India and southeast Asia
Ancient Indian architecture was significantly influenced by powerful religious movements such as Buddhism, Brahmanism, and Hinduism. Together, these traditions produced a rich and sensuous architectural style that beautifully balances the earthly with the divine. A deep appreciation for nature and craftsmanship is evident throughout, reflected in intricate carvings of animals and erotic statuary that adorn various structures. This harmonious blend of spirituality and artistry creates a unique aesthetic that showcases the cultural and religious heritage of ancient India.
Ruwanveliseya Dagebra, Anuradhapura, - Sri Lanka
This majestic dagoba, or Buddhist stupa, stands 330 feet high and was constructed by King Dutugemunu. The foundations were formed using rocks brought in by soldiers, which were then trampled by elephants to ensure their stability. The stupa itself is made of bricks covered in a rough cement, which provided a solid base. Over this, layers of copper, resin dissolved in coconut water, arsenic dissolved in sesame oil, and sheets of silver were applied, enhancing both its durability and its visual splendor. This intricate construction reflects the remarkable craftsmanship and dedication to spiritual significance in ancient Sri Lankan architecture.
Chaitya Hall, Karli, Maharashtra, - Western India
A chaitya hall is a Buddhist temple carved into a rock face that houses a stupa, and this particular hall is thought to be the largest in India, serving as a remarkable example of this architectural style. Visitors enter through a beautifully carved horseshoe-shaped entrance adorned with 50-foot columns crowned with lions, flanked by intricate carvings of elephants. Beyond this softly lit anteroom lies a truly mysterious nave, complete with aisles lined with bulbous columns topped with bell-shaped capitals. This tradition of rock-cut temples and tombs extends from Persia and can also be found at Petra, showcasing the interconnectedness of ancient architectural practices across different cultures.
Parasurameshvara temple, Bhubaneshawar, Orissa - Northern India
The temple is dedicated to Shiva, one of the three great Hindu gods, and its design heralds the beginning of a long tradition of temples characterized by vegetable-inspired forms that resemble towers. These structures are encrusted with layer upon layer of richly articulated stone carvings, showcasing the intricate artistry and craftsmanship of the period. The complex construction, which seamlessly unites structure and decoration, is imbued with symbolic religious meanings, reflecting the spiritual significance and cultural heritage of Hindu architecture. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the temple but also deepens its connection to the beliefs and values of the faith.
The Khajuraho - India
The Khajuraho temple site is regarded as a spiritual destination, despite the unusual and often provocative nature of its carved decorations. The temples discovered here are indeed spectacular, featuring a cluster of sandstone towers intricately carved with graphic depictions of acrobatic lovers. These sculptures showcase the artistic mastery of the period and explore themes of love and intimacy, while also reflecting the broader spiritual and philosophical beliefs of the time. The combination of intricate craftsmanship and bold imagery contributes to Khajuraho’s unique character and enduring significance in Indian cultural heritage.
The Lakshmana temple - India
The Lakshmana Temple, dating from 930, is the most elaborately carved of all the temples at Khajuraho. Measuring approximately 98 feet wide and 82 feet high, it features graphic scenes of orgies, with some depictions even set against the backdrop of hunting parties. The playful antics of the lovers are overseen by dozens of naked or scantily clad “apsaras,” or heavenly maidens, who serve to remind viewers that these erotic sculptures are part of sacred spaces meant for worship. This combination of intricate artistry and bold themes highlights the temple’s role in celebrating both the divine and the human experience.
Brihadeshvara temple (Great temple), Tanjore - India
Built during the Chola Empire of Tamil Nadu in southern India, this magnificent temple is said to have been conceived by giants and completed by skilled jewelers. It is crowned by a towering 13-story structure that rises to 217 feet. The temple has been described by Indian art historian B. Venkataraman as “a sculptor’s dream, a historian’s mine, a dancer’s vision, a painter’s delight, and a sociologist’s scoop rolled into one.” This description captures the temple’s intricate artistry, historical significance, and cultural richness, making it a remarkable testament to the achievements of the Chola dynasty and its enduring influence on Indian architecture and art.
Jain temple, Ranakpur - India
This remote three-story white marble temple, the most ambitious structure built by the Jains, is renowned not only for its scale but also for the intricacy of its design. Adorned with rows of small attendant shrines and captivating carvings, the interior of the temple is a treasure trove featuring an impressive 1,444 carved columns. These columns support more domes than one might find in an entire Baroque city, arranged in such a way as to provide glimpses in all directions of the statues representing the first Jain. This remarkable interplay of light and sculpture enhances the spiritual ambiance of the temple, making it a significant pilgrimage site and a masterpiece of Jain architecture.
Potala Palace, Lhasa - Tibet
This monastery is a rare example of traditional Tibetan architecture harmoniously blended with Indian and Chinese aesthetics. Comprising 13 stories, it is divided into two parts: the White Palace and the Red Palace. Externally, the structure is imposing, featuring grand sloping walls, golden roofs, bell towers, and watchtowers that contribute to its majestic appearance. Inside, the palace houses richly decorated sanctuaries and state rooms, with one notable room supported by 50 intricately carved columns. This blend of architectural styles and lavish interiors makes the monastery a remarkable representation of the cultural and artistic heritage of the region.
Pre Rup temple, Siem Reap - Cambodia
The dusky red “temple-mountain” of Pre Rup symbolizes Mount Meru, the home of the Hindu gods. Crafted primarily from brick and stone in the late 10th century, it was built as the state temple for the Khmer king Rajendravarman II. The temple features a three-tiered stepped pyramid crowned with five towers.
The lowest tier hosts a dozen small sanctuary towers that face east, each containing lingas, which are symbolic representations of the deity Shiva. The third tier, constructed from sandstone, is adorned with intricate carvings, showcasing the artistry of the period. Ascending the pyramid are two stairways flanked by stone lions, adding to the grandeur and spiritual significance of this remarkable architectural achievement.
Shwe Dagon Pagoda, Rangoon - Burma
Built and rebuilt over many centuries, the pagoda is a solid stupa, or reliquary shrine, dedicated to the Buddha, influenced by both Chinese and Indian architectural and religious traditions. Unlike many other structures, it has no interior space; instead, it serves as a monumental representation of spiritual significance. The pagoda features four doors, which are traditionally believed to be protected by mysterious passageways hidden within its walls. This enigmatic design adds to the allure and reverence of the structure, emphasizing its role as a sacred site in the Buddhist tradition.
Pha That Luang, Vientiane - Laos
This Buddhist stupa, known as Pha That Luang, is the most significant historic monument in Laos. According to legend, it was founded in the 3rd century BCE to enshrine a breastbone of the Buddha. Although a Khmer monastery existed at this site in the 12th century, the current shrine dates back to 1566, when King Setthathirat relocated his capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Covered in gold leaf, the stupa has a rich history, having been plundered by invaders from Burma, Siam (now Thailand), and China over the centuries. Its majestic presence continues to symbolize Lao nationalism and Buddhist heritage.