Sacred Spaces: Hinduism

"Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions. It originated in the beliefs and practices of various civilizations and cultures that lived in the Indus River Valley more than 3,000 years ago ... "

The architectural style of Hindu temples has developed over thousands of years, and has played a major role in the maintenance of Hindu traditions and beliefs. Most art and design elements in Hindu culture are religious in nature or at the very least possess strong religious influences. For this reason, Hindu architecture and design has been characterized by a strong trend toward conservatism. Many design elements that can be traced back to the earliest periods of recorded history are still used, centuries or even millennia later, because of the importance placed by Hinduism on adhering to tradition and incorporating it into all aspects of daily life. Some of the stylized archways found in many temples had their origin in designs that were required by the building materials available thousands of years ago; even though superior materials are now widely available, the style remains in use because of the long history associated with it.

"Hindu architecture evolved over the centuries from simple rock-cut cave shrines to massive and ornate temples which spread across the Indian sub-continent and beyond, forming a canonical style which is still adhered to today in modern Hindu temples across the globe ... "

"The Lakshmana temple was the first of several temples built by the Chandella kings in their newly-created capital of Khajuraho. Between the 10th and 13th centuries, the Chandellas patronized artists, poets, and performers, and built irrigation systems, palaces, and numerous temples out of sandstone ... "

"Hindu gods and goddesses are understood to be active forces in the world. Through a variety of rituals, they are made present to their devotees. Usually, although not exclusively, they are made present in temples ... "