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Hindu Temple

Religions of the World: Hinduism (1998 Film)

100px-Om.svgHindu History

Mandir is a temple for followers of Hinduism. A characteristic of most temples is the presence of murtis (idols) of the Hindu deity to whom the temple is dedicated. They are usually dedicated to one primary deity, the presiding deity, and other deities associated with the main deity. However, some temples are dedicated to several deities, and others are dedicated to murtis in an iconic form. Many temples are in key geographical points, such as a hill top, near waterfalls, caves and rivers, as these are, according to Hinduism, worship places and make it easier to contemplate God.

Etymology

The Tamil word Koil(Tamil Nadu) or Kovil(Sri Lanka) translates into ‘The King’s House’ (Ko = king il = residence) and is used to refer to a distinct style of Hindu temple with Dravidian architecture.

In Sanskrit, the word mandira means housepalacetemple.

Nomenclature and Orthography

The Brihadeshwara temple, also known as Rajarajeswaram, India’s largest temple and part of the UNESCO World Heritage SiteGreat Living Chola Temples.”

The following are the other names by which temple is referred to in India:

In Southeast Asia temples known as:

History

The oldest temples, built of brick and wood, no longer exist. Stone later became the preferred material. Temples marked the transition of the Vedic religion to Hinduism. Archaeoastronomy in India provides us with crucial clues to the evolution of the temple and its many cultural functions.

An early description of the temple plan is in the Brihat Samhita of Varahamihira. In the standard square plan, a vastu-purusa-mandala of 64 or 81 squares was first drawn.

Mandir construction and mode of worship is governed by several Sanskrit scriptures called agamas, which deal with individual deities. There are substantial differences in architecture, customs, rituals and traditions in temples in different parts of India.  During the consecration of a temple the presence of Brahman is invoked into the main deity of the temple, making the deity and temple sacred.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_temple

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