India’s temples stand as invaluable treasures, some dating back a millennium. These mystical structures contribute significantly to India’s global fame. Among them, the 8th-century Kailasanatha Temple ranks as one of the oldest, second only to the Mundeshwari Devi Temple in Bihar. Throughout India, numerous temples over a thousand years old exude immense spirituality. These architectural marvels serve as tranquil spaces for divine worship, showcasing not just royal heritage but also profound religious importance. Exploring these enchanting ancient temples is bound to leave visitors utterly captivated!
Characteristic of Early Temples in India
During the period when stupas were being built, Brahmanical temples started emerging, adorned with images of gods. These temples often showcased depictions of gods based on myths from the Puranas. Each temple primarily housed a principal deity.
The shrines varied in three types:
- Sandhara (without pradikshinapatha)
- Nirandhara (with pradakshinapatha)
- Sarvatobhadra (accessible from all sides)
Notable temple sites from this era include Deogarh in Uttar Pradesh, Eran, Nachna-Kuthara, and Udaygiri near Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh. These temples were modest in structure, typically consisting of a veranda, a hall, and a shrine at the rear.
About Deogarh Temple
The Deogarh temple, situated in Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh, is suppose to be around the early sixth century CE. This places it roughly a century after the smaller temples found in Sanchi and Udaigiri. It’s a prominent illustration of the late Gupta Period temple style. The temple follows the panchayatana architectural style, featuring the primary shrine erected on a rectangular plinth accompanied by four smaller subsidiary shrines at the corners, totaling five shrines (hence the name ‘panchayatana’).
The tall and curvilinear shikhara, or spire, aligns with this timeline. The presence of this curving latina or rekha-prasada style shikhara signifies its status as an early example of the classic nagara style of temple architecture.
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Iconographic Significance in Indian Temple Sculptures
Regional Variation: Different regions and periods in India contributed to unique sculpted image styles, showcasing regional iconographic differences.
Ornate Decorations: Elaborate sculptures and ornamental designs adorned temple structures, forming an essential aspect of their architectural essence.
Strategic Placement: The placement of images within temples was carefully orchestrated. For example:
- Nagara Temples: River goddesses Ganga and Yamuna at the garbhagriha entrance.
- Dravida Temples: Dvarapalas (doorkeepers) on gateways or gopurams.
- Symbolic Guardianship: Entrance areas feature with specific images: Mithunas (erotic depictions), Navagrahas (nine auspicious planets), and Yakshas at the entrances, symbolizing guardianship.
Read Also: Temple Architecture: A Blend of Artistry and Spirituality
