Temple architecture is one of the most ancient forms of art, which created monumental constructions that make one involuntarily feel a certain feeling, if not reverence for the creators, then certainly gratitude and enthusiasm for such magnificent constructions to which a man had his hand. The temples are similar, but each one is unique.
Religious 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 or another faith. The main purpose of this kind of building is to create an environment that favors spiritual thought.
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 sacrifices and mysterious rituals. Classical Greek and Roman architecture sought to create majestic sanctuaries of worship of the gods of Olympus.
India did not know the temples, worship of nature and spirit did not require walls. However, religious buildings nevertheless arose. The traditions of Indian temple-building were largely dictated by the influence of colonization and were saturated with elements introduced 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 varieties, among which one can distinguish viharas, or ascetic shelters of wandering monks, and stupas, designed to protect and calm the relics of the Buddha himself. According to Indian beliefs, the temple building should include the necessary elements of the universe, that is, combine the best traditions of astronomy and geometry, obey the principles of ascension and be decorated with numerous decorative elements and ornaments.
Byzantium and Islamic traditions
Byzantine architecture brought fashion to the use of bricks, classic shapes and complex rounded domes, combined with the correct geometric shape of the structure itself. Under the influence of this direction, many monumental constructions of the Middle East were built, which is why the temples of the Islamic cult are distinguished by such elements as numerous arches and arches.
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 district.
Christian temples
The basis of Christian architecture was the so-called plan of the cross with the obligatory presence of the altar, located in the east direction, such structures require the presence of domes designed to draw attention to the altar.
The striking representatives of Gothic architecture are the majestic European cathedrals, and the classic Renaissance temple buildings again return to the clear lines of Roman temples, made with great geometric precision.
Baroque style is marked by huge internal spaces designed to emphasize the play of light and shadow, to focus on the beauty of frescoes and the artfully created interior.
Thus, it becomes clear that no matter what era or religious denomination the temple belongs from the point of view of architecture and art, it carries a huge historical and social burden and is of great universal and historical value.
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