Vizhinjam Cave Temple, Kerala

Vizhinjam Cave Temple, Kerala

Vizhinjam Cave Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Vizhinjam Village in Neyyattinkara Taluk in Thiruvananthapuram District in Kerala, India. This cave temple is considered as one of the earliest rock-cut cave temples in Kerala and smallest rock cut cave temples in Southern India. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The cave temple is believed to have been excavated in 8^th century CE. The site is a centrally protected monument under the control of Archaeological Survey of India since 1965. Vizhinjam was the administrative capital of Ay kingdom, which is believed to have ruled over parts of the southern India between the 8^th and 10^th centuries A.D. The region had witnessed several battles in which the Chola and Pandya dynasties attempted to gain control of the port town. Vizhinjam gradually lost prominence after the 10^th century CE after coming under constant attack of the other kingdoms.

The Cave Temple

The cave is excavated on a small boulder measuring about 3 metres in height and 3.5 metres in width. The cave is carved on the eastern face of the boulder and is facing towards east. The cave consists of sanctum only. It measures about 1 metre in length, 0.7 metres in width and 1.5 metres in height. The sanctum enshrines an image of Vinadhara Dakshinamurthy. There are two rock cut niches housing bas relief images on either side of the entrance of the sanctum.

The right side niche has bas relief image of Tripurantaka. He is accompanied by two dwarf images on either side. He is four armed. His lower left hand holds the bow & upper left hand holds the axe and his lower right hand holds arrow & the upper right hand shows ardhapathaka mudra. He is depicted standing on his right foot the floor and the folded left foot on the head of the Muyalagan. A carving of Bhooda gana can be seen on the left side of Muyalagan. 

It is interesting to note that different forms of Tripurantaka had developed at such an early date. The left side niche has two bas relief images of Nataraja and Parvati. The Nataraja image is depicted in dancing posture. His left leg is depicted in parsvatha posture and his right leg held in swastika posture. The face is tilted towards his right side. The image to the left of the Nataraja is Parvati. She is shown resting her left hand on her hip and the right hand rests on her chin.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 250 metres from Vizhinjam Bus Stand, 2.5 Kms from Kovalam, 9 Kms from Balaramapuram Railway Station, 14 Kms from Poovar, 14 Kms from Neyyattinkara, 15 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, 16 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram Airport and 21 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is situated on Kovalam to Poovar route.

Location

Nandadulal Temple, Gurap, West Bengal

Nandadulal Temple, Gurap, West Bengal

Nandadulal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Gurap Village in the Dhaniakhali CD block in the Chinsurah subdivision of Hooghly district in the Indian state of West Bengal. The temple was built in 1751 CE by the local Zamindar Ramdeb Nag. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in West Bengal declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple complex is facing towards east but the entrance is from the southern side. The main shrine stands over raised platform. The temple follows atchala style of architecture. The atchala style is similar to the four-sided char chala temple style, but with a small replica of the base temple on top. The temple consists of sanctum and a verandah with triple arched entrance. The sanctum enshrines a black stone idol of Nandadulal and ashtadhatu idol of his consort Radha. There is a plaque on the façade mentioning the details of the construction of this temple.

The façade is rich in terracotta ornamentation depicting scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, erotic motifs and hunting & fight scenes. The temple complex has Rasmancha, Dolmancha and Natamandir. The Dolmancha is situated inside the temple complex while the Rasmancha is situated outside the temple complex. Both the structure follows rekha deula style of architecture. The temple complex has a rekha deula style shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva named Gopeshwar.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Gurap Railway Station, 1 Km from Gurap Cinematala Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Basipur More, 9 Kms from Amra, 40 Kms from Bardhaman, 58 Kms from Howrah, 65 Kms from Kolkata Airport and 66 Kms from Kolkata. The temple is situated at about 3 Kms to the north west of Basipur More on Kolkata to Bardhaman route via Amra.

Location

Gopal Krishna Temple, Bikrampur, West Bengal

Gopal Krishna Temple, Bikrampur, West Bengal

Gopal Krishna Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bikrampur Village in Bankura District in the Indian state of West Bengal. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in West Bengal declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was built in 1654 CE by Raghunath Singha Dev, the fifty-first king of the Mallabhum.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards south and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of rekha vimana, antrala and pidha jagamohana. The exterior of the temple is devoid of any decoration. There is a foundation stone in the temple. The temple is not in worship and the locals have been putting cow dung cakes on its wall.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3 Kms from Kalisen Railway Station, 3 Kms from Kalisen Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Bankura, 23 Kms from Bishnupur, 52 Kms from Durgapur, 69 Kms from Durgapur Airport and 157 Kms from Kolkata. The temple is situated at about 3 Kms to the west of Kalisen Bus Stand on Bankura to Bishnupur route.

