Krishna carvings in Banteay Srei Cambodia

Krishna Carvings at Banteay Srei

Among the many Vaishnava ruins in Cambodia, the 10th century temple of Banteay Srei in Angkor has several of the most beautiful carved renditions of Sri Krsna found anywhere in the country. The Lord is depicted in two famous lila scenes, one from the Bhagavat Purana and one from Mahabharata.

Banteay Srei (or Banteay Srey) is a Shiva temple lying 15 miles northeast of the main complex at Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom and Yasodharapura were once important capitals in the area, and ancient temple ruins are found all around the area. Similar temple ruins are now being threatened with further ruin due to the recent increase in volcanic activity in Indonesia, which rains down particles highly corrosive to the area's soft sandstone carvings.

Most of the temple constructions in the Angkor area are enormous, but the Banteay Srei temple is very small in comparison, making it particularly enjoyable for pilgrims to explore. Built in 967 A.D., Banteay Srei is the only major temple at Angkor not built by a local ruler. This temple was raised by a scholar named Yajnavaraha, who worked in the service of King Rajendravarman. On his own accord, Yajnavaraha also offered financial support to local citizens suffering from ill health, poverty or injustice.

The temple was originally known as Tribhuvanamahesvara, referring to both Lord Visnu and Lord Shiva, and the village surrounding it was called Isvarapura. The name Banteay Srei is thought to refer to the many devatas carved into the red sandstone walls. The name also translates to 'citadel of women' or 'citadel of beauty'.

Tribhuvanamahesvara was dedicated to the presiding deity, a Shiva linga residing in the central part of the structure, but the temple complex was also divided along its east-west axis, with areas located north of the axis being devoted to the worship of Lord Visnu, and those south of the axis dedicated to Lord Shiva.

One of the most famous carvings in the complex is that of Lord Nrsimhadeva, who appears in His ugra mood, but stylistically carved very much in the Cambodian style. He is furiously attacking the demon Hiranyakasipu, who is positioned in a unique way on the carved surface, with his head due south of the Lord's head, rather than lying horizontally across His lap. 

In the style of most Khmer temples, Banteay Srei is oriented to the east, having three concentric rectangular enclosures along its east-west axis. A causeway along the axis leads from the outer gopura to the third and outermost of the three wings. The sanctum is in the inner enclosure, with three towers above. There are two adjacent wings known as the libraries.

The library in the south has a west-facing pediment upon which is carved a beautiful depiction from Krsna lila. This one depicts Krsna slaying the wicked Kamsa, who has collapsed to his knees beneath the mighty hand of Sri Krsna. Behind Krsna's head the end of Balarama's plow is visible, and behind Kamsa there are waves carved into the backdrop, probably depicting the evaporation of the demon's life airs.

Also carved into this west-facing pediment is a scene depicting Shiva and Uma on Mount Kailasa, with Kamadeva pointing an arrow at Shiva, and another scene of the burning of Khandava Forest. 

The east-facing pediment on the northern library is carved with a scene of Lord Indra, creating rain to put out the forest fire started by Agni, who wished to kill the Naga king, Takshaka in Khandava Forest. Indra is riding on Airavata, surrounded by worshippers who are begging for his assistance with the fire. However, Indra's intervention is being opposed by Sri Krsna and Arjuna, who are seen bottom right, standing on their chariots.

Helping Agni, the two are sending a battery of arrows towards the heavens to prevent the rain from reaching the ground. Their arrows form a roof of protection, supported from below by a row of hamsas, who stand between Indra's waters and the forest below. Takshaka's son Aswasena is seen trying to escape the fire, climbing the roof of arrows, with panicked animals below.

Carved in traditional Khmer style, these wall sculptures are beautiful renditions from Vedic sastra, and provide a unique view of the Lord's pastimes.

पुरी के श्रीजगन्नाथ‬ मंदिर के 10 ऐसे तथ्य जो विज्ञान से भी परे हैं

पुरी के श्रीजगन्नाथ‬ मंदिर का हिन्दुओ में बहुत ही महत्त्व है l यह मंदिर भगवान श्री कृष्ण का मंदिर है l जगन्नाथ शब्द का तात्पर्य जगत के स्वामी से होता है। इनकी नगरी ही जगन्नाथपुरी या पुरी कहलाती है।यह मंदिर हिन्दुओं के चार धामों में से एक है। यह वैष्णव सम्प्रदाय का मंदिर है, जो भगवान विष्णु के अवतार श्री कृष्ण को समर्पित है।

 

आज हम आपको इस भव्य और चमत्कारिक मंदिर के बारे में कुछ ऐसे तथ्य बतायेंगे जो आधुनिक विज्ञान की भी समझ से परे है और बताते है कि हमारे पूर्वज कितने बड़े इंजिनियर और आर्किटेक्ट रहे है

1- लाल ध्वज सदैव हवा के विपरीत दिशा में लहराता है

श्री जगन्नाथ मंदिर के ऊपर स्थापित लाल ध्वज सदैव हवा के विपरीत दिशा में लहराता है। ऐसा किस कारण होता है यह तो वैज्ञानिक ही बता सकते हैं लेकिन यह यकीनन ही आश्चर्यजनक बात है।

यह भी हैरान करने वाली ही बात है कि प्रतिदिन सायंकाल मंदिर के ऊपर स्थापित ध्वज को मानव द्वारा उल्टा चढ़कर बदला जाता है। ध्वज भी इतना भव्य है कि जब यह लहराता है तो इसे सब देखते ही रह जाते हैं। ध्वज पर शिव का चंद्र बना हुआ है।

2- गुंबद की छाया नहीं बनती  

यह दुनिया का सबसे भव्य और ऊंचा मंदिर है। यह मंदिर 4 लाख वर्गफुट में क्षेत्र में फैला है और इसकी ऊंचाई लगभग 214 फुट है। मंदिर के पास खड़े रहकर इसका गुंबद देख पाना असंभव है। मुख्य गुंबद की छाया दिन के किसी भी समय अदृश्य ही रहती है।

3- पूरे शहर में कही से भी सुदर्शन चक्र देख सकते है… 

पुरी में किसी भी स्थान से आप मंदिर के शीर्ष पर लगे सुदर्शन चक्र को देखेंगे तो वह आपको सदैव अपने सामने ही लगा दिखेगा। इसे नीलचक्र भी कहते हैं। यह अष्टधातु से निर्मित है और अति पावन और पवित्र माना जाता है।

4- हवाएं प्रक्रति से विपरीत ही चलती है 

सामान्य दिनों के समय हवा समुद्र से जमीन की तरफ आती है और शाम के दौरान इसके विपरीत, लेकिन पुरी में इसका उल्टा होता है। अधिकतर समुद्री तटों पर आमतौर पर हवा समुद्र से जमीन की ओर आती है, लेकिन यहां हवा जमीन से समुद्र की ओर जाती है।

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सामान्य दिनों के समय हवा समुद्र से जमीन की तरफ आती है और शाम के दौरान इसके विपरीत, लेकिन पुरी में इसका उल्टा होता है।

अधिकतर समुद्री तटों पर आमतौर पर हवा समुद्र से जमीन की ओर आती है, लेकिन यहां हवा जमीन से समुद्र की ओर जाती है।

मंदिर के ऊपर गुंबद के आसपास अब तक कोई पक्षी उड़ता हुआ नहीं देखा गया। इसके ऊपर से विमान नहीं उड़ाया जा सकता।

मंदिर के शिखर के पास पक्षी उड़ते नजर नहीं आते, जबकि देखा गया है कि भारत के अधिकतर मंदिरों के गुंबदों पर पक्षी बैठ जाते हैं या आसपास उड़ते हुए नजर आते हैं।

6- भोजन को लेकर भी चमत्कार ही है 

500 रसोइए 300 सहयोगियों के साथ बनाते हैं भगवान जगन्नाथजी का प्रसाद। लगभग 20 लाख भक्त कर सकते हैं यहां भोजन। कहा जाता है कि मंदिर में प्रसाद कुछ हजार लोगों के लिए ही क्यों न बनाया गया हो लेकिन इससे लाखों लोगों का पेट भर सकता है।

मंदिर के अंदर पकाने के लिए भोजन की मात्रा पूरे वर्ष के लिए रहती है। प्रसाद की एक भी मात्रा कभी भी व्यर्थ नहीं जाती।

मंदिर की रसोई में प्रसाद पकाने के लिए 7 बर्तन एक-दूसरे पर रखे जाते हैं और सब कुछ लकड़ी पर ही पकाया जाता है। इस प्रक्रिया में शीर्ष बर्तन में सामग्री पहले पकती है फिर क्रमश: नीचे की तरफ एक के बाद एक पकती जाती है अर्थात सबसे ऊपर रखे बर्तन का खाना पहले पक जाता है। है न चमत्कार!

7- सागर की ध्वनि और शव के जलने की गंध से भी जुड़ा रहस्य

मंदिर के सिंहद्वार में पहला कदम प्रवेश करने पर ही (मंदिर के अंदर से) आप सागर द्वारा निर्मित किसी भी ध्वनि को नहीं सुन सकते। आप (मंदिर के बाहर से) एक ही कदम को पार करें, तब आप इसे सुन सकते हैं। इसे शाम को स्पष्ट रूप से अनुभव किया जा सकता है।

इसी तरह मंदिर के बाहर स्वर्ग द्वार है, जहां पर मोक्ष प्राप्ति के लिए शव जलाए जाते हैं लेकिन जब आप मंदिर से बाहर निकलेंगे तभी आपको लाशों के जलने की गंध महसूस होगी।

8- प्रत्येक 12 वर्ष में होता है प्रतिमा का नव कलेवर मूर्तियां नई बनती हैं लेकिन आकार और रूप वही रहता है 

यहां श्रीकृष्ण को जगन्नाथ कहते हैं। जगन्नाथ के साथ उनके भाई बलराम और बहन सुभद्रा विराजमान हैं। तीनों की ये मूर्तियां काष्ठ की बनी हुई हैं।

यहां प्रत्येक 12 साल में एक बार होता है प्रतिमा का नव कलेवर। मूर्तियां नई जरूर बनाई जाती हैं लेकिन आकार और रूप वही रहता है। कहा जाता है कि उन मूर्तियों की पूजा नहीं होती, केवल दर्शनार्थ रखी गई हैं।

9- विश्व की सबसे बड़ी रथयात्रा 

आषाढ़ माह में भगवान रथ पर सवार होकर अपनी मौसी रानी गुंडिचा के घर जाते हैं। यह रथयात्रा 5 किलो‍मीटर में फैले पुरुषोत्तम क्षेत्र में ही होती है। रानी गुंडिचा भगवान जगन्नाथ के परम भक्त राजा इंद्रदयुम्न की पत्नी थी इसीलिए रानी को भगवान जगन्नाथ की मौसी कहा जाता है।

अपनी मौसी के घर भगवान 8 दिन रहते हैं। आषाढ़ शुक्ल दशमी को वापसी की यात्रा होती है। भगवान जगन्नाथ का रथ नंदीघोष है। देवी सुभद्रा का रथ दर्पदलन है और भाई बलभद्र का रक्ष तल ध्वज है। पुरी के गजपति महाराज सोने की झाड़ू बुहारते हैं जिसे छेरा पैररन कहते हैं।

हनुमानजी करते हैं जगन्नाथ की समुद्र से रक्षा 

माना जाता है कि 3 बार समुद्र ने जगन्नाथजी के मंदिर को तोड़ दिया था। कहते हैं कि महाप्रभु जगन्नाथ ने  वीर हनुमानजी को यहां समुद्र को नियंत्रित करने हेतु नियुक्त किया था, परंतु जब-तब हनुमान जी भी जगन्नाथ-बलभद्र एवं सुभद्रा के दर्शनों का लोभ संवरण नहीं कर पाते थे।

वे प्रभु के दर्शन के लिए नगर में प्रवेश कर जाते थे, ऐसे में समुद्र भी उनके पीछे नगर में प्रवेश कर जाता था। केसरीनंदन हनुमानजी की इस आदत से परेशान होकर जगन्नाथ महाप्रभु ने हनुमानजी को यहां स्वर्ण बेड़ी से आबद्ध कर दिया। यहां जगन्नाथपुरी में ही सागर तट पर बेडी हनुमान का प्राचीन एवं प्रसिद्ध मंदिर है। भक्त लोग बेड़ी में जगड़े हनुमानजी के दर्शन करने के लिए आते हैं।

1- महान जाट सम्राट महाराजा रणजीत सिंह ने इस मंदिर को प्रचुर मात्रा में स्वर्ण दान किया था, जो कि उनके द्वारा स्वर्ण मंदिर, अमृतसर को दिए गए स्वर्ण से कहीं अधिक था।

2- पांच पांडव भी अज्ञातवास के दौरान भगवान जगन्नाथ के दर्शन करने आए थे। श्री मंदिर के अंदर पांडवों का स्थान अब भी मौजूद है। भगवान जगन्नाथ जब चंदन यात्रा करते हैं तो पांच पांडव उनके साथ नरेन्द्र सरोवर जाते हैं।

3- कहते हैं कि ईसा मसीह सिल्क रूट से होते हुए जब कश्मीर आए थे तब पुन: बेथलेहम जाते वक्त उन्होंने भगवान जगन्नाथ के दर्शन किए थे।

4- 9वीं शताब्दी में आदिशंकराचार्य ने यहां की यात्रा की थी और यहां पर उन्होंने चार मठों में से एक गोवर्धन मठ की स्थापना की थी।

5- इस मंदिर में गैर-भारतीय धर्म के लोगों का प्रवेश प्रतिबंधित है। माना जाता है कि ये प्रतिबंध कई विदेशियों द्वारा मंदिर और निकटवर्ती क्षेत्रों में घुसपैठ और हमलों के कारण लगाए गए हैं। पूर्व में मंदिर को क्षति पहुंचाने के प्रयास किए जाते रहे हैं।

पुरी के श्रीजगन्नाथ‬ मंदिर का हिन्दुओ में बहुत ही महत्त्व है l यह मंदिर भगवान श्री कृष्ण का मंदिर है l जगन्नाथ शब्द का तात्पर्य जगत के स्वामी से होता है। इनकी नगरी ही जगन्नाथपुरी या पुरी कहलाती है।यह मंदिर हिन्दुओं के चार धामों में से एक है। यह वैष्णव सम्प्रदाय का मंदिर है, जो भगवान विष्णु के अवतार श्री कृष्ण को समर्पित है। आज हम आपको इस भव्य और चमत्कारिक मंदिर के बारे में कुछ ऐसे तथ्य बतायेंगे जो आधुनिक विज्ञान की भी समझ से परे है और बताते है कि हमारे पूर्वज कितने बड़े इंजिनियर और आर्किटेक्ट रहे है

