DRAVIDIAN ARCHITECTURE

Dravidian culture
Dravidian order
Pallavan style- Rock cut production
Rathas, Shore Temple Mahabalipuram
Chola style-Brihadeeswara temple Tanjore
Pandya style -Evolution and form of the Gopuram
Srirangam-Complexity in plan due to complexity in ritual
Vijayanagara & Nayak style-Meenakshi temple Madurai
DIFFERENT PHASES IN DRAVIDIAN ARCHITECTURE

The Dravidian style/ Southern style of architecture can be classified into the following periods
1. Pallavan Style 600AD – 900AD
2. Chola Style 900AD – 1150AD
3. Pandya Style 1100AD – 1350AD
4. Vijayanagara Style 1350AD – 1565AD
5. Nayak/Madura Style 1600 AD onwards
The Dravidian Style of architecture can be categorised as a distinct Evolution in Temple
architecture through the various phases
There is a marked evolution in the planning of the temple and the architectural treatment
Complexity in plannning due to the complexity in the rituals arose by the 12 th c. AD (Pandya)
Broadly the classifications would be as follows:
• Pallavan - Rock cut and Structural Temples
• Chola - Development of the Vimana (Shikhara),
Walled enclosures
Gopurams
• Pandya - Evolution of the Gopuram – number, height, embellishment
High walls for enclosure for security( Muslim invasion)
• Vijayanagara - Addition of Mandapas, Secondary halls and Gopurams
• Nayaks - Temple cities, addition of Gopurams to existing temples
GENESIS OF DRAVIDIAN STYLE UNDER THE PALLAVAS
600 AD – 900 AD
There were two phases of architecture under the Pallavas

1st Phase- Rock cut

•Mahendra Group 610 – 640 AD Mandapas/ Pillared halls
•Mamalla Group 640 – 690 AD Rathas and Mandapas
(Narasimhavarma)
2nd Phase- Structural
•Rajasimha group 690 – 800 AD Temples
•Nandivarman group 800 – 900 AD Temples

Mandapas Rathas

1. Excavation Monolith

2. Open pavilion Shrine/ Temple chariot

3. Simple columned hall with Series of shrines which is an

one or more cellas at the rear exact copy in granite of a

structural prototype
1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 610 – 690 AD
MANDAPAS

•Pillared halls
•Entirely rock cut
•Buddhist influence shown- Viharas
•Primitive detailing
•The main pillared hall is served by a portico and having 1 or
more cellas deeply recessed in the interior wall
•The exterior is a façade formed of a row of pillars
•The early examples are found at Undavalli, Bhairavakonda,
Trichy
•Columns:
•Sq. shaft where the middle third is chamfered into an
octagon UNDAVALLI
•7’0” ht.
•The dia of the column – 1’0”-2’0”
•Heavy bracket for capital- wooden origin of a beam and
bracket
•Roll moulding added in later examples
•This roll cornice was ornamented at intervals with a motif
– kudu showing buddhist influence from the chaitya arch
MANDAGAPATTU
1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 610 – 690 AD
MANDAPAS - Mahabalipuram
There were a total of 10 mandapas at Mahabalipuram
Features:
•Similar proportions to earlier Mandapas
•Width 25’
•Height-15’ – 20’ Sculptures depicting
• Depth 25’ Mythological stories
•Pillars height 9’
•Dia-1’- 2’
•Cells rectangular- 5’ -10’ side Krishna Mandapam
•Shallow porticoes

•Architectural treatment and sculptures combining with

architecture.
•Façade contains- roll cornice decorated with KUDUS,
above this a parapet or attic member formed of miniature
shrines, a long one alternating with a short one
•The executor was primarily a sculptor

Basement was so planned and executed to provide a long and

narrow receptacle for water for ablutions
•Pillars are the main contributions of this period
•Beginning of the Pallava order of column
•Eg. Varaha, Krishna, Mahishasuramandapa, Adivaraha Varaha Mandapam
1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 610 – 690 AD

