Ganesh Chaturthi 2018 date – Information - Story - Pooja Time for Ganpati Festival in 2018

Ganesh Chaturthi 2018 date – Information - Story - Pooja Time for Ganpati Festival in 2018

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Ganeshotsav or Vinayaka Chaturthi, is the birthday of Hindu God Ganesha (Vinayaka - Ganpati), the God of wisdom, prosperity, and auspiciousness. Ganesh Chaturthi 2018 date is Thursday, September 13 - information based on Hindu calendar in India. Ganpati Festival in 2018 ends with the immersion (Visarjan) of the murti (idol) on Ananta Chaturdasi day - September 23, 2018. Good puja time is from 11:05 AM to 1:31 PM. Ganesha is today worshiped around the world and the Elephant-faced Hindu god is one of the most popular deities associated with Hinduism. Like symbol ‘Om’, Ganesha is slowly becoming the face of Hindu religion. This is a pan India festival and is observed in all regions.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi Observed?

Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day after new moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August - September). Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Chaturthi or the fourth day during the waxing phase of moon in Hindu Calendar.

Why is it observed?

It is the birthday of Ganesha. Vighnaharta, one among the 108 names of Ganesha, appeared on earth to remove the obstacles of devotees. He is invoked before any puja or prayer in Hinduism. He is the lord of beginnings.

Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi

A few years back an article on Ganesh Chaturthi might have mentioned Vinayaka as the most popular god in India or might have restricted him within Hinduism. But today, Ganesha is a popular symbol around the world. Slowly and steadily, Ganesha is breaking all religious and national boundaries and is finding a space in many living rooms around the world.

Ganesha breaks that invisible distance which exists between man and god. Children can play with him, teenagers can discuss their problems, and elders can find answers to philosophical questions. Hindu mythology is full of stories related to Ganesha. Devotees and admirers of Ganesha might not be aware of these myths but the image of Ganesha connects with them immediately and is reminded of a Supreme Soul.

Perhaps, Ganesha is the cutest god in the world. People might debate this statement but nobody can ignore the unique figure of Ganesha. The figure represents hope in adversity. Ganesha provides the strength to overcome obstacles. And due to this aspect he is called ‘Vigneshwara.’ He is worshiped first in all prayers. Ganesha’s names are repeated first before any auspicious work is begun.

When a devotee stands before Ganesha, the devotee’s ego disappears and is transformed into a child. In that innocent state, one will realize that the elephant head of Ganesha symbolically represents ‘om’ – the first mantra and the primordial sound.

Story of Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesha is the remover of obstacle - Vighneshwara or Vignaraja – and is always invoked when Hindus are beginning a new enterprise.

It is believed that Goddess Parvati created Ganesha out of clay and breathed life into him. Letting him stand guard at the door, Goddess Parvati went to have her bath.

When her husband, Lord Shiva returned, the child who had never seen him stopped him.

Ganesha did not allow Shiva to enter and finally, an enraged Shiva severed the head of the child.

Goddess Parvati returned to find her son dead and was distraught and asked Shiva to revive him. Shiva cut off the head of an elephant and fixed it on the body of Ganesha and giving birth to elephant-headed Ganesha.

How Long is Ganesh Chaturthi Festival?

In Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for 10 days. In other parts of India, it is celebrated for one day on the Ganesh Chaturthi day. On the day special prayers are performed in all Hindu homes and hymns and songs are sung in praise of Lord Ganesha.

Who Started Ganesh Chaturthi Festival?

The large scale public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi Festival was started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893 in Pune.

The origin of the public celebration of Ganesh festival is traced to the period of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, the great Maratha ruler, who asked people to perform public celebration to promote culture and nationalism in the 17th century.

The large-scale Ganesh festival as we see today was revived by Lokmanya Tilak, freedom fighter, in the last decade of 19th century in Pune to spread the message of freedom struggle and to defy the British who had banned public assemblies.

Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav - Public Vinayaka Chaturthi Festival

Thousands of Ganesh statues are installed in various public places in India and in Hindu Temples around the world. Millions of small Ganesh idols are installed in Hindu homes in India, especially in Maharashtra, Goa and Andhra Pradesh. After the festival, these statues are immersed in the sea (Ganesh Visarjan ceremony).

Some of the idols of Ganesha prepared during the Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav can reach a height of more than 70 - feet.

The richest Ganesh Chaturthi Pandals are located in Mumbai. Their budgets run in millions.

During the 10-day festival, millions of devotees throng pandals across major cities in India especially in Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Nagpur and Hyderabad.

Some of the popular Ganapati Mandals are:

Lalbaugcha Raja – Mumbai

Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) Seva Mandal at King’s Circle – Mumbai

Keshavji Naik Chawl pandal in Girgaum – Mumbai (oldest mandal in Mumbai)

Dagdusheth Ganpati – Pune

Khairatabad Ganapati – Hyderabad – Secunderabad

Modak - Delicacy Prepared During Festival

Ukadiche modak, or steamed rice ball in a unique shape, made of rice flour and stuffed with coconut, jaggery, and cardamom is a special delicacy made during the period.

Other delicacies include Puran poli and Chakkali.

But the most important delicacy is modak as it is the favorite food of Ganesha.

Today, modaks made of dry fruits and numerous other rare fruits are available in the market.

