NAGARA STYLE

shikhara, (Sanskrit: “mountain peak”) also spelled shikara, also called

shikar, in North Indian temple architecture, the superstructure, tower, or
spire above the sanctuary and also above the pillared mandapas (porches
or halls); it is the most dominant and characteristic feature of the Hindu
temple in the north. The North Indian shikhara is basically of two types: (1)
the latina, curvilinear in outline, the type most usually found above the
sanctuary; and (2) the phamsana, rectilinear in outline and capped by a
bell-shaped member, the form more usually found above the mandapa.
 LATINA TYPE

The latina shikhara is composed of a series of

horizontal roof slabs gradually receding towards the
top and provided with projections that extend from the
base and wall of the temple. The surface of the
shikhara consists of a vinelike tracery composed of
chandrashalas. Above the truncated top (skandha)
projects a necking on which rests a large grooved
amalasaraka and above it sits a pot with a crowning
finial.
 SEKHARI TYPE
Sekhari or Shekhari is a type of northern
Indian shikhara (tower or spire on top of a
shrine) which comprises a central Latina spire
with urushringa half spires added on all
sides.[1] It is a one of two sub-types of
shikhara, the other being bhumija.
Rajarani temple, bhubaneswar

Brahmeswara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Vimana Temple, Khajurao, Gujarat

Orissa
BHUMIJA TYPE
11th-century Nilakanthesvara
(Udayesvara) temple in north
Madhya Pradesh is the best
example of Bhumija style.
The hallmark of Bhumija style is a square plan that is
not divided, but instead rotated around its
center and this rotation is stopped at regular intervals
as the superstructure rises vertically. By adjusting the
pace of rotation and the interval at which the rotation
stops, many creative variations can be implemented.
Each tier is called a bhumi. The general rule in Hindu
texts is that the bhadras and salas remain parallel to
the garbhagriya (sanctum's square in the cardinal
direction), a rule that gives the superstructure
aesthetic appeal and makes it easier to visually follow
• ALPHA
• OMEGA
• BETA
• GAMA