Talagunda belongs to 4th century CE and was associated with the Kadamba dynasty

Water is used in Sodasopacara for washing feet, hands, internal purification, bathing and dissolution. These are Padya, Arghya, Acamana, Snana and for general purpose. The water is carried on top of the head since the divinity is above all.

Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram

A pointed wooden pole which is used to mark the shadow of the Sun and therefore the directional axis for the temple

The 56-day murajapam culminated in Laksha deepam – the festival of a hundred-thousand lights – on the auspicious day of Makara Sankranti (mid- January). There are two half-yearly “Bhadradeepam” ceremonies and when twelve such had been performed, a murajapam and Lakshadeepam are conducted.

Upapitha is the part that is below Adhisthana. The rest are types of GrabhaGraha.

None of the recovered deities have been returned to their temples. These are being retained by ASI in its warehouses in poor conditions ascribing lack of security in temples.

As humans transitioned from nomadic life in Krta Yuga to settled life in Treta Yuga they needed to source their own food. They had to domesticate animals and grow crops. They wanted a representation of divinity. Prior to this period, all their needs were met by nature. Humans were looking for a combined representation of the divinity that they experienced in nature such as mountains, rivers etc.

The Vastu Santi or Vastu Purusha Shanti (normally done during Graha Pravesa) is a request to the Devatass to reside in the temple so that the Vastu Purusha stays in the site and does not get up and resume the blocking of passageway between Swargaloga and Earth. Further the Vastu Purusha is also requested to remain stable and not wobble. Even during the construction of a house Vastu Purusha Shanti is performed with the same intent for the stability of the house. Vastu Shannti is not needed for Swayambhu Kehstras since the deity was already residing there.

The Jaina Devalayas, called Basadis, are alike in architecture to the Hindu devalayas. They can be both Dravida and Nagara style of Jaina Devalayas. The distinguishing feature is the absence of sculptures in the Bhitti

Worship in a temple is referred to as a Purartha Puja. The prayers are for the well being of the entire community. The syllable Pura in Purartha or Purohit refers to the entire community. Puja at residence is generally for the well being of the family.

The Pancha Rathas are monolithic structures carved out of a single rock.

The deity is the external manifestation of oneself. Sannidikarana refers to establishing a connect with the divinity

Uddesika Datu can refer to Dharma Cakra, Triple Gem, Miniature Stupa

Chandelas have open Mandapas and a lot of UrvuShikaras