Kerala is a land of temples with simple yet exquisite architectural styles. The architectural styles of the temples in Kerala can be grouped into the category of Dravidian architecture. It is more of a religious, social, and communal gathering, and it is a key substance that elevates peace of mind in people. The temples in Kerala became more popular after the migrations of Namboothiris, who are considered brahmins and are the priestly community in Kerala. The temples in Kerala also include sacred grooves as well as temples of various families or Tharavaadu. These temples are constructed according to two types of sciences, that is Vaastushastra, which believes that every temple has its soul and life, and Thachushastra, which builds the structures according to the flow of positive and negative energy.
EARLY TEMPLES
Temple architecture is usually defined by Temple Shastras that recommend certain designs considering the location of sanctum, prakara (walk path around the main shrine), flag staff, etc. The temples in Kerala and their architecture are unique and different from that of other regions. Largely dictated by the geographical location and climate of the region that has lots of Forest areas, followed by a strong South-West monsoons, the structures of the temples are suitable for the coastal as well as rainy environment, all within the ambit of temple Sastras. The wooden roofs are steep and pointed, and are covered with a flat slab of fired clay called Oodu or with copper sheets. The roof designs resemble those found in the Himalayan regions and those in East Asia. It is a way to counter the instabilities of the climate – hot summer, high humidity, heavy downpour.
Early temples are cave temples. One such temple is the Kaviyoor cave temple dedicated to Siva comprises a shrine room and a spacious ardhamandapa arranged axially facing the west. On the pillared facade as well as on the walls inside the ardhamandapa are sculptured reliefs of the donor, a bearded rishi, a seated four-armed Ganesh, and a dwarapala. In the north, rock-cut temples of the Saiva cult are seen at Trikkur in Trissur district. The structural temples appear in the second phase, spanning the eighth to tenth centuries, and patronized by the Chera, Ay, and Mushika chieftains. Apart from this the Buddhism and Jainism have also influenced the temple architecture of Kerala, which consists of Buddhist, Jaina temples, etc. Later, with time, various new additions to the temple architecture happened, like vilakkumadam, naalambalm, etc.
INTRICATE PARTS OF TEMPLE
- Deva Prathishta or Idol: It is the idol placed in the Garbhagriha or sreekovil. The idols are mainly based on Hindu mythology, carved in high-quality stone. In some temples, the idol is also covered with a coating of gold.
- Sreekovil or Sanctum Sanctorum: It is the small room which is in the centre of the temple where the idol is placed. Every temple has more than one deity, and almost all idols are kept in the sreekovil. But in some temples, the idols are kept on a high raised ground like that of Gulikan Naagadevadata, etc. This can be of square, rectangular, or circular.
- Sopanam: The word Sopanam refers to the sacred steps to the main shrine of a temple. It is also based on the shastras.
- Pradakshinavattam or Akathe balivattam: It is the circular pathway outside the sreekovil where bhali ritual is performed.
- Mathrusala: It is termed as the room of mother or abode of mother, which is the first place of worship before entering the temple
- Namaskara Mandapam: The namaskara mandapa is a square-shaped gazebo-like structure with a raised platform, a set of pillars, and a pyramidal roof. The size of the mandapa is decided as per the width of the shrine or Garbhagraha. Here, poojas and other rituals are done on special occasions.
- Nalambalam and Valiambalam: It is a set of four temples in Kerala, a pilgrimage destination. Nalambalam refers to a set of four Hindu temples dedicated to the four brothers of Ramayana, including Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna.
- Well: wells are commonly found in most temples, restricted to the temple only.
- Dwaja or Kodimaram: Kodimaram is a huge, tall pillar-like structure in front of the temple called a ‘flag pole’. It represents the presence of the deity and is an important point for worship as well as rituals. The flag hoisted on the Kodimaram is a symbol of the deity and is often changed during festivals and special occasions.
- Anakkottil: This is a special area of the temple given to the elephants for their day-to-day needs, also known as an elephant sanctuary.
- Oottupura: It is in this room or hall that the food from the temple is served for the devotees.
- Koothambalam: Koothambalam or Kuttampalam, meaning a temple theatre or a stage th is a closed hall for performing Koothu like Chakkiyar Koothu, Nangiyar Koothu, Kathakali, etc.
- Gopuram: A gopuram or gopura is a monumental entrance tower, usually present at the entrance of a Hindu temple. It can be short as well as tall. This was introduced by the Pallava dynasty.
- Theerthakkulam: It is a pond attached to temples, which have delicate planning and intricate geometrical structures.
MOTIFS
Apart from the parts mentioned above, the temples also have paintings and stonework on the walls, which are mostly rooted in
- Hindu mythology, Ramayana, Mahabharat, and other puranas.
- Every temple bears one or other form of sculptures on their pillars, roofs, floors, or walls. Some prominent temples are mentioned below with special architectural features. The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple, the idol of Lord Vishnu at Guruvayoor temple, and the Sree Padmanabha Swami temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
- As an addition to it, the temple walls of Kerala are also furnished with the Kerala mural paintings. The paintings are based on the Mahabharata, Ramayana, as well as temple history.
- The temples in Kerala also have various songs performed during pooja called Sopana Sangeetham.
CONCLUSION
The architectural resources of Kerala’s temples are remarkable features that attract cultural tourists. Kerala has established a unique and captivating presence through its exquisite temple architecture. Preservation of this tradition is necessary as it can help us in a thorough understanding of the tradition. What is needed is revival and the collection, documentation, and objective analysis of ritualistic art forms, leading to the dissemination of knowledge about them. Traditions are the histories of a lifetime that have to be preserved. Architecture should be regarded as one of the most significant and social forms of art in Kerala that can combine functionality with beauty, fostering social connection and unity.
SOURCES
TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE OF KERALA– AN OVERVIEW- https://ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2312702.pdf
A HISTORICAL STUDY ON THE TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE OF KERALA- https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1702060.pdf
ARCHEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA VOL 2 ON TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE