Archive for the 'East India Temples' Category
Built in the year of AD 950, Mukteswara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is carved with figures of ascetics in several poses of meditation. The highlight of the temple, is the magnificent torana – the decorative gateway, an arched masterpiece, reminiscent of Buddhist influence in Orissa.
This temple is considered to be the gem of Orissan architecture. The sculptured gateway, the Jagamohana with diamond shaped latticed windows and decorated interiors and the plethora of sculptural work all deserve mention in this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva Although it is only a small monument rising to a height of 35 feet. Literally every inch of its surface is carved. This temple has also been described as a dream realized in sandstone and it is a monument where it is said sculpture and architecture are in complete harmony with one another. This temple dates back to the 10th century.
The sculptural decoration of the Mukteswara is exquisitely executed. The beautiful sculptures eloquently speak of the sense of proportion and perspective of the sculptor and their unique ability in the exact depiction of the minutest objects. The builders of Mukteswara Temple introduced new architectural designs, new art motifs and new conceptions about the icnography of the cult images. There are a number of depictions of skeletal ascetics among the sculptural images, most of them shown in teaching or meditation poses, which seems appropriate as the name Mukteswara means “Lord who gives freedom through Yoga”.
June 10 2010 | East India Temples | No Comments »
Bodhgaya is a holy and serene village situated in the Bihar and it is the place where Lord Buddha came up with enlightening knowledge to preach peace to the world. It was Bodhgaya, where prince Gauthama sat under a peepal tree for three days and nights and enriched his mind and soul with supreme cognition. Bodhgaya is the place where young prince got transformed into Lord Buddha, who preached the whole world with his thoughts and knowledge.
Once prince Gauthama was in search for real truth that would enlighten his life. And it was the holy village of Bodhgaya, which is located on the banks of Nirjana River, 13km away from Gaya where he realized his aspirations. It is believed that Buddha spent seven weeks at Bodhgaya in pursuit of the knowledge and truth, where he devoted each week at different section of the temple. He spent the complete first week under the Bodhi tree and the second week was passed by gazing at the tree, as if he was absorbing the preaching illustrated by that tree. He spent the third and fourth week in meditation and acquainting himself with supreme modes of exposition. And last three weeks were spent in wandering here and there in the temple’s vicinity and in speculation.
Construction of the Temple
This ancient temple at Bodhgaya was constructed way back in 2nd century and is of grand size and style, with an impressive height of 170 feet. You can find amazingly craved railings made of stone, making the temple a master piece by human hands. There is a huge and beautiful sculpture of Lord Buddha in an earth touching pose. And the diamond throne, also known as Vajrasana is located in between the temple entrance and the majestic Bodhi tree. The premise of temple were regularly modified by many ruling rulers but was completely demolished by the floods. And the huge courtyard was excavated in 1884, and the archeology department put an immense work and funds to reorganize the temple.
Huge number of temples and sculptures were built in the year 1956 which was the huge occasion of 2500th year of the origin of Buddhism. Although the major part of the temple is still under the core of earth, but few of the authentic carved pillars can be seen in the vicinity of the temple. Apart of this, the Bodhgaya archaeological museum houses some original remains and priceless collection of souvenirs which were recovered from the archeological site of the temple.
June 03 2010 | East India Temples | No Comments »
Konark temple is also known as the Konark Sun temple and is the one of most famous temples of the country. This temple was built by Raja Narsimhadeva who was the powerful ruler of Ganga dynasty in the 13th century. It is named as Sun temple because it is dedicated to Sun God. The Sun temple is constructed such that it looks like a mammoth chariot with 24 wheels. Each wheel of this seven horses drawn vehicle is about 10 feet in diameter. Sun temple is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the country which is evident to its amazing carving and sculptural work.
Mythology
According to Hindu mythology, Samba who was the son on Lord Krishna and Jambavati was cursed by Lord Krishna when he accidently entered the place where the wife of Lord Krishna used to bath. Samba suffered from leprosy by the virtue of the curse given by Lord Krishna. And Samba could get solace from that curse only if he would worship Lord Surya. And in his pursuit of worshipping Lord Surya he figured a holy shrine of Lord Surya residing in a beautiful lotus flower at placed called Konaditya Kshetra.
