Khajuraho Temples Madhya Pradesh
Situated in the heart of Central India,
in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a fascinating
village with a quaint rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage.
The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift
of love to the world, represent the expression of a highly
matured civilization. After the Taj it is the most frequently
visited monument in India. Khajuraho is a unique example of
Indo-Aryan architecture. The Chandela rulers between 950-1050
built these temples. There were 85 temples, which were built,
and only 22 of them survive today. The temples are a world
heritage site and belong not just to India but to the world.
The Archeological Survey of India's dedicated efforts towards
their conservation rank them against the best preserved monuments
of this antiquity. Most of the temples are built of sandstone
in varying shades of buff, pink or pale yellow. They each
belong to a different sect, the Shiva, Vaishnava or Jaina
Sects, but are often indistingushable from one another to
the untrained eye. The temples are lofty with ample walking
space separating them. The interior rooms are inter connected
and placed in an East/West line. Each contains an entrance,
a hall, a vestibule and a sanctum. Windows were added to the
larger temples to add a feeling of space and light blog.
Unlike other temples Khajuraho temples are said to have a
theme (women), which comes in front while going through the
temples. A celebration of womankind, her myriad moods and
facets. There are carvings of a woman writing letter, applying
makeup to her eyes, combing her tresses, dancing, and playing
with her child. Innocent, coquettish, smiling, seductive,
passionate and beautiful, all depicted in intricate detail,
sharply etched, sculpted with consummate skill. One opinion
says Chandelas were followers of the tantric cult, which believes
that gratification of Earthly desires is a step towards attaining
the infinite liberation, Nirvana.
Akshardham Temple,Delhi
The
Akshardham Temple is one of the most recently built temples in Delhi.
Constructed by the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha
(BAPS), it is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna. Delhi Akshar
Dham Mandir was inaugurated in Novenmber'05 in the presence of President
APJ Abdul Kalam. It is spread over an area of 100 acres and took about
two years to complete. Akshardhaam Temple of New Delhi is built in an
architectural style similar to that of the Akshardham temple of
Gandhinagar in Gujarat, India. Its construction is based on the ancient
Sthaapatya shastras of India and it is built without steel, entirely out
of sandstone and marble.
Approximately 234 ornate pillars, floral motifs, arches, exquisitely carved pavilions, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangle shikhars, a spectacular Gajendra Pith (plinth of stone elephants), adorn this architectural wonder. There are 20,000 statues inside Akshar Dham Mandir of Delhi of India's great sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine personas. Other features of the Akshardham Temple are an IMAX theatre, a Swaminarayan temple, and an elaborate musical fountain. The area around the temple building has been converted into manicured lawns with beautiful water fountains.
The main shrine of the New Delhi Akshardhaam temple houses the statue of Lord Swaminarayan. There is an Akshardham Temple Monument to World Peace inside the temple complex. Along with that, there is also a restaurant modeled on the Ajanta and Ellora caves and an Ayurvedic bazaar. Combining Rajasthani, Orrisan, Gujarati, Mughal and Jain temple architecture, the mandir presents a magnificent sight. This temple is a major tourist attraction and counts amongst the wonders of modern India.
Approximately 234 ornate pillars, floral motifs, arches, exquisitely carved pavilions, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangle shikhars, a spectacular Gajendra Pith (plinth of stone elephants), adorn this architectural wonder. There are 20,000 statues inside Akshar Dham Mandir of Delhi of India's great sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine personas. Other features of the Akshardham Temple are an IMAX theatre, a Swaminarayan temple, and an elaborate musical fountain. The area around the temple building has been converted into manicured lawns with beautiful water fountains.
The main shrine of the New Delhi Akshardhaam temple houses the statue of Lord Swaminarayan. There is an Akshardham Temple Monument to World Peace inside the temple complex. Along with that, there is also a restaurant modeled on the Ajanta and Ellora caves and an Ayurvedic bazaar. Combining Rajasthani, Orrisan, Gujarati, Mughal and Jain temple architecture, the mandir presents a magnificent sight. This temple is a major tourist attraction and counts amongst the wonders of modern India.
