The Sarmaya Guide to

Hindu Temple Architecture

Hindu Temple Architecture - Age of Empires, Chalukya, Chola, Dravidian, featured, Hindu, Hinduism, Nagara, Pallava, Solanki, Temple, Temple Architecture, Vesara

'Hullabeed, The Great Temple - Sculptures from the West Front', Hoysalesvara Temple, Halebidu ©️ Sarmaya Arts Foundation

Key to the way worship unfolds in Hinduism is a physical manifestation of holiness, whether it’s a mound, a raised platform or an enclosed structure. Through the centuries, this idea was refined into the extraordinary, living, breathing work of art that is the Hindu temple. READ MORE


Anatomy of a temple

A few common terms used to describe Hindu temple architecture.


Travelling motifs

Anyone who has marvelled at the art on the walls of the Brihadeshwara or the Chennakeshava will feel their pulse quicken at the sight of architect Mathew Samuel’s art. Samuel sketches fantastical creatures like the Gandaberunda and the Andril Paravai from the sculptural motifs and decorative forms he’s observed in Dravidian temples. Follow this artist on Instagram.


Symmetry in motion

This mesmerising multimedia display was conceived of by architectural historian Adam Hardy and created for India: the Art of the Temple, an exhibition of Indian art from the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum held in Shanghai in 2010. It represents the classical patterns of Indian temple architecture.


Returning to the commons

Hindu Temple Architecture - Age of Empires, Chalukya, Chola, Dravidian, featured, Hindu, Hinduism, Nagara, Pallava, Solanki, Temple, Temple Architecture, Vesara

A temple is not just local in design, it’s communal in spirit too. Temples have long served as the centre of their community’s social life. To embody this promise, an architect in Bengal has created a communal space inspired by the region’s unique terracotta temples. Abin Chaudhuri convinced his clients to turn their private garage into a community centre built as a tribute to Bansberia’s rich architectural traditions. Read more here.