# The Origins and Development of Nagara Temple Architecture The **[[Nagara style]]** of [[Hindu temple architecture]], with its characteristic soaring spires, did not appear overnight. It was the result of a gradual evolution that began in the late [[Gupta Empire|Gupta period]] and continued for several centuries, culminating in the magnificent temple complexes of medieval India. ### From Flat Roofs to Budding Shikharas: The Gupta Period Legacy The earliest Hindu temples, which date back to the 4th and 5th centuries CE during the Gupta period, were simple structures. They typically consisted of a small, square sanctum ([[garbhagriha]]) with a flat roof and a low porch. Examples of these early temples can be found at [[Sanchi]] and [[Tigawa]]. Towards the end of the Gupta period, in the 5th century, a significant innovation appeared: the use of a simple, curved **[[shikhara]]** (spire) over the garbhagriha. These early shikharas were not the towering structures of later periods, but they marked a crucial step in the development of the Nagara style. The temple at [[Deogarh]], with its modest but well-formed shikhara, is a prime example of this transitional phase. These initial temples are classified as **Early Nagara Style**. ### The Formative Stages: A Three-Part Evolution The Nagara style continued to evolve through three main formative stages: 1. **Early Nagara Style (5th - 7th centuries):** This phase is characterized by the emergence of the shikhara and the basic plan of the Nagara temple. The temples are still relatively small and have simple ornamentation. 2. **Mainstream Nagara Style (7th - 10th centuries):** During this period, the Nagara style matured and spread across North India. The shikharas became taller and more elaborate, and the temples were adorned with a profusion of sculpture. This period saw the development of the three main sub-styles: the [[Nagara architecture odisha school|Odisha School]], the [[Nagara architecture chandela school|Chandela School]], and the [[Nagara architecture solanki school|Solanki School]]. 3. **Late Nagara Style (11th - 13th centuries):** This phase is marked by the construction of some of the largest and most magnificent Nagara temples, such as the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple at [[Khajuraho]] and the Sun Temple at [[Konark]]. The temples of this period are characterized by their soaring shikharas, complex plans, and incredibly intricate carvings. The development of the Nagara style of temple architecture is a fascinating story of innovation, artistry, and faith. From its humble beginnings in the Gupta period, it evolved into one of the most magnificent and enduring architectural traditions in the world.