Meenakshi Temple ( Tamilnadu )

The Meenakshi Temple is nearly 2000 years old and is situated in the city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple and Madurai city originated together. It is a splendid example of Dravidian style of temple architecture. The Meenakshi Temple complex is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati known here as Sundareswarar and Meenakshi.

Image credit : mckaysavage

According to legends, Madurai is the actual site where the wedding between Shiva and Meenakshi took place. Kulasekara Pandya built the original temple but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks. The temple as it stands today, was designed in 1560 AD by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Thirumalai Nayak. The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century AD. Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are regarded as the Royal Pandya rulers of Madurai. Meenakshi’s father is said to be Malayadwaja Pandyan, who was preceded by Kulasekhara Pandyan, the legendary builder of the city of Madurai.

Image credit : photoyogi

According to a mythical tradition, Indra once committed sin by killing a demon, who was performing penance. He could find no relief from remorse in his own kingdom so he came down to earth. While passing through a forest of Kadamba trees in Pandya land, he felt relieved of his burden. His attendants told him that there was a Shivalinga under a Kadamba tree beside a lake. Indra was certain that the linga had helped him and so he worshipped it and built a small temple around it. It is believed that it is this linga, which is still under worship in the Madurai temple. The shrine is called the “Indra Vimana”.

Golden Lotus

Image credit : murali

Potramaraikula or the Golden Lotus Tank is an ancient temple tank where the devotees take bath in the holy water. The area around this tank was the meeting place of the Tamil Sangam, the ancient academy of poets. A pillared corridor surrounds the tank. Steps lead down to the tank, enabling worshippers to take bathe in it. The Oonjal (swing) Mandapam and Killikoontu (parrot cage) Mandapam are on the western side of the tank. In the corridor outside the main shrine, there is stump of the kadamba tree. It is said to be a part of the same tree under which Indra worshipped as Shiva linga. The outer corridor also has the Kadambathadi Mandapam and the Velli Ambalam or the Silver Hall. An idol of Nataraja, Dancing Shiva, covered with silver leaves can be seen. This idol of Nataraja is covered with silver leaves. The Thousand Pillar Mandapam is the ‘Wonder of the Palace’. The actual number of pillars is 985 only. They are beautifully decorated and sculpted columns. The Thousand Pillared Hall houses the Temple Art Museum where one can see icons, photographs, drawings, etc., exhibiting the 1200 years old history. Just outside the hall, towards the west, are the Musical Pillars. Each pillar when stuck produces a different musical note.

The Kalyana Mandapam is to the south of the Pillared Hall. It is here the marriage of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated every year during the Chitirai Festival in mid- April. Thirumalai Nayakkar built Vasantha Mandapam. Vasanthosavam, the Spring Festival is celebrated in this mandapam in Baisakhi (April/May). Its pillars contain elaborate sculptures of Shiva, Meenakshi, and scenes from their wedding as well as the figures of ten of the Nayak Kings and their consorts. This is also called Pudhu Mandapam. The most amazing characteristic of this temple is the fact that it is a living legend, continuously following traditions for over two millennia. In its finished form, it represents the miraculous resilience of the Indian cultural ethos. Legends such as Meenakshi Kalyanam, the coronation of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar as the Queen and King of Madurai still form part of the grand festival traditions of the temple. It is complimented with architectural and sculptural splendor due to the vision and patronage of the Madurai Nayak rulers.

Ellora Caves Temple ( Maharashtra )

Image credit : GirlWithBigEyes

Ellora Caves Temple is the one of the most famous temple in India. It is considerd as the one the top 10 famous temple in our country. Ellora Caves are situated in the state of Maharashtra, India. Located about 200 km northeast of Bombay in the Deccan plateau which separates north from south India. They lie at a distance of approximately 25 km from the Aurangabad district. The beautiful caves of Ellora symbolize three of the major religions of the world, namely Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

Image credit : Rahuldlucca

Image credit : loupiote (Old Skool).

They also hold the distinction of being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Ellora Caves, cut out of the vertical face of a cliff, comprise of splendid chaityas (halls of worship), viharas (monasteries) and Hindu and Jain temples. There are a total of 34 monasteries and temples inside these caves. Out of total 34 caves, 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are dedicated to Jainism. All of them date back to somewhere between 5th century AD and 11th century AD and have been built in a linear pattern. All the caves have different religious inclinations. Twelve of the caves (cave number 1 to 12) belong to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism and were built between 550 AD and 750 AD. Seventeen caves (cave number 13 to 29) comprise of Hindu temples and were constructed between 600 AD and 875 AD.

