India, a land saturated with otherworldliness and rich social legacy, is home to a portion of the world’s most established sanctuaries. These building ponders feature the country’s old strict practices as well as act as a demonstration of the craftsmanship and dedication of individuals who constructed them.
5.Oldest Temples in India: Discovering Ancient Spiritual Marvels
1.Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka
About The Place: The main draw for tourists coming to Dwarka, the Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir), is believed to have been established more than 2500 years ago by Lord Krishna’s great grandson, Vajranabh. The ancient temple has been renovated several times, especially leaving imprints of 16th and 19th centuries. The temple stands on a small hill accessed by 50 plus steps, with heavily sculptured walls that cocoon the sanctum with the main Krishna idol. Around the complex lie other smaller shrines. The walls have intricately carved mythical characters and legends. The impressive 43 m high spire is topped with a flag made from 52 yards of cloth that flutters in the soft breeze from the Arabian Sea behind the temple. There are two doors (swarg and moksh) for the entry and exit of the temple. A bridge called Sudama Setu (7am–1pm, 4–7.30pm) at the base of the temple takes one across the Gomti creek towards the beach.
Brief History: Dwarka on the western tip of the Kathiawar Peninsula is clubbed with the holiest sites in India – the Char Dhams that include Badrinath, Puri and Rameshwaram. It is believed that Lord Krishna arrived here from Braj in Uttar Pradesh to build the city. The temple was established by his grandson. It is at the cusp of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea, providing a scenic backdrop to the spiritual site. It is said that Dwarka was submerged under the sea six times and what we see now is its seventh avatar. The temple itself has a fascinating legend. The original structure was destroyed by Mahmud Begada in 1472, and subsequently rebuilt in the 15th-16th century. It was also feted by Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th century Hindu theologian and philosopher.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit is between November and February, and during Janmashtami which is celebrated grandly here.
2.Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
The Ramanathaswamy Temple The temple is considered a pilgrimage site for Shaivites, Vaishnavites, and Smartas.(Rāmanātasvāmi Kōyil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva located on Rameswaram island in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, the sacred sites glorified by the Nayanars (Shaivite poet-saints), Appar, Sundarar, and Sambandar, with their songs. According to tradition, the lingam (an aniconic form of Shiva) of the Ramanathaswamy Temple was established and worshipped by Rama before he crossed the bridge called Rama Setu to the island kingdom of Lanka, identified with Sri Lanka. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The temple was expanded during the 12th century by the Pandya Dynasty, and its principal shrine’s sanctum was renovated by Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan and his successor Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan, monarchs of the Jaffna kingdom. The temple has the longest corridor among all the Hindu temples of India. It was built by King Muthuramalinga Sethupathy.[1][2]
Ramanathasway temple legends
Rama, the seventh avatar of the god Vishnu, prayed to Shiva here to absolve any sins that he might have committed during his war against the demon-king Ravana in Sri Lanka, who was a brahmin.[3] According to the Puranas[which?] (Hindu scriptures), upon the advice of sages, Rama along with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana, installed and worshipped the lingam[citation needed] (an iconic symbol of Shiva) here to expiate the sin of Brahmahatya incurred while killing Ravana (who was a Brahmin and son of Vishrava). To worship Shiva, Rama directed his trusted lieutenant Hanuman (avatar of Shiva himself) to bring it from Himalayas. Since it took longer to bring the lingam, Sita built a lingam made of sand from the nearby seashore, which is also believed to be the one in the sanctum of the temple. This account is well supported by the original Ramayana authored by Valmiki where it is written in Yudha Kanda.[where?] According to another version, as quoted in Adhyatma Ramayana, Rama installed the lingam before the construction of the bridge to Lanka. This version also finds reference in Valmiki Ramayana, where Sri Rama on his way back to Ayodhya, shows an Island to Sita from the Pushpaka Vimana, saying he received grace of MahaDeva at that place.
