Temple Sites | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Madurai

Madurai, located on the banks of the river Vaigai, boasts a rich cultural heritage that dates back over 2500 years to the ancient Tamil era.

• It was once the capital of the powerful Pandya kings.
• The Third Sangam, an ancient assembly of Tamil scholars, was held here.
• Maduraikkanchi, a part of the Pattuppattu, describes the city of Madurai, including its palace, temples, houses, and markets.
• Madurai was known for its fine crafts, including:
• Gold ornaments
• Ivory work
• Inlay work
• Bangle making
• The Arthashastra, an ancient Indian text, mentions Madurai as a centre for fine cotton textiles.
• Traders from Madurai were known for selling pearls and precious stones.

Historical Monuments:

• Meenakshi Amman Temple. )
• This temple is dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort Shiva, called Sundareswara.
• It was rebuilt by the Madurai Nayakas and is an excellent example of Dravida architecture.
• The temple is famous for its towering gopurams (gateway towers), each covered with thousands of stone figures of animals, gods, and demons.
• The temple also features beautiful paintings from the Nayaka period, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
• Tirumalai Nayak Palace.
• This historic palace, built in the 17th century, showcases the grandeur of the Nayak dynasty.
• It features a mix of Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian architectural styles and is known for its impressive pillars and courtyards.

Thanjavur

• Location: Situated south of the Kaveri River in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.
• Historical Significance: Capital of the Chola Empire and a crucial center for religion, art, and architecture.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Chola Temples are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, known as the "Great Living Chola Temples."

Brihadeeswara Temple:

• Construction: Built in the 11th century by Raja Raja Chola I.
• Deity: Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, often referred to as the Dakshina Meru of the South.
• Nandi:. giant statue of Nandi, the bull, guards the entrance of the sanctuary. This Nandi is the second largest in India and is carved from a single block of granite.
• Wall Paintings: The walls of the sanctum are adorned with wall paintings from the Chola and Nayaka periods.
• Replication: The temple was a model for the Gangaikonda Cholesvarar Temple, built by Raja Raja's son, Rajendra Chola I.

Tanjore Painting:

• Origin: Dates back to the early 17th century during the Nayaka period in Thanjavur.
• Subjects: Paintings depict episodes from religious texts as well as secular subjects.

Archaeological Discoveries:

• Numerous epigraphs, inscriptions, coins, and other artifacts belonging to different kings have been discovered in the area.

Sri Rangnathswamy temple

• The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, located in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most famous Vaishnav temples in India.
• It is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu.
• The temple is situated on the island of Srirangam, surrounded by the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers.
• This temple is not just a place of worship but a whole town dedicated to the temple, making it very special.

Importance and History:

• The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the first and most important among the 108 Divya Desams, which are sacred places dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• It is believed that the temple was founded in the first century CE during the Sangam period, but what we see today is the result of many years of construction and expansion by different ruling dynasties.

Architecture:

• The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and is one of the largest religious complexes in the world.
• Its massive scale and intricate design make it a remarkable example of this architectural style.

Gangaikonda cholapuram

• Location: North of the Kaveri River, Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu.
• Historical Significance: Capital of the Chola Dynasty, founded by Rajendra Chola to celebrate his victory over the Palas.
• Etymology: The name means "the town of the Chola who led a great victorious march to the River Ganges."
• Gangaikondaan Temple:Dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in the Dravida style.
• Architectural Features: Complex carvings on hard granite stones, including figures of dancing Nataraja and Ardhanareshwara.
• Bronze Icons: The bronzes of Bhogasakti and Subrahmanya are considered masterpieces of Chola metalwork.

Mahabalipuram/ Mamallapuram

Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is a town in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu, in southeastern India.

It is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes a group of rock-cut sanctuaries created by the Pallava kings in the 7th and 8th centuries along the Coromandel coast.

• The site is renowned for its rathas (chariot-shaped temples), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), and large open-air reliefs, such as the iconic ‘Descent of the Ganges’.
• Other notable features include the temple of Rivage, adorned with thousands of sculptures dedicated to Shiva, and the Shore Temple.
• Founded in the 7th century by the Pallava rulers south of Madras, Mahabalipuram's harbour facilitated trade with distant kingdoms in Southeast Asia, including Kambuja (Cambodia), Shrivijaya (Malaysia, Sumatra, Java), and the empire of Champa (Annam).

Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, also known as Conjeevaram, is a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was the capital of the early Chola and Pallava dynasties and is renowned for its rich heritage of art, architecture, and learning.

• Kailasanathar Temple, built by Pallava King Rajasimha, and Vaikuntha Perumal Temple are among the city's famous landmarks.
• Kanchipuram was a significant religious center for Jainism and Buddhism and was known for its educational institutions called Ghatikas.
• The city was often referred to as the Banaras of the South and is mentioned in classical Tamil literature, such as Sangam works like Manimegalai and Perumpāṇāṟṟuppaṭai.
• It was a hub of religious and literary activity for the Vaishnavite and Shaivite Bhakti saints, including the Alvars and Nayanars.
• Kanchipuram is also famous for its handwoven silk sarees.

Tirupati

In Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh.

• Sri Venkateswara Temple:
• Dedicated to Vishnu.
• Located on top of Tirumala hills.
• Established as a centre of Vaishnavism around the 5th century A.D., during which it was praised by Alvars.
• The temple rites were formalised by the Vaishnavite saint Ramanujacharya in the 11th century AD.
• The temple received donations from the Pallava, Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara rulers.
• Tirupati survived Muslim invasions by agreeing to pay Jizya to the Muslim rulers.

Halebidu

In Hassan district, Karnataka.

• Capital of the Hoysala kings in the 10th to 12th centuries.
• Temple complex includes:
• Hoysaleswara Temple:
• Features two monolithic Nandi statues on either side.
• Kedareshwara Temple
• Two Jain Basadis
• Construction Materials:
• Temples built using soapstone.
• Artistic Details:
• Walls adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, animals, birds, and Shilabalikas (dancing figures).
• Jain Basadis also feature rich sculptural details.

Hampi

Hampi - The Glorious City of the Vijayanagara Empire:

• Hampi was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Foreign travelers who visited Hampi during its peak praised the city for its grandeur.
• The site features a mix of religious, civil, and military buildings, with most monuments being religious in nature.

Hindu Temples in Hampi:

• Hazara Rama Temple Complex: Built by Krishnadev Raya, this temple complex is known for its intricate frescoes and carvings that depict the story of the Ramayana.
• Vittala Temple Complex: This complex features images of foreign merchants, such as Persians, selling horses.
• Virupaksha Temple: This temple, dedicated to Shiva, predates the Vijayanagara Empire and is one of the oldest in the region.

Important Civil Architecture:

• Elephant Stable: This structure was used to house the eleven royal elephants in King Krishnadeva Raya’s army.
• Neighbouring Building: Adjacent to the Elephant Stable, this building housed the elephant riders of the king.

Aihole

• Location: Aihole is situated in the Bijapur district of Karnataka. It is east of Pattadakal, while Badami is to the west of both.
• Historical Significance: Aihole was the first capital of the Western Chalukyas before it was moved to Badami.
• Architectural Heritage: Aihole is known for its Chalukyan architecture, featuring many stone temples dating back to the 5th century CE. It is home to some of the earliest structural temples in India.
• Notable Temples: Among the seventy temples found at Aihole, four are particularly important:
• Ladh Khan Temple:. flat-roofed structure consisting of a pillared hall.
• Durga Temple: This temple resembles a Buddhist Chaitya (prayer hall).
• Huchimalligudi Temple: Another significant temple in Aihole.
• Jain Temple at Meguti:. noteworthy Jain temple located in the Meguti area.
• Caves: Aihole is also known for its cave temples, including:
• Ravana Phadi Cave: Rock-cut temples within this cave.
• Jain Cave Temple:. cave temple dedicated to Jain traditions.
• Buddhist Chaitya Cave:. partly rock-cut structure resembling a Buddhist Chaitya.
• Aihole Inscription: The Aihole Prasasti, found in the Meguti Temple, is an important inscription composed by Ravikirti, the court poet of Pulakesin II, in 634 A.D.
• This inscription is written in Sanskrit and old Karnataka script and provides a detailed account of Pulakesin II's exploits against neighboring kingdoms, including the Pallavas and Harshavardhana.

