Page 5 - apr-Jun 2020

VOL. 17 No. 2
TOWERING TEMPLES

Temples in India are of various styles based on their geographical location. Let us have a look at some of these
architectural styles and their fascinating features! These temples reached their peak in construction under the
regional dynasties in the 12th century CE.

DRAVIDIAN STYLE

This form of temple architecture was popular in the south and was found in the land between Krishna and
Kaveri Rivers.
Example: Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Abhilasha Dewal, NIMS International School, Jaipur
Kalasha Mandapas Gopuram
Vimana
The crowning element at Multiple halls for Huge, detailed gateway
Superstructure of
the top of the temple specifi c purposes
the temple in the
form of a pyramid

Garbha-griha
Inner-sanctum with a
sculpture of the main
deity

N
NAGARA STYLEAGARA STYLE
Crown
This form of temple architecture was popular in The disc-like structure on VESARA STYLE
the north and was found in the land between the top of the temple shikhara is
Himalayas and the Vindhyas. called amalaka. This style of architecture
The top-most point of the developed in the mid-
Examples: Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat
temple on the amalaka is seventh century in Karnataka
Jatin Kumar, VIII, NIMS International School, Jaipur
called kalash. under the patronage of
Shikhara the Chalukyas. It was a
Temple superstructure Mandapas combination of the Nagara
with a curvilinear or Halls that include the and Dravidian styles.
rectilinear outline ardhamandapa and
antaralaya Examples: Durga Temple,
Garbha-griha Aihole,
Cave-like sanctum Karnataka
with main deity Jagati
Raised platform meant
for sitting and praying.
Adhishthana
Base of the temple’s
superstructure

KALINGA STYLE DEULA ACTIVITY: MATCH THE MANDAPAS
The following are diff erent types of mandapas found
These temples found in Odisha have
two main parts: a tower (deula) and in the Dravidian style temples. Match the names of the
a hall (jagmohan). The walls of the JAGMOHAN mandapas with the purpose they serve-
deula and jagmohan were sculpted 1 Ranga Mandapa A Hall for marriages
with intricate architectural motifs 2 Nritya Mandapa B Hall for yajnas
and fi gures. 3 Kalyana Mandapa C Hall for vehicles

Examples: Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 4 Utsava Mandapa D Hall for dance recitals
5 Vahana Mandapa E Hall of fi ve occasions

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