EVOLUTION OF PALLAVAN ORDER

The early pillars were the rudimentary type of beam and bracket
This was modified to a sophisticated design of the capital and the
shaft
Finally the introduction of an element- lion
This figure was incorporated into the lower portion of the shaft and
later at the capital
This lion symbolised the ruling dynasty – Simhavishnu
Details:
Sq. shaft where the middle third is chamfered into an octagon
7’0” ht.
The dia of the column – 1’0”-2’0”
 PARTS OF DRAVIDIAN ORDER

The principal elements in the façade of

the Mamallapuram group is the lion
pillar which rests on the animals head
The crude block bracket is obvious in
early examples, later gets more refined
and graceful

PALAGAI
IDAIE

KUMBHA

TADI
KALASA

SIMHA-LION

STAMBHAM A natural leonine figure – a deviation from

a grotesque horned lion in the mandapas
Fluted banded shaft- Stambham
Refined necking- Tadi
Melon Capital – Kumbha
Lotus form – Idaie
Wide Abacus - Palagai
EVOLUTION OF PALLAVAN ORDER
1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 610 – 690 AD
RATHAS - Mahabalipuram

•Seven pagodas exist, reproduced from wooden examples

•Beam heads, rafters, purlins, all transferred into rock
•Exteriors are completed and interiors are incomplete
•Unknown purpose of execution
•Small Structures a maximum 42’ long 35’ wide 40’ high
•Derived from the chaitya hall and viharas N
•Acted as a prototype for later temples
1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 610 – 690 AD
RATHAS - Mahabalipuram
Draupadi Ratha:
Smallest among the group dedicated to Durga
Simplest and the most finished
A cell or Pansala square in plan
The shape of the roof – concave pyramidal roof-
indicates it was a copy of the thatched structure –
portable shrine
The base is supported by figures of animals, a lion
alternating with an elephant
The corner ridges were decorated with delicate carvings
with volutes
There are niches containing high relief carvings of the
Durga
Arjuna Ratha:
Stepped pyramid structure decorate dwith
Kudus
The square details at the cornes are termed
as Stupis and the oblong ones in the façade
Shalis
Square in plan 5m
High relief sculptures on external walls
between pilasters
1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 610 – 690 AD
RATHAS - Mahabalipuram
Bhima Ratha:
Reproduces the Chaitya mode
Keel or Barrel vaulted roof with
a Chaitya Gable end
The structure is 2 stories high
The front portico consists of 4
columns
Prototype for the Gopuram of
later temples with the oblong
plan, diminishing stories, keel
roof with pinnacles and gable
end
The gable end of the roof is ornamented
with a central symbol similar to the stupa
Depicts a prayer hall with curved barge
boards taking the place of the vaulted roof.
Decorative brackets simulate the ribs of
the vault
Sahadeva Ratha:
Reproduces the basilican plan with an apsidal end
and a barrel vault roof
Faces the south, 3 stories high
1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 610 – 690 AD
RATHAS - Mahabalipuram
Stupi
Dharmaraja Ratha:
Dedicated to Shiva Shala
Largest of the 5 rathas
Square in plan 10m
Kudu
Consists of 3 stories the last of which is
13m high
No internal space other than galleries with
columns at the entrance
It is a large scale version of Arjuna Ratha
with a larger no. of miniature edifices
carved in the roof
There are 12 square Stupis at the
corners and 24 Shalas on the sides- kudu
Ganesh Ratha:
In elevation it has 2 parts
Dedicated to Shiva
Square portion with pillared verandah
below Lion ornamenting a pier in the façade
Pyramidical shikara/tower formed by 2 Lion pillars in the portico
converted cells
Aedicules on either side with carved
Strongly moulded stylobate ( Base) sculptures
Lion pillared porticos
3 stories with the keel roof
Turreted roof
Prototype for the Gopuram
1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 610 – 690 AD
RELIEF - Mahabalipuram
2ND PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 690 - 900 AD
STRUCTURAL TEMPLES
SHORE TEMPLE - Mahabalipuram
•The Shore Temple was constructed in 700 AD by Narasimha
Varma II Rajasimha
•Constructed of dressed Granite
•The complex consists of 2 shrines dedicated to Shiva and 1
shrine dedicated to Vishnu
•Located near the shore of Mamallapuram the temple was
constructed with the intention of the cella facing the east so that
the first rays of the sun would illuminate the shrine
•Among the breakers stood a stone pillar to act as a light house
•This concept led to the different arrangement of the parts in the
layout •Planning:
•The placement of the cella in the east left no
space for the mandapas, forecourts and gateway
•These were hence placed in the rear of the
shrine
N
•The central structure is surrounded by a massive
enclosure wall, with the entry on the western side
of the courtyard
•The layout was further complicated by the
addition of 2 shrines added asymmetrically on the
west
2ND PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 690 - 900 AD
SHORE TEMPLE - Mahabalipuram
The addition of the shrine on the west with the smaller spire
gives the impression that it is the main entrance
The 2 supplementary shrines have converted the Shore
temple into an unconventional double towered monument
Verticality of the temple accentuated with a slender monolithic
stupi
The central building seems to be a development off the
Rathas with a difference in the treatment
Details:
•Square lower storey
•Pyramidal tower in diminishing tiers
•Change in the shape of the tower seeming to rid of the vihara
•Rhythmic, buoyant composition than the rathas giving the temple a
lightness and soaring quality
•Appearance of a pilaster- rampant lion as a relief found wherever a
structural form with an ornament was required
•The lion pillar with the Dravidian capital projects at every angle and is
also introduced at intervals around the lower part of the entire structure
•As the style progressed the leogriff motif is frequently used
•Identifying symbol of the Pallavan period
2ND PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 690 - 900 AD
SHORE TEMPLE - Mahabalipuram
•Surrounded by an outer rectangular enclosure
•Water Chambers:
•Portions of the ground floor of the enclosure
consisted of a system of shallow cisterns which
could be flooded on certain occasions
•The space could hence be resolved into a water
temple
•Some of the conduits and receptacles can be
traced
•The water was fed into the system by means of
canal and conveyed by sluices
•Overflow was carried through the rear of the
shrine to the sea
•Enclosure:
•Surrounding wall had a parapet and
coping with figures of kneeling bulls
•Bold projecting lion pilasters on
exterior wall
•Entrance through a richly ornamented
doorway on the western side
•Leading to a corridor on one side
•Rectangular Mandapa whose
foundations remain
2ND PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 690 - 900 AD
SHORE TEMPLE - Mahabalipuram

