Nagara vs Dravidian Temple Architecture

Nagara and Dravidian are the two major styles of Hindu temple architecture in India. They came up from the earlier style known as the Panchayatana style of architecture. The Nagara style is found in northern India, while the Dravidian style is found in southern India. The main difference between the Nagara and Dravidian styles is the shape of the central tower. The Nagara style has a curvilinear or beehive-shaped tower, while the Dravidian style has a pyramid-like central tower. Both styles have their unique features, which are described below in the article.

Nagara Style of Temple Architecture

The Nagara style of temple architecture is a Hindu temple style that is popular in India. It originated in the Gupta structural temples and began developing in the 5th century. It has gone through various changes over time and has three sub-styles. The Nagara style is characterized by its distinctive shikhara, which is a superstructure, tower, or spire above the garbhagriha. The garbhagriha is a small sanctuary that houses the main image or emblem of the temple deity. The style is sometimes referred to as Nagara, a type of temple mentioned in the Shilpa-shastras, which are traditional canons of architecture.

The Nagara style has been used to build many famous temples in India, including the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple at Khajuraho, the Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar, and the Dilwara Temples at Mount Abu. The style is also found in other parts of Asia, such as Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Features of Nagara Temple Architecture

Here are some major features of Nagara-style temple architecture:

• Shikhara (Tower): The most unique feature of Nagara temples is their towering spire or Shikhara. These spires are often curvilinear in shape, resembling a mountain peak or a cluster of smaller towers stacked on top of each other. The Shikhara gradually narrows as it rises, giving in a decorative finial or Kalasha.
• Mandapa (Pillared Hall): Nagara temples typically have a pillared hall or Mandapa, which serves as an entrance porch or assembly hall for devotees. There are usually two types of Mandapas: The Ardha Mandapa (front hall) and the Maha Mandapa (main hall), each designed with beautiful carved pillars.
• Garbhagriha (Inner Sanctum): The inner sanctum or Garbhagriha houses the main deity of the temple. It is usually a small, dark chamber representing the womb of the universe, symbolizing the sanctity and concentration of divine energy.
• Entrance (Antarala): Nagara temples typically feature an entrance porch or Antarala, which connects the Mandapa to the Garbhagriha. This transitional space often contains sculptures or relief carvings representing deities or mythological narratives.
• Decorative Elements: Nagara temples are designed with a lot of complex carvings, sculptures, and relief work. These decorations depict various Hindu deities, celestial beings, mythical creatures, and scenes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Materials: Nagara temples are commonly constructed using locally available materials such as sandstone or brick. The stone surfaces provide a canvas for complex carvings and sculptures, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the temples.
• Symbolism: Nagara temple architecture is heavily symbolic, with each aspect holding spiritual meaning. The upward movement of the Shikhara indicates the trip from the earthly sphere to the divine world, while the Mandapa represents the gathering of devotees in the presence of the deity.

Dravida Style of Temple Architecture

The Dravida style of temple architecture, prominent in southern India, features towering pyramidal structures called Gopurams as its hallmark. These Gopurams serve as grand entrances designed with beautiful sculptures and carvings showing various mythological narratives.

Dravida temples typically have a rectangular layout, with multiple concentric enclosures leading to the main sanctum. The inner sanctum, or garbhagriha, houses the main deity and is often designed with elaborate decorations. Pillared halls, known as mandapas, are common features for gatherings and ceremonies. Dravida temples are predominantly built using granite, showcasing the region’s abundant stone resources. Examples include the iconic Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur and the majestic Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.

Features of Dravida Temple Architecture

Major features of Dravida temple architecture include:

• Gopurams: These monumental entrance towers are one of the most unique features of Dravida temples. Gopurams are often elaborately decorated with sculptures of gods, goddesses, mythical creatures, and beautiful designs. They serve as gateways marking the transition from the secular world to the sacred space of the temple.
• Vimanas: Dravida temples typically have pyramidal or tiered vimanas (towers) over the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), which house the main deity of worship. These vimanas are often designed with sculptural details and decorative elements, symbolizing the cosmic mountain or the abode of the gods.
• Garbhagriha: The inner sanctum of Dravida temples, known as the garbhagriha, houses the principal deity of the temple. It is usually a small, dark chamber, representing the womb of the universe. The deity is often depicted in various forms, reflecting different aspects of divinity.
• Mandapas: Dravida temples typically feature pillared halls known as mandapas, which are used for gatherings, rituals, and ceremonies. These mandapas are often beautifully carved with mythological motifs and serve as spaces for devotees to congregate and worship.
• Layout: Dravida temples are characterized by their compact and symmetrically arranged layouts. They often have multiple concentric enclosures surrounding the main shrine, creating a sense of progression from the outer world towards the inner sanctum.
• Materials: Dravida temples are predominantly built using locally available stone, such as granite. The use of durable stone allows for complex carving and ensures the longevity of the temple structures.
• Religious Significance: Dravida temple architecture is deeply rooted in Hindu religious beliefs and mythology. The temples are designed to serve as abodes of the divine, facilitating spiritual worship, rituals, and pilgrimage for devotees.

