Visualizing the Sacred: The Role of Temple Art in Shaping Religious Identity in India

Abstract

Temple art in India plays a pivotal role in shaping religious identity, offering a visual language 
through which sacred narratives, spiritual beliefs, and cultural practices are transmitted. This 
paper explores the multifaceted role of temple art in Hindu religious identity, tracing its 
evolution from ancient to modern times. It examines how temple art reflects religious 
philosophies, mediates divine presence, and shapes the relationship between the devotee and the 
divine. Furthermore, the paper considers how regional variations, artistic styles, and iconography 
have contributed to the formation of distinct local religious identities within the broader 
framework of Hinduism. Through a detailed analysis of sculptures, frescoes, and architecture, the 
paper highlights the continued relevance of temple art in contemporary religious practice.