What is Dravida architecture style?

Originating in South India, Dravida architecture is characterized by its towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and pyramidal vimanas over the sanctum sanctorum, often dedicated to Shiva or Vishnu.

Where is Dravida architecture style architecture found?

Dravida architecture style architecture is primarily found in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Goa, Sri Lanka, Southern India, South India, Mizoram. There are 118 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

What materials are used in Dravida architecture style architecture?

Dravida architecture style architecture typically uses Granite, Sandstone, Brick, Stucco, Soapstone, Lime mortar, Timber, Stone, Laterite. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Dravida architecture style architecture?

There are 118 heritage sites documented with Dravida architecture style architecture. 58 sites use this as their primary architectural style. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Dravida architecture style | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Q: When was Dravida architecture style architecture used?

Dravida architecture style architecture was used during 7th-18th century CE, 7th century CE - 18th century CE, 7th Century CE, 8th Century CE, 9th Century CE, 10th Century CE, 11th Century CE, 12th Century CE, 13th Century CE, 14th Century CE, 15th Century CE, 16th Century CE, 17th Century CE, 18th Century CE, 7th century CE, 8th century CE, 9th century CE, 10th century CE, 11th century CE, 12th century CE, 13th century CE, 14th century CE, 15th century CE, 16th century CE, 17th century CE, 18th century CE, 7th century CE onwards, 6th-18th century CE, 6th century CE to 18th century CE, 7th-18th Century CE, 7th Century CE onwards, 7th century CE to 18th century CE, 7th-18th centuries CE, 19th Century CE, 20th Century CE, 21st Century CE. It is associated with the Pallava dynasty, Chola dynasty, Pandya dynasty, Vijayanagara dynasty, Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara, Nayaka, Pallava Dynasty, Chola Dynasty, Pandya Dynasty, Vijayanagara Empire, Nayaka dynasties, Nayaka Dynasty, Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, Badami Chalukya, Nayaka dynasty, Chalukya dynasty/period.

