Period
- Temple architecture, with the development of a square sanctum and a pillared portico, emerged during the Gupta period.
Stages of Development
- First Stage
- The temples had flat roofs.
- The temples were square in shape.
- The portico was developed on shallow pillars.
- The entire structure was built on a low platform.
Pic Credit – Wikimedia Commons
- Second Stage
- The platforms were higher or upraised and in some cases two-storied temples have also been found.
- This phase had a covered ambulatory passageway around the sanctum sanctorum or garbhagriha and the passageway was used as a pradakshina patha.
- Example: Parvati temple at Nachna Kuthara in Madhya Pradesh
Pic Credit – Wikimedia Commons
- Third Stage
- This stage saw the emergence of shikaras in place of a flat roof.
- Panchayatana style of temple-making was introduced.
Pic Credit – Wikimedia Commons
Panchayatana Style
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- Fourth Stage
- The main shrine became more rectangular.
- Example: Ter Temple in Maharashtra.
Pic Credit – Wikimedia Commons
- Fifth Stage
- Circular temples with shallow rectangular projections were introduced.
Pic Credit – Wikimedia Commons