𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 : ~Narasimha Monolith, Hampi, Karnataka
𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 : ~ A little southwest of the Krishna Temple in a pavilion just off the main road is perhaps Hampi’s best known sculpture – the extraordinary Narasimha Monolith, also known as the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.
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𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 : ~ A little southwest of the Krishna Temple in a pavilion just off the main road is perhaps Hampi’s best known sculpture – the extraordinary Narasimha Monolith, also known as the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.
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This is a magnificent figure of Vishnu in his Narasimha form (half man, half lion), the fourth incarnation of the god of preservation, seated in a yogic posture and wonderfully carved out of single granite rock with almost cartoon-like popping-out eyes. Rising over the head of the deity is a multi-headed cobra hood surmounted by a yali, which forms an arch supporting the two free standing columns.
This 6.7m high sculpture, built in 1528 and the largest in Hampi, has been restored after many years of serious weathering. The band of stone that stretches between the knees is new, and you can also spot other traces of newer stone set against the darker original carving.
Sometimes restoration can go a little too far or be unsympathetically done, but here I think they’ve done a great job. It’s an imposing figure, with the walled enclosure concealing what lies within until the very last seconds of your approach, it only serves to magnify the impact it has on you.
There used to be an additional figure of Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort, positioned on Narasimha’s lap. This was seriously damaged during a raid in 1565 leading to the fall of Vijayanagara (Hampi). If you get a chance to go inside the enclosure (I didn’t, a low iron barrier implied to me that this was not to be done), you can apparently see the goddess’s hand resting on the back of Vishnu in an embracing posture.
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This 6.7m high sculpture, built in 1528 and the largest in Hampi, has been restored after many years of serious weathering. The band of stone that stretches between the knees is new, and you can also spot other traces of newer stone set against the darker original carving.
Sometimes restoration can go a little too far or be unsympathetically done, but here I think they’ve done a great job. It’s an imposing figure, with the walled enclosure concealing what lies within until the very last seconds of your approach, it only serves to magnify the impact it has on you.
There used to be an additional figure of Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort, positioned on Narasimha’s lap. This was seriously damaged during a raid in 1565 leading to the fall of Vijayanagara (Hampi). If you get a chance to go inside the enclosure (I didn’t, a low iron barrier implied to me that this was not to be done), you can apparently see the goddess’s hand resting on the back of Vishnu in an embracing posture.
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Thanjavur Maratha Palace : Rare Maratha Palace in South India and a true treat for history buffs and architectural enthusiasts.
• The #Thanjavur Maratha Palace was originally called Sivaganga Fort, and interestingly, it was not built by Maratha Kings but by Thanjavur Nayaks. It is now the official residence of the Bhonsle family that ruled Tanjore from 1674 to 1855.
• Locally known as "Thanjavur Aranmanai", this awe-inspiring royal palace is a mixed bag of ruin and renovation, mesmerizing art, and random royal paraphernalia.
• Thanjavur Maratha Palace is home to one of the oldest libraries in Asia, the renowned Saraswathi Mahal Library. The palace complex also consists of the Durbar Hall, Sadar Mahal Palace, the queen's courtyard, and a small bell tower.
• The Royal Palace Museum is another attraction that exhibits several ancient treasures.
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• The #Thanjavur Maratha Palace was originally called Sivaganga Fort, and interestingly, it was not built by Maratha Kings but by Thanjavur Nayaks. It is now the official residence of the Bhonsle family that ruled Tanjore from 1674 to 1855.
• Locally known as "Thanjavur Aranmanai", this awe-inspiring royal palace is a mixed bag of ruin and renovation, mesmerizing art, and random royal paraphernalia.
• Thanjavur Maratha Palace is home to one of the oldest libraries in Asia, the renowned Saraswathi Mahal Library. The palace complex also consists of the Durbar Hall, Sadar Mahal Palace, the queen's courtyard, and a small bell tower.
• The Royal Palace Museum is another attraction that exhibits several ancient treasures.