Title	Dravida architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 118 heritage sites) Common 4.5/5(Based on 118 heritage sites)
Description	Originating in South India, Dravida architecture is characterized by its towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and pyramidal vimanas over the sanctum sanctorum, often dedicated to Shiva or Vishnu.
Also Known As	Vijayanagara architecture style Dravidian architecture style Vesara architecture style Rock-Cut architecture style Dravidian Architecture Vijayanagara Architecture Badami Chalukya Architecture Pallava Architecture Chola Architecture Pandya Architecture Vesara Architecture South Indian Temple Architecture Hill Temple architecture style Diaspora Hindu architecture style Sustainable Indic architecture style Hill-Temple Engineering Penang Diaspora Heritage Sustainable Pilgrimage Design Chola architecture style Nayaka architecture style Nayaka Architecture Tamil Temple Architecture Agamic Shilpa Shastras South Indian Temple Style Dravidian Cave Temple Architecture with Limestone Karst Integration Dravidian Temple Architecture Karst Cave Integration Diaspora Pilgrimage Infrastructure Sustainable Heritage Tourism Badami Chalukya Military Hilltop fortification Vijayanagara Military Architecture Badami Chalukya Style Hoysala Influences Kakatiya Architectural Elements Late Chalukya Style Islamic Architectural Influences (Indo-Islamic) Dravidian Temple intricate carvings pyramidal gopuram. Nayaka Style Telangana Temple Architecture Andhra Temple Architecture Kakatiya Dravida Sculptural articulation of walls. Badami Chalukyan Architecture Dravida Architecture Kakatiya Architecture Chalukya-Hoysala Transitional Style Deccani Architecture Pyramidal gopuram tower Kadamba Architecture Chalukya Architecture Hoysala Architecture Maratha Temple Architecture Traditional Goan Temple Architecture Towering Vimana intricate carvings. Hindu Temple Architecture Rock-cut Architecture Influences Pallava Architecture Influences Badami Chalukya Influences Dravidian Style Rural Temple Architecture with Timber-Framed Mandapa Rural Tamil Nadu Temple Typology Sri Lankan Diaspora Craft Queensland Timber Construction Cyclone-Resilient Detailing Floodplain Landscape Planning Community Outreach Hub Granite carvings pyramidal tower. Karnataka Dravida Style Adapted Modernist Temple Architecture with Dual Sanctums Modernist Office Adaptation Sri Lankan Tamil Craft Canberra Civic Architecture Dual-Sanctum Planning Contemporary Structural Upgrade Community Cultural Centre Museum housing Cham Hindu Temple Artifacts with Indian Hindu Iconographic Influences Indian Hindu Iconography Cham Temple Architecture Indian Dravidian Art Cham Sculptural Traditions Indo-Saracenic Revival military blends Hindu Muslim styles. Badami Chalukya influences Chola influences Hoysala influences Military Architecture (Fortifications) Indo-Islamic influences (minor later additions) Hoysala architecture Vesara intricately carved stone Karnata Dravida Architecture Vijayanagara Architecture influences (later additions) Badami Chalukya Architecture (foundational influence) Chalukya architecture Hindu military Fortified city with ornate gates. Maru-Gurjara Architecture Solanki Style Paramara Influences Kalinga Architectural Elements Chalukyan Style Hoysala Temple Architecture (minor) Vestiges of Dravidian Idioms temple ornate carvings gopuram towers. Kerala Architecture Panchayatana Style (though not strictly adhered to) Gajaprishta (Elephant-back) roof elements Mantapa Architecture (specifically for the various halls pavilions) Traditional Tulunadu Architecture Elements of South Indian Temple Architecture Fortified hilltop citadel Military Architecture Tamil Nadu Temple Architecture Islamic Architectural Influences Kandyan Hindu-Buddhist Temple Architecture with South Indian Dravidian Architectural Artistic Influences South Indian Dravidian Architecture Indian Wood Carving Traditions Indian Hindu Architecture Kandyan Architecture Sri Lankan Syncretic Architecture Dravidian temple South Indian sculptures. Chalukyan Architecture Vesara Style Rock-cut monolithic Western Ganga Architecture Jain Architecture Contemporary Dravidian Temple Architecture with Brick Façade Indo-Canadian Brick Vernacular Composite Steel Construction Tamil North Indian Craft Fusion Modern Institutional Planning Energy-Conscious Glazing Suburban Campus Layout Dravidian Style South Indian Temple Architecture with Multiple Gopurams Pancharatra Agamic Layout Vaishnava-Shaiva Campus Planning Tamil Nadu Kovil Craft Midwestern Climate Adaptation Diaspora Cultural Complex Temple Tank Integration Modern Code-Compliant Temple Design Dravidian Style South Indian Temple Architecture with Vimana Towers Cold-Climate Temple Adaptation Midwest Diaspora Campus Temple Lake Integration Community Cultural Center Typology Fusion North American Temple Architecture with Dravidian Pyramid Roof North American Institutional Design Indo-Canadian Vernacular Tamil Diaspora Craft Traditions Postmodern Brick Architecture Energy-Efficient Clerestory Lighting Community Centre Planning Prairie Hindu Temple Architecture with Cultural Centre Wing Prairie Temple Adaptation Gujarati Tamil Craft Traditions Cold-Climate Building Systems Volunteer-Run Social Services Hybrid Worship Broadcast Settlement Support Hub Dravidian Style South Indian Temple Architecture with Granite Gopuram Chola Revival Ornamentation South Indian Diaspora Campus Planning Queens Streetscape Integration Cham Citadel-Temple Architecture with Indian Dravidian Military Influences Indian Dravidian Temple Architecture Cham Tower Design Cham Military Architecture Kalinga Architecture Elevated platform curvilinear tower. Nagara Architecture Rekha Deul Pidha Deul Khakhara Deul Gajasimha Motifs Traditional Hindu Temple Architecture Eastern Ganga Dynasty Style Religious Sloping pyramidal tower. Eastern Chalukya Architecture Kalinga Architecture influences Vesara Architecture (blend of Dravidian Nagara) religious