Boundary Walls: Chola temples were enclosed by tall boundary walls that surrounded the entire temple complex.
Vimana: The vimanas above the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) were designed as stepped pyramids that ascended vertically, rather than curving. Only one vimana was positioned atop the main temple.
Gopuram: The main entrance of the temple featured a towering gateway known as the gopuram.
Panchayatan Style: The temple layout followed the panchayatan style, which included a central temple surrounded by four subsidiary shrines.
Shikhara: The crowning feature of the temple, shaped like an octagon, was called the shikhara.
Antarala: The antarala is a vestibular passageway that connects the assembly hall to the garbhagriha.
Mandap: A mandap is a pillared hall with intricately carved columns and a flat roof.
Sculptures: Statues of Dwaarpals (door guardians), Mithun (mythological creatures), and Yakshas (nature spirits) were placed at the entrance of the garbhagriha.
Water Tank: A water tank located inside the temple precincts was a distinctive feature of the Chola temple architecture.
