INTRODUCTION TO CONTEMPORARY AND ANCIENT INDIAN ARCHITECTURE
North Indian Ancient Architecture
The Kedarnath Temple in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, nestled in the Himalayan foothils, is one of many examples of Ancient Indian Architecture sites still used today. This specific temple holds not only architectural details, but symbolic meaning and legends as well, as seen below.
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Introduction
The Kedarnath Temple is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas is one important example of the Nagara-style architecture, classified by its stepped appearance, tall towers, and lack of walls/gateways in comparison to the South Indian Temple.
The Jagati is the raised platform on which the Kedarnath temple sits. It is made out of the same material as the temple itself: typically stone. This is typical of the Nagara style of ancient architecture; it protects the inside of the temple from rain and snow while also symbolizing spiritual elevation.
A picture of a Jagati, similar to one at Kedarnath
Similar to the South Indian temple, Kedarnath also has a Mandapam - a temple hall used for rituals and gatherings. However, this one, in comparison, is not as large, nor as detailed. The pillars supporting it are plain with few to no carvings. Nevertheless, the Mandapam is meant to be a spiritual gathering and transitional space; from the outer world to the spiritual one
Similar to the Prakarams of the South Indian temple, an Antarala is a passage/hallway connecting the Mandapam to the inner sanctum. It is meant to be a transitional space, symbolizing the progression between the real and spiritual world
This Antarala, similar to the one in Kedarnath, is adorned with intricate marble carvings
The Garbhagriha is the innermost sanctum of the temple, where the main Idol lies. It is a relatively small, windowless room, that only priests are allowed to enter. It is meant to represent a divine space, and the "womb of the universe".
The Shikhara is the cone-shaped spire that rises directly above the Garbhagriha, and is one of the key elements of the Nagara style. The spire is meant to represent spiritual ascent, similar to other features of the temple.
This picture of the Shikhara atop Kedarnath's Garbhagriha is carved into a conical shape.
