Kandarya Mahadeva

The Kendarya Mahadeva (Lord of Lords) temple, located in Khajuraho, is a beautifully designed structure that exemplifies the northern Hindu style of temple architecture. Unlike the southern temples, the northern style is much more tightly compact and in many cases more of a single structure rather than multiple structures combined to create a single complex. The design of Kendarya Mahadeva temple is an elongated double crucifix and rests on a single platform. The spires are of a design meant to resemble that of the peaks of the Himalayas, home of the Gods. Like many other temples Kendarya Mahadeva temple was originally whitewashed to further resemble the snowy peaks of the mountains but over time has weathered away to reveal the base sandstone that the temple consists of.

  The lines contained in the design of the spires is used to point upwards towards the Heavens. The compact design combined with the repetitive patterns create a sense of energy within the structure which is further strengthened by the arching spire walls. Although the northern temples are much smaller than most of the southern design, Kandarya Mahadeva appears to be much larger than it is because of its high platform and cluster of spires. The steps lead visitors into a large sanctuary containing a Shiva Lingam. The Shiva Lingam is a stone that represents the infinite nature of Shiva and is utilized for prayer and worship within the temple.  

(Image from hartjeff12, Flickr. Source of factual information Art Beyond the West second edition by Kampen O'Riley)

Rajarajeshvara Temple

The Rajarajeshvara Temple or Brihadesvara temple as know by many, is a Hindu temple located at Thanjavur (Tanjore) India which was created for the Hindu deity Shiva around 1000 CE. This magnificient structure was created during the Chola dynasty which at that time was under the rule of Rajaraja I, who ruled c. 985-1014 and was known as the "king of kings." The political conditions of this rule are evident throughout the fortifications surrounding the temple including a moat that encompasses the temple as well as Rajaraja's capital city Thanjavur.

During the Chola dynasty the Rajarajeshvara temple was known to house many scultures of bronz and copper which were to be used during ritual processions. One of this temples many memorable features is the steep thirteen-leveled pyramidal vimana which is topped with a gold-pleated finial. Local legend says that a massive 4.5 mile long ramp was created to roll the top piece into place. This temple is said to represent one of the high points of the southern Indian style with its temple construction.

Image courtesy of Ryan (ryPix) from www.Flickr.com

Source of factual information found from Art Beyond the West Second Edition by Micheal Kampen O'Riley

Kailasanatha Temple

Kailasanatha Temple in Ellora, India is an enormous stone structure carved into the cliff side during the Rashtrakuta dynasty. The towering cliffs surround an excavated area nearly the size of a football field. Excavation of the volcanic rock began in 757 and took 100 years to finish. Kailasanatha Temple was dedicated to Shiva as the Lord of Kailasa. The temple is actually a series of caves that have been carved very ornately into several shrines.
Although the temple was originally white washed to symbolize Shiva's snow-covered mountain, all of the natural stone is currently exposed. As one approaches the temple, they are greeted by a series of columns with intricately sculpted statues lining the bottom of the structure. On the top of the temple there is a set of three rings stacked on top of one another. Perched upon these rings are four bull statues that appear to be surrounding some sort of box. To me it seems like they are guarding the structure for Shiva.
(Image from Flickr, Source of factual information Art Beyond the West Second Edition by Michael Kampen O'Riley)