Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya (Bihar)

One of the holiest of holy pilgrim places for the Buddhists of the world is Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya. The city of Gaya is situated 105 km from Patna in the state of Bihar. Bodhgaya is 7 miles south of Gaya.

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This temple complex is India`s latest addition to UNESCO`s list of World Cultural Heritage sites and one of the four holy sites directly related to the life of the Buddha. The Vajrasan or Diamond Throne lying between the Bodhi Tree and the temple marks the actual spot of Buddha`s attainment of Enlightenment. A magnificent gilded image of Buddha is placed in the wall of the temple, and so are his footsteps carved in stone. The original shrine is said to have been constructed by the great Emperor Ashoka. Apart from its` religious significance, it has had significant influence in the development of architecture over the centuries.

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History : Emperor Ashoka built this temple in the 3rd century B.C., and the present temple dates from the 5th or 6th centuries. It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples, in the Indian subcontinent that is built entirely in brick, still standing in India, from the late Gupta period. Even the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang who came here in A.D. 637 gave a vivid description of the temple at that time. Much of this ancient glory has been lost however and what exists of the temple today is a result of repairs and renovations since Emperor Ashoka`s time.

image credit: everytin irie

The magnificent Maha Bodhi temple in Bodhgaya is an architectural amalgamation of many cultures. The temple is one of the few representations of the architectural genius of the Indian people in constructing fully developed brick temples in that era. The site of the Mahabodhi Temple provides exceptional records for the events associated with the life of Buddha and subsequent worship, particularly since Emperor Asoka built the first temple, the balustrades and the memorial column. The sculpted stone balustrades are an outstanding early example of sculptural reliefs in stone.

The Mahabodhi Temple built on the east of the sacred tree stands majestically 170 feet high on a base 50 feet square, and consists of a soaring 54 meters high pyramidal tower surmounted by a stupa and an ornamental arch way at the entrance. The temple carries inscriptions recording the visits of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, China and Mayanmar. It has an image of Buddha signifying the pose of enlightenment. The entrance of the temple has torana or ornamental archway. The south side of the temple has a lotus pond. On the walls of the temple one can see Buddha carved in different aspects, and in the sanctum sanctorum, a colossal Buddha, is seen touching the ground, which has mythological significance in the Buddhist teachings. Inside the complex, present is a museum near the temple, which has some more images of Buddha in gold, bronze and stone.

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people believe that the platform below the Bodhi tree where Buddha meditated is the center of the universe. The platform is called Vajrasana (a red stone slab). The platform has a stone carving of his footsteps where the devout make flower offerings. Then there is `Chaukramana`, the Jewel Walk, where it is believed that the Buddha strolled while in deep thought and `Animeshlochana` is the sacred spot where Buddha stood to gaze in gratitude at the Bodhi tree for a week.

Pilgrims from Tibet, Thai, Bhutan, Japan, China and Burma have also built their own temples here. A Buddha statue, which is 20 meters tall built in stone, can be seen at the end of the road, beyond the Japanese temple. The archaeological museum here houses a collection of terracotta and stone statues of the Buddha dating to 1st cent. B.C. and also samples of carved railings with lotus motifs and designs. Bodhgaya is also famous Indian Temple for the various meditation courses offered by a number of institutes, usually during October – February in and around the town.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple (Kolkata, West Bengal)

image credit : Subrato

The construction of the temple started in 1847. Queen Rasmani the renowned queen of Janbazar, had founded this temple. It is believed that she was instructed by Goddess Kali in her dream to construct this temple. Dakshineswar Kali Temple is situated alongside the Vivekananda Bridge north of Kolkata, about 20 km. from BBD Bagh.

“kalpataru utsav“          image credit : ac_khar

The construction work was completed in 1855. It cost an estimated Rs. 9 lakhs of which, Rs. 2 lakhs was spent on the day of inauguration. The temple and its adjoining areas stand on 25 acres of land. Queen Rasmani purchased the required land from some Mr. Hasti.

Dakshineswar temple is dedicated to goddess Kali. The temple, in conventional Nava-ratna style, measures 46 feet square and rises over 100 feet high. It is one of the largest temples of Kolkata.

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The main attraction of the temple is that the Ganga (Hooghly river) flows beside the temple. The 12- spired temple with its enormous courtyard is surrounded by 12 other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a world famous place of pilgrimage and it was here that the famous religious thinker Rama Krishna Paramahamsa achieved his spiritual vision and preached the unity of all religions. He was an worshipper at this temple and he used to live in the temple premises. His room is open to the visitor.

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The temple is a large elongated building standing on a high platform with a flight of stairs. The three-storeyed south-facing temple has nine spires distributed in upper two storeys. The roof of the spires is beautifully ridged resembling Pirhas. A narrow covered verandah serves the purpose of an audience-chamber attached to the sanctum where the goddess Dakshina Kali stands on the breast of Shiva. There is a long spacious Natmandir (Dancing hall) in front of the temple. There are other subsidiary shrines on this temple compound.

Birla Temple (Kolkata)

image credit : Sanjoy C – the photowala

Kolkata is the land of festivals, celebrations and devotions. There are several temples in the city, dedicated to different God and Goddess. One of them is the grand Birla Temple. Built by the famous Birla family of India, the temple is one the most beautiful and well maintained temples of India. Constructed out of sandstone and white marble, it is basically modeled on the Laxmi Narayan temple at Bhubaneshwar. The temple attracts thousands of visitors every day.

image crdit  : Lalit Narayan Mishra

The Birla Temple of Calcutta is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. Thousands of people come here from various parts of the state, to offer their prayers on Janmashtami. Various messages from Bhagavad-Gita have been carved on its marble interiors. Apart from Krishna and Radha, idols of Shiva and Durga have also been installed in the temple. The temple is a perfect example of beauty and devotion, blended together to give a majestic aura.

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The interiors of Birla Mandir are jaw-drop gorgeous, with wonderful marble finishing. The engravings in marble are blended with the intricate Rajasthani architecture, to give a unique touch to the building. The electric diyas and wonderful chandeliers add to its charm. The exteriors of this colossal temple have been done with sandstone. The construction of this building took about 22 years to be completed, before it was opened to public in 1996.