1. Nagara Style (North Indian Style):

• Location: Predominantly found in North India.
• Key Features:
• Shikhara: Tall, curvilinear tower that gradually converges to a point.
• Garbhagriha: Sanctum sanctorum housing the main deity.
• Mandapa: Pillared hall for devotees.
• Pradakshina Patha: Circumambulatory path around the garbhagriha.
• Panchayatana Layout: Main shrine surrounded by four subsidiary shrines.
• Sub-Styles:
• Odisha Style: Characterized by the Rekha Deula (curvilinear tower), Jagamohan (assembly hall), Natamandira (dance hall), and Bhoga Mandapa (hall of offerings). Example: Jagannath Temple, Puri.
• Khajuraho Style: Known for its intricate carvings and the blending of architecture with sculptures. Example: Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh.
• Solanki Style (Gujarat): Features stepped tanks (kunds) and detailed carvings. Example: Sun Temple, Modhera.

2. Dravida Style (South Indian Style):

• Location: Predominant in South India.
• Key Features:
• Vimana: Tower above the garbhagriha, typically pyramidal in shape.
• Gopuram: Monumental gateway towers, highly ornamented.
• Mandapa: Pillared halls.
• Garbhagriha: Sanctum.
• Amalaka and Kalasha: Crowning elements.
• Enclosure Walls: Temples are often enclosed by high walls.
• Water Tank: A sacred tank within the temple complex.
• Examples: Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur; Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai.

3. Vesara Style (Hybrid Style):

• Location: Deccan region (Karnataka).
• Key Features: A blend of Nagara and Dravida styles.
• Combination of a curvilinear shikhara (Nagara) and a pyramidal vimana (Dravida).
• Detailed carvings and sculptures.
• Pillared halls.
• Examples: Kashivishvanatha Temple, Pattadakal; Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu.

4. Other Regional Styles:

• Hoysala Architecture: Found in Karnataka, characterized by intricate carvings, stellate platforms, and multiple shrines. Example: Chennakesava Temple, Belur.
• Vijayanagara Architecture: Features towering gopurams, intricately carved pillars, and large mandapas. Example: Vitthala Temple, Hampi.
• Kerala Architecture: Distinctive sloping roofs, use of laterite and wood, and emphasis on natural light. Example: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.