Skip to content
- First Hindu temples were built from rock-cut caves. Then, with the arrival of Gupta architecture, the first free-standing Hindu temples were constructed.
- The architectural principles of temples in India are described in Shilpa Shastra. Shilpa Shastra mentions three main type of temple architecture - Nagara or Northern style, the Dravida or the Southern style & the Vesara or Mixed style.
Hindu Temples
- Shikhara is a vital element of Hindu temples in both north and south India. They are miniature temple towers placed one on top of the other.
- Major elements of Hindu temple architecture are:
- Grabhagriha: Where the idol is placed
- Mandapa: Pillared Hall which lies in front of Garbhagriha
- Ardhmandapa: Lies next to mandapa
- Antarala: Joins Garbhagriha and Mandapa
- Pradakshinapatha: It is a gallery which surrounds Garbhagriha meant for Parikrama.
- Earliest temple structure includes Lad Khan temple, Aihole which has a towering shikhara.
- There are three styles of Hindu temple architecture i.e., Nagara (north), Dravida (south) and Vesara (mix of Nagara and Dravida).
- Teli ka mandir situated in north India is made in Dravidian style with a Dravidian shikhara.
