Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad,India

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Ramakrishna Math

• Destination: Hyderabad

Ramakrishna Math located at Domalguda, behind Tank Bund in Hyderabad was constructed by one of the disciples of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa in the year 1974. Ramakrishna Math was established by Swami Vivekananda in the memory of his guru ‘Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa’ in the year 1898 in Beluru, Karnataka and the Ramakrishna Math in Hyderabad is a part and one of the branches of ‘Ramakrishna Mission’.
There are different departments in the Ramakrishna Math which include Ramakrishna Universal temple, VIOL (Vivekananda Institute of Languages), Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence, Vivekananda Health Centre, Vivekananda Library, Gita Darshan (an audio-visual museum on the Gita), Art Gallery, Telugu Publication Department, Book Stall and Sharada Vanam.
All these departments actively participate for the society without expecting any profit from the people whom they serve. Regular activities of the math are teaching of foreign languages, personality development programs, feeding the poor, education for economically backward children, mobile hospital, health centre, library, relief and rehabilitation of the victims of natural calamities, etc. All these activities are either offered for free or for nominal fee.

Other Details:

Different departments have various timings and those will be updated in Official website of Ramakrishna math.
No Fee is Required.

Sanghi Temple-Lord Venkateswara Temple Andhra Pradesh,India

Sanghi Temple

• Destination: Hyderabad

The prime deity at the Sanghi temple is Lord Venkateswara, 9-½ feet tall. The doors of the main entrance of the temple complex are large, beautifully structured and welcomes every visitor from a huge Maha Dwaram. As we move further there will be long steps leading to the entrance of the temple. The architecture of the temple is of Chola-Chalukya style and all Hindu Gods are establishished here. The temple was constructed in the year 1991 on a hillock called as Paramanand Giri and is 25 kilometres away from Hyderabad.
When we look from bottom of the hill, the three Gopurams look as they are towering into the blue sky. Before moving into the temple we can see Lord Anjaneya, son of wind God and people say that, he shows way to the home of Gods for the devotees. Lord Anjaneya, who is red-faced, is a feeling of death for the demons, when we think of his name.

Small Temples of other Gods

We can see small temples in the complex dedicated to Padmavati, Shiva, Rama, Anjaneya, Ganesha, Navagrahas, Goddess Ashtalakshimi, Durga and Kartikeya. Pavitra Vanam or a holy garden is also present in the temple complex where we can see special leaves and flowers are grown for performing rituals to the Gods in the temple. There is Kalyana Mandapam in the complex where marriages and other auspicious ceremonies are celebrated. Every day different rituals are performed for the Gods whereas some special rituals are performed during festivals.

Flower For Gods

‘Pavitra Vanam’ or “Holy Garden” is a place where we can find the exotic flowers for the Gods. There are different flowers and special leaves for every god for performing rituals.

Timings of the Temple

Opens early in the morning at 5.00 am.
From 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. -Suprabhatam
From 6 am to 8 am. – Archana
From 8.30 am to 10.30 am and 4 pm to 6 pm. – General Darshan
Between 6 pm and 8 pm. – Poojas and Sevas
Between 12 pm and 4 pm and after 8 pm – Temple remains closed.
Between 8 am and 9 am- Weekly Abhishekam
Sri Ramalingeshwara (Mondays), Sri Hanuman (Tuesdays), Sri Venkateshwara, Ashtalakshmi, Parvathi, Padmavathi and Rama (Fridays).

Festivals in the temple

Festivals like Sivaratri, Sri Rama Navami, Krishnashtami, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Dussera, Hanuman Jayanthi and Brahmotsavams are performed with religious fervor and gaiety. It is one of the popular tourist spots in Hyderabad.

Hussain Sagar Lake Hyderabad,India

Hussain Sagar Lake

• Destination: Hyderabad

About Hussain Sagar Lake

Hussain Sagar Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes. It is situated in Hyderabad and connects the twin cities Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The huge idol of Lord Buddha is situated at the centre of the lake which gives the attraction to the lake. Hussain Sagar Lake is most popularly known as Tank Bund, one of the major tourist attractions in Hyderabad.
There are thirty-three elegant statues surrounding the lake. Those statues are of eminent historic personalities like Nannayya, Tikkana, Errana, Rudramma, Molla, Sri Sri, Jashua, Annamayya, Tyagayya, Vemana and Pingali Venkaiah acts as additional attraction to the Hussain Sagar Lake. The dam of the Hussain Sagar is Tank Bund. It acts as the link between the twin cities, which was built by Hazrat Hussain Shah. It is a place for leisure walk with busy public. The top most features of Hussain sagar is boating and water sports. The Buddha statue that stands on the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’ is one of the World’s tallest monolithic statue.

