture of India’ by B. Rowland (1952) are the works which give interesting information
about the temple architecture of the Indian subcontinent.

16.5. Styles of Temple Architecture

16.1. Styles in General

It should be remembered that the Indian temples are divided into three major styles by the silpa
sastras. They are called as Nagara, Dravida and Vesara styles. From various texts one can get the
fact that different styles of temple construction developed in different regions. Every style is
attached to culture prevailing one region or other. Though one style of temple architecture is
developed exclusively in one region, over the years other styles are also employed in that region. So
much so that no one region can at present the monopoly of one style of temple architecture.

From the available textual it can be concluded that the Nagara style was prevalent in region between
the Himalayas and the Vindhyas. This came to be the style employed in the construction of temples
of North India. The Vesara style is found mainly in the Vindhyas and Krishna region. The
Chalukyas, who were the renowned rulers of this region, introduced their own style of architecture
and that was named as Chalukyan style. This style is however, a combination of the Dravida and
Nagara styles.

16.5.1. The Dravida Style

The silpa sastras or the science of temple construction is of immense value in exposing the
characteristic features of the Dravida, Nagara and Vesara styles of architecture. The works describes
each style in an elaborate manner. According to the silpa sastras a temple in Nagara style will be
quadrangular in shape from base to Kalasa. The Dravida style is known for its octagonal shape. The
Vesara style is circular in form. It is to be noted that though there are unifying features among the
various styles in general but at the same time there are also distinct qualities peculiar to each one.
The following are some of the essential features of the Nagara style.

16.5.1.1. Important Features of the Dravida Style

1. The garbhagriha or the main shrine will be an inner square chamber.

2. The Vimana will be an elevated one in pyramidal shape.

3. The external prakara walls will have the figures of niches by plasters.

4. The convex roll cornice is another peculiar feature of the Dravida style.

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5. The Medieval Dravidian temples have pillared halls, corridors, the tall towers (Gopurams) and
gateways.

16.5.2. The Nagara Style

Nagara style of Temple architecture is the main style employed in the temples of North India. Its
manifestations are less homogenous. It is a feature found in the temples from the Himalayas to
Vindhyas. They are known for their unique plans elevations. The following are the salient features of
this style of architecture.

16.5.2.1. Important Features of the Nagara Style

1. The temple is always square in shape.

2. It has projections of uniform size in the middle of each side

3. The plan is generally called Triratha if there is one projection on three sides.

4. If there are two projects on each side that will be called pancharatha.

5. If there are three projections on each side such a type will be called saptaratha.

6. The doors at angles are in the new cruciform shape.

The temples of Orissa which emerged during the period between 7 th and 13th century belong to this
type. They contain two aspects viz., Vimana and shrine. The Natya and Bhoga mandapas are the
additions to such temples. The separated buildings are annexed to each other. The following temples
could have well been cited as examples for the Nagara style of temples.

Place of the Temples Name of the Temples

Bhubaneswar Parasuramesvara Temple

Puri Jeganatha Temple

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

Mount Abu Surya Temple

Somanathapuram Somanatha Temple

Modhera Sun Temple

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16.5.3. The Vesara Style

Vesara Style is another specific type employed in temple architecture. It is apsidal (a semicircular
projection form a buildings, especially the rounded east end of a church or a temple) in form and it is
akin to those of the Buddhist Chaityas of the early period. The Chalukyas of Badami adopted this
style in the Durgha temple at Aihole. The rock cut monolith called Sahadevaratha carved by the
efforts of Narasimhavarman and the Kuram temple of Prameswaravarman are in Vesara style.

16.6. Conclusion

India is well known for its architecture. The temple architecture styles of India are unique.
The existence of the temple structure to the present day proves the strength and endurance of
these styles of construction. Mainly there are three styles of temple architecture in India
namely, the Dravida style, the Nagara Style and the Vesara Style. Though are some
seminaries among them there are unique features peculiar to each one. The temples of India
with its unique features of construction are invaluable tourism products.