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Hindu history spread across the world

1. Hindu history spread across the world

Historians say Hindu Temples did not exist during the Vedic period (1500-500 BC). The ritual of idol worship which became popular at the end of the Vedic age may have given rise to the concept of temples as a place of worship. The remains of the earliest temple structure were discovered in Afghanistan in 1951. However, the unearthing of Hindu temples all across the world is not just shocking but also surprising. Take a look at some such discoveries and wonder about the roots of Hinduism…

2. Was the Christian Vatican originally a Shiva temple?

All religions are one and are derived from Vedic Sanatana Dharma. Historian P.N. Oak claimed that the word Vatican originally came from the Sanskrit word "Vatika", that "Christianity" came from the Sanskrit words "Krishna-neeti", (the way of Krishna), and that "Abraham" came from the Sanskrit word "Brahma". He further claims that both Christianity and Islam originated as distortions of Vedic beliefs. Compare the two pictures and see a striking similarity between the shapes of a shiva linga and the vatican church compound.

3. Was the Christian Vatican originally a Shiva temple?

In these pictures take a look at the tripundra (three lines worn by Lord Shiva as tilak). The word 'Vatican' itself is derived from the Sanskrit word Vatika, which means Vedic cultural or religious centers, such as Yagna-Vatika. Such words and discoveries prove that the Vatican was a Hindu (Vedic) religious center before its incumbent was forced to accept Christianity from 1st century AD. Also, according to some reports, a Shiva linga was found during the excavation and is kept for display at a Museum in Rome.

4. Siva Linga at Gregorian Etruscan Museum, Vatican City

This Siva Lingam is exhibited in Gregorian Etruscan Museum, Vatican City. It has the most important Etruscan collection in Rome, starting with early Iron Age objects from the 9th century BC.

5. The Lost Hindu empire of Cambodia

A visit to Cambodia is recommended or may even be de rigueur for any Indian with an interest in the erstwhile history of India.. There are several hundred Hindu and Buddhist temple ruins throughout the countryside, especially around the town of Siem Reap near the large lake Tonle Sap. Siem Reap is the heart of the country. Here is where the splendid temple Angkor Wat has stood for nearly nine hundred years.

6. The Lost Hindu empire of Cambodia

The sprawling temple spreads over a one square mile area. Long walls with stories of Hindu mythology are sculpted as bas-reliefs. It is a magnificent temple complex, constructed in the form of mythological Mount Meru - the Hindu center of the Universe. The brilliant paint used to enhance the reliefs has faded but the architecture and beauty are still preserved. The sheer magnitude of the temple complex is impressive. All the gods of the Hindu pantheon are represented in temple sculpture. Shiva and Vishnu were held in high esteem.

7. 5,000 year Old Shiva Linga found at Harappa

In 1940, archaeologist M.S. Vats discovered three Shiva Lingas at Harappa, dating more than 5,000 years old. This rare archival photo shows that ancient Shiva Linga as it was being excavated from the Harappa site.

8. Ancient Tamil Brahmi script found in Egypt

A broken storage jar with inscriptions in Tamil Brahmi script has been excavated at Quseir-al-Qadim, an ancient port with a Roman settlement on the Red Sea coast of Egypt. This Tamil Brahmi script has been dated to first century B.C. The same inscription is incised twice on the opposite sides of the jar. The inscription reads paanai oRi, that is, pot (suspended) in a rope net. A pottery specialist at the British Museum, London, identified the fragmentary vessel as a storage jar made in India.

9. Potsherd with Tamil-Brahmi script found in Oman

A Tamil-Brahmi script inscribed on a potsherd, which was found at the Khor Rori area in Oman, has come to light now. The script reads “nantai kiran” and it can be dated to first century CE, that is, 1900 years before the present. The discovery in the ancient city of Sumhuram has opened a new chapter in understanding the maritime trade of the Indian Ocean countries, according to specialists in history.

10. Large ancient Hindu temple found in Bali

Construction workers in Bali have discovered what is thought to be the biggest ancient Hindu temple ever found on the Indonesian island, archaeologists said. The workers were digging a drain in the island's capital Denpasar at a Hindu study centre when they came across the remains of the stone temple. They reported the discovery to the Bali archaeology office, which then unearthed substantial foundations of a structure that the excavation team believes dates from around the 13th to 15th centuries.

11. Ruins of ancient temple found in Yogyakarta

The ruins of an ancient building discovered at the Indonesian Islamic University in Yogyakarta have been confirmed as a temple to worship the Hindu gods Shiva and Ganesha. Linga, the symbol for the worship of Shiva, and yoni, a Sanskrit symbol for divine passage or place of birth, were found in the area.

