temple

The Dilwara Jain temple of Adinath at Ranakpur, north of Udaipur in India. This 15th-century white marble temple boasts 80 domes supported by some 1,400 pillars. Almost perfectly preserved, the temple is decorated with ornate carvings.

Buddhist temple roof. Most world religions have purpose-built temples or places of worship. In Buddhism there is a great diversity of methods of worship, but meditation is commonly practised, at temples, shrines, and other venues.

Structure designed for religious worship. In US usage, temple is another name for synagogue. In Hindu usage a temple is called a mandir.

In Buddhism, the temple provides an opportunity for puja, worship. Despite the diversity of practice found within Buddhism, meditation remains a common feature of puja. Worship may take place at a shrine in the home, temple, or stupa (monument built to remember the Buddha or respected teachers).

Temple

Town in Bell County, central Texas, USA; population (2000) 54,500. It is situated on the Little River, 56 km/35 mi south-southwest of Waco. Temple was founded 1880. Established by the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad in 1880, it grew as a division point with repair shops. It remains an industrial centre, producing building materials, steel, furniture, and railway supplies. Temple is also a leading medical centre, with several hospitals and the Texas A&M University School of Medicine. It is home to a number of state and Federal agricultural offices, as well as the Temple Junior College (1926).