Historical places in India - The Great living Chola Temples.

The Great Living Chola Temples are three Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu, India that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples are the Brihadisvara temple in Thanjavur, the Temple of Gangaikondacholapuram, and the Airavatesvara temple in Darasuram. 

Features

The temples were built by the Chola dynasty between the 11th and 12th centuries. 

The temples are a testament to the Chola's achievements in architecture, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting. 

The temples have been centers of worship for the last 800-1000 years. 

Location 

Thanjavur is about 340 kilometers (210 mi) southwest of Chennai.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram is about 70 kilometers (43 mi) northeast of Thanjavur.

Darasuram is about 40 kilometers (25 mi) northeast of Thanjavur.

Visiting the temples

Admission to the temples is free. 

There is no fee for still photography or videography with handheld cameras. 

Some say that you can ask locals for interesting stories about the temples. 

Planning your trip 

Some recommend making Thanjavur your base and then exploring the temples.

Great Living Chola Temples

Historical Places in India- Sun Temple Konark

 The Sun Temple-Konark

The Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha, India is a 13th-century temple built to honor the sun god Surya. It's considered a masterpiece of temple architecture and art, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Features:

Chariot design: The temple is designed as a chariot for Surya, with 12 wheels and seven horses. 

Carvings: The temple is decorated with symbolic designs, including amorous couples, dancing girls, and nymphs. 

Dance hall: The temple has a dance hall called the Natya Mandir in front of the main structure. 

Plinth: The temple is raised off the ground on a plinth to emphasize its holiness. 

Light and sound show: The temple hosts a nightly light and sound show. 

History: 

Built by King Narasimhadeva (1238-64)

Excavated in the late 19th century

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984

Restoration project began in 2022 to remove sand and restore the entrance hall

Location: 

On the Bay of Bengal coastline in Odisha, India

About 35 kilometers northeast of Puri

About 65 kilometers southeast of Bhubaneswar

What is the history of Konark Sun Temple wheel?

The Konark wheel was built during the 13th century under the reign of King Narasimhadeva-I. The wheel with 24 spokes is also adapted into India's national flag embodies India's ancient wisdom, advanced civilisation, and architectural excellence.

What is the use of a Sun Temple?

Sun temple - WikipediaA sun temple (or solar temple) is a building used for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer and sacrifice, dedicated to the sun or a solar deity. Such temples were built by a number different cultures and are distributed around the world including in India, China, Egypt, Japan and Peru

 Historical Places In India- Ajanta Ellora Caves.

The Ajanta and Ellora caves are ancient rock-cut structures in India that were built over a period of centuries. They are known for their Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain artwork and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

The caves were built in two phases, the first starting around the second century BCE and the second occurring from 400 to 650 CE, according to older accounts.

Ajanta Caves 

The Ajanta Caves were built in two phases, starting around the second century BCE and continuing until the 6th century CE.

The caves are located in the Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats.

The caves were used as monasteries and worship halls for Buddhist traditions.

The caves contain paintings and sculptures of the Buddha, as well as stories from the Jatakamala.

The caves were also used as resting places for pilgrims and merchants, and as a retreat for monks during the monsoon season.

Ellora Caves

The Ellora Caves were built over a period of 400 years, from the 6th to the 10th century CE. 

The caves are located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. 

The caves include temples and monasteries for the Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain religions. 

The caves were built into a high basalt rock wall. 

The caves include the Kailasha temple, which is considered a notable example of temple construction in India. 

The Ajanta and Ellora caves are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art and have had a significant influence on the development of Indian art. 

What is the story behind Ajanta Ellora Caves?








   

   The Ajanta Caves were built in a period when both the Buddha and the Hindu gods were simultaneously revered in Indian culture. According to Spink and other scholars, the royal Vakataka sponsors of the Ajanta Caves probably worshipped both Hindu and Buddhist gods.