What is Raja Gopuram architecture style?

Raja Gopurams are monumental tower gateways, a defining feature of South Indian temples, characterized by their towering height, pyramidal shape, and elaborate stucco ornamentation depicting deities and mythological scenes.

Where is Raja Gopuram architecture style architecture found?

Raja Gopuram architecture style architecture is primarily found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala. There are 1 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

When was Raja Gopuram architecture style architecture used?

Raja Gopuram architecture style architecture was used during 12th-19th century CE. It is associated with the Pandya, Vijayanagara, Nayaka dynasty/period.

What materials are used in Raja Gopuram architecture style architecture?

Raja Gopuram architecture style architecture typically uses Brick, Stucco, Timber, Stone. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Raja Gopuram architecture style architecture?

There are 1 heritage sites documented with Raja Gopuram architecture style architecture. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Raja Gopuram architecture style | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Title	Raja Gopuram architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	Raja Gopurams are monumental tower gateways, a defining feature of South Indian temples, characterized by their towering height, pyramidal shape, and elaborate stucco ornamentation depicting deities and mythological scenes.
Also Known As	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
Tags	Gopuram Temple gateway South Indian architecture Stucco art
Style ID	`INHF-STY-8540354046-01:51:07:11:01:18:RGAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/raja-gopuram-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/raja-gopuram-architecture-style`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

External References

View on Wikidata

Regions

Regions	Tamil Nadu Karnataka Andhra Pradesh Kerala

Historical Context

Time Periods	12th-19th century CE
Dynasties	Pandya Vijayanagara Nayaka

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Temple entrances Outer walls
Associated Deities	Gatekeepers Protective deities

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Brick Stucco Timber Stone
Architectural Features	Towering height Tiered structure Stucco figures Gateway Pillars

Keywords

Keywords	Gopuram Temple gateway South Indian architecture Stucco art

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
South Indian Shrines	Book	Illustrations and descriptions of South Indian temples.
The Nayakas of Madura	Book	Historical context for Gopuram construction.

Heritage Sites (1)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
London Sri Murugan Temple	Secondary	100%

How to Identify Raja Gopuram architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Towering height, Tiered structure, Stucco figures.
Verify geographic location: Raja Gopuram architecture style architecture is typically found in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Examine construction materials: Raja Gopuram architecture style typically uses Brick and Stucco.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 12th-19th century CE.
Compare with documented examples: 1 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Raja Gopuram architecture style

External References

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (1)

See Also

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How to Identify Raja Gopuram architecture style

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