Ganesh Chaturthi and Environmental Concern

Ganesh Festival is also attracting a lot of criticism from environmentalists and nature lovers primarily due to pollution caused by the use of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (POP). Hinduism and Nature are so entwined that one cannot be separated from another. Ganesha itself is a classic example. But still, we Hindus do little to stop pollution. At least we can stop creating more pollution in the name of Ganesha by only buying natural Ganesh idol and natural items for Ganesh Puja.

Buy Natural Clay Ganesh Murti painted with natural colors.

Use only natural materials during Ganpati Puja.

Spread the importance of Clay Ganpati.

Do Ganesh Visarjan at Home.

Create awareness and indulge in cleaning public places polluted due to Ganpati festival and Visarjan.

Visarjan - Ganpati Bappa Moraya – Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya

The symbolic meaning of Ganesh Chaturthi festival is that Lord Ganesha comes and stays with us. The immersion symbolizes his return from the earth after removing the obstacles and unhappiness of his devotees.

Some families perform the ceremony on the very next day. It is believed that Ganesha comes and stays in the idol for a day and returns the next day.

There are other families which perform the Ganesh immersion or Visarjan on the 1.5 days, 3rd, 5th, 7th or the 10th day.

In Maharashtra, Ganesha is also bid adieu along with Jyeshta Gauri (5th day)

Today, many people choose the least crowded day to immerse the Ganesh idol.

Those who opt for an eco-friendly Ganesh immersion, do it in a bucket or a tank. In Mumbai, artificial lakes are created to avoid water pollution. This year the governments and NGOs are running a strong campaign for the use of eco-friendly Ganesh idols.

For public pandals, it is a 10-day festival and ends on Anant Chaturdashi - the fourteenth day during the waxing phase of moon in Bhadrapad Month.

The procession can last for more than 24 hours.

The murti is taken to sea, lake or river for immersion.

The air is filled with the chant of Ganpati Bappa Moraya – Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya – come back soon next year

Ganesh Visarjan Mantras

Ganesh Visarjan Mantras

There are no specific Ganesh Visarjan mantras. The only chant that is done is Ganapati Bappa Moriya...Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya (come back soon to blesses - this part is chanted mainly in Maharashtra.)

You can also chant this prayer

Mushikavaahana modaka hastha,

Chaamara karna vilambitha sutra,

Vaamana rupa maheshwara putra,

Vighna vinaayaka paada namasthe

O Vinayaka! The remover of all obstacles, the son of Lord Shiva, with a form which is very short, with mouse as Thy vehicle, with sweet pudding in hand, with wide ears and long hanging trunk, I prostrate at Thy lotus-like Feet!

Ganesh Visarjan Procedure

Before taking Ganesh for Visarjan. You should perform Aarti. All the family members should be present. Usual Ganesh Mantras and Aarti prayers should be chanted.

The visarjan ritual begins with the Uttarang puja which involves offering five items, namely deep (oil lamps), pushp (flowers), dhoop (incense), gandh (fragrance) and naivedya (food) to Ganpati.

After this, all members of the household gather to perform the aarti and sprinkle akshat or raw rice upon the lord.

The murti of Ganesha is then lifted from its seat and carried to the threshold where it is turned to face the house and placed on the floor.

You should thank Ganesha for visiting your home. Thank him for bringing prosperity and auspiciousness. Thank him for taking away all difficulties with him.

Ask for his pardon for any mistakes committed.

If you plan to bring Ganesh murti next year, then ask him to return.

Now a spoonful of curd is poured into Ganesh's outstretched palm because Hindus especially Maharashtrians believe that any guest who receives curd and rice is sure to visit again.

Ask for His blessings. The family then circumambulates Ganesha murti after which it is led for immersion.

Take some water and sprinkle it on the person performing the Visarjan.

The person performing the Visarjan should remove all garlands and other decorations on Ganesha.

Collect it in a newspaper or cover. This should not be thrown in the river or water body. Should be place in appropriate spot given by authorities or should be deposited in a hole in one's compound.

Now it is time to lift up the Ganesha.

Lift up the Ganesha. Other people around can chant Ganapati Bappa Moriya... and other Ganesha chants.

Once the murti is lifted up do not place it at home. Walk out of home and move quickly towards the immersion point.

Never look back at home with the murti in the hand.

While immersing the murti chant ...Ganapati Bappa moriya...

Some devotees perform another aarti at the spot of immersion but this is skipped due to heavy rush.

After Performing the immersion, do not look back at the murti.

Return home and take bath.

Go to the puja room or area and offer prayers.

Eco Friendly Ganesh Visarjan after Chaturthi

Symbolic Immersion

You can also perform a symbolic immersion by sprinkling water on Ganesha. This is if it is made of metal or porcelain and you plan to use it next year.

Such murtis should be carefully kept in the puja room or in a spot without disturbing it. Daily prayers should not be offered to this murti. Prayers to this murti should only be offered during Ganesh Chaturthi.

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Famous Temples in India

The Indian society and its people are incomplete without their belief in the Almighty. It is the presence of more than hundreds of temples in India which makes the country unique and special and a great way to connect with the supreme power. Indian temples do not simply cater to a man’s religious needs but in fact, dominate the political and socio-economic life of several communities while contributing largely to the architectural and cultural heritage of India.