•Halfway along the corridor

was a pillared arcade containing
an altar probably for Naga
worship as all the courts and
passages around could be filled
with water
•Series of carved panels on the
side walls on mythology
CHOLA ARCHITECTURE – 900 - 1150 AD

The capital of the Chola dynasty was the city of Thanjavur from 836 –
1267 AD
The great temple of Thanjavur was founded by Rajaraja I
The Cholas ruled the Deccan and emerged victorious among many other
kingdoms such as Pallavas, Pandyas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas
They advanced as far as Bengal, Sri Lanka, Java, Sumatra and had
trade links as far as Indonesia
Their military and economic power was reflected in the grand architectural
productions under this period at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram,
Dharasuram and Tribhuvanam Kambahareswara Temple-Tribhuvanam
(Kumbakonam) 1178-1218

Gangaikondacholapuram Temple Airateswara Temple-Darasuram

1014-1044 AD 1146-1173 AD
CHOLA ARCHITECTURE – 900 - 1150 AD
Early Temples
Typical Features:
•The temples are of modest proportions
•Built entirely of stone
•Egs. At Pudukottai- Sundareswara at Tirukattalai,
Vijayalaya at Nartamalai
•These show the Dravidian style in its formative stages
•Use of well dressed granite
•Pallavan influence observed in the vimana - similar to the rathas
•Similarities to the Chalukyan in shape of the domical finial of the
shikhara, which is similar to egs. at Patadakkal
•Treatment- simplification of the exteriors compared to the Pallavas
with elimination of the details
•Absence of the lion motif and pillar
•The capital is modified to by addition of a neck moulding
padmabandham and the pot kalasa. The Palagai is expanded to
combine the Idaie underneath
Koranganatha Temple – Trichy
•Pillared hall or mandapa with an attached Vimana
•50’ length totally, Mandapa 25’ x 20’, Vimana 25’ square
•Ht. of 50’ with the cornice of the mandapa at 16’
•A small hall with 4 pillars makes the interior with a vestibule and passage leading to the cella
12’ square
CHOLA ARCHITECTURE
Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD
The Brihadeeswara Temple at Tanjavur was constructed
around 1000 AD
The largest, highest and most ambitious project at its time –
a landmark in the evolution of South Indian Architecture
Superb architectural treatment and Proportions
The main structure is 180’ long above which is the tower
190’ high