Somnath
Temple,Gujrat
Somnath
Temple is situated in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. It is a famous
temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the twelve
jyotirlingas in India. The most interesting fact about the Somanth
temple is that it has been built and destroyed six times. The present
structure was rebuilt the seventh time. There a number of legends
attached to the Somnath Temple of India. It is said that the Moon God,
Chandra was married to 27 daughters of Daksh Prajapati, but he favored
Rohini.
This enraged the Prajapati and he cursed Moon to wane. In order to recover, he prayed to Lord Shiva at the Prabhas Tirtha. Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion and cured him. Then, on the advice of Brahma, Moon God built the temple in the honor of the Lord and to show his gratitude. It is said that the first temple was built by Moon God in gold, followed by Ravana in silver, Lord Krishna in Sandalwood and King Bhimdev in Stone. The Somnath temple has a magnificent sprawling complex and is a great pilgrim site for the Hindus.
The present temple is built in Chalukya style and has been constructed in such a manner that there is no land between the temple shore and the South Pole. The summit of the temple rises to a height of 155 feet. There is a Kalash (pot vessel) on the top, which measures 10 tons. The flag mast on the peak is 37 feet long and is changed three times during the day. The construction of the present Somnath temple started in 1950. The jyotirlingam pratishthapan ceremony was done by the first president of India, Dr, Rajendra Prasad. All these facts reveal the majesty of the temple and its importance for the devotees.
This enraged the Prajapati and he cursed Moon to wane. In order to recover, he prayed to Lord Shiva at the Prabhas Tirtha. Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion and cured him. Then, on the advice of Brahma, Moon God built the temple in the honor of the Lord and to show his gratitude. It is said that the first temple was built by Moon God in gold, followed by Ravana in silver, Lord Krishna in Sandalwood and King Bhimdev in Stone. The Somnath temple has a magnificent sprawling complex and is a great pilgrim site for the Hindus.
The present temple is built in Chalukya style and has been constructed in such a manner that there is no land between the temple shore and the South Pole. The summit of the temple rises to a height of 155 feet. There is a Kalash (pot vessel) on the top, which measures 10 tons. The flag mast on the peak is 37 feet long and is changed three times during the day. The construction of the present Somnath temple started in 1950. The jyotirlingam pratishthapan ceremony was done by the first president of India, Dr, Rajendra Prasad. All these facts reveal the majesty of the temple and its importance for the devotees.
Ramanathaswamy Temple
The
Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the most sacred shrines of the Hindus in
India. The Jyotirlingam at the Ramanathaswamy temple is the southernmost
of the 12 Jyotirlingams of India. It is considered as holy as
Banaras/Kashi. The Ramanathaswamy temple is situated on the Rameshwaram
Island, off the Sethu coast of Tamil Nadu. According to legends, this
temple is associated with Ramayana and the victory of Lord Rama over the
demon king Ravana.
The Ramanathaswamy temple is greatly revered, as it is believed that Lord Rama himself built the temple. According to the legends, after killing Ravana Lord Rama returned to India and offered worship to Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram to expiate the sin of killing the demon king. Lord Rama directed Hanuman to bring the lingam from Kailasha within a certain time but Hanuman was delayed and Sita had to prepare one of sand, before the auspicious hour. It is said that this is the same Linga of Sri Ramanatha in the temple.
Shrines at the Ramanathaswamy Temple
In the main sanctum at the temple there is the Linga of Sri Ranganatha. It is the same one, which Lord Rama had sanctified. The Vimana is three storeys tall and contains images of Hanuman, Agastya Linga and the Gandhamadhana Linga. The Linga of Vishvanatha, which is said to be brought by Hanuman, is enshrined in another sanctum to the north. Another shrine houses the image of Visalakshi, the Consort of Visvanatha while Parvathavardhani, the consort of Ramanatha is enshrined in a sanctum to his right.
How to Reach the Ramanathaswamy Temple
Air
The nearest airport is Madurai (167 Km), connected by flights with Bombay, Calicut and Madras.
