See India With My Eyes

The Somnath Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Gujarat, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are regarded as the holiest abodes of Lord Shiva. The Somnath Temple is an ancient temple with a rich history, and it continues to be a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus across the country. History The history of the Somnath Temple dates back to ancient times. The temple is believed to have been originally built by the moon god, Som, in gold. The temple was then rebuilt by Ravana in silver, and later by Lord Krishna in wood. In the 11th century, the temple was rebuilt by King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty in stone. Over the years, the Somnath Temple faced numerous invasions and was destroyed several times by foreign rulers. The temple was first destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024 CE, who looted the temple and destroyed its Shiva Linga. The temple was then rebuilt by t...

The Sun Temple of Konark, located in the Indian state of Odisha, is a marvel of ancient architecture and a testament to the ingenuity of the people who built it. The temple, also known as the Black Pagoda, is dedicated to the Hindu sun god Surya and was built in the 13th century CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple was designed in the shape of a chariot with twelve pairs of ornate wheels, each representing a month of the year. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and daily life, and is considered a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture. The main structure of the temple, including the sanctum sanctorum and the porch, was built on a high platform to protect it from flooding during monsoons. The temple was also designed to align with the sun so that the first rays of sunlight would shine directly onto the entrance of the temple. One of the most striking features of the temple is...

Badrinath Temple, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most sacred shrines in Hinduism. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is a part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. The temple is situated on the banks of Alaknanda River and is surrounded by the picturesque beauty of the Himalayan mountains. The temple is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century AD. According to legend, Lord Vishnu, in the form of Badrinath, meditated here for thousands of years. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,133 meters above sea level and is only open for six months in a year, from April to November. The architecture of the Badrinath temple is a blend of the South Indian and North Indian styles. The temple is made of stone and has a conical roof, which is covered with gold gilt. The main entrance of the temple is made of brass and is adorned with intricate carvings of various Hindu deities. The temple h...