Garbhagriha literally the word means "womb chamber", from the Sanskrit words garbha for womb and griha for house.
Garbhagriha or Garbha griha is the small unit shrine of a Hindu temple (innermost sanctum of a Hindu temple) where resides the murti (idol or icon) of the primary deity of the temple.
Only 'priests' (pujari) are allowed to enter the Garbhagriha.
The special room in a mandir, or Hindu temple, is called the "garbhagriha" or "sanctum sanctorum." This is the innermost chamber where the main deity's idol or image is enshrined, and it is considered the holiest part of the temple. Devotees often offer prayers and perform rituals in this sacred space. Access to the garbhagriha is typically restricted to priests or certain rituals.
A traditional Mandir, or Hindu temple, typically features a layout that includes a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) where the main deity resides, often surrounded by an ornate entrance (shikhara) and a hall (mandapa) for devotees. The structure usually incorporates intricate carvings and sculptures, reflecting religious themes and stories. Additionally, the temple complex may include a courtyard and various smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, providing a space for worship and community gatherings.
In Shiva temples, the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) is often located at a lower level to symbolize humility and the need for devotees to bow down before the divine. This architectural choice encourages a sense of reverence and introspection as worshippers physically descend to approach the deity. Additionally, it represents the spiritual journey of moving from the mundane to the sacred. The lower placement also allows for a more intimate connection with the divine presence housed within the sanctum.
In a Hindu mandir, the first rooms typically encountered are the entrance hall or porch, which may lead to a main prayer hall (garbhagriha) that houses the primary deity's idol or image. Adjacent to this may be a gathering space for devotees, often featuring additional shrines or altars dedicated to other deities. Some mandirs also include a hall for community activities and a space for rituals or ceremonies. The layout can vary, but these areas are central to the worship experience.
A mandir or temple is a sacred place of worship in Hinduism. It is devoted to a specific deity, and it serves as the divine abode on earth. The central sanctum, called garbhagriha, houses the idol or statue of the revered god or goddess, making it the holiest part of the temple.
Sri Rangam The Mundeshwari Temple is claimed to be the oldest functional temple in India. From its stone inscriptions it is evident that the temple was present in 108 AD. Mundeshwari temple in Kaimur district of Bihar. : The Oldest Hindu Temple is the Gudimallam Shiva Temple near the Tirupati Lord Venkateswara Temple and is located in Gudimallam, a small village situated in Kalahasti Taluk, of the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. : The main importance of the temple lies in the Linga which is housed in the Garbhagriha of the temple. This is supposed to be the earliest Linga discovered so far and it has been assigned to the 2nd or 1st century B.C
Nestled at the banks of River Maniyaru, Tala is a small beautiful village at a distance of 30 km form Bilaspur. It is the famous place form where the temple of Deorani- Jethani got excavated which is about 1500 years old. It houses a state of Rudrashiv which is a master piece of art and attracts a number of visitors to the temple. Apart from several beautiful statues of various deities, the park also houses a captivating garden that adds to the beauty of the place. Devrani Temple Devrani temple is the smaller one which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple faces the east direction. The river Maniyari flows on the back side of the temple. The size of the temple is 75x32 feet and has an exceptional ground plan. It consists of a Garbhagriha, antarala, and narrow mukhmandapa preceded by an open space, approach 1ed by a flight of steps with a large chandra shila. The mukhamandapa has a beautiful doorway, depicting river goddess on the bottom part of the door jamb. On the lalatbimba Gajalakshmi is shown in bold relief. The bhitti part rises up to a height of 10 feet but the sikhara is missing. The temple site has yielded a variety of sculptures including different gods and goddess of Hindu pantheon, Demi gods, animals, mythical figures, with floral depictions and a variety of geometrical and non geometrical motifs. Among them one sculpture is most important and perhaps the only one of its kind in the world which is addressed as RudraShiva. This is a monolithic gigantic sculpture of 2.70 metres height, two armed and in standing posture. It has unusual iconographic features depicting various animals along with human and lion heads as body components. A turban is made of a pair of snakes. The serpent is probably a favourite depiction of the artist. Therefore, the waists, hand and finger nails are also designed like snakes. Apart from this, a pair of serpent hood figures on either side of tile head above shoulders. A snake is also shown entwining the left legs. Among other animals peacock is depicted as ornamenting ears. Eye brows and nose are made of lizards. Chin is shaped like a Crab. Both the shoulders have depiction of crocodiles. Seven human heads are engraved in various parts of the body. Because of the unusual depiction mentioned above, identification of this sculpture is still a matter of debate among the scholars. Stylistically all the archaeological remains at Tala are datable to first half of sixth century A.D. Jethani Temple Jethani Temple faces south direction and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Although it is partially exposed, the ground plan of the temple is clearly visible. It consists of a sanctum and a Mandapa in front. It has entrances from three sides i.e., south, east and west. The main entrance of the temple could be approached through a wide flight of steps. In the surrounding area shafts of the massive pillars are lying scattered and decorated with different types of motifs. The basal part of the pillar is designed with kumbhas. The upper part of the pillar consists of a convex-lobbed amalaka resting upon a vase, decorated with festoons hanging from lion's mouth. Sanctum part is much damaged and no traces of the superstructure are available. Gaja-Mukha or Dikpalas are visible in basement. This site is a precious Cultural Heritage of the world and is worthy to be included in the list of World Heritage.