Temple Architecture in Tamil Nadu

Temples, first rock-cut type and then made of stones, made their appearance from the 8th century. The architecture of temple generally confines to five basic shapes; Caturasra (square), Ayatasra (rectangular), Vrittayat (elliptical), Vritta (circular), Astasra (octagonal).

The plan of a temple is dictated by the nature of the deity. For example the shrine of the reclining Ranganatha can only be rectangular. The early 7th century saw the rise of monolithic temples carved out of the rock, like the monuments in Mahabalipuram. The mid 8th century Vaikuntha Perumal has an interesting arrangement of three sanctums, one above the other, within the body of the superstructure.

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