page_title: Temples of Karnataka
section_title: Architecture
hierarchical_section_title: Temples of Karnataka / Architecture
caption_attribution_description: English: Nandi, Shiva's vehicle, on Chamundi hills Deutsch: Nandi das Reittier Shivas, Chamundi hills (Indien) This is a photo of ASI monument number S-KA-567.
context_page_description: Temples of the Indian State of Karnataka illustrate the varieties of architecture prevalent in various periods. The architectural designs have found a distinguished place in forming a true atmosphere of devotion for spiritual attainment.
context_section_description: Temples of Karnataka feature many architectural styles:
  Hoysala Architecture
  Badami Chalukya Architecture
  Vijayanagara architecture
  Dravidian Architecture
  Western Chalukya Architecture
  Badami Cave Temples
  Rashtrakuta style
  Ganga Architecture
  Most temples have some features in common:
  Nandi (bull) sculpted in black stone at the entrance of a temple is symbolic of the start of the divine place and temple area.
  Pushkarani (a stepped bathing area), with neatly sculpted steps, for temple devotees travelling from far places to take a breather and cleanse. The pushkarani is typically a square shaped construction which has arrangements to keep the water flowing so it does not stagnate.
  Gopura are ornate monumental towers which mark the entrance to the temple.
  Garbhagudi (garbha meaning womb in Sanskrit/Kannada) is the inner sanctum, which can be of various size and shapes according to the architecture. Garbhagudi may be placed on an elevated place on a stone foundation. Artists may find a place to practice and display devotional sangeetha (music) and naatya (dancing).
  Vigraha is an image of the God, typically a black stone lingam, inside the inner sanctum (garbhagudi).
  Normally the oldest temples are built on hilltops, where people view God being placed on top of all in the midst of Prakṛti (nature). The steps to reach the top are carefully carved on rocky hills as most of the hard stone mountains rocks contain water. Shiva Gange at Therhalli is one such example.
  Other temples situated on hills include Chamundeshwari Hills, Mahadeshwara Hills, Biligiriranga Hills and Kodachadri Hills.
caption: An idol of Nandi in Mysore, a common sculpture found in any temple of Karnataka
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