The New Kingdom temples at Thebes, on the east and west sides of the Nile, consist of pylons, or main gates, peristyle and hypostyle halls, side rooms and sanctuaries.

Peristyle halls are courts enclosed by columns. Hypostyle halls have roofs or ceilings enclosed by rows of columns.

The public were allowed only to enter the peristyle and hypostyle halls for prayers, especially on feast days.

Priests were allowed to enter the inner rooms and sanctuaries for prayer and offerings to the king and the gods.

Kings and high priests were the only persons who could enter the main sanctuary, or sanctuaries, where the statues of the gods were kept.

Here the kings and high priests made offerings, poured libation water, burned incense, and provided the statues of the deities with costumes and accessories.