12. Mystery of Hanuman: Lost city of the 'Monkey God' found!

La Ciudad Blanca, Spanish for ‘The White City’ is a legendary settlement said to be located in the Mosquitia region of eastern Honduras in Central America. Researcher Charles Lindberg, during one of his flights over the jungles of Mosquitia in Hondurus, claimed caught a glimpse of what he thought was the ‘Lost City of the Monkey God‘ where, legend says that local people worshipped huge ‘Monkey Sculptures‘.

13. A hidden refuge of gods?

Theodore Morde – an American adventurer, worked on the tip given by Lindberg and claimed that he had finally found the lost city in 1940. He claimed sacrifices were made by local Indians to a gigantic idol of an ape. However, he was killed by a car in London before he could announce its exact location. Morde had originally been looking for the White City, a hidden refuge of gods and gold first reported by Hernan Cortez.

14. Discovering the statue

Researchers from the University of Houston and the National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping flew over the Mosquitia region and revealed that there is evidence of a plaza dotted with ancient pyramids now reclaimed by the jungle on the east end of Hondurus. On the western end of Hondurus is the city of Copan – the site of the ancient Howler Monkey God statue. This monkey god that Westerners are talking about can actually be related to Lord Hanuman.

15. The Ramayan connection

Ramayana’s Kishkinda Kanda descibes about Trident of Peru, South America etc and Yuddha Kanda (War Episode) describes about Hanuman travelling to Paatala Loka (Central America and Brazil, which are on other side of India in globe) and meeting his son Makaradhwaja, who resembles him. After killing the King of Paatala, Hanuman makes his son Makaradhwaja as ruler of that kingdom and he is being worshipped as God since then.

16. The Ramayan connection

This could be one of the reasons why ancient Americans of central and south paint red color to all their gods statues. The discovery of Vedic Havan Kund in peru is also one more evidence of Vedic influence in this region. After his expedition, Morder described traveling miles through swamps, up rivers, and over mountains before coming across ruins that he interpreted as the remains of a walled city. He claimed to have evidence of large, ruined buildings and said that his Paya guides told him that there once was a temple with a large staircase leading to a statue of a “Monkey God.”

17. The discovery of the ruins

Morde speculated that the deity was an American parallel to the Hindu deity Hanuman, who he says was the equivalent of America’s own Paul Bunyan in his amazing feats of strength and daring. Morde was told that the temple had a “long, staired approach” lined with stone effigies of monkeys. “The heart of the Temple was a high stone dais on which was the statue of the Monkey God himself - before it was a place of sacrifice.”

18. The artifacts from the site

Morde and Brown brought back thousands of artifacts, most of which became part of the collection of the Heye Foundation Museum of the American Indian in New York City.These included metal razors, stone blades, a flute, stone statuary, and stone utensils. Morde and Brown also reported having found evidence of gold, silver, platinum, and oil and are now at display in National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

19. Munneswaram Temple in Munneswaram, Sri Lanka

This temple is said to have been in existence since the days to the Ramayana. It is said that Lord Ram prayed to Lord Shiva here after he won against Ravana. It is a temple complex comprising of five temples. Of these the one dedicated to Lord Shiva is the central and the biggest one. This temple has been destroyed twice in the past by the Portuguese before it was finally handed over to the Jesuits who rebuilt it.

20. Mukti Gupteshwar Temple in Minto, Australia

The 13th and the last Jyothirlinga was gifted to Australia in 1999 by the then King of Nepal -- the late Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Together with this was gifted 7996 hymns arranged in eight volumes especially to be sung in praise of this deity. According to the scriptures, construction of this lingam had to be in the southern hemisphere which symbolised the 'mouth of the snake', the snake being like an ornament around Lord Shiva's neck. Hence Australia was chosen. This temple's foundation was laid on Shivratri in 1999 in Minto -- Sydney's suburb. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the only cave temple to have been constructed by man. Together with the 13th Jyotirlinga, the temple also houses the replicas of the other 12 Jyotirlingas.

21. New finds take archaeologists closer to Krishna

The conch and the Sudarshana Chakra are unmistakable. Although the figures do not match popular images of Krishna sporting a peacock feather, archaeologists are convinced that the coins are of Krishna, revered as an avatar of Vishnu. "These square coins, dating back to 180- BC, with Krishna on one side and Balram on the other, were unearthed recently in Al Khanoun in Afghanistan and are the earliest proof that Krishna was venerated as a god, and that the worship had spread beyond the Mathura region," says T K V Rajan, archaeologist and founder-director, Indian Science Monitor. Having done extensive research in Brindavan, Rajan is convinced that a lot of the spiritual history of ancient India lies buried.

22. 1400-year-old Lakshmi deity found in J&K

This shows the original and ancient Vedic connection that the area of Kashmir has always had. A rare granite sculpture of Goddess Lakshmi, believed to be 1,400 years old, has been found at Waghama village along the river Jehlum in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. The image is seven inches high and 4.5 inches wide and is seen as one of the most important findings.

