From simplistic rock-cut structures found in cave shrines such as those found in Elephanta caves to massive and elaborate free-standing temples such as the Sun Temple in Konark, Hindu Architecture or Hindu Temple Architecture has evolved a lot throughout more than two millennia. Although the socio-political and cultural differences in various regions and in the rule of multiple dynasties influenced the development of styles of Hindu Temples, essentially Hindu Temples shared a canonical design and had similar stylistic elements.
History
Primarily influenced by the Buddhist rock-cut architecture, the earliest examples of Hindu Temples exist in the form of cave shrines that house rock-cut structures. As deities like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva replaced the old Vedic Gods in significance and became the central figures of worship in Hinduism, a different kind of worship began to spread in the Indian sub-continent, known as Bhakti or devotional Hinduism.
Worshipping these deities or praying to them, therefore, required distinct structures dedicated to that. With the emergence of the Gupta Empire and Gupta architecture, temples also changed form as the first free-standing temples began to be built. These new Temples featured several distinct elements such as projecting niches and towers.
Initially, only terracotta and wood were used for construction but gradually brick, stone, granite, marble, and others materials began to be used. Stones began to be polished and cut precisely for decorations and other purposes.
Ellora caves, Elephanta caves, Varaha caves, and Udaygiri caves are some of the most prominent examples of surviving cave temples.
Purpose
The primary purpose of Hindu Temple Architecture was to house the symbols and idols of these central figures. The surrounding buildings were decorated with sculpted figures of these Gods and engraved with their mythological adventures. Ample space was provided for worship and rituals such as parikrama or circumambulation.
The temple was believed to be a sacred place where heaven and earth meet and were used to venerate and worship a specific God. As such, a devoted body of priests supervised the Temple and the worshippers who came to the Temple. Gradually, temples became the center of the community, and constructing a temple was believed to be an especially auspicious act.
