Temple

Temple refers to a place of worship in many religious traditions, particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. In India, temples hold significant religious, cultural, and architectural importance. Hindu temples, in particular, are places where deities are worshipped, and they often serve as centers of community activity, religious festivals, and spiritual learning.

Temples are often intricately designed with elaborate carvings, sculptures, and architectural details that represent religious symbolism. Key elements of Hindu temples include the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), where the main deity is housed, and the shikhara or vimana, the towering spire above the sanctum. Temples also typically feature a mandapa (pillared hall) and pradakshina patha (circumambulatory path) for devotees to walk around the deity.

India is home to some of the most iconic temples, including the Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh, the Jagannath Temple in Odisha, and the Meenakshi Temple in Tamil Nadu. Temples serve as places of pilgrimage, attracting millions of devotees every year, and are integral to the spiritual and cultural fabric of Indian society.

In addition to Hindu temples, there are also Buddhist stupas, Jain temples, and Sikh gurdwaras, which play significant roles in their respective religious communities.

In April 2020, BOOM investigated a viral claim that a temple in Andhra Pradesh had been turned into a quarantine center specifically for Muslims.

BOOM found that the video in question was actually shot outside a lodge in Kattamanchi, Andhra Pradesh, which had been converted into a quarantine center. The claim about the temple was false and misleading.

In July 2024, BOOM investigated a viral video falsely claimed to show Muslims demolishing a Hindu temple in Kerala.

BOOM found that the structure in the video was a dargah, not a temple, and the incident occurred in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The dispute involved two Muslim groups and had no communal angle or connection to Hindu-Muslim tensions.