towering gopurams. stepped diamond pyramidal tower Dravidian Hindu Temple Architecture with South Indian Shaivite Murugan Architectural Iconographic Influences Tamil Shaivite Temple Design Murugan Temple Architecture Dravida gopuram. Later Western Chalukya elements Indo-Islamic fortifications layered defenses imposing gateways. Qutb Shahi Architecture Dravidian Hindu Temple Architecture with South Indian Shaivite Architectural Nagara Dravida Fusion Blends North South styles. Traditional Mizo Architecture Generic Hindu Temple Architecture Temple architecture of neighbouring Northeast states Kandyan Buddhist-Hindu Temple Architecture with South Indian Dravidian Architectural Influences Indian Buddhist Architecture Cham Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Dravidian Influences Dravidian (Tamil) Temple Architecture with Raja Gopuram Tamil Dravidian Architecture Raja Gopuram Engineering Urban Temple Redevelopment Granite Sanctum Craft Tamil Diaspora Cultural Centre Hybrid Concrete-Steel Structure curvilinear towers Odishan Temple Architecture Kadamba-Yadava stepped pyramidal tower. Chalukyan Jain Hoysala Later Chola Vijayanagara Indo-Portuguese Blends Indian Portuguese styles. Kerala Architecture influences Maratha influences (especially in later additions renovations) Chalukya Hemadpanthi Style Southern Deccan Style Karnata Dravida influences Dravidian Style South Indian Temple Architecture with Twin Gopurams Vaishnavite-Shaivite Twin Sanctums Seismic-Resilient Diaspora Design Californian Canyon Site Planning Firewise Landscape Integration Open-Air Mandapam Typology stepped pyramidal tower ornate carvings. Kalyani Chalukya Style Vesara Style influences Dravidian Temple Ensemble with Low-Relief Stucco Towers Indentured Labour Vernacular Courtyard Ritual Landscape Indo-Portuguese Religious Eclecticism blends Indian Portuguese elements. Goan Temple Architecture Konkani Temple Architecture Indo-Portuguese Architecture Hindu Nayaka Dynasty Style Vijayanagara Empire Influences Pandya Dynasty Influences Chola Dynasty Influences Agamic Temple Architecture Hindu Shilpa Shastras Newari-influenced Nepali pagoda Tiered roofs wood brick Newar Architecture Gandaki School of Architecture Shikhara Style (North Indian) Pagoda Style (influenced by Tibetan architecture) Khas Malla Architecture (Western Nepal influence) Elements of Dravidian Architecture (South Indian) Traces of Hoysala influence (Karnataka) Cham Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Dravidian Nagara Influences Indian Nagara Temple Architecture Indic Cosmological Planning Eclectic Blends Hindu Islamic Rajput Gothic Indo-Saracenic Architecture Rajput Architecture Mughal Architecture Indigenous Naga Architecture Tribal Communal symbolic wood carvings. Traditional Naga Architecture Indigenous Tribal Architecture Ahom Architecture influences Elements of Hindu Temple Architecture Assamese Temple Style Dravidian influences in decorative elements Dravidian Hindu Temple Architecture with South Indian Shakta Architectural Tamil Shakta Temple Design high gopurams ornate carvings. Pagoda Architecture Tiered Diminishing stacked roofs. Shikhara Style Pagoda Style Wooden Carvings influenced by Newar craftsmanship Mandapa Style Torana gateways Stone brick construction techniques prevalent in North India Dravidian Style Multi-Sanctum Temple Architecture with Reinforced Concrete Frame Sri Lankan Tamil Craft Traditions Gaumukh Mandapa Planning Western Australian Climate Adaptation Multideity Temple Typology Diaspora Cultural Hub Contemporary Structural Detailing Early Cham Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Dravidian Influences Early Cham Tower Design Late Cham Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Dravidian Influences Late Cham Tower Design Dravidian temple architecture high gopurams vast corridors. Kerala Architecture influences (especially in Gopurams) Chola influences (in sculptures earlier structures) Pallava influences (foundational elements) Kakatiya architecture Deccan style Floating bricks sandstone granite Dravidian Architecture influences (esp. Vimana) Vijayanagara Architecture (minor later additions) Deccan Architecture Telangana regional style Hindu Temple Architecture (general principles) Gopuram Vimana Mandapam Rajasthani Architecture Dravidian Hindu Temple Architecture with South Indian Ramayana Epic Traditions Tamil Ramayana Traditions Indian Hindu Epic Traditions Sri Lankan Hindu Architecture rock-cut monolithic ratha. Rock-cut Architecture Rathas (Chariot-shaped Temples) Gopurams Mandapas South Indian Dravidian Temple with Stratified Facebrick Envelope Diaspora Adaptation Riverine Pilgrimage Landscape Kerala Ayyappa Temple Adaptation Kerala Temple Architecture Pilgrimage Infrastructure South Indian Dravidian Temple with Seven-Tier Gopuram Indentured Labour Heritage Sugar Estate Settlement South Indian Dravidian Temple Architecture Adapted to Industrial Shell Art Deco Industrial Conversion Rajagopuram Engineering Tamil Diaspora Cultural Infrastructure Hybrid Stone-and-Steel Construction Urban Processional Landscape Kerala Traditional Temple Architecture Adapted to Reinforced Concrete Shell Kerala Temple Vernacular Warehouse-to-Chuttambalam Transformation European Indian blend Maratha Architecture Hoysala Architecture influences (minor) Kalinga Architecture (subtle influences) Chola Era Stone Temples Pallava Gopuram Design Vaishnavite Temple Planning Victorian Regulatory Adaptations Community Multicultural Planning stepped tower. Orissan Temple Architecture Eastern Ganga Architecture Hilltop Dravidian Temple with Colonial Vernacular Dravidian Hill Temple Colonial Hill Station Heritage Eco-friendly Pilgrimage Contemporary Dravidian Temple Architecture with Reinforced Concrete Frame Shakta Temple Typology Sri Lankan Diaspora Planning Contemporary Concrete Construction Australian Multicultural Venue Design Indo-Australian Structural Collaboration Navaratri Festival Layout Gopuram towers Vesara Architecture