Indian Temples

Ajanta Cave Temple
Location:
Near Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Built in:
During 2nd century BC - 6th century AD
Dedicated to:
Lord Buddha
Significance:
Listed as World Heritage Site
Attraction:
Cave temples cut out of rocks
How to reach:
One can easily reach Ajanta Cave Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring Taxis from anywhere in Maharashtra
Ajanta Cave Temple is the marvelous architectural wonder that depicts the rich legacy of India. Acknowledged as the world heritage site, Ajanta Caves are renowned throughout the Globe. Located near Aurangabad, Ajanta Cave Temple can be reached easily from anywhere in Maharashtra by means of regular tourist buses or by hiring taxis. The nearest airport is located at Aurangabad that lies at a distance of 99 kms from the temples. The charisma, of these caves, attracts millions of visitors each and every year. In the early 19th century, the long buried Ajanta Caves were discovered unknowingly by a British Army Officer. At this juncture, the beautiful sculpted caves that were lying deep within the Sahyadri Hills, above the Waghora River, came into the sight. The cave temples are sited in a horse-shoe shaped cliff, where Wagura is flowing at the bottom. Wagura River falls from a height of 200 feet, consequently making a series of waterfalls. The thud of these waterfalls can be easily noticed in the Caves. Depicting BuddhismCut out of rocks, Ajanta Caves trace their origin between 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. Ajanta Cave Temples are dedicated to Lord Buddha. Not less than 30 in number, these caves used to make the lodging of followers and students of Buddhism. During the time of their stay, they adorned the caves with their outstanding architectural skills and artistic paintings. Generally, the carvings and the paintings illustrate the life stories of Lord Buddha. In conjunction with this, numerous styles of human and animal figures are also engraved in the rocks.The pictorial carvings and murals at Ajanta depict the modern society of those times. The artistic sculptures presented every kind of populace from kings to slaves, from men to women, from children to beasts along with flowers plants, fruits and birds. There are some figures that portray the inhabitants like 'Yakshas', 'Kinneras' (half human and half bird), 'Gandharvas' (divine musicians) and 'Apsaras' (heavenly dancers).All the thirty caves are divided into 'Chaitya-Grihas' (stupa halls) and 'Viharas' (dwelling halls). In order to reach each cave, one has to flight of steps that are preserved in their original structure. The Cave 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 are known as 'Chaitya-Grihas', which were used for the worship of the Lord. The remaining caves are 'Sangharamas' or 'Viharas' that were used for the housing purpose of the followers and students of Buddhism. The caves are numbered as per their present access from the main entrance and were not erected in the same order. From artistic point of view, Cave 1, 2, 16 and 17 are really important and possess remarkable pieces of art that can certainly beat art of the modern world. The walls of these caves are adorned with murals that are maintained to provide the same charm and vibrancy of the bygone era.Wall-PaintingsThe wall paintings of the caves are made with the Tempera technique. This technique involves painting on a dry surface, after the wall is coated with 1 cm thick layer of a mixture made of clay, cow dung and rice husks. The painting is coated with a coat of lime on completion. In those times, the colors used to be natural. Archeological Findings As per the facts revealed by Archeological department, the caves were carved out in two different segments, with a gap of more or less four centuries. The caves made in the first segment, date back to 2nd century BC whereas the caves of the second segment are said to have been made by the Vakatakas and the Guptas. Each cave comprises carvings and paintings representing the incidents of Buddha's life, Bodhisattvas and the Jatakas.