Pattadakal

Pattadakal, located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, was renowned not only for Chalukyan architectural activities but also as a sacred site for royal coronations, known as 'Pattadakisuvolal.'

• The temples built in Pattadakal showcase a fusion of various architectural styles, including the Rekha, Nagara, Prasada, and Dravida Vimana styles.
• The oldest temple in Pattadakal is the Sangamesvara, constructed by Vijayaditya Satyasraya between AD 697 and 733.
• Notable temples in Pattadakal include:
• Kadasiddhesvara and Jambulingeswara, both dating back to the 7th century A.D.
• Galaganatha temple, built a century later in the style of Rekha Nagara Prasada.
• Kasivisvesvara temple, the last to be built in the early Chalukyan style.
• Mallikarjuna temple, constructed by Rani Trilokyamahadevi to commemorate Vikramaditya II's victory over the Pallavas.
• Virupaksha temple, which inspired the Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna I to create the famous Kailasa at Ellora.
• The last addition to Pattadakal was made during the reign of Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna II in the 9th century A.D. with a Jaina temple locally known as Jaina Narayana.
• The Sangamesvara, Virupaksha, and Mallikarjuna temples in Pattadakal exhibit significant southern elements in their vimanas, similar to contemporary Pallava temples.
• Pattadakal, meaning 'City of the Crown Rubies', briefly served as the third capital of the Chalukya kingdom while the Pallavas occupied Badami (642-655).

Badami

• Location: Bagalkot district, northern Karnataka.
• Historical Significance: Capital of the Early Chalukyas, founded in 540 AD by Pulakeshi I.
• Notable Event: Destroyed by the Pallavas under Narasimhavarma I, who called himself Vatapikonda.

Cave Temples:

• Location: Southern hill near a tank in Badami.
• Number of Caves: Four cave temples, three Brahmanical and one Jaina.
• Cave 1: Features Lord Shiva in various forms, including a unique five-foot tall figure of Shiva with eighteen hands dancing the Tandava, accompanied by Nandi, Ganapati, and drummers.
• Cave 2: Similar to Cave 1.
• Cave 3: The largest cave, depicting Vishnu-related mythology and known for its intricate carvings.
• Cave 4: Dedicated to revered figures of Jainism.

Temples:

• Types: Sandstone cave temples and structural temples.
• Architectural Style: Early styles of southern Indian architecture.
• Rock-Cut Cave Temples: Dedicated to Shiva (with Parvati), Vishnu, and Jain figures, including depictions of Lord Nataraja in various dancing poses.
• Notable Temples: Muktheeswara temple, Melagutti Sivalaya, Bhutanatha group of temples, and Mallikarjuna group of temples.
• Features: Paintings on ceilings and intricate carvings.

Inscriptions:

• Earliest Inscription: First Sanskrit inscription in old Kannada script dating back to 543 CE, from the period of Pulakeshi I.
• Other Inscriptions: Found near the Bhutanatha temple and in a 12th-century Jain rock-cut temple dedicated to Adinatha.

Ellora, Kailashnath Temple

Ellora Caves:

• Location: Aurangabad district, Maharashtra.
• Type: Rock-cut caves dating from the 6th century AD onward.
• Religions: Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut temples and Viharas.
• Dynasties: Built during the Kalachuri, Chalukya, and Rashtrakuta periods.
• Jain Digambara Cave Temples: The Jagannatha Sabha, built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
• Buddhist Caves: One chaitya griha (prayer hall) among the Buddhist caves.
• Kailasanatha Temple:. Hindu temple built by Rashtrakuta king Krishna III in the 8th century.
• Architectural Style: Dravidian architecture, resembling Mount Kailash.
• Structure:. free-standing, multi-storeyed temple carved from a single rock.
• Dashavatara Cave: Features a monolithic mandapa (pillared hall) with sculptural panels depicting the ten avatars of Vishnu.
• Inscriptions: Grant of Dantidurga of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, inscriptions on the Kailash temple, and inscriptions in the Jain cave Jagannatha Sabha naming monks and donors.
• Cave Paintings: Found in various locations within the Ellora complex.

Fifteen temples, Lonar

Location and History:

• The temples are situated in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, India.
• They were constructed around the 11th to 12th century AD, surrounding a crater lake.

