What is Shikhara architecture style?

Shikhara architecture refers to the towering, curvilinear spire, or superstructure, above the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) in North Indian Hindu temples, a defining feature of Nagara style.

Where is Shikhara architecture style architecture found?

Shikhara architecture style architecture is primarily found in North India, Northern India, Central India. There are 6 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

When was Shikhara architecture style architecture used?

Shikhara architecture style architecture was used during 8th Century CE, 9th Century CE, 10th Century CE, 11th Century CE, 12th Century CE, 13th Century CE, 8th Century CE onwards, 5th century CE onwards, Medieval Period, 8th-13th Century CE. It is associated with the Various North Indian Dynasties, Chandela Dynasty, Solanki Dynasty dynasty/period.

What materials are used in Shikhara architecture style architecture?

Shikhara architecture style architecture typically uses Stone. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Shikhara architecture style architecture?

There are 6 heritage sites documented with Shikhara architecture style architecture. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

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

Title	Shikhara architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 6 heritage sites) Uncommon 4.5/5(Based on 6 heritage sites)
Description	Shikhara architecture refers to the towering, curvilinear spire, or superstructure, above the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) in North Indian Hindu temples, a defining feature of Nagara style.
Also Known As	Pahari Vernacular Wood slate local stone. Pahari Architecture North Indian Temple Architecture Shikhara Style Nagara Architecture Hindu Temple Architecture Nagara North Indian Curvilinear towers intricate carvings Gurjara-Pratihara influences Latina Style Traditional Punjabi Architecture Indo-Aryan Nagara. Towers porches columns. Dogra Architecture Mughal Influences (minor in later additions) Shikhara Curvilinear tower upward-pointing. Pratihara Style Kashmiri influences Western Himalayan Temple Architecture Sculptural influences from neighboring regions ornate carvings. North Indian Temple Style Gurjara-Pratihara Influences Paramara Dynasty Influences Medieval Hindu Temple Architecture Khajuraho Influences Pahari Vernacular Religious. Local materials sloping roofs. Vernacular Himalayan Architecture Traditional Timber Construction
Tags	Temple spire Nagara style Garbhagriha Superstructure Temple tower Hindu architecture North Indian architecture Nagara Shikhara Tower Hindu Architecture Nagara shikhara Dravida shikhara Vesara shikhara
Style ID	`INHF-STY-5361201422-05:53:13:22:01:21:SAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/shikhara-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/shikhara-architecture-style`
Total Sites	6
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

External References

View on Wikidata

Regions

Regions	North India Northern India Central India

Historical Context

Time Periods	8th Century CE 9th Century CE 10th Century CE 11th Century CE 12th Century CE 13th Century CE 8th Century CE onwards 5th century CE onwards Medieval Period 8th-13th Century CE
Dynasties	Various North Indian Dynasties Chandela Dynasty Solanki Dynasty

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Hindu Temples Hindu temples
Associated Deities	Shiva Vishnu Devi Various Hindu deities

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Stone
Architectural Features	Curvilinear tower Graduated tiers Amalaka Kalasha Shikhara Garbhagriha Towering superstructure Curvilinear or pyramidal shape Upward-pointing Curvilinear Shikhara Latina Shikhara Phamsana Shikhara Valabhi Shikhara Urushringa

Keywords

Keywords	Temple spire Nagara style Garbhagriha Superstructure Temple tower Hindu architecture North Indian architecture Nagara Shikhara Tower Hindu Architecture Nagara shikhara Dravida shikhara Vesara shikhara

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Indian Temple Architecture: Form and Structure	Book	Focuses on the structural elements of Indian temples.
Adam Hardy, The Temple Architecture of India	book
Encyclopaedia of Indian Temple Architecture	Book	Detailed documentation of temple architecture across India.
Indian Temple Architecture: Form and Decoration	book	Detailed analysis of Shikhara forms and their evolution.

Heritage Sites (6)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Jakhoo Temple Shimla	Secondary	100%
Jayanti Devi Temple Ropar	Secondary	100%
Jwala Ji Temple Kangra	Secondary	100%
Lakshmi Narayan Temple Chamba	Secondary	100%
Naina Devi Temple Bilaspur	Secondary	100%
Sankat Mochan Temple Shimla	Secondary	100%

How to Identify Shikhara architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Curvilinear tower, Graduated tiers, Amalaka.
Verify geographic location: Shikhara architecture style architecture is typically found in North India and Northern India.
Examine construction materials: Shikhara architecture style typically uses Stone.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 8th Century CE.
Compare with documented examples: 6 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Shikhara architecture style

External References

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (6)

See Also

Related Materials

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How to Identify Shikhara architecture style

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