Akshardham Temple Delhi
Location:
Near Nizamuddin Bridge
Built by:
Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Built in:
During 2000-05
Inaugurated by:
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Manmohan Singh
Dedicated to:
Swaminarayan
Attraction:
Largest Temple complex in India
Highlights:
Intricate architecture & various shows
How to reach:
One can reach Akshardham Temple by taking local buses, auto- rickshaws, Metro or by hiring taxis from Delhi
Akshardham Temple is a marvel of architecture that is unfolding the cultural legacy of 10,000 years. The construction of this grand structure took around 5 laborious years. Today, this imposing structure, standing on the banks of serene Yamuna River near Nizamuddin Bridge in Delhi, attracts millions of tourists and devotees to its doorstep. In Nov' 2005, Akshardham Mandir was inaugurated by Dr. Abdul Kalam, the honorable President and Mr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India. The term 'Akshardham' is derived from two words 'Akshar' and 'Dham', where 'Akshar' means the eternal and 'dham' means 'abode'. Consequently, Akshardham means the abode of the divine, the eternal. It is actually the abode of eternal values, principles and virtues that are mentioned in the scriptures (Vedas, Puranas) of the Hindu mythology. Within the temple, the 11 feet high gilded image of Bhagwan Swami Narayan appears mesmerizing to the beholder. The image is encircled by the preachers (gurus) of the cult.The meticulous flora, fauna, dancers, musicians and deities drape the complex of Akshardham Temple. The imposing structure was built with the blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the promoter of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha). This NGO has built majestic and ostentatious temples worldwide, other being Akshardham Temple of Gujarat in India. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is the quintessence of the Indian rich legacy, traditions, ancient architecture and everlasting spiritual messages. The grand structure, lush gardens, exhibitions and various other attractions peep into the heritage of India in all its aspects and insights. The temple complex showcases the Indian heritage through various exhibitions like 'Sahajanand Pradarshan', 'Nilkanth Kalyan Yatra',' Sankruti Vihar', 'Yagnapurush Kund' , 'Bharat Upavan' and 'Yogi Hraday Kamal'. Sahajanand Pradarshan'Sahajanand Pradarshan' (Hall of Values) is a hall that displays life-like robotics and dioramas. Through the medium of audio-animatronics, the events from Bhagwan Swaminarayan's life are portrayed. These events leave the message of peace, harmony, modesty, kind service and devotion to God. This hall embraces the world's smallest animatronic robot in the outlook of Ghanshyam Maharaj (the child figure of Bhagwan Swaminarayan). Nilkanth Kalyan Yatra'Nilkanth Kalyan Yatra' is another hall that comprises a giant screen film. This 85' x 65' screen is the first and only large screen of Delhi. The theatre portrays a movie, which is specially designed to show the epic pilgrimage made by an 11 year old child (Bhagwan Swaminarayan) across India. Sanskruti ViharThe third destination is 'Sanskruti Vihar', which involves a boat ride of 10 minutes. This enthralling ride is made through peacock shaped boats that make their way in a non-natural river. This river passes through the world's first university of Takshashila, chemistry laboratories, ancient hospitals, bazaars and Ajanta-Ellora caves. The ride concludes with a message for the future of the World. Yagnapurush Kund / Musical FountainYagnapurush Kund is the fourth destination embracing largest step well of India. This has a huge series of steps that take down to a traditional 'yagna kund'. In the daytime, these steps make a place to relax for the tired visitors, while in the night; these steps make the seats for the audience that come to watch the musical fountain show. Bharat Upavan / Garden of IndiaBharat Upavan encompasses lush manicured lawns with trees and shrubs. Sprawled in the area of sixty acres, the garden is adorned by the bronze statues of contributors to Indian culture, values and national pride.Yogi Hraday KamalYogi Hraday Kamal is a sunken garden that is wrought like a lotus. This magnificent garden features massive stones stamped with quotes from legends of the world. The variety of quotes ranges from Shakespeare, Martin Luther King to Swami Vivekananda and Bhagwan Swaminarayan.ArchitectureSwaminarayan Akshardham has been accredited for being the largest temple complex of India. It is amazing to know that this temple is built wholly in stone as per Sthaapatya Shastra, the architectural science of India. No iron or steel has been used in the construction of this temple. The beams, used for support are 22ft long single piece of stone. The intricately carved pillars appears, as if, whole poetry has been carved in stone. The temple extends to the height of 10 stories, where inch to inch of stone is delicately imprinted and what is more, the fascia appears remarkable. This colossal structure comprises 234 intricately carved pillars, 9 flamboyant domes, 20 quadrangled spires and magnificent a Gajendra Pith. It also boasts of 20,000 idols and statues that depict the great Indian souls in the form of sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine celebrities. Elevated to the height of 141 feet, the tallest spire of the temple makes the house of the image of Lord Swaminarayan. An enormous amount of 2 million was spent for the erection of this majestic place of worship. The structure swallowed around 6000 tons of pink sand stone that was all brought from Rajasthan. This technique guarantees the fact that the shrine would last for a thousand years. The edifice took not less than 12 million man hours of 11,000 practiced craftsmen to carve every nook and corner. The splendid architecture of this temple provides glimpse of different architectural styles prevalent in India.
Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar
Location:
Sector 20, J Road, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Built in:
During 1979 -1992
Built by:
Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Dedicated to:
Swaminarayan
Attraction:
One of the largest temple complexes in Gujarat
Highlights:
Intricate architecture & various exhibitions
How to reach:
One can reach Akshardham Temple by taking local buses, auto- Rickshaws or by hiring taxis from Gandhinagar
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is an architectural phenomenon that is recounting the cultural heritage of India. Having one of the largest temple complexes in Gujarat, Akshardham is a wonderful shrine located in the heart of Gandhinagar. The magnificent monument is easily accessible by the local means of transport available in the city. Predecessor to Akshardham at Delhi, the temple was constructed by the same organization BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) with the blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. In Nov' 1992, Akshardham Mandir was inaugurated by Pramukh Maharaj himself, the promoter of BAPS. In the present day, Akshardham Temple has become a major and popular attraction amongst the devotees and tourists. Prolific effort of BAPS, Akshardham Temple is a center to encourage art, culture and values of India. Akshardham is an excellent specimen of Indian roots, where art is ageless, culture is borderless and values are changeless. The sanctum sanctorum embraces the seven feet tall, gilded image of Lord Swaminarayan. Hari Mandapam, Prasadi Mandapam and Vibhuti Mandapam are name allotted to the different floors. These floors embrace various sections, where people are engaged in the selfless service to the Lord. The main idea behind these programs is to introduce people with the philosophy of Lord Swaminarayan. The aim of BAPS' is to educate people about the rich spiritual and cultural roots of India. Designed on the lines of Sthapatya Shashtra, Swaminarayan Akshardham is the paradigm of silence and peace. Akshardham presents a perfect blend of devotion, art, architecture, education, exhibitions and research at one venue. In the temple complex, 'Sahajanand', 'Sat-Chit-Anand' and 'Nityanand' are three permanent exhibition halls that are made to enlighten the visitor on spiritual matters. Sahajanand Sahajanand is a mind-blowing exhibition, which depicts the life of Lord Swaminarayan by the means of ingenious settings and shows. The exhibition incorporates a video show of 'travel in time', a cosmos of fiber-optics, a miniature replica of Chhapiya village, a 'Journey through India' and not less than three 'sound-n-light' shows. Sat-Chit-Anand This is another permanent exhibition that has "Integrovision", a fantastic 14-screen multimedia presentation. It elucidates the Vedic philosophy and man's quest for the eternal truth with amazing imagery. Besides the multimedia presentation, the exhibition comprises a 'tunnel of mirrors', glass mosaic and musical fountains that dance on tunes. NityanandFollowing Sat-Chit-Anand, Nityanand is an additional presentation where messages of the Upanishads, Ramayana and Mahabharata are displayed in the course of walk-through dioramas and fiberglass figures. The show comprises an audio-animatronics show, a replica of Hastinapur Palace from the Mahabharata, a blueprint of a pleasant Gurukula, devotional compositions of saint-poets and an explanation on 'Harmony of world religions'. Sahajanand VanSahajanand Van is a contemplative garden where nature looks at its apex. The serene beauty of this garden landscapes the magnificent structure of Akshardham. Festooned with flora and fauna, the garden appears enchanting in the company of spray fountains, herbal gardens, swings, waterfalls and lakes. Sprawled in fifteen acres, Sahajanand Van offers truly a sight to behold. AARSH - Research Center The Akshardham Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH) is an innovative research institute that comprises a loaded library, study centers and archives. The center aims at utilizing insight of the past, studying the present trend and arranging possible solutions for the future. Architecture After employing continuous labor for 13 years, the colossal structure took its complete form. The colonnade to this shrine is approximately 1,751 feet (534 meters) in its length. The massive structure extends to 108 feet in height, 240 feet in length and 131 feet in width. Considered as an architectural masterwork, the imposing temple consumed 6,000 tonnes of pink sandstone that was imported from Rajasthan. The intricate carvings boast of the skilled artisans of Bansipahadpur. No steel or iron has been used in the construction of temple to ensure the maximum life of the monument.