History of Hussain Sagar Lake

Hussain Shah Wahi constructed the Hussain Sagar as a tributary of the Musi River during the period of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah in 1562. It is a free flowing artificial lake that holds water for a longer period of time. Cultural programmes are conducted by the Department of culture on every Sunday in the evenings and admissions for the public are free. The monolithic Buddha statue is 16 meter tall, 350 tonnes of weight (approx.) is made of white granite. It is located in the middle of the Hussain Sagar Lake, silhouetted against the sunset.

Water Sports

Boating and Water Sports are regular events at Hussain Sagar. There are good number of sports persons participating in the sport and Sailing clubs at the lake. There will be a beautiful view of the lake during the times of regatta competitions with the yachts sailing on the shimmering waters.
AP tourism concentrated on the lake because of heavy traffic of public, and it is providing new and better facilities like speed boats, motor boats, 48 seated Launch etc. Starlight dinner on board and private parties can also be arranged on the Launch.

Other Attractions in the surroundings of Hussain Sagar Lake

We can see many tourist places on the surroundings of Hussain Sagar Lake like Lumbini Park, an amusement park and enchanting Birla Mandir and Planetarium. When we stand at the Tank Bund in nights, we can have an excellent scenario of glimmering row of lights outlining the lake that looks like a diamond studded necklace. That is the reason it is named as necklace road that enhances the beauty of Hussain Sagar. Katta Maisamma the famous and ancient temple meaning goddess of the dam is near to this park and lot of devotees get attracted every year.
Timings of lake
Timings: Any Time

Charminar, India

Charminar

• Destination: Hyderabad

Charminar is a famous landmark in Hyderabad. This monument has Historical and Social significance and is a beautiful and impressive square monument. The style of the Charminar is in Islamic architecture. Charminar is signature of Hyderabad as the china wall for china or the Eiffel Tower for Paris
Charminar means four (Persian/Hindi char = four) minarets (Minar (Arabic manara) = spire/tower) combinedly called as “Four Towers”. The Charminar lies on the east bank of Musi River, Laad Bazaar on its northeast and in the west end lays the granite-made richly ornamented Makkah Masjid.

History of Charminar

Charminar was built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty in 1591 AD, when he had shifted his capital from Golkonda to what is now known as Hyderabad. There are varying talks for constructing this monument; one reason says that sultan built it in honour of his wife, Bhagyamathi (or Baghmati). Another and most popular reason is that there was promise to Allah made by sultan for praying to end of a plague that ravaged the new city.

Structure of Charminar

Charminar is having a square structure with four towers at each corner with each side measuring 20 meters in length. Each corner of the square has a towering domed minaret. The minarets are 48.7 meters in height. Each of the four minarets is four stored. There is also a well-known mosque near Charminar known as Makkah Masjid. Charminar has139 winding steps lead to the top-most floor of the Charminar. The monument offers extraordinary view of the city. It is made of granite, limestone, mortar and pulverised marble.

Surroundings of Charminar

Thousands of families leads life based on the surroundigs of Charminar, there are about 15000 shops here. Famous markets like Laad Baazar and Pather Gatti are there near the Charminar, many tourists and local people come here for jewellery, exquisite bangles and pearls, etc. which are very cheap in Hyderabad. When Sankranthi (Hindu’s festival) comes, the area will be completely crowded with people who sell and purchase the kites.
Hyderabadi Muslims leading life in Pakistan constructed a small-scaled quasi replica of the Charminar at the main crossing of the Bahadurabad neighbourhood in Karachi, in the year 2007.

Timings of Charminar

Timings: Timings: 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.

BIRLA TEMPLE Hyderabad,India

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Birla Mandir

• Destination: Hyderabad

Birla Mandir is a temple of Lord Venkateswara, known as Balaji. It is one of the famous tourist attractions in Hyderabad. The temple is open for every religious people. There is a brass memorial welcoming for everyone at the very entrance of the temple.

History of Birla Mandir

Raja Baldev Birla had built the Birla Mandir in the year 1938; the temple was inaugurated by father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. There is a very interesting story based on inauguration of temple, at that point of time, there was a social evil of Untouchability in the society and was in a peak level, so there is a need of eliminating it. Permissions are not given to anybody for entering into the premises of the temples. Gandhiji had passed a condition that if everyone in the society is allowed into the temple and offer their prayers then he would inaugurate the temple. Then onward everyone in the society was allowed into the temple.

About Birla Mandir

Birla Mandir is located on top of the “kala pahad”, which is one of the Naubat Pahad twins and the integration Oriya and South Indian style makes it unique from other temples in India. Speaking about the South Indian style, there is a Rajagopuram at the entrance to greet you as soon as you enter the temple. Lord Venkateshwara is main God in the temple; the tower over this main God reaches a height of 165 feet whereas the towers over the Venkateshwara’s consorts, Padmavati and Andal reach a height of 116 feet. The sculptures resembling scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata are awesome.
Lord Shiva and Durga, Lord Buddha are also placed in this temple. Beautiful Fresco paintings on the walls of this temple make temple more attractive. An artificial landscape with mountains and waterfalls has been the memorisable beauty spot which is at the end of the temple.
Being located near assembly, the temple offers an additional attraction as it shows great views of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. When temple is lighted in the night, that particular scene will never ever be forgetted in your life.

Timings of Birla Mandir

Timings: Timings: 7.00 a.m. – 12.00 noon (Morning) /
3.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m. (Evening)
Open on all days

Chitragupta Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh State, India

Chitragupta Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh State, India 

dedicated to the Sun God (Surya).

Airavateswara Temple, Darasuram in Thanjavur District Tamil Nadu,India

Airavateswara Temple, Darasuram in Thanjavur District is built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site., Tamil Nadu State, BHARAT [India]

LEGEND:
The Airavatesvara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shiva is here known as Airavateshvara, because he was worshipped at this temple by Airavata, the white elephant of the king of the gods, Indra. Legend has it that Airavata, while suffering from a change of colour curse from Sage Durvasa, had its colours restored by bathing in the sacred waters of this temple. This legend is commemorated by an image of Airavata with Indra seated in an inner shrine. The temple and the presiding deity derive its name from this incident.
Thanjavur Airavatesvara Temple Pillars

It is said that the King of Death, Yama also worshipped Shiva here. Tradition has it Yama, who was suffering under a Rishi's curse to form a burning sensation all over the body, was cured by the presiding deity Airavatesvarar. Yama took bath in the sacred tank and got rid of the burning sensation. Since then the tank has been known as Yamateertham.

Du(R)ga(T)chi,which is called as Thukkach Temple Kerala,India

 Du(R)ga(T)chi,which is called as Thukkachi by the locals.This place is located between Naachiyar Koil (on Kumbakonam-Thiruvarur road)and Poonthottam(on Mayiladuthurai-Thiruvarur road).
The name of the place got derived from Goddess Durga. As she is the protector and ruler of this place, it is known as Durga Aatchi (ruled by Durga).Sri Durga sahasranamam hails Her as "Graama Devatha"and "Grahagraamapi rakshini" This magnificent temple belongs to Vikrama Chola's period(1117-1135 A.D.)There is a separate shrine for Goddess Durga.What we see today is a dilapidated structure overwhich plenty of plants have grown. The damaged idol of Durga has been shifted and kept separately.The exclusive shrine for Durga faces South which is rare.If attempts are not initiated,the whole shrine may collapse sooner or later. Since the Sthala Purana is not available,more about Durga Devi and Her separate shrine are yet to be known. A new idol of Durga Devi needs to be installed in Her shrine after renovation.
The Main deity of this Temple is Sri Aabathsahayeswara and His consort is Sri Soundaranayaki.This place was once called "PaadhiriVanam"as it had many "paadhiri trees.Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi were worshipped by many Rishis here under the Paadhiri Tree. One such tree under which Shivalinga & Parvathi are installed can be seen in the Praakara.Locals conduct poojas here once their desires are fulfilled.
Vikrama Chola got rid of ven kushtam after worshipping the deity for 48 days.Since the Lord has helped/blessed the king in this way,He was called Aabathsahayeshwara.Then the King constructed the temple with seven Praakarams with granite stones.Only 3 Gopurams are seen of which two have damaged extensively.Deep rooted trees pose danger to the remaining structures.

There is a shrine for Sri Chamundeswari in the praakaram facing south and worshipped on all important dates. She (has jwala kesam) is well decorated.She answers the prayers in the absence of Durga Devi. Special poojas are conducted during Rahu Kalas and on Fridays to cross all obstacles in this birth.
Another south facing shrine is meant for Sri Sarabeswarar.This deity is considered as old as the one in Thirubuvanam.Poojas are conducted to Him on Sundays during Rahukalam to get rid of diseases,enmity etc. "Naarasimhanga lolupayai""Nrusimha sarma vasanayai""Narasimhaanga raktha paana samuthsukayai""Sarabayai"are the names found in praise of Durga in Sri Durga sahasranamam.Narasimhamurhi with folded hands can be seen at the feet of Sarabeswara.
Pradosham,Karthigai Somavaram and Mahasivarathri are celebrated for Aabathsahaya,Navarathri for Ambal and Panguni Uthiram for Subramanya.
There are two Bhairavars(Maha Bhairavar & Kaala Bhairavar) in this temple.People conduct Parihaara pujas here to free themselves from the bad effects of Sani.As there is no Navagraha peeta for the people of this village only few grahaas are installed,that too facing the same direction.

The sculptures in this temple are masterpieces of Chola art.Hence it is our primary duty to save the temple from extinction.HR&CE which manages the temple has to take immediate steps as pillars have fallen at many places and the roof may collapse at any time.

Description Source Credits : sivasankaravijayam.blogspot.in/2009/09/navaraathri-nayagi.

Jatayu rock, Chadayamangalam, Kerala, India

Jatayu rock, Chadayamangalam (Jatayumangalam) area of Kollam district. Largest bird sculpture in the world. Where Jatayu fell, mortally wounded.
Etymology
Ravana abducted Sita to Lanka. Jatayu had tried to rescue Sita from Ravana when Ravana is on his way to Lanka. Jatayu fought valiantly with Ravana, but as Jatayu was very old Ravana soon got the better of him. As Rama and Lakshmana chanced upon the stricken and dying Jatayu in their search for Sita, he informs them of the fight between him and Ravana and tells them that he had gone south. It is believed that Jatayu fell on the rocks in Chadayamangalam after his wings were chopped off by Ravana.
Kerala park to welcome visitors in Jan
The Jatayu Nature Park in Chadayamangalam area of Kollam district in Kerala will open its adventure zone to the public in January next year.
Spanning an area of 65 acres, the park is the first tourism project to be built on a public-private partnership model in Kerala under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) mode.
It will house the world's largest bird sculpture (200 feet long, 150 feet broad and 70 feet in height). Spread across three storeys, the sculpture of the mythical bird will house a digital museum, a 6D theatre and offer a bird's eyeview from 1,000 feet above sea level.
The park will also feature an adventure zone spread across three kilometres, an ayurvedic and siddha resort and a cable car system. It is being developed at an investment of Rs1 billion on land leased from the Kerala government.

तनोट माता का मंदिर जैसलमेर

तनोट माता का मंदिर जैसलमेर में भारत-पाक अंतरराष्ट्रीय सीमा के पास है। सैनिकों का विश्वास है कि मां उन्हें हर विपदा से सुरक्षित रखती है।
मां तनोट को बाॅर्डर वाली माता भी कहते हैं। 1965 के भारत-पाक युद्ध के दौरान पाकिस्तान की सेना इस मंदिर को ध्वस्त करना चाहती थी लेकिन उसके मंसूबे नाकाम हो गए।
बीएसएफ का विश्वास है कि मां तनोट ने अनेक बार उनकी सहायता की है और आज भी वे उनकी मदद करती हैं। बीएसएफ के अलावा स्थानीय लोग भी मां के प्रति गहरी श्रद्धा रखते हैं।
1965 व 1971 में पाकिस्तान पर जीत के बाद हमारे सैनिकों की आस्था माता तनोट के प्रति और मजबूत हो गई। यह अनोखा मंदिर है जहां आस्था के साथ देशभक्ति भी जुड़ी हुई है। मंदिर के बाहर का नजारा। यहां 1965 की लड़ाई में पाकिस्तान की सेना ने अनेक बम बरसाए थे लेकिन माता के प्रताप से वे मंदिर को नुकसान नहीं पहुंचा सके। कई बम तो फटे ही नहीं।

पाकिस्तान पर भारत की विजय और माता तनोट के चमत्कारों के सबूत हैं ये बम। ये पाकिस्तानी सेना की ओर से छोड़े गए थे, जो निष्फल साबित हुए। इन्हें मंदिर में रखा गया है।

रेगिस्तान में हमारी विजय के चिह्न और माता के मंदिर की दूरी बताता संकेत सूचक पत्थर।

युद्ध में भारत के सैनिकों की जवाबी कार्रवाई से पाकिस्तान के छक्के छूट गए थे और उनकी सेना को भारी नुकसान हुआ था। भारत के वीर सैनिकों को मिला तनोट मां का आशीर्वाद पाकिस्तान के लिए वज्रपात साबित हुआशान से लहराता तिरंगा... श्रद्धा और देश के स्वाभिमान का प्रतीक।

लोंगेवाला पोस्ट - यह नाम 1965 की जंग में सुर्खियों का हिस्सा बना था। यहां भारत-पाक सेनाओं के बीच जबर्दस्त जंग छिड़ी। हमारे वीर सैनिकों के प्रहार और माता तनोट के चमत्कारों से पाकिस्तानी यहां से भाग छुटे। कई पाकिस्तानी सैनिक यहां मारे गए थे।
पाकिस्तान पर विजय का एक और निशान। भारत से मिले मुंहतोड़ जवाब के बाद पाक सेना के हौसले पस्त हो और वह अपना टैंक यहीं छोड़ गई। आज लोग यहां आकर उस दौर की यादों को ताजा करते हैं और हमारे सैनिकों की वीरता के साथ ही मां तनोट को नमन करना नहीं भूलते।

