Vesara Style of Temple Architecture UPSC Notes: Characteristics and Examples

Vesara Style of Temple Architecture

Vesara style of temple architecture emerged and flourished mainly in the Karnataka region. It is a hybrid form of temple architecture formed by an amalgamation of the northern Nagara style and the southern Dravida style of temple architecture. It uses the plan and shape of the southern India temples, whereas the details resemble that of Northern Indian temples.

Origin and evolution of Vesara Style of Temple Architecture

The Vesara style has roots in the styles prevalent in the Dharwar region, between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers.

1. Chalukyas of Badami’s Vesara Architecture

• The experimentation of mixing north Indian temple elements with those of the southern India temples started in the 7th century, specifically under the Chalukyas of Badami (500-753 CE). 

• The hybridization and incorporation of several styles was the hallmark of Chalukyan buildings.

Examples of Vesara Style of Temple built by Chalukya’s:

1. 1. Pattadakal Temple,
   2. Mahakuta Temple (near Badami),
   3. The Swarga Brahma temple at Alampur, and
   4. The Durga temple at Aihole.

2. Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta Architecture

• This style developed further under the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta (750-983 CE).
• Examples of Vesara Style of Temple built by Rashtrakutas: Kailashnath temple at Ellora.

3. Chalukyas of Kalyani Architecture

The Vesara style took its own identity under the later Western Chalukyas of Kalyani (983-1195 CE). By this time, it was not a simple mixing of the two styles but rather an architectural invention formed by their creative synthesis.

4. Hoysalas Vesara Architecture

Under the Hoysalas, the Vesara style reached its climax. They used soft soapstone to build temples, which enabled them to carve out brilliant sculptures. Examples:

• Chennakeshava Temple, Belur,

• Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebid and

• Chennakesava Temple, Somnathpuram.

5. Vijayanagra Vesara Style of Temple Architecture

• Virupaksha Temple, Hampi: Located in the historical city of Hampi, the Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It predates the Vijayanagar empire but saw significant expansion during the reign of Krishnadevaraya. The temple is known for its towering gopuram intricate carvings, and historical significance as part of the Hampi UNESCO word heritage site.
• Vittala Temple, Hampi: Also part of the Hampi UNESCO Wordl Heritage site, the vittalla Temple is famous for its extraordinary craftsmanship, including the iconic stone chriot and the musical pillars that produce musical notes when tapped.

Features of Vesara styles of Temple Architecture

• Soapstone is used as the building material in Vesara style enabling profuse decorative carving in these temples consisting of animals and deities and their jewellery.

• Gateway is not found in all the Vesara temples.

• The water tank may or may not be present.

• Pillars are present.

• Compound walls are not present or absent, as a rule.

• Mandapa is generally larger than the sanctum and its vimana. Open mandapas are the largest.

• Temples contain more than one shrine, usually three shrines.

• Temples are built on a Jagati, which raises the temple’s height and serves as a pradakshina-patha.

Elements of Vesara temple	Influence of and difference with the Nagara Style	Influence of and difference with the Dravida Style
Shikhara	Vesara, like the north India temples, contains miniature sikharas. Vesara shikhara is shorter than the northern shikhara tower.	The shape of the Vesara superstructure over the sanctum sanctorum is usually pyramidal in profile, similar to the southern vimanas.
Vimana		Vesara vimana is divided into storeys or steps like the southern temples. However, there are more of them.
Ground plan	The subsidiary shrines in northern temples are separated from the main shrine. In Vesara style, owing to its stellate/star-like plan, the subsidiary shrines lay attached to the main shrine.	Vesara has a stellate or Star-like plan, like the southern temples. But Vesara has greater complexity due to many projecting angles.
Carving themes	The themes in Vesara carving include those from North India temples such as Mahabharata, Ramayana, Puranas, etc. The Vesara carvings become profuse and intricate during Hoysalas.
Gopuram	Gopuram is primarily absent in Nagara temple. On the other hand, Vesara temples have gopurams but do not form an essential component.	Gopurams are an essential feature of the Dravida style. Vesara temples do not have gopurams in all temples.
Compound wall	Usually absent in Nagara temples.	Usually present in Dravida temples.

Conclusion

The Vesara style of Temple architecture represents a significant fusion of the Nagara and Dravida styles, marking a creative evolution in the realm of temple construction in India, particularly in Karnataka. Characterized by its unique blend of architectural elements, the Vesara style showcases the ingenuity of its creators through the use of soapstone, absence of compound walls, presence of mandapas larger than the sanctum, and the strategic use of jagati. This style, evolved through various dynasties from the Chalukyas to the Vijayanagara Empire, highlights the adaptability and artistic innovation of Indian architecture.