The first of two volumes on the art and architecture of the Hindu temple, this book is an introduction for students, tourists and anyone else who would like to gain some understanding of the Hindu temple and Hinduism. For anyone entering a Hindu temple for the first time it can be overwhelming and confusing. With a little insight, the experience can be made much more meaningful. Whilst the explanations do not require any prior knowledge of the subject and are therefore totally accessible to all, detailed descriptions also make it an invaluable tool for students of Asian art history. The reader is taken on a journey through the extraordinary temples of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, thereby gaining insight into their architecture and purpose, and acquiring familiarity with the culture of Hindu India. The book describes the development of mediaeval temple architecture and its functions, explores its symbolism and the temple rituals and interprets the meaning of the main images and sculptures connected with Hinduism. The author's second volume on Indian art and architecture, subtitled `The Dancing Temples of Karnataka' is based upon research carried out by the author for her dissertation on Hoysala Temples and is due to be published later in 2018. Richly illustrated with 98 figures including maps, plans and black and white photographs.