Sanchi Stupa MP,India

Carved decoration of the Northern gateway to the Great Stupa(3rd century BCE) of Sanchi
 

Modhera Sun Temple Gujrat,India

Modhera Sun Temple: As one traverses the length and breadth of Gujarat, one constantly stumbles across architectural legacies of the' Solanki' rule. You keep coming across, living spaces and monuments of another time, offering an eclectic glimpse of the artistic and ingenious beauty that makes this exotically state vibrant
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Temple,_Modhera

This temple dedicated to the Hindu Sun-God, Surya. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati, 25 km from Mehsana and 102 km from Ahmedabad. It was built in 1026 AD by King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty. In the present times, prayers are not offered in this temple. This temple is now under the supervision of Archaeological Survey of India.

Surya Kund

This Suryakunda, also known as Ramakunda, is a large rectangular stepped tank measuring 53.6 x 36.6 meters under the east face of sabhamandap used to store pure water. Devotees were required to perform ceremonial ablutions here before worshiping the Sun God.
The Suryakund is a finest example of geometry. The organization of stone into composition gives shape to a dazzling pattern of art. It is proportioned with innumerable stone steps leading devotees down to its base. 108 miniature shrines are carved in between the steps inside the tank. Also number 108 considered to be auspicious as Hindu rosary has same number of beads.
 

Kamakhya Temple,India

Kamakhya Temple-once in a life visit this

I will post more and more on this as this is brief information. There are two more posts to come on this temple

Topography: The Kamakhya temple is situated atop the Nilanchal hills, eight hundred meters above sea level and overlooking the mighty Brahmaputra river. It is about eight kilometers west from the heart of the city of Guwahati in Assam.

Legend: Sati (Dakshayini) was the daughter of King Daksha and wife of Lord Shiva. When Daksha had organized a Yagna (Daksha Yagna), he had invited all the Gods, celestial beings and sages except Lord Shiva. Sati was eager to attend the Yagna, unmindful of not being invited. So she went alone with permission from Shiva, who however preferred not to attend uninvited.
Sati did not expect to be ridiculed by her father when he saw her there, uninvited. When Daksha hurled abuses at her husband and humiliated them, she was deeply hurt and angry. She threw herself in the blazing fire of the Yagna and killed herself. Shiva, on learning about the tragic death of his wife, was infuriated. Killing Daksha, he hoisted the dead body of Sati over his shoulder and began the Thandava- a dance of Annihilation.
This shook the universe and frightened the Gods. Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Shani ventured to put an end to the blind fury of Shiva. With the help of his Sudarshana chakra, Vishnu reduced the body of Sati to pieces and Shiva, without his wife’s body, returned to meditation.

However, Sati’s body parts, 51 in all, fell all over the earth and each of these places is revered as holy. The organ of generation (Yoni or the genital organs) of Sati fell over the Nilanchal Hills and today is known as Kamakhya Temple.

Construction of the temple: Kama, the God of Love who was reduced to ashes when his arrow targeted Shiva, later regained his original form (Kamarupa) when he fulfilled his promise and built a temple for Shiva’s deceased wife Sati.

History has it that the original temple was destroyed by invaders and had to be restructured. King Naranarayan of Cooch-Behar in the late 17th century is credited with building the present temple.

Architecture:The vertex of the temple is oval shaped like beehive-having 7 spires, 3 golden pitchers on blossoming lotus, upon that a golden trident. The temple flaunts beautiful frescos of adorned gods & goddesses of Hindu Puranas.The temple represents old Ahom sculpture.

Why people worship Kamakhya:Kamakhya is an important Tantric mother goddess closely identified with Kali and Maha Tripura Sundari, according to the Tantric texts (Kalikapurana Stotra, Yoginitantram) that are the basis for her worship. Her name means "renowned goddess of desire.’ As Kamakhya is associated with fertility, many childless couples also throng the temple every day. In Kalika Purana (an ancient scripture), Kamakhya is referred as the goddess who fulfills all desires, the bride of Lord Shiva and the benefactor of salvation. Kamakhya is one of the 51 Shakthi Peetas of the sub-continent where Durga is worshipped in many forms.Kamakhya temple is also known as ‘yoni–peetha’. Every year, beginning on the 7th day of the Indian month of Ashaad (June-July), Kamakhya temple observes a Unique festival called ‘Ambubachi’ when, it is believed, the goddess menstruates. The festival draws a large number of pilgrims to temple.

