Final answer:
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple was primarily designed as a religious structure, rich in religious iconography and oriented toward the rising sun. While ancient temples sometimes had astronomical functions, this temple's design focuses on religious and ritualistic practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple was designed as c) A religious structure. This temple is an example of the grand architectural tradition dedicated to religious and ritual purposes. Ancient temples often served as treasure houses for offerings made to the gods, including votives, libations, and valuable goods. In the case of the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, its design is highlighted by bas-reliefs and intricate carvings that are hallmarks of classical Indian temple architecture, including the eastward orientation towards the rising sun, commonly found in many religious structures of the time.
Similar to other ancient temples, religious functions often coincided with astronomical observations, as can be seen in temples like the Temple of the Sun built by the Incans, where the alignment of windows with the sun was used to track time for agricultural and ceremonial purposes. However, unlike some structures that were designed with a dual purpose of being both a religious site and an astronomical observatory, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple's primary design was rooted in religious practice, ritual ceremonies, and the celebration of divinities.