#ShriKatasRajTemples is a complex of several Hindu temples connected to one another by walkways. The temple complex surrounds a pond named Katas which is regarded as sacred by Hindus. The complex is located in Potohar, Pakistan's Punjab.
The temples' pond is said in the Puranas to have been created from the teardrops of Shiva, after he wandered the Earth inconsolable after the death of his wife Devi Sati.
Another tradition states that Shri Krishna laid foundation of the temple & established a hand-made shivling in it. The temples play a role in Mahābhārata, where temples are traditionally believed to have been site where Pandavas spent a significant portion of their exile.
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Holy Pond was originally referred to as Viskund but was later referred to as Amarkund, Chamaskund & finally Katakshkund, meaning "Spring of tearful eyes".
#ShriKatasRajTemples fell into disrepair over decades following Partition & suffered neglect. Pakistani Hindus would continue to occasionally visit but were unable to maintain expansive complex. Pond was polluted with litter while local villagers would also use it for recreation.
The temples at Katas are mostly constructed on square platforms. The elevation of sub shrines seems to form a series of cornices with small rows of pillars, crowned by a ribbed dome. The 7 temples were built in an architectural style similar to Kashmiri temples.
The #TrishundMayureshwarGanapathiTemple is a beautiful temple located in the center of Pune City in Somwar Peth, on the banks of Nagazari. This exquisitely carved temple is believed to be built in 1754 to 1770 by Bhimgirji Gosavi.
There are 2 sculptured ‘dwarpalakas’ at entrance along with other elaborated carved peacock, parrots & elephants in combat. It has exquisite stone sculptures, arches & domes are still intact, despite being exposed, for close to 375 years.
The idol of Shri Ganesha is very unique in this temple because, He is seen with three trunks (Trishund) & six hands, seated on a peacock (Mayureshwar). This is a very rare depiction of Lord Ganesha and hence the name #TrishundMayureshwarGanapathiTemple
#KandariyaMahadevaTemple is the largest & most ornate Hindu temple in medieval temple group found at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is considered one of the best examples of temples preserved from the medieval period in India.
#KandariyaMahadevaTemple was built by Chandela ruler. God Shiva is the chief deity in temple deified in sanctum sanctorum.
Temple was built during the reign of Vidyadhara (r. c. 1003-1035 CE).
This stunning temple is around 31m tall.
Temple is founded on a massive plinth of 4 metres height. The superstructure is built in a steep mountain shape, symbolic of Mount Meru which is said to be the source of creation of the world.
Qutub Minar was the observation tower of an observatory set up by noted astronomist Varah Mihir much before the birth of Islam. It is estimated that this observatory was set up during 4th Century AD to 6th Century AD {m.facebook.com/story.php?stor…}
Arial view of the Tower is an
illustration of Astronomical Dial,
representing the Zodiac (Rashis) & Hours of the day to measure the time and position during movement of stars in different Zodiac Signs (Rashis). The
Astronomical Dial is also illustrated below.
At either side of entrance (see the picture below) is stone lotus flower emblem which also proves that it was a Hindu building. The stone flowers are a very important sign of Hindu authorship. Look at 2nd pic (right) This is how Qutub Minar appears when viewed from the top.
#AmerFort is located in Amer, Rajasthan. It was ruled by Raja Man Singh I. Amer Fort is known for its artistic style elements. With its large ramparts and series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks Maota Lake, which is the main source of water for the Amer Palace.
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Constructed of red sandstone & marble, #AmerFort consists of Diwan-e-Aam, or "Hall of Public Audience", Diwan-e-Khas, or "Hall of Private Audience", Sheesh Mahal & Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within palace.
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#AmerFort is also popularly known as the Amer Palace. At the entrance to the palace near the fort's 📷1: Ganesh Gate, there is a 📷2: temple dedicated to Shila Devi, a goddess of the Chaitanya cult.
#VeerabhadraSwamyTemple is located in Lepakshi ,Andhra Pradesh It is dedicated to God Shiva & was built in 16th century. There is a very large Nandi (bull), about 200 metres away from temple, carved from a single block of stone, one of the largest of its type in the world.
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#VeerabhadraSwamyTemple has been built on a low altitude hillock of a large exposure of granite rock, which is in shape of a tortoise & hence known as Kurma Saila. It was built in 1530 AD by Virupanna Nayaka & Viranna, both brothers who were Governors under Vijayanagar Empire 2/2
📷1: Carvings of God Brahma and God Vishnu on pillars in the manadapa.
📷2: Paintings in the ceiling of the Mukha mandapa {assembly hall}
#LaxmiNarayanTemple, #Orchha is a mix of a temple & fort is a geometrical wonder with an octagonal central tower residing within a triangular temple and housed in a square compound. Its ceilings and walls depict stories of mythology, history & warfare.
Topmost part of the #LaxmiNarayanTemple bear intricately carved domes and the windows feature keyholes that were probably designed to position archers & soldiers who could attack when needed. Built during the rule of Raja Bir Singh Deo, Temple is dedicated to Devi Laxmi.
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Built with lime mortar and bricks, #LaxmiNarayanTemple has cannon slots on its roof. It has a flagstone path that connects it to the Ram Raja Temple. Other notable aspects of the temple are the carvings on the central dome and ornately carved pillars on the corners.