Architectural Style:

• The temples exhibit a style known as Hemadpanti, which is characteristic of the region during that period.

Deities and Temples:

• While most temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, there are a few dedicated to other deities as well.
• One notable temple is the Kamalja Devi temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Kamalja,. form of Shakti.

Festivals:

• The Kamalja Devi temple hosts annual fairs during the festival of Navaratra, attracting many visitors.

Somnath Temple

History of the Temple:

• The temple is located on the Gujarat coast in the Saurashtra region.
• In the 8th century, it was ruled by the Chavada Rajputs. Over time, it came under the control of various rulers, including the Marathas and the Nawab of Junagarh.
• The temple is renowned as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• It is a popular pilgrimage and tourist destination.

Looting and Rebuilding:

• The temple has been looted multiple times by various rulers, including Muhammad Ghazni, Muhammad Ghori, Alauddin Khilji, Muzaffar Shah of Gujarat, the Sultanate, Mahmud Begada, and Aurangzeb.
• It has also been rebuilt several times by different rulers, such as Paramara King Bhoja of Mawa, Solanki King Bhimdev of Anhilwara, Kumarpala, the Peshwa of Pune, the Bhonsle of Kolhapur, and Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.

Modhera Sun Temple

Sun Temple, Modhera:

• Location: Modhera village, Mehsana district, Gujarat, on the banks of the Pushpavati River.
• Deity: Dedicated to Surya, the sun god.
• History: Built in 1026 AD by King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty.
• Construction: Funded jointly by royalty and traders.
• Architectural Feature: Similar to the Sun Temple at Konark, designed so that during the equinox, the first rays of the sun would illuminate the image of Surya.
• Destruction: The temple was destroyed by Alauddin Khilji.
• Temple Structure:Comprises three main elements:
  • Surya Kund: The water tank, considered the grandest temple tank in India.
  • Sabha Mandap: The assembly hall.
  • Guda Mandap: The sanctum.
• Iconography: The exterior walls of the main temple feature sexual iconography.
• Woodcarving Influence: The intricate carving and sculpture work reflect the woodcarving tradition of Gujarat.

Pushkar

Pushkar: A Historical Overview:

• Location: Pushkar is a town situated in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, India.
• Ancient Settlement: The discovery of microliths (small stone tools) near Khera and Kaderi indicates that the region was settled in ancient times.
• Archaeological Finds: The Aravalli hills near Pushkar have yielded artefacts similar to those found in Mohenjodaro, an ancient Indus Valley civilization city.
• Historical References: Pushkar is mentioned in ancient texts such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas, highlighting its historical significance.
• Unique Temple: The town is home to the only temple in India dedicated to the worship of Lord Brahma, making it a unique pilgrimage site.

Mount Abu

Mount Abu, Rajasthan:

• Hill Station in the Aravalli Range
• Famous for its ancient Hindu and Jain temples

Jain Temples:

• Dilwara Temples: Carved from white marble between the 11th and 13th centuries CE.
• Vimal Vasahi Temple: The oldest temple, built in 1021 CE by Vimal Shah, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara.

Hindu Temples:

• Adhar Devi Temple: Carved out of solid rock.
• Shri Raghunathji Temple
• Achaleshwar Mahadeva Temple
• Gaumukh Temple

Deogarh, Dashavatar Temple

Dashavatara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, built during the Gupta period in the early sixth century. It is one of the earliest known Panchayatana temples, featuring the Nagara style and the early Shikhara type of architecture.

• The temple is renowned for its intricate carvings, including figurines of the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna on the doorway to the sanctum sanctorum. Inside, there is a stunning sculpture of Anantashayi Vishnu reclining on a serpent, showcasing the classical Gupta style of artistry.

• The fort on the hill of Deogarh, where the temple is located, is also home to a cluster of Jain temples, adding to the site's historical and cultural significance.

• Interestingly, the Dashavatara Temple faces west, which is less common, as most temples are oriented towards the east or north.

Hidimba Devi Temple

Location and Architecture:

• Location: The temple is situated in Manali, a hill station in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
• Architecture: The temple features multi-tiered architecture and is built in the Pagoda style.