Poompuhar-Ancient Chola city in Tamil Nadu,India, 110000 yrs old Kumari Kandam

Poompuhar is an ancient port city in Tamil Nadu, India. Its very old name in Tamil Poetic works and other literature are Puhar , Kaveripoompatinam etc. It is located in the mouth of river Kaveri in Southern Tamil Nadu. It was once a flourishing ancient Port city in the Early Chola Kingdom around 500AD.

The city was constructed in a well planned manner. The city had two distinct districts one near the sea and the other one to the west. The district near the sea was inhabited by the fisher folk, foreign traders,overseas travellers, and merchants. weavers, silk merchents vendors,potters and jewellers stayed there.
The shipyard and ware house was there.And is named as Maruvurpakkam, to its west is Pattinapakkam. Kings and nobles, rich merchants, farmers, astrologers, dancers and army were stayed there.

In Silapathikaram one of the most famous five epics in Tamil Literature Poompuhar was extolled and heralded in detail. Other Tamil literature’s like Manimekalai and Temple Inscriptions speaks loudly the fame of Puhar. Purananooru a very old poetic work also describe the city and the life of the Puhar people.
Big ships entered the port without any hassles and the precious goods arrived from other countries spread over the sea shore and the goods were stored in the huge warehouses and displayed in both day and night market for sale. Many very huge and high beautiful mansions are near the sea shore with high platform.
The Scientists believes that the ancient city was destroyed by Tsunami in 416 Ad possibly caused by Krakatoa event.
In 2006 National Institute of Ocean Technology conducted some surveys and showed the remains of the ancient port city well inside the sea two kilometers away. The record of Tamilians international trade and architectural marvelous sinks silently into the deep.

A discovery made by a team of marine archaeologists from India’s National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in March 1991 has begun to bring about a sea-change. Working the off-shore of Tarangambadi-Poompuhar coast in Tamilnadu near Nagapattinam, a research vessel equipped with side-scan sonar, identified a man-made object and described it as “ a horse shoe shaped structure”.

In 1993, it was examined again and NIO’s diver archaeologists reported that the U-shaped structure lies at a depth of 23 metres and about 5 kms offshore.

The significance of that discovery is that it is a much older structure to any discovered earlier. Subsequent explorations carried out by Graham Hancock and his team, who working in association with Dr Glen Milne, a specialist in glacio-isotacy and glaciation induced sea-level change, were able to show that areas at 23 metres depth would have submerged about 11,000 years before the present time or 9,000 BC.

The historical significance of that fact is that it makes the U-shaped structure 6,000 years older than the first monumental architecture of Egypt or of ancient Sumer or Mesopotamia (in present day Iraq) dated around 3,000 BC and traditionally regarded as the oldest civilisations of antiquity.

Is it a coincidence that there are ancient Tamil flood myths that speak of a great kingdom that once existed in this area called Kumari Kandam that was swallowed up by the sea? Amazingly the myths put a date of 11,600 years ago on these events — the same timeframe given by Plato for the end of Atlantis in another ocean

Underworld: Expedition to Poompuhar - Remains of Kumari Kandam - Graham Hancock

(Must Watch)

http://www.grahamhancock.com/archive/underworld/smithMike_poompuhur.php

Marine Archaeological Museum – Poompuhar

An exclusive Underwater Archaeological Site Museum was established at Poompuhar to exhibit the antiquities recovered from under water exploration. This is the only such kind of Museum in India.
The Museum, located at 24 Km from Mayiladuthurai, in the Sirgazhi Taluk, Nagapattinam District was inaugurated in the year 1997.

Chaturbhuj Temple Orchha in Madhya Pradesh, India

Chaturbhuj Temple (चतुर्भुज मंदिर), dedicated to Shree Vishnu, is situated at Orchha in Madhya Pradesh, India. Built in 875, during the reign of imperial Gurjar...a Pratihara dynasty, it is constructed within a later colonnade. The temple consists of a sanctum with pancha-ratha Shikhara, a vestibule and a porch. The temple also has a curved tower with a small porch
 

