Indian Temples - Quiz

The Elephanta Caves consist of two groups of caves - the first is a large group of five Hindu caves and the second is a smaller group of two Buddhist caves.

The Mata Bhavani Stepwell is an example of stepwell temple compounds in India. In arid western parts of India, such as Rajasthan and Gujarat, Hindu communities built large walk-in wells that served as the only source of water in dry months but also served as social meeting places and carried religious significance. These stepwells were part of a temple complex and had intricate art reliefs on the walls, with numerous murtis and images of Hindu deities, water spirits, and erotic symbolism. The stepwells were named after Hindu deities; for example, Mata Bhavani's Stepwell, Ankol Mata Vav, Sikotari Vav, and others. Therefore, the correct answer is option D.

The symbolism and structure of a Hindu temple are rooted in Vedic traditions, deploying circles and squares. These shapes represent the elements of the Hindu cosmos and symbolize recursion and the representation of the equivalence of the macrocosm and the microcosm by astronomical numbers.

The elements of the Hindu cosmos that are presented symbolically in Hindu temples are dharma, artha, kama, moksha, and karma.

The Parama Sayika layout plan is a 9x9 (81) grid found in large ceremonial Hindu temples, and it is one of many grids used to build Hindu temples. It maps the relationships between the cosmos and the cell by a unique plan based on astronomical numbers.

The Jabaladarshana Upanishad states that yogins perceive God within themselves.

The garbhagriha symbolizes the birthplace of the universe, the meeting place of the gods and mankind, and the threshold between the transcendental and the phenomenal worlds.

The inner sanctuary in Hindu temples is known as the garbhagriha and is where the murtis reside. It is the most important part of the temple and symbolizes the birthplace of the universe, the meeting place of the gods and mankind, and the threshold between the transcendental and the phenomenal worlds. It is where devotees seek a darsana of and offer prayers.

In temples in Kerala, it is customary for men to remove their shirts and cover their pants and shorts with a traditional cloth called a Vasthiram. This is a sign of respect and devotion towards the deity.

Special puja timings are announced by temple management staff to allow devotees to participate in special religious ceremonies. These ceremonies may include special offerings, prayers, and rituals, which are performed at specific times of the day or on specific days of the year.