Temple Architecture, Sanatan Dharma, Different Design Style, All you need to know

North Indian and South Indian temple architecture are two distinct styles of temple architecture that have emerged in India over the centuries. While both styles share some common features, such as the use of intricate carvings and symbolic representations, they also have significant differences that reflect the unique cultural and religious traditions of their respective regions.

North Indian temple architecture is characterized by its use of sandstone and marble, which are often intricately carved with images of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures. The temples are usually built on a raised platform, with a central sanctum that houses the main deity, surrounded by a series of smaller shrines and courtyards. The temple is often topped with a distinctive dome-shaped roof, called a shikhara, which is decorated with a series of small domes and finials.

One of the most prominent examples of North Indian temple architecture is the Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh. These temples were built between the 9th and 11th centuries and are known for their exquisite carvings of erotic scenes, as well as their intricate stonework and architecture.

South Indian temple architecture, on the other hand, is characterized by its use of granite, which is often carved with intricate images of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures. The temples are usually built on a rectangular or square plan, with a central sanctum that houses the main deity, surrounded by a series of smaller shrines and courtyards. The temple is often topped with a pyramid-shaped roof, called a vimana, which is decorated with a series of small gopurams or towers.

One of the most prominent examples of South Indian temple architecture is the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. This temple was built in the 11th century and is known for its towering vimana, which is over 200 feet tall and is topped with a massive stone kalasha or pot.

While North Indian and South Indian temple architecture share some common features, such as their use of intricate carvings and symbolic representations, they also have significant differences that reflect the unique cultural and religious traditions of their respective regions. North Indian temples tend to be more ornate and decorative, with a focus on intricate stonework and architecture, while South Indian temples tend to be more simple and functional, with a focus on practicality and durability.

Another difference between the two styles is the way they approach temple rituals and worship. In North Indian temples, the focus is on the deity and the worshipper, with elaborate rituals and ceremonies designed to evoke a sense of devotion and connection. In South Indian temples, the focus is more on the community, with elaborate festivals and processions that involve the entire community and are seen as a way of bringing people together.

Features of South Indian temple architecture

South Indian temple architecture is a distinctive style of temple architecture that has evolved over centuries in the southern region of India. It is characterized by its use of granite, intricate carvings, and towering gopurams or temple towers. In this article, we will explore some of the key features of South Indian temple architecture.

Dravidian Style:

South Indian temple architecture is also known as Dravidian style. It is characterized by its use of stone, with a focus on carving intricate figures and decorative elements into the stone. The Dravidian style is believed to have emerged in the 7th century CE and continues to be used to this day.

Gopuram

One of the most distinctive features of South Indian temple architecture is the towering gopuram or temple tower. These towers are typically made of stone and can rise up to 50 meters in height. They are intricately carved with images of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures, and serve as a gateway to the temple complex. The gopurams are often painted in vibrant colors, making them a stunning visual spectacle.

Mandapa

South Indian temples also feature a mandapa or a pillared hall, which is used for various rituals and ceremonies. The mandapa is often located in front of the main shrine and is supported by pillars that are intricately carved with images of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures. The mandapa is often open on all sides, allowing worshippers to view the temple complex and its surroundings.

Vimana:

The main shrine in a South Indian temple is often topped with a towering vimana or pyramid-shaped roof. The vimana is made of stone and is intricately carved with images of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures. The vimana is often decorated with small gopurams or temple towers, which serve as a symbolic representation of the Hindu cosmos.

Garbhagriha:

The innermost sanctum of a South Indian temple is called the garbhagriha or the womb chamber. It is a small, dark chamber that houses the main deity of the temple. The garbhagriha is typically made of stone and is considered to be the most sacred space in the temple.

Kalyana Mandapa:

Some South Indian temples also feature a kalyana mandapa or a marriage hall. This is a large, pillared hall that is used for conducting weddings and other important ceremonies. The kalyana mandapa is often decorated with intricate carvings and paintings, making it a beautiful and sacred space.

Water Bodies:

Many South Indian temples also feature water bodies such as tanks or ponds, which are considered to be sacred. These water bodies are often used for ritual bathing and are believed to have purifying powers. They are also a beautiful and serene feature of the temple complex.

Features of North Indian temple architecture

North Indian temple architecture is a unique style of temple architecture that developed in the northern regions of India. It is characterized by its use of sandstone and marble, intricate carvings, and towering shikhara or temple spires. In this article, we will explore some of the key features of North Indian temple architecture.

Nagara Style:

The North Indian temple architecture is also known as Nagara style. The Nagara style of temple architecture is characterized by its use of a curved or pointed shikhara, which rises above the main shrine. The shikhara is often decorated with intricate carvings and can rise up to 30 meters in height. The Nagara style of temple architecture is believed to have emerged in the 5th century CE and continues to be used to this day.

Garbhagriha:

Like South Indian temples, North Indian temples also have a garbhagriha or the innermost sanctum of the temple, which houses the main deity of the temple. The garbhagriha is often a small, dark chamber, made of stone or brick, and is considered to be the most sacred space in the temple.

Mandapa:

North Indian temples also feature a mandapa or a pillared hall, which is used for various rituals and ceremonies. The mandapa is often located in front of the main shrine and is supported by pillars that are intricately carved with images of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures. The mandapa is often open on all sides, allowing worshippers to view the temple complex and its surroundings.

Shikhara:

The main feature of North Indian temple architecture is the shikhara or temple spire. The shikhara rises above the main shrine and is often made of stone, decorated with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures. The shikhara is often topped with a kalasha or a decorative finial, which is believed to symbolize the pinnacle of the Hindu cosmos.

Jagati:

North Indian temples often have a jagati or a raised platform, which serves as the base for the temple complex. The jagati is often made of stone or brick and is decorated with intricate carvings and designs. The jagati is believed to symbolize the earthly plane and is the space where devotees gather to worship the deity.

Pradakshina Path:

North Indian temples also feature a pradakshina path or a circumambulatory path, which is used for circumambulating the main shrine. The pradakshina path is often located around the garbhagriha and the mandapa, and is believed to symbolize the cyclic nature of life.

Gateways:

North Indian temples often have multiple gateways or toranas, which serve as an entrance to the temple complex. The gateways are often decorated with intricate carvings and designs, and are believed to symbolize the gateway to the spiritual world.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, North Indian and South Indian temple architecture are two distinct styles of temple architecture that have evolved over centuries to reflect the unique cultural and religious traditions of their respective regions. While both styles share some common features, such as their use of intricate carvings and symbolic representations, they also have significant differences that reflect the unique characteristics of their respective regions. Whether you prefer the ornate and decorative style of North Indian temples or the simple and functional style of South Indian temples, both styles are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of India.