Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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.
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.