influences Ceylon Tamil Saiva Temple Architecture (Dravidian with Jaffna Influences) Saiva Siddhanta Architecture Jaffna Tamil Influence Brickfields Railway Heritage Adapted Gothic Church Temple Architecture with Dravidian Sanctum Australian Gothic Church Fabric Chettinad Iconography Sydney Parish Heritage Tamil Diaspora Adaptation Contemporary Structural Rehabilitation Community Cultural Venue Ornate carvings Hindu Agamic principles Madhwa Sampradaya influences (on temple rituals layout) Dravidian Style South Indian Temple Architecture with Gopuram Vaishnavite Agamic Layout New England Climate Adaptation Temple Pond Integration Diaspora Cultural Center Typology Snow-Resilient Campus Planning Dravidian Temple Architecture with Straits Settlements Adaptations Dravidian Gopuram Straits Settlement Vernacular Chariot Procession Architecture Dravidian Temple Architecture with Urban Courtyard Plan Dravidian Rajagopuram Straits Settlements Tamil Heritage Urban Courtyard Temple Dravidian Style South Indian Temple Architecture with Colonial-Era Courtyard Colonial Tamil Vernacular Indo-Singaporean Multicultural Landscape Dravidian Style South Indian Temple Architecture with Temple Tank Madurai Temple Typology Gulf Coast Climate Adaptation Dravidian Temple Architecture with Granite Mandapa Dravidian Granite Temple Murugan Worship Chettiar Heritage Sloping roof Hybrid Dravidian Temple Architecture with Octagonal Mandapa Sri Lankan Tamil Temple Architecture Dravidian Mandapa Design Modern Singaporean Cultural Complex Dravidian Shakta Temple Architecture with Paadal Petra Concept Shakta Iconography Contemporary Heritage Construction Paadal Petra Inspiration Contemporary Octagonal Saiva Temple Architecture with Dravidian Motifs Saiva Siddhanta Temple Architecture Octagonal Sanctum Design Modern Singaporean Temple Typology Saiva-Vaishnava Syncretic Planning Diaspora Cultural Campus Mid-Atlantic Climate Adaptation Dravidian Vaishnava Temple Architecture with Granite Mandapa Dravidian Vaishnava Architecture Tirupati Temple Influence Little India Urban Conservation Dravidian Vaishnavite Temple Architecture with Granite Pillars Vaishnavite Temple Architecture Granite Pillared Mandapa Chettinad Diaspora Heritage Dravidian Nagar Style with Granite Mandapa Dravidian Murugan Temple Architecture Chettiar Mercantile Influence Singaporean Multicultural Heritage Contemporary Dravidian Temple Architecture with Granite Mandapa Dravidian Kali Temple Architecture Granite Mandapa Craft Singapore Tamil Diaspora Landscape Contemporary Dravidian Temple Architecture with Fortress Motifs Fortress-Inspired Saivite Design Urban Temple-Civic Hybrid Dravidian Style Ganesha Temple Architecture with Hill Shrine Elements Chettinad Temple Detailing Hill Shrine Planning Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora Craft Australian Bushfire Design Contemporary Structural Retrofits Community Cultural Landscape Dravidian Style South Indian Temple Architecture with Granitic Gopuram Tamil Diaspora Urban Vernacular Little India Conservation District Dravidian Gopuram Temple Architecture with Pilgrimage Campus South Indian Pilgrimage Planning Granite Sanctum Construction Gopuram Engineering Pilgrim Services Campus Cultural Education Centre Landscape Water Integration Tamil Nadu Granite Temple Craft Tirupati Venkateswara Iconography Pallava Period Relief Work Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora Planning Australian Bushland Landscaping Contemporary Seismic Detailing Dravidian Style South Indian Temple Architecture with Gopurams Andhra Kovil Typology Tirumala Venkateswara Iconography Diaspora Mandir Masterplanning South Indian Granite Carving Modern American Building Codes Suburban Campus Planning stepped diamond spires. Chalukya-Hoysala influences Vesara Style elements Pancharatra Agama Shastra Vaikhanasa Agama Shastra Dravidian Temple with Stucco Gopuram Courtyard Plan Highveld Climate Response Kerala Dravidian Temple Architecture Sloping roofs gabled ornate. Kalinga Architecture Influences Chola Dynasty Temple Architecture Pandya Dynasty Temple Architecture Chera Dynasty Temple Architecture Vastu Shastra Chola Style South Indian Temple Design Sacred Geometry Tamil Temple Traditions Navagraha Temple Design Granite pillars Chola Influence Lepakshi style of painting (influenced by Vijayanagara period) Sculpture traditions of South India elaborate carvings pyramidal towers. Hoysala Temple Architecture influences (minor) Chola Architecture influences (minor) Deccan ornate carved stone Early Western Chalukya elements Later Chalukya elements Western Chalukya influences Later Kakatiya elements
Tags	Gopuram Vimana Dravida Temple architecture Mandapa South India South Indian Temple South Indian architecture Dravida architecture South Indian temple Sculpture Agama Shastra Hindu Architecture Shilpa Shastras Hindu architecture South Indian Temple Architecture South Indian temple architecture Temple tank Pillar vimana gopuram south Indian temple Temple Hindu Pancharatra Agama Kovil Temple Tank Agama Prakara Granite Tala Tiered tower Southern Indian temple Pyramidal tower tiered tower sculptural ornamentation geometric design Shaivism Hindu Temple Agamas Gopuram architecture Agama traditions Religious architecture Agama Shastras Garbhagriha Shikhara Hinduism Southern Indian Temple Architecture Pyramidal Tower Tiered towers Sculptural ornamentation Prakaram Hindu temple Deity Temple Art South Indian Architecture Stupi Pillared halls Vastu Shastra Sculptures Tiered Tower Tala system Stucco South Indian Saiva Vaishnava Agama shastra Pancharatra Vaishnavism Fortress-like enclosure Granite construction Pilgrimage architecture Shaiva Dravida temple architecture Sacred Geometry
Style ID	`INHF-STY-7801433034-16:34:46:23:08:19:DAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/dravida-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/dravida-architecture-style`
Total Sites	118
Primary Sites	58
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

