Bamiyan Buddhas: The Bamiyan Buddha statues, cut from sandstone cliffs, are said to have dated back to the 5th century AD, and were once the tallest standing Buddhas in the world. They are located in Mes Ayank, Afghanistan. In their Roman draperies and with two different mudras, the statues were great examples of a confluence of Gupta, …
Hampi Stone Chariot: It is an iconic monument located in front of Vijaya Vittala Temple in Hampi, Karnataka. Stone Chariot is a shrine dedicated to Garuda, the official vehicle of Lord Vishnu Stone Chariot in Hampi is one of the three most popular stone chariots in India. Other two are in Konark (Odisha) and Mahabalipuram …
The Ministry of Tourism organised their latest webinar titled Hampi- Inspired by the past; Going into the future under Dekho Apna Desh Webinar series. Facts about Hampi Its name is derived from Pampa which is the old name of the Tungabhadra River on whose banks the city is built. In 1336 CE, the Vijayanagara Empire …
Mamallapuram The place is also known as Seven Pagodas or Mahabalipuram. Marco Polo and other Europeans named it Seven Pagodas. It is believed that 6 more temples stood along with the lone standing shore temple. Hence the name Seven Pagodas. The 2004 Tsunami exposed an old collapsed temple built of granite and was a part …
What is Reclining Buddha? Reclining Buddha is a statue or image of Buddha lying down on his right side. It represents Buddha during his last illness i.e. about to enter Parinirvana. Parinirvana is the stage of great salvation after death that can only be attained by enlightened souls. The Buddha’s death came when he was 80 years …
About Lingaraj Temple Lingaraja Temple is a temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It represents the quintessence of the Kalinga Architecture and culminating the medieval stages of the architectural tradition at Bhubaneswar. The temple is believed to be built by the kings from the Somavamsi dynasty, with …
Nodal Authority: Monuments of National Importance are designated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). What is a National Monument? ‘Ancient Monument’ is defined under the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act,1958. The Act defines Ancient Monument as any structure or monument or any cave, rock-sculpture, an inscription that is of historical, archaeological interest. Further, …
St George Orthodox church is believed to be established in AD 950 but some experts say it was built in AD 1050 in Kerala. The church was rebuilt in 1952. But, the eastern part of the church was retained (not rebuilt) to preserve the murals. The mural is any piece of artwork painted or applied …
Construction: It is believed to be constructed in the 12th century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. Mythology: Jagannath Puri temple is called ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death, has been nullified due to the presence of Lord Jagannath. Architecture: This temple was called the “White …
Location: This temple is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Meaning of the Name: The temple derives its name from the combination of topographical features and mythology: gavi (cave), and Gangadhareswara (shiva) means the Lord who adorns the Ganga. Establishment: It is believed to have been built by Kempe Gowda I in its present form. Architecture Features: Celestial Oriented Architecture: Built in Vijaynagar style, it has unique celestial oriented …