Badami Cave Temple
Location:
In Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka
Built in:
During 6th and 7th centuries
Dedicated to:
Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahavira
Attraction:
Exquisite carvings and sculptures
How to reach:
One can easily reach Badami Cave Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring taxis from throughout the state of Karnataka
Badami is truly famous for its Cave Temples that date back to the 6th and 7th centuries. Located at Badami in Bagalkot district of Karnataka, Cave Temples represent the fine architectural style of the ancient times. The nearest airport to Badami is located in Belgaum. Belgaum lies at a distance of 150 kms from Badami and one can easily reach the cave temples by hiring taxis. Various tourist buses and coaches are also available throughout the state of Karnataka. Badami is sited at the orifice of a gorge that is fringed by two rocky hills.ArchitectureBadami is acknowledged for being the ancient kingdom of Chalukyas. In the 6th century, Badami was established by Pulakesin I; however the architectural expansion was observed by the Chalukyas. The sect constructed numerous temples and monuments, marking the instigation of the Hindu architectural style. Badami Cave Temple is the best example of Chalukyan style of architecture. Made out of Sandstone hills, Badami Cave Temples boast of rock-cut architecture.In totality, there are four cave temples in Badami. All these temples enclose brilliant carvings with the sculptures of Gods from the Hindu pantheon. The structure of these temples is a perfect fusion of North Indian Nagara style and South Indian Dravidian style of architecture. Each cave embraces a sanctum, a hall, a verandah and pillars. Beautiful carvings and exquisite sculptures adore the site of Cave Temples. At the cutting edge, one can see a reservoir that makes a perfect foreground to these architectural structures. Caves TemplesThe first and the foremost cave is known to be built in 578 A.D. One can reach the cave by taking a flight of 40 steps. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the cave adorns not less than 81 sculptures of Lord Shiva in the form of 'Nataraj' having 18 arms. Made out in Red sandstone, the cave has an open verandah, a hall with numerous columns and a sanctum. The ceilings and pillars are festooned with paintings of amorous couples. The second cave can be sited at the summit of a sandstone hill. This Cave Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Universe as per the Hindu beliefs. Here, Lord Vishnu is presented in the form of a 'Trivikrama' (dwarf) where his one foot is commanding the Earth and with the other he is mastering the sky. Perched on the hill, the third Cave Temple traces its origin in 578 A.D. The front elevation of the cave is approximately 70 ft wide. The platform is carved with the images of 'ganas'. The structure of the temple rejuvenates the memoirs of Deccan style of architecture. This temple is a fine example of the artistic quality and sculptural genius. The sculpture of Lord Vishnu in the company of a serpent captures the major attention. Here, Lord Vishnu is represented in his various incarnations including Narsimha, Varaha, Harihara (Shiva-Vishnu) and Trivikarma. The fourth Cave Temple is accredited for being dedicated to the Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of the Jains. The cave is believed to be the latest amongst all the four caves. It finds its origin in the 7th century, near about 100 years after the construction of earlier three caves. In this shrine, one can see the image of Lord Mahavira in a sitting posture. The artistic quality and sculptural grandeur mark the very sight of these cave temples at Badami. The rich traditions of India are depicted through these monuments of heritage. People from all over the World come to visit these shrines of architectural radiance and religious significance.
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