indian temples comparison.docx

8/14/2019 INDIAN TEMPLES COMPARISON.docx

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11..AArrcchhiittyyppeeHindu temples are of different shapes and sizes

rectangular, octagonal, and semicircularwith

different types of domes and gates. Temples in

southern India have a different style than those in

northern India. Although the architecture of Hindu

temples is varied, they mainly have many things in

common.

Architecturally Chaityas show similarities toRoman

design concepts ofcolumn andarch.The monks builtmany structures which were carved out of a single

massive rock (Rock-cut), done with hammer and

chisel, bare hands. These were known as cave

temples. About 1200 such cave temples were built

throughout India. The most important are

atKarle,Ajanta,Ellora,Udaigiri,Aurangabad andNasik.

They were rectangular halls, with finely polished interior

walls.

In Jain style of architecture, brickswere hardly

used, and the system of carving out temples from

rock faceswas adopted.

22..PPllaann

Raised platformon which the temple stands in itself

becomes dominant feature of t he composition.

The great flight of stepsgives one a sense of arrival

in higher ritualistic sense also.

A small Hindu temple consists of an inner sanctum,

the garbha graha or womb-chamber, in which the

idol or deity is housed, often called

circumambulation, a congregation hall, and

sometimes an antechamber and porch.

The Hindu Temples are similar in plan to the Jaina

temples, with local differences for instance,

Dravidian Temples have, in addition, the

characteristic choultries, or halls of 1,000 columns,

and are generally surrounded by a wall, inclosing

lakes or tanks of water for priestly purposes, while

Chalukyan Temples are usually star-shaped on

plan.

The earliest rock-cut chaityas, similar to free-standing

ones, consisted of an inner circular chamber with

pillarsto create a circular path around the stupaand

an outer rectangular hall for the congregation of the

devotees. Over the course of time the wall separating

the stupa from the hall was removed to create an

apsidal hall with acolonnade around the nave and

the stupa.

The remains of Buddhist Chaityas (Temples) are all

hewn out of the rock, and therefore have only one

external facade. In plan they resemble Christian

Cathedrals in having three aisles formed by two rows of

piers; the sanctuary, around which the aisle is carried,

is semi-circular.

The viharas (or monasteries) are also rock-cut. Theyconsist generally of a central hall surrounded on three

sides by cells for the priests. In later and larger

examples, columns are introduced in the central

space to support the rock overhead. In the most

important examples the sanctuary is placed in a

special apartment, and provided with a screen of

columns as at Nassick.

Usually the exits lead into a series of columned

chambers into the central hallsof the temple. These

columns, standing around for no apparent

purpose, might make the place seem like amindless labyrinth, but on closer scrutiny it becomes

evident that there is a style and method in it. Simply

put, these are temples within a temple, divided into

sanctums and surrounded by a range of chapels

and shrines, and the maze of columns act as a

defense against plunderers. The principle

impression gathered from these temples is the

variety of their sections but in harmony with each

other. The pointed spires above each domeare

different, yet it signifies the position of a chapel, hall

or any other chamber inside.

Temples owe much of their attractiveness to their

environment, by being picturesquely grouped on

mountain tops or in wooded valleys. In plan they

consist of a square cellcontaining the image of the

Jina, roofed with ahigh curvilinear pyramidal Tower

called a " Sikra." In front was a pillared portico,

crowned by a pointed dome usually supported on

eight pillars forming points of an octagon, and

brought to a square by inserting four angle

columns. The columns are extended so as to make

the whole structure cruciform on plan, which is

apparent externally.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_architecturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_architecturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columnhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karlehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajantahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellorahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udaigirihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurangabad,_Maharashtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasikhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonnadehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonnadehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasikhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurangabad,_Maharashtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udaigirihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellorahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajantahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karlehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columnhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_architecturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_architecture


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In elevation, a Sikhara, i.e., tower gradually inclined

inwards in a convex curve.