Location

Pisanahi Temple, Birshibpur, Uttar Pradesh

Pisanahi Temple, Birshibpur, Uttar Pradesh

Pisanahi Temple is an ancient Hindu Temple located in Birshibpur Village in Ghatampur Tehsil in Kanpur Nagar District in Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is also called as Pisanhari Budhiya ke Mandir. This temple is believed to be built in 10^th century CE. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, two sisters involved in the work of manual milling of flour built this temple in 15^th century CE. Hence, the temple came to be called as Pisanhari Budhiya ke Mandir. It is interesting to note that one can hear the sound of one pounding wheat using a hand mill in this temple.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over high raised platform. The temple follows nagara style architecture. The temple consists of sanctum and antrala. The original shikara had been lost completely and was replaced with new one. The temple had been renovated recently with modern bricks. However, the ancient brick works can be seen on the façade and carvings of Hindu deities, floral motifs & geometrical patterns can be seen on the walls. The remains of the original brick work can be found scattered in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Ghatampur, 1.5 Kms from Ghatampur Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Ghatampur Railway Station, 22 Kms from Hamirpur, 40 Kms from Kanpur and 114 Kms from Lucknow Airport. The temple is situated on Ghatampur to Hamirpur route.

Location

Rahila Sagar Sun Temple, Rahiliya, Uttar Pradesh

Rahila Sagar Sun Temple, Rahiliya, Uttar Pradesh

Rahila Sagar Sun Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Rahiliya Village near Mahoba City in Mahoba Tehsil in Mahoba District in Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is situated on the western end of the Rahiliya Sagar. This temple is an excellent example of early Pratihara style of architecture and predates the famous Konark temple in Odisha. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is believed to be built by King Rahila (885 – 905 CE) of Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, an Indian dynasty ruled Central India particularly much of the Bundelkhand region (then called Jejakabhukti) between the 9th and the 13th centuries. This temple is considered to be the inspiration behind the design of the Konark Sun temple. This temple suffered destruction at the hands of Qutb ud-Din Aibak, the found of Mamluk dynasty in 1203 CE. The Rahila Sagar, a man-made lake, was also excavated by King Rahila.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa with entrance porches on eastern, southern and northern sides. The sanctum enshrines a 4.5 feet tall sandstone image of Surya. It also enshrines a smaller idol of Vishnu. The shikara over the sanctum follows nagara style architecture. The exterior is decorated with Hindu deities, floral motifs and geometrical patterns.

There is a shrine for goddess Kali in the temple premises. Idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesha and Shiva can be seen in the temple premises. There is a huge temple tank called Suraj Kund situated beside the temple. The tank is square in shape and measures 15 metres in length, 15 metres in breadth and 15 metres in depth. It is said that the king used to bathe in this tank every day before entering the temple. 

Festivals

An annual fair is held on embankment of Rahiliya Sagar on the Karthik Purnima. People used to take bath in Rahiliya Sagar and Suraj Kund during this fair.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Mahoba Junction Railway Station, 7 Kms from Mahoba Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Srinagar, 48 Kms from Chhatarpur, 73 Kms from Khajuraho and 76 Kms from Khajuraho Airport. The temple is situated on Mahoba to Chhatarpur route.

Location

Mahadeva Temple, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ramnagar Village in Mau Tehsil in Chitrakoot District in Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is believed to be built by the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, an Indian dynasty ruled Central India particularly much of the Bundelkhand region (then called Jejakabhukti) between the 9^th and the 13^th centuries. The temple suffered destruction of the Mughal tyrant Aurangzeb.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consisted of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa with lateral transepts and entrance porch. The sanctum, antrala and entrance porch are completely destroyed except the sabha mandapa. The sabha mandapa is enclosed by parapet wall on all sides except its eastern entrance. The basement of the sanctum can be seen. The walls and the shikara are completely lost. The damaged lintel and the door jambs are kept near the entrance of the sanctum. The exterior of the temple is decorated with carvings of Hindu deities, floral motifs and geometrical patterns.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 14 Kms from Raipura, 15 Kms from Mau, 22 Kms from Rajapur, 30 Kms from Bargarh Railway Station, 44 Kms from Chitrakoot, 71 Kms from Prayagraj and 89 Kms from Prayagraj. The temple is situated on Mau to Chitrakoot route.

