It refers to the concept that the body itself is a devaalaya. Suddhi (cleansing of organs), Nyasa (invoking divinity within the body), Mudra (making effective gestures), Mandala (symbolic representation of divinity), Mantra (realising deity in one’s own heart), Pranayama (regulation of breath), Dhyana (contemplation) and Sohambhavana (becoming one with divinity). These refer to the various practices which help realise the divinity within the human body.

The picture is of Kamakhya Adi Shakti Peeth temple in Guwahati.

There are 12 Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath, Vaidyanath, Kashi, Somnath, Omkareshwar, Ujjain, Bhimashankar, Triambakeshwar, Srisailam, Grishneshwar, Rameswaram and Dwarka

In Jaina philosophy, Moksha is a constant movement upwards and culminates in Siddha Shila, a place in the skies where liberated souls reside. The first floor in Jaina temples denotes the constant movement upwards.

A Shiv Linga has three parts, Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. The Rudra part is circular in shape. The Vishnu part is octagonal. These are visible from the top view. The Brahma part is below the yoni underground and is not visible.

Vigraha is what captures the infinite divine principle into a physical structure. The eternal formless principle has been captured in a concrete form. It is not necessary for the Vigraha to be made of metal or any permanent material. There are also Devalayas where space or a depression or a flame is worshipped.

Yagyasala is the structure or a pavilion built out of wood or dried grass. We know that these Yagyasalas which were makeshift structures became permanent stone, wood and brick structures. Temples are believed to have evolved from Yagyasalas. There is commonality between Rathas and Devalaya, but Yagyasalas reflect the evolution.

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.

Vijayanagara temples have tall Rajagopuras.

The Aditya temple at Mulasthana was destroyed by Mohammad bin Qasim. The temple was used as a bargaining chip by muslim rulers to dissuade the fightback of Hindu kings.

Ellora has Buddhist, Jaina and Hindu caves which reflects how different faiths co-existed in India

Pattadakal has multiple examples of Dravida and Nagara style of temples and is called the cradle of Indian temples. Mahabalipuram also has the Pancha Pandava Rathas but does not illustrate the variety that Pattadakal has.

The external temple is a manifestation of our own body and spiritual principles. The word Ratha in Upanishad is used as a reference to the human body which carries the Atma. Our mind is the reins that control the chariot. Temples are also considered similar to human bodies and therefore the term Ratha is used.

Dhatu means relic and Stupa refers to a place which houses the Dhatu or where a Dhatu is buried. Relic can be physical remains or articles used or Dharma Cakra or miniature stupa.

The foundation of the devalaya is only 5 feet. This demonstrated how advanced and experienced temple builders of the past were.

The Vimana is the most distinguishing feature of the various temple styles of India.

Pura means city or human body. Purohita means the person who takes care of the well being of the entire community.