Temple Name — Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir
Location — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
History and Facts — According to the revenue records, it was constructed during 1825–1830. According to Dr. Ratnesh Varma of District Cultural Committee, it was constructed by the Amethi royal family in 1857. The temple is constructed for god Shiva.
“Legend says it was built by an unnamed servant of Raja Man Singh for his mother Ratna Bai about 500 years ago. After having built the temple, he proudly boasted that he paid his debt to his mother (Matru-rin). However, since the debt to one’s mother can never be repaid, the temple started leaning because of a curse by the mother. That is the reason for the alternative name of the temple: Matru-run (Mother’s debt) and the temple has some other reasons”
The temple was built extremely close to the Ganges River and has developed a nine-degree slant, and 74m high. By contrast, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy tilts four degrees, and 57m high.
Legend and history do not match up when it comes to Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple. The lean could be the result of a structural problem, or because it was built on silt, or may be because of a curse.
No one knows why the leaning temple was built so close to the river’s edge, either. In fact, the temple is so close to the Ganges that part of it is actually underwater for much of the year.
- Temple Name — Padamanabhaswamy Temple
Location — Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
History and Facts — The Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple was built in the 16th Century by the kings who ruled over the then kingdom of Travancore. Local legends say the Travancore kings sealed immense riches within the thick stone walls and vaults of the temple.
“According to Sreemad Bhagavatham, Lord Balarama, brother of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu bathed in the Padmatheertham, the pond adjoining the temple. Some people mention the belief that the construction of the temple began during the early days of Kali Yuga, about 5000 years ago.
The main deity enshrined in Anantha sayanam position the Eternal sleeping position of yoga Nidra on the serpent Anantha.”
This temple has six vaults built under its sanctorum. From these, five of the vaults have been opened, but there is this one secret vault that still remains unopened till date, it has stored with many hidden treasures. Believers feel that anybody who tries to open this secret vault will face a curse and invoke massive floods in the area, before they tried to open and stopped when they heard because that sounded like rushing water. The door of this chamber is protected by the snake god thus can be opened by sadhus who can chant ‘garuda mantra’, but there is no one who can chant in india.
- Temple Name — Badavalinga Temple
Location — Hampi, Karnataka.
History and Facts — Located in the course of the Thurtha canal constructed by the Raya dynasty of Vijayanagara. The beautiful Linga is made of black stone. It has a height of 3 meters. It is believed that the temple has been in existence since the period of the Vijayanagara Empire.
“Legend has it that the Shiva Linga placed inside the temple was commissioned by a poverty-stricken peasant woman. The temple is believed to be built in the 15th century name as “Badavi Linga” as constructed by a peasant woman.
The roof of the temple’s sanctum sactorum was partially damaged during an invasion by Bahmani Sultans resulting in a large hole.”
The Shivalinga is illuminated by sunlight sneaking through the hole and water at the base provides a mirror image of Bhat’s actions.
There is a single opening in front of the chamber through which devotees can get in, but now there is no entry for devotees into inner chamber.
The pedestal of the Shiva Linga stands on a bed of water. This is due to the fact that the shrine always remains filled with water as a river flows through it.
- Temple Name — Kailash Temple
Location — Ellora Caves Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
History and Facts — The temple began during the rule of the Rashtrakuta king, Dantidurga (735–757 AD). Major work on the temple was done by King Dantidurga’s successor (757–773 AD), although work continued under many successive kings for more than a century.
“Legend says The queen of the Rashtrakuta ruler Elu made a vow that she would not eat till a magnificent temple was built to Lord Shiva. The king invited many architects, but none of them was able to fulfil this vow. Finally, an architect named Kokasa from Paithan completed the task in no time.”
The Kailasanatha temple (Cave 16) is one of the 34 cave temples and monasteries known collectively as the Ellora Caves.
The Kailasanatha temple and monasteries known collectively as the Ellora Caves.
A huge rock screen with carvings and a two-level doorway with eaves on top. A door on the lower level leads into the double-storey gopuram, which has exquisitely carved sculptures on the walls. Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna flank the entrance gateway.
There are many beautiful carvings of the Mahabharata and Ramayana panels. It started from the top of the mountain but a pit was later dug around the temple on the sloping side of the hill, about 106 feet deep, 160 ft wide and 280 ft in length.
