Building science of Indian temple architecture (original) (raw)
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Journal Paper The Rubric of Hindu Temple Architecture v.F
THE RUBRIC OF HINDU TEMPLE ARCHITECTURAL STYLES: A Study of the Evolutional Diversity in Typological Idioms, 2023
Local traditions govern temple architectural typologies; often, structural styles and building methods were progressively blended depending on congregation of experts and promotion of construction activity. While the texts enumerate many nuances in temple architectural styles, only about twenty-odd types dominate the landscape. Early natural caves and frescoed caverns, inspired by Buddhist prayer halls, evolved to rock-cut caves, which progressively incorporated iconographic objects and sculptures. The form evolved from simple, functional structures to imposing, magnificent buildings, which indicate progression of elaboration of and opulence in rituals― it reflects complexities in symbolism too. Local materials and influences determined regional preferences for designs, which evidence mutual inductance and overlapping of styles. This paper documents the diverse and numerous Hindu temple architecture styles based on not only the designs and traditions that are more recurrently featured in ancient texts, but also the exemplars and archetypes that are most commonly observed in ancient temple structures.
A LIVING STRUCTURE: FUNDAMENTALS OF HINDU TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE
Journal of Northeastern University, 2022
Hindu temple architecture is known from the earliest time in the world as per Hindu philosophy. Various ancient Hindu texts like Epics, Puranas, Vedas, Mayamata, Brihat Samhita, etc. inculcates the subject called Vastu. The key source for the Hindu temple architecture is derived from the magical geometry i.e. Vastupurusha Mandala. The structure of the temple building acts as a single human body. It is a metaphysical philosophy which deals beyond the reality. The Vastu plays a vital role during construction of temples and building structures. The formation of any ancient Indian structures is possible due to some guidance in terms of units which can be evaluated and fixed easily by the help of traditional system of measurement. The importance of traditional measurement unit is framed rigidly in the paper for understanding the geometry of the structures with better perception. The main objectives of the research paper are (1) to study the architectural geometry from its origin and its measurement unit, (2) to explore the evolution of Vastushastra and its types, (3) to analyse the interlinkages between the Vastupurusha Mandala with temple building and temple with Purusha (human being). Hence this research paper is a unique in its own way for describing the architectural design pattern of Hindu temples in a systematic manner. At last but not least the proposed findings and conclusion of the research paper based on the Vastushastra is that the evolution of the concerned ancient building structures can be easily determined on the basis of traditional measurement system. The magical diagram can be taken into account in various fields from architecture to planning level with sustainable approach. Through achieving the certain objectives help to depict the way of designing, constructing and planning any Hindu temple structures at present scenario in a confined manner.
Architectural Interpretation of Hindu Temple in Indian context
Every style of building construction reflects a clearly distinctive basic principle that represents a particular culture and era. In this context, the Indian Hindu temples are not only the abode of God and place of worship, but they are also the cradle of knowledge, art, architecture and culture. A temple structure is considered to be everlasting and it should signify the art, architectural and cultural milieu of the period built. It also helps to retain and expand the social and cultural values of Hinduism among the people from one generation to another. This study intends to show that, a temple structure irrespective of its value can act as an artefact of the present generation's culture, knowledge and technological developments.
Studies in Indian Temple Architecture
Artibus Asiae, 1976
t From Captain Harkness' preface to Ram Raz, Essay on the Hindus, London 1834, p. iii. 2 From a letter of Ram Raz to Richard Clarke quoted in ibid., p. x.
Temples in India: Origin and Developmental Stages
This volume is a study of the beginning and evolution of temple architecture in India which covers sculptures and carvings as well. With over a hundred plates of temples and carvings on them including cave facades and pillar depictions it deals with temples constructed by the different ancient and medieval dynasties in Indian history particularly the early western Calukyan and later western Calukyans Pallava Pandya, Cola Hoyasala and Nayaka with illustrations that include maps plans of caves and even viharas and caityas it undertakes a study of the temples found in different states of India. The research discusses the variations in plans and elevations to examine development of temple architecture over time and new experiment actions in the building of temples by use of various materials. Reconstructing art and architectural styles from the remnants of the ruined temples in many places it explains terms and concepts in temple building and architecture and cites examples of various temple style and traditions including the best and earliest ones. The focus is on the Dravida and Nagara temple styles and a third hybrid form of sikhara that developed in the Deccan. Many Jaina temples are also covered.
