Powerful Dynasties And Temple Architecture In Awesome Hinduism
The Long History of Hinduism lists the powerful dynasties and their temple architecture. Dynasts never missed out on cosmic Vastu science. Thus, the universal energy is revered as the supreme power. And, this is why, Hinduism remains united despite the immense number of deities worshipped by various creeds within.
Gupta Dynasty
The Gupta dynasty, unknowingly, changed the perception of reverence in Hinduism. Although practicing Hindus believed in God, and worshipped idols, they did not have dedicated structures. After the 4th century CE, powerful dynasties and temple architecture raised Hinduism to the next level.
Scholars and historians call the Gupta regime, the pure Gold in Hinduism. Additionally, temple structures evolved to be torchbearers for the next generations. The temple had a square Shikhara instead of the later-developed pyramidal shape. Next, the creation of garbhagriha in the temple led to the Vastu orientation of the temple structures.
Besides, temples of this period are mostly of Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahadev. Dashavatar Temple, built in Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh, elaborately expressed 10 Vishnu incarnations. A Western archeologist worked hard and finally, succeeded in finding this shrine.
Laxman Temple in Sirpur is another Vishnu shrine of the early 7th century. Its ruined structure is a mixture of stone and brickworks. The temple, also, consisted of a Mandapa and Garbhagriha. Moreover, there are detailed stonework of the love-making of the couples.
Sarnath Stupa of the Gupta period
Sarnath Stupa has inscriptions of the 6th century. Besides, this is the place where Buddha preached to his disciples, and is, just 15 km away from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. However, Alexander Cunningham found it during an archeological survey, to find relics of the Gupta period. Its original name was Dharmalekha Stupa, as mentioned in the inscriptions found on the site.
The Mathura School of temples
Laxman temple at Raipur and Shiva temple in Bhumara also strengthen the list of Gupta temples. Besides, the shrine of the Goddess Parvati and other Shiva temples are in the name of the Gupta period. Further, all these temples have the architectural style of the Mathura School. Like Dashavatar Temple, some other mandirs also had the square shikhara. Specifically, the sanctum sanctorum and spires emerged as Hindu temple elements during the Gupta dynasty.
Hindu temple architecture is primarily of two types, Nagara and Dravidian architecture. The Gupta period as a pioneer, gave seeds to grow in the future. It provided direction for more advanced and elaborate styles of temple designs. Moreover, the Gupta dynasty used stones and bricks in construction, and some temples had flat roofs instead of shikhara.
Medieval Period (6th–16th century CE):
The rich religious heritage of medieval India is reflected in awesome temple architecture. The basic structure of the walled temples initiated during the Gupta Dynasty now flourished across India. Therefore, the northern and southern regions of the country got decent mandirs of different deities. Not only, further, central India, but East and West also had vivid constructions of the shrines.
When Rajasthan had marble, the southern states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka widely used granite. Jaipur city formally became a Capital for stone carvings. Additionally, sandstone and limestone were also favorable for temple construction. Powerful dynasties and temple architecture are synonyms for progressive Hinduism. It is because the temple building was a massive task, and, sometimes it took years to complete the gigantic structures. So, the grandeur of the temples is equally proportionate to the politically peaceful tenure of a kingdom.
Chalukya Dynasty
Chalukya regime sustained for more than half of a millennium. The rulers were indeed, fond of paintings and other arts. They carried forward the legacy of the Gupta dynasty and proceeded with splendid temple projects.
The first division of the Chalukya kingdom, the Badami Chalukya, operated in southwest parts of India. It was the period between 543 CE and 755 CE.
Badami Chalukya
Pulakeshin I expanded the kingdom of the Badami Chalukya dynasty. Further, he built the capital city of Vatapi and ruled for nearly 26 years from 540 CE. He built sandstone shrines during his power and promoted Hinduism with reverence and faith. Next, his son, Kirtivarman I came to the throne. Pulakeshin II and Vikramaditya I followed, and successfully ran the kingdom.
Magnificent architecture
Before the Chalukyas, Indian temple architecture had already two distinct styles.
Nagara Architecture, and
Dravidian Architecture
The Chalukyas enthusiastically developed the merger and produced the fusion as the Vesara Architecture. Aihole and Badami are prominent temple sites in the Vesara style.
