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).