23. Ancient Hindu temple unearthed in Sri Lanka

A heap of ruins where a Hindu temple of Chola period was believed to have been buried has been unearthed in the Northern part of Delft. The temple is 40 feet long and 10 feet wide. Professor P. Pushparatnam of the Jaffna University History Department commenting on the findings, said the people of the locality are unable to say when this temple was built. The ruins indicate that the building would have been built many years ago.

24. Ancient Idol of Lord Vishnu found in Russia

An ancient Vishnu idol has been found during excavation in an old village in Russia’s Volga region, raising questions about the prevalent view on the origin of ancient Russia. The idol found in Staraya (old) Maina village dates back to VII-X century AD. Staraya Maina village in Ulyanovsk region was a highly populated city 1700 years ago, much older than Kiev, so far believed to be the mother of all Russian cities.

25. Ancient Idol of Lord Vishnu found in Russia

Dr Kozhevin, who has been conducting excavation in Staraya Maina for last seven years, said that every single square metre of the surroundings of the ancient town situated on the banks of Samara, a tributary of Volga, is studded with antiques. Prior to unearthing of the Vishnu idol, Dr Kozhevin has already found ancient coins, pendants, rings and fragments of weapons. “We may consider it incredible, but we have ground to assert that Middle-Volga region was the original land of Ancient Rus. This is a hypothesis, but a hypothesis, which requires thorough research,” he said.

26. Wooden structure found at Dvaraka

Archaeologists are excited about a circular wooden structure found underwater at a near-shore excavation site off the coast of Jamnagar. Thought to be the remains of the lost city of ancient Dwarka, the wooden structure is well preserved and surrounded by another structure made of stone blocks. "It is significant as scientific dating of wood, which is carbon, is possible. This was not the case with evidences like stone, beads, glass and terracota found earlier," said Alok Tripathi, Archeologist.

27. Buried Shiva temples found

The surfacing of five ancient Siva temples partly in sand dunes along the Pennar river in Jyothi village in Siddhavatam mandal has led to the discovery that as many as 108 Siva temples have been buried under sand at the place. Besides the rare presence of 108 Siva temples dating back to 1213 ce, a silver chariot and a diamond crown said to have been presented to the Jyothi Siddhavateswara Swamy temple by Kakatiya Rudrama Devi were present in Jyothi village, according to inscriptions discovered.

28. Hindu temples of Quanzhou - A forgotten history of china

Quanzhou and its surrounding area consists of shrines or temples that according to historians is part network of number of Hindu shrines and temple. At present, there are no Hindus in Quanzhou. But there previously existed a small Hindu community in late 13th century, mostly situated in southeastern part of China. The inscription of bilingual Tamil and Chinese-language has been associated with the remains of a Shiva temple of Quanzhou. Shiva temple is one of the two south Indian-style Hindu temples.

29. Hindu temples of Quanzhou - A forgotten history of china

The roots of the shrine do not lie in china but from the south India. Most of the residents of the village think that deity is Guanyin the female Bodhisattva who is venerated in many parts of China. Every morning the local residents of the village pray, they light incense sticks and chant prayers unlike any deity one might find elsewhere in China. The Hindu temple in the village collapsed 500 years ago but as local residents had belief that they still carry, goddess brought them good fortune, they dug through the ruins, saved the deity and rebuilt the temple.

पांच हजार साल से जलता 'अग्निकुंड'- Amazing 5000 year old Temple of fire-Mamleswar Shiva Temple in India

पांच हजार साल से जलता 'अग्निकुंड'

Five thousand old ancient Mamleshwar Temple, at Karsog,HP

 Mamleshwar Temple is the ancient srine of 'Lord Shiva'. Legends speak of Pandavas had built this temple , during their exile period. This temple is renouned for its enormous wooden carved pillars and metal /stone statues of divinities. Few significant attractions of this temple are;
-- Single grain of wheat , weighing 250 gms
-- A temple drum ,6 ft long. As per legend this drum was played by 'Bhima' ( one of the Pandava
brothers).It is known as ' Bhil ka dhol '   

Mamleshwar Mahadev Temple:- Another temple that is situated in the Karsog valley is Mamleshwar Mahadev Temple Mamel. Main thing about this temple is that their is a statue of lord Shiva & Parvati in this temple & in other Temple Lord Shiva Statue is in the form of Shiv Ling, but in this temple its different. One more thing is that, this statue is made up of metal whose name is Asht Dhatu. This Temple was made by Pandav’s of Mahabharat, while they were in their exile period. In the temple you can see the ropes of Pandav’s ancient time, the artwork on woods and stones.

The temple have a great value local people and others life. So you can receive people always in the temple compound. It is easy to reach this temple from the Local Karsog Bustand. Malel is 4km far from karsog.  Apart from that huge sized rope there is an another thing which you may not see anywhere in the world is an grain of wheat whose weight is NEAR ABOUT 150 GRAM ! You may be thinking its Unbelievable well believe it. Because its true. This  Grain came in to eye during Excavation work in Temple Premises of  Lord Shiva Named as Mamleshwar mahadev In Tehsil Karsog Of Distt. mandi (H.P.)

