---
title: "Latina Shikhara: Nagara Temple Spire | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Latina shikhara is a single-curvilinear spire of Nagara temples, crucial for UPSC GS1 art and culture studies, distinguishing it from other styles."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/latina-shikhara"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Latina shikhara is a curvilinear, single-spired superstructure of the Nagara temple tradition, built on a square plan and crowned by a ribbed amalaka and kalasha.
- How does a Latina shikhara differ from Shekhari and Bhumija spires?
- What distinguishes the Latina shikhara from the Dravida vimana?
- What are the key components of a Latina shikhara?
- Why does the Latina shikhara matter for UPSC GS1 preparation?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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The Archaeological Survey of India cites the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh, built around 500 CE under the Guptas, as among the earliest surviving examples of a Latina shikhara in the Nagara tradition.

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