Introduction

In this handbook, the focus is on the temple, perhaps the most recognizable of the material forms of Hinduism, rather than on the religion per se. As temple form and practice became central to Hinduism, its very materiality rooted it in specific locales and geographic places. Yet this single overarching term (‘temple’) elides great complexity in form, use, meaning and identity. This handbook centres the material form of the Hindu temple as an entry point into its many adaptations and transformations into the present, drawing attention to the vibrancy and dynamism of the shrine in different locales and in varied natural and cultural environments. This volume particularly advocates a contextual and multi-disciplinary approach, aware of historical contexts and regional particularities to examine the complexity of the temple within Hinduism.