Golkonda or Golla konda Hyderabad,India

Golconda.
Golconda, also known as Golkonda or Golla konda ("shepherd's hill"), a ruined fort of Southern India and capital of the medieval Golconda Sultanate (c.1518–1687), is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad, Telangana. It is also a mandal of Hyderabad District. The region is known for the mines that have produced some of the world's most famous gems, including the Koh-i-Noor, Hope Diamond and the Nassak Diamond.
The Golconda fort was first built by Kakatiya as part of their western defenses. It was built in 945 CE-970 CE[1] on the lines of the Kondapalli fort. The city and fortress are built on a granite hill that is 120 meters (400 ft) high and is surrounded by massive crenelated ramparts. The fort was rebuilt and strengthened by Pratapa Rudra of Kakatiya dynasty. The fort was further strengthened by Musunuri Nayaks who overthrew the Tughlak army occupying Warangal. The fort was ceded by the Musunuri chief, Kapaya Nayaka to the Bahmanis as part of the treaty in 1364 AD.[3] The fort became the capital of a major province in the Sultanate and after its collapse the capital of the Qutb Shahi kings. The fort finally fell into ruins after a siege and its fall to Mughal emperor Aurangazeb in 1687 AD.
After the collapse of the Bahmani Sultanat, Golkonda rose to prominence as the seat of the Qutb Shahi dynasty around 1507. Over a period of 62 years the mud fort was expanded by the first three Qutb Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite, extending around 5 km in circumference. It remained the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty until 1590 when the capital was shifted to Hyderabad. The Qutb Shahis expanded the fort, whose 7 km outer wall enclosed the city. The state became a focal point for Shia Islam in India, for instance, in the 17th century, Bahraini clerics, Sheikh Ja`far bin Kamal al-Din and Sheikh Salih Al-Karzakani both emigrated to Golkonda.
Golkonda consists of four distinct forts with a 10 km long outer wall with 87 semicircular bastions (some still mounted with cannons), eight gateways, and four drawbridges, with a number of royal apartments & halls, temples, mosques, magazines, stables, etc. inside. The lowest of these is the outermost enclosure into which we enter by the "Fateh Darwaza" (Victory gate, so called after Aurangzeb’s triumphant army marched in through this gate) studded with giant iron spikes (to prevent elephants from battering them down) near the south-eastern corner. At Fateh Darwaza can be experienced a fantastic acoustic effect, characteristic of the engineering marvels at Golkonda. A hand clap at a certain point below the dome at the entrance reverberates and can be heard clearly at the 'Bala Hisar' pavilion, the highest point almost a kilometre away. This worked as a warning note to the royals in case of an attack.
The whole of the Golkonda Fort complex and its surrounding spreads across 11 km of total area, and discovering its every nook is an arduous task. A visit to the fort reveals the architectural beauty in many of the pavilions, gates, entrances and domes. Divided into four district forts, the architectural valour still gleams in each of the apartments, halls, temples, mosques, and even stables. The graceful gardens of the fort may have lost their fragrance, for which they were known 400 years ago, yet a walk in these former gardens should be in your schedule when exploring the past glories of Golkonda Fort.
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Unakoti Stone carvings of Tripura,India

Beautiful stone carvings in Unakoti in Tripura
Unnakoti is a unique place, which can not be compared to any other place in the country in terms of absolute grandeur and artistry. Located about 178 km from Agartala, capital of Tripura, this site consists of several huge vertical rock-cut carvings on a hill side. Huge sculptures were chiseled out from the rock-sides and the images were carved. The site is situated between the lush green forests and mountains. The beauty of the carvings and the ethnicity of the sculptures have been enhanced by the greenery surrounding it and protecting it throughout the ages. Unakoti has the largest rock-cut images and stone idols of Lord Shiva in India.
Who created such marvelous rock carvings and the stone images of gods and Goddesses in such a deep forest hundred years ago is indeed a mystery. Why this secluded hilly place was selected for the purpose is not known. Archaeologists are still working on this place to find more about its history. According to some archaeologists these idols were sculpted by master sculptors elsewhere and were brought in Unakoti with great care. It is assumed that the site dates back to the period between the 7th – 9th Centuries A.D, and that the sculptures belong to two different periods of art.
The word ‘Unakoti‘ means “one less than a Crore”. Folklore has a fascinating tale to portray on Unakoti. It says that once upon a time about one crore God and Goddess were going on a journey to Kaashi in Varanasi. On their way during twilight, they all rested on this spot. Lord Shiva, however, cautioned them that all must leave the place before the crack of the dawn, otherwise, all would transform into a stone. At dawn, Lord Shiva woke up in time and left the place while all other gods and goddesses turned in stone images as they were fast asleep. Since then this place was named as Unnokoti.A huge Lord Ganesha figure is carved in the Unakoti complex, while there is also a chaturmukha Shivlinga nearby. In addition three enormous images of Nandi Bull are found half buried in the ground. Among other rock-cut and stone images are those of Vishnu, Narasimha, Ravana, Hanuman, and several unidentified deities. The place also shows strong evidence of Buddhist occupation.

