Social Media Presence
33,380
Indian.Temples Research & Media Services
We is dedicated to bias free research and propoganda free information sharing.
The August 2025 edition of our monthly newsletter "The Heritage Diary"is out now. Contains interesting articles by @pratishtha1210 @dinno_da @dr.jankithaker_vastuexpert Alok Pandey and Kajal Tiwari. Don't forget to checkout heritage crossword. First three persons to send correct answers will receive a special prize. ![]()
![]()
Check out at indiantempless.in/3d-flip-book/the-heritage-diary-august-2025/ ![]()
![]()
Link also in bio. ![]()
![]()
Link also in bio.
๐๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฏ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ฆ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ![]()
![]()
Today, the Vaishnava deity Narsimha doesnโt find many temples in India. However, at one point of time, the cult of Narsimha worship existed in different parts of India.![]()
![]()
One of the earliest representation of Narasimha, dating back to the 4th-century, is from Kondamotu in Coastal Andhra. We find multiple ancient temples dedicated to Narsimha in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. This is because the worship of Narsimha was popularised by Vakataka dynasty, that ruled in the region from mid 3rd century to early 6th century. The Narismha temples in Ramtek, near Nagpur, were also built by the Vakataka dynasty. The cult was further spread in north and was followed up by Gupta dynasty ruling the north. Standing cult images of Narasimha from the early Gupta period, survive from temples at Tigowa and Eran.![]()
![]()
In the 5th-century CE, various Gupta Empire rulers minted coins with his images or sponsored inscriptions that associated the powers of Narasimha with their own. Some of the coins of the Kushan era show Narasimha, showing his influence. Some of the oldest Narasimha terracotta artworks have been dated to about the 2nd century CE, such as those discovered in Kaushambi, Ter and Paithan. ![]()
![]()
The worship of Narismha prevailed and flourished in the region for a few centuries. Multiple Narsimha shrines were built till 15th and 16th century. The temple of Ahobilam group of temples were built under the patronage of Saluva, Tuluva and mostly Vijayanagara kingdoms. Post the Vijayanagara empire, we donโt see many Narsimha temples.![]()
![]()
Narasimha images have also been found among early temple remains in Kashmir, especially from the Utpala and Lohara dynasties (9thโ12th century CE). Several Kashmiri kings, especially of the Karkota dynasty (8th century), were known patrons of Vaishnavism. Narasimha was one of the protective deities in the royal pantheon, and his imagery appeared on temple walls and ritual objects.![]()
![]()
Narsimha sculpture, discovered somewhere in Kasmir, displayed at SPS Museum, Srinagar. 10th Century AD.![]()
![]()
#narsimha #narsimhaworship
HOW CITIZEN MOVEMENT CHANGES FATE OF A MONUMENT![]()
![]()
Bansilalpet Stepwell, also known as Nagannakunta, is a 17th-century stepwell in Hyderabad. The stepwell remained in use well into the 20th century, acting as one of the sources of water for the Gandhi Hospital. In 1933, the area surrounding the well was developed into a residential area. The stepwell use was stopped in the 1980s after a few suicides at the well. Since then, the monument went into ignorance phase, and slowly got converted into a dumpyard.![]()
![]()
after almost four decades, a revival plan was chalked out by The Rainwater Project, a social enterprise focusing on sustainable water management. In mid-2022, the revival and restoration of the stepwell began with the Telangana Urban Development Department as a partner. Tonnes of garbage were removed โ revealing the six-stage stepwell descending 50 feet into the ground. The restored stepwell was finally opened to the public on December 5, 2022.![]()
![]()
Today the stepwell is beautifully landscaped and the complex contains a cafรฉ, amphithere and three galleries narrating the history of the stepwell and details of its restoration. The galleries also demonstrates the importance of water conservation. ![]()
![]()
The Bansilalpet stepwell restoration project also received the prestigious Big 5 Construction Impact Award in Dubai. This is a great example of how a movement with citizen involvement can change fate of a historical monument.![]()
![]()
#stepwell #bansilalpetstepwell #restoration
RARE SCULPTURE OF DANCING KRISHNA![]()
![]()
While we witness many sculptures of Shiva, Ganesha, Vishnu and other deities in dancing pose, we donโt witness sculptures of dancing Krishna. Whatever few sculptures of dancing Krishna exist, are of the Kaliyamardan scene, where Krishna had danced on the hood of a snake named Kaliya.![]()
![]()
This particular sculpture, carved in the 13th century, at the Chennakesava temple of Somnathpura, depicts Krishna is an entirely different form. While the dance of Kaliyamardan shows a brave act by Krishna, this dance depicts his playful act.![]()
![]()
Here, Krishna is depicted with a charming and captivating posture, with one leg raised, and the other foot firmly planted on the ground, symbolizing his divine balance and cosmic harmony. He holds a flute in his hands, which is a symbol of his melodious music and enchanting tunes. Two hands depict Shankha (conch) and Chakra (wheel); associating him with Supreme Vishnu.![]()
![]()
The sculptorโs attention to detail is evident in the ornate jewelry, intricate garments, and the expressive facial features of Krishna. The entire sculpture exudes a sense of joy, devotion, and transcendental bliss, capturing the essence of Krishnaโs divine love and playfulness.![]()
![]()
The 13th-century Keshava temple at Somanathpur, where this sculpture is housed, is renowned for its Hoysala-style architecture and intricate stone carvings. This dancing Krishna sculpture is a testament to the spiritual and artistic richness of the era and continues to captivate visitors with its timeless beauty and spiritual significance.![]()
![]()
#hoysalaart #dancingkrishna #krishnasculpture
The July 2025 edition of "The Heritage Diary" is out now. Check out at indiantempless.in/3d-flip-book/the-heritage-diary-july-2025/![]()
![]()
Link also in bio.