India is known for its ancient temple architecture, especially Hindu temple architecture. As the primary form of Hindu architecture, the Hindu temple and its architecture have varieties of styles. The nature of the Hindu temple remains the same with the essential features. The Hindu temple architecture is based on two types of styles Nagara architecture and Dravidian architecture. To praise these architectures and techniques recently, the Union Culture Minister inaugurated ”Devayatanam” – An odyssey of Indian temple architecture at Hampi, Karnataka, on 25th – 26th February, which portrays the ancient temples in India.

Hindu Temple Architecture

Hindu temple architecture remembers a synthesis of arts, the ideals of values, dharma, and the way of life adored under Hinduism. The ancient temple in India is the place for pilgrimage and cosmic elements that celebrate and create life in India. The Hindu pantheon is present in a Hindu temple—from water to fire, from nature to images of deities, from the masculine to feminine from artha to kama, from the incense smells to fleeting sounds Purusha-the eternal to universality are the parts of the Hindu temple architecture.

Devayatanam’s- An Odyssey of Indian Temple Architecture

The Ministry of Culture’s Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) organised Hinda two-day international conference, ”Devayatanam” – An odyssey of Indian temple architecture during 25th – 26th February 2022 at Hampi, Karnataka. 

Aim of the Conference

The conference aims to deliberate upon the temple’s philosophical, religious, social, economic, technical, scientific, art, and architectural aspects. It also plans to create a conversation on the development and evolution of the various styles of temple architecture.

Significance of the Conference

• The conference furnishes a platform to discuss, deliberate, and disseminate the grandeur of Indian temples, art, and architecture.
• The overall vision of the conference is based on the 5 V’s known as Virasat (heritage), Vikas (development), Vigan (Knowledge), and Vishwas (trust), which lead us to become a Vishwaguru.
• Devayatnam is the house of God and is not only a home to worship and execute rituals but also a hub for fine arts, education, science, music, and technology, shaping society.

Various styles of Temple Architecture

Nagara Architecture

The Nagara style has two distinct features:

• First-is the existence of several rathakas or rathakas in the middle of all sides of the temple, thus holding a cross-shape with re-entrant angles.
• Secondly, the Shikhara or design follows concentric circles which gradually taper in a convex curve while extending upwards.
• One of the finest examples in Khajuraho is the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Madhya Pradesh depicts the Nagara style.

Dravidian Architecture

• It comprises temples built of soapstone, sandstone, or granite. The square-shaped temple called Vimana has pyramidal roofs with the emblem or image of God.
• The porches or mandapas are built so that these forego and protect the door directing to the cell. The Gopuram towers or gate pyramids enclose the temples.
• The pillared halls or chaultris are utilized for various forms and features.
• One of the most outstanding examples is in Tamil Nadu, the Thanjavur temple.

Significance of the Ancient temples in India

• The ancient temples have been centres of Knowledge, culture, art, innovation, and education
• There have been three primary styles of temples in India called the Dravidian, Nagara, and the Vesara
• Dashavatar temple in Devgarh depicts the Nagara style, prevalent between the Vindhya mountains and the Himalayas
• The Kailasanthar temple in Kanchi depicts the Dravidian style, developed on the Kaveri river and the land of Krishna
• Papanatha temple is an excellent example of the Vesara style, a hybrid form of Nagara and the Dravidian architecture
• The Hindu temple architecture combines art and science, including Shilpa sastra, Vastu sastra, geometry, and symmetry

Conclusion

India is always known for its significant Hindu temple architecture. The ancient temple in India is the place for pilgrimage and cosmic elements that celebrate and create life in India. As the primary form of Hindu architecture, the Hindu temple and its architecture have varieties of styles. The nature of the Hindu temple remains the same with the essential features. The Hindu temple architecture is based on two types of styles Nagara architecture and Dravidian architecture. To recently praise these architectures and techniques, the Union Culture Minister inaugurated ”Devayatanam” – An odyssey of Indian temple architecture.