History
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Historic image from 1841 of the temple corridor, as sketched by Prince Alexey Saltykov
A historic image from 1913 of the temple corridor. The corridor is the longest for any Hindu temple in India
Pappakudi a village was donated as a grant to Rameshwaram Temple and one Deva Venkala Perumal Ramanathar in (1667 CE) by Perumal Servaikaran Son of Sokkappan Servaikarar who belongs to Pandiyur. They are local Chieftain under Tirumalai Regunatha Sethupathy Thevar Rein in Ramnad Kingdom. The grant details are published by Government Press, Madras Presidency for Archeological Survey of India in 1885. Along with Pappakudi, Anandur and Urasur villages are also donated to Rameshwaram Temple. These Villages falls under Melaimakani Seermai province of Radhanallur Division.[13]
The temple is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites and has several historical references about it. The Maratha kings who ruled Thanjavur established chatrams or rest houses throughout Mayiladuthurai and Rameswaram between 1745 and 1837 CE and donated them to the temple.[14
A modern image of the temple corridor
According to Firishta, Malik Kafur, the head general of Alauddin Khalji, the ruler of Delhi Sultanate, reached Rameswaram during his political campaign in spite of stiff resistance from the Pandyan princes in the early 14th century.[4][5][6] He erected a mosque by name Alia al-Din Khaldji in honour of victory of Islam.[4][5] The records left by the court historians of the Delhi Sultanate state that Malik Kafur raided Madurai, Chidambaram, Srirangam, Vriddhachalam, Rameswaram and other sacred temple towns, destroyed the temples which were sources of gold and jewels. He brought back enormous loot from Dwarasamudra and the Pandya kingdom to Delhi in 1311.[7][8][9]The temple in its current form is believed to have been built during the 17th century, while Fergusson believes the small vimana in the west corridor belongs to the 11th or 12th century.[10] The temple is said to have been sanctioned for construction by King Kizhavan Sethupathi or Raghunatha Kilavan. The contribution of the Jaffna kings of Pandya Dynasty to the temple was considerable.[11] King Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan (1380–1410 CE) shipped stone blocks from Koneswaram temple, Trincomalee to renovate the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan’s successor Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan (Pararacacekaran V), a trustee at Rameswaram who also oversaw structural development of this temple and the promotion of Saivite beliefs donated part of his revenue to Koneswaram. Especially to be remembered are the immense sums that were spent during the tenure of Pradani Muthirulappa Pillai towards the restoration of the Pagodas which were falling into ruins and the splendid Chockattan Mantapam or the cloistered precincts of the temple at Rameswaram that he finally completed. The rulers of Sri Lanka also contributed to the temple; Parakrama Bahu (1153–1186 CE) was involved in the construction of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.[11] Also, Sri Lankan king Nissanka Malla, contributed to the temple’s development by making donations and sending workers.[12]
3. Chennakesava Temple
Chennakeshava Temple: Exploring The Magnificence Of Belur’s Architectural Gem
Built in the heart of the picturesque town of Belur, the Chennakeshava temple stands as a breathtaking testament to the architectural brilliance of the Hoysala Empire. This exquisite masterpiece is a captivating combination of detailed carvings, motifs, and sculptures that leave visitors spellbound. Stepping inside, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of reverence and awe. The magnificent central shrine houses a beautifully carved image of Lord Chennakesava, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Each pillar and each sculpture is a testament to the skill and dedication of the Hoysala artisans, who transformed stone into living works of art. Read this blog till the end to know more about this beautiful temple.
1.Ekakuta Vimana Design
The Chennakeshava temple Belur is designed in the Ekakuta Vimana style, which is characterised by a single shrine. This shrine is square, with each side measuring 10.5 meters. A significant feature of the temple is a large vestibule that connects the shrine to the mandapa, or hall, which is one of the main attractions of the temple. The mandapa is expansive, consisting of 60 bays, and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of the period.
2. Star-Shaped Structure
The main temple of the Chennakeshava complex is a star-shaped structure that stands on a raised platform known as Jagati. This temple comprises three main parts. The first is the Garbhagriha, or Inner Sanctum, which houses the deity Chennakeshava. The second component is the Sukanasi, or Vestibule, which connects the sanctum and the mandapa. Lastly, the Navranga Mandapa, a hall beautifully decorated with captivating artwork, adds to the temple’s grandeur.
3. Superstructure (Vimana)
The original superstructure, or tower that was situated on top of the vimana (the main temple structure) of the Chennakeshava Temple is unfortunately no longer present. It is believed that in the past, this superstructure was constructed using brick and mortar. It was likely supported by wooden structures and covered with copper sheets gilded with gold. This historical detail adds to the rich heritage and grandeur of the temple.
4. Artwork and Iconography
The temple is a marvel of artistry, with its walls, pillars, and ceilings embellished with intricate sculptures, reliefs, and friezes. The artwork breathes life into scenes from secular life in the 12th century, including depictions of dancers and musicians. The temple also serves as a canvas for pictorial narrations from Hindu texts such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas, vividly portrayed in numerous friezes. What makes this temple unique is its incorporation of themes from Shaivism, Shaktism, and Jainism, and it even features images of Buddha. This amalgamation of diverse religious themes is indeed intriguing.