Samba got exemption from the curse after worshipping the Lord Surya with extreme sincerity. The carvings on the Sun temple demonstrate the real picture of the life. The art successfully demonstrates humanity and peace to the world. Because of its cultural heritage, the Konark Dance Festival and the Sun Festival are organized at this serene place. Its whole design which includes the art behind carving and architecture is very closely related to ancient India culture.
June 03 2010 | East India Temples | No Comments »
Lingaraj Temple is actually a 54-meter tower and is undoubtedly the most worthy architectural achievements of ancient India. Lingaraj Temple is located at Bhubaneswar, which was the capital of ancient and prosperous Kalinga Empire. Lingaraj Temple is an epitome of the rich talent that existed in ancient India of 11th century. This is reason, which makes it one of most famous temples present in India.
The Temple
Lingaraj Temple is spread over a huge area of 250000 sq feet and is confined by huge beautifully carved walls. The Bindu Sagar lake surrounds this amazing temple and its tower is about 180 feet tall which is decorated with splendid sculpturing work.
Architectural Excellence
Images of God and Goddess are amazingly carved and graven on the outer walls of the temple. The complete layout of Lingaraj Temple is basically divided in three sections, each having a temple of a different God. Idol of Lord Ganesha is situated at the southern entrance of the main temple. And the idol is Goddess Parvati is present at its back and you can worship Lord Kartikya at the northern entrance of the temple. Number of pillars are present in the witness of the temple enhance the beauty of the temple.
June 03 2010 | East India Temples | No Comments »
Orissa is the home of incredible temple apart from its exotic beaches, rich wildlife and amazing cultural heritage. This state is situated beside the gleaming ocean, Bay of Bengal. The southern part of the state is the land of temples of ancient India. Many have disappeared with time because of environmental disasters, while the famous temple of Lord Jagannath at Puri is still the one of the most popular temples of the country. The architecture of the temple is evident to the rich culture of the past. It is one of the most visited holy shrines of the country and this popularity has made Puri known for Lord Jagannath temple.
The Lord Jagannath temple at Puri is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Balabhadra (Lord Krishna’s brother) and Subhadra (Sister). According to some of the books and legends associated with the temple, King Indradyumna built this beautiful temple because once he saw the wooden image of Lord Krishna under a fid tree. So he constructed this temple and put up the same wooden image inside the temple. People have an immense religional emotions attached with this temple and that is why Lord Jagannath Tempe is always flooded by the devotees of Lord Krishna. And these wooden images are frequently replaced with newer ones on every special occasion.
The Temple
The temple is constructed in a huge premises of about 4,00,000 square feet in area and is bounded by 20 feet tall walls. The whole complex of the temple is sectionized into four different chambers. The premises of the temple houses around 120 temples and holy enshrines and the main temple stands tall with an amazing height of 192 feet. Nata Mandir is actually a towered hall which was built to held cultural activities like dance and music shows is located in the Bhogmandir which is actually the outermost section of the temple. Nata Mandir is just beside the Jagamohana, which is actually the place meant for the devotees to carry their prayers and houses the holy shrines of Gods and Goddesses.
June 03 2010 | East India Temples | No Comments »
This temple is considered to be the gem of Orissan architecture. The sculptured gateway, the Jagamohana with diamond shaped latticed windows and decorated interiors and the plethora of sculptural work all deserve mention in this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva Although it is only a small monument rising to a height of 35 feet. Literally every inch of its surface is carved. This temple has also been described as a dream realized in sandstone and it is a monument where it is said sculpture and architecture are in complete harmony with one another. This temple dates back to the 10th century.
The sculptural decoration of the Mukteswara is exquisitely executed. The beautiful sculptures eloquently speak of the sense of proportion and perspective of the sculptor and their unique ability in the exact depiction of the minutest objects. The builders of Mukteswara Temple introduced new architectural designs, new art motifs and new conceptions about the icnography of the cult images. There are a number of depictions of skeletal ascetics among the sculptural images, most of them shown in teaching or meditation poses, which seems appropriate as the name Mukteswara means “Lord who gives freedom through Yoga”. 
