Gujarat's famed nyay ka prateek (symbol of justice) is the thousand-year-old Malav Talav in Dholka built in the 11th century (perhaps 1050 CE) by the chaste and wise Maharani Minal Devi of the Solanki dynasty. Maharani was revered by one and all for her philanthropy, kindness and virtue. She was perhaps one of the... Continue Reading →
Lakkundi, a treasure trove of ingenious stepwells, temples, halls, dharmashalas and palatial quarters built by the Kalyani Chalukyas (Western Chalukyas), the Hoysalas, the Seunas (Yadavas of Devagiri) and the Vijayanagara Empire is renowned for its unique architectural style. The Lakkundi school of architecture is perhaps the finest illustration of an artistic harmony of architectural styles... Continue Reading →
Bhadra, now known as Ahmedabad under the patronage of the mighty Paramaras was considered to be the grandest city of Western India with magnificent temples, halls, dharmashalas and palatial quarters. A cursory glance at the edifices in Malwa and surrounding areas of west central India between the 9th -14th century will give you an idea of... Continue Reading →
Lakkundi, famous for the splendid edifices of the Kalyani Chalukyas (Western Chalukyas) is revered for its spiritual potency and finds mention in both the Ramayana and Mahabharat. This remote village in Gadag district has the best illustration of the unique Lakkundi school of architecture (also known as Western Chalukya style of architecture) shaped by the Kalyani Chalukyas in... Continue Reading →
Anahilapataka, modern-day Patan is a treasure trove of magnificent edifices from the 9th century onwards. This prosperous city was established in the 8th century by Raja Vanaraja of the Chavda dynasty and became the capital of the Chaulukya dynasty also known as the Solanki dynasty between the 10th to 13th century. The city really... Continue Reading →
One of the finest examples of trikutachala (temple with three sanctums) of the 12th century is the Manikeshwara Temple located in Lakkundi village. This beautiful temple along with the magnificent Muskin Bhavi that is in front of it exudes the grandeur, architectural ingenuity and artistic excellence of the Hindu kings who ruled over this historically... Continue Reading →
Bharuch, on the banks of the sacrosanct Narmada River is one of the oldest cities in Western India of immense historical, geographical, economic and spiritual importance. This ancient city has been revered by yogis, saints and tapasvis in scriptural commentaries and finds mention in important Hindu texts. This grand seaport has been a thriving commercial... Continue Reading →
Ahmedabad, the seat of power for centuries is dotted with beautiful temples built by the Chaulukya dynasty also known as the Solanki dynasty and the Vaghelas. This prosperous town on the banks of the Sabarmati River came under attack from the Delhi Sultanate and was finally ruled by the Gujarat Sultanate for years. The... Continue Reading →
Since the ancient times, it has been the practice of Hindu kings to assiduously follow the tenets as laid down in the Shilpa Shastra while building forts, palaces, mansions, temples and dharmashalas. Traditionally, these grand structures were built along river banks, seashores or lakes to observe the obligatory rites and rituals of the Hindu scriptures. ... Continue Reading →
Dholka, a merchant's haven during the reign of the valorous Chaulukya dynasty also known as the Solanki dynasty and the capital of the Vaghelas is the sacred land of King Virata of Matsyanagar or Viratdesh in the Mahabharat where the Pancha Pandavas and Divya Janani Draupadi spent a year in agyatvas. This ancient city used to be dotted with temples, halls, palatial... Continue Reading →
The remote village of Lakkundi, previously known as Lokkigundi is a treasure trove of stunning temples, stepwells, palatial quarters and dharmashalas that showcase the architectural prowess of the Kalyani Chalukyas (Western Chalukyas), the Hoysalas, the Seunas (Yadavas of Devagiri) and the Vijayanagara Empire. This historical site has rare inscriptions in Kannada and Sanskrit that date... Continue Reading →
Lazy and uninformed "historians" of Indian (commissioned by the British Raj) and British origin have done an outstanding job for over three centuries to whitewash our glorious Hindu heritage and relegate the contributions of our valorous Hindu kings to obscurity. A concerted effort to prevent one from learning about Hinduism, the oldest civilization in the... Continue Reading →
Dholka, one of the most prosperous towns during the reign of the mighty Chaulukya dynasty also known as the Solanki dynasty and the capital of the Vaghelas is believed to be the sacred land of King Virata of Matsyanagar or Viratdesh in the Mahabharat where the Pancha Pandavas and Divya Janani Draupadi spent a year in agyatvas. In fact, serious historians... Continue Reading →
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 →
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