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- [Instructor] Hindu temples
can be seen throughout
the villages, towns, and cities of India.
A temple can be a simple
structure by the side of the road
or an entire complex of buildings.
Regardless of its size, the Hindu temple
is essentially a dwelling
place for the gods.
(bell ringing)
A principal deity resides
at the heart of each temple,
like a king or queen in their palace.
Other deities, attendants,
and mythical figures
can also be seen as part
of the temple structure.
Surrounding the temples are
stalls selling offerings
and souvenirs, such as fruit,
flowers, sweets, and postcards.
The atmosphere around the
temple is lively and boisterous.
The interior of a Hindu temple
is not designed to hold
large congregations.
Worshipers come and go in small groups
through a hallway leading
to an inner sanctuary.
Here, the image or symbol of
the main deity is located.
In an active temple,
statues of the deities
are covered with garlands
and draped with rich fabrics.
Above the sanctuary rises a central tower,
often brightly painted.
The shape of the tower resembles
the mythical mountain home of the gods.
Other features of temples
include sacred bathing ponds,
walled enclosures, and gateways
in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Here, at Madurai in southern India,
the gateways tower
above the temple complex
and are covered with statues.
Some temples are no longer in active use.
At Khajuraho in central India,
tourists now flock to see
celebrated images of gods
and loving couples adorning
the exterior walls.
In Konark, near the eastern
coast, are the remains
of one of the largest
temples ever built in India.
It was dedicated to the sun god Surya.
The original tower no longer survives,
and we can only imagine its size
from the smaller buildings
that still stand.
(singing in foreign language)
The immense variety of
temples throughout India
is the result of local
styles and preferences
and centuries of
architectural developments.
Each attest to the artistry
of countless masons and sculptors.
The sculptures of deities
seen in the Asian Art Museum
were once part of an active Hindu temple.
They adorned the exterior
walls, interior spaces,
entranceways, high wall
niches, and inner sanctuaries.
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