Updated By: LatestGKGS Desk
Architectural Elements of Ancient Indian Temples Garbhagriha, Mandapa, Shikhara
Ancient Indian Temples History, Features, Architectural Elements Garbhagriha, Mandapa, and Shikhara
Indian Temples has a special place in Indian architecture. The composition of ancient temples was a pyramidal pattern.
The roots of India's architecture are rooted in the history, philosophy and culture and here is a mixture of traditional and external influences.
The Indian temples were decorated in the multitude details of figured sculpture as well as in the architectural elements which are discussed below:
1. Garbhagriha: It is introducing to the sanctum sanctorum, the innermost sanctum of a temple where resides the murti (idol or icon) of the primary deity of the temple. The literally means ‘womb-house’ and is a cave like a sanctum. Garbhagriha is made to house the main icon (main deity)
2. Mandapa: It is a porch-like structure which is created as a pillared outdoor hall or tent for public rituals. It is used for religious dancing and music and is part of the basic temple compound.
3. Shikhara: It is derived from Sanskrit word 'Shikar' which means mountain peak. It is a curving shape which is mountain like a spire of a free-standing temple. It is mainly found in North Indian temple