Pattadakal
Amazingly, Pattadakal is the station of the famous Virupaksha temple. The Chalukya dynasty built other Shiva mandirs also like Papanath Mahadev Temple. In reality, the Pattadakal campus of temples houses ten shrines. There are, four temples in North Indian Nagara style, but two are with a pragmatic convergence of the Nagara and Dravidian styles. The Chalukyas built four temples in Dravidian architecture as well.
Shaivism expression of the Chalukya dynasty is visible here. Only one Jain Temple, except all other nine Shiva temples are in one group. Again, one Shiva temple is roughly 500 m away from the group of 8 temples, and the Jain temple is a km from it; both in different directions. Also, the Jain temple has a deviated access.
Above all, Pattadakal is an important place, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 270 km from Goa.
The Chalukya dynasts used local sandstones and granites for the mandir structures and sculptures. Moreover, stone carving has become a custom tradition for temple architecture since the Gupta period. Hence, the Chalukyas, the worshippers of Lord Shiva, followed the tradition and created adorable shrines in the Deccan region. Following is the list of Ten Temples with marvelous stone carvings at Pattadakal.
10. Jain Narayana Temple
Chola dynasty
The Chola kings in southern India ruled for several centuries. However, it grew faster from a small kingdom in Tamil Nadu and expanded with the military galore. They had strong army and navy divisions to combat the enemies. King Rajendra Chola skillfully expanded the borders of the state into North India. Despite this, the religious mindset of the rulers played a significant role in constructing temples across the kingdom. Consequently, literature and architectural activities boomed under Rajaraja Chola I and Rajarja Chola II.
The excellent architectural and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu attracts thousands of tourists every year. Moreover, the monumental structures are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thus, the Chola dynasty stands erect amongst India’s powerful dynasties and temple architecture.
The Chola dynasts believed in the comprehensive progress of the state. As a result, there was a positive development in different arts including temple architecture. The Chola Dynasty created magnificent temples in Dravidian Style, and other monuments, between the 9th and 13th centuries CE.
Brihadeeshvara Temple, Thanjavur
One of the top achievements of Chola architecture is the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. It was completed in 1010 CE by Rajaraja Chola I. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is famous for its massive vimana that rises to a height of 66 meters. Additionally, its vimana is an architectural wonder, made of granite blocks, and is crowned by a colossal dome. Astoundingly, the dome weighs about 80 tons. The temple’s Garbhagriha becomes more spiritual as contains nice decorattion. It depicts various deities and mythological scenes on the temple walls.
Gangaikonda temple, Cholapuram
The dynast Rajendra Chola was a staunch Hindu and worshipper of Lord Shiva. Accordingly, he once opted to bring the waters of Holi Ganga. In the event, marching for the river water, his delegation traveled to Northern India. Meanwhile, his soldiers marching with the caravan, defeated several states along the route, and the king was named, Gangaikonda. Hereafter, when he built a new city and the temple therein, it was given the same identity, Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Architectural details
The large temple complex at Ariyalur district measures 556 feet x 321 ft. The Garbhagriha of the shrine is raised on a considerable plinth height, where a 13-foot-high Shivalinga is consecrated. Likewise, the spire, or Vimana above the garbhagriha soars at a 180 feet colossal height. The enormous structures prove that the powerful dynasties and temple architecture have coupling effect on Hinduism.
The temple is housed with charming stonework and adorable idols of deities along with sacred Hindu symbols.
Airavateshvara Temple, Darasuram
The temple is full of sculptures and depictions of the extraordinary artworks. It houses beautiful idols of Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswati. Interestingly, various gestures in Bharatnatyam are so detailed that hardly any pose is left herein. The demonic character of Ramayana, King Ravana is expressed as a mighty figure who moves away carrying the whole Kailash Mountain. Some glimpses of social life are exhibited in artistic ways, such as women helping a pregnant lady at her delivery time. The temple’s architecture is the site of exquisite stone carvings and finely finished sculptures.
Next, the importance of the celestial elements in Hinduism is visible on the campus. The sculpture of the Sun is present with other idols like Buddha and Shiv-Parvati. Specifically, Shiv-Parvati shown in Ardhanarishvar form has outstanding craftsmanship.
Airavateshvara temple means a magical spot in Hindu temple design. Accordingly, a few special steps in the temple, leading to the mandapa, play musical sounds when stepped on. Above all, the ancient shrine has handsome and energetic gatekeepers, carved out of the stones, at its main entrance.