Regions

Regions	Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh Kerala Karnataka Telangana Goa Sri Lanka Southern India South India Mizoram

Historical Context

Time Periods	7th-18th century CE 7th century CE - 18th century CE 7th Century CE 8th Century CE 9th Century CE 10th Century CE 11th Century CE 12th Century CE 13th Century CE 14th Century CE 15th Century CE 16th Century CE 17th Century CE 18th Century CE 7th century CE 8th century CE 9th century CE 10th century CE 11th century CE 12th century CE 13th century CE 14th century CE 15th century CE 16th century CE 17th century CE 18th century CE 7th century CE onwards 6th-18th century CE 6th century CE to 18th century CE 7th-18th Century CE 7th Century CE onwards 7th century CE to 18th century CE 7th-18th centuries CE 19th Century CE 20th Century CE 21st Century CE
Dynasties	Pallava dynasty Chola dynasty Pandya dynasty Vijayanagara dynasty Pallava Chola Pandya Vijayanagara Nayaka Pallava Dynasty Chola Dynasty Pandya Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire Nayaka dynasties Nayaka Dynasty Pallavas Cholas Pandyas Badami Chalukya Nayaka dynasty Chalukya

Time Periods

7th-18th century CE

7th century CE - 18th century CE

7th Century CE

8th Century CE

9th Century CE

10th Century CE

11th Century CE

12th Century CE

13th Century CE

14th Century CE

15th Century CE

16th Century CE

17th Century CE

18th Century CE

7th century CE

8th century CE

9th century CE

10th century CE

11th century CE

12th century CE

13th century CE

14th century CE

15th century CE

16th century CE

17th century CE

18th century CE

7th century CE onwards

6th-18th century CE

6th century CE to 18th century CE

7th-18th Century CE

7th Century CE onwards

7th century CE to 18th century CE

7th-18th centuries CE

19th Century CE

20th Century CE

21st Century CE

Dynasties

Pallava dynasty

Chola dynasty

Pandya dynasty

Vijayanagara dynasty

Pallava

Chola

Pandya

Vijayanagara

Nayaka

Pallava Dynasty

Chola Dynasty

Pandya Dynasty

Vijayanagara Empire

Nayaka dynasties

Nayaka Dynasty

Pallavas

Cholas

Pandyas

Badami Chalukya

Nayaka dynasty

Chalukya

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Hindu temples Agama-based rituals Royal patronage Agamic rituals Hindu temples, especially those dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu Vaishnava shrines Shaiva shrines Pancharatra Agama Shaiva temples Vaishnava temples Shakta temples Hindu Temples Amman temples Kovils Temples Hindu temples (especially Shaiva and Vaishnava) Hindu temples, especially those dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakti Hindu temples, especially Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions Saiva temples Murugan shrines Hindu temples, especially Shaiva and Vaishnava Saiva Vaishnava Shakta Pilgrimage sites Hindu temples, especially those dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva Kovil Agamic traditions
Associated Deities	Shiva Vishnu Devi Murugan Shakti Ganesha Devi (various forms) Kartikeya Parvati Lakshmi Amman Rama Hanuman Krishna Vishnu (especially Venkateswara) Venkateswara Other Vaishnava deities

Sacred Contexts

Hindu temples

Agama-based rituals

Royal patronage

Agamic rituals

Hindu temples, especially those dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu

Vaishnava shrines

Shaiva shrines

Pancharatra Agama

Shaiva temples

Vaishnava temples

Shakta temples

Hindu Temples

Amman temples

Kovils

Temples

Hindu temples (especially Shaiva and Vaishnava)