Planning:
•Dedicated to Shiva
•Surrounded by 2 walled precincts
•The first one measures 270m x 140 m consisting of a high wall running along
the banks of the river Kaveri
•The 2nd wall consists of a portico with a double row of pillars, measures
150m x 75m
•The Temple is entered through
•The perimeter wall forms a rectangular cloister which could be divided into 2
squares
•The center of the 1st square contains the Nandi Pavilion and the 2nd
contains the Cella
•Over the cella is the main Gopuram 60m high and 15m at its base
CHOLA ARCHITECTURE
Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD

Plan
•The Garbagriha is a mere 5m square surrounded by a thick wall with a narrow corridor N
•Axial planning
•The main cella is preceded by 2 hypostyle halls and a narrow vestibule
•Entered through a pillared portico on the west
CHOLA ARCHITECTURE
Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD
Components of Vimana:
The main Vimana is a huge solid block on the western end consisting of 3 parts:
1. Square vertical base
2. Tall tapering body
3. Domical finial
Vertical base:
Square of 82’ rising to a ht. of 50’
The square vertical base rises for 2 stories
to accommodate the Linga which was
increased in ht.
An upper gallery was hence added creating
a 2nd storey, with the 2 levels of the tower
receiving the same treatment
Pyramidal portion:
13 diminishing stories until the
width of the apex is 1/3 base
Cupola:
On the square platform stands
the cupola, the inward curve of
the neck breaking the rigid
outlines of the composition
CHOLA ARCHITECTURE
Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD
Architectural treatment:
Vertical face:
The wall is divided into 2 stories by means of an
overhanging cornice which is the only horizontal member
Contains pilasters and niches with sculptures
In the middle of each recess is a figure subject
The mastery of the sculptors is seen in the Dvarapalas Pyramidal roof:
which stand guard at the gate
The surfaces are adorned with the
The entire periphery of the temple base consists of horizontal lines of the diminishing tiers
mythical animals – lions
The Cupola at the summit is contrasted
with the minged niches on all the 4 sides
CHOLA ARCHITECTURE
Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD

The double portico of 450 m perimeter running all around the structure contains 252 lingas in black
stone arranged under corbelled vaults carried on 400 pillars all around

The wall behind the portico is beautifully painted

CHOLA ARCHITECTURE
Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD
The first Gopuram is the Keralaanthagan
Gopuram
Five storied structure
30m high giving access to the 1st of the 2
rectangular precincts
Contains sculpture enhanced with stucco,
painted in vivid colours
The second Gopuram is the Rajaraja
Gopuram
3 storied structure

A 4 columned vestibule seperates the cella from

the Mandapa
Square in plan with 6 bays of columns each
Preceded by a rectangular mandapa
Before this is a 24 columned porch accessed by 3
staircases
Strict axial arrangement disrupted by additions
later
CHOLA ARCHITECTURE
Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD
CHOLA ARCHITECTURE
Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD
PANDYA ARCHITECTURE – 1100 – 1350 AD
The Genesis of the Gopurams of Dravidian Style
After the Cholas- architecture was at its peak with the concentration being
on the Vimana
Changes during the Pandya period:
• Vimana ceased to be the centre of concentration
• The supplementary and outlying portions were developed
• Reasons were sentimental- do not touch God
• Walls were built/Pylons were the centre of concentration for
architecture
• Became the main feature of South Indian Temples
• Derivation of the Cow gate- City gate- Temple gate- Gopuram
Considerable political changes were taking place. The most threatening force
from the north - the all-conquering hordes of Islam.
This threat made the Pandya rulers hurriedly throw up makeshift battlements
around their cities and the heart of their towns -the temples. This called for
modifying the Temple to a Fortress which was unacceptable
To change the outer covering, i.e. the form of the temple itself would be
nothing short of sacrilege.
The solution was hence to raise the gates of the fortress to the level of
architecture. This was the genesis of the famous gopurams, or entrance
gateways of the temple cities of the south.
The typical south Indian city came to be surrounded by a ring of walls
because of the need for defense, and then population growth.
This led to a number of interesting solutions in city planning and the most
visible architectural feature of this expansion was the Gopuram.
PANDYA ARCHITECTURE – 1100 – 1350 AD
The Genesis of the Gopurams of Dravidian Style

