As in southern India, several styles of temple architecture developed in northern India.
Some of the most magnificent temples were built in Orissa. The Lingaraja temple of Bhubaneswar is located in an extensive area, with a number of subsidiary shrines. The spire of the Lingaraja temple is about 40 meters high and is very impressive. The immense spire is curved and has a rounded top. Though there are many similarities between these and the temples in the south, the differences in style are striking.
The sun temple in Konarak, popularly known as the ‘black pagoda’, perhaps because of the black stone used, is unique in design. Since it is dedicated to the sun god, the whole temple is designed as a chariot with twelve massive wheels drawn by seven horses. Each wheel with its rich carvings is a masterpiece. The human and animal figures carved out in black stone are most lifelike. The poses of dancing apsaras depicted in sculptures are studied by dancers even today and are brought alive by them in their performances. The theme of several of these sculptures is amorous. The Chandella rulers of central India built the great temples of Khajuraho. The built the great temples of Khajuraho. The shikhara of these temples is graceful and refined and is adorned with sculptures. The style of the shikhara varies from that of the others. The sculptures in Konarak and Khajuraho are some of the finest in India. They are full of life and vitality.
The Jain temples at Mount Abu are the finest monuments of the Solanki kings of Gujarat who were great patrons of art. The prosperous trade brought in wealth that was used for building Hindu and Jain temples. The Abu temples are very attractive because of the delicate and intricate carvings in white marble.
The Temple sculptures reached near perfection in the Gupta period (AD 320-495) and this era was known as "The Golden Age of Indian Art". But, the temple architecture was yet to be developed. The figures of Gods and Goddesses carved during this period have liveliness and grace and are immersed in spiritual feeling. In the DASAVATRA TEMPLE at Deogarh, Hindu iconography was given a form which it possesses even to this day. Fine images of Hindu deities as well as Buddhist and Jain pantheons are found in the country’s museums.
Some of the most magnificent temples were built in Orissa. The Lingaraja temple of Bhubaneswar is located in an extensive area, with a number of subsidiary shrines. The spire of the Lingaraja temple is about 40 meters high and is very impressive. The immense spire is curved and has a rounded top. Though there are many similarities between these and the temples in the south, the differences in style are striking.
The sun temple in Konarak, popularly known as the ‘black pagoda’, perhaps because of the black stone used, is unique in design. Since it is dedicated to the sun god, the whole temple is designed as a chariot with twelve massive wheels drawn by seven horses. Each wheel with its rich carvings is a masterpiece. The human and animal figures carved out in black stone are most lifelike. The poses of dancing apsaras depicted in sculptures are studied by dancers even today and are brought alive by them in their performances. The theme of several of these sculptures is amorous. The Chandella rulers of central India built the great temples of Khajuraho. The built the great temples of Khajuraho. The shikhara of these temples is graceful and refined and is adorned with sculptures. The style of the shikhara varies from that of the others. The sculptures in Konarak and Khajuraho are some of the finest in India. They are full of life and vitality.
The Jain temples at Mount Abu are the finest monuments of the Solanki kings of Gujarat who were great patrons of art. The prosperous trade brought in wealth that was used for building Hindu and Jain temples. The Abu temples are very attractive because of the delicate and intricate carvings in white marble.
The Temple sculptures reached near perfection in the Gupta period (AD 320-495) and this era was known as "The Golden Age of Indian Art". But, the temple architecture was yet to be developed. The figures of Gods and Goddesses carved during this period have liveliness and grace and are immersed in spiritual feeling. In the DASAVATRA TEMPLE at Deogarh, Hindu iconography was given a form which it possesses even to this day. Fine images of Hindu deities as well as Buddhist and Jain pantheons are found in the country’s museums.
