Difference Between Nagara and Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture

The difference in between the Nagara Style and Dravidian Style Temple Architecture helps us understand the Indian art and culture better. While Nagara Style of temple architecture belongs to North India, the Dravidian Style of architecture belonged to South India.  Nagara and Dravadan Architecture of temples both come from early Panchayatan style of architecture. In this article we are going to cover the differences in between Nagara and Dravidian Style of Architecture. 

Difference in Between Nagara and Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture

The differences in between Nagara and Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture are: 

Nagara Style fo Temple Architecture

The Nagara style is the predominant form of temple architecture in northern India, developed between the 5th and 12th centuries CE. This style is easily recognizable by its curvilinear shikhara (tower) that rises vertically above the sanctum (garbhagriha). Unlike the Dravidian style of the south, Nagara temples typically do not have boundary walls or elaborate gateways (gopurams). The sanctum is often preceded by one or more pillared halls known as mandapas.

A distinctive feature is the amalaka, a ribbed circular stone disk crowning the shikhara, which is usually topped by a kalasha (finial). Temples follow a square ground plan and are richly decorated with intricate sculptures and carvings on the walls and pillars, depicting deities, celestial beings, and daily life.

The Nagara style is divided into three major sub-schools based on region:

• Odisha School (e.g., Konark Sun Temple, Lingaraja Temple)
• Central Indian School (e.g., Khajuraho temples)
• Western Indian School (e.g., Modhera Sun Temple, Dilwara Jain Temples)

This architectural style not only reflects the spiritual ethos and symbolism of Hinduism but also showcases the refined artistry and engineering skill of ancient India, making it a cornerstone of India’s temple heritage.

Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture

The Dravidian style of temple architecture flourished in southern India, primarily in the Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala regions. Originating during the Pallava dynasty (7th century CE) and reaching its zenith under the Cholas, Vijayanagar rulers, and Nayakas, this style is characterized by its pyramidal vimana (temple tower) built directly above the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).

One of its most defining features is the gopuram, a monumental, ornate gateway tower at the temple entrance, which often becomes taller than the vimana itself in later periods. Dravidian temples are enclosed within compound walls and include multiple prakaras (concentric enclosures) and mandapas (pillared halls) for various rituals and gatherings.

Temples are richly adorned with intricate stone carvings depicting mythological stories, deities, dancers, and flora-fauna motifs. Large temple tanks (pushkarini) and chariot streets are often part of the temple complex.

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Prominent examples of Dravidian architecture include:

• Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur (Chola)
• Meenakshi Temple, Madurai (Nayaka)
• Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram (Pallava)
• Virupaksha Temple, Hampi (Vijayanagar)
  

The Dravidian style represents not only a unique architectural aesthetic but also a living tradition deeply woven into the ritualistic, cultural, and social fabric of southern India.