Chennakeshava Temple – A Timeless Symbol of Hoysala Craftsmanship and Indian Spirituality
Introduction The Chennakeshava Temple, also known as Keshava, Kesava, or Vijayanarayana Temple of Belur, is a remarkable 12th-century Hindu temple in Belur, in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his attractive form of Chennakesava (meaning “handsome Kesava”). The temple stands as one of the finest works of the […]
Dharmapuri’s Kedareshwar Temple – A Testament to Kalyani Chalukya Sculptural Aesthetics
The Marathwada region, the central part of Maharashtra, is known to travelers for the Magnificent Ellora caves. Beyond the Ellora caves, some know about the Ghrishneshwar temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Some history lovers may know the region for the Satvahana era marketplace of Tagarnagar, known as Ter today. But beyond these popular tourist […]
The Deula Style of Temple Architecture: Exploring Rekha, Pidha, and Khakhara Forms with a Focus on Bengal’s Towering Legacy
Introduction The Deula style of temple architecture, which is predominantly found in the ancient region of Kalinga, which is modern-day Odisha, It is a distinctive subset of the Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture. The Deula temples are characterized by their unique tower structures; the Deula style has evolved into three primary forms: Rekha, Pidha, […]
Thanumalayan Temple – Guardian of Ancient Mysteries and Sacred Harmony
Introduction – The Thanumalayan Temple, also known as Sthanumalayan Temple or Suchindram Temple, is situated in the town of Suchindram in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district. This sacred site is adored by both Shaivaite and Vaishnavite sects of Hinduism, embodying the spiritual unity of diverse traditions. Divine Origins – According to Hindu legend, Indra, the king […]
Stupas, Mahabodhi Temple and the Power of the Eightfold Path: A Vastu Perspective
Lord Buddha, born as Siddhartha Gautama around 563 BCE in Lumbini, was a spiritual teacher whose profound insights transformed humanity’s understanding of suffering and liberation. Born a prince, he lived a life of luxury until the age of 29, when he encountered the Four Sights—an old man, a sick person, a corpse, and an ascetic. […]
Rock-Cut Resonance : Architectural & Vastu Marvels of Masrur Temple
The Masrur (or Masroor) Rock Cut Temple often referred to as the “Ellora of Himachal,” is an architectural marvel situated in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Carved out of a single monolithic stone, this temple stands at a height of 2,535 feet above sea level. It is one of the rare rock-cut temples in […]
Brihadeeswarar Temple : An Architectural Marvel of the Chola Dynasty
Introduction The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as Periya Kovil, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. As one of the largest Hindu temples in the world, it epitomizes Tamil architecture and the architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty. Its monumental size, intricate design, and innovations have made it a UNESCO World […]
A Tapestry of Stone and Symbol : Unveiling the Ornamental Language of Indian Monuments
Indian monuments stand as testaments to a rich history, diverse cultures, and unparalleled artistic expression. These architectural marvels transcend their physical form, becoming canvases upon which stories are told, beliefs are communicated, and artistic brilliance is showcased. This detailed exploration delves into the fascinating world of ornament in Indian monuments, analysing the styles, materials, and […]
Akunuru’s Forgotten Past: Delving into Its Lost Legacy, History, and Temples
Introduction Akunuru, where “Aku” in Telugu means leaf and “Nuru” implies one hundred. It translates to “One hundred leaves”. According to the locals, it was also known as “Shatapatrapuram”, which also translates to the earlier mentioned meaning. This village is in the Cheriyal mandal of Siddipet district, Telangana. Akunuru is 8 km away from Cheriyal, […]
A Journey Through Maharashtra’s Ancient Caves
If we see the evolution of temple architecture over the time, our research would go back to almost 24 centuries. The time when Mauryas were ruling in the north and Cholas and Pandyas were ruling the southern India. Before this era, the worship would mostly happen through the rituals of Yagnya and sacrifice. These kind […]