Abstract

The Temple Tapestry explores the essence of temples, presenting them as conduits between mortals and the divine, their significance varying across India's diverse cultures. From humble mud structures to intricate stone edifices, temples evolved, mirroring beliefs and architectural prowess. The paper traverse’s distinct regional temple styles. South Indian marvels like Mahabalipuram's Pallava chariots and the Chola's Tanjore temples reveal architectural brilliance. East, West, and Central India boast the Puri Jagannath Temple, Konark Temple, and the Nagara-styled Kandariya Mahadeo Temple in Madhya Pradesh. Southeast Asia echoes India's temple legacy, seen in structures like the ISKCON Vraja Eco Village in the Philippines. Historically, temples date back to the Indus Valley Civilization, evolving through Buddhist and Brahmin influences. The paper delves into temple structures, from the Sanctum Sanctorum to the Shikhara, guided by ancient texts like Vastu Sastra and Indian puranas. Examining temple strengths like spirituality's spread and cultural preservation, it acknowledges weaknesses like government intervention and societal disinterest. Opportunities in tourism, employment, and charitable endeavors emerge while threats encompass mismanagement, encroachments, and societal shifts. Concluding, it advocates for cultural preservation, emphasizing education, better governance, and community involvement, citing examples from ancient texts, historical instances, and contemporary challenges.

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