YOGANANDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY &

SCIENCE
(Approved by AICTE, New Delhi and affliated to JNTU, Anantapur)
An ISO: 9001: 2008 Certified Institution

Department of Civil Engineering

Mohan Reddy Nagar, Elamandyam (V), Renigunta (M),

Temple architecture
By
Pulivarthi Bhargavi (104P1A0139)
B.Tech IV Year II Semester Seminar

Table of Content
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Abstract
Introduction
History
Design
Elements of Hindu temple
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6.

7.
8.
9.

5.1 Jagati
5.2 Antarala
5.3 Mandapa
5.4 Sreekovil or Garbhagriha
5.5 Sikhara and Vimanam
5.6 Amalaka
5.7 Gopuram
5.8 Urushringa
Different styles of architecture
6.1 Nagara architecture
6.2 Dravidian architecture
6.3 Badami chalukya architecture
6.4 Gadag architecture style
6.5 Kalinga architecture style
6.6 Maru-gujara temple architecture
Glossary
Bibliography
External links

1. ABSTRACT:
Every style of building construction reflects a clearly distinctive basic principle that
represents a particular culture and era. In this context the Indian Hindu temple architecture
are not only the abode of God and place of worship, but they are also the cradle of
knowledge, art, architecture and culture.
The practices and traditions of temples exist not only in history but also in present
time which greatly influence the socio-cultural life of its people and gives continuity to
traditional Indian values. The evolution of Indian temple architecture is marked by a strict
adherence to the original ancient models that were derived from religious consideration- and
that continued over many centuries.
The Hindu religion and its philosophy greatly influenced Hindu temple architecture in
its evolutionary process which continues till this date. Therefore this dissertation through
archival research and other documentary, literary works and theoretical investigation on
ancient treatise and modern research works on the temple architecture of India brings out the
concepts that have been adopted since ancient times for the construction of the sacred Hindu
temples, the science involved in the construction of the temple structure and the processes
involved along with the skill it took to build such edifices.
Together these aspects bring out the art, science and philosophy behind the
construction of the Hindu temple which is as relevant today as it used to be in the ancient
times. A continuity of tradition and a science which has its root in the dawn of human
consciousness.

2. INTRODUCTION:
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The word temple is from Latin word templum. It is a structure reserved for religious
or spiritual activities and this word has now become quite widely used to describe a house of
worship.
The word architecture is from Latin word architectura, is both the process and
product of planning, designing and constructing buildings and other physical structures.
The Hindu temples commonly known as Mandir in Hindi and derived from the
Sanskrit word Mandira, are identified by several names in different parts of India as koil or
kovil in Tamil, devasthana in Kanada and devalaya, in Telugu etc. In general Hindu temple
structure can either be isolated structure or a part of complex.
The HINDU TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE is developed from the creativity of
sthapathis and shilpis. In India all the Hindu temples follows the architecture defined in
shilpa shastras.

3. HISTORY:
The temple is a representation of the macrocosm (the universe) as well as
the microcosm (the inner space).
The main forms and styles of the Hindu temple were established during 600-800 AD.
Magadha Empire rose with the shishunaga dynasty around 650 BCE.
The Vedic book describes the plan of temple to be square. This plan is divided into 64
or 81 smaller squares where each of these represents a specific divinity.
Panini and Patanjali mention temples which were called prasadas.

4. DESIGN:
The main article for designing the temple is VASTU SHASTRA. Vastu shastra is the
science of construction. The designs which is based on directional alignments.
Doctrine of vastu shastra is concerned primarily with architecture building houses,
forts, temples, apartments and other buildings.
The five basic elements of vastu shastra are pancha maha bhoota. (Earth, water, air,
fire, space). The temple architecture is designed on by the understanding the
effectiveness of these pancha bhoota elements.

5. ELEMENTS OF HINDU TEMPLE:

In design/plan of a temple, several parts of Temple architecture are considered, most
common amongst these are:

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Fig.1 Simplified scheme of a hindu temple

5.1 Jagati
Jagati is a term used to refer a raised surface, platform or terrace upon which
the temple is placed.

5.2 Antarala
Antarala is a small antichamber or foyer between the garbhagriha/ garbha
graha (shrine) and the mandapa, more typical of north Indian temples.

