Temple architecture, the epitome of human devotion and creativity, unravels not only the physical evolution but also how the beliefs of society changes over time as well.

In the north of India, it emerged during gupta period, comprising of 5 stages;

1. flat roof, square shape, shallow pillars, low platform. eg – temple 17, sanchi
2. platforms were upraised, ambulatory passage around garbagriha. eg – parvati temple, madhya pradesh
3. development of shikharas, panchayatan style ( 4 shrines surrounding a principal deity). eg- dashavatar temple, UP
4. the main shrine got rectangular. eg – Ter temple, maharashtra
5. circular shape of temples. eg – maniyar math, rajagir

In the south, it developed during the rule of The Pallavas and Mahendravarman , comprising of 4 stages :

1. mahendra group group – rock cut architecture, whole temple was called mandapa
2. narsimham group – decoration with sculptures on the walls , mandapa was subdivided into known as rathas.
3. rajasimham group – structure temples. eg – shore temple, mahabalipuram
4. nandiverman – similar to dravidian style. eg- brihadeswara temple , thanjavur

Styles of temple architecture:

1. nagara style – the temple consisted of panchayatan style , assembly halls/ mandapas, unpraised platforms , pillared approach. It had not water tanks of elaborate boundary.

It is subdivided into 3 schools –

   a) odisha school ( eg – sun temple, konark) ,

   b) khajuraho school ( eg – lakshman temple, khajuraho) and

   c) solanki school ( eg – modhera sun temple , gujarat).

1. dravidian style – emerged during the cholas. It had high boundary walls, entrance gateway called gopuram, vimana, assembly hall connected with garbagriha called antarala , water tank. Eg- brihadeswara temple, thanjavur
2. nayaka school ( 16-18th CAD) – prakarams/huge corridors, had largest gopurams. Eg- meenakshi temple, madurai
3. vesara school – features of both nagara and dravidian style. Eg- badami temples
4. vijayanagar school – has somewhat islamic influence as well – monolithic rock cut. Eg – lotus mahal
5. hoysala art – multiple shrines , massive decoration, high platform called jagati. Eg – hoysaleswara temple, halebidu
6. pala and sen – it has influence of both buddhism and hindu culture , also it has highly lustrous polish. Eg – Temples around bishnupur

We can decipher a sense of growth and influence of different cultures as the centuries passes. Surely, the new temples held onto their original features but also envisaged the newer forms as well.