Sandstone Miniature Hindu Temple at The British Museum, London

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This small temple structure consists of three distinct sections, exemplifying the characteristic features of later north Indian or nagara style temple architecture. Elevated on a molded foundation, the main shrine of a Hindu temple is typically a compact, square room with a single entrance, housing an image of the temple's deity - in this instance, a linga, the symbolic phallic emblem of Shiva. Above the doorway stands a small representation of Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, often depicted at temple entrances. Rising above the main shrine is the shikhara or tower of the temple, its basic form repeated in miniature on each side and diagonal corner, characteristic of north Indian design. The tower is designed to symbolize the sacred Mount Meru, the cosmic mountain at the center of the Hindu universe. Groups of small shrines like this are frequently situated near rivers or other sacred sites, representing donations from devout individuals, with their modest size reflecting the donor's limited means. This particular shrine was likely purchased by a European in Benares (Varanasi), the sacred Hindu city on the River Ganga. It never underwent consecration and was part of the East India Company's museum by the 1850s, later transferred to The British Museum in 1880. This object is part of "Scan The World", a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, which aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the world for public access. Scan The World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can participate.