Antarala

As Antarala is in the north Indian Nagara style of architecture, a small-scale, double-sided closed vestibule, which is sometimes also characterized as a vestibule, called a temple just before the Cella ( garbhagriha ).

History

The first free-standing temples in India ( Gupta temple ) known only laterally open porches ( mandapas ). In a few temples but the entrance was extended outward - at first almost imperceptibly ( Parvati temple at Nachna, 460 ), but then clearly ( Shiva Temple N ° 2 in Mahua, 670 ). Both at some temples in Naresar (about 700-725 ) and the Ramesvara Mahadeva temple in Amrol (about 750 ) and the Teli -ka- Mandir in Gwalior (about 770) are Stems ( antaralas ) can be clearly seen which have remained in most subsequent and much more structured temples and both the Sanctum ( garbhagriha ) as well as with the porch ( mandapa ) an architectural link received. Already at the Kalika Mata Temple in Chittorgarh (about 700 ), then later in the Chandella temples of Khajuraho ( 10-11. Century ) development has progressed so far that the area of the temple almost solely of mandapas to seems to exist and the antarala in exterior barely makes its appearance; also inside the temple, it is hardly perceptible as an independent structure.

Function

Had the hallway ( antarala ) originally, it was this necessity of the laterally open porches ( mandapas ) assumed the function of a heat and rain protection for the visitors of the temple, which yes the actual sanctum were not allowed to enter better and especially large area. Still remained the antarala get even with the later temples of northern India; usually two or three steps were integrated in it, leading up to something higher Cella ( garbhagriha ) with its cult image or Lingam.