Sanctum sanctorum

The Latin phrase sanctum sanctorum means literally "Holy of Holies." It was originally applied in a religious context to the most sacred place within a sacred building (such as a temple). However, in common usage can also be applied to mean any reserved, private, or much-valued place. The term is used in other religions to refer to a most sacred religious shrine.

Sanctum sanctorum in Badami Cave Temples

Sanctum sanctorum can also be used to specify the innermost shrine of a Jewish temple, or more specifically, the innermost shrine of the Temple of Solomon.

Sanctum sanctorum refers to the "garbha griha" in Hinduism, meaning the shrine inside a temple complex where the main deity is installed in an area that is in a separate building by itself inside the complex.