Temple Architecture And Components Of A Temple

By Author: Chaitanya Kumari
Total Articles: 37
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The architecture of any temple is focused on creating a place where a connection can be established between humans and God. It’s a place where people can grow spiritually, realizing that the ultimate goal of life is to go beyond materialistic things and experience the divine.

The architectural aspects of a temple mirror the values and principles of Sanatana Dharma, as well. This particular write-up is going to succinctly speak of the salient points of this architecture and components of a temple.

Temple design – Components

Let us now look at some components of temple design and structure.

The place in any temple having the utmost sacredness is the “Garbhagriha.” This is because the idol of the presiding deity is present in Garbhagriha.
After that, a mention needs to be made of “Vimana,” also known as “Shikara.” It is considered to stand for Mount Meru, which is a significant mountain in both Buddhism and Hinduism. The Vimana is the tallest tower of a temple, positioned directly along the temple’s main alignment. This tower is indicative of a soul’s journey in the direction ...
... of God.
There are several mystic diagrams in a temple that are called “Yantra” and “Mandala” patterns. Here, a special mention has to be made of a geometric diagram, “Sri Yantra.” Sri Yantra denotes the balance that has to be there between physical and spiritual planes.
A “Mandapa” is another significant area in a temple. This is a pillared hall where people gather, and it has carvings of many deities and significant scenes from mythology.
The “Prakara”, which consists of walls surrounding the temple, and an entrance tower known as “Gopuram” are prominent elements of the temple, as well.
Major architectural styles

Now, it won’t be inappropriate to take a glance at the major architectural styles.

Firstly, we have to mention the Nagara style, which is majorly seen in temples located in North India. Here, the shikhara resembles a bee hive. Towers with curvatures, detailed carvings, and mandapas with a limited area are a few aspects of the Nagara architectural style. Here, the Konark Sun Temple and the Khajuraho Temples can be mentioned as examples.
Then, we have the architectural style specific to temples in South India; this is the Dravida style. In these sacred places, the gopurams are very tall and the complexes of temples are vast and spacious, too. Here, a prakara encloses a temple, and the inner sanctum is accessed through many gopurams. This style can be seen in Madurai Meenakshi Temple and Brihadeeswarar Temple.
After that, the focus has to move on to the Vesara style, which is related to the temples in the Central and Deccan regions of India. Here, there is a mix of the Dravida and Nagara patterns incorporating features such as stepped pyramids and tall vimanas. Examples include the Badami Temples and the Pattadakal Temples.
Several complex principles of engineering and mathematics are seen in the design and architecture of Indian temples. Here, it has to be emphasized that most of these temples were built several centuries before the start of civilization in many parts of the world.

“The distinctive geometry of Indian temples has inspired many modern architects and engineers, who look to these principles for guidance. Unsurprisingly, these temples attract numerous tourists from around the world. Visitors often express awe at the profound knowledge and craftsmanship of our ancestors.

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