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A sanctuary of a Hindu temple in which a deity is enshrined.

A) Mandapa
B) Garbhagriha
C) Vimana
D) Shikhara

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The sanctuary of a Hindu temple where a deity is enshrined is known as the Garbhagriha. It is a sacred inner chamber and is distinct from other parts of the temple such as the Mandapa, Vimana, and Shikhara.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sanctuary of a Hindu temple in which a deity is enshrined is called the Garbhagriha. It is a small inner chamber of the Hindu temple where the main idol or deity of the temple is placed. The term 'Garbhagriha' combines two Sanskrit words: 'Garbha', meaning womb, and 'Griha', meaning house; it translates to 'womb-house'. It is here that devotees offer prayers and perform rituals directly to the deity. In contrast, the Mandapa is a hall in front of the Garbhagriha, typically used for congregational worship and activities. The Vimana is the structure over the Garbhagriha which often takes the form of a towering roof or spire, and the Shikhara is also a tower, but it is found in northern Indian temple architecture and forms over the Mandapa or the entire temple.

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