Fascinating architectural stories from 5 Indian temples

Popular for celestial carvings, epigraphs, and vernacular design elements, we look at five temples that are truly one-of-a-kind destinations.

Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

The magnificent Temple is deeply embedded in the Dravidian architectural legacy as a tribute to Lord Nataraja. Built by Raja Raja Chola I, the temple was constructed using over 1,30,000 tons of granite.

Architectural gems: The temple casts no shadow on the ground when the sun is at its pinnacle. A glorious Nandi monolith weighing 20 tons, intricate Bharatnatyam carvings on the temple exterior, and a spectacular spread of musical pillars.

Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal, Karnataka

A confluence of North Indian Nagra and Dravidian Vimana Shaili architectural styles, this temple displays extravagant sculptures and epigraphs that narrate stories of divine glory.

Architectural gems: The structure is seeded in mathematical concepts. The patterns are modeled on natural wonders, a triangular dome, and square-shaped layouts echo the geometry of nature.

Terracotta Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Built by the Malla dynasty, this temple mirrors the thatched architecture of rural Bengal. The architecture of Bishnupur is inspired by the coalescence of styles and cultures from surrounding regions.

Architectural gems: Built using rustic terracotta tiles, laterite, and bricks, the carved panels in the temple narrate mythological epics.

Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Built by the Solankis, the Dilwara Temples’ complex enshrines five prominent Jain idols, each housed within a separate courtyard. The complex is bordered by shrines honoring holy tirthankaras (saints).

Architectural gems: The temple is renowned for its marble ornamentation and carvings. Among the many mysteries harbored within the temple walls, perhaps the greatest is how long-ago laborers managed to transport huge blocks of marble from Arasoori Hill to Mount Abu, along an incline of 23 kilometers, on elephant back.

Kailasa Temple, Ellora, Maharashtra

Carved from solid rock, this titanic temple construction was helmed by King Krishna I as a symbolic expression of Lord Shiva’s Himalayan abode.

Architectural gems: The sanctum sanctorum features remarkable engravings of scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.