Sanctum sanctorum

The Latin phrase sanctum sanctorum is a translation of the Hebrew term קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים (Qṓḏeš HaQŏḏāšîm), literally meaning Holy of Holies, in Latin texts, this generally refers to the holiest place of the Ancient Israelites, inside the Tabernacle and later inside the Temple in Jerusalem. However, the term also has some derivative use in application to imitations of the Tabernacle in church architecture.

The plural form sancta sanctorum is also used, arguably as a synecdoche, referring to the holy relics in the sanctuary. The Vulgate translation of the Bible uses sancta sanctorum for the Holy of Holies. Hence, the derivative usage denotes the Sancta Sanctorum chapel in the complex of the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome.

In Hinduism, the innermost part of a temple, where the deity's Murti is kept, forms the Garbhagriha, also known as a sanctum sanctorum.