Apart from the gopura, the main temple has a sabha griha (hall), vestibules and a Nandi mandap which leads to the garba griha (sanctum) with the shiv linga, all of which are profusely carved and with Dravidian shikaras (towers). A bridge connects the Nandi mandap to the gopuram.
- Temple Name — Lord Jagannath temple
Loction — Puri, Odisha.
History and Facts — The temple was built by the Ganga dynasty king Anantavarman Chodaganga in the 12th century CE.
“Legend says in Dvapara Yuga King Indradyumna of Malwa wanted to find dazzling blue jewel that it could grant instant moksha.
It was told that when lord krishna’s body cremated after his departure, fire could not burn his heart. And to save that, brahma wants to keep that jewel inside jagannath’s idol which nothing but lord krishna’s heart.
And to do so king performed harsh penance to obtain his goal. Vishnu then instructed him to go to the Puri seashore and find a floating log to make an image from its trunk.
Vishwakarma appeared in the form of an artisan and prepared images of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra from the tree.
The King found the log of wood. He did a yajna.Vishnu himself appeared in the guise of a carpenter to make the idols on condition that he was to be left undisturbed until he finished the work.
But just after two weeks, the Queen became very anxious. She took the carpenter to be dead as no sound came from the temple. Therefore, she requested the king to open the door. Thus, they went to see Vishnu at work at which the latter abandoned his work leaving the idols unfinished. The idol was devoid of any hands. But a divine voice told Indradyumana to install them in the temple. It has also been widely believed that in spite of the idol being without hands.”
The flag on top of temple always blows in the opposite direction of the wind.
The shadow of the main dome (dhwaja stambha) cannot be seen at any time of the day.
Aftering entering from singhadwara’s first step from inside we cannot hear the sound of the ocean. But, when you cross the same step from outside of temple we can hear it.
- Temple Name — Khajuraho Temples
Location — Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
History and Facts — Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 AD and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty. Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by the 12th century, Of these, only about 25 temples have survived.
The Khajuraho group of temples were built together but were dedicated to two religions, Hinduism and Jainism.
“Legend Hemvati was a beautiful woman, after whom the Khajuraho temples were built. One day, when she was bathing in a pool in Benaras, the Moon God was swooned by her beauty, and could not wait any longer to see her. They conceived a child and named him Chandravarman. However, she feared that her child might have to face harassment as he was born out of wedlock. She was so distressed that she cursed the Moon God, who later prophesied that the child will grow up to become a great king.
Just like the prophecy, the child indeed grew to become a great king, who founded the Chandela dynasty. One day, after Hemvati passed away, her son saw her in his dreams, where she asked him to construct temples that would depict human passions”
Materials Used in Construction Granite or sandstone in shades of buff, pink and pale yellow.
The temples are famous for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism and erotic sculptures. Only 10% of the temple architecture is dedicated to erotic art.
The temple walls depict the male and female principles, which are in the form of Lord Shiva and Shakti, Khajuraho temples are also known as Kamasutra temples for their sculptures. According to Hindu belief, Kama (sexual pleasure) is divine and an essential part of life. Sex is a emotion of spiritual and physical union.
The four goals of a Hindu life, according to the scriptures. The other goals are artha (success), dharma (virtue) and moksha are shown in temple walls.
“Khajuraho Temples suffered destruction & disfigurement by muslim invaders. so all the citizens of Khajuraho left the town with a hope that its solitude will not attract attention of muslim invaders into the temple area and in this way both temple and they themselves will remain unhurt.”
The Khajuraho group of monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Temple Name — Veerabhadra Temple
Location — Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
History and Facts — Built in the 16th century, the architectural features of the temple are in the Vijayanagara style with profusion of carvings and paintings at almost every exposed surface of the temple.
The fresco paintings are particularly detailed in very bright dresses and colours with scenes of Rama and Krishna from the epic stories of the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas and they are well preserved.
“Legend gives the town a significant place in the epic Ramayana. It says , this was where the bird Jatayu fell, wounded after a futile battle against Ravana who had abducted Sita and going to Sri Lanka with her. When Sri Rama reached the spot, he saw the bird and said compassionately, “Le Pakshi” — ‘rise,o bird!!’ in Telugu.”
There is huge boulder of granite stone which has carving of coiled multi-hooded serpent providing an umbrella cover over a shiv Linga.
The hanging pillar is another attraction in the temple. There is a gap between the base of the pillar and ground through which cloth and paper can be passed, indicating the pillar is not supported by the ground.
