A temple is a sacred space dedicated to the worship or veneration of deities, spirits, or forces considered divine by a particular culture or religion. Across time and civilizations, temples have served as the focal point for spiritual practice, community gatherings, and ceremonial rites. Architecturally, temples are often elaborate and designed to inspire awe, reflecting the values, beliefs, and artistic achievements of the society that built them.

In many cultures, temples are seen as gateways between the human and divine realms. They may be situated in locations considered spiritually significant, such as mountaintops, riverbanks, or forests. Some temples are massive structures, like the Egyptian pyramids or the Greek Parthenon, while others are more modest but equally rich in symbolism.

The design of a temple typically follows a set of principles aligned with religious or cosmological beliefs. In Hinduism, for example, temples are often constructed to symbolize .