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Today we are going on a fascinating journey through ancient Indian temples to uncover their mysterious secrets. Get ready for stories full of wonder and mysticism!
Today we are going on a fascinating journey through ancient Indian temples to uncover their mysterious secrets. Get ready for stories full of wonder and mysticism!
Legends that mesmerise
Meenakshi Temple in Madurai
Indian temples are not just architectural marvels but also repositories of many legends that have been passed down from generation to generation. For instance, the Meenakshi temple in Madurai is home to the legend of Goddess Meenakshi, who was born with three breasts. Yes, yes, yes, don’t be surprised! According to the myth, when the goddess met her true love, the third breast disappeared. Now that’s the effect of a first date, wouldn’t you agree!
Unusual rituals
The martial art of Kalari Payattu in Kerala
If you think that visiting a temple is just about praying and meditating, you are sorely mistaken. Some Indian temples practice some very unusual rituals. At the Kalari temple in Kerala, you can witness the ancient martial art of Kalari Payattu, which is performed as a ritual dance. Imagine, you come to pray and then — bang! — a real martial arts show starts in front of you.
Architectural marvels
Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur
The architecture of Indian temples is a separate subject to admire. Take for instance the Brihadishwara temple in Thanjavur. Its tower, the vimana, reaches a height of 66 metres and is built of granite. No one knows how the ancient builders managed to lift such heavy stones to such a height. Maybe they had superheroes with superpowers that we don’t know about?
Kailasanatha Temple in Ellora
Another striking example is the Kailasanatha temple at Ellora. This temple is completely carved out of monolithic rock from top to bottom. Yes, yes, you heard right! The roof was carved first and then everything else was carved. Imagine how much patience and skill it took to do such a job. It’s not like making sandcastles out of a sandpit!
Hidden symbols
Somnath Temple in Gujarat
Indian temples are full of hidden symbols and mysteries. For example, the Somnath temple in Gujarat has a mystical pillar that is said to point to the Earth’s pole. According to legend, if you draw a straight line from this pillar through the centre of the Earth, it will pass through the North Pole. So much for the navigation systems of the ancient Indians!
Virupaksha Temple in Hampi
The Virupaksha temple in Hampi has a picture of an elephant, which is actually an optical illusion. If you look at it from a certain angle, the elephant turns into a bull. So much for the ancient art of illusion, no worse than modern tricks with 3D graphics!
Indian temples are not just places of prayer, they are true repositories of history, culture and mysticism. They are full of amazing legends, unusual rituals, architectural marvels and hidden symbols that continue to amaze even today.
So don't miss the chance to go to the ancient temples with Indi Holidays! Who knows, maybe you will discover another mystery that even the wise men could not solve. And if not, at least savour the splendour and atmosphere of these amazing places.
Your guide to the mysteries of India
Indi Holidays team
Indi Holidays team