Boasting of unparalleled beauty and artistic grandeur, these famous temples in India are a must-visit for all tourists from around the globe. Here are some top-notch Indian Temples which will make your visit to India divine and holy.

Famous Temples in India

1. Badrinath Temple, Badrinath, Uttarakhand

Also known as Badrinarayan, the Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who can be found in a meditative posture flanked by his duel forms of Nar and Narayan. Expanded in the 17h century by the Garhwal kinds, this is a sacred temple for Vaishnavites. This temples architect resembles a Buddhist vihara with a brightly painted facade.

2. Kedarnath Temple, Kedarnath Uttarakhand

This temple is one of the best temples in India and is the seat of Lord Shiva who is the protector and destroyer of the realm. Located amongst snow-capped mountain peaks, this temple was built by Pandavas and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas built mainly of heavy and evenly cut gray slab of stones. History reveals that the Pandavas did penance in this very temple to please Lord Shiva.

3. Gangotri Temple, Gangotri, Uttarakhand

Being the birthplace of the River Ganges, the Gangotri temple is located in the Himalayas and has been dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Made essentially of white graphite, this Indian Temple is 20 ft high and is influenced by Kasturi style architecture. Legend states that King Bhagirath performed intense rituals here for more than 5000 years to bring Goddess Ganga down from heaven to help him wash away all the sins of his ancestors.

4. The Konark Sun Temple, Konark, Orissa

The Konark Sun Temple is one of the most famous temples in India and has been dedicated to the Lord Sun. It has been designed resembling his carriage with the entire temple being in the shape of a chariot with 12 wheels and dragged by 7 horses. The legend goes that Samba worshipped the Sun God for 12 years to seek penance. The Lord healed him after being pleased with his devotion. In order to express his gratitude, Samba made this Sun Temple.

5. Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Built by the Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I, this temple is also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil and RajaRajeswaram. It is the largest temple in the city and has been dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple was built as per the principles of Agamas and Vaastu Shastras and is made entirely of granite stone. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the grand and magnificent architecture of this temple is worth witnessing.

6. Somnath Temple, Saurashtra, Gujarat

Mentioned in ancient books such as Shreemad Bhagwat, Skandpuran, and Shivpuran, the meaning of Somnath is Protector of the Moon God. The legend goes that this Indian Temple was built by Som in honor of Lord Shiva. Built on the Arabian Sea’s shore, there is no land area in a straight line between the temple and the South Pole. A Junagadh gate, museum, beach, sound and light show are added attractions with the temple.

7. Yamunotri Temple, Yamunotri, Uttarakhand

Being the source of River Yamuna, the sacred shrine of Yamunotri is surrounded by mountains and is placed at the foot of the hill. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the deity in this temple is made entirely of black marble. An ambiance of absolute purity surrounds this place with a breathtaking view all around.

8. Sanchi Stupa, Raisen, Madhya Pradesh

Also known as the Great Stupa, the Sanchi Stupa is a holy place of Buddhist and is built in a dome shape boasting of relics of Buddha. Built by the great emperor Ashoka, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has 4 intricately designed gateways called Toranas. This Indian temple preserves the relics of Buddha and is 16 meters high and 37 meters in diameter.

9. Ramanathaswamy or Rameshwaram Temple, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

Being a part of the four holiest pilgrimage places for Hindus, this is one of the best temples in India. It is believed that Lord Rama and his wife Sita first landed on the shores of Rameshwaram after having defeated Ravana. There are 2 lingams in the temple, namely Vishwalingam and Ramalingam wherein the former is always worshipped before the latter.

10. Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Hardiwar, also known as Gateway of the Gods is home to several bathing ghats amongst which Har ki Pauri is the most sacred one. It was constructed by King Vikramaditya and legend goes that by taking a dip in this holy water you can achieve the salvation of your ancestors. You must visit the evening prayer or Aarti which is performed every evening here.

11. Vaishno Devi Mandir, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir

Being the abode of Maa or Mother Vaishno Devi, this Indian temple is located on a mountain called Trikuta at an altitude of 5200ft. Instead of a statue, there are 3 rock head forms which are known as Pindies and denote Vaishno Devi. The legend goes that one can only visit the shrine successfully is Maa Vaishno Devi herself calls you to her doorstep.

12. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Built in the 18th century, the Siddivinayak Temple has been dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is said that one must seek the blessings of this God before commencing any new assignment or work. The shrine’s wooden doors boast of 8 carved impressions of Lord Ganapati or Ganesha with devotees from all over the country worshipping this famous temple in India all year round.

13. Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab

The Golden Temple is also known as Darbar Sahib or Sri Harmandir Sahib and is one of the holiest pilgrimage places for Sikhs and one of the best temples in India. There are 4 doors in the temple each of which opens in a prominent direction thereby symbolizing that the temple welcomes people from all faith, race, and color. It also symbolizes humility since the entire structure is built on a level lower to that of the immediate surroundings. The Temple is golden in color and beautiful to look at, hence the name.

14. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been dedicated to Lord Shiva who is considered to the emperor of the universe according to Hindu mythology. Varanasi, the city where the temple lies is also known as Kashi and hence the name. It is believed that by visiting this Temple, one can attain Moksha or ultimate liberation of the soul.

