What is Saiva architecture style?

Saiva architecture is dedicated to Shiva, characterized by lingams, Nandi figures, and often incorporating elements reflecting the specific Saiva Siddhanta traditions prevalent in the region.

Where is Saiva architecture style architecture found?

Saiva architecture style architecture is primarily found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kashmir, Nepal. There are 1 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

When was Saiva architecture style architecture used?

Saiva architecture style architecture was used during 7th century CE onwards. It is associated with the Chola, Pandya, Kashmir dynasties dynasty/period.

What materials are used in Saiva architecture style architecture?

Saiva architecture style architecture typically uses Stone, Brick, Wood. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Saiva architecture style architecture?

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

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

Title	Saiva architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	Saiva architecture is dedicated to Shiva, characterized by lingams, Nandi figures, and often incorporating elements reflecting the specific Saiva Siddhanta traditions prevalent in the region.
Also Known As	Contemporary Octagonal Saiva Temple Architecture with Dravidian Motifs Saiva Siddhanta Temple Architecture Octagonal Sanctum Design Modern Singaporean Temple Typology
Tags	Shiva Temple Lingam Nandi Saivism Hindu Architecture
Style ID	`INHF-STY-4204768099-01:26:13:06:06:18:SAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/saiva-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/saiva-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 Kashmir Nepal

Historical Context

Time Periods	7th century CE onwards
Dynasties	Chola Pandya Kashmir dynasties

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Shaiva temples, monasteries
Associated Deities	Shiva Parvati Ganesha Kartikeya

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Stone Brick Wood
Architectural Features	Lingam Nandi Mandapa Ardhamandapa Garbhagriha

Keywords

Keywords	Shiva Temple Lingam Nandi Saivism Hindu Architecture

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
The Siva Temple	Book	Study of Shiva temples and their iconography.

Heritage Sites (1)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Sri Sivan Temple Singapore	Secondary	100%

How to Identify Saiva architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Lingam, Nandi Mandapa, Ardhamandapa.
Verify geographic location: Saiva architecture style architecture is typically found in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Examine construction materials: Saiva architecture style typically uses Stone and Brick.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 7th century CE onwards.
Compare with documented examples: 1 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Saiva 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 Saiva architecture style

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