Local People relate this grain to the Exile period  of PANDAV’s in Mahabharat. They also beleive that this temple of Lord Shiva was also made by the PANDAV’S.
Well ! Old saying are Part. But we have to beleive which is in front of our eyes. I Belive it  & you will also start believing in  it after visiting this Place.  Here you can see an picture of that religious grain

Karsog is an beautiful valley near Tattapani and is popular for its temples, nature and local culture. Karsog is amidst enormous orchards of apples and dense hilly woods of deodars and pines located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. The Karsog valley is fully furnished with latest facilities, like hotels,  roads,  High Speed Internets, and Transport. The place is becoming popular and attraction of tourist day by day.
Other attractions of famous valley are-
 

Shikari Devi

Shikari Devi temple:- Shikari Devi Temple is also an amazing place in Karsog Valley with beautiful view of pine, deodar woods and apple orchards. The Shikari Devi Temple is positioned at a height of 3300m (10827 FT) above see level. It is extremely difficult to trek up to the Shikari Devi Temple. The old temple and Goddess is believed to be in existence from the time of the Pandavas. According to the myth, there will be no snowfall on the top of temple and snow never stays there. The Snow covered mountains and trekking fun make the visits of Shikari so memorable. People can reach Shikari Devi  by cars, cabs from Karsog, or Sanarali. It is about 18 km way where you chase deep deodar trees. You can track this place by foot too. The best place to start tracking is Bakhroat, Chindi, and Shanker Dehra. All the places are in state highway 13 Shimla to Karsog exept Shanker Dehra. You can reach Shanker dehara by public trasport or cabs. Its 10km away from Karsog.

Mahamaya Temple Pangana

Mahmaya Temple Pangana :- Pangna is an open village in the Karsog valley and is popular for its ethereal beauty. The main attraction here is the historical Pangana Fort, which is famous for its architecture and wooden carvings. This is a seven storied high which was made entirely from wood and stone and still retains its old charm. There is also a Mahmaya temple inside the fort, which received pilgrims from the nearby areas. The temple is also an main public attraction is small Pangana village.

Mahunag mandir Karsog Sundernagar mandi Himachal Pradesh

Mul Mahon Nag :-  Mahu Nag Devta is the main deity of old Suket estate (now became Sundernagar). The Dev Mahu Nag Fair is held in the Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh in the month of April every year. It is an event where all religious devtas and devi’s makes for wonderful combination. This annual fair attracts a good number of devotees and tourists visiting the Mahu Nag Temple on main Sanskranti Day. A Big amount of Visitors keep visiting Mahunag Temple almost every month in year.
Mahunag temple is in Mahu village of Karsog subdivision of Mandi district, which is more than 100 km from Sundernagar valley , 23km from karsog and 100km from Shimla. The temple is dedicated to lord Karna and locally it is known as Devta Mahunag. The surrounding nature around Mahunag temple is full of deodar and chid trees, You can see the apple trees as well.

Shiva Caves Tattapani

Shiva Caves Saroor Tattapani:- Shiva Cave is 3.5 kms from Tattapani. Shiva cave has its religious value so that the festival of shivraatri is celebrated here with great enthusiasm every year. This is full of stalagtites and stalagmites. There are two ways to reach this beautiful place i.e. 10 mins by vehicle or around 450 well maid stair steps. This is a perfect place for fishing, swimming and picnic.

Shiva Ling changes color three times, राजस्थान के धौलपुर जिले में स्तिथ अचलेश्वर महादेव मन्दिर

 

वैसे तो पुरे भारत मे अचलेश्वर महादेव के नाम से कई मन्दिर है पर आज हम बात कर रहे है राजस्थान के धौलपुर जिले में स्तिथ अचलेश्वर महादेव मन्दिर के बारे मे। धौलपुर जिला राजस्थान और मध्य प्रदेश की सीमा पर स्थित है। यह इलाका चम्बल के बीहड़ों के लिये प्रसिद्ध है। इन्ही दुर्गम बीहड़ो के अंदर स्तिथ है, भगवान अचलेश्वर महादेव का मन्दिर। इस मंदिर की सबसे बड़ी खासियत है यहाँ स्तिथ शिवलिंग जो कि दिन मे तीन बार रँग बदलता है।

सुबह में शिवलिंग का रंग लाल रहता है, दोपहर को केसरिया रंग का हो जाता है, और जैसे-जैसे शाम होती है शिवलिंग का रंग सांवला हो जाता है। ऐसा क्यों होता है इसका किसी के पास जवाब नहि है। भगवान अचलेश्वर महादेव का यह मन्दिर हज़ारों साल पुराना है। चुकी यह मंदिर बीहड़ों मे स्तिथ है और यहाँ तक पहुचने क रास्ता बहुत हि पथरीला और उबड-खाबड़ है इसलिए पहले यहाँ बहुत हि कम लोग पंहुचते थे परन्तु जैसे-जैसे भगवान के चमत्कार कि खबरे लोगो तक पहुँचि यहाँ पर भक्तों कि भिड़ ज़ुटने लगी।

