Hindu Architectur

eBy:Shourya Puri

Architecture

Hindu Architecture

• Hindu Architecture addresses two kinds of buildings: religious structures––temples and shrines––and non-religious structures, civic buildings, business complexes and residential homes. In Hindu culture, not only is the home and family all important, but so is the actual building where the family lives. Consequently, how a physical building is designed and constructed is a matter of deep concern. Hindu traditions tell us that there are

Overview Of Hindu Architecture

• Not meant for congregational worship

• Concentrate on religious and spiritual

• Made from rock• Conservative

Overview Cont’d• Vimana• Shikhara • Garba-griba• Sanctum

sanctorum• Mandapa • Ardh-mandapa• Mandala

Temple Architecture• Religious

– Astronomy – Sacred geometry

• Representation of macrocosm and microcosm

• Has an inner sanctum: garba girha• Sanctum crowned by a shikara

– Distinguishes the Nagra and Dravida styles

North Indian Styles

North Indian Styles• Nagara style• From Himalayas to the Deccan• Shikhara – beehive shaped

– Capotas and gavakas– amalaka

• Shrine is square at center• Bell-shaped structure on main

shrine

Lingaraja Temple

Rajarani Temple

Jagannath Temple

South Indian Styles

South Indian Style• Dravida Style• Shikhara – pyramid shaped• Have different: ground plan;

position of stone deities; decorative elements

• Walls around whole building• Different types: Pallava, Chola,

Pandya, Vijayanagar, Nayak

Pallava – Shore Temple

Chola - Brihdiswa

ra Temple

Pandya - Chidambaram

Nayak – Rameswaram Temple

Historical Development

• The earliest worship centers– Abu Simpbel– Elephanta– Ellora

• Horse shoe shaped window• Originally inspired by the Buddhist Stupa• The Great Stupa• The Taj Mahal

Historical Development cont’d

• The Stupa– Addition to the temple from Buddism

• Shilpa Shastra– Point of reference for architects

• Hindu temples– Large temples vs. mandirs:

Historical Development cont’d

• Shwe Dagon temple • Temples Today

– Fundamentally the same as the 6th century

– Richly decorated

Thank you…..