Question 1

What is Kerala Temple architecture style?

Accepted Answer

Characterized by its unique adaptation of Dravidian principles within the Kerala region, featuring sloping roofs, intricate woodwork, and a harmonious integration with the natural landscape.

Question 2

Where is Kerala Temple architecture style architecture found?

Accepted Answer

Kerala Temple architecture style architecture is primarily found in Kerala. There are 3 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

Question 3

When was Kerala Temple architecture style architecture used?

Accepted Answer

Kerala Temple architecture style architecture was used during 8th century CE onwards. It is associated with the Chera Dynasty, Travancore Royal Family, Chera dynasty, Travancore dynasty, Cochin Royal Family, Zamorin of Calicut, Cochin dynasty dynasty/period.

Question 4

What materials are used in Kerala Temple architecture style architecture?

Accepted Answer

Kerala Temple architecture style architecture typically uses Laterite stone, Wood, Granite, Clay tiles. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Question 5

Which heritage sites use Kerala Temple architecture style architecture?

Accepted Answer

There are 3 heritage sites documented with Kerala Temple architecture style architecture. 3 sites use this as their primary architectural style. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Title	Kerala Temple architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 3 heritage sites) Rare 4.5/5(Based on 3 heritage sites)
Description	Characterized by its unique adaptation of Dravidian principles within the Kerala region, featuring sloping roofs, intricate woodwork, and a harmonious integration with the natural landscape.
Also Known As	Dravidian Religious Sloping roofs intricate carvings. Kerala Dravidian Architecture Pandyan Architecture Chola Architecture influences (minor) West Coast Temple Style of Kerala Vernacular Kerala Architecture Tulu Nadu Temple Architecture influences (minor) Forest Temple Tradition of Kerala Kerala Ayyappa Temple Adaptation Kerala Temple Architecture Diaspora Adaptation Pilgrimage Infrastructure Kerala Traditional Temple Architecture Adapted to Reinforced Concrete Shell Kerala Temple Vernacular Warehouse-to-Chuttambalam Transformation
Tags	Kerala architecture Dravida Temple architecture Charu-padi Nalukettu Vasthu Shastra Dravida architecture Laterite construction Wood carving Koothambalam Vastu Shastra Thantra-Samuchaya Daruvidya Kerala mural paintings Kuttambalam
Style ID	`INHF-STY-9556376886-09:19:13:21:01:23:KTAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/kerala-temple-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/kerala-temple-architecture-style`
Total Sites	3
Primary Sites	3
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

Time Periods	8th century CE onwards
Dynasties	Chera Dynasty Travancore Royal Family Chera dynasty Travancore dynasty Cochin Royal Family Zamorin of Calicut Cochin dynasty

Sacred Contexts	Hindu temples Sacred groves Bhagavathi temples Ayyappan shrines Ayyappan temples
Associated Deities	Sastha Ayyappan Durga Naga deities Bhagavathi Shiva Vishnu

Primary Materials	Laterite stone Wood Granite Clay tiles
Architectural Features	Sloping roofs (charu-padi) Gable windows (gavaksha) Courtyards (nalukettu) Prakaram (outer enclosure) Koothambalam (theatre hall) Namaskara Mandapam Sloping roofs Gabled entrances (Gopurams) Nalukettu (inner courtyard) Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) Koothambalam (temple theatre) Gopuram Chuttambalam Nalambalam Sreekovil Koothambalam

Title	Type	Notes
Kerala Architecture: A Comprehensive Study	book
The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent	Book	General overview of Indian temple architecture.
The Art and Architecture of the Kerala Temple	Book

Kerala Temple architecture style

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Heritage Sites (3)

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How to Identify Kerala Temple architecture style

Frequently Asked Questions

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Sabarimala Sastha Temple Pathanamthitta	Primary	100%
Shree Ayyappa Seva Sangam Temple Durban	Primary	100%
Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE	Primary	100%