Comparative Study of Nagara and Vesara / Chalukyan Style of Temple Architecture

Abstract

The origin of Indian temple goes back to the pre Christian era and its evolution into a monument of great architectural merit is marked by conscious efforts on the part of several ruling dynasties from the 4th to 17th centuries, making it an institution of enduring importance in the social, economic and political integration of the sub-continent. There are several regional variations in the process of its development as a symbol of Indian culture. Undoubtedly its historical past, therefore, makes a charming study. As a centre for worship, the temple is mainly a creation as well as a visual medium of the puranic tradition. Hindu myths, legends and beliefs are selected and put together in texts, collectively called the Puranas. The Hindu Pantheon of gods originated from the texts of two Brahmanical sects, the Vaishnava and the Saiva, which with other minor religious system are part of the Puranic tradition, under what is known as Hinduism. The Hindu temple, in more than one sense, represents the multiple facets and complex process , of this development through its architecture. So through this article one attempt has been made to ventilate the views about the comparative study of Nagara and Vesara/Chalukyan style of temple architecture (from ancient to early medieval period).