The Dravida style of temple architecture, originating in the 7th to 8th century AD and attributed to the Pallavas and Cholas in South India, bears distinct hallmarks. It stands out for its compound walls and intricately carved pillars that encapsulate the architectural marvel within. What sets this style apart is the temple’s placement within an ambulatory hall, adding a unique spatial dimension to its design.

Prominent temples following the Dravida style include the Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram, the Rajarajeswara or Brihadeshwara temple in Thanjavur, and the Meenakshi Sundareswaratemple in Madurai.

Key characteristics of the Dravida temple style:

1. Compound Walls: These temples are enclosed by compound walls, offering a sense of sanctity and enclosure to the sacred space.
2. Gopuram: Positioned in the center of the front wall, the Gopuram serves as the entrance doorway, often elaborately decorated with intricate sculptures and motifs.
3. Vimana: Unlike the curved shikhara typical of North Indian temples, the vimana in the Dravida style resembles a stepped cone rising linearly, creating a distinctive architectural profile.
4. Shikhara: In this style, the term “shikhara” typically refers to the temple’s top element, which may resemble a miniature stupika or an octagonal dome, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
5. Entrance Features: The entrance to the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) is flanked by fierce Dvarapalas or doorkeepers, symbolizing protection and guardianship.
6. Temple Tank: Within the temple complex, a substantial water tank, often referred to as a temple tank, is commonly present, contributing to the sacred ambiance.
7. Subsidiary Shrines: These may either be integrated into the main temple tower or positioned adjacent to the primary temple as distinct, smaller shrines, adding to the complex’s architectural grandeur.

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Examples of Dravida Style of Temple Architecture

Brihadeshwara Temple (Rajarajeswara Temple):

• Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
• Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as an epitome of Dravida architecture.
• Main Deity: The temple is dedicated to Shiva in the form of a huge linga, his abstract aniconic representation.
• Formation Period: King Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century CE.
• Special Feature: It boasts a massive vimana rising majestically with exquisite carvings. It is 8.7 m (29 ft) high, occupying two storeys of the sanctum. It is one of the largest monolithic linga sculptures in India.

Meenakshi Amman Temple:

• Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
• Main Deity: This temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar is a significant pilgrimage site.
• Special Feature: Its towering gopurams (entrance towers) adorned with vibrant sculptures captivate visitors.

Kailasanatha Temple:

• Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
• Main Deity: This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Special Feature: It showcases the Dravida style’s hallmark stepped pyramidical vimana. Its intricate carvings and structural elegance make it an architectural gem.

Airavatesvara Temple:

• Location: Nestled in Darasuram, Tamil Nadu.
• Formation Period: This temple constructed by Rajaraja Chola II.
• Status: Stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Special Feature: It’s celebrates for its splendid architecture, detailed sculptures, and musical stone pillars.

Chennakesava Temple:

• Location: Belur, Karnataka.
• Main Deity: Chennakeshava (Vishnu)
• Formation Period: This Hoysala dynasty.
• Special Feature: Temple showcases exquisite craftsmanship in its sculptural work, intricate carvings, and finely detailed pillars, representing the Dravida style’s influence in Karnataka.

The temples exemplify the grandeur and intricacy of the Dravida style. They display architectural finesse, spiritual symbolism, and cultural richness prevalent in South India during various historical periods.

The Dravida style showcases a blend of structural intricacy, spiritual symbolism, and ornate detailing, creating temples that stand as architectural marvels and cultural landmarks in South India.

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