In order to maintain geometric balance with the

natural surroundings, a parametric (gently angled) roof

with decorative eaves (projecting overhang at the

lower portions of a roof)was conceived. A steep-angle

of descent began at the top of the roof, but tapered

off to a more gradual incline upon reaching the eaves.

This easy-flowing rhythm blended well into the

background scenery of hills, forest, mountains.

The front elevation of the building has transformed

the landscape of the area and one cannot fail to

admire the marvel whist passing through the Oxford

Street. The elevation is made up of white marble

cladding and eight pillars depicting symbolic Jain

architecture. The main temple has 44 pillars, hand-

carved in yellow limestone or marble, depicting

symbolic Jain doctrine in the front elevation, a

beautiful temple dome, ceiling with traditional Jain

carvings, white marble floor, Mirror finished walls,

concealed lighting and the traditional doors at the

Garbhagriha.

44..CCoolluummnnssIn the Dravidian choultries, there was great scope

for the inventiveness of the Hindu craftsman. The

capitals are of the bracket type, and in some

instances not more than two columns in a building

are alike.

Some, as at Madura, have life-sized figures of

Buddhist columns are often octagonal on plan. In thegreat rock-cut Chaityas at Karli, Bedsa and elsewhere,they are stumpy, closely set together, thus screening

the wall behind, which, of course, had no openings.

In others, as at Karli, torus or Dutch cheeselike

mouldings ornamented with palm leaves occur under

Columns are a special feature and exhibit great

variety of design. The capitals are of the "bracket"

type, probably derived from a timber original.

Sometimes, as at Mount Abu, they are

superimposed, the upper ones supporting an
http://www.jainnetwork.com/Futur-Plans-AFutureplan/http://www.btrts.org.sg/temple-design-conceptshttps://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=LiHvTYVGxQuAIM&tbnid=XQi6BzXFdeamLM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.e-architect.co.uk/india/hindu_temple.htm&ei=YobzUb_RCMj4rQeTtYGgDw&bvm=bv.49784469,d.dGI&psig=AFQjCNHI9alGJDWi64MDbKcd6GKOwgIfBg&ust=1374999318732775http://onwardoverland.com/angkorwat/angkorwat.htmlhttp://pushti-marg.net/bhagwat/spiritual-architecture.htmhttp://www.jainnetwork.com/Futur-Plans-AFutureplan/http://www.btrts.org.sg/temple-design-conceptshttps://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=LiHvTYVGxQuAIM&tbnid=XQi6BzXFdeamLM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.e-architect.co.uk/india/hindu_temple.htm&ei=YobzUb_RCMj4rQeTtYGgDw&bvm=bv.49784469,d.dGI&psig=AFQjCNHI9alGJDWi64MDbKcd6GKOwgIfBg&ust=1374999318732775http://onwardoverland.com/angkorwat/angkorwat.htmlhttp://pushti-marg.net/bhagwat/spiritual-architecture.htmhttp://www.jainnetwork.com/Futur-Plans-AFutureplan/http://www.btrts.org.sg/temple-design-conceptshttps://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=LiHvTYVGxQuAIM&tbnid=XQi6BzXFdeamLM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.e-architect.co.uk/india/hindu_temple.htm&ei=YobzUb_RCMj4rQeTtYGgDw&bvm=bv.49784469,d.dGI&psig=AFQjCNHI9alGJDWi64MDbKcd6GKOwgIfBg&ust=1374999318732775http://onwardoverland.com/angkorwat/angkorwat.htmlhttp://pushti-marg.net/bhagwat/spiritual-architecture.htmhttp://www.jainnetwork.com/Futur-Plans-AFutureplan/http://www.btrts.org.sg/temple-design-conceptshttps://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=LiHvTYVGxQuAIM&tbnid=XQi6BzXFdeamLM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.e-architect.co.uk/india/hindu_temple.htm&ei=YobzUb_RCMj4rQeTtYGgDw&bvm=bv.49784469,d.dGI&psig=AFQjCNHI9alGJDWi64MDbKcd6GKOwgIfBg&ust=1374999318732775http://onwardoverland.com/angkorwat/angkorwat.htmlhttp://pushti-marg.net/bhagwat/spiritual-architecture.htmhttp://www.jainnetwork.com/Futur-Plans-AFutureplan/http://www.btrts.org.sg/temple-design-conceptshttps://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=LiHvTYVGxQuAIM&tbnid=XQi6BzXFdeamLM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.e-architect.co.uk/india/hindu_temple.htm&ei=YobzUb_RCMj4rQeTtYGgDw&bvm=bv.49784469,d.dGI&psig=AFQjCNHI9alGJDWi64MDbKcd6GKOwgIfBg&ust=1374999318732775http://onwardoverland.com/angkorwat/angkorwat.htmlhttp://pushti-marg.net/bhagwat/spiritual-architecture.htmhttp://www.jainnetwork.com/Futur-Plans-AFutureplan/http://www.btrts.org.sg/temple-design-conceptshttps://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=LiHvTYVGxQuAIM&tbnid=XQi6BzXFdeamLM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.e-architect.co.uk/india/hindu_temple.htm&ei=YobzUb_RCMj4rQeTtYGgDw&bvm=bv.49784469,d.dGI&psig=AFQjCNHI9alGJDWi64MDbKcd6GKOwgIfBg&ust=1374999318732775http://onwardoverland.com/angkorwat/angkorwat.htmlhttp://pushti-marg.net/bhagwat/spiritual-architecture.htm


