20th January 2024 (8 Topics)

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Nagara Style of Temple Architecture

Context

The upcoming inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, designed by Chandrakant Sompura and his son Ashish, has drawn attention to the Nagara style of temple architecture.

Background

The Nagara style, one of the two great classical languages of Indian temple architecture, originated in northern India around the fifth century CE.
Its development coincided with the emergence of the Dravida style in the southern regions during the same period.

Nagara Style of Architecture:

Distinguished by a Towering Shikhara:

Nagara temples are elevated on a plinth, with the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) as the sacred core.
The towering shikhara, resembling a 'mountain peak,' is the defining characteristic of Nagara style temples.
Shikharas symbolize the natural and cosmological order in Hindu tradition, with references to Meru, Mandara, and Kailasa.

Architectural Elements:

A circumambulatory passage surrounds the garbha griha, and mandapas (halls) are often present on the same axis.
Elaborate murals and reliefs depicting deities and mythological scenes adorn the temple walls.

Five Modes of Nagara Architecture:

Valabhi: Masonry rendering of the barrel-roofed structure.
Phamsana: Multi-eave towers with slabs.
Latina: Single, slightly curved tower, a dominant mode for three centuries.
Shekhari: Shikhara with attached sub-spires or spirelets.
Bhumija: Miniature spires in horizontal and vertical rows, creating a grid-like effect.

Evolution of Latinas: Composite Latinas emerged in the 10th century, leading to Shekhari and Bhumija styles.

Comparison with Dravida Style Architecture:

Vimana vs. Shikhara:

In Dravida style, the counterpart to the shikhara is the vimana.
Vimanas are typically smaller than the gopurams (gatehouses), a distinctive feature in southern temples.

Presence of Boundary Walls:

Dravida style features boundary walls, while Nagara style complexes often lack them.
Ayodhya’s Ram temple incorporates a 732m-long wall, showcasing a hybrid architectural approach.

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