Hindu temples, especially those dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakti

Hindu temples, especially Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions

Saiva temples

Murugan shrines

Hindu temples, especially Shaiva and Vaishnava

Saiva

Vaishnava

Shakta

Pilgrimage sites

Hindu temples, especially those dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva

Kovil

Agamic traditions

Associated Deities

Shiva

Vishnu

Devi

Murugan

Shakti

Ganesha

Devi (various forms)

Kartikeya

Parvati

Lakshmi

Amman

Rama

Hanuman

Krishna

Vishnu (especially Venkateswara)

Venkateswara

Other Vaishnava deities

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Granite Sandstone Brick Stucco Soapstone Lime mortar Timber Stone Laterite
Architectural Features	Gopurams Vimanas Mandapas Pillared halls Gopuram Vimana Mandapa Prakara Sculptures Intricate carvings Prakarams Sculptural carvings Vimana (tower) Gopuram (gateway tower) Mandapa (hall) Garbhagriha (sanctum) Prakara (enclosure wall) Sculptural ornamentation Garbhagriha Water tanks Dwajastambha Pyramidal vimana Dvarapalas Pillars Vimana (tiered tower) Gopuram (gateway) Mandapa (pillared hall) Temple Tank Pillared Halls Sculptural Decoration Enclosure walls Gopurams (gateway towers) Vimanas (pyramidal towers) Mandapas (pillared halls) Shikhara Vimana (pyramidal tower) Mandapam Stucco Sculptural details Pradakshina Patha Dvarapala Water Tanks Kuta Sala Chaultri Ornate carvings Temple Tank (Kalyani) Prakaram Sculpted pillars Stucco figures Vimanas (temple towers)

Primary Materials

Granite

Sandstone

Brick

Stucco

Soapstone

Lime mortar

Timber

Stone

Laterite

Architectural Features

Gopurams

Vimanas

Mandapas

Pillared halls

Gopuram

Vimana

Mandapa

Prakara

Sculptures

Intricate carvings

Prakarams

Sculptural carvings

Vimana (tower)

Gopuram (gateway tower)

Mandapa (hall)

Garbhagriha (sanctum)

Prakara (enclosure wall)

Sculptural ornamentation

Garbhagriha

Water tanks

Dwajastambha

Pyramidal vimana

Dvarapalas

Pillars

Vimana (tiered tower)

Gopuram (gateway)

Mandapa (pillared hall)

Temple Tank

Pillared Halls

Sculptural Decoration

Enclosure walls

Gopurams (gateway towers)

Vimanas (pyramidal towers)

Mandapas (pillared halls)

Shikhara

Vimana (pyramidal tower)

Mandapam

Stucco

Sculptural details

Pradakshina Patha

Dvarapala

Water Tanks

Kuta

Sala

Chaultri

Ornate carvings

Temple Tank (Kalyani)

Prakaram

Sculpted pillars

Stucco figures

Vimanas (temple towers)

Keywords

Keywords	Gopuram Vimana Dravida Temple architecture Mandapa South India South Indian Temple South Indian architecture Dravida architecture South Indian temple Sculpture Agama Shastra Hindu Architecture Shilpa Shastras Hindu architecture South Indian Temple Architecture South Indian temple architecture Temple tank Pillar vimana gopuram south Indian temple Temple Hindu Pancharatra Agama Kovil Temple Tank Agama Prakara Granite Tala Tiered tower Southern Indian temple Pyramidal tower tiered tower sculptural ornamentation geometric design Shaivism Hindu Temple Agamas Gopuram architecture Agama traditions Religious architecture Agama Shastras Garbhagriha Shikhara Hinduism Southern Indian Temple Architecture Pyramidal Tower Tiered towers Sculptural ornamentation Prakaram Hindu temple Deity Temple Art South Indian Architecture Stupi Pillared halls Vastu Shastra Sculptures Tiered Tower Tala system Stucco South Indian Saiva Vaishnava Agama shastra Pancharatra Vaishnavism Fortress-like enclosure Granite construction Pilgrimage architecture Shaiva Dravida temple architecture Sacred Geometry