@Mandir
Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam
There are inscriptional evidence from the Satavahana dynasty which place the temple to be existent from the 2nd century. Most modern additions were done during the time of king Harihara I of Vijayanagara Empire. The veerasheromandapam and paathalaganga steps was constructed during the time of Reddi Kingdom.
The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is the Mukha Mandapa built during the Vijayanagar period.
It is significant to the Hindu sects of both Shaivam as this temple is referred to as one of the twelve Jyothirlingas of Lord Shiva. Here Parvati is worshiped as "Mallika" and Shiva is worshipped as "Arjuna", represented by the lingam.
located at Srisailam in Bharat state of Andhra Pradesh.
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There are inscriptional evidence from the Satavahana dynasty which place the temple to be existent from the 2nd century. Most modern additions were done during the time of king Harihara I of Vijayanagara Empire. The veerasheromandapam and paathalaganga steps was constructed during the time of Reddi Kingdom.
The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is the Mukha Mandapa built during the Vijayanagar period.
It is significant to the Hindu sects of both Shaivam as this temple is referred to as one of the twelve Jyothirlingas of Lord Shiva. Here Parvati is worshiped as "Mallika" and Shiva is worshipped as "Arjuna", represented by the lingam.
located at Srisailam in Bharat state of Andhra Pradesh.
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Have you ever visit this Hindu temple built between the 8th and 9th centuries.
A priceless unfinished Pandiyan monolith cave temple.
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A priceless unfinished Pandiyan monolith cave temple.
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Similar to the UNESCO world-famous Kailasa Temple, in Ellora, this is also carved from a single rock.
Constructed in the Pandiyan architecture and carved from single granite rock, the Vettuvan Kovil in Kalugumalai is the only known example of a Pandya era monolithic temple that was carved out in three dimensions, in-situ from the top of the hillock. Lord Shiva is the chief deity here. The temple is completed from the roof-kapota portion to the shikhara while it is unfinished at the lower level.
The fascinating aspect of the sculptures of Vettuvan Kovil is that they are in asana (seated) postures. Also, this is the only site where Dakshinamurthy is depicted playing the Mridanga (a percussion instrument), while in all other places, he is depicted playing the Veena.
About 7.5 meters of the mountain is excavated in a rectangular fashion and in the middle, the Vettuvan Kovil in Kalugumalai is sculpted from a single piece of rock. The carvings reflect the southern temple style of the Pandya era. Only the top portion of the temple is completed.
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Constructed in the Pandiyan architecture and carved from single granite rock, the Vettuvan Kovil in Kalugumalai is the only known example of a Pandya era monolithic temple that was carved out in three dimensions, in-situ from the top of the hillock. Lord Shiva is the chief deity here. The temple is completed from the roof-kapota portion to the shikhara while it is unfinished at the lower level.
The fascinating aspect of the sculptures of Vettuvan Kovil is that they are in asana (seated) postures. Also, this is the only site where Dakshinamurthy is depicted playing the Mridanga (a percussion instrument), while in all other places, he is depicted playing the Veena.
About 7.5 meters of the mountain is excavated in a rectangular fashion and in the middle, the Vettuvan Kovil in Kalugumalai is sculpted from a single piece of rock. The carvings reflect the southern temple style of the Pandya era. Only the top portion of the temple is completed.
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ACHYUTARAYA TEMPLE Hampi
Achyutaraya Temple located between Gandhamadana and Matanga Hills.The temple was established in 1534 AD by Achyuta Deva Raya and was originally named Tiruvengalanatha, but gradually it became popular by the King’s name. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara
The temple, which was the last grand creations of the Vijayanagara dynasty prior to its fateful fall, is now a magnificent example of the Vijayanagara style of architecture.It has two concentric rectangular enclosures with the main shrine located within the inner enclosure. As you walk through these entrances, you will find yourself in the bygone era of grand courtyards, walls and towers with fine carvings. Carved pillars line the temple courtyard. The main temple includes an antarala, garbhagriha, an ornate mahamantapa and rangamantapa. The temple opens to a street, which is known as the Courtesan’s street. Although most of the temple complex is in ruins, you can still witness the magnificence and grandiosity of the structure.
