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Hindu Temple

Definition

A Hindu temple is a place of worship and spiritual practice for followers of Hinduism. It is typically dedicated to one or more deities and serves as a sacred space for rituals, prayers, and religious ceremonies.

Analogy

Imagine a Hindu temple as a grand mansion with multiple rooms, each room representing a different deity. Just like how people visit different rooms in the mansion for different purposes, Hindus visit different areas within the temple to connect with specific gods or goddesses.

Related terms

Murti: In Hindu temples, murtis are statues or images that represent various deities. They serve as physical embodiments of the divine and are worshipped by devotees.

Puja: Puja refers to the ritualistic worship performed by Hindus in temples. It involves offering prayers, flowers, incense, and food to the deities as a way of showing devotion.

Garbhagriha: Also known as the sanctum sanctorum, garbhagriha is the innermost chamber of a Hindu temple where the main deity resides. It symbolizes the womb-like space from which creation emerges.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.