INTRODUCTION TO CONTEMPORARY AND ANCIENT INDIAN ARCHITECTURE
South Indian Ancient Architecture
The Tirumala Tirupati Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 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 Sri Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is set in the Ancient Dravidian style, with large, compound-like walls, stepped pyramid-shaped temple, and large entrance gateways, also known as Gopurams
The word Mahadvaram refers to the physical doorway in which devotees enter the temple, while the Gopuram is the large, 5 storied pyramid that rests above it. This main gateway is made of stone and stucco, with elaborate carvings of mythical figures and motifs. On top of this rests seven gold pot-shaped finials, known as kalasams.
The Gopuram is said to mark the threshold into sacred space, as a spiritual transition point. The seven kalasams that crown the Gopuram represent the seven lokas, or spiritual worlds, in Hindu mythology, as well as the seven chakras.
A picture of the Gopuram as seen in Tirupati
A Prakaram is a temple wall that surrounds the inner sanctum of the temple. The Prakarams consist of pillared corridors, gates (dvarams), and sub-shrines for additional Idols. They traditionally mirror a mandala, are typically used for poojas and pradakshina.
Mandapams are large, structures that are closed, open, or semi-enclosed, and supported with wood or stone. Typically, Mandapams have carved stone pillars, raised platforms, and ornate ceilings.
These pillars are often intricately carved with pictures and stories from Hindu epics and legends. The Mandapams are often used as a resting area for devotees seeking darshan, as well as for poojas and cultural events.
This Mandapam, similar to the one in Tirupati, 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. The Vimana, a gold tower that crowns the room, sits directly on top of the Garbhagriha.
The Garbhagriha is placed in the very center of the temple layout. The only entrance is open towards the East, an auspicious direction, and darshan is given through the gold entryway.
This picture of the Vimana atop Tirupati's Garbhagriha is intricately carved with idols and pictures.