Difference Between Nagara and Dravidian Temple Architecture

Both the Nagara and Dravidian styles of Hindu temple architecture are beautiful and complex. The Nagara style is typically found in northern India, while the Dravidian style is typically found in southern India. Let’s see the differences between them in detail in the table below:

Aspect	Nagara Temple Architecture	Dravidian Temple Architecture
Region	Northern India	Southern India
Vimana (Tower) Shape	Curvilinear (Shikhara)	Rectangular (Gopuram)
Entrance	Generally single entrance on the east side	Multiple entrances, often elaborate and decorated
Mandapa (Pillared Hall)	Typically two types: Ardha Mandapa (front) and Maha Mandapa (main hall)	Typically larger and more elaborate with multiple halls
Material	Often built with sandstone or brick	Usually constructed with granite or other local stone
Garbhagriha (Inner Sanctum)	Smaller, usually square or circular	Generally larger and rectangular
Decoration	Complex carvings and sculptures on outer walls	Elaborate sculptures and carvings showing deities and mythological scenes
Influence	Influenced by Vedic and Indo-Aryan architecture	Influenced by Dravidian and Tamil architecture
Examples	Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho, Somnath Temple in Gujarat	Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Meenakshi Temple in Madurai

Conclusion – Nagara vs Dravidian Temple Architecture

In conclusion, the Nagara style is characterized by its curvilinear or beehive-shaped towers and multiple entrances. The towers are often decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temples are also typically built on a high platform, with a series of steps leading up to the main entrance. The Dravidian style is characterized by its pyramidal towers with multiple storeys. The towers are often decorated with brightly colored tiles and sculptures. The temples are also typically built on a large platform, with a series of smaller shrines surrounding the main temple. The main difference between the Nagara and Dravidian styles is the shape of the central tower. The Nagara style has a curvilinear or beehive-shaped tower, while the Dravidian style has a pyramid-like central tower. Another difference is the number of entrances. The Nagara style has multiple entrances, while the Dravidian style has a single central entrance. Finally, the Nagara style is typically found in northern India, while the Dravidian style is typically found in southern India.

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FAQs on Nagara vs Dravidian Temple Architecture

What are the main regions associated with Nagara and Dravidian temple architecture?

Main regions associated with Nagara and Dravidian temple architecture are:

• Nagara: Northern India
• Dravidian: Southern India

What is the primary difference in the shape of the towers in Nagara and Dravidian temples?

Primary difference in the shape of the towers in Nagara and Dravidian temples are:

• Nagara: Curvilinear (Shikhara)
• Dravidian: Rectangular (Gopuram)

How do Nagara and Dravidian temples differ in their entrance design?

Nagara and Dravidian temples differ in their entrance design by the following:

• Nagara: Single entrance, typically on the east side.
• Dravidian: Multiple entrances, often elaborate and decorated.

What materials are commonly used in the construction of Nagara and Dravidian temples?

In Nagara style of temple architecture, Sandstone, and bricks are used. In Dravidian style of temple architecture, Granite, and local stones are used.

What are the main features of the inner sanctum (garbhagriha) in Nagara and Dravidian temples?

Main features of the inner sanctum (garbhagriha) in Nagara and Dravidian temples are:

• Nagara: Smaller, usually square or circular
• Dravidian: Generally larger and rectangular.

How do Nagara and Dravidian temples differ in their influence and cultural context?

Nagara temple architecture is influenced by Vedic and Indo-Aryan architecture whereas, Dravidian temple architecture is influenced by Dravidian and Tamil architecture.

What are some examples of Nagara temples?

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho, Somnath Temple in Gujarat.

What are some examples of Dravidian temples?

Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Meenakshi Temple in Madurai are some examples of Dravidian temples.

How do Nagara and Dravidian temples differ in their architectural ornamentation?

• Nagara: Intricate carvings and sculptures on outer walls.
• Dravidian: Elaborate sculptures and carvings depicting deities and mythological scenes.

What is the typical layout of Nagara and Dravidian temple complexes?

• Nagara: Symmetrical layout, main shrine aligned with entrance.
• Dravidian: Rectangular layout, concentric enclosures leading to main shrine.