Madmaheshwar Temple ( Uttaranchal )

Situated in Rudraprayag, the Madmaheshwar Temple is one of the Five Kedar Temples. There is a legendary connection of this place to the birth of Lord Shiva, According to mythical source the stomach of Lord Shiva emerged from here. So devotees throng the temple premise during Shiva Ratri and other festivals related to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is one of the holy Trinities; Lord Brahma is the creator, Lord Vishnu is the preserver and Lord Shiva is the Destroyer.

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Lord Shiva is enshrined in Madmaheshwar Temple. The unique North Indian architecture is noticeable in the construction of this temple focusing on the legendary issues and stories of Kings and warriors. The glorious temple is surrounded by natural vegetation of unparalleled scenic elegance. This sanctified place reflects the spirit of religiosity in India, speaking much of its endless panoramic pilgrim spots and heritage points.

If you want to implore the spiritual vista of India and indulge in sacramental acts, no other place would be more suitable. For a pilgrim as well as a common man, Madmaheshwar Temple is an apt place.

Chennakesava Temple( Belur, Karnataka )

image credit : Benjamin…B

A supreme example of Hoysala temple architecture, the Chennakeshava temple in Belur, Karnataka leaves one spellbound with its exquisite structure. The temple was constructed in 1117 AD by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhan to celebrate his victory over the Cholas at the battle of Talikad. A culmination of over hundred years of painstaking craftsmanship, the Chennakeshava temple is decorated with stories from the Puranas, the Upanishads and the epics of Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

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The worshipped deity of the temple is Chennakeshava or Vishnu and the sanctum contains a 2 m high Keshava image of touchstone. The star-shaped temple also has images of the 10 incarnations of Vishnu accompanied by those of his two wives- Bhu (earth) and Lakshmi (goddess of wealth). Friezes of charging elephants, mythological figures, military scenes, musicians, and elaborate decorative motifs adorn the walls of the Channakeshava temple.

A number of bracket figures portraying celestial nymphs or Madanikas singing, dancing or executing daily chores are sculpted on the walls of this temple. All these nimble figures are said to have been inspired by the sublime beauty of Shantala Devi, queen of Kind Vishnuvardhana. The winged figure of Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s carrier, stands at the entrance facing the temple, palms touching in homage.

Nakhoda Mosque ( Kolkata )

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Kolkata is a place where people of diverse religion and culture exist and their religious fervor is expressed by various festivals and rituals. The Muslim community exists along with others and The Nakhoda Mosque is an important place of worship for the Muslims. It is located in Jacquaria Street, near the junction of Chitpore Road, and Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kolkata. Abdar Rahim Osman, a resident of Cutch, founded the mosque in 1926. A board of trustees governs the mosque. The total expense incurred for the construction of the mosque was Rs. 15 lakhs.

The Nakhoda Mosque looks magnificent with its architectural brilliance. The whole mosque was constructed of red sand stone following the tradition of Akbar`s Tomb in Sikandra Agra. The mosque is dome shaped and has two minarets each about 151ft. high and twenty-five tiny pillars all around, which are 100ft. to 117ft. tall. It has a huge prayer hall that has the capacity to hold up to 10,000 men performing the `Namaaz` at one time. A prayer hall forms an integral part and is contained in each of the floor of the mosque. Since the Mosque has traces of Moghul architecture, the gateway of the Mosque, is a duplication of the famous Buland Darwaza, which is located at Fatehpur Sikri. It is extravagant in its artistic portrayal and the style resembles the Indo-Saracenic school of architecture. The Indo- Saracenic School of architecture was developed further by the erstwhile British East India Company, which actually replaced the Moghul style of architecture that was prevalent. This school of architecture is an interesting mix of the European, Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture. The basic idea behind the flourishing of those trends was actually to lend a native touch to the British public buildings.

The Nakhoda Mosque is among the heritage sites in India but it has fallen in the group of the endangered monuments. There are many measures taken to restore the glory of the Mosque, in the past few years. The Geneva based Aga Khan Trust for Culture, has expressed their concern to preserve and refurbish this historical mosque which is unique in its style, which has a pleasant blend of the different styles of architecture, namely, Hindu, Mughal, colonial and Greek architectural patterns.

Muslim festivals instill life into the Mosque during the festive seasons of Id and Ramzan. The mosque is then beautifully decorated with neon lights and flowers, this also provides for an occasion for Muslims all over Kolkata to unite and offer prayers in harmony. Therefore the Nakhoda Mosque is an important mosque, which has been a part of the religious life of the Muslims for many years. Situated in the Chitpur area the mosque has witnessed the changes that has occurred around the place, which was much down trodden and has transformed greatly in the present times. Developments have touched this remote place and here we get a glimpse of newest technology the boon of the civilized life.