OT Staff
Bihar's Mundeshwari Devi Temple, possibly the oldest operational Hindu temple, showcases intricate stone carvings dating back to 625 BC, offering a glimpse into Gupta period.
With roots from the 1st Century, Meenakshi Temple honours Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, featuring elaborate stone-carved shrines and expansive Mandapas.
Pushkar's Brahma Temple, dating to the 14th century, stands near the revered Pushkar Lake, dedicated solely to the Hindu deity Brahma. Crafted from marble and stone slabs, it features a hamsa bird motif, attracting devotees during the Kartik Purnima festival.
The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, predating the Vijayanagar empire, worships Lord Shiva. It evolved from a small shrine into a significant pilgrimage site under Vijayanagara rule.
Mahabalipuram's UNESCO heritage temples, dating to the 7th century, showcase Tamil Nadu's culture through stone carvings depicting personalities, deities, and diverse themes, featuring chariot-shaped Rathas, Mandapas, and rock-reliefs along the Bay of Bengal, a haven for history enthusiasts.
Believed to be over 1,500 years old, Karnataka's Badami Cave temples showcase exquisite Indian Rock-cut architecture, housing Hindu and Jain shrines.
Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, attracting global visitors. Associated with varied legends, it evolved from a dwelling of Shiva and Parvati to its current form after restoration efforts dating back to the 16th century by a Garhwal king.
With over 1,200 years of history, the Kailasa Temple in Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, stands as the largest rock-carved temple globally, displaying impeccable measurements and alignment.
This world's highest Shiva Temple, 3,680m, is part of the Panch Kedar temples, believed to be built by the Pandavas. With sub-zero winters, it closes for six months due to heavy snow, and it is best visited in the summer months for a pleasant experience.
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