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| Sarangapani temple, Kumbakonam. en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: Sarangapani temple, Kumbakonam. The Sanctum sanctorum is designed like Chariot, Chola architecture.
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| Sri Villiputhur Andal temple, TN. en.wikipedia.org |
Regional and Climatic Influence on Architecture
Southern India consists of four states—Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Among them, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, located in the southernmost part, have contrasting climatic conditions despite being geographically close. The Western Ghats, a long mountain range, acts as a natural divider between these two states, creating distinct climates. Kerala, to the west of the Ghats, benefits from the southwest monsoon, making it lush and verdant. This abundance of rainfall has historically allowed for the growth of dense forests, making wood a readily available building material.
On the other hand, Tamil Nadu, lying to the east of the Western Ghats, experiences a drier, more arid climate with significantly less rainfall. This has led to the adoption of stone as the primary material for temple construction. The arid environment made it necessary for Tamil builders to focus on stone, which is more durable and better suited to withstand the region’s climatic extremes.
Architectural Styles of Temples: Kerala vs. Tamil Nadu
The contrasting climates of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are reflected in their temple architecture. Kerala’s temples are known for their timber-based structures, hipped wooden roofs, and intricate wooden carvings. This architectural style is often referred to as the "Kerala Dravidian" style, which evolved to suit the region's high humidity and heavy monsoon rains. Temples in Kerala are typically constructed with a sloping, layered roof structure to prevent water from seeping in and to withstand the heavy monsoon downpours.
Tamil Nadu, however, is famous for its grand stone temples featuring towering gopurams (gateway towers), expansive courtyards, and detailed carvings. The stone architecture of Tamil temples is often classified under the "Dravidian" style, which was further refined and popularized by the Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara dynasties. Temples such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur and the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai are iconic examples of this style, showcasing monumental stone carvings and intricate sculptures.
Historical Evolution and the Role of Dynasties
The history of the region also played a critical role in shaping these architectural styles. Tamil Nadu, historically under the influence of the Chola, Chera, and Pandya dynasties, adopted stone-based architecture early on. The Chola dynasty, in particular, was known for building massive stone temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, leaving a legacy of grand temple complexes. The use of stone not only reflected the limited availability of wood but also the dynasties' emphasis on durability and grandeur.
In contrast, Kerala’s temple architecture evolved under the influence of the Chera and later smaller kingdoms that preferred timber. The plentiful forest resources, combined with the region’s distinctive rituals and customs, led to the development of unique styles such as the sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) with circular or square plans, wooden shrines, and elaborate carvings.
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| Guruvayur temple, kerala.en.wikipedia.org |
Above image Popular Sri Krishna temple in Kerala, built in the classical style. ca. 1900. With Mukhappu (gable) of Guruvayur temple, Kalasham (finial) and Kalvilakku (stone lantern) in the front........
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| Aranmula Parthasarathy temple |
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| Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple, testbook.com |
Kerala temples often feature distinct elements such as: Multi-layered Wooden Roofs: Designed to handle heavy rainfall, these roofs slope downwards and are often decorated with intricately carved wooden rafters. Circular and Square Plans: Temples like the Vadakkumnathan Shiva Temple in Thrissur have a combination of circular and square shrines, reflecting the adaptability of wood for complex geometrical designs. Use of Laterite and Granite: While wood dominates, the base and foundations of many temples use laterite and granite for added stability. Murals and Wall Paintings: Kerala’s temples and palaces, such as Mattancherry Palace and the Padmanabhapuram Palace, are adorned with exquisite wall paintings that depict scenes from Hindu epics and Puranic stories. This trend, dating back to the 16th century, adds a rich visual element to Kerala’s temple aesthetics.
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| Koothambalam of kerala temple.vaikhari.org |
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| Koothambalam in a kerala temple flickr.com |
Above Images: Koothambalam, an integral part of Kerala temple culture where supposedly the divine Gods and Goddesses dance in unison. The Kerala temple architecture tradition showcases that the dance and Hindu religion are inseparable.The koothambalam plays a major role in educating visitors on the rich legends of the Indian cultural fabric with particular reference to local regions.......
ornate wooden carvings in the ceiling, Kerala temple
wikipedia/commons,
Notable Examples of Kerala Temples Vadakkumnatha Temple, Thrissur: An exemplary model with a combination of circular and square shrines, and wooden roofs that display masterful craftsmanship. Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple: Renowned for its wooden carvings and miniature sculptures that decorate the ceiling of the mukha mandapa. Peruvanam Shiva Temple: Unique for its octagonal roof structure over a square plan, representing a distinctive Kerala style.
Comparison of Temple Gates (Gopuras)
One of the most striking differences between the temples of Kerala and Tamil Nadu lies in the gopuras or temple gates. In Tamil Nadu, these structures are monumental, multi-storied stone edifices adorned with statues and carvings. In contrast, the gopuras of Kerala temples are usually smaller, with wooden hipped roofs and less emphasis on verticality. The wooden gopuras reflect the natural availability of timber and the architectural focus on harmonious integration with the verdant surroundings.
Cultural and Religious Impact
The architectural styles are also deeply intertwined with the region’s religious practices and cultural ethos. Kerala’s temples often feature sprawling nalambalams (inner courtyards) with space for performing unique rituals like the seeveli (procession of the deity around the temple). Tamil Nadu’s temples, on the other hand, are known for their grand annual festivals such as the Brahmotsavam, during which the temple complex becomes a bustling hub of religious activity.
Conclusion
While stone and wood both have their places in South Indian temple architecture, their use is largely dictated by the availability of resources and the climatic conditions. Tamil Nadu’s stone temples stand as monumental testaments to the endurance of the Dravidian style, while Kerala’s timber-based structures showcase the intricate craftsmanship and adaptability of the region’s builders to their lush, rainy environment.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Kerala
https://www.navrangindia.in/2015/07/eye-catching-koothambalam-temple.html
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