What is Vesara architecture style?

A hybrid style blending Nagara and Dravida traditions, Vesara architecture is characterized by its stellate plans, intricate carvings, and a balanced emphasis on both vertical and horizontal elements.

Where is Vesara architecture style architecture found?

Vesara architecture style architecture is primarily found in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana. There are 11 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

When was Vesara architecture style architecture used?

Vesara architecture style architecture was used during 7th-13th century CE, 7th century CE, 13th century CE, 8th century CE, 9th century CE, 10th century CE, 11th century CE, 12th century CE. It is associated with the Chalukya dynasty, Rashtrakuta dynasty, Hoysala dynasty, Chalukya Dynasty, Rashtrakuta Dynasty, Hoysala Dynasty, Kakatiya dynasty, Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Hoysala dynasty/period.

What materials are used in Vesara architecture style architecture?

Vesara architecture style architecture typically uses Basalt, Sandstone. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Vesara architecture style architecture?

There are 11 heritage sites documented with Vesara architecture style architecture. 1 sites use this as their primary architectural style. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

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

Title	Vesara architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 11 heritage sites) Uncommon 4.5/5(Based on 11 heritage sites)
Description	A hybrid style blending Nagara and Dravida traditions, Vesara architecture is characterized by its stellate plans, intricate carvings, and a balanced emphasis on both vertical and horizontal elements.
Also Known As	Vijayanagara architecture style Dravidian 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 Hoysala architecture Vesara intricately carved stone Dravida Architecture Hoysala Architecture Karnata Dravida Architecture Vijayanagara Architecture influences (later additions) Badami Chalukya Architecture (foundational influence) Hindu Temple Architecture Dravidian temple South Indian intricate carvings sculptures. Chalukyan Architecture Kakatiya Architecture Deccani Architecture Badami Chalukya Style Vesara Style stellate geometry South Indian Temple Style Western Chalukya Architecture Dravidian Temple Architecture Religious Sloping pyramidal tower. Eastern Chalukya Architecture Kalinga Architecture influences Vesara Architecture (blend of Dravidian Nagara) Badami Chalukya Dravidian stepped diamond pyramidal tower Traditional Hindu Temple Architecture stepped pyramidal tower ornate carvings. Kalyani Chalukya Style Vesara Style influences Deccan Vesara Style fusion Islamic Architecture Persian Influences Ornate Gopurams Towers Nayaka Architecture stepped diamond spires. Chalukya-Hoysala influences Vesara Style elements Vijayanagara Granite pillars ornate carvings Chola Influence Lepakshi style of painting (influenced by Vijayanagara period) Sculpture traditions of South India
Tags	Vesara Hybrid style Temple architecture Deccan Deccan architecture Karnata Dravida Chalukya style Curvilinear superstructure Kirtimukha Pilaster Kutina Amalaka Kalasha Hybrid Stellate Chalukya Hoysala Stellate plan Rashtrakuta Star-shaped Temple Vimana Pillar Chalukya architecture Rashtrakuta architecture Hoysala architecture
Style ID	`INHF-STY-3396869543-10:55:36:31:05:21:VAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/vesara-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/vesara-architecture-style`
Total Sites	11
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

External References

View on Wikidata

Regions

Regions	Karnataka Andhra Pradesh Maharashtra Telangana

Historical Context

Time Periods	7th-13th century CE 7th century CE 13th century CE 8th century CE 9th century CE 10th century CE 11th century CE 12th century CE
Dynasties	Chalukya dynasty Rashtrakuta dynasty Hoysala dynasty Chalukya Dynasty Rashtrakuta Dynasty Hoysala Dynasty Kakatiya dynasty Chalukya Rashtrakuta Hoysala

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Hindu temples Jain temples
Associated Deities	Shiva Vishnu Devi Durga Jain Tirthankaras Shakti

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Basalt Sandstone
Architectural Features	Stellate plans Pillared halls Intricate carvings Superstructure with elements of both Nagara and Dravida styles Stepped pyramidal superstructure (Vimana) Circular or square sanctum (Garbhagriha) Stellate plan Vimana with mixed Nagara and Dravida features Pillared halls (Mandapas) Stepped pyramidal superstructure (Kutina) Circular or semi-circular plan Nagara and Dravida elements Ornate pillars Superstructure blending Nagara and Dravida elements Intricate ornamentation Pillared halls (mandapas) Star-shaped plan Amalaka Shikhara Vimanas Stepped pyramidal roofs

Primary Materials

Basalt

Sandstone

Architectural Features

Stellate plans

Pillared halls

Intricate carvings

Superstructure with elements of both Nagara and Dravida styles

Stepped pyramidal superstructure (Vimana)

Circular or square sanctum (Garbhagriha)

Stellate plan

Vimana with mixed Nagara and Dravida features

Pillared halls (Mandapas)

Stepped pyramidal superstructure (Kutina)

Circular or semi-circular plan

Nagara and Dravida elements

Ornate pillars

Superstructure blending Nagara and Dravida elements

Intricate ornamentation

Pillared halls (mandapas)

Star-shaped plan

Amalaka

Shikhara

Vimanas

Stepped pyramidal roofs

Keywords

Keywords	Vesara Hybrid style Temple architecture Deccan Deccan architecture Karnata Dravida Chalukya style Curvilinear superstructure Kirtimukha Pilaster Kutina Amalaka Kalasha Hybrid Stellate Chalukya Hoysala Stellate plan Rashtrakuta Star-shaped Temple Vimana Pillar Chalukya architecture Rashtrakuta architecture Hoysala architecture

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Indian Temple Architecture: Form and Transformation	book	Discusses the evolution and characteristics of Vesara architecture
Adam Hardy, Indian Temple Architecture: Form and Transformation	Book	Scholarly analysis of Indian temple forms.
Indian Architecture (Buddhist, Hindu, Jain)	book	Comprehensive overview of Indian architectural styles.
The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent	book
Indian Architecture	book	Comprehensive overview of Indian architectural styles
Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Period)	Book
Vesara Temples of the Deccan	book

Heritage Sites (11)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Gnana Saraswathi Temple Basar Telangana	Primary	100%
Ahobilam Temple Kurnool	Secondary	100%
Chennakesava Temple Belur	Secondary	100%
Hoysaleswara Temple Halebidu	Secondary	100%
Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada	Secondary	100%
Karmanghat Hanuman Temple Hyderabad	Secondary	100%
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Srisailam	Secondary	100%
Raichur Fort Raichur	Secondary	100%
Ranganatha Temple Nellore	Secondary	100%
Thousand Pillar Temple Hanamkonda	Secondary	100%
Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi	Secondary	100%

How to Identify Vesara architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Stellate plans, Pillared halls, Intricate carvings.
Verify geographic location: Vesara architecture style architecture is typically found in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Examine construction materials: Vesara architecture style typically uses Basalt and Sandstone.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 7th-13th century CE.
Compare with documented examples: 11 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Vesara architecture style

External References

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (11)

See Also

Related Materials

Related Features

How to Identify Vesara architecture style

Frequently Asked Questions