Dholka is a treasure trove for archaeologists, historians, architects, artists, philologists and theoretical linguistics. This ancient city is deemed to be Matsyanagar or Viratdesh in the Mahabharat where the Pancha Pandavas and Divya Janani Draupadi spent a year in agyatvas. Dholka was a prosperous town during the reign of the Chaulukya dynasty also known as the Solanki... Continue Reading →
One of the oldest temples in Maheshwar also known as Gupta Kashi is Shri Raja Rajeshwar Sahasrarjuna Temple, a little distance away from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to the mighty Raja Kartavirya Arjuna or Sahastrabahu Arjuna (the thousand-armed one). Raja Kartavirya Arjuna is believed to be... Continue Reading →
The mighty Paramaras who ruled over Malwa and surrounding areas of west central India between the 9th - 14th century built some of the most magnificent temples, halls, dharmashalas and palatial quarters that stand as a testimony to their architectural and structural ingenuity, creative and artistic excellence and literary and philosophical mastery. A few of... Continue Reading →
The sacred city of Maheshwar is dotted with many temples of great antiquity, of tremendous spiritual potency and of philosophical and literary excellence. It will be perhaps difficult to find even one place in Maheshwar that has not been mentioned in the Puranas and has not witnessed exemplary erudition. One of the oldest temples... Continue Reading →
History will never be kind to the successive Muslim invaders, the Portuguese and the British who unleashed unimaginable bloodshed, desecrated and looted temples, enforced conversions to Islam and Christianity using heinous means and cheap tactics of offering rice and shelter respectively, slaughtered cows and everything sacred to Hindus and dishonoured the Hindu women and children... Continue Reading →
Maheshwar, named after Lord Shiva is dotted with ancient temples, innumerable Shiva Lingas carved at the ghats and decorative chhatris on the banks of the sacrosanct Rewa River that are perfect for meditation and to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing rising and setting sun. One of the most beautiful temples built by Punyashlok... Continue Reading →
Srirangapatna, a brilliant example of the rich heritage of the Western Ganga dynasty, the Hoysala Empire and Vijayanagara Empire unfortunately became the capital of the most ruthless Muslim ruler to have ruled over the Kingdom of Mysore, Tipu Sultan. His rabid outpourings, radical fanaticism, religious intolerance, contempt and disdain for Hindus and tribals are legendary... Continue Reading →
On the eastern side of Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple separated by the sangam of Rewa River and Maheshwar River, is the ancient Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple. This temple like the Jaleshwar Mahadev is situated atop a hill in the midst of stunning natural beauty and offers a beautiful view of the Narmada River and Maheshwar River through... Continue Reading →
A magnificent edifice of the Chaulukya dynasty or Solanki dynasty of Gujarat and the Paramara dynasty that ruled over Madhya Pradesh is the Bija Mandal or Vijaya Mandir. Some historical documents suggest that the foundation of this temple was laid by one Vachaspati, probably the Pant Pradhan of the Chaulukya dynasty and then finished by... Continue Reading →
Considered by scholars, yogis, tapasvis and saints to be one of the most important tirthasthalas of Akhanda Bharat, Maheshwar is a religious, cultural, intellectual, historical, artistic and architectural powerhouse. A local saying, 'नर्मदा नदी से निकलने वाला हर कंकर (पत्थर) शंकर का रूप होता है |' that literally translates to each and every pebble that... Continue Reading →
The largest group of temples in the historical site of Chandpur – Jahajpura is Lakshmi Narayan. Considered by historians, archaeologists, artists and architects to be one of the finest examples of the engineering, artistic and architectural prowess of the Chandelas, this group of temples though completely in ruins today still manages to exude the charm,... Continue Reading →
Chandpur – Jahajpura is an excellent historical and archaeological site to appreciate some of the finest architecture of the Chandelas built between the 9th - 12th century. This remote village literally in the middle of nowhere has countless damaged sculptures, carved stones, decorative panels and ruins of bathing ghats, halls and temples in the east... Continue Reading →