Vijayanagar Empire, in Deccan, was primarily established to safeguard the Hindu culture from vehement attacks from the sultanates. To clarify, let’s understand the historical events. Kakatiya dynasty was fighting with the Muslim invaders in south India. Soon, the invaders took over the ground and weakened the Kakatiya Dynasty. The cruel and intolerant Islamic forces destroyed Hindu temples in large numbers and killed innocent civilians to mark Islamic rule. In a chaotic situation, many cultural and architectural heritage were ruined. The historical Hoysala Empire, and Chola Dynasty by this period, were declining.
Sangam Dynasty
The two military officers in the Kakatiya force realized the danger of Islamism. Finally, they established Vijayanagar’s small kingdom in 1336 CE to save Hindus from barbaric Islamists. The founders, Harihara I and Bukka Raya I were part of the Sangam Dynasty, a dynasty, not to be confused with the Sangma dynasty of Meghalaya. The competent administration and profound military knowledge of both swiftly advanced the Vijayanagar Empire to the next level. The Empire proliferated under the Sangama dynasty and, ruled from the middle of the 14th to the mid-17th century.
The Vijayanagar triumphed in the adjoining states. As a result, many parts of the present-day Indian states came under its regime. Further, it covered the entire Andhra Pradesh, leaving a small top-most northern region. Similarly, the rulers marched into Karnataka and Kerala, and, conquered it efficiently with military galore.
Temple Architecture
Badami caves
The rock-through temples of Badami were chronically the earlier creations. Yet, the Vijayanagar Empire drew inspiration from it.
Temple architecture of the Vijayanagar Empire owes prestige to intricate designs for stone carvings. Moreover, the mythological tales through magnificent sculptures add essence to its grandeur. Alternately, the gigantic entrances of the mandirs became symbols of vibrant Hinduism. And, the Dravidian style of Vijayanagar architecture is now popular worldwide. Typical mandapas, decorated pillars, and other architectural elements like motifs and stone reliefs have imposing characteristics.
Hampi
Hampi was the capital city of the Vijayanagar Empire and the center for cultural activities. Moreover, there are many architectural structures, including the magnificent Virupaksha Shiva temple. The pride of the Vijayanagar empire, Hampi is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Achyuta Raya Temple
The grand temple was built during the reign of King Achyuta Raya. Next, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its proportional scale and elaborate stone carvings. The temple complex features a beautifully decorated main shrine and an impressive courtyard, surrounded by pillared halls.
Vitthala Temple
Another architectural marvel in Hampi, the Vitthala Temple is famous for its unique stone chariot and the musical pillars of the Ranga Mandapa. The chariot, intricately carved from stone, represents the divine vehicle of Lord Vishnu, and the musical pillars produce sweet musical vibrations when tapped.
King Krishnadeva Raya
Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagar holds a prominent place in the history. The Empire underwent a significant development in the most progressive environment under his regime. Surprisingly, the king himself was a poet. Subsequently, he appreciated other talented artists in his court. The temple architecture touched new heights with unparalleled grandeurs and devotion from the ruler. Moreover, Krishnadeva Raya expanded the kingdom and explored safe and convenient trade routes for commercial advancement. Interestingly, the combination of Powerful dynasties and temple architecture received one more golden record in his time.
Rashtrakuta Dynasty
Kailashnatha Temple
The Kailasnatha Temple of Ellora is different from that in Kanchi. Next, this is the inspiration from Pattadakal, and the Virupaksha Temple seems close to its design style. Moreover, it’s a sacred confluence of the Shaivism and Vaishnavism. The artistic sculptures in its complex have a massive pile of Ramayana and Mahabharata occasions. This is Cave 16 at Ellora in Maharashtra.
The central portion of the court with 16 pillars has a horizontal roof. It is a shrine for Shivalingam. Also, this shrine has Vimana of southern Indian-style temples. Additionally, various forms of deities are visible in stone sculptures. The dancing form Nataraja is an eye-catching specimen in the temple. Another one, which involves the depiction of the demon Ravana with Shankar-Parvati is a next-level experience.
The liberal sentiments of the era are on the temple walls. Indeed, the sexually arousing male-female figures in stone carvings show the modernity of that time. The architectural marvel of the rock-cut temple rolls out of the congregation hall, with intricate pillars, and niches with windows and different rooms.
The central idea of the Kailashnatha temple
The temple sets the stage for lord Shiva’s Mount Kailash. Hence, the architectural concept cut a single rock and removed almost 2 lakh tons of its stone. Thus, the temple gathered the look of holy Kailash and the whole Shiva family got the depiction in the temple campus. Further, the imaginary Himalayan snow came to the rock in the creative white plaster for the natural scene.