Historical Significance:

• Deity: The temple is dedicated to the demon goddess Hidimba, who belonged to the Rakshasa clan.
• Mythological Background: According to legend, the powerful Pandava prince Bhima married Hidimba during the period of agyatwas, when he was in hiding.
• Elevation to Goddess: Over time, Hidimba was revered and worshipped as a goddess by the local people.
• Patronage: The temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh, who reigned from A.D. 1532 to 1569.

Masroor Rock Cut Temple

• The Masroor Rock Cut Temple is located in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
• It is famous for its impressive group of rock-cut temples, which are the only example of the Nagara style of temple architecture done as rock-cut construction.

Details of the Temple Complex:

• The complex consists of 15 monolithic rock-cut shrines.
• Fourteen of these temples are cut from the outside only, while the central temple is cut from both the outside and the inside.
• The complex is now known as Thakurwada, a term used for Vaishnavite temples.

Idols and Sculptural Detailing:

• Inside the main sanctum sanctorum, there are idols of Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.
• The sculptural detailing on the doors, lintels, walls, shikharas, and column capitals includes figurines of gods and goddesses such as Shiva, Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, as well as floral designs.

Historical Changes:

• The presence of Shiva's figure in the center of the lintel suggests that the temple was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• However, it was converted into a Vaishnava temple in recent history.

Khatarmal Sun Temple

Location and Structure:

• The temple is situated on a high hill in Almora, Uttarakhand.
• Locally known as “ Bara Aditya. or the Great Sun God, it is an impressive structure.
• The main temple is surrounded by a paved enclosure and has 44 subsidiary shrines around it.

Historical Dating:

• Stylistically, the temple dates back to around the 12th – 13th century A.D.

Khajuraho

In Chhatarpur district of the Bundelkhand region in Madhya Pradesh, lies the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a collection of Hindu and Jain temples built by the Chandella rulers between the 10th and 12th centuries. These temples, constructed in the Nagara style of architecture, are renowned for their intricate sculptures and detailed carvings. Notable temples include:

• Kandariya Mahadeva Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its elaborate design.
• Lakshman Temple and Chaturbhuja Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Chaunsath Yoginis Temple dedicated to Tantric worship.
• Chitragupta Temple dedicated to the Sun god.
• Adinatha Jain Temple and others.

The temples are characterized by:

• Early use of sandstone, later replaced by granite.
• No enclosing walls and elevation on high-platform terraces (jagati) adorned with bands of sculptures.
• Nagara shikharas featuring multiple miniature shikharas known as Urisingas and crowned with Amalakas.
• Panchayatana style, as seen in the Lakshmana Temple.
• Temple layout oriented east to west, including elements like mukha-mandapa, mandapa, antarala, and garbha-griha, with pradakshina adorned with carvings.
• Sikhara divided into seven segments.
• Approximately 10% of carvings depict sexual themes; the rest portray daily life scenes, including women grooming, playing games, dancing, and activities of musicians, potters, and farmers.
• Notable depiction of horsemen, marking the decline of chariot use.

The Khajuraho temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for their artistic and historical significance.

Bhitargaon Temple

Description:

• Location: Kanpur district, Uttar Pradesh.
• Structure:. terraced brick building with a terracotta panel at the front.
• Historical Period: Built in the 5th century during the Gupta period.
• Significance: It is the oldest remaining brick/terracotta Hindu shrine featuring a roof and a high Shikhara.
• Architectural Features: The shrine is built on a square plan with double-recessed corners and faces east. There is a tall pyramidal spire over the garbhagriha (sanctum).
• Wall Decorations: The walls are adorned with terracotta panels depicting various figures such as aquatic monsters, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu.

Note: The upper chamber of the shrine did sustain some damage in the 18th century.

Shiv temple, Bhojpur

Bhojpur Temple: An Overview:

• The impressive Shiva temple at Bhojpur is situated on a rocky outcrop by the Betwa River (formerly known as Vetrawati), about 32 km southeast of Bhopal.
• This temple, believed to be commissioned by King Bhojadeva of the Paramara dynasty (1010-1055 A.D.), remains unfinished for reasons unknown. King Bhojadeva was renowned for his support of art, architecture, and learning.
• The temple features the largest Shiva Linga in India, notable for its girth and height.
• A distinctive feature of Bhojpur is the presence of a large, extant ramp used to transport architectural members to the ceiling, a unique aspect not found in other temples.

