In a diverse country like India distinct temple styles have emerged due to historical, geographical and ethnic differences. Broadly the temples have been classified into Nagara style (north India) and Dravida style (south India).

1. Shikhara and Vimanas: Presence of a curvilinear tower called Shikhara in Nagara style. Vimanas are pyramidal towers present in Dravida temple architecture Examples: Jagannath Temple, Puri and Brihadeshwara temple Thaanjore respectively.
2. Gopuram: This is the enrty point into the temple which is stylised and heavily decorated in Dravida temples. However this is absent in the Nagara temple architecture where Shikhara remains prominent. Example: Ranganathswamy temple in Tamil Nadu
3. Boundary Wall: absent in Nagara style but present in the Dravida style of temple architecture. Example: Kailashnath temple at Ellora
4. Water tank: absent in the Nagara style but enclosed within the compound wall in Dravida style. Examples: temples at Hampi, Karnataka.

Few areas where both architectural styles are similar are crucified ground plan and the Panchayatan style where image of the main god is placed beside four subsidiary gods. Example: Kashi Vishvanath temple, Varanasi and Brihadeshwar temple in Thanjore.