•The temple consisted of a series of concentric walls enclosing open

courtyards or Prakarams, approached through high watch towers
•The walls were purely utilitarian with no aesthetic value
•The tall gateways were given embellishment
Typical features of the Gopuram:
•Oblong in plan
•Tapering tower of 100-150’ ht.
•Entered by a rectangular doorway in the center of the long side
•Similar to the Egyptian Propylons
•Sloping or battered sides
•The lowest 2 stories of the tower are vertical, of solid stone masonry
providing a stable structure for the super structure
•The superstructure was composed of brick and plaster
•Superstructure :
•Pyramidal in shape
•Diminishing tiers
•The angle of slope from the vertical is 25˚
•Width of the apex was ½ of the base
•Flat summit with an elongated roof with gable ends
•Barrel vault roof
PANDYA ARCHITECTURE – 1100 – 1350 AD
The Genesis of the Gopurams of Dravidian Style

Differences between Vimana and Gopuram:

The 2 main forms in the Temple are distinguished by the top story in each
Vimana is square in plan with a rounded cupola for the finial (derived from
the Vihara)
Gopuram is oblong in plan with a vaulted roof ( influence from the keel roof
of the Buddhist Chaitya Hall)

There existed two types as to the form of the Gopuram with respect to the
appearance and the surface treatment Type 1
First type:
Straight sloping sides
Firm and rigid contours
Geometric form where the treatment is architectural
Pillars and pilasters were used
Second type: more ornate
Curved and concave sides
Creating an upward sweep
Surface treatment is of Florid nature
Figure subjects predominate
Every portion is plastered thick with images
The roof is spectacular with cornuted gables
The ridge line breaks into a row of tall pinnacles forming a climax to the
fretted and pullulating mass below Type 2
PANDYA ARCHITECTURE – 1100 – 1350 AD
The Genesis of the Gopurams of Dravidian Style
Surface Decoration:
Most of the Pandya Gopurams are of the architectural type simple and
conventional due to the early period of evolution
Dravidian Order:
Pillars and capital saw two changes
The Idaie or flower motif was given a scalloped edge- foliated and
exquisite appearance
Alteration of the Bracket overhanging the bracket into a moulded
pendent or a drop
The Palagai was altered in proportion
Abacus 2” thick, 4’ 6” feet dia

Temple Planning:
Expansion of the Dravidian temple like that of a tree trunk
First the temple in the centre
Concentric walls and gopurams added at a later date
The smaller gopurams are hence towards the centre with the taller ones
at the periphery
Each concentric ring shows the developmental stages
Example- Jambukeswara temple Trichy- SundaraPandiya Gopuram
built in 1250, Chidambaram, Tiruvannamalai, Kumbakonam
The eastern gateway at Chidambaram is most characteristic of the
period
PANDYA ARCHITECTURE – 1100 – 1350 AD
The Genesis of the Gopurams of Dravidian Style

Gopuram on Eastern side of the inner enclosure at Tiruvannamlai – 1300 AD

NAYAK ARCHITECTURE – 1600 AD onwards
Evolution of the Temple- Complexity in Plan due to Complexity in Ritual

The muslims started moving south which led to the shifting of the capital south at Madurai
The architecture flourished principally under the rule of Tirumalai Nayak 1623 – 1659
The Madura Style as it is also known as was a revival of the Pandya style of architecture

The expansion of the temples corresponded to the expansion of the temple ritual :
• The forms and ceremonies became more elaborate leading to the arrangement of buildings for the
activities
• The increase in the structural form was due to the wider powers given to the deity

Planning of the temple:

