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HERE VISHNU WAS CARVED TO LOOK LIKE THEN KING![]()
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Many of you must have visited the Hindu and Jain caves in Badami, Karnataka. The caves were carved by Chalukya dynasty, between 6th and 8th centuries. The cave complex consists of multiple Hindu sculptures, dedicated to both Shavisim and Vaishnavism. Among the Vishnu sculptures at Badami, one particular Sculpture is among the most eye-catching ones.![]()
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Here, Vishnu is seen sitting in a throne made of coils of Sheshanaga. The hood of Shesha works as a Chhatra (like umbrella) on Vishnu’s head. ![]()
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There is an interesting tale about the Sculpture. The Sculpture was carved during the rule of Kirttivarman I, son of Pulakeshi I. He ruled from Badami in last 6th century, the time when the excavation of Badami caves had started. It is said that his brother Mangalesha was looking after the excavation process. Mangalesha had great love and regard for his brother, and he thought of his brother as an ideal king. ![]()
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Because of this, he created a Sculpture of Vishnu, sitting on throne. And here, he got his brother Kirttivarman face for the Vishnu Sculpture. It was his way of telling the world that his brother rules over the region with love and compassion, just like Vishnu does.![]()
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Though there is no written evidence to support this story, it is a very popularly told story in the Chalukya region.
The February 2025 issue of our monthly newsletter "The Heritage Diary" is out now. It features articles by @dinno_da @amar_n_ath and @dr.jankithaker_vastuexpert. Check out at indiantempless.in/3d-flip-book/the-heritage-diary-feb-2025/![]()
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This week in the world of Culture and Heritage. Follow Dr Dinesh Soni for more information and updates on the topic.
In Hindu learnings, stories play an important role. We narrate stories of Gods and Goddesses, kings and queens, stalwarts and noble men; all with an intention to foster positive qualities in our lives. So when I came to know about Swami Mukundananda's book that narrates stories of great saints, I was super delighted.![]()
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This book is not a standard biography. It doesn't narrate whole lives of these saints. The book just talks about important events, especially the hardships faced by them. And how the saints had risen over the hardships to make way for their positivity. The book narrates stories of eleven great saints including Meerabai, Adi Shankaracharya, Soordas, Tukaram, Kabirdas, Ravidas, Andal, Ramanujacharya, Purandar Dasa, Vallabhacharya and Tyagaraja. ![]()
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One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its ability to bring these historical figures to life. Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, the author paints a portrait of these saints that is both intimate and inspiring. We witness their struggles, triumphs, and unwavering faith, as they navigated the complexities of their times while seeking the divine.![]()
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This book is not a spiritual book. It is a book of inspiration and motivation. I am sure that parents can use these stories to instil value to their children, and people from all paths of life can use these learning to get over small hardships, and move ahead with confidence and calmness. The lucid and easy language of the author make it perfect for a relaxed reading.![]()
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Overall, a reco#SwamiMukundanandaa#talesofsaints #nourishyoursouln#HinduSaintsu#hinduisma#bookreviewism #bookreview
You might have heard of, or visited, the Eklingji temple near Udaipur. It is situated in Kailashpuri village, near the former capital of Mewar, Nagda. The deity is the Kuladevata of the Mewar princely state. Even today, the Maharana of Mewar works as the caretaker of the temple complex.![]()
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The complex has a long history, dating back to 8th century. The temples were first built by Bappa Rawal. The complex and idols faced major destructions in attacks by the Delhi Sultanate. The earliest extant idol was installed by Hamir Singh (14th century), who also carried out extensive renovations to the main temple. Rana Kumbha (15th century) rebuilt the temple, in addition to constructing a Vishnu temple. His 1460 inscription describes him as “the personal servant of Ekling”.![]()
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In the late 15th century, Ghiyath Shah of Malwa Sultanate attacked Mewar, and devastated Eklingji’s temple. Kumbha’s son Rana Raimal defeated and captured him, and obtained a ransom for his release. With this ransom, Raimal patronized the last major rebuilding of the temple complex, and installed the present murti at the main temple.![]()
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If you take a walk around the main temple, you will come across a beautiful lake with Ghats. Alongside the ghat, one will come across some ancient temples, and some ruins of temples that earlier existed there. Apart from the religious value of the place, the temple complex also has great reverence for the archaeology and heritage lovers. ![]()
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#eklingji #eklingjitemple #udaipurtemples