The basic structure of temples in India is a room or the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) where the idol of the main deity is kept. The temple is approached by a flight of steps and is often built on a platform. A porch covers the entrance to the temples, which is supported by carved pillars. A prominent roof called the shikhara surmounts the top of the Garbhagriha and dominates the surroundings. Some temples also have a hall or mandap from where one can reach the sanctum sanctorum.
Temple architecture in India is broadly divided into northern and southern styles. This classification is based on the form and shape of the shikhara and the distinctiveness of its decoration. The shikharas of the temples in south India tend to be made up of distinct horizontal levels that diminish to form a rough pyramid. Each level is decorated with miniature temple rooftops. Some temples from south India also have tall shikharas over elaborate gateways or Gopurams, to add to the overall symmetry of the temple complex. The shikharas of the temples in north and central India, in contrast, resemble an upturned cone that is decorated with miniature conical shikharas. Some temples also developed their own local flavor while adhering to their basic native style.
Temple architecture began to take shape in northern India during the reign of the Gupta dynasty (AD 320-520). The temple complex at Jageshwar is an excellent example of the early north Indian style (Nagara style) of temple architecture. The earliest temples within the temple complex in Jageshwar belong to the Gupta age. Temples Of Jageshwar
The temple complex in the small town of Jageshwar is located in a tranquil valley, amidst lush green alpine trees. Jageshwar witnessed a great deal of temple building activity at different time periods and the earliest temples in Jageshwar date back to the fourth century AD, while the latest ones date back to the 16th century AD. During the fourth and fifth centuries AD, when the Gupta emperors held sway over vast tracts of northern and central India, the Kumaon hills were governed by an independent dynasty of Katyuri kings. They are credited with having selected this site for building temples. The temples originally constructed during the Gupta period were renovated by the rulers of the Ghand dynasty who overthrew the Katyuris in the seventh century AD. Numerous temples were constructed and restored during the Gujarat Pratihara dynasty (AD 9th-10th century) and also in the 15th and 16th centuries AD.
A
continuous chain of snowcapped mountains looms over this beautiful temple site where silence reigns supreme and not even a leaf rustles, as though afraid to disturb the stillness. This is a sacred site where nearly two hundred stone temples were built in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the principle Hindu Gods. The mighty force of the cosmic dance begins to work on ones mind when one visits one temple after another here. Most of the temples are dedicated to Shiva and he is addressed by different names like Dandeshavara, Nilakantheshvara, Mahamrityunjaya, etc. and Jageshwar is only a corruption of Yogisvara or the Lord of the Yogis. These together with other temples dedicated to Surya -the Sun God, Navadurga (nine manifestations of the great goddess Durga), Kalika, Pushtidevi, Kuber etc. indicate that their builders practiced Shaivism (worship of Shiva), especially the Lakulish sect.
Of the numerous stone temples in this group, the Mahamrityunjaya temple seems to be the oldest and is dated approximately to the 8th century AD, while the others mentioned above, including a few minor ones, belong to the subsequent centuries. The temples of Surya, Navagraha and Neelkantheshvara are of late Katyuri age. It is said that originally four hundred temples existed here, of which only about one hundred and eight have survived. Time and vandalism have destroyed the rest.
The temples of Jageshwar belong to the simple Nagara style (north Indian style of temple architecture). Temples belonging to this style have a tall curvilinear spire shikhara surmounted by an amalaka (capstone) and a kalasha (the water urn shaped auspicious Hindu symbol) atop the square Garbhagriha, the entrance to which is through a carved doorway. Most of the temples enshrine a stone lingam or phallic representation of Lord Shiva. Impressive stone images of different Hindu deities can be seen around the altar within these temples. Most of the temples in Jageshwar are in a state of decay and one can see many beautiful but broken sculptures lying around. The Ekamukhalinga (a Shivling having the face of Lord Shiva carved on it) is one of the rarest specimens to be found in northern India. The two life-size dwarapalas (door guardians) outside the Jagannath temple are another attraction but one of them is badly mutilated.