Achyutaraya Temple located between Gandhamadana and Matanga Hills.The temple was established in 1534 AD by Achyuta Deva Raya and was originally named Tiruvengalanatha, but gradually it became popular by the King’s name. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara
The temple, which was the last grand creations of the Vijayanagara dynasty prior to its fateful fall, is now a magnificent example of the Vijayanagara style of architecture.It has two concentric rectangular enclosures with the main shrine located within the inner enclosure. As you walk through these entrances, you will find yourself in the bygone era of grand courtyards, walls and towers with fine carvings. Carved pillars line the temple courtyard. The main temple includes an antarala, garbhagriha, an ornate mahamantapa and rangamantapa. The temple opens to a street, which is known as the Courtesan’s street. Although most of the temple complex is in ruins, you can still witness the magnificence and grandiosity of the structure.
The mysterious Naga temple
Located in a small village about 90 kms from Banaglore is the unique and rare Naga Devatha temple. People from all over visit this temple and install Naga figurines to ward off Naga Doshas.
Vidurashwatha Devasthana, Halaganahalli, Gowribidanur, Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka, (Bharat) India
Also Many childless couples who have sarp dhosh pray to the stone symbol of serpent as snakes r symbols of fertility & once they hve a child ,they place a stone symbol of a snake in the temple as a mark of gratitude
Believed it was built by Vidura who aftr witnessing so much destruction in war btwn Kauravs & Pandavas got depressed so Shree Krishna advised him to undertake a teerath.He settled here & planted a Ashwatha whose stump is still seen here.
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Located in a small village about 90 kms from Banaglore is the unique and rare Naga Devatha temple. People from all over visit this temple and install Naga figurines to ward off Naga Doshas.
Vidurashwatha Devasthana, Halaganahalli, Gowribidanur, Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka, (Bharat) India
Also Many childless couples who have sarp dhosh pray to the stone symbol of serpent as snakes r symbols of fertility & once they hve a child ,they place a stone symbol of a snake in the temple as a mark of gratitude
Believed it was built by Vidura who aftr witnessing so much destruction in war btwn Kauravs & Pandavas got depressed so Shree Krishna advised him to undertake a teerath.He settled here & planted a Ashwatha whose stump is still seen here.
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Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore
Jalakandeswarar Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is located in the Vellore Fort, in heart of the Vellore city, in the state of Tamil Nadu, Bharat (India).
The Jalakanteshwara Temple is a fine example of Vijayanagaram Architecture. The temple has exquisite carvings on its gopuram (tower), richly carved stone pillars, large wooden gates and stunning monoliths and sculptures.
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Jalakandeswarar Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is located in the Vellore Fort, in heart of the Vellore city, in the state of Tamil Nadu, Bharat (India).
The Jalakanteshwara Temple is a fine example of Vijayanagaram Architecture. The temple has exquisite carvings on its gopuram (tower), richly carved stone pillars, large wooden gates and stunning monoliths and sculptures.
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GUJARAT has a lot of vavs or stepwell for we think water scarcity has always been a problem here. Usually step wells were created to conserve water. In olden times Adalaj is a prime example of how conservation of water with great aesthetics was done back then.
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Words fall short while praising the artists who built this ancient wonder.
For centuries this Mandir adorns the confluence of the Alaknanda, Varuna and the Shastri rivers at Sangameshwar.
The Karneshwar Mandir at Sangameswar in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.
It is believed that Raja Karna from the Karvir dynasty built this Mandir almost 1600 years ago
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For centuries this Mandir adorns the confluence of the Alaknanda, Varuna and the Shastri rivers at Sangameshwar.
The Karneshwar Mandir at Sangameswar in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.
It is believed that Raja Karna from the Karvir dynasty built this Mandir almost 1600 years ago
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