15. Neelkanth Mahadev temple, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Located on the top of a hill whose height is 1675 m, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple has been dedicated to Lord Shiva. Legend states that when the Samudra Manthan took place, Lord Shiva ingested all the venom which oozed out from it at this very place thereby giving it the name of Neelkanth Mahadeo.

16. Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri, Orissa

It is this very Indian Temple which gives the city of Puri its other name, Jagannath Puri. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is part of the 4 holiest places in the country and entry for non-Hindus is strictly restricted here. Along with the idol of Lord Jagannath or Krishna sits the idols of Goddess Subhadra who is Lord Krishna’s sister and Lord Balabhadra who is his brother. The world-famous Rath Yatra has been conducted annually with thousands of people pulling the sacred chariots during the Yatra.

17. Naina Devi Temple, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Named after Naina Devi, Nainital is a city which is also home to the Naina Devi Temple. The legend goes that when Lord Shiva carried Goddess Sati’s body, her eyes or Naina fell down at this very place where the temple was created. In 1880 a landslide devastated the temple but it was reconstructed soon after.

18. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

This Temple is a complete architectural wonder which has been dedicated to Goddess Parvati or Meenakshi and her husband Lord Shiva. Before devotees visit the main shrine they are advised o take a dip in the Golden Lotus Tank which is located within the temple premises. The hall in the temple boasts of 985 pillars; each of which has been intricately carved and designed. This is one of the most famous temples in India.

19. Amarnath cave Temple, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir

Located at an altitude of 3,888 m this famous Temple in India is engulfed with ice-clad mountains. Believed to be around 5000 years old, the legend goes that a Muslim shepherd received a bag full of coal from a holy man which later turned into gold. When searching for the holy man to thank him, the Muslim shepherd found the abode of Lord Shiva which is known as Amarnath today. The road to this holy temple consists of a 5-day trek which is not easily covered by all.

20. Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Lying at a height of 1000 feet and overlooking the beautiful city of Srinagar, the Shankaracharya temple dates back to 200 B.C. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this Indian Temple was visited by Adi Shankara and hence associated with him.

21. Tirupati Balaji, Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh

Also known as Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple, this Indian temple has been devoted to Lord Venkateshwara who is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and also known as ‘Balaji’. Brahmotsavam is a festival which is celebrated here with much prompt and grandeur for 9 days. The prasadam of laddoos given here is quite famous and as a religious ritual, thousands of individuals from around the globe come here to heads tonsured annually.

22. Akshardham Temple, New Delhi, Delhi

Spread over a hundred acres area, the Akshardham Temple is one of the best temples in India. This is a unique temple which speaks on the diverse Indian culture, spirituality and ancient architecture and has several structures within the complex; each of which gives a glimpse of Indian religion and depicts its history. It also boasts of different architectural styles and is made up of Italian Carrara marble and Rajasthani pink sandstone. It has been dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan.

23. Lotus Temple, New Delhi, Delhi

Being a Bahai House of Worship, the famous temple in India has been built in the shape of a lotus flower and is a major tourist attraction. The Bahai Faith aims to unite all races and people under a common faith and is a world religion. You can enter the temple via any one of the 9 doors; all of which lead to a central hall which is home to several statues, idols and pictures.

24. Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

This Indian Temple is dedicated to Lord Parvati. Though in most idols we find Goddess Kamakshi or Parvati in a standing pose but in the enchanting idol here, Goddess Parvati is sitting in a yogic sitting posture or Padmasana.

25. Birla Mandir, New Delhi, Delhi

Also known as Laxminarayan Temple, the Birla Mandir has been dedicated to Lord Laxminarayan. This Indian Temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and is flocked by thousands of devotees every day to offer their prayers. The temple has been built in Nagar style of architecture and boasts of rich carvings which depict scenes from Hindu mythology.

26. Khajuraho Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho is home to not one but 20 temples; all of which were built between 10th to 12 centuries. These temples are spread over an area of 20 sq km and built of sandstone. It has been dedicated to Jain and Hindu deities. The erotic carvings on the temples are world famous with the temples being divided into 3 zones – southern, eastern and western.

27. Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is one of the best temples in India. In the form of Virupaksha, Lord Shiva is the consort of local goddess Pampa which is why it is also given the name of Pampapathi Temple. The engagement and wedding of this couple are celebrated with a lot of grandeur here.

28. ISKON Temple, New Delhi, Delhi

This temple is also known as Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir and is located at Hare Krishna Hills. Dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radharani, this temple is home to one of the largest temple complexes in the country. Six aartis and six bhoga offerings are made every day to please the deity.

29. Jwalamukhi Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Jwalamukhi means the Goddess with a flaming mouth. A copper pipe is placed in the temple via which natural gas comes out and is lit by the priests present. This is considered to be a manifestation of the Goddess Jwalamukhi and no deities are found inside. The temple has domes above it which reflect the golden color with beautiful carvings on the walls of the temple.

30. Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi, Maharashtra

Spread over an area of 200 sq.km., this shrine was made in 1922 over the Samadhi of Sai Baba. Thousands of devotees visit this famous temple in India every day with the figure reaching lacs during festivals.

31. Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa

Also known as the ‘love temple’ this Indian temple has some extremely erotic carvings on its walls. With no presiding deity in the temple, it is considered to be a symbol of grace, beauty, and perfection.

32. Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, New Delhi, Delhi

Being the oldest Jain temple in Delhi, it was made in honor of the 23rd Tirthankara named Parashvanath. Only red sandstone was used in its making and Indian Temple is one of the best examples of excellent architecture during Shah Jahan’s era. Along with the temple, a bird hospital, a research laboratory and an intensive care unit can also be found on the premises.

33. Gomateshwara Temple, Shravanabelagola, Karnataka

This temple has been dedicated to Lord Bahubali who is also known as Gomateshwara. Being an important pilgrimage place for Jains, it was built in the 10th century. The statue has a unique structure which stands tall at 58.8 ft without any external support and has been carved out of a single granite rock. The Bahubali’s base has inscriptions written on it in Marathi, Tamil, and Kannada language.

34. Ranakpur Temple, Pali, Rajasthan

Pali falls between the cities of Jodhpur and Udaipur and is home to this Indian temple which was built in the 15th century. Dedicated to Lord Adinatha, it is one of the 5 most sacred places for Jains. Its marvelous architecture had got it nominated for the new Seven Wonders of the World. The main structure is supported with the help of 1400 intricately carved pillars and is made of light-colored marble only. Only natural light of the sun is used for illumination all around.

35. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Lord Padmanabhaswamy is one of the sacred dwellings of Lord Vishnu and this temple can only be visited by Hindus. A strict dress code has to be followed for entering the temple. A splendid idol of Lord Vishnu can be seen reclining over Anantha which is a 5 hooded serpent. The idol displays the supreme trinity of Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva or Mahesh. A lotus comes out of the Lord’s navel over which Lord Brahma can be seen sitting. Hence the name Padmanabha or lotus-navel.

36. Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat

Being the holy abode of the almighty Lord Krishna, this is one of the most famous temples in India which is also called Jagat Mandir. There are 2 doors in this temple; the entry door is called Swarg Dwar or doorway to heaven while the exit door is known as Moksha Dwar or doorway to liberation. It is a 5-story structure which stands with the support of 72 pillars. The temple is 51.8 m high and one needs to climb 56 steps to reach the Sward Dwar. The deity is built in black stone and reaches 2. 25 ft in height.

37. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa

Boasting of the Kalinga style of architecture, this temple has been dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built-in 1000 A.D., it is made entirely of laterite and sandstone and the largest temple in the city.

38. Kalighat Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal

The Kalighat temple is an extremely famous temple in India which has been dedicated to Goddess Kali. The legend goes that Goddess Sati’s body parts fell all over the nation with the Kalighat temple being the site where her toes fell. Being an extremely sacred place, it is flocked by thousands of devotees every day.

39. Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal

Located near the banks of the River Hoogly, the Dakshineswar temple is considered to be the abode of Bhavatarini which is a form of Goddess Kali. Built in the year 1855, along with the main shrine, the temple complex also houses 12 identical temples which have been dedicated to Lord Shiva. This Indian temple is a major tourist attraction in Kolkata.

40. Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam

Situated on the Nilachal Hill, the Kamakhya Temple is one of the most famous temples in India for Tantric worshippers as well as devotees. It has been dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. The garbha griha which is the inner sanctorum has a yoni-shaped stone located in a cave beneath the ground level. The stone has water filled in it at all times.

India is truly a country which is has the best temples in the world. Now that you have a list of best temples in India, what are you waiting for? Visit them soon. Share your experiences with us in the comments section. Also, let us know if we missed out on any good temple in the country.

The Limitation of the Intellect Buddhi

Chit Shakti meditation is not just visualization. In the yogic understanding, there are 16 dimensions to the human mind. These 16 dimensions fall into four categories. These four categories are known as buddhi, manas, ahankara, and chitta. Buddhi is the intellect – the logical dimension of thought. Unfortunately, the modern education systems and modern sciences have largely limited themselves to buddhi. That is a buddhu (foolish) way of existence.

The Limitation of the Intellect

Buddhi or the intellect cannot function without a certain bank of memory or data. Depending on the data you have, the intellect plays around. Suppose in your memory system, there are 10 gigabytes of memory. Depending on how sharp your buddhi is, one person can produce, let’s say, a trillion thoughts with these 10 gigabytes. Someone else can produce 10 trillion thoughts with the same 10 gigabytes of memory.

In the yogic understanding, there are 16 dimensions to the human mind.

If you can think a little better than someone else, it is considered as intelligence today. If someone says one thing and you can say ten things to that, you may be socially smart, but you are not any more intelligent. Unfortunately, in today’s systems of education and academics, everything is determined by this. If you can make more things out of it, you are considered intelligent, which is not true – you only have a sharper buddhi. The buddhi will not take you beyond limits in any way, because it can only function based on the data that is already there. It is not capable of accessing anything beyond that.

The Memory of Your Forefathers

The next dimension is called manas. Manas has many layers to it. But manas is not just the brain – it is right across the body. Every cell in the body has a phenomenal memory – not just of this life but of millions of years. Your body clearly remembers how your forefathers were a million years ago. Top to bottom, there is manas – this is called manomaya kosha. In every cell in the body, there is memory and intelligence, but no intellect. Intellect is only in the brain.

