Difference Between Nagara and Dravidian Temple Architecture

Conclusion – Nagara vs Dravidian Temple Architecture

Both the Nagara and Dravidian styles of Hindu temple architecture are beautiful and complex. The Nagara style is typically found in northern India, while the Dravidian style is typically found in southern India. Let’s see the differences between them in detail in the table below:

Aspect	Nagara Temple Architecture	Dravidian Temple Architecture
Region	Northern India	Southern India
Vimana (Tower) Shape	Curvilinear (Shikhara)	Rectangular (Gopuram)
Entrance	Generally single entrance on the east side	Multiple entrances, often elaborate and decorated
Mandapa (Pillared Hall)	Typically two types: Ardha Mandapa (front) and Maha Mandapa (main hall)	Typically larger and more elaborate with multiple halls
Material	Often built with sandstone or brick	Usually constructed with granite or other local stone
Garbhagriha (Inner Sanctum)	Smaller, usually square or circular	Generally larger and rectangular
Decoration	Complex carvings and sculptures on outer walls	Elaborate sculptures and carvings showing deities and mythological scenes
Influence	Influenced by Vedic and Indo-Aryan architecture	Influenced by Dravidian and Tamil architecture
Examples	Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho, Somnath Temple in Gujarat	Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Meenakshi Temple in Madurai

Nagara vs Dravidian Temple Architecture

Nagara and Dravidian are the two major styles of Hindu temple architecture in India. They came up from the earlier style known as the Panchayatana style of architecture. The Nagara style is found in northern India, while the Dravidian style is found in southern India. The main difference between the Nagara and Dravidian styles is the shape of the central tower. The Nagara style has a curvilinear or beehive-shaped tower, while the Dravidian style has a pyramid-like central tower. Both styles have their unique features, which are described below in the article.

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