Nagara style of Temple Architecture

Why is in news? What is the Nagara style, in which Ayodhya’s Ram temple is being built

The Ram temple in Ayodhya will be inaugurated on January 22. Chandrakant Sompura, 81, and his son Ashish, 51, have designed the complex in the Nagara style of temple architecture.

About:

The Nagara style of temple architecture emerged sometime in the fifth century CE, during the late Gupta period, in northern India.

It is seen in juxtaposition with the Dravida style of southern India, which too emerged in the same period.

Major features of Nagara architecture:

Shikhara: The shikhara is the tallest tower of the temple. It is typically pyramidal in shape and tapers towards the top. It is topped by a bulbous finial called a kalasha.

Plan: Nagara temples are typically built on a square or rectangular plan. The shikhara is located in the center. The temple may also have many smaller towers, called mukhamandapas, located around the shikhara.

Walls: The walls of Nagara temples are typically made of stone or brick. They are decorated with sculptures and reliefs. The walls may also have a series of windows, which allow light to enter the temple.

Pillars: The pillars of Nagara temples are typically carved with intricate designs. They are topped by capitals that support the roof.

Toranas: The toranas are the gateways to the temple. They are typically made of stone or wood and are decorated with sculptures and reliefs.

Mandapa: The mandapa is the main hall of the temple. It is where the devotees gather to worship the deity. Pillars typically support the mandapa and have a high ceiling.

Garbhagriha: The garbhagriha is the innermost sanctum of the temple, where the deity is enshrined. It is a small, dark room that is only accessible to the priests.