29 Results found for Search: architecture
1. Adivaraha Cave Temple, Mahabalipuram.
To the southwest of Mahishasuramardini Mandapam, an ancient cave temple with portrayals of Lord Vishnu as Varaha lies shrouded amid dense vegetation. At the entrance to the Adivaraha Cave you will be greeted by two sculptures of gatekeepers on either side. The inner walls of the cave are dense with sculptures of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu – the ninth one is believed to be Lord Buddha. Look up the northern wall for the depiction of Lord Shiva receiving the holy Ganges in his long locks tied up in a knot above his head.
2. Bhimakali Temple Complex, Sarahan.
The complex walls of the temple encase approximately an acre of land and hold buildings and courtyards. The temple itself may well be considered as the most resplendent example of a style that is considered indigenous to the area. Here, along with a host of other deities are the two images of Bhimakali; one portrays her as an unmarried maiden and the second, as a mature woman.
3. Devi Kund, Bikaner.
An exquisite example of Rajputana architecture, Devi Kund, located at a distance of 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Bikaner, is the site of the royal crematorium of the Bikaji Rathore dynasty. It houses several cenotaphs (called ‘chhatris’ in the local language), made of sandstone or marble, that have been erected in the memory of the Bika rulers from Rao Kalyan Singh to Maharaja Karni Singh. The most illustrious of these, made of marble and adorned with paintings, is dedicated to Raja Surat Singh. There are smaller cenotaphs for the queens, while tiny ones, called ‘Nada’ commemorate the stillborn royal children.
4. Jain Havelis, Bikaner.
A popular tourist destination, the Jain Havelis, are ancient mansions of the affluent nobility of the region. There are numerous such havelis strewn all across Bikaner.
5. Junagarh Fort, Bikaner.
Constructed between 1588 and 1593 CE by Rai Singh, Bikaner’s ruler and Akbar’s general, the Junagarh Fort is one of the most imposing, intricate and impressive architectural edifices in Rajasthan. One of the very few Rajasthani forts not located on the top of a hill, it still bears the distinction of being a structure that has never fallen in to enemy hands, thanks to its 3235 feet 9986 meter) long red sandstone wall, replete with 37 bastions and a moat to boot. The Fort houses as many as 37 ornately decorated palaces, alongside temples, pavilions and a museum.
6. Kamru, Sangla Valley.
The village of Kamru lies at a height above the valley floor and is a kilometer or so from Sangla village. Here stands its famous tower-like fort. This wood and stone structure was the original seat of the rulers of the erstwhile princely state of Bushair - they later moved to Sarahan and then to Rampur which lie downstream of the Satluj. With a population of about a thousand people, Kamru is a dense cluster of houses and is surrounded by fields and orchards.
7. Krishna Mandapam, Mahabalipuram.
Adjacent to Arjuna’s Penance is another early rock-cut temple. This one is dedicated to Lord Krishna and depicts scenes of pastoral life. It is considered the biggest among the mandapams. Most prominently portrayed is the image of Krishna holding aloft the Govardhan Hill on his fingertip to provide shelter to the villagers of Gokulam and their animals from a raging storm. You will also see depictions of a shepherd milking a cow, a farmer carrying a child on his shoulder, a shepherdess carrying a pot of curd and a woman carrying on her head a rolled mat, and in her hand a tier of earthen pots.
8. Lalitha Mahal Palace, Mysore.
As the road leads you 11 kms out of Mysore, the magnificent Lalitha Mahal Palace, beautiful and shimmering white with European architectural influences, double columned and domed and set in the middle of a magnanimous terrace garden, is sure to make you stop and adore the beautiful monument. Built originally in 1921 by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV exclusively for accommodating the Viceroy of India, it was designed by E.W. Fritchley in the Renaissance style.
9. Lallgarh Palace, Bikaner.
This reddish-pink sandstone architectural marvel, from which Bikaner derives its name ‘Red City’, was a son’s ode to his father’s memory. Designed by the British architect, Samuel Swinton Jacob, the palace with its sumptuous halls, grand lounges, and magnificent pavilions is truly one of those rare 20th century structures that seamlessly integrate traditional Rajput and Mughal features with Renaissance European styles. Currently, the royal family resides in one wing of the palace, while the other part has been converted into the Lallgarh Palace luxury hotel. The west wing also houses a museum that contains the world’s fourth largest private library.
10. Mahabalipuram Beach, Mahabalipuram.
Scattered with sculptural vestiges and an ancient shore temple in the center, the Mahabalipuram Beach is perhaps South India’s most atmospheric beach. A trip here is like waking up in another era where time stands still, the waves rush fast to break on the weathered periphery of a shore temple, and the sun casts an orange glow on sculptural panels, rock-cut caves and monolithic chariots that dot its brown sand. A lot of people come here to capture the dramatic beauty of these architectural pieces in the changing light of the sun.
