Temple architecture is one of the most ancient forms of art that has created monumental structures that make you involuntarily feel a certain feeling, if not reverence for the creators, then certainly gratitude and admiration for such majestic structures to which a person has put his hand. The temples are similar, but each one is unique.
Cult religious buildings, or temples, have changed under the influence of time, tastes, goals, architectural trends, but they, of course, are based on the basic principles professed by one faith or another. The main purpose of a building of this kind is to create an environment conducive to spiritual reflection.
Oriental temple architecture
The temple architecture of Ancient Egypt tried to recreate a certain abode of the gods, giving such buildings the appearance of a place for performing sacrifices and performing mysterious rituals. Classical Greek and Roman architecture aspired to create magnificent sanctuaries for the worship of the gods of Olympus.
India did not know temples, worship of nature and spirit did not require walls. However, religious buildings still emerged. The traditions of Indian temple building were largely dictated by the influence of colonization and are saturated with elements brought from the outside in combination with local beliefs and traditions.
Indian temples have two different directions - nagara and dravida, differing in the types of entrance installations and domes.
Buddhist temples are divided into two main types, among which one can distinguish viharas, or ascetic shelters of wandering monks, and stupas, designed to protect and rest the relics of the Buddha himself. According to Indian beliefs, the temple building should include the obligatory elements of the Universe, that is, combine the best traditions of astronomy and geometry, obey the principles of ascent and be decorated with numerous decorative elements and ornaments.
Byzantium and Islamic traditions
Byzantine architecture brought fashion to the use of bricks, classic outlines and intricate rounded domes, combined with the correct geometric shape of the building itself. Under the influence of this trend, many monumental structures of the Middle East were built, which is why the temples of the Islamic cult are distinguished by such elements as numerous arches and vaults.
One of the characteristic features of Islamic temples is the presence of narrow towers, minarets, which are not only the highest point of the mosque, but sometimes the highest element of the entire area.
Christian temples
The basis of Christian architecture was the so-called plan of the cross with the obligatory presence of an altar located in the east direction; such structures presuppose the obligatory presence of domes designed to draw attention to the altar.
European majestic cathedrals are striking representatives of Gothic architecture, and the classic temple buildings of the Renaissance again return to the clear lines of Roman temples, made with great geometric precision.
The Baroque style is marked by huge interior spaces designed to emphasize the play of light and shadow, to emphasize the beauty of the frescoes and the skillfully created interior.
Thus, it becomes clear that no matter what era or religious denomination the temple belongs to in terms of architecture and art, it carries a huge historical and social load and is of great universal and historical value.
