Temple Architecture: Nagara Style
Nagara Style of Temple Architecture
Overview of Nagara Architecture
- The episode discusses the Nagara style of temple architecture, highlighting its representation of dharma values in Hinduism and its influence from early Buddhist structures like stupas.
- The first Hindu temples were rock-cut caves, with the Barabar Caves in Bihar being the oldest examples, dating back to the 3rd century BC.
Historical Development
- Shilpa Shastra outlines three main types of temple architecture: Nagara (northern), Dravida (southern), and Vesara (mixed).
- Early Hindu temples are classified as classical up to the 7th or 8th century, while those built later until the 12th or 13th century are termed medieval.
Key Architectural Features
- The Garbhagriha is a cave-like sanctum housing the main deity; it evolved from a small cubicle to a larger chamber over time.
- Mandapas serve as entrances and can be porticos or colonnaded halls for worshippers.
Structural Elements
- In Nagara style, temples are typically built on raised platforms called Jagati, with mandapas adorned by shikharas—the tallest structure above the Garbhagriha.
- Notable features include Kalasha (the topmost part), Antarala (vestibule), and Vahana (vehicle of the deity).
Classification of North Indian Temples
Types Based on Shikhara Design
- Reika Prasada is a common shikhara type characterized by a square base with inward-sloping walls leading to a point at the top.
- Latina type shikharas evolved into complex designs featuring multiple smaller towers clustered around a central one.
Hamsana Type Shikhara
- Hamsana shikharas are broader and shorter than Latina types, with roofs that rise gently to a single point without curving inward.
Geographical Distribution and Styles
Central India Temples
- Temples in Central India generally face north or east, featuring lavish carvings often depicting erotic themes. They consist of three chambers: Garbhagriha, Mandapa, and Ardha Mandapa.
Panchayatna Style
- This architectural style includes five shrines—one main shrine on a rectangular plinth surrounded by four smaller ones. An example is Kandariya Mahadev Temple.
Notable Examples and Influences
Khajuraho Temples
- Built in the 10th century under Chandela kings, these temples showcase intricate sculptures and are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Western India Solanki School
Overview of Indian Temple Architecture
Distinct Styles and Historical Context
- The Mudhera Sun Temple in Gujarat, built in 1026-27 by Bhima of the Solanki dynasty, showcases a unique blend of regional styles. It features a massive rectangular step tank called Suryakun, which is one of India's grandest temple tanks.
- East Indian temples, particularly from Kalinga (Odisha), Northeast India, and Bengal, exhibit distinct architectural styles. However, studying ancient architecture in these regions is challenging due to renovations that have obscured original structures.
- Terracotta was predominantly used as a construction medium in Assam and Bengal. Notable examples include the Kamakya Temple at Shaktipeet in Assam, dedicated to Goddess Kamakya and constructed in the 17th century.
Architectural Highlights of Odisha
- In Odisha's architectural school, shikaras are referred to as ray kadhools. The Sun Temple at Konark (13th century), built by King Narsimhadeva of the Ganga dynasty, is designed as a colossal chariot for the sun god and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984.
- Konark forms part of Odisha's Golden Triangle alongside Jagannath Puri and Bhubaneswar. The Jagannath Temple at Puri dates back to the 12th century under King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva and is famous for its annual Rathyatra festival.
Influence of Geography on Architecture
- The hilly regions such as Kumaon, Garhwal, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir developed unique architectural styles influenced by their geography. This area shows significant Gandhara influence due to proximity to sites like Taxila.
- By the 5th century CE, Buddhist and Hindu traditions began merging in these hills. Traditional wooden buildings with pitched roofs coexisted with stone structures like garbhagriha and shikhara styled temples.
Significant Temples in Hilly Regions