Long interested in Hindu Art and Architecture, I'm always looking to learn more. My mom's family lived in India when she was young, as my grandfather had a Fulbright. So I've grown up with art, stories, and photos from India. There's something about Hindu architecture that calls to me - the lines, purpose, and, of course, location!

I've got an extraordinary resource to share with you today on Hindu Architecture. Approach Guides is one of our favorite travel guides. They dig deeply into the culture of a place, and fully explore a topic. My latest favorite of their extensive line of cultural guidebooks is Indian Art & Architecture: Hindu.

In this downloadable travel guide, Approach Guides share the historical origins of Hindu Architecture, the role of Hindu cosmology in the arrangement of the temple structure, and both the shared and unique characteristic elements of the two primary Hindu temple styles (Northern & Southern), and finish with a brief review of Hindu sculpture (as a decoration for temples), both stone and bronze styles.

The guide starts with Hindu architecture - the history (inspired by Egypt and Mesopotamia) and the influence of Buddhist architecture. What was most interesting to me was the Northern vs. Southern Indian Traditions and timeline...

The guide also delves into the Key Elements of Hindu Architecture
* Architecture enables the practice of the Hindu Faith
* Hindu cosmology plays a role in the layout and decoration of the temple
* Temple layout and chief structural components
* Structural innovation rejected
* Carving of surface ornamentation is the chief visual language of the architect and perhaps the most defining element of India Hindu architecture

One of the most important sections, to me, is the explanation of Northern and Southern Styles. These include architectural tradition, floorplans, convex towers, arch elements, decorative elements, porches and balconies, pyramidal towers, dome-shaped roof forms, eaves and parapets, halls, and more. Each one of these is explained in-depth and are highly educational.

Khajuraho Temple, India

The guide then moves on to Hindu sculpture. Starting with the Origins of Hindu sculpture (actually Buddhist in religious orientation), the guide then notes that they were influenced by Hellenistic invaders, Gandharan and Mathuran Styles, and then leads to the "Golden Age" of the Hindu Gupta Empire. From the forms and styles, the guide also discusses the techniques of casting the sculptures. An important section was about Buddhist and Jain Figures under the Cholas. I had no idea of the history of these, and was glad to learn it.

I was very impressed with this in-depth guide to Hindu art and architecture. I learned so much and have become even MORE intrigued! The photos in the guide only serve to whet your appetite - I'm planning a trip to India now, with definite stops for Hindu art and architecture. We've been extremely impressed with Approach Guides - and even more so with this particular guide. It's a travel guide for people who love to dig deep and learn about a culture.

Related ApproachGuides
• “A Walk Through Khajuraho” (northern temple style explored)
• “South Indian Dynasties' Hindu Architectural Legacy” (southern temple style explored)
• “Indian Art & Architecture: Buddhist”
• “Religion: Hinduism”

NOTE: Approach Guides sent us a review copy of Indian Art & Architecture: Hindu. Thanks!