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Difficulty: EasyCultural Heritage, Art, Architecture, Bhakti and Sufi Movements

In ancient and medieval Indian temple architecture, what does the term 'Panchayatana' layout specifically refer to?

  1. A main central temple shrine surrounded by four smaller subsidiary shrines.Answer
  2. B
    A temple structure built exclusively using five distinct horizontal layers of stone block masonry.
  3. C
    A hybrid temple design incorporating architectural elements from five distinct regional royal dynasties.
  4. D
    A temple sanctuary housing five separate assembly halls (mandapas) dedicated to administrative council meetings.

Answer

The term 'Panchayatana' refers to a temple layout where a main central shrine is surrounded by four smaller subsidiary shrines.
In classical Indian temple architecture (especially within the Nagara style), the Panchayatana plan consists of one primary temple shrine containing the main deity positioned at the center, surrounded by four smaller subsidiary shrines situated at the corners of a rectangular platform. Notable examples include the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh and the Lakshmana Temple at Khajuraho.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the etymology and architectural definition of the term 'Panchayatana'.
The word is derived from Sanskrit 'Pancha' (meaning five) and 'Ayatana' (meaning abode or shrine).
Understanding the Sanskrit origin helps identify the exact count of shrines involved in the layout design.
2
Identify the structural arrangement of the shrines in this architectural style.
The principal deity resides in the central larger temple shrine, while four lesser deities are housed in four smaller shrines located at the corners of the plinth.
This five-shrine ground plan (such as seen at the Kandariya Mahadeva temple in Khajuraho or the Dashavatara temple in Deogarh) is the defining feature of Panchayatana architecture.

Key Concept

Panchayatana Style of Temple Architecture
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Topics

Cultural Heritage, Art, Architecture, Bhakti and Sufi Movements

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