The Nandi mandapa, 96 ft high structure is carved out in a style that looks like the real elephants are carrying it. The sacred bull, called Nandi is placed in front of the temple as usual practice. The shikhara-shaped mandir is like a pyramid in natural rock. Moreover, a pair of pillars for holding flags are also on the campus. King Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta dynasty initiated the construction of this temple; the activity lasted for almost a century. He ruled from 757 to 773 CE in present-day Karnataka.
The architects of the Kailashnatha temple intelligently sculpted the rock. Hence, natural gradients and surfaces automatically bridge different elements in the mandir complex. Additionally, the Deccan Plateau influence gave a Dravidian style to the structure.
The Grand Cave Temple measures a U-shaped campus 275 feet long and 151 feet wide. Further, the Gopuram is not as tall as it happens in the Dravidian architecture. Nonetheless, the Pallava and Chalukya craftsmen comprehensively shaped the temple in that style.
The Kailash temple is a monolithic divine shrine of a single rock carving. The Rashtrakuta dynasts promoted literature and many other arts during their regime. Likewise, Poets in that era of Buddhism and Jainism received a grand welcome. Subsequently, Sanskrit with the Kannada language flourished in philosophy and literature in the kingdom.
Pattadkal monuments under Rashtrakutas
Along with the unique cave temples, the Rashtrakutas furthered the heritage of the Chalukyas. Accordingly, the rulers contributed to the development of the shrines at Pattadakal which was initiated by the Chalukya dynasty. For example, the Sangameshvara Temple and the Virupaksha Temple have their grandeurs owing to the artistic approach of the Rashtrakutas.
These temples are harmonious morals of the construction styles. In particular, the Northern Indian style and the Southern Indian style, in a silky manner combined to achieve the world-class monuments of Pattadakal. Powerful dynasties and temple architecture cannot get separate identities in the Indian context.
Dashavatara Temple
It is a splendid temple at Cave 15 of Ellora’s monuments. As the name suggests, ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu are the theme of this shrine. But here, the Man-Lion figure Narsimha avatar, of the Hindu mythology is paramount.
Beautifully carved pillars coupled with Mahabharata and Ramayana tales in stonework, provide excellent Hindu essence to the mandir. Moreover, a suitable caved environment allows the devotees to experience that ancient era through a fine depiction.
The temple, however, was originally a Buddhist shrine. The monks utilized it as a monastery. Conversely, the two separate temple floors have intricate designs and decorations that reflect Hinduism. Accordingly, there is a mandapa in front of the temple for a congregation of devotees. Scholars believe this cave is similar to the previous caves 11 and 12.
Indra Sabha, Cave 32
The Rashtrakuta dynasty harmonized different sects of their time. Digambara Jains, for instance, have caves for Jain temples at Elapura, or Ellora. Accordingly, the complex has a Tirthankar Mahavir Cave, The Indra Sabha; Because Indra is the persona of abundant wealth and luxury. Similarly, the intricate stone carvings and luminous decoration provide a sizeable grandeur to this 9th-century shrine of Cave 32.
The volcanic activities in the past produced basalts in this region. Interestingly, the structure of these stones is highly suitable for minor carvings. Hence, the architects of the caves have convincing reasons to develop this delicacy in their designs. Above all, a magnificent Lotus carving on the ceiling draws the viewer’s attention.
Among the Jain temples, there is a place for lectures. This is a hall where the Tirthankars preached to disciples. The temple shrines which belong to the Jain community are the five caves that display Jain culture and its philosophy.
Ellora or Ellooru is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of 34 caves and is 30 km away from Aurangabad. The different caves for the Ganga-Yamuna rivers, and demon king Ravana also hold importance. Further, a ‘Nilkantha cave’ with Shiva sculptures is a divine place in Ellora. Conversely, the Kumbharvada cave has no idols at all, inside the structure.
Out of 34, there are 12 Zen temples. The site was an important shrine for the Buddhists in ancient times. Leaving 5 Jain temples, the rock-cut-engineering site has 17 Hindu temples.
References
https://books.google.co.in/books/about/Heritage_of_India
https://www.gktoday.in/temple-art-in-gupta-period/
https://vajiramandravi.com/quest-upsc-notes/chalukyas-of-badami
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattadakal
https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/gangaikonda-cholapuram