INDIAN-HINDU ARCHITECTURE

Bhakti

This are devotional Hinduism spread across the Indian subcontinent, and the old Vedic gods were replaced in importance by deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Brahma, and Devi.

Hindu Temple or mandir

laid out according to the eight cardinal directions, and a god representing each one (dikpala) may sometimes be represented in sculpture on the temple's exterior. Built on an elaborately carved platform (adhisthana), the temple is often referred to in ancient Hindu texts on architecture (the Vastu Shastras) as the sacred mountain Meru or Kailasa, the dwelling of Shiva in the Himalayas.

garbhagriha

translated as 'womb-chamber', which is a small window-less shrine room located at the very heart of the temple. Within, a symbol or representation of a specific god was placed, for example, the linga (phallus) for Shiva. Worshippers consider that energy flows out in all directions from the garbhagriha, and this is reflected in the architecture of the surrounding parts of the temple.

Jagati

A term used to refer to a raised surface, platform, or terrace upon which the temple is placed.

Antarala

A small antechamber or foyer between the Garbh Griha / garbha graha (shrine) and the mandapa.

Mantapa/ Mandapa

A term to refer to a pillared outdoor hall or Pavilion for public rituals.

Ardha Mandapa

An intermediary space between the temple exterior and the Garbhagrihas or the other mandapas of the temple

Kalyana Mandapa

dedicated to ritual marriage celebration of the Lord with Goddess

Maha Mandapa

When there are several mandapas in the temple, it is the biggest and the tallest. It is used for conducting religious discourses.

Nandi Mandapam or Nandi mandir

In the Shiva temples, pavilion with a Garbhagriha, looking at the statue or the lingam of Shiva

Garbhagriha

The part in which the idol of the deity in a Hindu Temple is installed i.e., Sanctum sanctorum. The area around is referred as to the Chuttapalam, which generally includes other deities and the main boundary wall of the temple. Typically, there is also a Pradikshna area in the Sreekovil and one outside, where devotees can take Pradakshinas.

Shikhara / Vimana

shikar means peak, it is the spire or tower over the temples. It was inspired by the clad peak of the Himalayas.

Amalaka

It is a stone disk, often with ridges, that sits on a temple's main tower (Shikhar).

Gopuram

A huge tower at the entrance of a temple. It serves as the gateway to the temple complex. It is one of the most prominent things in a temple.

Urushringa

A smaller and narrower than the shikhara, and "engaged“ or connected to it where they meet, except right at the top. It strengthens the feeling of height given by the temple and may give some structural support by acting like a buttress, as well as adding to the visual symbolism of the temple as a sacred mountain.