A country that India is, is absolutely mirrored in its exceedingly rich cultural and historical tradition. And this very wondrous aspect is ornately displayed in its temples. From the magnificent Himalayan mountain ranges in the North, to Kanyakumari in the South, India is graced with thousands of temples, religious shrines and monuments dating back to hundreds of years. There further exist uncountable myths and legends to explain the existence of these temples in all four corners of the country. The assemblage and adornment in these ancient Indian temples exhibits one of the world`s foremost artistic heritages. Since the sixth century B.C, Indian temples have fortunately been endowed with generous donations from kings, nobles and affluent merchants. As a result, a large number of temples came into being throughout the country, many of which, especially had been sculpted in South India.

In India, the fundamental structure of the temple consists of a square cell, oriented to the four cardinal directions, containing a platform with an image of the deity in the centre, a flat roof overhead and a doorway on the eastern side. In front of the doorway there exists a platform, shaded by a roof defended by pillars, where worshippers gather before and after visiting the Almighty. Every Hindu temple in India, then, exists as the nucleus of the universe, where the Lord overlooks his or her domain and assists devotees. Devotees approach the sanctum sanctorum in order to obtain a vision (darshana) of God and perform devotional worship. It is believed that the sanctum is filled with His power and blessings. By entering the sanctum one can obtain the grace of the divine. In India most of the temple sanctums are controlled by priests who accept offerings from worshippers, present them directly towards the image of the deity and then return most of the gifts to the devotees for use or consumption later at home.

History of Indian temples can perhaps never be stated to have begun in an exact precise age or date, when some specific saint or king had ordered for a temple to be erected. The earliest instances of temples are the rock cut and cave temples. Ancient era had remained a continuous witness, when religious practices flourished; most temples had become the world`s storehouse of knowledge and culture. Ancient temples are presently regarded as sacred buildings of ultimate grace and eternal happiness. Temples dating from medieval period possessed an assortment of architectural styles. The temples and religious monuments built then symbolised the ruler and his richness and devotion. The seeds of experimentation in religious architecture were in fact sown in the medieval temples. Some of the historical and legendary temples, serving as cynosure of all attention include Sun Temple at Konark, Khajuraho Temples, Ajanta Caves, Brihadeswara Temple and Sanchi Stupas.

Architecture found in ancient temples, exhibits India`s old, rich and splendid culture. The prime focus of temple architecture in Vedic period was to intermingle the temple with its natural environs. A major consequence of this style of temple design was the construction of umpteen cave temples across the country. Most of the early Hindu cave temples were carved out of a single large rock. Indian temple architecture in the shape of ancient temples, display detailed carving and sculptures, bearing testimony to the craftsmanship and creativity of the artisans, sculptors and artists of ancient India. The gopuram is a distinctive temple tower which is an integral part of all Dravidian-style temples and also used in gateways and entrances to temple compounds. The style of temple architecture in India varies from region to region and religion to religion. Temple architecture in India is broadly divided into northern and southern styles, classified by the form and shape of the shikhara and the distinctiveness of its decoration.

Indian regional temple is that essential category under Indian temples genre, which successfully comprehends the four corners, at the same time being distinctly dissimilar from each other in architecture and outlook. South Indian temples are extravagantly planned and aesthetically designed, emoting paramountcy in their architectural grandeur. They are specimens of great Indian architectural artistry and the living epitome of affluent heritage and culture of the country. The shikhara from the South Indian temples tend to be constructed of distinct horizontal levels that diminish to form a rough pyramid. Each level is further decorated with miniature temple rooftops. North India is the destination of thousands of temples, unique in style and establishment. These temples had fortunately escaped the umpteen destructions due to invasion. The temples of North India are made up in the typical Nagara style, also serving as the abode of most heavenly spirits and holy figures. East India is a traveller`s paradise in the strict sense. Temples from East India enhances the soul with serenity and calmness. Life can turn extremely cultured after arriving at the surroundings of these temples. Puri and Konark are one of the most important pilgrimage centres for Hindus. Puri is also famous for Lord Jagannath temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The ancient temples from North-eastern India with interesting carvings and exhilarating features absolutely mesmerise visitors in a profound manner. There exists ruins from the oldest and finest piece of architectural work in Assam. Sculptural features are also excellent in this region. The total north-eastern region is saturated with architectural value, which enhances the grand visit to this place. Temples from Central India are a nerve-centre of enticement for visitors throughout the year. There occur essential and effective prayers in stone. The temples are all exquisitely carved and embellished with breathtaking designs; they serve as true symbols of ancient Indian cultural ethos. The temples from this region exhibit a tremendous art, famous all over the world.

The mind-boggling range and scope of Indian temples, the faith, effort and belief that is put in each day by countless devotees, can perhaps never be counted for the book. India has since independence, been known as a secular and democratic republic. As a result, various religious individuals reside hand-in-hand, visiting a religious institution of their choice. Indian temples by religion counts up to the basic faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islamic or Christianity. Going by religious beliefs and customs, each possess his/her own pretty way in which a prayer or wish can be made successful. Speaking on this context again, comes up yet another account of the variety of methods in which a devotee worships in a temple. Styles of worship in Indian temples always have differed since historical times, with a Hindu differing in prayer from a Buddhist. For example, it is known that Hindus visit the temple by keeping their shoes outside the sanctorum, as a sign of respect; on the other hand, a Sikh is known to visit the gurudwara with his head covered by a piece of clean cloth, also as a sign of respect. Then again, Buddhists possess the habit of lighting incenses in honour of Gautama Buddha, whereas, Jains pray not only to Mahavira, but also to the several Tirthankaras present.

The grandeur and magnificence of Indian temples can almost be unending, with each minute detail being looked up by the ubiquitous temple organisations and managements. Irrespective of the temple being a humble one, or a legendary and magnum one, Indian temple managements have efficiently looked into every sphere from time after time. With footfall varying from a few hundreds to lakhs in any given day, temple architectures and surroundings always need attention and care, wholly provided by the management and society. Beginning from a refreshing clean environ, to administering and controlling anti-religious activities and moving up to checking the fiscal matters of everyday puja work and ending special festival operations, temple managements virtually work all day and night. Some of the worth-mentioning are: ISKCON, Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission, Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee, Siddhivinayak Temple Committee and Konark Temple Committee. In fact, the special occasions, the particular celebrations, wherein perhaps that temple was established or a ritual needs to be fulfilled, Indian temple festivals take over wholly and enthusiastically. The sequential manner of festivities, the fun and frolic, the faithfuls gathering to pay homage to their deity, or the elaborate processions, every situation is demanding and worth a visit. For, every year stays witness to distinctness in temple festivals being observed in a distinct manner. For instance, a Hindu temple festival with its striking features stands uniquely apart from its Sikh counterpart.