Brief notes on the types of temples in India on the basis of their characteristics

1. Temples are found in almost every part of our country.

2. These may be of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains or Sikhs. These may be plain and simple or highly ornate and complex.

3. These have distinct features and characteristics in different areas and periods, materials available for the construction or specific religious requirements.

4. Examples vary from a single shrine or temple dedicated to a single deity or to temple complexes enshrining several gods and goddesses besides the main deity.

5. On the basis of the characteristic features or forms, temples are classified into three main types.

6. Nagara, Dravida and Vesara.

7. The Northern style is known as the Nagara.

8. The southern style as the Dravida.

9. The Chalukyan style as the vesara which combines the first two styles.