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saints, or Yalis (weird lion-like monsters) attached to

them forming a contrast to Greek caryatides. In

other cases, a compound pier of a sturdy and light

column is employed.

Hindu temple architecture detail. Wooden column

with Nepali Hindu God (Vishnu Avatar) figure and

floral ornament.

a capital of a coarse Roman-Doric type.

In North-west India, in the Gandhara district, Greek or

Byzantine influence produced capitals with delicate

acanthus leaf carvings.

The Stupa at the end of the Chaitya Hall has an

umbrella at the top. This Umbrella suggests association

with Buddhism. There is a wooden facade, made out

of teak wood. The facade makes it look as if the entirestructure was resting on the back of an elephant with

ivory tusks and metal ornaments.

architravewhich is upheld in the centre by stone

struts resting on the lower capital.

Intricately carved with no two being alike . The

artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in

various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are

an interesting sight.

55..DDeeccoorraattiioonn

The same excessive carving and sculpture, which

are impressive by this evident tribute of labor to the

gods.

A form made by overlapping rectangular slabs is

frequently used in the bases and capitals of

columns and dagobas. In other iristances, as at

Bedsa, a semi-circular open-work moulding,

recalling basketwork, is employed. The plain torus is

used, and the double-convex shape into which the

cross pieces of the "rails" are cut, are used as deep

horizontal bands of ornaments, taking the place of

mouldings proper.

Indian architecture is known for its highly

decorative style. Their exteriors are often covered

by multitudes of carved imagery, sculpted images

of deities, narrative reliefs from mythology and rich

decorative carvings. Panels, niches and friezes

contain images of plants, of monkeys and

elephants, and of men and women in all

conceivable postures.

Painted decorations or frescoeswere often employed,

as at Ajunta, the walls of the cave being left plain for

the purpose. The use of sculptured figures as a means

of decoration was a later phase.

The evolution of the sculptured umbrellas surmounting

the Dagoba (or shrine) is interesting as being the

prototype of the nine-storied pagodas of China, On

the Gateways at Sanchi (a plaster copy is at the Indian

Museum, South Kensington) are represented legendary

events from the life and religion of Buddha, the worship

of trees and relics, and warlike scenes.

The three, five, or seven-headed Naga or serpentis

frequently used. Besides the animals already

mentioned others such as horses, lions, "hansas"

(sacred geese), form favourite subjects with Buddhist

sculptors, and are striking contrasts to the motifs of

Mahometan sculpture.

