Ayodhya Temple GS-1, Art and culture Nagara style of temple | Deepak UPSC Notes

Ayodhya Temple

GS-1, Art and culture

Nagara style of temple architecture

What is Nagara style of temple architecture?

The Nagara style of temple architecture is found in northern India.

In the Nagara style, the temple is generally constructed on an upraised platform called jagati. Mandapasare present in front of the Garbhagriha. These are adorned with the Shikhara, the tallest one being above the Garbhagriha.

Nagara style doesn’t usually have elaborate boundary walls or gateways.

The garbhagriha is always located directly under the tallest tower.

The basic form of a Hindu temple contains the following architectural elements:

Garbhagriha– the small room where the principle deity/deities of the temple reside

Mandapa– the portico or hall at the entrance of the temple generally designed to house a large number of people

Shikhara– the mountain like spire which can have different shapes from pyramidal to curvilinear

Vahana– the mount or vehicle of the main deity placed generally in line of sight from Garbhagriha