This interpretation could explain the use of brick in the temple of Bhitargaon, built in the 5th century, a period when one of the symbolic connotations of a temple consciously included the idea of an altar. Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
The worship of the living ascetic, a tradition deeply rooted in Indian culture, influenced early temple architecture. Cave 10 at Kondivate, where the Buddha is represented by a stupa, and housed inside a likeness of a hut in stone.
The main deity of Beluru Keshava is a male deity, he is dressed as a female here and is worshipped as Mohini. According to Puranas, Vishnu took the form of a beautiful maiden named Mohini to slay a demon named Bhasmasura. The Mohini-Bhasmasura event is believed to have taken place at the premises of the Belur temple.