Temple Architecture Nagara And Dravida Styles

🏛️ Nagara Style (Northern India)

Historical Context

• Origin: Gupta period (4th–6th century CE)
• Regions: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh
• Dynasties: Pratiharas, Chandelas, Solankis, Gahadavalas

Architectural Features

• Platform: Temples built on raised stone plinths
• Shikhara: Curvilinear tower over the sanctum (garbhagriha)
• No boundary walls or gopurams
• Amalaka and Kalasha: Crowning elements atop the shikhara
• Mandapas: Pillared halls in front of the sanctum

Sub-Styles

• Rekha-Prasad (Latina): Simple curving tower (e.g., Jagannath Temple, Puri)
• Shekhari: Central tower with miniature spires (e.g., Kandariya Mahadev, Khajuraho)
• Bhumija: Grid-like spire with horizontal and vertical mini-shikharas
• Phamsana: Broad pyramidal roofs (e.g., Jagmohan of Konark)
• Valabhi: Barrel-vaulted roofs (e.g., Teli ka Mandir, Gwalior)

Famous Examples

• Sun Temple, Konark
• Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho
• Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat