Central Indian Nagara Temples: Architectural Temple & Religious Heritage

Introduction

Central Indian Nagara temples, a subset of North Indian temple architecture, feature towering shikharas, intricately carved mandapas, and ornate sculptures, blending local artistic traditions with Nagara style elements.

Ancient Temples of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan

• Ancient temples in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan share common traits.
• Early Gupta temples are relatively modest, with four pillars supporting a mandapa and garbhagriha.
• Gupta Period shrines in Madhya Pradesh, notably at Udaigiri and Sanchi, are made of sandstone. 
• Temple 17 at Sanchi was the first temple to have a flat roof.

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Deogarh Temple: A Glimpse into Late Gupta Period Architecture

• Location: Deogarh (Lalitpur District,) in Uttar Pradesh, dating to the early sixth century AD, exemplifies late Gupta Period temple architecture.
• It has a simple, one cell square plan and is one of the earliest Hindu stone temples still surviving today.
• Deogarh temple follows the panchayatana.
• The curvilinear shikhara (curving latina or Rekha-prasada type of shikhara) indicates an example of the nagara style.
• This west-facing temple (west-facing is less common, as most temples are east- or north-facing) has a grand doorway featuring sculptures of Ganga and Yamuna.
• Deity: The temple’s depictions of Vishnu in various forms led to the misconception that it was a Dasavatara temple with four subsidiary shrines housing Vishnu’s avatars. 
• However, the original dedication of these shrines remains unknown, while main reliefs of Vishnu, such as Sheshashayana, Nara-Narayan, and Gajendramoksha, adorn the west-facing temple walls.

Khajuraho Temple Architecture 

• Construction: It was constructed by Chandela Kings in the tenth century AD.
• Lakshmana temple (dedicated to Vishnu), built in 954 AD, by the Chandela king, Dhanga, displays a curved pyramidal fashion in shikharas and prominent amalak (a horizontal fluted disc) and kalash (or vase).
• All Nagara temples from this period feature the standard crowning elements of amalak and kalash, and distinctively, this temple exhibits projecting balconies and verandahs.
• Kandariya Mahadeo temple in Khajuraho was built during the reign of Vidyadhara (1003-1035 AD).
• Sculptures at Khajuraho are highly stylized with Erotic sculptures, including Mithun (embracing couple) sculptures, which are considered auspicious and are integral to the temples.
• Khajuraho has numerous Hindu temples, Jain temples, and a Chausanth Yogini temple.
• • Chausanth Yogini temple predates the tenth century and is dedicated to goddesses associated with Tantric worship.

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Conclusion

• Central Indian Nagara temples stand as magnificent symbols of devotion and architectural mastery, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage and religious fervor, while captivating visitors with their awe-inspiring beauty and spiritual significance.