Some exceptions to the square-rule exist. Thus, while some early stone examples have survived, the earliest use of a square garbhagriha cannot be categorically dated simply because its original structural materials have long since decomposed. However, it should be remembered that throughout South Asia stone structures were always vastly outnumbered by buildings made of perishable materials, such as wood, bamboo, thatch and brick. The style fully emerged in the eighth century CE and developed distinct regional variations in Orissa, central India, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The two main styles of towers are the shikhara (in India's northern region) or the vimana (in India's southern region).Īn early prototype for this style of garbhagriha is the sixth century CE Deogarh temple in Uttar Pradesh State’s Jhansi district (which also has a small stunted shikhara over it). The garbhagriha is also commonly capped by a great tower superstructure. In addition to being square, the garbhagriha is most often windowless, has only one entrance that faces the eastern direction of the rising sun (though there are exceptions ), and is sparsely lit to allow the devotee's mind to focus on the tangible form of the divine within it. and through which the priests or devotees may approach the holy shrine in order to worship the presence of the deity in profound, indrawn meditation. The typical Hindu and Jain garbhagriha is preceded by one or more adjoining pillared mandapas (porches or halls), which are connected to the sanctum by an open or closed vestibule ( antarala).
Compared to the size of the temple that may surround it, and especially the large tower commonly found above it, a garbhagriha is a rather small room. These core elements are evidenced in the oldest surviving 5th–6th century CE temples.Ī garbhagriha is normally square (though there are exceptions ), sits on a plinth, and is also at least approximately a cube.
Architecture of a Hindu temple (Nagara style).
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