As in various other cultures, in the Hindu tradition of the Indian Subcontinent construction rituals accompany the construction of a temple, from the moment of choosing the suitable building site, right to the completion of the entire project. Numerous descriptions in Sanskrit texts on ritual and architecture describe in detail these building consecration ceremonies and reflect the importance attached to these rituals. Surprisingly, this topic has so far not received the attention it deserves given its essential role. Basing herself on both the Sanskrit texts, as well as the archaeological...