What is in the brain is intellect, not intelligence. Intelligence and memory are right across your body. But people have never been trained how to use this intelligence.

In English language, everything comes under one banner called “mind.” The idea that intelligence is only in the brain has produced human beings whose consciousness is seriously constipated. What is in the brain is intellect, not intelligence. Intelligence and memory are right across your body. But people have never been trained how to use this intelligence. Instead, they use their intellect for everything. No wonder they are stressed out whatever job you give them. The whole weight is on only one dimension of the mind out of sixteen. It is like loading a sixteen-wheeler truck and trying to drive on only one wheel – you can imagine the stress! That is what today’s world is going through.

People may be using other dimensions of the mind marginally, unconsciously, but they are not trained to use them. They have only been trained to use their buddhi, or their intellect. They are very smart. They know everything about everything, but they do not know how to figure their own life. They do not even know how to sit here peacefully and at total ease within themselves. If there is true intelligence, the first thing that you need to figure out is how to make life happen. You know how to make the world happen, but you do not know how to make your life happen. You do not know how to conduct your mind, your energies, your emotions or your body.

If you ask people to become fit, they become tight. If you ask them to live in a more natural way, they become fat. Where is the intelligence? There is only intellect. Intellect looks good only in comparison. Suppose you are the only person on the planet, your intellect will not mean anything. Only because there are a few idiots around you, you shine. By itself, intellect will not be of any consequence.

The Sense of Identity

The intellect directly connects with the third dimension of your mind, called ahankara. Ahankara is sometimes translated as ego, but it is much more than that. Ahankara gives you a sense of identity. Once your ahankara takes on an identity, your intellect functions only in that context. It is important to function beyond the intellect, because the intellect is seriously enslaved to your identity.

There are other ways to know life beyond the identities we have taken on for our survival in the world.

Our identities, such as belonging to a certain nation, community, or whatever else, are necessary for our survival in a particular society. But you cannot think beyond this because you are functioning only from your intellect, and the intellect takes its sustenance from ahankara. Only along the axis of ahankara, the intellect can function. The intellect cannot transcend this, because that is its nature. But there are other ways to know life beyond the identities we have taken on for our survival in the world.

The Cosmic Intelligence

The fourth category of the mind is called chitta. Chitta is mind without memory – pure intelligence. This intelligence is like the cosmic intelligence – simply there. Everything happens because of that. It does not function out of memory – it simply functions. In a way, what you call cosmos is a living mind, not in the sense of intellect but in the sense of chitta. Chitta is the last point of the mind. It connects to the basis of creation within you. It connects you with your consciousness.

Chitta is always on – whether you are awake or asleep. Your intellect comes on and goes off. Many times it fails, even when you are awake. If chitta or the intelligence within you was not always on, you could not stay alive. Try to conduct your breath with your intellect – you will go crazy. Chitta is keeping you alive, keeping you going, making life happen. If you touch this dimension of your mind, which is the linking point to one’s consciousness, you do not even have to wish for anything, you do not have to dream of anything – the best possible thing that can happen to you will anyway happen.

The Divine Enslaved

When people touch this dimension of the mind, it is called ishwara pranidhana in yoga. This means God becomes your slave – he works for you. You know, yogis say, “Shiva is my servant. He does everything for me.” In a way, otherwise, I would not be here. Once you know how to consciously access your chitta, everything that is needed will simply happen in the best possible way. If you go by your intellect or your buddhi, today you think “this is it,” tomorrow morning you think “that is it” – like this it goes on endlessly.

Chitta is the last point of the mind. It connects to the basis of creation within you. It connects you with your consciousness.

Once you know how to consciously keep your chitta on, once the Divine is your servant, when someone really efficient is working for you, you do not have to do anything. Simply sit; the best things will happen – things that you could not imagine. People always think if their dreams come true, their life will be great. I think that is a very poor life, because you cannot dream about anything that is not at all in your experience. My wish and my blessing for you is things that you could not dream of, things that you never thought possible, must happen to you. What you did not dream must happen to you – that is why you should not dream.

Instead of seeing how to delve deeper into yourself, you go on projecting stupid ideas into the world. People think that is a great thing to do. Last time when I was in the US, and someone said to me, “ how do you manifest all this?” I said, “I do not manifest anything. I am just fooling around. I got a very efficient partner [Shiva]. I simply leave it to him, and it happens.”

Chit Shakti is about touching the dimension of your mind that is pure intelligence – unsullied by memory, unsullied by identification. It is beyond ahankara, beyond buddhi, beyond judgment, beyond divisions – simply there, just like the intelligence of existence that makes everything happen. If you access this, you do not have to worry about what happens or what does not happen. It will happen in a way that you never imagined possible.

Once you have access to your chitta, it is also a multi-pointed telescope. It makes you see things that no one else can see – in every direction.

Once you have access to your chitta, it is also a multi-pointed telescope. It makes you see things that no one else can see – in every direction. It is your crystal ball. It is a magnifying glass that brings the very core of life close to you. For everyone else, it is far way. Everyone thinks the Divine is somewhere up there. Where exactly, no one knows. All they know is, it seems far away.

