What is Pandya architecture style?

Pandya architecture, another Dravida sub-style, features towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and a focus on elaborate ornamentation, showcasing the artistic achievements of the Pandya dynasty.

Where is Pandya architecture style architecture found?

Pandya architecture style architecture is primarily found in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh. There are 11 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

When was Pandya architecture style architecture used?

Pandya architecture style architecture was used during 13th-16th century CE, 6th-16th century CE, 6th century CE - 16th century CE, 13th century CE, 14th century CE, 15th century CE, 16th century CE. It is associated with the Pandya, Pandya Dynasty, Early Pandyas, Imperial Pandyas, Later Pandyas dynasty/period.

What materials are used in Pandya architecture style architecture?

Pandya architecture style architecture typically uses Granite, Rock-cut, Stone. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Pandya architecture style architecture?

There are 11 heritage sites documented with Pandya architecture style architecture. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Pandya architecture style | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Title	Pandya architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 11 heritage sites) Uncommon 4.5/5(Based on 11 heritage sites)
Description	Pandya architecture, another Dravida sub-style, features towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and a focus on elaborate ornamentation, showcasing the artistic achievements of the Pandya dynasty.
Also Known As	Dravidian Hindu Temple Architecture with South Indian Shaivite Murugan Architectural Iconographic Influences South Indian Dravidian Architecture Tamil Shaivite Temple Design Murugan Temple Architecture Chola Architecture Pandya Architecture Dravidian Hindu Temple Architecture with South Indian Shaivite Architectural Pallava Architecture Dravidian Temple Sloping pyramidal tower. Dravidian Architecture Kerala Architecture Nayaka Architecture Chola influences (possibly indirect) Local vernacular traditions of Kanyakumari district Possible Pallava influences in some decorative elements South Indian temple architecture (general) Elements of Agama Shastras in temple layout Dravidian Hindu Temple Architecture with South Indian Shakta Architectural Tamil Shakta Temple Design high gopurams ornate carvings. Vijayanagara Architecture Badami Chalukya Architecture Tamil Temple Architecture Dravidian temple architecture high gopurams vast corridors. Nayaka Style Kerala Architecture influences (especially in Gopurams) Chola influences (in sculptures earlier structures) Pallava influences (foundational elements) South Indian Temple Architecture Sloping roof gopuram. Kalinga Architecture Mughal Architecture (minor influence in later additions)
Tags	South Indian temple gopuram sculptural ornamentation Pandya dynasty pillared halls Pandya Gopuram South Indian Temple Madurai Rock-cut Temple architecture Mandapa Pandya Dynasty Tamil Nadu Sculptures Dravida Hinduism Shaivism Temple art South Indian architecture Sculpture Kudavarai Sculptural reliefs Tamilakam Shaiva Vaishnava
Style ID	`INHF-STY-6931353205-23:26:17:31:07:18:PAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/pandya-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/pandya-architecture-style`
Total Sites	11
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

External References

View on Wikidata

Regions

Regions	Tamil Nadu Sri Lanka Karnataka Kerala Andhra Pradesh

Historical Context

Time Periods	13th-16th century CE 6th-16th century CE 6th century CE - 16th century CE 13th century CE 14th century CE 15th century CE 16th century CE
Dynasties	Pandya Pandya Dynasty Early Pandyas Imperial Pandyas Later Pandyas

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Hindu temples Shaiva temples Vaishnava temples Rock-cut shrines
Associated Deities	Shiva Parvati Murugan Vishnu Lakshmi Devi Amman Ganesha Shakti

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Granite Rock-cut Stone
Architectural Features	Gopuram Mandapa Pillared halls Sculptures Gopurams Mandapas Rock-cut temples Gopurams (early forms) Ornamentation Sculptural carvings Intricate carvings Smaller gopurams Rock-cut caves Pillars Prakara

Keywords

Keywords	South Indian temple gopuram sculptural ornamentation Pandya dynasty pillared halls Pandya Gopuram South Indian Temple Madurai Rock-cut Temple architecture Mandapa Pandya Dynasty Tamil Nadu Sculptures Dravida Hinduism Shaivism Temple art South Indian architecture Sculpture Kudavarai Sculptural reliefs Tamilakam Shaiva Vaishnava

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Pandya Art and Architecture	Book	Comprehensive analysis of Pandya artistic traditions.
South Indian Shrines	book	Provides context on temple architecture during the Pandya period.
Temples of South India	book	Overview of South Indian temple architecture.
Indian Architecture (Buddhist, Hindu, Jain)	Book	General overview of Indian temple architecture.
Pandya Country	Book	Exploration of the Pandya kingdom and its cultural heritage.

Heritage Sites (11)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Kathiragama Murugan Temple Monaragala Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Koneswaram Temple Trincomalee Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Kundankuzhi Mahadevar Temple Nagercoil	Secondary	100%
Munneswaram Temple Chilaw Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Naguleswaram Temple Keerimalai Jaffna Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple Nainativu Jaffna Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Jaffna Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Nataraja Temple Chidambaram	Secondary	100%
Ramanathaswamy Temple Rameswaram	Secondary	100%
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Thiruvananthapuram	Secondary	100%
Thiruketheeswaram Temple Mannar Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%

How to Identify Pandya architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Gopuram, Mandapa, Pillared halls.
Verify geographic location: Pandya architecture style architecture is typically found in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
Examine construction materials: Pandya architecture style typically uses Granite and Rock-cut.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 13th-16th century CE.
Compare with documented examples: 11 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Pandya architecture style

External References

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (11)

See Also

Related Materials

Related Features

How to Identify Pandya architecture style

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