The basic form of the Hindu temple comprises the following:
Sanctum Sanctorum: Also known as Garbhagriha (literally womb-house) is a small room, generally
cubicle, which houses the principal deity of the temple.
Mandapa: It is the entrance to the temple. It may be a portico or a hall and is generally designed to
house a large number of worshippers.
Shikhara: It is a mountain like spire. The shapes varied from pyramidal to curvilinear.
Vahana: It is the mount or vehicle of the main deity and was placed just before the sanctum sanctorum.
However, under the patronage of the local rulers, different styles of architecture developed in the different regions of India.
