Features of Gupta period temples

We see amazing artistry throughout North India during the gupta period. various forms of art such as architecture, painting, pottery art etc. developed in this era. The co-ordination of religion and art was established and the foreign influence on art gradually ceased.

Architecture Temple

The best example of gupta age architecture is temples. In fact, we find the remains of the temple from this period. some of the common features of the Gupta age temples are as follows-

1. The Gupta temples were usually built on high a high platform, to climb on which stairs were made from all four sides.
2. The roofs of the early temples were flattened, later peaks were also built.
3. A square shape room was built inside the temple, in which the idol was made. This was the most important part of temple, which was called the sanctum.
4. The sanctum was surrounded by walls on three sides. while there was a gateway on one side.
5. Earlier the walls of the sanctum were simple, but later on they were decorated with idols and other decorations.
6. The pradakshina path covered with the top was built around the sanctum.
7. On the doorway of the sanctum, the figures of Makarvahini Ganga and Kurmavahini yamuna are engraved, which is its specialty of Gupta art. In the upper Shirappatta and the lateral part also the sacred Manglik signs and symbols like Hans-Mithun, Swastik, Shrivriksha, Mangalakalash, Shankh, Padma etc. have also been marked. Varahamihira’s opinion regarding the decoration of the gate, that in the fourth part of the door branch is mentioned the pratihari (gatekeeper) and in the rest the marking of Mangal Vihaga, Shrivriksha, Swastik, Ghat, Mithun, Patravalli etc.
8. Earlier a pavilion with a pillar was built in front of the sanctum, but later it was built around the sanctum. The gate columns were ornate, in which the shape of Purnakalash remained. Flowers are seen coming out of the urn.
9. Sculptures of four lions are built on the back of the square pillars of the temple with their backs to each other.
10. Only the idol was installed in the sanctum. There was no place for worshipers to gather there.
11. Most temples of Gupta period are stone-built. Only the temples of bheetargaon and Sirpur are built with bricks.

Some of the major temples of Gupta period are as follows –

Sanchi Temple

Sanchi is a small village on the banks of the Betwa River in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh state, India. There are many Buddhist monuments here, Which are from the period between the third century BC to the twelfth century.……For More Information.

Vishnu Temple of Tigwan

Tigwa is a village in the Katni district of Madhya Pradesh with an ancient archaeological site that houses the ruins of several Hindu temples……For More Information.

Vishnu Temple of Eran

A temple of Vishnu was built during the Gupta period at a place called Eran in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, Which has now collapsed. The temple’s sanctum and two pillars standing in front of it are today residual.……For More Information.

Shiva temple of Bhumra

A stone sanctum was found from a place called Bhumra in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh. Ganga-Yamuna figures are built at its entrance. Its door frame is also decorated with decorations.….For More Information.

Dashavatar Temple of Devgarh

This temple is derived from a place called Devgarh in Lalitpur (ancient Jhansi) district of Uttar Pradesh. Among all the temples of the Gupta period, the Dashavatara temple of Devgarh is the most beautiful, in which all the characteristics of the Gupta temples are obtained.…..For More Information.

Temple of Bheetargaav

The temple of bheetargaav is located in Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. This temple is built of bricks. The temple is built on a square platform..…..For More Information.

Reference : https://www.indiaolddays.com