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The June 2025 edition of our monthly newsletter "The Heritage Diary" is out now. Check out from the link given below. Link also in description. ![]()
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indiantempless.in/3d-flip-book/the-heritage-diary-june-2025/![]()
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#heritage #newsletter #heritagenews
Jagannath, meaning Lord of the Universe, is a deity worshipped in regional Hindu traditions as part of a triad along with his (Krishna’s) brother Balabhadra, and sister, Subhadra. To most Vaishnava Hindus, particularly the Krishnaites, Jagannath is a form of Krishna, sometimes as the avatar of Vishnu. To some Shaiva and Shakta Hindus, he is a symmetry-filled tantric form of Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Shiva associated with annihilation.![]()
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The idol of Jagannath is a carved and decorated wooden stump with large round eyes and a symmetric face, and the idol has a conspicuous absence of hands or legs. The worship procedures, sacraments and rituals associated with Jagannath are syncretic and include rites that are uncommon in Hinduism. Unusually, the icon is made of wood and replaced with a new one at regular intervals.![]()
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The origin and evolution of Jagannath worship is unclear. Some scholars interpret hymn 10.155.3 of the Rigveda as a possible origin, but others disagree and state that it is a syncretic/synthetic deity with tribal roots.![]()
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Jagannath plays a very important role in the Bhakti tradition movement of Odisha and Bengal. The Bhakti movement in Odisha, known as Jnana Misrita Bhakti or Dadhya Bhakti, was a powerful spiritual and social reform movement that began in the 12th century, becoming a mass movement by the 14th century. It emphasized personal devotion, challenged traditional hierarchies, and promoted an inclusive and egalitarian society. Key figures like Jayadeva and the Panchasakha (Balarama Dasa, Achyutananda, Jasobanta Dasa, Ananta Dasa, and Jagannatha Dasa) played a crucial role in spreading Bhakti through public sankirtans (mass chanting) across Odisha. Jagannath was the central deity of the Odisha Bhakti movement.![]()
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#jagannath #bhaktitradition #bhaktimovement
Tucked away on the peaceful banks of the river Yagachi in Karnataka lies Belur, a timeless town steeped in history, art, and devotion. Once known by names like Velapur, Velur, and Belahur, this was the proud capital of the Hoysala dynasty, a kingdom that redefined temple architecture in South India.![]()
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At the heart of Belur stands the Chennakeshava Temple, a masterpiece of Hoysala craftsmanship and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Commissioned in 1116 AD by King Vishnuvardhana to celebrate his victory over the Cholas, the temple was originally called Vijaya Narayana—a name that echoes triumph and divinity.![]()
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Dedicated to Chennakesava, or “the Handsome Kesava,” a form of Lord Vishnu, the temple has remained a vibrant center of Vaishnava worship for over 900 years. Its legacy lives on not just in faith, but in stone. Every inch of the temple is a canvas—its walls narrate epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana, while its friezes bring to life dancers, musicians, warriors, gods, and everyday people of the 12th century.![]()
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But what makes Chennakeshava truly unique is its inclusive spiritual vision. Though a Vaishnavite shrine, it also pays homage to Shaivism, Shaktism, and even includes images of a Jina from Jainism and the Buddha. This beautiful interweaving of traditions reflects the cultural tolerance and theological richness of the Hoysala Empire.![]()
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To visit Belur is to walk through the corridors of devotion, artistry, and pluralism. It is where stone breathes, and where the sacred and the secular dance together in harmony.![]()
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🛕✨ A must-visit for every lover of Indian heritage.![]()
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#Belur #ChennakeshavaTemple #HoysalaArchitecture #UNESCOWorldHeritage #TempleTrails #IndianCulture #IncredibleIndia #Vaishnavism #HoysalaTemples #RamayanaInStone #SacredIndia #IndianHeritage #TravelIndia #TempleDiaries #CulturalLegacy
Who protects the temples while God protects us?![]()
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In the sacred silence of Indian temples, a divine mystery unfolds. While the deity within offers us blessings, grace, and protection, the outer sanctum is fiercely guarded by an army of mythic beings — protectors carved in stone.![]()
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Dvarapalas, the fierce guardians at the entrance, stand tall with weapons in hand, ensuring only the pure-hearted may pass.![]()
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Above the lintels and arches, you’ll spot Kirtimukha, the lion-faced devourer of ego, symbolizing the need to shed pride before entering the divine space.![]()
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At the corners and niches reside Yakshas, gentle yet vigilant nature spirits — benevolent protectors who bridge the material and spiritual worlds.![]()
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The edges of spouts and arches are adorned with Makara, the mythical sea-creature that combines elements of crocodile, elephant, and fish — representing mastery over chaos and natural forces.![]()
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And winding along pillars, with the strength of a lion and the grace of an elephant, is Vyali or Gajasimha — a creature meant to terrify evil and offer unseen protection.![]()
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Each of these isn’t just decoration — they are guardians of dharma, carved with intention, devotion, and centuries of tradition.![]()
They remind us that even the divine abodes are shielded with strength, symbolism, and sacred vigilance.![]()
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Swipe through to discover the protectors who silently watch over our temples.![]()
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#TempleGuardians #IndianTempleArt #Dvarapala #Kirtimukha #Yaksha #Makara #Vyali #Gajasimha #SacredArchitecture #MythicalProtectors #HeritageIndia #IndianTemples #IncredibleIndia #TempleStories
The May 2025 edition of our monthly newsletter "The Heritage Diary" is out now. It contains interesting articles by @dinno_da, @dr.jankithaker_vastuexpert, @juie14 and Soumya ojha. Do check out from the link in our bio.![]()
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indiantempless.in/3d-flip-book/the-heritage-diary-may-2025/![]()
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#heritagenews #heritagenewsletter #heritagediary