The construction of an ancient Indian Garbhagriha temple typically spanned several years and provided work to numerous artisans and engineers. During the development of the project, skilled artisans from nearby provinces received support and trained a new generation of outstanding sculptors and builders. The daily rituals performed in the temples provided steady employment to a diverse range of individuals, including priests, Brahmins knowledgeable in the Vedas, musicians, dancing ladies, instructors, florists, tailors, clerks, accountants, and various other officials. Many existing inscriptions provide extensive information about the financial allocations for certain religious ceremonies and practices that were to be followed at the temples.

A temple festival was a significant event that brought about immense social celebration, attracting individuals from nearby cities and villages to partake in the overall festivity. These festivities ultimately transformed into fairs, frequently extending over a period of two or more days. Merchants and small-scale traders from distant and nearby locations frequented the area to exchange or sell merchandise. The era of the temples was primarily characterized by a strong belief in religious doctrines.

The pursuit of scholastic learning was regarded as the most esteemed intellectual endeavor, and the criteria for evaluating individual achievements were exceptionally rigorous. Debates and discussions took place within the temple grounds among scholars who desired acknowledgment and prestige. These platforms served as a significant venue for the discussion and examination of different belief systems and philosophical ideologies.

Garbhagriha

The temple premises were frequently the sole venue for public entertainment. Wrestling matches, music, and dance recitals added excitement to the temple ritual. Both the wealthy and the impoverished individuals equally enjoyed these amusements. During the temple festivals, travelers were provided with complimentary accommodations and meals in the rest-houses or choultries connected to the temple. Additionally, temples were accompanied by educational institutions known as ‘pathasalas’, where students were taught a wide range of subjects, including basic literacy skills, religion, philosophy, and ethics. Frequently, hospitals were situated within the confines of temple grounds. The local assembly or panchayat convened at that location to deliberate on municipal matters or settle personal conflicts.

The presence of the deity during elections or civil dispute hearings imbued the proceedings with a sense of solemnity. The South Indian temple, in its fully developed architectural form, is the result of centuries of gradual development and change. The complex consists of many constructions, some of which had practical purposes while others were purely architectural and artistic in nature. The several components of the temple were incrementally built to the central shrine in a haphazard manner, lacking architectural coherence. However, they suited the needs of a complex ritual that became even more intricate during joyous events.

The temples were revered by the devotees since they were considered to be the divine abodes, known as “devasthanam.” Therefore, it was necessary for them to possess not only a large and impressive size, but also had an aesthetically pleasing appearance and a long-lasting nature. The temple architecture has evolved from its humble and unpretentious origins as a place of worship into a complex arrangement of structures that cater to the increasing emotional needs of the devotees.

The mature architectural structure of a temple includes various elements such as the sanctuary (Garbhagriha), vestibule (Antarala), pillared halls (Mandapam), tower over the cella (Sikhara), cloisters or rectangular range of cells, imposing gopurams or towers on the gateways, as well as numerous niches, alcoves, and recesses. These features were not initially envisioned by the designers of the earliest temples.