Explore Our Affordable Courses

Click Here

Nagara Style: North Indian Temple Architecture

April 18, 2024 1772 0

Introduction

Nagara style

The Nagara style, prevalent in North Indian temple architecture, is characterized by its towering shikhara (spire), intricate carvings, and curved profile, reflecting Hindu cosmology and religious symbolism.

Key Features of Nagara style temples

  • Platform: Northern temples are often constructed on a raised stone platform.
  • Gateway: Unlike South India, there is typically an absence of elaborate boundary walls or gateways
  • Panchayatana Style: The temples generally followed the Panchayatana style of temple-making.
  • Figures on Wall: Outside the garbhagriha, there were images of Ganga and Yamuna.
  • Water Tank Absent: There were no water tanks or reservoirs on the temple premises.
  • The vertical end of the shikhara ended in a horizontal fluted disc, known as amalak. On the top of that is a spherical shaped structure called Kalash.

Panchayatan style [UPSC 2014]

  • Four subsidiary shrines, along with the temple of the principal deity.
  • Square: The main temple is square in shape with an elongated mandap. 
  • Crucified Shape: The subsidiary shrines were placed opposite to each other on either side of the mandap, giving the ground plan a crucified shape.
  • Example: Dashavatara temple at Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh), Durga temple at Aihole (Karnataka). 

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Different Types of Temple Towers (Shikhara)

  • Early temples had a single tower (shikhara), but later ones featured multiple towers
  • Garbhagriha (sanctum): Always situated directly under the tallest tower or shikhara. 

Latina Type Shikhara

  • This is a simple or basic form of shikhara, famously known as the ‘Latina’ or ‘rekha-prasada’ type.
  • It has a square base and walls that curve or slope inward, culminating in a point at the top.
  • Latina buildings evolved to support many smaller towers, clustered together like rising mountain peaks.

Phamsana Type Shikhara

  • These are broader and shorter than the Latina ones.
  • Their roofs consist of several slabs gently rising to a single point.
  • In many North Indian temples, Phamsana design is applied to mandapas (halls), while the main garbhagriha is housed in a latina building.

Valabhi Type Building

  • It is characterized by rectangular buildings with a roof rising into a vaulted chamber, often referred to as ‘wagon-vaulted buildings.’ 
  • The edge of the vaulted chamber is rounded, resembling ancient bamboo or wooden wagons.

 

Must Read

Current Affairs Editorial Analysis
Upsc Notes  Upsc Blogs 
NCERT Notes  Free Main Answer Writing

Conclusion

  • The Nagara style exemplifies the rich cultural and architectural heritage of North India, serving as a visual representation of Hindu beliefs and traditions while inspiring awe and devotion among worshippers and admirers.
Related Articles 
Harshavardhana: Empire of Harsha, History UPSC Notes for Ancient History of India
Sangam Age – Political History of South India Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE)
Jainism and Buddhism Post Mauryan Period (200 BC – 300 AD)

 

Download October 2024 Current Affairs.   Srijan 2025 Program (Prelims+Mains) !     Current Affairs Plus By Sumit Sir   UPSC Prelims2025 Test Series.    IDMP – Self Study Program 2025.

 

THE MOST
LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

      

Download October 2024 Current Affairs.   Srijan 2025 Program (Prelims+Mains) !     Current Affairs Plus By Sumit Sir   UPSC Prelims2025 Test Series.    IDMP – Self Study Program 2025.

 

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">







    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.