Temple is a sacred structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities. Temple is not only an abode of God, it is a symbolic representation of the various social and cultural activities.
It represented social life through:
- Temple promoted music and dance like Bharatnatyam & Carnatic Music e.g. Vitthal Temple of Vijaynagar.
- The temple provided inspiration to poets who wrote Bhakti literature in local languages which helped to strengthen the moral, spiritual values among the masses. E.g. Nayanars and Alwars.
- Temple was well-known for philanthropy like they maintained Dharmasalas for pilgrims; marriage in the premises of the temple, etc.
- The Matha were a centre of learning which played an important role in the promotion of education.
- Temples were also meant to demonstrate the power, wealth and devotion of the patron. Example Rajarajeshvara temple of Tanjore built by King Rajaraja Chola shows how the names of the ruler and the god are very similar.
- Existence of various sects like Pattadakal temples of chalukya dynasty had Jain, Shiva and Vishnu temples.
Temples reflected the social reality and played an active role in social and cultural development of India.