Deity :
• The cella or Garbagriha was dark, symbolic of the return to the womb experience in temples
• The inner portions of the temples were hence strictly reserved for the sacred habitation of the
god
• On certain occasions the deity is led in procession to take part in festivals, for which purpose
temples utilised the outer precincts
• To hence satisfy the requirements of these rituals the temple resolves itself to 2 main primary
formations
• 2 main parts of the temple:
• Inner covered sacred part
• Outer, open, more public less sanctified part
NAYAK ARCHITECTURE – 1600 AD onwards
Evolution of the Temple- Complexity in Plan due to Complexity in Ritual

INNER AREAS :
• Consisted of flat roofed courts, one enclosed within the other
• This normally covered a fairly large rectangular space
• Within the inner of the 2 courts is the sanctum, the cupolas of which covered in gilt
projects out through the flat roofs acting as the focal center
• There is a guarded seclusion to the inner area
OUTER AREAS:
• Concentric series of open courtyards known as ‘Prakarams’
• Enclosed within high walls, open to sky as they are too large to be roofed
• Provide space for secular buildings connected with the ceremonies

EXPANSION OR GROWTH OF TEMPLES:

1. Inner Areas or Cella: Wholly covered and sancrosanct

• The Cella and the Portico form the sanctum – origin of temple
• Cella was enclosed within another flat roofed hall to protect the original sanctuary and
to emphasize the sacredness
• Pillared aisles were added entrance through a small gopuram in front on the east
• Later the covered court was enclosed within a similar structure, division of the concentric
corridors by means of pillars and pavilions
• 2 entrances on the E and W with a larger gopuram than the previous enclosure
NAYAK ARCHITECTURE – 1600 AD onwards
Evolution of the Temple- Complexity in Plan due to Complexity in Ritual

2. Outer Areas:
• The entire composition was enclosed within a rectangle by means of a high wall
• The remaining space was left to provide a wide open courtyard or Prakaram
• The enclosure was entered by Gopurams, one on the E and W
• The Gopuram on the E was the principal doorway and largest
• Various structures were erected inside - pillared halls or Mandapas and subsidiary shrines
• Semi religious buildings such as granaries, store rooms for ceremonial supplies
• Later concentric rectangles were added contained within higher enclosing walls leaving
another open space between the inner and the outer perimeters
• 4 entrances adorned the four walls in the center at the cardinal points
• Each consisted of a Gopuram larger than the previous one within the outermost enclosure
2 large important structures were built- Thousand Pillared Hypostyle hall and a Square
Tank of water for ablutions, lined with steps and surrounded by an arcade
• This formed the basis for temple layouts but layer temples were sometimes
disproportionately enlarged – Srirangam which has 7 concentric rectangular enclosures the
whole resembling a town.
Concept of Temples:
Spiritual nor Architectural
The Gopurams induce a feeling of awe and majesty, leading to progressive halls, smaller and
dimmer than the previous, till the mystery of the Cella or darkened shrine to feel the
presence of God
NAYAK ARCHITECTURE – 1600 AD onwards
Evolution of the Temple- Complexity in Plan due to Complexity in Ritual

Elements of Temple:
1. Gopuram in the exterior
• Characteristic of the southern style
• Most of them are 1st class Gopurams –
• 150’ high to 200’
• 16 stories
• central doorway 25’ high on longer side
• Forms a corridor through the gopuram
• Rooms on either side for guardian and the door keeper
• One of these rooms has a staircase to reach the gopuram with a wide landing at each
storey leading to the summit

External treatment
• Ht. of Gopuram emphasized by vertical lines
• Each storey has a perpendicular projection
• In-between each storey diminishing tiers, forming horizontal lines
• Horizontal portion sometimes had figures- which were life size.
NAYAK ARCHITECTURE – 1600 AD onwards
Evolution of the Temple- Complexity in Plan due to Complexity in Ritual

2. Pillars or Colonnades in the interiors

• Moderate ht. of 12’
• Presence of a 1000 pillared hall eg. At Madurai

4 kinds of pillars –
1. Square moulded patterned - simplest
one enlarged to a
square pier normally with
radiating brackets
2. Rampant dragon -Most common type 1000
pillared hall
Superstructures are cleverly composed
above the dragon
pillars
Gryphon bracket, capital or beam
3. Deity
4. Portrait of the donor or family
The third and fourth are similar, bigger than life
size and attached to the shafts
No structural significance, held by attachments to
the shaft
Some cases provide additive support as seen at
Meenakshi Temple Madurai.
NAYAK ARCHITECTURE – 1600 AD onwards
MEENAKSHI SUNDARESWAR TEMPLE – MADURAI
The Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple (twin temples) is one of
the biggest temples in India.
The original temple built by Kulasekara Pandyan was in ruins.
The plan for the current temple structure was laid by Viswanath
Naik and was completed by Tirumalai Nayakar.
The Aadi, Chittirai, Maasi, and Veli streets surround the
temple.
Both temples are adorned with exquisite carvings & sculptures
and gold plated vimanams.