Nachna Kuthara, Parvati Temple

Panna district, Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh:

• The early examples of the Nagara style of temple architecture in northern India began during the Gupta age.
• Temples in Panna are among the first structural temples of India.
• The district is famous for the Parvati temple built in the 5th century during the Gupta period and the Mahadev temple of the 7th century.
• In terms of architectural style, these temples represent an advance over the earlier square and flat-roofed temples.

Tigawa Temple

Kankali Devi Temple, Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh:

• The Kankali Devi Temple is part of a complex with around 36 ruins of Hindu temples in Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh.
• The temple dates back to the Gupta period, specifically the early 5th century, and is in good condition.
• This temple represents the earliest phase of structural temples in the region.
• It is characterized by a flat roof, square sanctum, and a shallow verandah.
• Inside the temple, the sanctum and an open portico are supported by four pillars.
• An image of Narasimha is placed inside the sanctum.
• The portico features images of Sheshashai Vishnu (Narayana) and Chamunda (Kankali Devi).
• There is also a Vishnu temple from the Gupta period within the complex.

Laxman temple, Sirpur

Location and Historical Background:

• Sirpur is situated on the banks of the Mahanadi River in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh.
• An inscription found at the temple site indicates that it was constructed by Queen Vasata. She was the daughter of Maukhari King Surya Verma of Magadha and the widowed mother of Panduvamsi King Mahasiv Gupta Balarjuna, who ruled from AD 595 to 655.

Architectural Features:

• The temple, made of bricks and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is built on a raised platform.
• It includes a Garbhagriha (sanctum), antarala (vestibule), and the remains of an enclosed pillared mandapa (hall).

Sirpur Group of Monuments:

• The Sirpur group of monuments also features various Buddhist and Jain structures, highlighting the area's rich cultural and religious heritage.

Dah Parbatiya

Near Tezpur in Assam.

• Ancient temple of the 5 or 6 century (late Gupta period).
• Carvings on the temple door-frame of stone.
• Carvings of the river Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna.
• During Ahom period, a Shiva temple was built with bricks over the ruins of an ancient Gupta period temple.
• Stone paved layout plan of the sanctum sanctorum and a mandapa.
• The excavations revealed many terracotta plaques in which human figures were shown in a sitting position.

Kamakhya temple

Kamakhya Temple:

• Location: Situated on Nilachala Hill in western Guwahati, Assam, India.
• Dedication: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, a form of the divine feminine.
• Historical Significance: One of the oldest among the 51 Shakti Pithas, which are sacred sites dedicated to the goddess Shakti. According to tradition, these sites mark the places where different parts of Sati's body fell.
• Architectural Features:The temple features a distinctive hemispherical dome on a cruciform base. It includes four chambers:
  • Garbhagriha: The innermost sanctum.
  • Three Mandapas: Hallways used for various purposes, including worship and gatherings.
• Orientation: The main temple complex is aligned from east to west.
• Tantric Worship: The temple is a significant pilgrimage destination, especially for practitioners of Tantric worship.
• Mahavidyas: Kamakhya Temple is the main shrine in a complex dedicated to the ten Mahavidyas, which are powerful forms of the goddess.

Sibsagar

Location and History:

• Situated in the Sibsagar district of Assam.
• Built by Ahom king Siba Singha between AD 1714-44.

Architectural Significance:

• One of the tallest Ahom temples in Assam.
• Made of brick and stone masonry.
• Positioned on the southern bank of Sibasagar tank, aligned in a north-south direction.

Other Temples and Attractions:

• Nearby temples include Devidol (dedicated to Goddess Durga) and Vishnudol (dedicated to Lord Vishnu), both built by Queen Ambika Devi, a chief queen of King Siva Singha.
• Sibsagar is also known for its Ahom palaces and monuments.

Vishnupur/Bishnupur

• Bishnupur is a town in the Bankura district of West Bengal, India.
• The town is renowned for its beautiful terracotta temples, which are made from locally sourced laterite stones.
• These temples were built during the 17th and 18th centuries by the Malla kings, who were followers of Vaishnavism.
• The Malla kings were known for their devotion to Lord Vishnu and his avatars, which is reflected in the intricate carvings and designs of the temples.

