Introduction

The upcoming inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya designed by Chandrakant Sompura and his son Ashish in the Nagara style of temple architecture has piqued interest in the rich architectural heritage of India.

Emergence of Nagara Architecture

Historical Context: Nagara architecture originated in northern India during the late Gupta period, around the 5th century CE.
Contrasting Styles: It stands in contrast to the Dravida style prevalent in southern India, both evolving around the same period.

Debating Terminology: While commonly referred to as “styles,” Nagara and Dravida are more accurately described as “languages” of temple architecture.
Architectural Vocabulary: Each language provides a unique vocabulary and a set of rules for assembling architectural elements.

Raised Plinth: Nagara temples are built on elevated plinths, with the sanctum sanctorum (garbha griha) as the most sacred part.
Towering Shikhara: The shikhara, or tower, is the hallmark of Nagara temples and symbolizes the natural and cosmological order in Hindu tradition.
Circumambulatory Passage: A path encircles the garbha griha, allowing devotees to circumambulate the inner sanctum.
Mandapas and Ornamentation: Nagara temples often feature multiple halls (mandapas) and intricate murals and reliefs on their walls.

Five Modes: Nagara architecture has evolved over time, leading to five distinctive modes: Valabhi, Phamsana, Latina, Shekhari, and Bhumija.
Early Nagara Style: Valabhi and Phamsana are associated with the early Nagara style, resembling barrel-roofed structures and multi-eave towers.
Dominance of Latina: Latina, a single curved tower with equal sides, reigned supreme for three centuries starting in the 7th century.
Later Developments: Shekhari introduced attached sub-spires, while Bhumija featured miniature spires in horizontal and vertical rows, creating a grid-like effect.

Simplified Classifications: These modes are scholastic classifications, and actual temple architects didn’t consciously adhere to a particular mode.
Variation Abounds: Temples often exhibit variations within these modes, with multiple shikharas atop a single structure.

Vimana vs. Gopuram: In Dravida style temples, the vimana (tower) is smaller than the prominent gopurams (gatehouses).
Boundary Walls: Dravida temples often feature boundary walls, a unique feature not commonly seen in Nagara style temple complexes.
Ayodhya’s Unique Blend: Ayodhya’s Ram temple combines elements of both styles, featuring a boundary wall but not elaborate gopurams.