Nagara Architecture: The Soaring Spires of North Indian Temples
The Nagara or Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture is one of the two principal orders of temple design in India, the other being the Dravidian architecture of the south. The Nagara style is characteristic of the northern, western, and eastern regions of India, with its influence stretching from the foothills of the Himalayas to the northern parts of the Deccan plateau.
Defining Characteristics of the Nagara Style
While the Nagara style encompasses a wide variety of regional substyles, its temples share a set of common features that give them a distinct identity.
- The Shikhara (The Spire): The most prominent feature of a Nagara temple is its shikhara, or spire. Unlike the terraced pyramid of a Dravidian vimana, the Nagara shikhara is a tall, beehive-shaped tower with a distinct curvilinear form. It is designed to create a sense of verticality, drawing the eye upwards towards the heavens. The main shikhara is always located directly above the garbhagriha, the temple’s inner sanctum.
- The Platform: Nagara temples are typically built on a raised stone platform, which serves to elevate the temple from the surrounding ground and provide a space for circumambulation.
- Absence of Boundary Walls: A key difference from the Dravidian style is the general absence of elaborate boundary walls, gateways (gopurams), and large temple tanks within the main complex. The focus is primarily on the central shrine.
- Multiple Shikharas: While the earliest Nagara temples had a single shikhara, later developments saw the addition of multiple, smaller shikharas clustered around the main one. This creates a visually complex and dynamic silhouette, resembling a mountain range.
Geographical Spread
The Nagara style is prevalent across a vast geographical area, including the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Maharashtra, and parts of West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. This wide distribution has led to the development of distinct regional schools and sub-styles, each with its own unique flavor.
From the majestic temples of Khajuraho to the intricate marvels of Gujarat and the grand spires of Odisha, the Nagara style of architecture is a testament to the ingenuity, artistry, and profound faith of the builders of ancient and medieval India.