Chennakeshava Temple: Best Time to Visit
To make the most of your visit, timing is key. So, when is the best time to experience the magnificence of the Chennakeshava temple? The best time to visit is:
When the Weather is Pleasant
November to February offers comfortable daytime temperatures ranging from the low 20s to mid-30s Celsius (70s to low 90s Fahrenheit). Evenings and nights are pleasantly cool, making it enjoyable to spend time outdoors.
During Festivities
You might even be lucky to witness some of Karnataka’s local festivals, such as Kambala (a traditional buffalo race) in January and Makar Sankranti (a harvest festival) celebrated in January. These festivals add to the vibrant atmosphere and provide a glimpse into the local culture.
When it is More Peace
While the temple does attract tourists year-round, the crowds are generally smaller during the winter months compared to the peak summer season (April- May). This allows you to appreciate the temple’s beauty more peacefully.
4.Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
Mahabodhi Temple Bodh gaya
The Mahabodhi Temple (literally: “Great Awakening Temple”) or the Mahābodhi Mahāvihāra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient, but restored Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, marking the location where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.[1] Bodh Gaya is 15 km from Gaya and is about 96 km (60 mi) from Patna. The site contains a descendant of the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment, and has been a major pilgrimage destination of Buddhists for over two thousand years.
Some of the site’s elements date to the period of Ashoka (died c. 232 BCE). What is now visible on the ground dates from the 6th century CE, or possibly earlier, as well as several major restorations since the 19th century. The structure, however, also potentially incorporates large parts of earlier work, possibly from the 2nd or 3rd century CE.[2] Archaeological finds from the site indicate that the place was a site of veneration for Buddhists since at least the Mauryan period.[3] In particular, the Vajrasana, which is located within the temple itself has been dated to the third century BCE.[4]
Many of the oldest sculptural elements have been moved to the museum beside the temple, and some, such as the carved stone railing wall around the main structure, have been replaced by replicas. The main temple’s survival is especially impressive, as it was mostly made of brick covered with stucco, materials that are much less durable than stone. However, it is understood that very little of the original sculptural decoration has survived.[2]
The temple complex includes two large straight-sided shikhara towers, the largest over 55 metres (180 feet) high. This is a stylistic feature that has continued in Jain and Hindu temples to the present day, and influenced Buddhist architecture in other countries, in forms like the pagoda.[2]
The Buddh
Traditional accounts say that, around 589 BCE,[6] Siddhartha Gautama, a young prince who saw the suffering of the world and wanted to end it, reached the forested banks of the Phalgu river, near the city of Gaya, India. There he sat in meditation under a peepul tree (Ficus religiosa or Sacred Fig) which later became known as the Bodhi tree. According to Buddhist scriptures, after three days and three nights, Siddharta attained enlightenment and freedom from suffering. In that location, Mahabodhi Temple was built by Emperor Ashoka in around 260 BCE.[7]
Mahabodhi Tree
The Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya is directly connected to the life of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, who attained enlightenment or omniscient wisdom when he was meditating under it. The temple was built directly to the east of the Bodhi tree, which is believed to be a direct descendant of the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha sat.[7]
According to Buddhist mythology, if no Bodhi tree grows at the site, the ground around the Bodhi tree is devoid of all plants for a distance of one royal karīsa. Through the ground around the Bodhi tree no being, not even an elephant, can travel.[8]
According to the Jatakas, the navel of the earth lies at this spot,[9] and no other place can support the weight of the Buddha’s attainment.[10] Another Buddhist tradition claims that when the world is destroyed at the end of a kalpa, the Bodhimanda is the last spot to disappear, and will be the first to appear when the world emerges into existence again. Tradition also claims that a lotus will bloom there, and if a Buddha is born during the new kalpa, the lotus flowers bloom in accordance with the number of Buddhas expected to arise.[11] According to legend, in the case of Gautama Buddha, a Bodhi tree sprang up on the day he was born.[12]
Mauryan establishment
In approximately 250 BCE, about 200 years after the Buddha attained enlightenment [dubious – discuss], Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire visited Bodh Gaya in order to establish a monastery and shrine on the holy site, which have today disappeared.[7]
There remains however the Diamond throne, which he had established at the foot of the Bodhi tree.[13] The Diamond throne, or Vajrasana, is thought to have been built by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire between 250 and 233 BCE,[14] at the location where the Buddha reached enlightenment.[15] It is worshiped today, and is the center of many festivities at the temple.
Representations of the early temple structure meant to protect the Bodhi tree are found at Sanchi, on the toraṇas of Stūpa I, dating from around 25 BCE, and on a relief carving from the stupa railing at Bhārhut, from the early Shunga period (c. 185–c. 73 BCE).[16]
5.Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar
