Vimana (architecture)

Horizontally tiered pyramid-shaped tower roofs with a dome-shaped tip ('umbrella dome') at the coastal temple of Mahabalipuram , Tamil Nadu (8th century)

Vimana ( Sanskrit : विमान vimāna ) referred to in the Indian architecture a multi-tiered tower, above the sanctuary ( Garbhagriha ) is. It is a feature of the South Indian Dravida style and visually and structurally differs significantly from the North Indian Shikharas or Deuls .

history

One must assume that the early South Indian temple buildings - made of wood and therefore all no longer preserved - had a square floor plan, which was however loosened up early on by dividing elements ( rathas ). The oldest stone temples already show an umbrella-shaped dome structure ('umbrella dome') as the upper end, which was formed in fabric umbrellas ( chhatris ) or the canopies of the temple carriages ( rathas ), which were sewn together .

architecture

The oldest architectural evidence is from the 7th century AD; they already show horizontally tiered pyramid roofs with a screen dome. Later, the South Indian architecture penetrated far into the north of India (e.g. Kailasa Temple , Ellora ); even the vestibules ( mandapas ) of the Chandella temples of Khajuraho are provided with pyramid-shaped and horizontally tiered roofs. In addition to the predominant number of temples with a square floor plan, there are also a few temple buildings on a transverse rectangular floor plan; the umbrella dome is enlarged there to form a transverse canopy, which often resembles a building.

The Brihadishvara Temple in Thanjavur (completed in 1010) with its 61 m high Vimana is considered the highlight of the development of Vimana architecture . In the course of the further development of the Dravida style, the vimanas lost their visual importance in favor of the ever-increasing gopurams (gate towers above the entrances to the temple area enclosed by a wall).