5.3Mandapa
Mandapa (or Mandapam) is a term to refer to pillared outdoor hall or pavilion
for public rituals.
Ardha Mandapam intermediary space between the temple exterior and
the garba griha (sanctum sanctorum) or the other mandapas of the temple.
Asthana Mandapam assembly hall.
Kalyana Mandapam dedicated to ritual marriage celebration of the Lord
with Goddess.
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Maha Mandapam (Maha=big) When there are several mandapas in the

temple, it is the biggest and the tallest. It is used for conducting religious discourses.
Nandi Mandapam (or Nandi mandir) - In the Shiva temples, pavilion with a
statue of the sacred bull Nandi, looking at the statue or the lingam of Shiva.

5.4 Sreekovil or Garbhagriha

Sreekovil or Garbhagriha the part in which the idol of the deity in a Hindu
temple is installed i.e.Sanctum sanctorum. The area around is referred as to the
Chuttapalam, which generally includes other deities and the main boundary wall of
the temple. Typically there is also a Pradikshna area in the Sreekovil and one outside,
where devotees can take Pradakshinas.

5.5 Sikhara or Vimanam

sikhara or vimanam literally means "mountain peak", refer to the rising tower
over the sanctum sanctorum where the presiding deity is enshrined is the most
prominent and visible part of a Hindu temples.

5.6 Amalaka
An amalaka is a stone disk, often with ridges, that sits on a temple's main
tower (Sikhara).

5.7 Gopuram
Gopuras (or Gopurams) are the elaborate gateway-towers of south Indian
temples, not to be confused with Shikharas.

5.8 Urushringa
An urushringa is a subsidiary Sikhara, lower and narrower, tied against the
main sikhara.

6. DIFFERENT STYLES OF ARCHITECTURE:

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6.1 Nagara architecture:

Fig.2 Architecture of khajuraho temple

Nagara temples have two distinct features:
In plan, the temple is a square with a number of graduated projections in the middle of
each side giving a cruciform shape with a number of re-entrant angles on each side.
In elevation, a Sikhara, i.e., tower gradually inclines inwards in a convex curve.
The projections in the plan are also carried upwards to the top of the Sikhara and, thus, there
is strong emphasis on vertical lines in elevation. The Nagara style is widely distributed over a
greater part of India, exhibiting distinct varieties and ramifications in lines of evolution and
elaboration according to each locality. An example of Nagara architecture is the Kandariya
Mahadeva Temple.

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6.2 Dravidian architecture:

Fig.3- Dravida style thanjavur temple

Dravidian style temples consist almost invariably of the four following parts, differing only
according to the age in which they were executed:
1. The principal part, the temple itself, is called the Vimana (or Vimanam). It is always
square in plan and surmounted by a pyramidal roof of one or more stories; it contains
the cell where the image of the god or his emblem is placed.
2. The porches or Mandapas (or Mantapams), which always cover and precede the door
leading to the cell.
3. Gate-pyramids, Gopurams, which are the principal features in the quadrangular
enclosures that surround the more notable temples.
4. Pillared halls or Chaultrisproperly Chawadis -- used for various purposes, and
which are the invariable accompaniments of these temples.
Besides these, a temple always contains temple tanks or wells for water (used for sacred
purposes or the convenience of the priests), dwellings for all grades of the priesthood are
attached to it, and other buildings for state or convenience.

6.3 Badami Chalukya architecture

The Badami Chalukya Architecture|Chalukya style originated during 450 CE in Aihole and
perfected in Pattadakal and Badami.

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The period of Badami Chalukyas was a glorious era in the history of Indian architecture. The
capital of the Chalukyas, Vatapi (Badami, in Bagalkot district, North Karnataka in Karnataka)
is situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. Between 500 and 757 CE,
Badami Chalukyas established the foundations of cave temple architecture, on the banks of
the Malaprabha River. Those styles mainly include Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami. The sites
were built out of sandstone cut into enormous blocks from the outcrops in the chains of the
Kaladgi hills.
At Badami, Chalukyas carved some of the finest cave temples. Mahakuta, the large trees
under which the shrine nestles.
In Aihole, known as the "Cradle of Indian architecture," there are over 150 temples scattered
around the village. The Lad Khan Templ is the oldest. The Durga Temple is notable for its
semi-circular apse, elevated plinth and the gallery that encircles the sanctum sanctorum. A
sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra is at Hutchimali Temple. The Ravalphadi cave
temple celebrates the many forms of Shiva. Other temples include the Konthi temple complex
and the Meguti Jain temple.
Pattadakal is a (World Heritage Site), where one finds the Virupaksha temple; it is the biggest
temple, having carved scenes from the great epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Other temples at Pattadakal are Mallikarjuna, Kashivishwanatha, Galaganatha and Papanath.

Fig.4 Badami style virupaksha temple

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6.4 Gadag Architecture style

The Gadag style of architecture is also called Western Chalukya architecture. The style
flourished for 150 years (1050 to 1200 CE); in this period, about 50 temples were built. Some
examples are the Saraswati temple in the Trikuteshwara temple complex at Gadag,
the Doddabasappa Temple at Dambal, the Kasivisvesvara Temple at Lakkundi, and the
Amriteshwara temple at Annigeri. which is marked by ornate pillars with intricate
sculpture. This style originated during the period of the Kalyani Chalukyas (also known
as Western Chalukya) Someswara 1

Fig.5- Stepped floorplan of Dattatreya Temple

6.5 kalinga architecture style

The design which flourished in eastern Indian state of Odisha and Northern Andhra
Pradesh are called Kalinga style of architecture. The style consists of three distinct type of
temples namely Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula and Khakhara Deula. Deula means "temple" in
the local language. The former two are associated with Vishnu, Surya and Shiva temple while
the third is mainly with Chamunda and Durga temples.The Rekha deula and Khakhara deula
houses the sanctum sanctorum while the Pidha Deula constitutes outer dancing and offering
halls.
The prominent examples of rekha deula are lingaraj
temple of Bhubaneswar and Jagannath Temple of Puri. One of the prominent example of
Khakhara Deula is Vaital Deula. The Konark Sun Temple is a living example of Pidha Deula.

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Fig.6 Rekha devula of lingaraja temple in Bhubaneswar.

Fig.7 - Simplified scheme of a kalinga architecture temple

6.6 Maru-Gurjara temple architecture

Maru-Gurjara temple architecture originated somewhere in 6th century in and
around areas of Rajasthan. Mru-Gurjara architecture show the deep understanding of
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structures and refined skills of Rajasthani craftmen of bygone era. Mru-Gurjara architecture
has two prominent styles: Maha-Maru and Maru-Gurjara. According to M. A. Dhaky, MahaMaru style developed primarily in Marudesa, Sapadalaksa, Surasena and parts
of Uparamala whereas Maru-Gurjara originated in Medapata, Gurjaradesa-Arbuda,
Gurjaradesa-Anarta and some areas of Gujarat.Scholars such as George Michell, M.A.
Dhaky, Michael W. Meister and U.S. Moorti believe that Mru-Gurjara temple architecture is
entirely Western Indian architecture and is quite different from the North Indian temple
architecture.
This further shows the cultural and ethnic separation of Rajasthanis from north Indian culture.
There is a connecting link between Mru-Gurjara architecture and Hoysala temple
architecture. In both of these styles architecture is treated sculpturally.

Fig.8 Nagada temple

7. GLOSSARY
Adhisthana

-----

Moulded base or "plinth" of a Dravida temple.

Amalaka
----- A flat fluted disc like stone representative of the holy fruit of
"amala", usually at the summit of the Shikhara.
Antarala

----- Vestibule, chamber in front of shrine or cella.

Ardha Mandapa ----- Chamber before the min "mandapa" or hall.

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Atman

----- The soul.

