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
12th 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
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
Mandapas 800 – Rathas
900 AD Temples

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

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:
UNDAVALLI
•Sq. shaft where the middle third is
chamfered into an octagon
•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 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’ Sculptures
•Height-15’ – 20’ depicting
• Depth 25’ Mythological
•Pillars height 9’ stories
•Dia-1’- 2’ Krishna
•Cells rectangular- 5’ -10’ side 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 Varaha
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
 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
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 N
•Unknown purpose of execution
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
Arjuna Ratha:
carvings of the Durga
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
The gable end of with
temples the roof
the is
oblong
plan,with
ornamented diminishing
a central
stories,
symbol similar tokeel
the roof
stupawith
pinnacles and gable end
Depicts a prayer hall with
curved barge boards taking the
place of the vaulted roof.
Decorative brackets simulate
Sahadeva Ratha:
the ribs of the vault
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 cornersGanesh
In elevation it has 2 parts
Ratha: on
and 24 Shalas
the sides- kudu
Dedicated to Shiva
Square portion with pillared
verandah below Lion ornamenting a pier in
Pyramidical shikara/tower the façade
formed by converted cells 2 Lion pillars in the portico
Strongly moulded stylobate
Aedicules on either side with
( Base) carved sculptures
Lion pillared porticos
3 stories with the keel roof
Turreted roof
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
•Planning:
•This concept led to the different arrangement of
the parts in the layout •The placement of the cella in the
east left no space for the mandapas,
forecourts and gateway
•These were hence placed in the rear
N
of the shrine
•The central structure is surrounded
by a massive enclosure wall, with the
entry on the western side of the
courtyard
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
Details:
development off the Rathas with a difference
•Square lower storey
in the treatment
•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
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
•Enclosure:
•Overflow was carried through the
•Surrounding wall had
rear of the shrine a sea
to the
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
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
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
Kambahareswara Temple-
grand architectural productions under this period at
Tribhuvanam (Kumbakonam)
Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram, Dharasuram and 1178-1218
Tribhuvanam

Gangaikondacholapuram Airateswara Temple-

Temple Darasuram
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
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
Planning:
is the towerto
•Dedicated 190’ high
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 N
with a narrow corridor
•Axial planning
•The main cella is preceded by 2 hypostyle halls and a narrow
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
Vertical base:
2. Tall tapering body
3. Domical finial 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 Pyramidal portion:
receiving the same treatment
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
Pyramidal roof:
subject The surfaces are adorned with
The mastery of the sculptors is seen in the the horizontal lines of the
Dvarapalas which stand guard at the gate diminishing tiers
The entire periphery of the temple base The Cupola at the summit is
consists of mythical animals – lions 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
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˚
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)
Type 1
There existed two types as to the form of the Gopuram
with respect to the appearance and the surface
treatment
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 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,
PANDYA ARCHITECTURE – 1100 – 1350 AD
The Genesis of the Gopurams of Dravidian Style

Gopuram on Eastern side of the inner enclosure at

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
NAYAK ARCHITECTURE – 1600 AD onwards
Evolution of the Temple- Complexity in Plan due to Complexity in
Ritual
INNERAREAS :
• 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,
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.
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 landing
these rooms has a staircase to reach the gopuram with
a wide 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
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
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
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
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
From
adds the NE corner of the tank in the outer
beauty
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 1st 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
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