The document discusses the geometry of Hindu temples. It explains that many Hindu temples are based on sacred geometry and fractal patterns. The temples typically have spires that follow geometric shapes and patterns. The most common design is the vastu-purusha-mandala grid layout, which divides the temple area into a symmetrical pattern of squares based on Hindu philosophical concepts. Geometry plays an important role in the design of Hindu temples and helps represent religious concepts through mathematical shapes and precision.

1. TEMPLE
GEOMETRY
Presented by: Sadaf Zamir
Shjee Ali
Talha Islam

2. INTRODUCTION
• Temples are of different sizes populated by sculptures and images of
deities, animals, mythical beings and varied symbols to create a distinctive
visual and spiritual experience. Not all Hindu temples are based on sacred
geometry but many are.
• The temple is a fractal part of the whole of Hinduism, and that the use of
fractal geometry has a special symbolic meaning in the forms of Hindu
temples. Like the whole is reflected and celebrated in each part!

3. IMPORTANCE
• Traditionally, temples have been the most prominent religious
institution in India and fractals form an integral part of those
temples. A single gaze at a temple and you will find fractal-like
spires (shikharas) or a tower surrounded by smaller towers,
surrounded by still smaller towers, and so on, for eight or more
levels. Each part of the facade is designed to look like a
miniature reproduction of the whole.

4. TYPICAL COMPONENTS

5. •Thanjavur: Thanjavur is known to be the stronghold
of Tamil culture during the 11thcentury, when Raja Raja
I of Chola Kingdom built magnificent temples around
the region. In total, Cholas built 70 temples in
Thanjavus, with Brihadeswara being the most beautiful
one, it is also known as the Big temple and is now a
UNESCO world heritage site.
EXAMPLES

6. •Meenakshi Temple,
Madurai:Ancient
Madurai was one of
the biggest religious
and cultural centers of
India, and it is also the
home to the most
impressive temples of
South India. temple
complex is spread over
15 acress, with 4500
pillars and 12 towers.

7. IMPORTANCE OF GEOMETRY IN
HINDU TEMPLES
• In Hindu temple architecture,
geometry plays a vital and enigmatic
role
• Geometry of a plan starts with a
line, forming an angle,evolving a
triangle, then a square and
distinctively a circle and so on,
ultimately deriving complex forms.
• The occurrence of complexity,
results into self similarity and
further leads into the occurrence of
fractal geometry

8. • Geometry is a disciplined field and the
fractal follows it
• Both of them have definite paths
• The role of fractal theory in basic
geometry is shown

9. • A Hindu temple has a Shikhara (Vimana
or Spire) that rises symmetrically above
the central core of the temple. These
spires come in many designs and
shapes, but they all have mathematical
precision and geometric symbolism. One
of the common principles found in Hindu
temple spires is circles and turning-
squares theme (left), and a concentric
layering design (right) that flows from
one to the other as it rises towards the
sky.

10. GRID PLANNING
• The 8x8 (64) grid Manduka
Hindu Temple Floor Plan,
according to
Vastupurusamandala. The 64
grid is the most sacred and
common Hindu temple
template. The bright saffron
center, where diagonals
intersect above, represents the
Purusha of Hindu philosophy.

11. THE GEOMETRY OF HINDU TEMPLE
Vastupurashamandala is the square which represents the Earth and
represents the universe suggesting timelessness and infinity
The mandala is actually the square divided into smaller squares
arranged in the form of a grid. Each smaller square depicts the area
of the respective Gods. The most commonly used mandala is the
square subdivided into 64 and 81 squares

12. A Hindu temple design follows a geometrical design called vastu-
purusha-mandala. The name is a composite Sanskrit word with three
of the most important components of the plan. Mandala means
circle, Purusha is universal essence at the core of Hindu tradition, i.e
energy, power, soul. while Vastu means the dwelling structure.The
design lays out a Hindu temple in a symmetrical, self-repeating
structure derived from central beliefs, myths, cardinality and
mathematical principles.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF TEMPLE GEOMETRY

13. Vastuprushamandala
Mandala

15. CONCLUSION
• Beginning with humble caves and squat flat-roofed temples, Hindu
temple architecture, then, evolved over the centuries and, despite
some regional variation, arrived at a standard arrangement which
involved a huge walled complex with massive decorative gateways
giving entrance to a sacred space of lesser shrines dominated by
the main temple and its monumental series of towers followed by
geometry.

16. REFERENCES
1.Angkor Temple Guide. 2008. Retrieved 31 October 2010.
2. Meister, Michael (1983). "Geometry and Measure in Indian Temple Plans:
Rectangular Temples". Artibus Asiae. 44 (4): 266–296. George Michell (1988),
The Hindu Temple: An Introduction to Its Meaning and Forms, University of
Chicago Press, Chapter 1
3. The Hindu Temple, Vol 1, Motilal Banarsidass,
4. 4. Adam HardyThe Temple Architecture of IndiaChichester, UK: John
Wiley &
5.https://www.ancient.eu/Hindu_Architecture/
6. http://drjitendraastro.com/en/hindu-temple-their-vastu/