Bandalike in its time would have been a splendid city being the capital of the Nagarakhanda Seventy region of the Kadambas. This ancient city has a rich history and is dotted with stunning temples though a sizeable number of them are in ruins. A marvellous edifice of the former royal city built by the... Continue Reading →
The fall and eventual disintegration of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire in the Battle of Talikota led to the establishment of an independent kingdom by the Keladi Nayakas. Keladi was chosen as the capital for 14 years after which Ikkeri was nominated as the capital and remained so for more than hundred years. It is... Continue Reading →
The spiritual centre of the south known as Dakshina Kedara is the ancient city of Balligave. Also referred to as Balligavi, Belagami, Balligamve, Balligame, Ballegavi, Belagavi, Balligrama, Ballipura and Balipura in several inscriptions, this city derives its name from Chirañjīvī Mahabali who was sent to the nether world by Lord Vamana. This city was ruled... Continue Reading →
Kotipura referred to as Devasthanada-hakkalu in the historical records and as Kuntalapura or Kuntalanagara, capital of Maharaja Chandrahasa of the Mahabharat boasts of the ancient Kaitabheshwara Temple. As the name suggests, the Shiva Linga was consecrated in the Krita Yuga by Madhu and Kaitabha who were killed by Lord Vishnu after a gruelling battle that went... Continue Reading →
Harihar situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River is often referred to as Guharanya Kshetra or Dakshina Kashi and has been revered for its religious and spiritual potency by yogis, tapasvis, saints and jnanis. Legend has it, Guhasura performed tapas (severe austerities and penance) by the Tungabhadra for years. Lord Brahma became pleased with him and granted him... Continue Reading →
Banavasi, an ancient city surrounded by the Varada River on three sides and dense forest was once the capital of the mighty Kadambas. Maharaja Mayurasharma considered to be the greatest king of this dynasty is venerated for his incredible contribution to literature, art, architecture and the Kannada language. In fact, the earliest inscriptions in... Continue Reading →
Hangal, the former bastion of the Kadambas, the Hoysalas, the Kalyani Chalukyas and the Vijayanagara Empire is best known for the 'Lotus of Hangal', a breathtaking architectural and structural marvel in the Tarakeshwara Temple. This centuries-old temple was built by the Kadambas in the 5th century with additions by the Hoysalas in the late 10th... Continue Reading →
Bilhari village in Katni district has many abandoned and forgotten temples and grand structures of the early medieval period. One among them is the Vishnu Varaha Temple, a lesser-known architectural gem of the Chedi kings built in the 11th century located at a little distance from the Kamakandla Fort. The temple sits on a... Continue Reading →
A stunning fragment of the glorious reign of Maharaja Yuvarajadeva I of the Kalachuris of Tripuri (also known as Kalachuris of Chedi) that has largely remained in obscurity owing to its dilapidated state is the ancient building of Kamakandla. Though it is called as Kamakandla Fort, the typical architectural styling of a fort is missing.... Continue Reading →
The Sun Temple located in the sleepy village of Madkhera in Tikamgarh district is a beautiful example of 9th century temple architecture. Built by the Gurjara-Pratiharas in the typical Nagara style of architecture, this marvellous structure has some of the most exquisite carvings of its time. This east-facing temple is built on a high... Continue Reading →
Nohleshwar Shiv Mandir is a lesser-known architectural masterpiece built by the Kalachuris of Tripuri (also known as Kalachuris of Chedi) in the mid to late 10th century. Though locals opine that this temple was built by Yuvarajadeva I in honour of his wife Nohla Devi (Nohala according to some), the architectural style and detailing suggests... Continue Reading →
One of the finest examples of the early Pratihara style of architecture in Central India is the Mahadeva Temple in Amrol village. This ancient temple is likely to have been built in the 8th century by either Nagabhata I or Vatsaraja. The temples built by the Pratiharas in Gwalior are considered by historians to be... Continue Reading →
'Poetry in stone' best describes the ancient Virateshwar Temple in Shahdol district renowned for its religious and spiritual potency. As the name suggests, Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Virateshwar, an embodiment of the entire gamut of creation. According to the priest and locals, the mere darshan of Lord Virateshwar helps one to experience the Supreme... Continue Reading →
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