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Rangji Temple - Vrindavan (Dravidian Architecture)

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"Recognizing the need is the primary condition for design.”                              RANGJI TEMPLE    Shree Rang ji Temple is the largest temple of Vrindavan which was built in 1851 in the Dravidian style (which is replication of Srivilliputhur) and dedicated to Lord Ranganatha or also known as Rangji which depict Lord Vishnu. In this temple, Lord Vishnu is in his sheshashayi pose and resting on the large coils of the sacred Sesha Naga. Not only Lord Vishnu, but in this temple one can worship Lord Narasimha, Goddess Sita, Lord Rama and Lord Laksman, Lord Venugopala and Lord Ramanujacarya. Here the main priest is south Indian brahmans. In this temple, non-Hindus cannot enter where deity is located. Non-Hindu can only enter till courtyard and non-Indian can enter only till first two gateways. On the second gateway there is moving diorama which exhibits for Rs 1. History of Rangji Temple This gre...

Nalanda Mahavihara- Bihar

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“Recognizing the need is the primary condition for design.”                              NALANDA MAHAVIHARA Nalanda near Patna is where you can find the archaeological remains of a Mahavihara or Buddhist monastery, which was one of the earliest and finest universities in India. In ancient days, this monastic and scholastic institution was located in the kingdom of Magadha, which is now the modern state of Bihar. Nalanda University Archaeological Complex is currently located about 84 km away from Patna, the capital city of Bihar. A visit to the complex makes for an enriching journey into history, architecture, culture, and Buddhism. If you are a history buff, make sure to include this ancient university in your itinerary when planning a trip to and booking your hotels in Patna. Nalanda Mahavihar Information: Location -Nalanda district Timings -9:00 am to 5:00 pm; every day Entry Fee...

Ajanta Caves - Aurangabad (Cathedral Style Architecture)

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“Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves.”                                   AJANTA CAVES The first Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. During the Gupta period (5th and 6th centuries A.D.), many more richly decorated caves were added to the original group. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta, considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, have had a considerable artistic influence. History of Ajanta Caves . The history of the caves is rather interesting. The caves have been built in a set of two phases centuries from each other. The first set belongs to the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE, whereas, the second set of the caves were built in the 5th century. First Period Caves (Satavahana) - Caves 9, 10, 12, 13 & 15A Caves no. 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15A were the earliest constructed caves. Most scholars and researc...

Laxmana Temple - Khajuraho (Nagara Architecture)

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“Consider the momentous event in architecture when the wall parted and the column became.”                                LAXMANA TEMPLE  At a distance of 1 km from Khajuraho Bus Stand, Lakshmana Temple is one of the most well preserved temples in Khajuraho. This temple is considered to be one of the oldest existing temples in the Western Group and also one of the must visit places in Khajuraho. Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was built before 954 CE by Yashovarman, the seventh ruler of Chandela dynasty. It is believed that it took 20 years to build the temple. It is one of the first magnificent structures established in Khajuraho and also one of the three largest temples set in the Western Wing of the Khajuraho complex. History of Laxmana Temple. The Lakshmana temple was the first of several temples built by the Chandella kings in their newly-created capital of Khaj...

Rohtasgarh Fort- Rohtas ( Rajputana Architecture)

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“It is not the beauty of a building you should look at; it’s the construction of the foundation that will stand the rest of time.”                                               ROHTASGARH FORT  Rohtasgarh Fort is one of the ancient forts of India which was constructed in the city of Rohtas situated on the banks of Sone river. The fort has been ruined and now cannot be accessed easily due to Naxalite activities. The hill on which the fort is situated has the height of 1500m. Tourists have to climb the stairs to reach the gate of the fort which is very exhausting. Rohtasgarh, one of the largest forts not only in India but in the whole world, is spread over a radius of 26 miles. The name of this area was named Rohtas after Rohtasgarh, established by Rohitashva, the son of Satyuga Suryavanshi king Satyaharishchandra. History of Rohtasgarh Fort. ...

Marble Palace- Kolkata (Neoclassical Architecture)

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  "Kolkata, a city that has a story in every corner."                               MARBLE PALACE The beautiful 19th century Marble Palace mansion was built by a rich Bengali merchant, Raja Rajendra Mullick in 1835. Raja Rajendra Mullick, apart from being a wealthy merchant, also had a penchant for collecting works of art from various places that he visited. The Jagannath temple built within the premises of the palace mansion was built by his father, Sri Nilmoni Mullick, who had adopted Rajendra Mullick as his son. The temple predates the mansion and is still in very good shape, however, it can only be accessed by the members of Mullick family and is not meant for visitors / tourists. History Of Marble Palace  The Marble Palace in 1945 The house was built in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick, a wealthy Bengali merchant with a passion for collecting works of art. The house continues to be a resid...

Guptar Ghat- Faizabad (Indo-Ismalic Architecture)

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  “ Architecture is the alpha principle of all arts ”                                        GUPTAR GHAT   Guptar Ghat in Ayodhya district of Uttar Pradesh is a religious place on the west bank of River Ghaghra, also known as River Saryu. The birth place of Lord Ram and its adjoining region is known as Ayodhya, more specifically Saket. In the scriptures, the glory of the Gupta-Ghat has been proclaimed. Guptar Ghat is approximately 9 km from Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya. Guptar Ghat looks different from the ghats of Ayodhya in many ways. There is neither the presence of ‘Pandas’ nor the religious environment in strict sense. The solitude on the ghat does not create boredom rather it elicits conscious peace. History Of Guptar Ghat  Guptar Ghat holds immense religious significance. According to legend, Guptar Ghat is believed to be the place where Lord Rama medita...