Maheshwar, the revered city of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar located on the banks of the sacrosanct Rewa River is a treasure trove of Akhanda Bharat's history, culture, art, literature, music, architecture and heritage. This tirthasthala of immense spiritual and religious potency has been at the centre of many important events from the Vedic Period. This city named... Continue Reading →
Another beautiful example of the artistic, architectural and sculptural perfection of the Chandelas is the Sahastralingeshwar Temple Group in the revered site of Chandpur – Jahajpura. Chandpur – Jahajpura now in ruins was perhaps one of the most important seats of power of the Chandelas between the 9th - 12th century. The majestic Sahastralingeshwar... Continue Reading →
Chandpur - Jahajpura is revered by historians, archaeologists, architects and artists for its exemplary artefacts dating back to the 9th - 12th century. This heritage site is a fine example of the architectural, artistic and engineering prowess of the Chandelas. The east and north-west parts of this complex in particular have innumerable broken sculptures, architectural... Continue Reading →
Chandpur - Jahajpura located near the Betwa River is a lesser-known treasure trove of ancient temples of the 9th - 12th century built by the Chandelas. This magnificent heritage site has five groups of temples along with a number of independent temples built over three centuries. The five groups are the Sahastralingeshwar Temple, Varaha... Continue Reading →
The temples, halls, dharmashalas and tanks built by the Chandelas across North India is an excellent example of their architectural grandeur, engineering precision and sculptural beauty. The Chandelas were a devout dynasty who took great pride in abiding by the age-old wisdom and tenets laid down in the Hindu texts. Every building they designed conformed to... Continue Reading →
The architectural brilliance, engineering ingenuity and artistic excellence of the Chandelas is best appreciated in their capital city of Mahoba. Their contribution to art, sculpture, architecture and literature is expressed in their unique style, technique, structural features and design elements in every edifice they built in Mahoba, Kalinjar, Ajaigarh and Khajuraho. It is greatly... Continue Reading →
Though Kampilya Nagar has always been one of the holiest places in Akhanda Bharat since the ancient times, it grew in stature and prominence in the Dwapura Yuga. The Panchala Kingdom reached its zenith in the Mahabharat Period and the birth of both Dhrishtadyumna and Divya Janani Draupadi is undisputedly its most glorious chapter. According... Continue Reading →
It is perhaps not known to many that Chhattisgarh is one of the few states in India where one can truly appreciate the natural progression of brick art and temples from the 7th to 16th - 17th centuries. This region of Central India has always been an important seat of power for successive dynasties from... Continue Reading →
Kampilya Nagar is an extraordinary heritage city dotted with Vedic Period temples and religious structures. This ancient city was coveted by successive Muslim invaders from the 10th century for its precious stones, jewels, gold and grand temples. The city owes its glorious name to the Panchala Kingdom and specifically Raja Drupad and Divya Janani Draupadi.... Continue Reading →
Deogarh, situated on the banks of the Betwa River is dotted with stunning temples dating back to the 5th century. Besides the world-famous Gupta Period Dashavatara Temple, there is the lesser-known Kuraiya Bir Temple seated in the dense forest close to the Varaha Temple. This east-facing temple sits majestically on a low platform and has a... Continue Reading →
Kampilya Nagar, a treasure trove of Vedic learning and literature is one of the rarest tirthasthalas of Akhanda Bharat that still has fragments of its glorious past from the ancient times. Archaeological excavations conducted over the years have unearthed forts, palaces, pottery, coins, sculptures and others belonging to various periods. Temples of the Satya Yuga, Treta... Continue Reading →
A lesser-known edifice of the 7th century is the Varaha Temple located in the south-west corner of the Deogarh Fort in Lalitpur district. This temple though stunning in its own way has been overshadowed by its famous neighbour, the impressive Gupta Period Dashavatara Temple. The east-facing Varaha Temple stands on a high platform and... Continue Reading →
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