The Hindu Temple: An Introduction to Its Meaning and Forms

by George Michell

Book Overview

For more than 1500 years, from the Indian subcontinent to the islands of the Indonesian archipelago, the temple has embodied and symbolized the Hindu worldview at its deepest level and inspired the greatest architectural and artistic achievements in Hindu Asia. In The Hindu Temple, considered the standard introduction to the subject, George Michell explains the cultural, religious, and architectural significance of the temple. He illustrates...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226532305
• ISBN13: 9780226532301
• Release Date: September 1988
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

The classic text on the subject

Michell is an extremely careful and conscientious chronicler of this difficult, dense subject. He writes unusually well - absolutely clear English - and makes his way through a wide array of topics. Invaluable to the student of the subject.

Great for the philosophy student

This book is great for those who want an in depth look at Hindu philosophy and the place of temples within it. It's a bit scanty on cultural practices and rituals - that is not the book's aim. It does a wonderful job of explaining things so that a Westerner (like me) can understand. It is, however, a very heavy book. It is certainly not light bed time reading like a National Geographic would be. :)