The moment you start looking at life through your chitta, where there is no memory, there is no karmic substance and no division. Suddenly, the Divine is right there, bang on, in your face all the time. You cannot miss it.

The idea of Chit Shakti is not to keep asking for things. The idea is that if the physical arrangements of life happen easily, you can dedicate more time for your spiritual wellbeing. It would be stupid if just because it happens easily, first you want to be a millionaire, then you want to be a billionaire. The main intention is that your physical life happens more easily, that it does not take your entire time to handle it, so that you will have time to close your eyes and sit. Please make use of it for this purpose.

July 2018 monthly horoscope

July 2018 monthly horoscope

Aries (Mar. 21st – Apr. 20th)

Home, family and personal security get your attention. You’ve been spending quite a while already restructuring your foundation for future success and achievement. Intellectual and mental pursuits keep inborn initiative razor sharp. Your inner cruise director is working overtime.

You may spend a lot of energy playing or fall in love quite passionately. Everyday environment/activities should still be pleasant. Social life is still in high gear. Continue expressing feelings of appreciation toward special others.

Anyone received a special ‘proposal’ since April? Continue to use that extra self-expressive energy to create something unique. Enlightenment comes first regarding career/public image then regarding groups/friends/goals.

Taurus (Apr. 20th – May 21st)

Everyday environment is ablaze with activity. Speaking, writing, and learning are top priority! You’ve been spending quite some time pursuing deeper knowledge to learn to better your existence. The home front buzzes with activity.

There will be numerous conversations. Some take a nostalgic turn. Watch out for confrontations with family members. Use inborn Taurean energy to remain stable. Home renovations or starting the building of a new home is best done before Mercury goes retrograde.

Financial opportunities, negotiations and investments still favored. Beautiful things and places still attract you. Enlightenment comes regarding your need to expand your personal horizons then in regard to your career/public image.

Gemini (May 21st – June 21st)

Finances/personal values undergo change. You’ve been concentrating on wealth, possessions, and self-worth for a while. What’s really important to you? Communications in your daily environment increase dramatically.

Authentic astrology forecasts for the year 2019 by Sun sign: love, career, finances.

That’s one of your inborn talents! Tempo of daily life accelerates. Ensure the power of your words doesn’t become a destructive weapon. Venus continues to transit your solar birth sign since April. You’re still more personable, sociable and charming. How many have changed your appearance – several times???

Continue asking for what you want. You might get it – at least until early August. Enlightenment comes regarding intense emotional/joint financial issues then in regard to expanding your horizons.

Cancer (Jun. 21st – Jul. 22nd)

Happy Birthday, you tender, caring, nurturing crustaceans! Your new astrological year begins with Saturn still teaching you to look inward for honest self-evaluation in order to deal with shortcomings and weaknesses.

Partnership/ relationship issues may be revealed on the 2nd. Pay attention this month to what you value in life – materially, intellectually, and spiritually. Negotiations with others concerning money or property may begin. Loved ones may need your care.

Charitable activities promote soul growth. Avoid the urge to make unwise and impulsive purchases, and the tendency to force your beliefs on others. Month’s end may reveal emotional experiences more intense than usual.

Leo (Jul. 22nd – Aug. 22nd)

Do you dynamic lions feel as though you’ve been in a fog? It begins to clear by mid month. Then you’ll have a lot to communicate. Make use of that extra burst of energy as Mars continues transiting your birth sign until August 10th.

It will be about 22 months before you get that extra burst again. Be careful not to roar too loudly! Activities with groups and with friends are increased this month. Social life is enhanced – invitations may be numerous. Interaction with women may occur often.

Many of you are still working on your spirituality and learning to accept yourself for who and what you are. Enlightenment is yours this month in the areas of work and health, and then later in regard to partnership/relationship issues.

Virgo (Aug. 22nd – Sept. 22nd)

Practical, detailed and conscientious – that’s how you’ll operate in your group activities and in pursuing your goals and ambitions.

People you associate with are a reflection of yourself. You’re still being asked to consider whether they deserve you or whether you must move on. Your ultimate life vision is still being restructured. Meditation helps open your mind to higher visions and calms edginess that’s hard to pin down.

Say everything that needs to be said. Unspoken words – keeping secrets – this month might be held against you. Favorable circumstances in business and professional life arise. Enlightenment comes concerning what you love to do or possibly in romance and then regarding functions you perform on a daily basis.

Libra (Sept. 22nd – Oct. 22nd)

You’ve been quite expressive these past few months as your ruling planet has been in Gemini for an extended stay. Foreigners may be playing a key role. Consciousness-expanding experiences broaden your vision and provide personal growth through some Venusian endeavor.

Your personal stage is highlighted. Personal reputation becomes public. Your creative words will be communicated in group activities and amongst friends. Don’t be over bearing with your burning passion for goals and ambitions.

A guardian angel remains on your shoulder until the end of September. Enlightenment comes first regarding home, family or security issues, and then in regard to some romantic, creative, or pleasurable pursuit.

Scorpio (Oct. 22nd – Nov. 21st)

Use your inborn need for deep involvement and intense transformations to help expand your personal horizons through metaphysical, religious, or spiritual pursuits. A new course of study helps advance your career.