Appreciating the Indian Temple Architecture - An Indian Viewpoint
Journal of Indian Institute of Architects, 2017
Indian temple is considered to be a synonym for Indian architecture worldwide. Most of the authors describe temples only with the physical form of the temple. During the 18th & 19th C, there was literature published to evaluate the architecture of these temples. The interpretation is very superficial; restricting the explanations only to the visible structure excluding any consideration of the philosophy/ science behind the construction of the temples. This method to describe and analyze the temples continues to be followed by the majority of scholars widely. The ignorance about the philosophies mentioned in the oriental literature is evident. This paper aims to establish a need to have an “Indian” viewpoint to appreciate the temples holistically.
On the Development of Indian Temple Architectural Morphology and the Origin of Superstructure
2007
The origin of the curvilinear superstructure in the Indian temple has been the subject of inquiry in the works of Indian temple architecture and it still remains a mystery to be proven, despite a number of solutions given based on scriptures and guesses. The principal reason for this ignorance, according to Simpson, is owing to the absence of monuments representing the steps by which the Hindu temple was developed to its complete form. 1 However, Chandra states that Coomaraswamy was the first to interpret the Hindu temple not only as a building providing shelter for the image and the worshippers but also as the image of the cosmos, the house of God and also his body. It represents in its parts the drama of disintegration and reintegration which is the essential theme of Indian myth and its ritual enactment in the sacrifice. 2
Journal of Engineering, Science & Education, National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Kolkata (Ministry of Education, Government of India), 2024
Each epoch possesses a discernible construction methodology that is inherently unique and emblematic of the prevailing ideologies, cultural progress, artistic inclinations, and architectural prowess of its particular civilization. From a nuanced standpoint, Hindu Temples stand out as embodiments of knowledge, artistic brilliance, architectural magnificence, and cultural legacy, symbolizing the pinnacle of building technology in the ancient Indian subcontinent. The timeless principles and customs of Indian Temples go beyond historical boundaries, echoing deeply in the present context, thereby sustaining the flexibility of traditional Indian values and wielding a significant effect on the socio-economic tapestry of society. This scholarly work delves into the intricacies of temple styles, design principles, geometric configurations, structural systems, and the intricate construction technologies intrinsic to Indian temples. The exposition meticulously unfolds the distinctive architectural styles and elements inherent in Hindu Temples. Furthermore, a comprehensive elucidation of the geometric design principles that underscored Indian temple construction is expounded upon within this discourse. The paper meticulously delineates the construction technology, commencing with the meticulous assembly of adept teams, through the stages of meticulous planning and intricate carving, and culminating in the seamless assembly of individual components.
EVOLUTION OF TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE IN ORISSA
Early medieval Indian history spanning between eighth to thirteenth century A.D. is characterized by the formation of states and regional empires, articulation of regionalism and regional traditions, and emergence and growth of regional cultural units such as Andhra, These transformations brought about in the Regional and Pan-Indian context in regard to the cultural practices and institutions were essentially due to the material changes in the society. One of the significant development in the cultural practice was the consolidation of regional cults and building of the temples to accommodate large number of deities who have already entrenched themselves thoroughly in the social and religious fabric of the regions. Temple building activity of the early medieval India was not only associated with the practices, institutions and symbols that had emerged in the regional contexts, but also closely linked " to the formation of regional kingdoms and were used by regional dynasties for their legitimation, consolidation of their resource base and for forging linkages for social integration across communities. " 1 The concept of Temple originated centuries back most probably during the vedic period with the idea of God perceived in human forms. such a form warranted a habitation, a shelter and this need resulted in structural edifices. " 2 Thus the Temples came in to existence with the obvious purpose of providing accommodation to innumerable number of duties that emerged during the course of the evolution of Brahmanical Hinduism and also to their devotees for paying obeisance and carrying out ablutions. Indian Temples were symbolizing without doubt the very ethos and vibrations of the life style of the people across the subcontinent through the millennia. The panorama of Indian Temple architecture are visible at extremely wide chronological and geographical horizons. From a very modest beginning at sanchi in the fifth century A.D. to the magnificence of the gigantic edifices of Kanchi, Tanjavur, Madurai, Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark, it traversed across long distances offering wider dimensions and variables both in art forms and structures. Various ancient shilpashastras dealing with the subject of temple architecture such as Mayamata, Manasara, Shilparatna, Kamikagama, Kashyapashilpa and Ishanagurudeva Paddhati provided us valuable information about geographical distribution, differentiation from the point of view of shapes presiding deities, caste associations and ornamentation of the temples etc.