temple gate
Sacred precinct threshold
A temple gate is the entrance structure to a temple complex, often elaborate and architecturally significant in its own right.
In East Asian traditions, these gates mark the transition from secular to sacred space: We passed through the temple gate into the quiet courtyard.
Japanese torii and Korean iljumun are distinctive forms of temple gates, while Chinese and Southeast Asian examples often feature ornate carvings and guardian figures.
- toriiShinto shrine entrance
- entrancePoint of access
- archwayCurved overhead passage
- thresholdPoint of beginning
- sacredWorthy of reverence
ritual purification · guardian · pilgrimage · incense · incense smoke · stone · wooden · prayer · prayer beads · monks · bells · lanterns · courtyard · pagoda · worship · ancient · ceremonial · blessing
- archesarch, triumphal arch, memorial arch, roman arch, victory arch
- sacred portalsmagic portal, dimensional rift, Jacob's ladder, tunnel of light, rainbow bridge
- Asian TemplesAngkor Wat, pagoda, stupa, prang
- Buddhist templespagodas, main hall, meditation hall, stupa, pagoda
- paifangs
temple gateinner sanctum
Innermost private place
holy of holies · sanctum sanctorum · sanctuary · altar · naos