In 16th century A.D, Kalapahad – a Muslim general of Mughal governor of Bengal – caused huge destruction to the site. He destroyed Bhubaneswar Shiva and Tungeswar Shiva stationed nearby. Later gradual change in nature too had adverse impact on spectacular art work of human race.
Every year a big fair popularly known as ‘Ashokastami Mela’ is held in the month of April which is visited by thousands of devotees.
The stone carvings in Unakoti are one of the most detailed ones in India and yet, this place is rarely visited. According to an assessment made by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), some statues were still undiscovered in the jungles which needed to be preserved, while many were taken away by local people for worship at home. This place is worth to be tagged as a world heritage site.
www.mysteryofindia.com

Gangaikondacholapuram Temple,Tamilnadu,India

Gangaikondacholapuram Temple,Tamilnadu,India
The temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram follows the plan of the great temple of Thanjavur in most details it has char...acteristics of its own. From the remains it may be seen that it had only one enclosure wall and a gopura while the Thanjavur temple has two gopuras and enclosures. It is larger in plan though not as tall, the vimana being 100 feet square at the base and 186 feet high. The temple, which forms a large rectangle 340 feet long and 110 feet wide occupies the middle of an immense walled enclosure mainly built for defensive purposes. The vimana has the same construction as in Thanjavur, but the number of tiers making up the pyramidal body is only eight as against 13 in Thanjavur. The most important difference lies in the introduction of curves in the place of the strong straight lines of the Thanjavur vimana. The pyramidal body is slightly concave in its outline at its angles while the sides are curved to produce a somewhat convex outline. These curves enhance the beauty of form of the vimana though they distract from its stateliness and power.
 

Kesava temple, Somanathapura karnatka ,India

Frontal view, Kesava temple, Somanathapura
The temple is housed inside an impressive high wall and the entrance to the complex is through a porch with tall lathe-turned pillars.The material used for the temple is chloritic schist or soapstone. The main reasons that make the Keshava temple standout amidst the large number of Hoysala monuments are its symmetrical architecture, fine sculptures on equally prominent shrines, and a temple that is surrounded by panels forming a cloister. While there are Hoysala temples with better sculpture and others with better architecture, this temples satisfies all requirements. It was built by the famous architect/sculptor Ruvari Malithamma who was well known for his expertise in ornamentation.

The temple which is built on a jagati (platform)is a trikuta (triple shrined) and fully satisfies the terminology as all vimanas (shrines) have a superstructure (tower).Inside the temple, each vimana has a vestibule that connects it to the main rectangular mantapa (hall). Like the shrines, all three vestibules also have their own tower which is called the sukanasi (or nose), though it is shorter and hence looks like a low extension of the main superstructure over the shrine. The outer walls of all three shrines, their towers and nose are equally well decorated, making it overall a very well balanced design. The temple stands on a jagati (platform) and the three vimanas are located at the back and are connected by a common rectangular closed mantapa.
The jagati closely follows the plan of the temple and there is a gallery with lathe-turned pillars all along the sides of the temple complex which adds to the effect. There is one flight of steps that leads to the jagati and one that leads from the jagati into the mantapa. The wide jagati invites devotees to follow the ritualistic clockwise circumambulation before entering the temple hall. The full effect of the rectangular hall is seen only when the temple profile is viewed. The hall has 16 bays. The outside wall of the hall is well decorated with relief friezes, and pierced windows screens above them.
All the three shrines have a 16 pointed stellate (star-shaped) design and their towers follow the same pattern. Hence the whole structure looks like a rhythmic progression of well decorated projections and recesses. The number of points make the towers look circular.

Gallery[edit]

• Chennakesava Temple Gallery
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  View of the trikuta (three towers over three shrines) above the prakara (bounding wall) at the Chennakesava temple, Somanathapura
 
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  Wall relief, pierced windows and molding frieze at the Chennakesava temple, Somanathapura
 
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  Profile of Chennakesava temple, Somanathapura
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  Relief carvings on tiered (tala) superstructure over the shrine (vimana) at Chennakesava temple, Somanathapura
 
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  Close up of decorative lintel over shrine entrance in the Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Deity sculpture on shrine outer wall in the Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Deity sculpture under eves on shrine outer wall in the Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Deity sculpture under eves on shrine outer wall in the Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Shrine wall relief sculpture follows a stellate plan in the Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Old Kannada inscription (1270 AD) in the Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Decorative wall molding frieze and deity sculpture in the Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Design of sikhara (tower) follows the stellate plan of the shrine in the Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Minor shrine (aedicula) with domical ceiling in the Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Minor shrine (aedicula) inside the Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura

 
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  Stellate plan of the shrine and sikhara (tower) in the Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Domical bay ceiling in the mantapa of Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Domical bay ceiling in the mantapa of Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Domical bay ceiling in the mantapa of Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Domical bay ceiling in the mantapa of Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Domical bay ceiling in the mantapa of Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Domical bay ceiling in the mantapa of Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Domical bay ceiling in the mantapa of Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Domical bay ceiling in the mantapa of Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura
 
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  Decorative doorjamb and lintel at the entrance to a shrine in the Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chennakesava_Temple,_Somanathapura