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PANCHAYATANA TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE

Admin Team
13 Jan

PANCHAYATANA TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE 

Concept & Origin

Panchayatana refers to a temple layout system that became prominent during the Gupta period, marking a transition towards organized sacred spatial planning in Indian architecture.

Structural Arrangement

  • One dominant central shrine
  • Four subsidiary shrines placed symmetrically at the corners
  • Creates a quincunx pattern (five-point sacred geometry)

Philosophical Basis

  • Closely associated with the Smarta tradition
  • Emphasizes that multiple deities represent diverse manifestations of a single ultimate reality (Brahman)
  • Encourages religious inclusivity and synthesis

Religious Significance

  • Central sanctum houses the principal deity
  • Peripheral shrines accommodate associated deities
  • Symbolizes unity in diversity within Hindu worship

REGIONAL TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE – COMPARATIVE NOTES

RegionRepresentative TempleStyleDistinct Architectural Traits
Northern IndiaKandariya MahadevaNagaraVertical Shikhara, stepped elevation, Panchayatana ground plan
Southern IndiaBrihadisvara, ThanjavurDravidianMassive Vimana, axial Gopuram gateways, narrative bas‑reliefs
Western IndiaDilwara Jain TemplesMaru‑GurjaraMinimal exterior, highly ornate marble interiors
Eastern IndiaKonark Sun TempleKalingaChariot symbolism, sculpted stone wheels, narrative relief panels
North‑East IndiaKamakhya TempleNilachalDome‑like Shikhara, aniconic worship through natural fissure
Central IndiaKhajuraho GroupChandelaComplex layouts, sculptural abundance, integration of erotic themes
Himalayan RegionKedarnath TempleHimalayan NagaraHeavy stone construction, climatic adaptation, austere design
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Eminent IAS RDSir UPSC BPSC MPPSC UPPSC JPSC UKPSC SSC CGL RRB NTPC Indian Temple Architecture Panchayatana Temple Gupta Period Architecture Smarta Tradition Nagara Style Dravidian Style Maru-Gurjara Style Kalinga Style Nilachal Style Chandela Style Himalayan Nagara Khajuraho Temples Konark Sun Temple Brihadisvara Temple Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Dilwara Jain Temples Kamakhya Temple Kedarnath Temple UPSC Notes BPSC Notes Mains Answer Notes Architecture Notes Exam Oriented Notes
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