Renovation and preservation of temples are rooted in our culture. These symbols of faith have made India known throughout the world as a nation with a distinct identity. Scriptures refer to two forms of worship—the conduct of religious rites (like yagna and yaga) which is external and observance of fasting and other rituals, which is internal. They fetch peace.

Every temple has various artistic and functional features, known as styles, which are codified and described in the Agamas, Silpa Sastras and the Puranas. Temples have been built only according to the guidelines therein and not in the names of kings. It has to be remembered that temples are built based only on rules and not as per the whims and fancies of a person. All should realise that if men adhere to the Law of Righteousness, it will protect the entire world.

The Hindu Universe -
Hindu portal. Includes an overview, complete text of scriptures, history, festivals, forums, deities, temples, activism, shopping, and newsgroup archives.

ReligiousTolerance.org: Hinduism - Features an overview, and briefs on chief deities, sacred texts, beliefs, and the caste system.

Vivaaha -
Information about rituals, prayers, issues, and customs pertaining to Hindu marriages.

Hindu Kids Universe -
Contains prayers, festivals, customs and culture through pictorial descriptions, and a forum for kids and parents.

Bhakti Sangeet -
Streaming devotional songs (RealAudio) with transliterations. Also includes the traditional Hindu calendar, images of deities, a list of temples, and videos (RealMedia).

Prakash Bhajans -
Contains information about festivals of northern India, and transliterated text of bhajans, aartis, chaleesas, and other devotional songs.

Meeting God: Elements of Hindu Devotion -
Companion site to accompany an exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History. Features an overview of various aspects of Hinduism, including worship in the home, community, and temple.

BBC Religion and Ethics: Hinduism -
Features an overview, history, beliefs, list of holy days, and customs.

Hinduism Potpourri -
Articles on Hindu culture, philosophy, sacred texts, and customs.Includes pictures of deities, holy-men, and discussions of such topics as death, initiation, and weddings.

Hindu Caste System -
An article by Dr. Subhash C. Sharma on the natural evolution of various professions in ancient India before and during Vedic times, explaining that the original Hindu vocations were not based on heredity or birth.

Suddha Dharma Mandalam -
Resource on Yoga Brahma Vidya (Synthetic Science of the Absolute). Includes an overview, principles, and hierarchy.

Smithsonian Institution: Puja -
A virtual exhibition of Hindu prayers and artefacts at the Freer Gallery of Art, and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.

Understanding Hinduism -
Includes articles and resources on the religion pertaining to the Vedantas, spirituality, the soul, deities, and quotations from the scriptures.

Spiritweb: Questions about Hinduism -
FAQs about the religion. Features information on the theory of karma, sacred cows, reincarnation, idol worshipping, meat eating, and scriptures.

Eeshvandana -
Includes general facts, the Hindu calendar and information on prayers, beliefs, chants, deities, and reincarnation.

Introduction to Hinduism -
Contains information about the birth of the religion, the Vedas, reform movements, major gurus, and intermingling with Buddhist philosophies.

Shaivism -
Features briefs on Hinduism and the Shaiva path, including teachings of various gurus, transliterated scriptures, images of deities, links of interest, and overviews of other Hindu paths.

IndiaYogi.com -
Offers distance healing, white papers, e-cards, palm readings, Yogic advice, shopping, and wallpaper.

Spiritual Knowledge -
Spiritual way to prevent disaster by recitation of Brahm mantra,non violence and compassion.

Dal Sabzi for the Aatma -
Features writings by Shakun Narain on philosophy, articles and books on Hinduism and spirituality.

Mantra On Net -
Features audio discourses and bhajans (RealAudio), prayers, screensavers, wallpapers, images, and briefs on deities. Requires registration.

IndiaDivine.com -
Contains articles on Hinduism, translations of ancient texts, lessons in yoga and meditation, forums, audio lectures, FAQs, scriptures, and briefs on deities.

The Avatars -
Information and a calendar of appearances of manifestations of Hindu gods in human form, called "Avatars".

Shaiva Sidhdhantha -
Information on the Sidhdhantha philosophy, Tamil Shaivite scriptures like Thirumurais and details on the glory of Lord Shiva worship.

University of Wyoming : Hinduism -
Hindu cosmology, organization, religious life, worship, sacred literature, with a glossary, timeline & maps.

Mythological Origins of Sangeet -
Describes the traditional Hindu origins of Indian music and dance including a historical account of its development.

Hinduism: Religion or A Way of Life? -
Articles on the scope of Hinduism from the traditional Aarti 'Om Jay Jagdish Hare' to Vedanta.

Adherents.com: Largest Hindu Communities -
Features statistics on countries with the largest proportion and percentages of Hindus with respect to the total population.

Mysticindia -
Offers information about mystical concepts of Hinduism including a synthesis of Yantra, Tantra, historical accounts, worship and culture.

Mataji -
Presented by the Ashirvad Society. Describes the goddess Mataji, also known as Ambaji, who is known to be the source of divine energy. Includes images, aartis, prayers, a profile of the temple, and links of interest.

All Around Hinduism -
Photos and briefs on Sri Ganesha and Sri Rama. Also contains a collection of links to Hindu resources.

Cyber Sastri -
Resource for south Indian brahmins based outside India. Includes a list of rituals, festive calendar, mailing list, and daily a "panchagam".

Elements of Hinduism -
Hinduism,its beliefs and customs from the American Museum of Natural history.

Indian Bhajans -
Resources on bhajans in all languages,devotional songs,kirtans,lyrics, and poojas.

EasternReligions.com: Hinduism -
Overview of the religion including briefs on gods, death, charms, the holy cow, priests, the soul, and emancipation.

Morari Bapu -
Offers audio and video streams covering Hindu scriptures and mythology (RealMedia). Also features "shlokas" translated in English, and images of deities.

DirectoryIndia.com: India Religion -
List of links to resources on Hinduism, and images of Hindu deities.

Hinduism and Vedas -
Articles by Sri Maha Periaval. Includes his photographs, images of Goddess and links to books on Hinduism.

Hinduwebsite.com -
Translations of scriptures, essays and links to temples.

Hindutva: An analysis -
Articles on Hindus, Hinduism, Eastern religions, Mysticism, Yoga and Indian culture.

Hinduism Online -
Information on Hinduism,its history, philosophy, culture, scriptures,and beliefs.

Sarvadharma Sangha -
A Hindu interfaith website promoting ecumenism, spirituality and unity through religious diversity.

Ananda Marga -
Information and resources on this social and spiritual organization founded in India in 1955 by Shri Anandamurti.

US-Hindus.com -
Study of the principles and practices of Hindu religion, yoga, and philosophy. Also includes the basic tenets and beliefs of other major world religions.

Wisdom of the East -
General information on Hinduism, along with links to other resources.

Finding Siva -
A student account of religious journeys through India, learning about Hinduism along the way.

Trinidad and Tobago Hindu Festivals -
Information on festivals, culture, and traditions.

Highlights of Hinduism and Interfaith Dialogues -
Dialogues on religious topics from the perspective of Eastern religions.