India is a huge country that is called the center of spirituality where there are more than 20 lakh Hindu temples. There are many grand temples across the country which are known for their art and beauty. In ancient times, temples were important places of social center which also remind us of the fine craftsmanship of the artisans. Talking about architecture, most of the temples are of Nagara or Northern style, Dravida or Southern style, and Vesara or mixed style. There is a unique combination of Indian culture, art, and beauty in the carvings of these temples. Today in this episode, we are going to tell you about some such temples of the country which become the center of history along with spirituality. Let us know about them...
Brahma Temple, Rajasthan
The structure of this temple located in Pushkar, Rajasthan is believed to be from the 14th century. This temple is said to be about 2000 years old. In the center of this temple is the idol of Brahma and his second wife Gayatri. Let us tell you that this temple is the only Brahma temple in India, where lakhs of devotees and tourists come every year. A fair is also organized here twice a year, in which many pilgrims and tourists from India and abroad participate.
Vitthal Temple, Karnataka
This temple is perhaps the most popular of all the temples in the Hampi complex. There are famous musical pillars here that emit amazing sounds. The British wanted to know the secret of this sound. For this he got two pillars cut, but he found nothing there except hollow pillars. There was once a market on the road leading to the temple, where horses were traded. Even today we can see the remains of the market on both sides of the road. Sculptures of Persians selling horses still exist in the temple.
Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
The sacred Kedarnath Dham has been an important pilgrimage site for thousands of years. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, adjacent to an earlier temple built by the Pandavas in the Dwapar period. There is something inscribed on the large gray stairs of the temple in Pali or Brahmi script, which is difficult to discern clearly. Since the time of Adi Guru Shankaracharya ji, the Rawals, and priests of the Jangam community from South India worship the Shiva Linga in the temple, while the worship on behalf of the pilgrims is done by the Brahmins from the pilgrimage priests. Kedarnath is known all over the world for its beauty and glory.
Dwarkadhish Temple, Gujarat
Dwarkadhish Temple dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna is also known as Jagat Mandir. This temple present in Gujarat has been included in the Char Dham Yatra. It is believed that this temple is about 2500 years old. It is so old that the discussion about this temple can be seen even in archaeological facts. This temple is five-storeyed, with about 72 pillars. The vastness of this temple is very ancient.
Dilwara Temple, Rajasthan
This temple is located about 2.5 km away from Mount Abu and each of these five temples is unique in itself. They were built between the 11th and 13th centuries (AD). These temples are famous for their amazing use of marble. These five temples (Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittal Har Temple, Parshvanath Temple, and Mahavir Swami Temple) are considered to be the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites in the world.
Lakshminarayan Temple, Delhi
This temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi is one of the major temples of Delhi. It was constructed in 1938 and inaugurated by the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Built in Oriya style, the exterior of this temple is made of white marble and red sandstone. This temple was originally built by Veer Singh Dev in 1622. After that, Prithvi Singh renovated it in 1793. Then in 1938 it was expanded and renovated by India's largest industrial family, the Birla Group.
Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Tamil Nadu
Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple located in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu is a huge and ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is one of the 108 divine temples. This temple, included among the most beautiful and grand temples of South India, was built between the sixth and ninth centuries. It is spread over approximately 156 acres, and is also considered to be the largest Hindu temple in the world. Its beauty is worth seeing.
Brihadeshwara Temple, Tamil Nadu
This temple was built by Rajaraja Chola in 1002 AD. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and represents a fine example of Dravidian art. Brihadeshwar Temple is a unique combination of the best traditions of temple construction. Which includes architecture, painting, and other allied arts. It is composed of several interconnected structures, such as the Nandi Mantapa, a pillared portico, and a large hall. The height of its top is 66 meters.
Chennakeshava Temple, Karnataka
In Bailur, Karnataka The Chennakeshava temple situated at this place was built during the Hoylas period. Situated on the banks of river Yagachi, this temple is based on the Dravidian style. The mythological characters are depicted on the walls of this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its structure is so grand that it has been recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India. Of its three entrances, the eastern entrance is considered the best. This temple was built by the rulers of Vijayanagara to commemorate their victory over the Cholas.
Ram Mandir, Ayodhya
The religious city Ayodhya is known all over the world as the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram Lala. According to the ancient Indian epic, Ramayana, Rama was born in Ayodhya. It is known as Ram Janmabhoomi or birthplace of Ram. In the 15th century, the Mughals built a mosque, the Babri Masjid, on the Ram Janmabhoomi. The mosque was built after demolishing a Hindu temple. Currently, as per the orders of the Supreme Court, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust started the first phase of construction of the Ram temple in March 2020 at the same place. In the coming time, a grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram will be constructed.
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