•The temple has 2 main sanctuaries

dedicated to Shiva and his consort
Meenakshi
•The temple is hance a temple within a
temple
•The outer wall is almost a square
measuring
•850’ x 725’ with 4 large gateways towards
the center of the 4 sides
•The main Gopuram is on the E
NAYAK ARCHITECTURE – 1600 AD onwards

Planning:
The main Gopuram leads one to the pillared avenue
200’ x 100’
This leads to the smaller Gopuram forming the
eastern entrance to the 2nd Prakaram
The 2nd Prakaram is a rectangular enclosure 420’ x
310’ having 4 gopurams in the center of each wall
All the Gopurams are smaller than the previous one
as is the case with all temples
Most of the 2nd enclosure is covered with a flat roof,
partly open in the N
Within this is another court 250’ x 156’ with one
entrance on the E
The most elaborate part of the temple and the most
intricate grouping of pillars is found outside this
entrance
The sacred shrine is located inside the last entrance
NAYAK ARCHITECTURE – 1600 AD onwards
MEENAKSHI SUNDARESWAR TEMPLE – MADURAI

The Sanctum Sanctorum – Shiva:

•The shrine consists of 3 components
•Assembly hall
•Vestibule
•Cella
•The cella is surmounted by a shikhara which penetrates through the
flat roof seen from outside rising like a golden crown
•The courts, corridors, halls making up the enclosures have
colonnades of pillars arranged in long lines or groups forming diverse
vistas in all directions
Sanctuary of Meenakshi:
•The other sanctuary of the temple is dedicated to Meenakshi – fish
eyed
•Enclosure on the S side of the temple at the rear
•Half size reproduction having one compartment within the other
•225’ x 150’ entered by 2 Gopurams the one on the W being larger
then the E
•Rising above the flat roof is the cupola
NAYAK ARCHITECTURE – 1600 AD onwards
MEENAKSHI SUNDARESWAR TEMPLE –
Pool of Golden Lilies:
•Lies in front of the Meenakshi shrine
•Rectangular 165’ x 120’
•Surrounded by steps and a pillared portico on all 4 sides
•The great mass of the S Gopuram is seen in the background over 150’ high and
reflected on its surface
•In the middle is a tall brass lamp column.
•The reflection of the granite pillars in the colonnade adds beauty
From the NE corner of the tank in the outer enclosure is a
Gopuram marking the processional passage to the shrine indicating
an independent entrance
There are totally 11 Gopurams the 4 outer ones being 1 st class over
150’ high
Mandapa:
•Court of 1000 Pillars was added in 1560 on the NE of the outer
Prakaram
•240’ x 250’
•Faces south alongside a wide pillared approach of the main
entrance
•The interior consists of a central aisle with a double row of columns
•Small shrine on the N end – Sabhapati
•Behind the colonnades forming the aisle are row upon row of pillars
– 985 columns in all
•Flat roofed remarkable only for the interior with range of
grotesquely carved piers
NAYAK ARCHITECTURE – 1600 AD onwards
MEENAKSHI SUNDARESWAR TEMPLE –
•Outside the main enclosure in axial allignment with the E
Gopuram is the Vasantha or Pudu Mandapam – Tirumalai
Nayak’s Choultry
•Parallelogram 330’ x 105’ built for 7 years
•Reception hall or temporary place for the deity during festivals
•Central nave and 2 aisles with 4 rows of pillars elaborately carved
giving a wonderful perspective of the interiors
•In the center is a separate group of columns with sculptured shafts
with 10 life size statues of the Nayak house and Tirumalai the
builder of the mandapam