Religious Architecture

Churches and Temples Around the world and close to home.

By TylerAnn Mack

Hindu

Many traditional Hindu temples have a rectangle or square base (to represent the four directions of the universe) with a decretive pyramid style roof.

There are three main styles of Hindu temple

Khakhara Deula- tall rectangular pyramid building

Pidha Deula- square building with a pyramid roof

Rekha Deula- tall building that is shaped like a sikhara (mountain)

Most hindu temples are dedicated to one specific deity

The temples have murtis, an image or statue in which the deity is represented.

Vishnu at the Sri Mariamman temple
in Singapore

The Hindu Temple of New Hampshire in Nashua is the closest Hindu temple in the area.

Jain

Usually, Jain temple architecture is fairly similar to Hindu temples.

The temples have a central tower many of them have gardens.

Jain temples traditionally have housing for monks and nuns.

Ranakpur Temple

The 24 Tirthankara

Jain temples have a lot of intricate decoration, usually in the form of paintings and carvings.

The closest Jain Center, Jain Sangh of New England, is about 45 minutes away in Burlington MA.

Judaism

Synagogues often mimic aspects of the host communities architecture.

A synagogue can only be founded where 10 or more Jewish men meet, but worship can also happen at home with family or alone.

Grand Choral Synagogue
St. Petersburg Russia

Temple Adath Yeshurun of Manchester

Oldest synagogue in New Hampshire, founded in 1891

Reform Jewish Congregation

Current synagogue was built in 1959

Islam

Prayer Hall- known as the musallah, may not be used for anything other than worship.

Domes- signify the vaults of heaven.

Mihrab- niche in the wall indicating the direction of the Kaaba in Meca

Abultion facilities

Mihrab

Taj Mahal

The first mosque in New Hampshire is in the process of being built in Manchester.

Sikhism

A Sikh place of worship is called Gurdwara

Gurdwara means gateway to the Guru

Sikh temples welcome people of all religions

Gurdwara buildings do not follow to any specific architectural designs

Usually have a large hall for congregation and a room to house the Granth Sahib when not being used

Golden Temple
Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, India

The End! Thank You