Brahma

----- The Hindu God Supreme.

Garbhagriha
----- Literally "the womb", the most sacred inner sanctum of the
temple where the deity is enshrined.
Ghata

----- Platform or steps at edge of lake or river water.

Gopurams

----- Monumental South Indian temple gateway.

Jagati

------ Railed parapet.

Malasthana
mala or "bell".

----- In pillars or pilasters, a horizontal band, like a belt, above the

Mandapa
----- Large hall generally the chambers preceding the inner sanctum
of the Hindu temple.
Shilpis

------ Sculptor.

Sikhara
------ Literally mountain peak but generally the spire or tower over
north Indian Hindu temple.
Stapati

----- Chief architect.

Sthapaka

----- Priest who have knowledge about the temple construction.

Upanishad

----- The Hindu texts.

Uttara

------ Beam over column.

Vimana
Indian temples.

----- Pyramidical tower over the inner sanctum generally of South

8. BIBILOGRAPHY:
E-Books:
Barker, L. M. 1969. Pears Cyclopaedia. London: Pelham Books Ltd.F154
Brown, Percy. 1942. Indian Architecture:Buddhists and Hindu Period. Bombay:
Taraporevala & Sons.
Dagens, Bruno. 1986. Mayamata: An Indian Treatise on Housing Architecture and
Iconography.New Delhi: Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Scientific Research,
Fletcher, Sir. Banister. 1992. The History of Architecture. New Delhi: CBS
Publishers and Distributors. Grover, Satish. 1988. The Architecture of India: Buddhist
and Hindu.Ghaziabad:Vikas Publishing House PVT Ltd.
Hardy, Adam. 2007. The Temple Architecture of India. Great Britain: Wiley.
Hardy, Adam. 1995. Indian Temple Architecture: Form and Transformation. New
Delhi: Abhinav Publications.
Kramrisch, Stella. 2002. The Hindu Temple (Volume I&II.) Delhi: Motilal
Banarsidas Publishers Private Limited.
Macaulay, D. 1973. Cathedral- The Story of its Construction. New York: Houghton
Mifflin Company.
Michell, G. 1988. The Hindu Temple: An Introduction to its Meaning and Forms.
Chicago and London:The University of Chicago Press.

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Rowland, B. 1953. The Art and Architecture of India. Harmondsworth: penguin

books.
E-JOURNALS:
Binda, L.; et al. - Survey and Investigation for the Diagnosis of Damaged Masonry
Structures: theTorrazzo of Cremona, 12th Int. Brick/Block Masonry Conf., Madrid,
Spain, 2000, p.237-257.
Hardy, Adam. "Sekhari Temples." Artibus Asiae, Vol. 62; Part 1 (2002), pp 81-138.
http://www.jstor.org/ (accessed May 8, 2008).
Hardy, Adam. "Tradition and Transformation: Continuity and Ingenuity in the
Temples of Karnataka."The Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, Vol. 60,
No. 2 (Jun., 2001), pp. 180-199. http://www.jstor.org/ (accessed May 8, 2008). Kak,
S. "Early Indian Architecture and Art.Migration & Diffusion." An international
journal, Vol.6, No.23 (2005), pp 6-27.
http://www.cs.okstate.edu/~subhashk/EarlyArchitecture.pdf
Kak, S. "Space and Cosmology in Hindu Temple." Vaastu Kaushal: International
Symposium on Science and Technology in Ancient Indian Monuments. New Delhi,
November 16-17, 2002. http://www.ece.lsu.edu/kak/Time2.pdf
Lourenco, P.B., Roque, J.A. Simplified indexes for the seismic vulnerability of
ancient masonry buildings. Construction and Building Materials, 20, (2006), pp 200208. http://www.sciencedirect.com/ (accessed May 20, 2008).

9. EXTERNAL LINKS:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_temple_architecture
http://www.indotemple.com/page/hindu-temple-architecture
http://www.cs.okstate.edu/~subhashk/EarlyArchitecture.pdf
http://www.msc-sahc.org/upload/docs/new.docs/2008_SVardia.pdf

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