“legend says that during the British era, a British engineer tried to move it in an unsuccessful attempt to uncover the secret of its support. However, upon moving the pillar, the whole structure of the temple started shaking (due to the kind of balance with which the pillars are placed, you move one — you move all). The engineer was so petrified, he ran off for his life.”
An enormous footprint on the temple floor after crossing the Kalyan Mandapa. Almost as if somebody were stamping on the ground with force.
This footprint is always moist, this foot constantly sipping and washing water from underneath.
There is a very large Nandi (bull), mount of Shiva, about 200 metres (660 ft) away from the temple which is carved from a single block of stone.
- Temple Name — Bugga Ramalingeshwara Temple
Location — Tadapatri, Andhra Pradesh.
History and Facts — Sri Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple was built by Ramalinga Nayudu, a chieftain of the Vijayanagara Kings, in 16th century.
Vijayanagara empire tasked with the administration of the Gandikota seema had built the Ramalingesvara temple as a result of an unusual event.
“Legend says when Ramalinga’s cows were taken to the fields to graze, one particular animal used to empty its milk on an ant-hill. The cowherd had hurled an axe at the ant-hill. The night Ramalinga has a dream in which the Lord told him the cowherd had harmed him. Ramalinga was asked to build a temple at the spot, the Tadapatri kaifiyat says.”
True to the story of the Linga, the presiding deity, being a ‘swayambhu’ (naturally occuring or self originated), the Linga is unhewn.
Temple depicts scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata forms of shiva as well as scenes from the lives of shaivite saints.
The temple got this name by a perennial underground stream from which water always keeps flowing (Bugga in Telugu) into the sanctum sanctorum at the spot where the Lingam is consecrated.
Temple combines unique architectural forms of andhra and karnataka style hippogryphs with gopuras.
- Temple Name — Bhimeswara Temple
Location — Draksharamam, Andhra Pradesh.
History and Facts — Inscriptions in the temple reveal that it was built between the 9th and 10th centuries CE, by the Eastern Chalukyan king, Bhima.
It is one of the Shiva Pancharamas and one of 18 Shakti Peethas. It is famous as both Shiva kshetra and Shakti kshetra. Lord Bheemeswara swamy and Manikyamba are main the deities here. This place is also called as Dakshina Kashi.
“Legend regarding the name of this place and existence of Lord Shiva in this place. During Tarakasura vadha, the Shiva Linga which was in the throat of Tarakasura broke into five pieces and one of the pieces fell here. Thereafter, it came to be known as Draksharamam.
After the death of Sati, the 12th part of her body i.e. her left cheek fell here which is now known in the form of Goddess Manikyamba.”
The pillars inside the temple are skillfully and exquisitely carved with intricate patterns that reflect the architecture of those days. Students of archaeological architecture can also learn much from its unique style.
God Statue Shiva Linga here is very tall and spread to 2 floors.
“According to local legend, the temple was built by angels in one night. The construction of the perimeter wall could not be completed before sunrise and still stands incomplete. Several attempts have been made to construct the uncompleted part of the wall but all those efforts have failed with the constructed wall collapsing within a few months.”
The temple’s two-stair mandapam is impressive, and the pillars in the temple are skillfully and delicately carved.
The inner sanctorium is very dark, so much that one cannot see without a some sort of light.
“Legends say that the inner walls of the temple were once filled with diamonds that provided the required light. When Aurangazeb invaded the temple to plunder the riches, all the diamonds turned to stones. Archakas show the walls adorned with diamond-shaped rocks as proof of this.”
Several official registry chronicles have also been etched on the stone walls in various South-Indian scripts.
The scripts are Dravidian, Tamil, Devanagri, and Telugu scripts in both Sanskrit and Telugu languages.
- Temple Name — Ramanatha Swamy Temple
Loction — Rameswaram, Tamilnadu.
History and Facts — The glittering Golden temple of Ramanathswamy is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of India.
The construction of the temple in Rameshwaram started in the 12th century during the Pandya reign and continued till the 16th century. The temple architecture is an illustration of the Dravidian style.
‘Ramanathaswamy’ literally means ‘the Master of Rama’ which refers to Lord Shiva.
“Legend says There are two ‘lingam’ inside the temple; ‘Ramalingam’ by Devi Sita built by sand and ‘Viswalingam’ brought by Lord Hanuman from Kailasha (abode of Lord Shiva) and installed by Lord Rama.”