इस शिवलिंग कि एक और अनोखी बात यह है कि इस शिवलिंग के छोर का आज तक पता नहि चला है। कहते है बहुत समय पहले भक्तों ने यह जानने के लिए कि यह शिवलिंग ज़मीं मे कितना गड़ा है, इसकि खूदाई करी, पर क़ाफी गहराई तक खोदने के बाद भि उन्हे इसके छोर का पता नहि चला। अंत में उन्होंने इसे भग्वान का चमत्कार मानते हुए खुदाई बन्द कर दी।

भक्तों का मानना है कि भगवान अचलेश्वर महादेव सभी कि मनोकामना पूरी करते है खास तौर पर यदि कुंवारे लड़के-लड़कियां यहा पर आकर अपनी शादी कि मुराद माँगते है तो वो अति-शीघ्र पूरी होती है।

अब यदि आपको कभी धौलपुर जाने का अवसार प्रप्त हो तो आप भगवान अचलेश्वर महादेव के दर्शनों का लाभ उठाइयेगा। फिलहाल हम आप सभी को वीडियो के माध्यम से दर्शन कराते है।

 

Temples of the Hoysala

The Hoysala Empire was a Southern mighty Indian empire that ruled from 10^th and 14^th centuries A.D. Belur was initial capital of the Hoysala Empire later moved to Halebidu.
During the reign, the Hoysalas built over 1500 temples throughout their empire. Today, however, only a little over a hundred of these monuments survive.Hoysalas promoted  tolerance, with Shaivite, Vaishnavite, Jainism .They were meant to be expressions of spiritual purpose and vehicles of spiritual practice and attainment.

Stone Chariot at Vittala Temple displays the magnificence of the Hoysala architecture. Photo source.

Hoysala temples were built on platforms and had a star-shaped plan ,hybrid of the nagara style from northern India and the Dravidian style The intricate decorations  cover the exterior walls  include depictions of deities, dance and music, hunting, the daily life of the peoples, and scenes from three of Hinduism’s greatest literary works – the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Bhagavatham.  

A section from the world famous hoysala architecture in India. Source: BigStockPhoto

At the first capital of the Hoysalas, Belur is the Chennakeshava Temple Complex. This is situated at the centre of the old walled town on the banks of the Yagachi River. It was dedicated to the god Vishnu, and Shiva. There are  118 stone inscriptions covering the period from A.D. 1117 to the 18^th century have been found there. These inscriptions provide us with fascinating details about the artists who were employed, grants made to the temple, and the renovations that were done.

Carvings of worshippers lined up along a wall at Hampi. Source: BigStockPhoto

Belur city was attacked numerous times,finally succeeded in sacking the capital in A.D. 1310. This resulted in the destruction of the main temple in the centre of the city as well as numerous other smaller temples, shrines and palace buildings. One of these remaining temples is the Hoysaleshwara Temple. This temple was built in A.D. 1121 during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana Hoysalas, and was dedicated to Shiva. While it was the kings who usually sponsored the grandest temples in Southern India, this one was dedicated by the wealthy citizens and merchants of Halebidu.  

The intricate carvings on the Hoysaleshwara Temple. Source: BigStockPhoto

On the occasion of World Heritage Day 2014 (18 April 2014), UNESCO granted India another 15 sites on its tentative World Heritage Sites. This meant that India now has a total of 48 sites on this tentative list. Of these sites, 3 of them are from Southern India, and one of these is the Sacred Ensembles of Hoysala.
Featured image: The Chennakeshava Temple built in 1117 AD by the Hoysalas at Belur Karnataka India. Source: BigStockPhoto
chennakesava temple 
Ḏḥwty
References
Drishti The Vision Foundation, 2014. World Heritage Day. [Online]
Available at: http://www.drishtiias.com/upsc-current-affairs-article-World-Heritage-Day
Government of Karnataka, Department of Tourism, 2014. Blazing Trail of Golden Era... Tourist Guide of Hassan District. [Online]
Available at: http://www.hassan.nic.in/pdfs/tourism/Hassan-District-Tourism-Golden%20Era.pdf
The New India Press, 2014. 3 Sites on Tentative Heritage List. [Online]
Available at: http://m.newindianexpress.com/karnataka/313147
UNESCO, 2014. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala. [Online]
Available at: http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5898/
Wikipedia, 2014. Chennakesava Temple. [Online]
Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chennakesava_Temple
Wikipedia, 2014. Hoysala Empire. [Online]
Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysala_Empire
Wikipedia, 2014. Hoysaleswara Temple. [Online]
Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysaleswara_temple