Rail
Rameshwaram is connected by rail to Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore.
Road
Rameshwaram is connected by regular bus services with Kanykumari, Karaikudi, Chennai, Madurai, Ramanathapuram and several other cities of Tamilnadu and neighboring states
The Ramanathaswamy temple is greatly revered, as it is believed that Lord Rama himself built the temple. According to the legends, after killing Ravana Lord Rama returned to India and offered worship to Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram to expiate the sin of killing the demon king. Lord Rama directed Hanuman to bring the lingam from Kailasha within a certain time but Hanuman was delayed and Sita had to prepare one of sand, before the auspicious hour. It is said that this is the same Linga of Sri Ramanatha in the temple.
Shrines at the Ramanathaswamy Temple
In the main sanctum at the temple there is the Linga of Sri Ranganatha. It is the same one, which Lord Rama had sanctified. The Vimana is three storeys tall and contains images of Hanuman, Agastya Linga and the Gandhamadhana Linga. The Linga of Vishvanatha, which is said to be brought by Hanuman, is enshrined in another sanctum to the north. Another shrine houses the image of Visalakshi, the Consort of Visvanatha while Parvathavardhani, the consort of Ramanatha is enshrined in a sanctum to his right.
How to Reach the Ramanathaswamy Temple
Air
The nearest airport is Madurai (167 Km), connected by flights with Bombay, Calicut and Madras.
Rail
Rameshwaram is connected by rail to Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore.
Road
Rameshwaram is connected by regular bus services with Kanykumari, Karaikudi, Chennai, Madurai, Ramanathapuram and several other cities of Tamilnadu and neighboring states
ISKCON Temple
Situated
near the magnificent Juhu Beach of Mumbai, the ISKCON Temple sprawls
over an area of approximately 4 acres. Also known as the 'Hare Rama Hare
Krishna Temple', it is counted amongst the most popular and most-visited
temples of the city. Standing tall with all its magnificence, the
temples serves as the perfect acknowledgement of the efforts of Srila
Prabhupada, towards the propagation of Krishna Consciousness throughout
the world. He built this temple at Juhu, when the locality was nothing
more than a remote suburb.
Today, the fame of the Iskcon Temple has spread so much that, on an average, it receives approximately three lakh pilgrims on the occasion of Janmashtami celebrations. On a daily basis, the temple receives somewhere around five thousand visitors, whose numbers further increases to over ten thousand on Sundays. Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple of Bombay serves as the perfect retreat for people, where they come to escape from the hectic and demanding city life.
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple was inaugurated in the year 1978. Its complex comprises of a huge sanctum sanctorum, a modern auditorium, a book publishing house, a restaurant, and a twin towered six-storied guest house for the visitors. One of the best ways to spend time at the ISKCON Temple is to take part in the mediations and chanting of mantras. It will help you in ridding your mind of all the mundane tensions and connecting with the God on a much more spiritual level.
History
The first time Srila Prabhupada saw the land where Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple is situated was when he was going to Smt. Morarjee's house. During that time, the land was nothing more than a jungle. He liked the land so much that he prayed to God that if ever he would be able to get this land, he would build a beautiful temple there. By God's grace, the same land was offered to International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in the year 1971. Thereafter started the construction of Iskcon Temple and it was inaugurated on 14th January 1978 (the day of Makar Sankranti).
Today, the fame of the Iskcon Temple has spread so much that, on an average, it receives approximately three lakh pilgrims on the occasion of Janmashtami celebrations. On a daily basis, the temple receives somewhere around five thousand visitors, whose numbers further increases to over ten thousand on Sundays. Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple of Bombay serves as the perfect retreat for people, where they come to escape from the hectic and demanding city life.
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple was inaugurated in the year 1978. Its complex comprises of a huge sanctum sanctorum, a modern auditorium, a book publishing house, a restaurant, and a twin towered six-storied guest house for the visitors. One of the best ways to spend time at the ISKCON Temple is to take part in the mediations and chanting of mantras. It will help you in ridding your mind of all the mundane tensions and connecting with the God on a much more spiritual level.
