indian temples

buddhist temples
A Buddhist temple or Buddhist monastery is the place of
worship for Buddhists, the followers of Buddhism. They
include the structures called vihara, chaitya, stupa, wat
and pagoda in different regions and languages. Temples in
Buddhism represent the pure land or pure environment of
a Buddha. Traditional Buddhist temples are designed to
inspire inner and outer peace.

prime example: Tōdai-ji

Tōdai-ji is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Nara, Japan. It is home to one of the biggest
Buddha statues in Japan and is the world’s largest wooden building. The temple was constructed in
752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the
capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on
government affairs.

important elements

buddha lectern courtyard wheel of life

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jain temples
A Jain temple or Derasar is the place of worship for Jains,
the followers of Jainism. Jain architecture is essentially
restricted to temples and monasteries, and Jain buildings
generally reflect the prevailing style of the place and time
they were built. Jain temple architecture is generally close
to Hindu temple architecture, and in ancient times
Buddhist architecture.

prime example: ranakpur temple

Ranakpur Jain Temple is a Jain temple dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhanatha. It is one of the
largest and most important temples in Jain culture. It is considered as one of the 5 most sacred
places for Jains. The name of the temple is borrowed from the village named Ranakpur in the Pali
district, which lies between Udaipur and Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Adinath, Neminath, Parshvanath,
Surya, and Amba Matha are the deities worshipped here.

important elements

tirthankara chambers gambhara manastambha

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sikh temples
The Sikh place of worship is known as the gurdwara. This
translates to ‘the door of the Guru’. It is available to all
people who want to worship God. Sikhs recognize all
religions, believing that all religions are different
pathways to the same God. Therefore, people of all faiths
are welcome at a gurdwara. Originally, a gurdwara was a
place where Sikhs could go to hear the Gurus speak.

prime example: Harmandir sahib

Harmandir Sahib, also called Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple, the chief gurdwara, of Sikhism and
the Sikhs’ most important pilgrimage site. It is located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab state,
northwestern India. It was built in 1604 by Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, who symbolically had it
placed on a lower level so that even the humblest had to step down to enter it. He also included
entrances on all four sides, signifying that it was open to worshippers of all castes and creeds.

important elements

divan hall guru granth sahib sach khand langar

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comparative table

buddha buddha buddha

buddhist temples jain temples sikh temples

place of worship for the followers
of Buddhism
contain an image or a statue of
Buddha
designed to symbolize the five
elements
represent the pure land or pure
environment of a Buddha
designed to inspire inner and outer
peace
place of worship for the followers
of Jainism
have pointy domes creating an
octagonal space
has four doors that face cardinal
directions
houses the image of the
Thirtankara
column of honor is often
constructed in front of the temple
place of worship for the followers
of Sikhism
there are four entrance doors to
show that everyone is welcome
fly flags outside to show that it is a
special place of worship
The main prayer hall is called the
divan hall
The Guru Granth Sahib is the
focus of worship in the temple

arh 225-3 history of architecture III tolentino, rhynelle matt b.