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          Hinduism

          Dating back to several centuries, Hinduism is part of the worlds’ religions. Deities revered in the Hindu religion are Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Devi, and Brahma (Narayanan 53). All of these gods make up the core of Hinduism. The gods also have temples dedicated to them, where they are worshiped, and sacrifices in the form of flowers or food are offered to them either in gratitude or hope for better lives (Narayanan 30). 

          Temple Architecture

          Over the years, Hindu architecture evolved from simple forms into more complex and beautiful forms. Similarly, Hindu temples’ architecture evolved from simple rock or wooden temples to extensive and massive temples. The modern temple assumes a canonical shape that is standard across different temples in the world. Narayanan (76) explains that the style and elements used in these temples are precise and harmonious. Hence, the temple different perspectives. For status, the grid ground plans in their square form, the elaborate sculptures within and around the temple, and the soaring towers. All these come together to make a specific geometric pattern.

          Narayanan (74) adds that a temple is the dwelling place of devalaya, a god in Hinduism. Thus, all temples are sacred, tirtha. This holiness further strengthens the ideology that temples are places where divinity meets humanity. Additionally, each temple must be a grand palace, Prasada. Pujaris, a body or ordained priests, take care of the temples and meet the gods’ needs at the temples. 

          Unique in Hinduism, followers of the religion are not required to go to the temples regularly. However, they frequent the temples on essential occasions or dates. Once at the temple, they walk inside the temple, following a clockwise direction, an action called pradaksina (Narayanan 74). This tradition is regarded as favorable by believers. 

          Durga Temple Aihole.

          According to Ancient History (Cartwright), in Aihole India, Durga Temple was constructed in the 8th century. This temple is dedicated to Shiva. A principal characteristic of the temple is the statues of other Hindu deities on the temple walls. The entrance of the temple has two stairs, and Hindu Goddesses decorate its walls. The temple assumes a traditional Indian shape, Gajaprasta, believed to bring equality to elephants’ back. The womb of the temple has a high tower. The structure of this temple has been preserved in some of the modern temples.

          Gopura and Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

          Ancient History (Cartwright) explains that this temple was constructed in the 12th century and is found in Tamil Nadu. The temple has a Devi shrine with its discrete stone chariot wheels later seen in other subsequent temples. This temple can be described as the middle ground between the old and the new Indian temples’ new architectural styles. Hindu history believes that the temple’s spot was where Shiva once competed with Parvati in a dance. Shiva won, and the story was told from one generation to the next. It follows that the temples divinity was preserved over the years and its architecture duplicated in other temples.

          Brihadishvara Temple, Thanjavur

          Built in the 11th century in Thanjavur, Brihadishvara temple became one of the largest buildings at the time (Ancient History Cartwright). The temple is 65m high. At the entrance, there is a massive Nandi statue, curved from a single rock. This bull is believed to be sacred by the Hindus. The temple is dedicated to god Shiva and is 63 m high. The site of the temple has other secondary shrines that have also been preserved to this date.

          Significance of Hindu Temples

          Narayanan (82) explains that Temples in India have always been a significant part of the spiritual and cultural life of Indians since the early days. The life of the Indian people is centered on Hinduism and the temple. Generally, the temple’s connotation is that it acts as a bridge between the heavens and the earth. In essence, the temple acts as a link between man and the heavens, directing man to a path that would eventually lead him to heaven. 

          According to Ancient History, when Hindus visits a temple or takes part in a pilgrimage, they seek the darshana (Cartwright). This experience is hallmarked by meeting a guru or deity at the temple. In these times, Hindus will recite prayers and chants, singing out loud. They also tell stories about their gods and mediate on using specific holy mantras. Cartwright explains that these are only some of the ways in which Hindus engage in their spiritual and cultural tradition. 

          Religious rituals can also be performed at home (Narayanan 83). These practices at home are essential because they show the family’s devotion and gratitude to a deity. This form of worship is referred to as puja. It follows that the majority of households practicing Hindu will set aside parts of their home space like a shelf or corner and turn it into a shrine. This place will have small pictures or images of the deity or guru. Rituals performed at home more or less correspond to those performed at temples. However, while at home, the rituals are led by the family members as opposed to priests. Their revered deity or guru becomes an honored guest treated with hospitality.