| Title | Shikhara architecture style |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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-451961817-18-11-25-SK |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/shikhara-architecture-style |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/styles/shikhara-architecture-style |
| Total Sites | 6 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 19, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 19, 2025 |
| Regions | North India Northern India Central India |
|---|
| 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 Contexts | Hindu Temples Hindu temples |
|---|---|
| Associated Deities | Shiva Vishnu Devi Various Hindu deities |
| 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 | Temple spire Nagara style Garbhagriha Superstructure Temple tower Hindu architecture North Indian architecture Nagara Shikhara Tower Hindu Architecture Nagara shikhara Dravida shikhara Vesara shikhara |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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% |