Dravidian Architecture of Southern India – A Splendid Display of Spirituality

Dravidian architecture is also known as Southern Indian Temple architecture or style. Though the architecture is seen across different structures, temples are the main flag bearers of this style. There are distinct features and characteristics that differentiate most southern Indian temples from the architecture and temples of other parts of India. The Pallava dynasty is believed to play a large role in the establishment and development of this architectural form. However, several other empires and kingdoms have also helped in the evolvement of it, such as the Cholas, Kakatiyas, Vakatakas, Reddis, Rashtrakutas, Chaulakyas and more. 

History and Evolution of Dravidian Architecture

The textual references of Southern or Dravidian architecture can be found in the book of Vastu Shastra, specifically under the Manasara shilpa and Mayamata texts. The documentation talks about the construction, design, style and techniques of this architectural form. Common in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telengana and Tamil Nadu, the Dravidian architecture is best expressed in the temples of these states and regions. Also, since all of these states were at some point ruled by the southern dynasties, the influence of this architectural form is evident across all the temples even across the states. 

Some of the earliest temples that fall under Dravidian architecture are the Mandagapattu cave temple built by Pallava king Mahendravarman I, the Panchapandava Cave Temple and Rudra Saleshwaram temple. 

Basic Fundamentals of Dravidian Architecture

Before we get into the intricacies of specific distinct features and characteristics of Dravidian architecture, let us understand through an overall view some of its most basic fundamentals. 

The Dravidian architecture manifested itself largely in temple constructions. Hence it is but imperative to understand this architectural form by studying the temple features, layouts etc. All these temples are rock-cut or carved from rocks. And hence one can say that rock cut architecture was first seen and practiced in south India. 

Also, the use of granite and intricate carvings are another highlight of this architectural form. Another distinct feature of south Indian temples are their Gopurams or entrance towers to the temple. These are beautifully and ornately carved in layered forms, towering in triangular or pyramidal style.  

Besides, the architectural aspects, the temples of Southern India, especially from the 8-12th century were centers of not only religious, but also, social and governmental structures. 

Characteristics of Dravidian Architecture

The Dravidian architecture has distinct and recognizable features and characteristics. These discernable features stand out architecturally, as well as functionally and aesthetically. 

Here is taking a look at some of the most specific features and characteristics that are associated with Dravidian architecture, especially in temples of south India. 

• The temple is usually has a square or rectangular layout and plan. A high boundary wall is constructed to separate and demarcate the premise. 
• On the temple grounds, one can find the main temple along with four other subsidiary temples.
• The entrance or doorway of the temple is characterized by the stunning gopuram. The gopuram is also usually the tallest element since it signifies the grand entry into the divine realm. 
• After entering the temple complex through the gopuram, the Mandapa is the next architectural structure. The porch or entrance hall to the temple, the Mandapa is used by devotees as a gathering and congregational place. 
• The Mandapas also often feature splendidly carved ceiling and pillars. A pillard hall, these along with the gopurams are fascinating examples of the intricacy and skill of the sculptors and artists of those times. 
• From the pillared hall, one enters the revered sanctum sanctorum or the central focal area of the temple space. The Garbhagriha is where the temple deity and idol is placed. The Garbhigriha was built first, but with time, as the population grew the boundary of the temple were extended. Hence the most recent temples have the highest gopurams that were built later as entrances to the temple complex. 
• The Dwarapalas, Yakshas and Mithuns are magnificent statues that are found at the entrance of the sanctum or Garbhigriha. They are believed to guard the deity. 
• Above the Garbhigriha, rises the Vimana. Vimana is the pyramid shaped tower in stepped layers and is decorated with fantastic sculptures and designs. The Vimana is associated with the Meru Mountain and thus the shape, which is believed to be the home of the Gods. The Vimana is an important feature that is unlike the shikhara or tower of the northern Indian temples. 
• The Shikhara, however, in Dravidian architecture is referred to the crown, octagonal cupola or stupika at the tip of the tower. Besides, several temples also have a tunnel called antarala that connects the pillared or assembly hall to the garbhigriha. 
• The temple complex also often have a big open courtyard that is used during festivals and managing large crowds. 
• There are also water bodies, such as ponds and lakes situated within the complex that signify purity and are used for ritualistic bathing. 

Classification of Dravidian Temples

Based on the architectural style and layout, the southern temples can broadly be classified into the following. 

• Caturasra or Kuta are square shaped temple complex layouts. 
• Rectangular shaped complexes are known as Ayatasra or Shala. 
• Elephant-backed or Gaja-Prishta are elliptically shaped temple complexes. 
• Circular temple complexes were called Vritta, whereas, octagonal shaped were known as Ashtasra. 

Popular Southern Temples

Here is taking a look at some of the most popular and best known temples of southern India that are famous for their Dravidian architectural styles. 

• Brihadeshwara Temple is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. On the banks of River Kaveri it was built by Rajaraja Chola and falls under the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 
• Kailashnath Temple in Ellora was built by King Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. Built in 760 AD it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 
• Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu is an iconic and landmark temple representative of Dravidian architecture. It was built in the 11th century by Kulasekara of the Pandya dynasty. 
• Gangaikonda Temple was built by Rajendra Chola I in the 11th century. The massive Nandi bull is an impressive feature of this temple, located a little away from Thanjavur. 
• Virupaksha Temple in Hampi bears testimony to the magnificence of the Vijayanagara Empire. This temple was built in the 7th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 
• Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati is one of the most popular pilgrimages. Located in Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also one of the richest temples of India. 
• Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. Also, included in the Char Dham Yatras, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 
• Airavateswara Temple in Kumbakonam is another example of stunning Dravidian architecture. Also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List it is popular for its exquisite and intricate stone carvings. 

Besides, individual temples, certain towns of southern India are known as temple towns because they are home to several temples. Aihole in Karnataka, is often referred to as the ‘cradle of Hindu rock architecture’. Similarly, Pattadakal is famous for the Sangameshvara Temple, Galganath Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple and more. 

Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Tiruvannamalai, Trichy, Rameswaram, Belur, Vellore etc. are all towns that are home to Dravidian architecture temples. 

Temples at Mamallapuram 

Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu is classic example of Dravidian architecture on display. A popular tourist site today, this town was developed by Narasimhavarman I of the Pallava dynasty. Under his guidance and patronage, huge carved temples were constructed from rock and ground stone. It is believed that the dynasty used this town to pursue, experiment and enhance the nuances of Dravidian architecture. Various different techniques and methods were also tried out here on granite rock faces. Today, the splendid display and array of the temples along the shores of Mahabalipura are wonderful examples of the glory, technique and artistry of southern India architecture. 

The south Indian temples of Dravidian architecture are centers of religious and spiritual worship. However, historically they have also been centers and symbols of dynastic power. The southern empires have been instrumental in patronizing and believing in this architectural form. These temples thus hold immense historical, cultural and religious significance.