History
The first time Srila Prabhupada saw the land where Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple is situated was when he was going to Smt. Morarjee's house. During that time, the land was nothing more than a jungle. He liked the land so much that he prayed to God that if ever he would be able to get this land, he would build a beautiful temple there. By God's grace, the same land was offered to International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in the year 1971. Thereafter started the construction of Iskcon Temple and it was inaugurated on 14th January 1978 (the day of Makar Sankranti).
Brahma temple
Lying
beyond the Nagaparvat and Anasagar Lake in Pushkar is the Brahma temple
of Rajasthan, India. A popular pilgrimage of Hindus, the Brahma temple,
Pushkar is the only temple of Lord Brahma in India. The legend is that
Lord Brahma performed a Yagna here, along with all the gods and
goddesses. It is also believed that a lotus fell from the hands of Lord
Brahma and fell in the valley of Pushkar. Immediately after, Sarovar
Lake appeared miraculously at that place.
The Brahma temple is constructed of marble, in southern style. Also, the floor of the temple is decorated with a silver turtle. The temple houses a statue of Lord Brahma in a palthi (seated) position. The temple also comprises of an image of Lord Vishnu, life sized dwarpals (door men) and Garuda pillars (a mythical bird, in gold).
Lotus
Temple DelhiThe Brahma temple is constructed of marble, in southern style. Also, the floor of the temple is decorated with a silver turtle. The temple houses a statue of Lord Brahma in a palthi (seated) position. The temple also comprises of an image of Lord Vishnu, life sized dwarpals (door men) and Garuda pillars (a mythical bird, in gold).
Lotus
Temple is situated 12 km to the southeast of Connaught Place.
Architecturally one of the most splendid temples of India, Delhi Lotus
Temple is called so because it is built in the shape of a Lotus flower.
The temple got completed in the year 1986 and rises to a height of more
than 40 m. Located on Bahapur Hills, it is the seventh and the latest
Baha'i houses of worship in the world. Bahai Temple of New Delhi is a
white marble monument designed like a half-opened lotus.
Twenty-seven giant lotus petals of white marble spring out from nine pools and walkways of the temple. These walkways represent the nine unifying spiritual paths of the Baha'i faith. Exquisitely manicured lawns surround the building of the Lotus Temple. Silence is a prerequisite inside the New Delhi Lotus Temple. Also, one needs to take off the shoes while entering inside. Made up of marble, cement, sand and dolomite, this temple is often equated with the Sydney Opera House. Baha'i Temple in Delhi is often compared to the Sydney Opera House.
There is a simple, but outstanding 34.27 m high central hall in the temple where people sit and meditate. Petal alcoves of the temple are inscribed with stimulating quotes of the Baha'i sacred scriptures. Though the temple belongs to the Baha'i sect, it is open to people of each and every faith. The Baha'i religion, an independent one, places great importance on prayer and meditation as instruments for the progress of the human soul. Committed to the oneness of all religions and mankind, it traces its origins to its prophet Baha'u'llah, born in Persia in the 20th century.
Twenty-seven giant lotus petals of white marble spring out from nine pools and walkways of the temple. These walkways represent the nine unifying spiritual paths of the Baha'i faith. Exquisitely manicured lawns surround the building of the Lotus Temple. Silence is a prerequisite inside the New Delhi Lotus Temple. Also, one needs to take off the shoes while entering inside. Made up of marble, cement, sand and dolomite, this temple is often equated with the Sydney Opera House. Baha'i Temple in Delhi is often compared to the Sydney Opera House.
There is a simple, but outstanding 34.27 m high central hall in the temple where people sit and meditate. Petal alcoves of the temple are inscribed with stimulating quotes of the Baha'i sacred scriptures. Though the temple belongs to the Baha'i sect, it is open to people of each and every faith. The Baha'i religion, an independent one, places great importance on prayer and meditation as instruments for the progress of the human soul. Committed to the oneness of all religions and mankind, it traces its origins to its prophet Baha'u'llah, born in Persia in the 20th century.
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