Gopuram

Vimana

Dravida

Temple architecture

Mandapa

South India

South Indian Temple

South Indian architecture

Dravida architecture

South Indian temple

Sculpture

Agama Shastra

Hindu Architecture

Shilpa Shastras

Hindu architecture

South Indian Temple Architecture

South Indian temple architecture

Temple tank

Pillar

vimana

gopuram

south Indian

temple

Temple

Hindu

Pancharatra Agama

Kovil

Temple Tank

Agama

Prakara

Granite

Tala

Tiered tower

Southern Indian temple

Pyramidal tower

tiered tower

sculptural ornamentation

geometric design

Shaivism

Hindu Temple

Agamas

Gopuram architecture

Agama traditions

Religious architecture

Agama Shastras

Garbhagriha

Shikhara

Hinduism

Southern Indian Temple Architecture

Pyramidal Tower

Tiered towers

Sculptural ornamentation

Prakaram

Hindu temple

Deity

Temple Art

South Indian Architecture

Stupi

Pillared halls

Vastu Shastra

Sculptures

Tiered Tower

Tala system

Stucco

South Indian

Saiva

Vaishnava

Agama shastra

Pancharatra

Vaishnavism

Fortress-like enclosure

Granite construction

Pilgrimage architecture

Shaiva

Dravida temple architecture

Sacred Geometry

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
History of South Indian Architecture	book	Comprehensive overview of Dravidian architectural principles
Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods)	book	Comprehensive study of Dravidian architectural principles.
History of South India	book
Indian Architecture (Buddhist, Hindu, Jain)	Book	General overview of Dravida architecture.
History of South Indian Temples	Book	Comprehensive overview of Dravida temple architecture.
The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent	Book
K.R. Srinivasan, Temples of South India	Book	Classic text on Dravida temple architecture.
The Art of South India: Deccan	book	Focuses on the art and architecture of the Deccan region.
History of South Indian Temple Architecture	Book	Comprehensive overview of Dravida temple styles.
George Michell, 'The Hindu Temple: An Introduction to Its Meaning and Forms'	book	General introduction to Hindu temple architecture.
The Art of the Vijayanagara Empire	Book
History of Dravidian Architecture	Book
Indian Temple Architecture: Form and Substance	Book	Comprehensive study of temple architecture across India.
The History of Indian and Eastern Architecture	Book	Comprehensive overview of Indian architectural styles.
Dravidian Architecture	Book
Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Period)	Book	General overview of Dravidian architecture.
Indian Temple Architecture: Form and Transformation	Book	Comprehensive study of temple architecture across India.
The Art of South India: India & China	book
The Art of South India: India & Sri Lanka	Book	Detailed analysis of Dravidian architectural elements and their evolution.