Interlaced Brackets & Rafters

The sculpture is so bound up with the peoples'

religion and mythology, of which indeed it forms

the mirror, that the two cannot be considered

separately. In Jaina architecture, each of the

twenty-four Jinas had a distinctive sign which was

utilized by the sculptors. The trident, shield, and

chakra (or wheel), the "rail" ornament (copied from

the Sanchi tope) and imitations of window fronts

and fagades are also repeated on the fronts of the

early chaityas, as at Bedsa, Nassick, and elsewhere.

Svetambara Jains decorate images richly

forfestivals using flowers, paints, and jewels, and

make decorative offerings of flowers, leaves,sandalwood, saffron, camphor, gold or silver leaf,

pearls, precious stones or costume jewellery.

There are three notable free standing sculptures in

the temple. An image ofMahavirathat is a little

over 4 feet tall, made of black polished stone and

seated on a "lion throne" (simhaasana) is found

outside the temple. Cousens feels it may have

been taken out and left there. The saint has an
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/holydays/holydays.shtmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahavirahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahavirahttp://www.featurepics.com/online/Column-Marble-Jain-Temple-Ranakpur-India-Image300290.aspxhttp://depositphotos.com/1866920/stock-photo-Columns-at-buddhist-temple.htmlhttp://www.featurepics.com/online/Column-Marble-Jain-Temple-Ranakpur-India-Image300290.aspxhttp://depositphotos.com/1866920/stock-photo-Columns-at-buddhist-temple.htmlhttp://www.featurepics.com/online/Column-Marble-Jain-Temple-Ranakpur-India-Image300290.aspxhttp://depositphotos.com/1866920/stock-photo-Columns-at-buddhist-temple.htmlhttp://www.featurepics.com/online/Column-Marble-Jain-Temple-Ranakpur-India-Image300290.aspxhttp://depositphotos.com/1866920/stock-photo-Columns-at-buddhist-temple.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahavirahttp://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/holydays/holydays.shtml


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Some towers have rows of lotuses or lotus buds or

mythical and heroic figures. The amalak is an

architectural form found on the upper part of some

towers. It is derived from the gourdlike myrobalan

fruit.

Carving of Hindu deity Hanuman, Achyutaraya Temple,

Hampi, Karnataka, India

Decoration on gate of Hindu Temple in Kerala India

Carving on exterior of Hindu Temple Kerala India

One of the most recognizable Buddhist decorations

around the world is the Buddhist prayer flagunique to

the Tibetan monk tradition. Hung indoors or outside

around the temple, the flags symbolize prayers for

universal compassion.

Inside every Buddhist temple there is a sculpture of the

Buddha, and there are usually sculptures of other

Buddhist deities as well. Sculptures of "bodhisattvas"

are figures that are worshiped by monks for t heirdecision to sacrifice heaven to instead stay on earth

and enlighten others.

attendant on either side, holding achowri (a type

of brush) in one hand a fruit in another.

White marble ceiling rosette and dome in temple jain

temple site of dilwara town of mount abu state of

rajasthan india

Kirtimukha relief decoration at the Jain temple in

Lakkundi

66..OOppeenniinnggss

Flat-headed openingsare the usual type, but

variations are caused in roofs by the use of

bracketing shafts supporting purlins of stone, on

which inner brackets were placed, thus gradually

reducing the span, till stone slabs could roof the

apartment, as at the Dravidian temple at

Chillambaram.

The Chalukyan buildings have pierced window

slabs, as at Baillur and Hullabi. Such are formed in

star-shaped patterns ornamented with foliaged

bands or with mythological subjects. These slabs,

filling in the whole opening, are a great contrast to

other styles, being somewhat similar, however, to

Byzantine and Saracenic buildings.

In rock-cut examples, the horseshoe form occurs on

the facade, forming, as it were, one great eye, and

being the only opening for light. Within this arch was

usually an open decorated framework of wood,

probably used as a screen to the glaring Eastern sun;

thus the subdued light was thrown on the shrine from

behind the spectator, producing a favorable effect of

light and shade on the close-set columns of the

interior.