Bhubaneshwar

Present Capital of Odisha:

• In the 7th century, the Somavamshi or Keshari dynasty established their kingdom in the area and constructed numerous temples.
• After the Kesharis, the Eastern Gangas ruled the Kalinga area until the 14th century CE.
• Bhubaneswar is known as the 'Temple City' or 'Ekamra Kshetra' due to its many Hindu temples dating from the 6th to the 13th century CE.
• The temples are built in the Kalinga style, with famous examples including:
• Lingaraj Temple
• Muktesvara Temple
• Rajarani Temple. known for its pancharatha style
• Ananta Vasudeva Temple. the only temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the area
• Bhubaneswar is also famous for the classical Odissi dance.
• The twin hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri are the site of an ancient Jain monastery.
• The Dhauli hills feature major edicts of Ashoka, a significant historical site.

Konark

Location and Historical Background:

• Situated on the eastern coast of India, south of the Mahanadi Delta in the state of Odisha.
• Renowned for the Sun Temple, originally built in the 9th century AD and later reconstructed by the Ganga King Narasinha Deva in the 13th century.

Architectural Features:

• The temple is designed as a massive sun chariot, featuring 12 pairs of intricately decorated wheels.
• Originally, the temple complex included:
• A sanctum with a curvilinear Shikhara
• A Jagamohana (mandapa)
• A detached dancing hall, all aligned on the same axis
• Numerous subsidiary shrines and structures, all surrounded by a compound wall with three entrance gates.

Sculptural Highlights:

• The temple is adorned with various sculptures depicting birds, animals, deities, Apsaras (celestial nymphs), and terracotta figurines illustrating sensuality.
• These sculptures reflect the Khajuraho style of artistry.

Historical Nomenclature:

• The Konark temple was referred to as the "Black Pagoda" by the Portuguese due to its dark stone and grand architecture.

Martand Sun Temple

Martand Temple: Overview:

• The Martand Temple is a prime example of traditional Kashmiri architecture, dedicated to the Sun-God Martand. It is situated on a high plateau near the modern village of Mattan in Anantnag district.
• This temple was constructed by Lalitaditya Muktapida, a prominent ruler of the Karkota dynasty in Kashmir, around AD 724-760.

Architectural Features:

• The temple is set in a large courtyard surrounded by a cellular peristyle with fluted columns.
• Inside the temple, there is a garbhagriha (sanctum), an antrala (vestibule), and a closed mandapa (hall), all accessed by a grand flight of steps.
• The sanctum's exterior is three ratha (sections) in plan and features a double-chambered gateway on the west, aligning with the temple's width.

Historical References:

• The Martand Temple is mentioned by the historian Kalhana in relation to the rule of Harsha (AD 1089-1101), the son of Kalasa.

Nagari

In Chittorgarh district, Rajasthan, an ancient city called Madhyamika was flourishing from the Mauryan period to the Gupta period.

• Two Vaishnavite inscriptions from the second century B.C. were found, recording the performance of an asvamedha and vajapeya sacrifice.
• A third inscription refers to the erection of a Vishnu temple in the fifth century A.D.
• During the excavation, three periods were distinguished, with the first two being before the stone fortification and seemingly without baked-brick structures.
• Remains of an older structure were found below the level of the enclosure, including a stupa or temple made of moulded bricks.
• Two carved pillars from the Gupta period were discovered, featuring lion and bull capitals.
• Architectural components of the temple included the lower part of a human figure seated on a chair, lotus, flying birds, and human heads.
• Pottery. Red Polished Ware was found, but NBPW was negligible.
• Other finds. Punch marked coins, terracotta human and animal figures in Sunga and Gupta styles, toys, flesh-rubbers, an ivory seal with swastika and taurine symbols, and copper antimony rods and rings were discovered.
• The fortification probably originated in the Gupta times.

Puri

Puri, Odisha:

• Jagannatha Temple: Built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
• Char Dham: Puri is one of the four great pilgrimage sites in India.
• Ratha Yatra: Famous for its annual chariot festival.