Evolution of Hindu Temples

Click icon to add picture EVOLUTION OF HINDU TEMPLES
GROUP 1
HINDU ARCHITECTURE
Hindu architecture evolved over the centuries from simple rock-cut cave shrines to massive and ornate temples
which spread across the Indian sub-continent and beyond, forming a canonical style which is still adhered to today
in modern Hindu temples across the globe. Essential elements of Hindu architecture are precise and harmonious
geometry when viewed from all four sides and above, the square form and grid ground plans, soaring towers, and
elaborate decorate sculpture which includes gods, worshippers, erotic scenes, animals, and floral and geometric
patterns.
GROUP A 2
INTRODUCTION
Hindu architecture was influenced by
early Buddhist structures such as
the stupa, the first Hindu temples were
built from rock-cut caves and repeated
the idea of relief panels and the
decorative gavaska window form. Then,
with the arrival of Gupta architecture in
the 4th to 5th century CE, the first free-
standing Hindu temples were constructed
with features such as towers and
projecting niches.
GROUP A
3
MATERIALS
The first materials used were wood and
terracotta, but architects gradually moved on to
brick and stone, especially sandstone, granite,
schist, and marble. No mortar was used in the
older temples and so precise cutting of dressed
stones was required. Outstanding examples of
influential cave temples include those at Udaigiri
in Malwa and date to the 5th century CE. Early
free-standing temples survive at Deogarh and
include the 6th century CE Dasavatara temple
dedicated to Vishnu.
GROUP A 4
FEATURES
The Hindu temple (mandir) is laid out according to the eight
cardinal directions, and a god representing each one (dikpala)
may sometimes be represented in sculpture on the temple's
exterior. Built on an elaborately carved platform (adhisthana),
the temple is often referred to in ancient Hindu texts on
architecture (the Vastu Shastras) as the sacred mountain Meru
or Kailasa, the dwelling of Shiva in the Himalayas. The most
important part of a Hindu temple is
the garbhagriha (translated as 'womb-chamber'), which is a
small window-less shrine room located at the very heart of the
temple. Within, a symbol or representation of a specific god
was placed, for example, the linga (phallus) for Shiva.
Worshippers consider that energy flows out in all directions
from the garbhagriha, and this is reflected in the architecture
of the surrounding parts of the temple.
GROUP A 5
Architecture evolved slightly differently in different regions,
such as the distinct features of Orissa, Kashmir and Bengal
NAGARA & temples, but two general types are identified as the Nagara
DRAVIDA TEMPLES (North) and Dravida (South) styles. The sikhara tower in Nagara
temples have a sloping curve as they rise, have decorative arches
known as gavakshas, and are topped by an amalaka – a large
fluted stone disk – and also a small pot and finial. The walls of
Nagara temples present a complex exterior of projections
(known as ratha and ultimately there would be seven on each
side) which create many recesses.
Dravida towers (known separately as vimana) are more dome-

like with cornices, and they are topped by another smaller
dome. The exterior walls of Dravida temples have regular
entablatures which often contain sculpture. Southern Indian
temples can also have a ritual bathing tank or pool (nandi
mandapa), may have a barrel-vaulted (shala) roof, and are
typically enclosed within a walled courtyard with a gate
(gopura) which over time would become even more massive
and ornate than the temple itself.
GROUP A 6
CONCLUSION
Beginning with humble caves and squat flat-roofed temples,

Hindu architecture, then, evolved over the centuries and, despite
some regional variation, arrived at a standard arrangement
which involved a huge walled complex with massive decorative
gateways giving entrance to a sacred space of lesser shrines
dominated by the main temple and its monumental series of
towers.
• GROUP A 7
LADKHAN TEMPLE
• One of oldest temples in the complex probably built in
450 AD.
• Initially its used as A Panchayat Hall
• Later it was turned into a temple – first Surya temple
and then Shivalaya.
• Most beautiful part is the lattice window with intricate
carving taking inspiration from northern temples.
• The central square with flat roof houses the Nandi.
• The Nandi is surprisingly completely intact.
• Over a central square there is a broken shikhar which
again could be a later additions .
GROUP A 8
PLAN -50’ SQUARE
• 3 sided wall, two sided acts as a stone grills

• 4th side on east-open pillared portico in an expansion
of 9 square plan
• Consist of 16 pillared hall
• 2 square group of columns, one within the other thus
providing a double aisle.
• Flat stone slab roofing.
• The wood frame structures on pillars and corbels
• Stone battens between the roofing stones helped to
make it water tight .
9
TEMPLE OF BHITARGAON
• This temple is the earliest and the most remarkable example of

brick building .
• Temple at bhitargaon stands at the centre of a fairly high plinth
• It’s a tower like structure of height of 70 feet.
• The projected porch on the east side is approached by steps.
• Most striking features of the temple is outer ornamentation of
terracotta sculptures
• The walls rise in bold moldings, their upper portion being
decorated with a row rectangular panels alternating with
ornamental pilasters.
• Its not a temple for workship but a repository or a shrine for an
image.
• This the oldest remaining Hindu shrine with a roof and high
Sikhara, In which there is a series or arches.
10
PLAN DETAIL VIEW
11
SHIV TEMPLE AT BHUMARA
• Its resembles in type of and plan to the Bhitaragaon

temple.
• This shrine consist of square masonary cells
(garbagriha) of 35 feet side with a flat slab roof.
• Doorways craved representation of river goddesses
on the jambs and a fine bust of shiva, with flying
figures on the lintel.
• Around the garba griha are the large chamber which
surrounded , it provided pradakshina path .
• Consist of great variety of non monolithic columns and
riched carved lintels
• Some of the gana figures have rakassa faces on their
bellies
12
PLAN AND DETAILS
13
DASAVATHARA VISHNU TEMPLE AT DEOGARH
• The most important features of the temple is Sikhara

instead of the conventional flat roof.
• Another features is arrangements of portico.
• In the centre of the over door slab is a plague of
Vishnu on the great naga.
• To the right and the left at the top and outside the
amin zone of the frame are reliefs of the river goddess
Ganga and jamuna .
• Dvarpals or door guardians and female divinities are
craved on the overlapping frames of the doors.
14
PLAN AND DETAILS
15

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Click icon to add picture EVOLUTION OF HINDU TEMPLES

Dravida towers (known separately as vimana) are more dome-

Beginning with humble caves and squat flat-roofed temples,

• 3 sided wall, two sided acts as a stone grills

• This temple is the earliest and the most remarkable example of

• Its resembles in type of and plan to the Bhitaragaon

• The most important features of the temple is Sikhara

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