Main parts of Nagar style temples, it is about the Nagar style of construction of temples in North India with its historical background.
There have been two main styles of temple construction in India, which are Nagar style in North India and Dravid style in South India. Today we will talk only about the Nagar style.
The word Nagar is derived from Nagar and since this style was first used in cities, it was called Nagar style. The identity of the temples of this style is that it is quadrangular from the base to the peak.
Nagar style temples mainly have antaral, mandap and semi-mandap near the sanctum sanctorum. Now we tell you about the main parts of the temple of this style.
Adhishthana - This is the basic foundation of the temple.
Jagati - This is the upper platform of Adhishthana on which the temple stands. Jagati can also be called a platform or altar on which stairs are built to go.
Garbhagriha - This is the most important part of the temple in which the idol of the presiding deity of the temple is installed. Garbhagriha is the center of worship and religious activities in the temple.
The walls of the temple, especially the walls of the sanctum sanctorum, are called Jangha. Many temples have a Pradakshina Path to circumambulate around the sanctum sanctorum.
All directions are considered auspicious in the Sarvatobhadra temple and can be entered from all sides. These temples are usually symmetrical from all sides and there is one door in each of the four directions of the sanctum sanctorum.
Shikhar - This part is the upper part of the sanctum sanctorum which is the highest in the temple. In ancient times, temples used to have only one shikhar above the sanctum sanctorum but with time, there started to be many shikharas.
These other shikharas are called Upashikhara or Urushringa which are considered to be symbols of infinity. The upper sloping part of the shikhara is called Griva. The upper part of the shikhara is called Kalash and the circular part below it is called Amalaka.
Antaral - This is the part between the sanctum sanctorum and the mandap which connects both of them.
Mandap - The part from the antaral to the entrance of the temple is called the mandap in which many people can gather. Its roof rests on beautiful pillars.
Apart from the main mandap in a temple, there can be many small or ardhamandaps like Rangamandap which are made for different purposes.
The first mandap connected to the antaral near the sanctum sanctorum is called the main mandap or Mahamandap or Sabhamandap and it is used for the darshan of the Lord.
The part in front of the Sabhamandap is called Rangamandap and it is used for kirtan and dance. Apart from the main mandap, all the others are ardhamandaps whose height and expansion keeps decreasing.
Kapot - The upper part of the doors, windows, walls or pillars of the temple which is connected to the roof is called Kapot.
Masurak - The part between the foundation of the temple and its walls is called Masurak.
Toran - The entrance outside the temple is called Toran Dwar. In old temples, Toran was made quite grand and artistic.
Gavaksha - In many places in the temple, niches or niches are made to keep idols, they are called Gavaksha. In old temples, there are many Gavakshas on the outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum.
Vahana - In the temple, at some distance from the sanctum sanctorum, there is a statue of the main deity's vehicle, which is called Vahana, such as Nandi in Shiva temple and Garuda ji in Vishnu temple.
All the parts of the temple that we have talked about give shape to the temple as well as enhance its beauty.
See also How temples started in India?
Author
Ramesh Sharma {M Pharm, MSc (Computer Science), PGDCA, MA (History), CHMS}
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