Source: This post is based on the article “What is the Nagara style in which Ayodhya’s Ram temple is built” published in “The Indian Express” on 20th January 2024.
Why in the news?
Temple Architecture of Nagara Style, The Ram temple in Ayodhya is going to be inaugurated on January 22.
What is the Nagara style of temple architecture?
Originated from the word Nagar meaning town or city. It’s the style of temple in the northern India. This style developed in the 5th century, characterized by a curvilinear or convex shikhara. The shikhara is topped by a larger round cushion-like element called an Amalaka.
What are the features of Nagara style of temple?
- It does not have elaborate boundary walls or gateways.
- The entire temple is built on a stone platform with steps leading up to it.
- The garbhagriha(sanctum sanctorum) is always located under the tallest tower.Garbhgriha is the place where main deity is placed. It is the most sacred part of the temple.
- Shikharas are human-made representations of the natural and cosmological order, as imagined in Hindu tradition. For example; Meru, Mandara, and kailasaa are the three mountain which are believed to be axis of world. Example-Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Khajuraho, M.P.
- Amalaka or Kalash installed on Shikhara is one of the features of this temple style.
- It also consists of circumambulatory path around the garbhagriha.
- Other examples of Nagara style of temples in India are- Sun temple, Konark, Sun temple at Modhera, Gujarat and Ossian temple, Gujarat.
Image based on EB
Havell’s The ancient and Medieval Architecture of India.
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What are the modes of nagara architecture?
Adam Hardy,who is author of book The Temple Architecture of India (2007) identifies five modes of Nagara temple architecture — Valabhi, Phamsana, Latina, Shekhari, and Bhumija.
What is the difference between Dravida and Nagara Style of Architecture?
| Area of difference | Dravida style | Nagara style |
| Location | Southern India | Northern India |
| Mandapa towers | Single tower | Multiple tower |
| Central towers | Shaped like a pyramid | Curvilinear in shape |
| Boundaries | Boundaries are given great importance. | Boundaries are not given great importance. |
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