Hindu architecture, while structurally simple (no arches are ever used in its construction), exhibits some of the most ornate decoration and symbolic design elements in the world. This Approach Guides document is designed to provide a condensed, yet comprehensive overview of Hindu architecture. Finally we finish with a review of Hindu sculpture (as a decoration for temples), both stone and bronze styles.

We focus on helping the reader understand the following elements of the Hindu architectural traditions in India:

• Architecture. We provide an overview of the history of architecture in Hindu India, how the Hindu cosmology influences the arrangement of the temple structure and the main stylistic differences between the Hindu temples in North and South India.
• Sculpture. We include a discussion on the origins of Hindu sculpture, including its Greek influences, broad characteristics of the style and and give a background on the bronze sculptures of the Cholas.

This Approach Guide will be useful when visiting any Hindu religious site in India and the rest of Asia.

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This guide is relevant to Hindu sites throughout the world and will assist in understanding the following Approach Guides offerings.

India

South Indian Architecture
A Walk Through Khajuraho
Religion: Hinduism

Southeast Asia

Cambodia: Temples of Angkor
The Temples of Java

All Approach Guides are offered as PDF files that can be downloaded and printed immediately after purchase.

Khajuraho Temple, India