Image credit : Gui stafford

From south to north there are about 34 caves here, which corresponds more or less (Cave 21 with some significant exceptions) to the order in which they were constructed. The caves 1 to 12 in southernmost direction, are dedicated to Buddhism and were built in & around 7th & 8th centuries AD. The middle caves 13 to 29 are dedicated to Hindu deities, which dates back from 7th century to 9th century AD. The upper caves are related to Jainism (9th century). Some of the caves have exquisite carvings and sculptures and have been based on the classical Indian art. Then, you have the Kailash Temple in cave number 16, deemed to be the largest monolith structure in the entire world. Five caves (cave number 30 to 34) belong to the Jains and were built between 800 AD and 1000 AD.

Image credit : SandyShoot

Image credit : Raghava

Tourists come from far and wide to visit this amazing cave temple. Out of the numerous Buddhist Caves at Ellora, cave number 10, cave number 11 and cave number 12 are considered to be the most significant ones. Cave number 10 is a splendid example of Chaitya architecture in India. It is named after Vishwakarma, the presiding deity of all architects. Cave number 11 is known as Do Tal. It is a three-story structure dating back to the 8th century AD. Cave number 12, known by the name of Teen Tal, is also a wonderful three-story cave.

Image credit : msr

Tirupati Balaji (Andhra Pradesh)

Image credit : Shaneez

The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini.It is by the Lord’s presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills.

The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain mukti, only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara. The benefits acquired by a pilgrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great bestowed of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala.

Image credit : R RAO

History :

There is ample literary and epigraphic testimony to the antiquity of the temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara. All the great dynasties of rulers of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later), the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th – 15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they competed with one another in endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions. It was during the rule of the Vijayanagar dynasty that the contributions to the temple increased. Sri Krishnadevaraya had statues of himself and his consorts installed at the portals of the temple, and these statues can be seen to this day. There is also a statue of Venkatapati Raya in the main temple.

Tirumala hills, tirupati. these sacred 7 hills are home to Lord Venkateswra.

Image credit : BIPZD90

Temple Legends :

Sri Venkatachala Mahatmya is referred to in several Puranas, of which the most important are the Varaha Purana and the Bhavishyottara Purana. The printed work contains extracts from the Varaha Purana, Padma Purana, Garuda Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Markandeya Purana, Harivamsa, Vamana Purana, Brahma Purana, Brahmottara Purana, Aditya Purana, Skanda Purana and Bhavishyottara Purana. Most of these extracts describe the sanctity and antiquity of the hills around Tirumala and the numerous teerthams situated on them.

The legends taken from the Venkatachala Mahatmya and the Varaha Purana, pertaining to the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala, are of particular interest. According to the Varaha Purana, Adi Varaha manifested Himself on the western bank of the Swami Pushkarini, while Vishnu in the form of Venkateswara came to reside on the southern bank of the Swami Pushkarini.

Temple Architecture :

The ancient Tirupati temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture. The gopuram of this temple is its highlight. The ‘Vimana’ or Cupola, named the “the Ananda Nilayam” is placed over the sanctum sanctorum. It completely veiled with gold plate. There are three ‘Prakarams’ or enclosures in the temple, among them the outermost enclosure boasts of the ‘Dhvajastambha’ or the banner post. Apart form these, other highlights of the temple are the statues of Vijayanagara king, Krishnadevaraya and his spouse. There is also an idol of Todarmal, the minister of Akbar. The image of the temple deity represents both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu is considered as the preserver whereas the Lord Shiva is considered as the destroyer in Hindu religion.

Image credit : venkatmajeti

A Day At Tirupati Tirumala :

A day at Tirupati Tirumala temple begins with ‘Suprabhatam’ (awakening the Lord) as early as three in the morning. The day ends with the ‘Ekanta Seva’ ( putting the Lord to sleep) at around 1 O’clock in the night. Prayers are offered daily, weekly and periodically in the form of ‘Sevas’ and ‘Utsavams’ to the Lord. Devotees who want to pay homage to the Lord can do it by giving a small amount in return of the Sevas or Utsavams done on their name. The gifts and donations offered to the deity, is known as the ‘Hundi’. It is the main source of income of the Temple.

Festivals :

Tirupati Tirumala Balaji Temple celebrates many festivals but the annual festival of ‘Brahmotsavam’ is particularly important. This festival is celebrated extravagantly for nine days in the month of September every year. The Garudostavam and Rathotavam rituals take place on the fifth and sixth day of the festival. Thus, attracting flocks of tourists and devotees to the temple.