Openings are normally square-headed. Such a

system was necessary in the case of domes

supported on slender columns, which could sustain

no outward thrust. In their pillared porches,

horizontal stone architraves rested on the bracket

capitals, and a characteristic Eastern feeling was

produced by the stone struts supporting them,

features which were evidently derived from a

timber form.

An extension of the bracket capitalis sometimes

applied to walls, lintels being supported at intervals

by detached brackets built out in horizontal

courses. The struts, already mentioned, were

occasionally filled, in with ornament, thus forming a

triangular-headed opening.
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Shree Ganesh Mandir

Belur Vishnu

Windows either latticed or grilled are usually projecting

A octagon framed window in a Buddhist temple in Malaysia

Moon door leading into Buddhist temple in Harbin

Windows that have made of stained glass.

India, Rajasthan, Jaisalmer: Jain Temple; architectural

detail; carved framed window

77..RRooooffiinngg

Dravidian examples have the roof covering the

vimana of the storied pyramidal type.

Chalukyan examples have the towers either of the

storied Dravidian type, following the curvilinear

outline of the Northern Hindu examples, or form astraight-sided cone arranged in steps.

The Dome and Steeple: The steeple of the dome is

called shikhara (summit) that represents the

mythological Meru or the highest mountain peak.

The shape of the dome varies from region to region

and the steeple is often in the form of the trident of

Shiva.

In the early rock-cut chaityas, semi-circular roofs are

excavated in the rock and ornamented with wooden

ribs or stone imitations of them.

While the roof is generally topped off by triangularspires enclosing an inverted bell of stucco or burnished

gold.

The roof is the most visually impressive component,

often constituting half the size of the whole edifice. The

slightly curvedeaves extend far beyond the walls,

covering verandas, and their weight must therefore be

supported by complex bracket systems calledtoky

The sikra, or stone roof, which crowned the idol-cell,

had a high curved outline crowned with a melon

ornament and finial.

Jaina porches are crowned with

(1) roofs formed of flat slabs of stone, and

(2) pointed domes formed in horizontal courses.
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REFERENCES:

History of Architecture by Sir Banister Fletcher http://hinduism.about.com http://www.indotemple.com http://www.slideshare.net http://perfectlazybones.photoshelter.com http://factsanddetails.com http://www.asianresearch.org http://people.opposingviews.com http://nepaltrekkingexperts.com http://en.wikipedia.org Depositphotos.com http://www.indiasite.com
http://hinduism.about.com/http://www.indotemple.com/http://www.slideshare.net/http://perfectlazybones.photoshelter.com/http://factsanddetails.com/http://www.asianresearch.org/http://people.opposingviews.com/http://nepaltrekkingexperts.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/http://www.indiasite.com/http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharath/8418467449/http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-18440940-dome-roof-of-buddhist-temple.phphttp://www.templenet.com/temparc.htmlhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sharath/8418467449/http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-18440940-dome-roof-of-buddhist-temple.phphttp://www.templenet.com/temparc.htmlhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sharath/8418467449/http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-18440940-dome-roof-of-buddhist-temple.phphttp://www.templenet.com/temparc.htmlhttp://www.indiasite.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/http://nepaltrekkingexperts.com/http://people.opposingviews.com/http://www.asianresearch.org/http://factsanddetails.com/http://perfectlazybones.photoshelter.com/http://www.slideshare.net/http://www.indotemple.com/http://hinduism.about.com/


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F A R E A S T E R N U N I V E R S I T YINSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

INDIAN TEMPLESHistory of Architecture 3

SUBMITTED BY:

REYES, SHAIRA

MUNSOD, KARLDRIN ADRIAN

TILLADA, JOHN ERWINVENTURINA, NINO RAMON

AR1131

SUBMITTED TO:

ARCH. LAURENA

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