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How do North Indian and South Indian temple designs differ?

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North Indian and South Indian temple designs differ primarily in their structural form, ornamentation, and the architectural emphasis of their components.

Superstructure and Spire

North Indian (Nagara): Characterized by the shikhara, a curvilinear or rectilinear tower above the sanctum (garbhagriha). The latina style is typically curvilinear, while the phamsana style is rectilinear. These towers are often topped by a large grooved disk called an amalasaraka.12
South Indian (Dravida): Features the kutina type of tower, which is pyramidal and composed of gradually receding, stepped stories. Instead of a grooved disk, the tower is crowned by a dome-shaped cupola.234

Layout and Entrance

North Indian: Temples are often raised on a terrace (jagati) and feature a cruciform plan created by graduated projections on the sanctum walls.1
South Indian: Temples are typically enclosed within a rectangular court. A defining feature is the gopura, a massive, barrel-vaulted entrance gateway. Over time, these gateways grew to dominate the complex, often surpassing the main sanctum in size and elaboration.354

Wall Treatment

North Indian: Exterior walls are marked by prominent projections and niches housing mythological sculptures.1
South Indian: Walls are generally segmented by pilasters rather than the deep offsets seen in the north.34