11. Mahishsuramardini Mandapam, Mahabalipuram.
Below the iconic lighthouse, along the road is another fascinating Pallava relic, a rock carving called Mahishasuramardini Mandapam. You can either take the staircase to the right or simply climb the plain ground, and it will lead you to the opening of the Mahishasuramardini cave. Carved out of a single rock on the side of a hill, the northern wall of the shrine has an elaborate depiction of the fierce combat between Goddess Durga and the buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. Mahishasura symbolizes raw power, ignorance and egoism. In the course of time, Mahishasura became so frightful that every celestial being dreaded the mention of him.
12. Moolnayakji, Bikaner.
A late 15th century construction, Moolnayakji has the distinction of being the first Vaishnav temple of Bikaner. It houses an idol of Lord Moolnayak Krishna.
13. Mysore Palace, Mysore.
The most famous tourist attraction of Mysore - the Mysore Palace is situated in the heart of the City. This is the residence of the royal family - the Wodeyars. A magnificent piece of architecture, the Palace is a blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles and houses some magnificent frescos and artefacts. The wall size paintings, more than 100 years old, look so real that you might just walk into them. There are also the three dimensional paintings and no matter where you are standing these will appear to face in your direction. The Diwan-e-Khas is the most spectacular room with a huge doorway of carved rosewood embellished with ivory, stained glass ceiling, chandeliers with fine motifs, mosaic floor and walls decorated with marble and semi precious stone and painted with gold.
14. Pancha Pandava Rathas, Mahabalipuram.
Scattered with sculptural vestiges and an ancient shore temple in the center, the Mahabalipuram Beach is perhaps South India’s most atmospheric beach. A trip here is like waking up in another era where time stands still, the waves rush fast to break on the weathered periphery of a shore temple, and the sun casts an orange glow on sculptural panels, rock-cut caves and monolithic chariots that dot its brown sand. A lot of people come here to capture the dramatic beauty of these architectural pieces in the changing light of the sun.
15. Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the shore temple was built in the 7th century by Narasimha Varman II facing the Bay of Bengal. The ‘Shore Temple’ is the lone survivor of the seven magnificent temple complexes, known as the seven pagodas, built near the sea. With five-storeys, shikharas and plunging eaves, it is one of the oldest South Indian temples built in Dravidian style. The complex spreads out over a square platform, and comprises three temples, of which two are east and west facing Shiva temples, and the third a Vishnu shrine in the center.
16. St.Philomena's Church, Mysore.
St.Philomena’s Church is one of the oldest and largest churches of Asia. It holds the relic of the 3rd century St. Philomena. A Gothic structure, it is adorned with huge stain glass windows depicting scenes from the birth of Christ, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and the Ascension of Christ. The church’s two 53 meters high spires, inspired by the spires of the Cologne Cathedral, make it easy to spot from across the city. The floor plan of the church resembles a cross with the long part forming the prayer hall.
17. The Hill Palace Museum, Kochi.
This sprawling 52-acre estate was once the official residence of the Raja of Kochi. Now, it is avatar, it is one of the largest archaeological museums in India. And has the distinction of being the first museum in Kerala to achieve heritage status. Originally built in 1865, the complex comprises 49 buildings, all designed in Kerala’s traditional architectural style. There is substantial variety within the style. The complex also houses a deer park. Being a one-time royal residence, the erstwhile horse riding facilities are available to visitors at large. A wide variety of flora including rare medicinal plants, add another dimension to the overall appeal of the complex
18. Thirukadalmallai, Mahabalipuram.
Thirukadalmallai temple is a Pallava architectural specimen built to protect a wealth of sculptures from the turbulent sea. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and considered one of 108 ‘Divya desams’ (holy abode of Lord Vishnu), the temple is thronged by devotees and architecture lovers through the year. Its ambience is enhanced by an endless blue sea outside, and the row of casuarinas lining it. Do take time out to explore the tiny villages fringing the temple; they make all sorts of oddball handicraft and metal antiques. You can buy these souvenirs direct from the artisans.
19. Tiger Caves, Mahabalipuram.
These mysterious caves are about 5-kilometer (3.12 miles) north of Mahabalipuram in the pretty coastal hamlet of Salurankuppam. Set by the sea amid dense casuarinas in a landscape of small hillocks and big boulders, the Tiger Caves are actually rock-cut temples built in an open-air theatre style to host cultural events during the Pallava period. The main shrine is dedicated to Goddess Durga, while the entrance to the cave has carved heads of an animal that resembles a tiger. Legend has it that the animal depicted is the mythological ‘Yali’, thus the name ‘Yali Mandapam’.