Location

Rawatpura Group of Temples, Rawatpura, Uttar Pradesh

Rawatpura Group of Temples, Rawatpura, Uttar Pradesh

Rawatpura Group of Temples are group of two Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Rawatpura Village in Kulpahar Tehsil in Mahoba District in Uttar Pradesh, India. The temples are situated on the bank of Rawatpura Lake. The temples are one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temples were believed to be built by the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, an Indian dynasty ruled Central India particularly much of the Bundelkhand region (then called Jejakabhukti) between the 9^th and the 13^th centuries. The Rawatpura Lake is also said to have been excavated by them.

The Group of Temples

The group of temples contains several ruins of Chandela era. Only, two temples from this group are considered major temples. The larger and the best preserved temple is situated on the embankment of the Rawatpura lake. The smaller temple is situated at about 300 metres from the larger temple. The mandapa of the smaller temples remains intact. The sanctum is completely lost. The ruins of this temple are scattered all around the place. Both the temples are built over a raised platform and are in ruins.

Connectivity

The group of temples is located at about 10 Kms from Kulpahar, 10 Kms from Kulpahar Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Kulpahar Railway Station, 32Kms from Panwari, 34 Kms from Mahoba, 45 Kms from Nowgong, 56 Kms from Chhatarpur, 90 Kms from Khajuraho and 93 Kms from Khajuraho Airport. The temple is situated at about 10 Kms to the south east of Kulpahar on Mahoba to Panwari route.

Location

Rishiyan Ashram, Barha Kotra, Uttar Pradesh

Rishiyan Ashram, Barha Kotra, Uttar Pradesh

Rishiyan Ashram is a Hindu pilgrimage site located in Barha Kotra Village in Mau Tehsil in Chitrakoot District in Uttar Pradesh, India. This pilgrimage site consists of caves and ancient Hindu temples situated amidst forest in hilly terrain. This site is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/01/rishiyan-ashram-barha-kotra-legends.html

The Caves & Temples

Rishiyan Ashram has two caves. Four Shiva Lingas seated on a single yonipitha can be seen in the first cave. The second cave has arrangements for rest. The place has remains of three 10^th century CE temples. One of the temple is called as Bhar Deul. One of the temple is situated near the caves. A stream can be seen flowing near the caves. The stream forms a lake downhill which is situated on the way to the core area of Rishiyan Ashram. Sugaria Pathri is one of several hillocks situated around this place. Rock paintings made by the hunter gatherers can be seen in this hillock.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 16 Kms from Mau, 18 Kms from Bargarh Railway Station, 22 Kms from Shankargarh, 43 Kms from Prayagraj Airport, 65 Kms from Prayagraj and 73 Kms from Chitrakoot. The temple is situated at about 16 Kms to the east of Mau on Chitrakoot to Prayagraj route via Shankargarh.

Location

Ancient Brick Temples, Sarahan Buzurg, Uttar Pradesh

Ancient Brick Temples, Sarahan Buzurg, Uttar Pradesh

Ancient Brick Temples are group of Hindu Temples dedicated to goddess Sakthi located in Sarahan Buzurg Village in Bindki Tehsil in Fatehpur District in Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built by the Guptas and later extensively renovated by the Pratiharas.

The Temple

The temple complex consists of two ancient brick temples. Both the temples stand over a low raised platform. Both the temples follow same architectural style and plan. However, the temple dedicated to Behrai Mata has been modified extensively. This temple now includes a maha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The exterior are decorated with repetitive architectural patterns, niches, and carvings of various Hindu deities. The niches are empty currently.

The sanctum is crowned with nagara style shikara. The other temple is square on plan. It enshrines the images of Maheswara and Goddess Parvati in its sanctum. The exterior is decorated with repetitive motifs and patterns. This shrine is also crowned with nagara style shikara. The brick mouldings in the lower part of both the shrines have been damaged. A Hanuman shrine can be seen on the right side of the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3 Kms from Amauli, 15 Kms from Hamirpur Road Railway Station, 15 Kms from Jahanabad, 20 Kms from Hamirpur, 24 Kms from Ghatampur, 33 Kms from Bindki, 56 Kms from Fatehpur, 57 Kms from Kanpur and 130 Kms from Lucknow Airport. The temple is situated on Jahanabad to Hamirpur route via Amauli.

Location

Shiva Tandav Temple, Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh

Shiva Tandav Temple, Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh

Shiva Tandav Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mahoba City in Mahoba Tehsil in Mahoba District in Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is situated on the foothills of Gokhar Mountain. This temple is situated close to Mahoba Collectorate Office. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The temple houses a huge sculpture of Lord Shiva in thandava posture. It is carved one a granite boulder. There is a waterfall situated next to this temple.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Mahoba Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Mahoba Junction Railway Station, 51 Kms from Chhatarpur, 58 Kms from Banda, 76 Kms from Khajuraho and 79 Kms from Khajuraho Airport. Mahoba is situated on Banda to Khajuraho route.

Location