Bhumija Temple Architecture

Bhumija is a Sanskrit word that literally means "from ground, earth, land".It is one of the fourteen styles of north Indian Nagara temple architecture discussed in Aparajitaprccha – another Hindu text on architecture published in the 12th-century.

In architectural context, the Bhumija style is discussed in chapter 65 of the Samarangana Sutradhara (Samarangana Sutradhara, sometimes referred to as Samarāṅgaṇasūtradhāra, is an 11th-century poetic treatise on Vastu Shastra written in Sanskrit language attributed to Paramara King Bhoja of Dhar).

The features of this Bhumija model is, we can count the teirs as well as srungas in this Shikhara..!!!
This is three tiered vruttaka variety, with octogonal ground plan. Srunga models appear in diminishing size, one above the other like a Haara/garland in the Shikhara proper. Initial Bhumija model is seen evolved from Phansana type with a tapering band introduced in the middle, at Bhadra portion of shikhara. It is evidenced in Shankareswara , Belur.

North Indian temple architecture is marked by how the rotating square-circle principle is applied to construct the shikhara (superstructure or spire) on top of the sanctum. Invented about the 10th-century in the Malwa region of central India (west Madhya Pradesh and southeast Rajasthan) during the Paramara dynasty rule, it is found in Hindu and Jain temples. Most early and elegant examples are found in and around the Malwa region, but this design is also found in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Deccan

This is Shankareswara temple found by the side of Mudigere road, in Belur. A simple Phansana structure, with seven tiers of kapota rows succeeded by Vedi, ghanta and kalasha. The special frsture is, the presence of tapering band on the Bhadra bhaga, more found in Bhumija structures. The pitha portion is also simple with minimum staras, but with kumbha, a characteristic feature of Bhumija Vimana. This shikhara model is extensively used in srunga malikas in Bhumija temples at Turuvekere and Nuggehally...

This is Bhumija Vimana model displayed on either sides of Jagati steps in front of entrance to Belur Chennakeshava temple on all the three sides. These models are found on either sides of the entrance also on all the three sides. Technically they are called as "balanaka". These Bhumija shikhara models are also displayed on Jangha as well as on pitha portion in the same temple as a part of ornamentation. Scholars are of the opinion, that the temple originally had this type of shikhara on its sanctum sanctorum...
By Prabhakar Manevarthe

Source — taken from different websites and post to make one crisp article on Bhumija