Temple Architecture (South)

From the 7th century onwards there was an increase in the building of temples in South India. The creative urge in the South lasted much longer than in the North, where the last masterpiece was probably the KONARK TEMPLE (13th century). Conceived in the form of the chariot of the Sun God, it is a striking example of Hindu architecture and sculpture. The BRIHADEESVARA TEMPLE at Tanjore is  probably the largest Indian temple which has survived from the olden times. It was constructed by the Chola king, RAJARAJA I. The foundations of sacred architecture were laid during the PALLAVA period with the construction of rock-cut temples at MAHABALIPURAM (7th-8th centuries). Here, the excellent sculpture has a gentle movement and quiet dignity. The later Pallava temples at Kanchipuram represented the same style. Chola architecture is perceived in much more extravagant proportions. Besides the Tanjore temple, another enormous temple was built at GANGAIKONDACHOLAPURAM by Rajaraja’s son, Rajendra in the 11th century. The elaborately decorated medieval temples in HALEBID, BELUR and SOMNATHPUR, presently located in KARNATAKA are  quite remarkable as they have  exceptionally rich carvings made possible by the quality of the stone.

The Pallavas built a number of structural temples also. The most famous of these is the ‘Shore temple’ at Mahabalipuram. It is located on the sea shore and hence it has been called the ‘Shore temple’. The twin towers of this temple set in a picturesque background, make it an enchanting sight while moonlight  shining on it. Kanchipuram was the capital of the Pallavas and numerous temples were built there. Two of them stand out prominently. The Kailasanatha temple with its lovely vimana and the numerous panels depicting Shiva as Nataraja is a fine specimen of Pallava art. The Vaikunthaperumal temple is noted for its vimana and the series of panels depicting the history of the Pallava dynasty.

The Cholas with their capital at Thanjavur were great builders. The greatest temple of India, the Birhadeeshwara temple at Thanjavur, was built during the reign of Rajaraja Chola. The most striking feature of this temple is its vimana. It is about 65 metres high and is built in such a way that its shadow does not fall on the ground. The grace and grandeur of the vimana have not been excelled by any other such creation. The pillared halls and the sculptures are fine specimens of Chola art. In one of the halls, the various dance postures mentioned in Bharata’s Natyashastra are shown in sculptures. In the walls of the inner shrine there are a number of fine paintings.

Many other famous temples were built in the south. The Pandya rulers encouraged the building of high outer walls with entrance gateways topped by gopurams. Attention was now concentrated on the gopurams rather than the vimana or the shikahara above the main shrine. The artistic glory of the gopuram became so popular that it became a special characteristic of south Indian temples. The gopurams of Kanchi and Madurai temples can be seen from long distances.

The Hoysala rulers of Mysore were great patrons of art. Magnificent temple were built in Belur, Halebid and other places. These temples are noted for the profusion of manifold pillars with rich and intricate carvings. The delicately carved friezes, the minute details of the panels depicting gods and goddesses, are the work of the jeweler rather than of the sculptor.