Temple tanks, hall of 1000 pillars, and several other shrines in the temple attract millions of pilgrims every year, especially during Maha Shivratri.
It is built in the shape of a star, and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and the Sun God, Surya.
The structure of the temple is Amazing.
- Temple Name — Ramappa Temple
Location — Warangal, Telangana.
History and Facts — Ramappa temple was built around 1213 AD. This temple was constructed during the rule of Kakatiya King Ganapati Deva.
“Local legend has it that a sculptor named Ramappa from Karnataka executed the temple for 40 years and hence it was named after him.”
At the entrance of Garbhagriha, you will see carvings on the walls, showcasing various dance forms as well as different musical instruments. Its ceiling consist of carvings, depicting scenes from Hindu epics Ramayana, Shiva Purana and various other ancient texts.
The bricks used in building the Ramalingeswara Temple are light weight. Unlike other stones, these bricks float in water instead of sinking.
Each pillar of the temple depicts sculptures and stories from mythology. It is also said that if you hit a pillar or a stone of this temple, you can hear musical sounds.
Unlike most of the other Lord Shiva temple in the country, here Nandi is shown in an attentive posture, as if ready to take the command of the Lord and execute it.
- Temple Name — Brihadeeshwara Temple
Location — Thanjavur, Tamilnadu.
History and Facts — Brihadeshwara is the title referring Lord Shiva enshrined in the Tanjore Big Temple built by Raja Raja Chola I.
“Laying the foundation for the temple following the orders received in his dream, he named the temple Rajarajeshwaram and consecrated more than a thousand years back in 1010 AD, that is exactly ten centuries back.
Later the Marathas and Nayakas who invaded Tanjore named the monument as Brihadeshwara temple.”
Stunning architecture demonstrating the excellence in temple construction, sculpture, fresco painting and metallurgy.
The whole of the temple is constructed from granite stones.
About 81 tons was lifted and placed on top of the hollow Shikara measuring 216 feet (66 metres).
The shadow of the main tower, Raja Gopuram does not fall on the ground.
There is a local legend that statue of Nandi made of black granite kept growing in the size. However the explanation being given is it could be even because of the unique weather condition and to control its growth.
There are several underground passages which connected the different temples of Chola period.
The temple has ably survived the extremities of weather, six major earthquakes and a major fire accident. In recognition of its incredible architecture, UNESCO has declared the temple as a World Heritage Monument.
- Temple Name — konark wat
Location — Puri, Odisha.
History and Facts — It is built in the 13th century CE the temple was built by the King Narasimhadeva I hailing from the Eastern Ganga dynasty between 1238–1250 CE.
‘Konark’ means the sun and the four corners.
The exact reason for the building of the temple by Narasimhadeva is not known. The sun god is not worshipped.
Reason behind never been worshipped :
“Because King narsimbhadeva 1 determine the deadline for the completion of the temple and if the workers could fail to do it then he had declared to behead all 1200 workers.
The temple was completed in time except for the crown stone which is dadhinauti.
The 12-year-old boy dharmapada who is son of the chief architect Bishu maharana surprise everyone to installing the dadhi nathi and the problem in hand was solved.
But if king narsimbhadeva 1 gets to know that a 12-year-old boy was the person responsible for this success of the work rather than the 1200 experienced workers than anyway the king would kill them all.
So dharmapada decided to sacrifice his life by kampung from the top of the temple in the chandrabhava river and save the 1200 workers from getting beheaded.
Since that time the temple become unholy with the death of dharmapada.
Sun god never worshipped there.”
The impressive Kalinga architecture that includes a depiction of a 100 ft high chariot being pulled by horses and wheels carved out of a single stone. The monument portrays the imposing chariot of the sun god.
The seven horses represent the week, the wheels stand for the 12 months while the day-cycle is symbolised by the eight spokes in the wheels. And this whole depiction tells how the time is controlled by the sun.The giant carved wheels, each of which is a sundial
The wheels of the temple can be used as sundials and can very well predict the time.
For every 200 years the sun rises from inside of temple.
The temple was called Black Pagoda attributing to its dark facade by the Europeans who used it for navigation for their ships. It is said that the temple could draw ships to the shore due to its magnetic powers. But now the magnet was taken away and the temple was destroyed by european rulers.