Heritage Sites (118)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple Penang	Primary	100%
Brisbane Sri Selva Vinayakar Koil South Maclean	Primary	100%
Canberra Sri Vishnu Shiva Mandir Mawson	Primary	100%
Champa Museum Da Nang Temple Relics Da Nang Vietnam	Primary	100%
Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple Dharmasthala	Primary	100%
Hindu Sabha Mandir Brampton	Primary	100%
Hindu Temple Greater Chicago Lemont	Primary	100%
Hindu Temple Minnesota Maple Grove	Primary	100%
Hindu Temple of Ottawa-Carleton Ottawa	Primary	100%
Hindu Temple Society North America Flushing	Primary	100%
Huynh De Citadel Cham Temples Binh Dinh Vietnam	Primary	100%
Kapaleeshwarar Temple Mylapore	Primary	100%
Kathiragama Murugan Temple Monaragala Sri Lanka	Primary	100%
Koneswaram Temple Trincomalee Sri Lanka	Primary	100%
London Sri Murugan Temple	Primary	100%
Malibu Hindu Temple Calabasas	Primary	100%
Mariamman Temple Cato Manor Durban	Primary	100%
Munneswaram Temple Chilaw Sri Lanka	Primary	100%
Naguleswaram Temple Keerimalai Jaffna Sri Lanka	Primary	100%
Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple Nainativu Jaffna Sri Lanka	Primary	100%
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Jaffna Sri Lanka	Primary	100%
Nataraja Temple Chidambaram	Primary	100%
Perth Hindu Temple Canning Vale	Primary	100%
Po Klong Garai Towers Phan Rang Vietnam	Primary	100%
Seetha Amman Temple Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka	Primary	100%
Shore Temple Mahabalipuram	Primary	100%
Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam Durban	Primary	100%
Shree Ganesha Temple Mount Edgecombe	Primary	100%
Shree Ghanapathy Temple Wimbledon	Primary	100%
Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple Carrum Downs	Primary	100%
Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple Penang Hill	Primary	100%
Sri Durga Temple Rockbank	Primary	100%
Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Brickfields Kuala Lumpur	Primary	100%
Sri Karphaga Vinayakar Temple Homebush West	Primary	100%
Sri Krishna Temple Udupi	Primary	100%
Sri Lakshmi Temple Ashland	Primary	100%
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple George Town Penang	Primary	100%
Sri Mahamariamman Temple Kuala Lumpur	Primary	100%
Sri Mariamman Temple Singapore	Primary	100%
Sri Meenakshi Temple Pearland	Primary	100%
Sri Nagara Thandayuthapani Temple George Town Penang	Primary	100%
Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple Singapore	Primary	100%
Sri Sivan Temple Singapore	Primary	100%
Sri Siva Vishnu Temple Lanham	Primary	100%
Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple Klang Selangor	Primary	100%
Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple Singapore	Primary	100%
Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore	Primary	100%
Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar Temple The Basin	Primary	100%
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple Singapore	Primary	100%
Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple Tividale	Primary	100%
Sri Venkateswara Temple Helensburgh	Primary	100%
Sri Venkateswara Temple Penn Hills	Primary	100%
Thai Lan Cham Tower Complex Ninh Thuan Vietnam	Primary	100%
Thap Banh It Silver Towers Binh Dinh Vietnam	Primary	100%
Thiruketheeswaram Temple Mannar Sri Lanka	Primary	100%
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Tirupati	Primary	100%
Tshwane India Charity & Cultural Centre (Mariamman Temple Pretoria)	Primary	100%
Vaitheeswaran Koil	Primary	100%
Ahobilam Temple Kurnool	Secondary	100%
Arunachaleswarar Temple Tiruvannamalai	Secondary	100%
Batu Caves Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple Selangor	Secondary	100%
Bellary Fort Bellary	Secondary	100%
Bhadrachalam Temple Bhadrachalam	Secondary	100%
Bhadrakali Temple Warangal	Secondary	100%
Brahma Temple Carambolim	Secondary	100%
Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur	Secondary	100%
Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi) Bengaluru	Secondary	100%
Chandragiri Fort Chittoor	Secondary	100%
Chennakesava Temple Belur	Secondary	100%
Dabhoi Fort Vadodara	Secondary	100%
Dindigul Fort Dindigul	Secondary	100%
Embekka Devalaya Kandy Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Gnana Saraswathi Temple Basar Telangana	Secondary	100%
Gomateshwara Statue Shravanabelagola	Secondary	100%
Hindu Temple of Winnipeg	Secondary	100%
Hoysaleswara Temple Halebidu	Secondary	100%
Jagannath Temple Puri	Secondary	100%
Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada	Secondary	100%
Karmanghat Hanuman Temple Hyderabad	Secondary	100%
Kollur Mookambika Temple Udupi	Secondary	100%
Kondapalli Fort Kondapalli	Secondary	100%
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Kolasib	Secondary	100%
Lankatilaka Vihara Kandy Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Lien Khuong Cham Towers Lam Dong Vietnam	Secondary	100%
Maa Tara Tarini Temple Ganjam	Secondary	100%
Mahadeva Temple Tambdi Surla Goa	Secondary	100%
Mahalasa Narayani Temple Ponda	Secondary	100%
Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur	Secondary	100%
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Srisailam	Secondary	100%
Maruti Temple Panaji	Secondary	100%
Meenakshi Amman Temple Madurai	Secondary	100%
Muktinath Temple Ranipauwa	Secondary	100%
My Son Sanctuary Quang Nam Vietnam	Secondary	100%
Mysore Palace Mysuru	Secondary	100%
Naga Heritage Village Kohima	Secondary	100%
Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu	Secondary	100%
Po Dam Towers Binh Thuan Vietnam	Secondary	100%
Po Nagar Cham Towers Nha Trang Vietnam	Secondary	100%
Po Rome Towers Ninh Thuan Vietnam	Secondary	100%
Ramanathaswamy Temple Rameswaram	Secondary	100%
Ramappa Temple Palampet	Secondary	100%
Sanghi Temple Hyderabad	Secondary	100%
Shree Ayyappa Seva Sangam Temple Durban	Secondary	100%
Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE	Secondary	100%
Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple Narve Goa	Secondary	100%
Simhachalam Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Visakhapatnam	Secondary	100%
Srikalahasti Temple Srikalahasti	Secondary	100%
Sringeri Sharadamba Temple Sringeri	Secondary	100%
Sri Shakti Devasthanam Bukit Rotan Selangor	Secondary	100%
Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple Singapore	Secondary	100%
Sri Thendayuthapani Temple Singapore	Secondary	100%
Thousand Pillar Temple Hanamkonda	Secondary	100%
Udayagiri Fort Nellore	Secondary	100%
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple Vaikom	Secondary	100%
Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi	Secondary	100%
Virupaksha Temple Hampi	Secondary	100%
Warangal Fort Warangal	Secondary	100%
Yaganti Temple Kurnool	Secondary	100%

How to Identify Dravida architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Gopurams, Vimanas, Mandapas.
Verify geographic location: Dravida architecture style architecture is typically found in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Examine construction materials: Dravida architecture style typically uses Granite and Sandstone.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 7th-18th century CE.
Compare with documented examples: 118 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Dravida architecture style

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (118)

See Also

Related Materials

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How to Identify Dravida architecture style

Frequently Asked Questions