4.10.3. Building temples

Around the time that the stupas at sites such as Sanchi were acquiring their present form, the first temples to house images of gods and goddesses were also being built.

During the period when the stupas were becoming well-defined structures like the ones seen in Sanchi, there was also a gradual emergence of temples. These early temples played a crucial role in the religious practices of the time, serving as places for worship dedicated to various deities in the Hindu pantheon.

Think of how a community builds a church or mosque to provide a space for gathering, worship, and spiritual connection. Similarly, early temples became central to spiritual life, much like modern places of worship.

The early temple was a small square room, called the garbhagriha, with a single doorway for the worshipper to enter and offer worship to the image.

The foundational part of an early temple was the 'garbhagriha,' or womb chamber, which housed the image of the deity. This simple and sacred square room was designed for devotees to enter and offer their prayers directly to the divine. The arrangement of the garbhagriha emphasizes the intimate connection between worshippers and the deity they venerate.

Visualize your own room as a private space where you feel close to the things or beings you care about. The garbhagriha served a similar purpose by being a sacred space dedicated to connecting with the divine.

Gradually, a tall structure, known as the shikhara, was built over the central shrine. Temple walls were often decorated with sculpture.

Over time, these early temples began to evolve into more complex structures. The addition of the 'shikhara,' or tower, represented a growing architectural sophistication. These towers were not only functional but also served a decorative purpose, with intricate sculptures adorning the temple walls that illustrated various myths and spiritual teachings.

Consider how skyscrapers rise above city skylines, not only providing space but also showcasing beauty through design. Similarly, the shikhara added both height and artistic expression to temples, making them iconic landmarks in the religious landscape.

One of the unique features of early temples was that some of these were hollowed out of huge rocks, as artificial caves.

An interesting aspect of early temple architecture is that some were carved directly from solid rock - essentially creating temples as artificial caves. This tradition of rock-cut architecture exemplifies the innovative spirit of the builders, as they transformed natural landscapes into sacred spaces for worship and contemplation.

Think about modern-day ice sculptures or sandcastles, where artists carve out intricate designs from blocks of ice or piles of sand. Just as those creations are temporary works of art, the rock-cut temples represent the skillful transformation of raw materials into lasting spiritual monuments.

This tradition evolved through various stages and culminated much later – in the eighth century – in the carving out of an entire temple, that of Kailashnatha.

The process of temple building and design continued to progress over the centuries. By the eighth century, this evolution came to a peak with the construction of grand structures such as the Kailashnatha Temple at Ellora, which is famously noted for being carved out of a single massive rock. This reflects the fusion of engineering skill, religious devotion, and artistic expression.

Consider how ancient Egyptian pyramids were built. It involved immense planning, labor, and artistry. Similarly, the Kailashnatha Temple represents a monumental undertaking, symbolizing a blend of dedication and creativity, showcasing the heights of temple architecture in India.

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