- A cuboid cell, the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) houses a centrally placed murti (enshrined icon) on a pitha (pedestal).
- The shikhara rises over the garbha griha and together with the sanctum they form the vimana (or mulaprasada) of a temple.
- A ribbed stone, amalaka, is placed atop the shikhara with a kalash at its finial.
- An intermediate antarala (vestibule) joins the garbha griha to an expansive pillared mandapa (porch) in front, chiefly facing east (or north).
- In the prakaram (temple courtyard), various little shrines and outbuildings frequently flourish.
- The temple may be reached by entrances with enormous gopurams (ornate entry towers) towering over each doorway.
- The vimanas can have an orthogonal, semi-stellate, or stellate layout.
- The Hoysala temples are known for their intricately carved banded plinths, which are composed of horizontal courses that run as rectangular strips with narrow recesses between them.
- In addition, the temples themselves are occasionally constructed on a raised platform called a jagati that is used for pradakshinapatha (circumambulation).
Fig: Chennakesava Temple in Belur
