Indian Temple Architecture: Analysis of Plans Elevations and Roof Forms ( In 3 Volumes)

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The book unravels with effective use of computer technology the uniformity, great proportions and geometry that the Hindu Temple Architecture is based upon. The book also challenges and readdresses the predominant theories of temple architecture like the Vastu Purush Mandala and the Sri Yantra. It sets forth the theory that there is an evident micro level integration of dimensions and proportions which all originate from the idol, set in the womb of the structure: the Garbhagriha. The book unfolds the relationship between the ‘square’ and the ‘circle’ in a sequence which, with the help of the stellate square form with its intersecting points, the marmas, resonates throughout the temple’s space and form in conjunction with its subsidiary shrines. It also establishes with the help of SCS, a strong relationship between the prasada and the mandapa. The potent intersection of the two SCS sets the canvass for erotic iconography as evident in temples of Khajuraho. This three volume book establishes the interdependency of the temple’s elevation and its roof form to the plan and its dimensions, setting forth the need for the scholarship to address the temple structure as a whole. With the use of examples from different time and space, the book establishes that the temples underlining design principles remain the same, smallest denominator being the unit dimension of the idol, Shiva lingam or the idol pedestal. Therefore, the later date typologies were of no relevance to the sthapatis of these manifestations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ananya Gandotra

The Author is an Architect by profession with a PhD in Architecture: “Geometrical Analysis of North Indian Temple Architecture” from Cardiff University, U.K. She has received her Master’s degree in Industrial Design from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. She was awarded Gold medal – Architecture, University of Mangalore in 1993 from MIT, Manipal. Dr. Ananya Gandotra has travelled extensively throughout Madhya Pradesh, during and after the research work of this book. This book is to be followed by her next documentation and analytical endeavor titled “Theories in Indian Temple Architecture”. Although the focus would be temples in India, harmonic progression of the Rekha Sutra, ceiling geometry, structural systems, evolution of space and the patterns evolving out of its devotional function would be rendered across regions. While “Indian Temple Architecture- Analysis of Plans, Elevations and Roof Forms” originates the theory of Square- Circle-Square (SCS), the theories of the SCS would be further established with detailed examples, including those transcending borders viz, - Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China. Presently she is the Head, Technical Services Group - Corporate Projects, The Indian Hotels Company Limited. Dr. Gandotra lives in India with her husband and two children.