Hindu Temple
A Mandir, Kovil, Devalayam, Deul or a Hindu temple is a place of worship for followers of Hinduism. A characteristic of most temples is the presence of murtis (statues) 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 sattvik places and make it easier to contemplate God.
Read more about Hindu Temple: Nomenclature, Orthography and Etymology, History, Architecture and Alignment, Altars, Temple Tanks (Kalyani), Customs and Etiquette, North Indian Temples, South Indian Temples, Temples in Orissa, Temples of Goa and Other Konkani Temples, Temples in West Bengal and Bangaladesh, Hindu Temples in Cambodia and Outside South Asia, Temples in Indonesia, Temple Management and Erosion of Autonomy By Control of States and Law
Famous quotes containing the word temple:
“If one doubts whether Grecian valor and patriotism are not a fiction of the poets, he may go to Athens and see still upon the walls of the temple of Minerva the circular marks made by the shields taken from the enemy in the Persian war, which were suspended there. We have not far to seek for living and unquestionable evidence. The very dust takes shape and confirms some story which we had read.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)