20. Trimurti Cave Temple, Mahabalipuram.
Nestled on a 100-foot-high cliff, this 7th century rock-cut temple is dedicated to the three supreme deities of the Hindu pantheon, Brahma – the creator, Vishnu – the preserver, and Shiva – the destroyer. You will come across the carvings of a Shivalingam and Lord Brahma in the first two cells, while the third cell depicts Goddess Durga trampling Mahishasura’s (the buffalo-headed demon) head. Browse the rock-cut zoo adjacent to the cave temple; it has sculptures of an elephant, a calf, a monkey and a peacock.
21. Varaha Cave Temple, Mahabalipuram.
Another paradigm of rock-cut architecture, the Varaha Cave temple was etched out on the rocky walls of a granite hill in the late 7th century by the Pallavas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a monolithic rock-cut temple with a mandapam that has on its inside walls gigantic sculpted panels depicting Lord Vishnu as Varaha, the boar, holding in his arms Bhu Devi, the earth goddess, and nuzzling her breast as he rescues her from the snake king who had abducted her under the ocean. The four columns lining the entrance to the cave have lion carved into their bases.
22. Christ Church, Mahabaleshwar.
Christ Church is another famous church in Mahabaleshwar. Built during the British reign of the region, the church features elaborate stained glass windows that depict Jesus Christ, the four Evangelists, Moses and even St John the Baptist. The sight of these magnificent windows and the fine craftsmanship is a sight to behold.
23. Holy Cross Church, Mahabaleshwar.
Another monument whose origins can be traced back to the British rule is the Holy Cross Church. Built by Catholic residents of the region, it is a small church that is worth a visit for its serene location and historic structure. Though the church is now in a dilapidated condition, people still flock here to see the beautiful and intricate stained glass windows.
24. Mahabaleshwar Temple, Mahabaleshwar.
One of the most eminent Hindu temples is the Mahabali or the Mahabaleshwar Temple, after which this scenic hill station is named. Devoted to Lord Shiva Shankar, it is situated in Old Kshetra Mahabaleshwar around 6 km north of the main town. The temple is built as per the Hemadant architectural style of South India. It is enclosed by a 5-feet stone wall. The temple comprises two sections: the sanctum sanctorum and the central hall. The sanctum sanctorum consists of a swayambhu or self-originated lingam more than 500 years old and the shiv bhakts from all over flock here to worship and to be blessed.
25. Morarji Castle, Mahabaleshwar.
Morarji Castle is a quaint colonial style structure that allures the visitors with its old world charm. It was here that Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation lived in 1945 during the freedom struggle.
26. Mount Malcolm, Mahabaleshwar.
Though Mahabaleshwar is primarily a hill station it has its fair share of history, a lot of it dates back to the presence of British garrisons and officers. There are a lot of structures in the city that date back to the time of the Raj. One of the most prominent among them is Mount Malcolm the one-time residence of Governor Sir John Malcolm who was also the founder of this beautiful hill station. Built in 1829, it boasts of a spectacular architectural style. Every nook and corner of this structural delight is reminiscent of the opulent British Raj. It is situated on the Prospect Point.
27. Omkareshwara Temple, Coorg.
It is located in the heart of Madikeri town. The Omkareshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built in 1820 by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II to ward off evil caused by Brahma Rakshasha. Legend has it that Lingarajendra killed an honest and pious Brahmin to fulfill his political ambitions. The Brahmin came back as 'Brahmarakshasa' to haunt the king. To ward off the evil spirit, a temple was constructed by Wodeyar. A huge tank in front of the temple is an attractive feature of the complex. The main temple structure is unique as it is a blend of Gothic and Islamic architectural styles. Just like a dargah, this temple has four minarets and a dome in the centre with a Shivling installed at the entrance, where the Shivling is reported to be brought from Kashi.
28. Panchganga Temple, Mahabaleshwar.
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the Panchganga Temple lies adjacent to the Mahabali Temple, at the point of origin of five holy rivers namely Krishna, Savitri, Gayatri, Koyna and Venna; and is thus called Panchganga Temple: ‘panch’ means five and ‘ganga’ river. It is also known as Krishnabai Temple. The temple has a beautiful stone carved statue of Gaumukhi (head of the Holy Cow) and the five rivers flow out from the mouth of this statue. The temple is host to specatacular Krishna idol. This ancient temple was constructed by Raja Singhandeo, the ruler of Devagiri in the 13th century. A massive renovation of the temple was was undertaken by the greatest Maratha king, Shivaji in the 16th century.
29. Pratapgadh Fort, Mahabaleshwar.
A trip to Mahabaleshwar is incomplete without taking the detour to the gigantic Pratapgadh Fort, the pride of the Maratha reign. The fort actually comprises two ancient forts: an upper fort built on the top of the hill and the lower one immediately below on the South and the East. The fort is a colossal labyrinth of ponds, chambers and long serpentine walkways, some of which lead to trap doors that open to a steep 100-meter fall. The Bhavani Temple and the tomb of Afzal Khan are other tourist attractions located near the fort. Legend has it that Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was blessed with a shining sword here at the Bhavani Temple.