You’re still in a period of searching for the meaning of life. A good month for travel. Communicate what you need in your professional life. Promote your public image. Avoid petty details. Creative energy pours into your career/public image. Watch out for conflicts with others. Intimate encounters continue with more depth and intensity.

Now Venus is direct, credit applications are favorable. Enlightenment comes regarding something in your everyday environment and then concerning home or family issues.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21st – Dec. 21st)

There is a lot of intensity in your normally open and light-hearted world. You’re still learning the limitations of your own resources and how much you need to cooperate with and how much you depend on others. New courses of study not only broaden your scope of life but they might awaken something deep in your soul.

Partnership/relationship issues continue to progress smoothly. Some may finally decide to get married. Legal issues may be resolved out of court. New experiences entice you. Travel favored as long as you don’t go too far too fast. Long distance moves may be in the works. Enlightenment comes regarding finances and/or your set of values, and then concerning communications in your everyday environment.

Capricorn (Dec. 21st – Jan. 20th)

Partnership/relationship issues continue needing to be addressed. Saturn still transits your chart’s sector requiring analysis of commitments and expectations in your relationships. Look inward. Reflect on deep psychological truths.

Get in touch with hidden aspects of yourself. Expect intense and profound conversations. A good month for research and investigation. Work related matters/ employee relationships continue smoothly. So does the tendency to overindulge in food and drink! Your ability to handle sudden urgent situations is being tested.

Experiences yield transformation in how you assert yourself. Enlightenment comes first about personal emotional issues then in regard to your values or how you spend money.

Aquarius (Jan. 20th – Feb. 19th)

Your innovation and originality is being drawn upon at work or in your everyday service. You’re still in a period of learning the value of daily work and service, and of keeping your body functioning in a healthy manner.

aquarius 2018 forecast

Communication flows in a creative fashion in partnerships/relationships. People may enter your life that uncannily resemble and act like others you know. Fun, entertainment, and having a good time are still priorities. A new relationship could begin. Watch the tendency to get either overly passionate or angry and violent with others.

Make sure conflicts that arise are worth fighting over. Enlightenment comes regarding spiritual or mystical disciplines, and then in regard to personal emotional issues.

Pisces (Feb. 19th – Mar. 21st)

Summertime is when you are drawn most to romance, creativity and pleasure. You’ve been in an extended period of exploring personal creativity and self-expression. The purpose of your existence is one of your biggest concerns.

Communications abound at work or within areas of personal service. The pace of your daily rhythm accelerates. Health issues surface. Watch out for disputes and arguments with co-workers. Exercise programs benefit you now. The atmosphere at home and with family should still be pleasant.

Redecoration fever still burns. Spring-cleaning taken longer than anticipated? Enlightenment comes regarding groups/friends/goals/ambitions, then regarding your higher spiritual connection.

Spirituality

Spirituality does not mean any particular practice. It is a certain way of being. To get there, there are many things to do. This is like a garden in your house. If the soil, sunlight or stem of a plant is in a certain way, it won’t yield flowers, you have to do something. You have to take care of those things. So if you cultivate your body, mind, emotions and energies to a certain level of maturity, something else blossoms within you – that is what is spirituality. When your rationale is immature, it doubts everything. When your rationale matures, it sees everything in a completely different light.

Whenever any human being experiences something bigger than himself, the traditional way of looking at that is, “this is God…” The whole idea of God is just that – anything bigger than you. It could be a human being or an experience or some aspect of nature. But is this spiritual? No, this is just life. When I say “just life“, I am not trying to dismiss it as a small thing. It is the greatest thing. Only when life becomes an overwhelming, powerful, blissful experience for you, you want to know what could have created this.

If you want to know the process or the source of creation, the most intimate part of creation for you is your own body, isn’t it? There is a captive creator here, trapped within you. You shouldn’t miss him here. If you don’t miss him here, if you know the source of creation within you, you are spiritual.

Does Belief in God Make You Spiritual?

An atheist cannot be spiritual. But you must understand that even a theist cannot be spiritual. Because an atheist and a theist are not different. One believes there is God, another believes there is no God. Both of them are believing something that they do not know. You are not sincere enough to admit that you do not know, that’s your problem. So theists and atheists are not different. They are the same people putting up an act of being different. A spiritual seeker is neither a theist nor an atheist. He has realized that he does not know, so he is seeking.

The moment you believe something, you become blind to everything else. The whole conflict on the planet is not between good and evil as they are trying to project it. It is always one man’s belief versus another man’s belief. The need for belief is more psychological than spiritual. You want to cling to something, you want to feel secure, you want to feel like you know it all. That is coming from a very immature mind. What is the problem if you don’t know anything about this existence. You actually don’t know anything. It’s beautiful! And you see how to make yourself beautiful and joyful within yourself, which is within your hands.

What is a Spiritual Experience?

Going to the ocean or to the mountain and seeking an experience may be beautiful, you must enjoy the world the way it is, but you must understand, the fish in the ocean doesn’t think it’s a spiritual experience, nor does the mountain goats think the mountain is a spiritual experience because they are there all the time. If you bring them to the city, they may think it’s a spiritual experience. It is the breaking of the barrier within you – something broke within you. You were in a shell. This broke and became a bigger shell. What I’m saying is, if you get used to the bigger shell, it feels the same way as the previous one.

So if you want to become boundless and you are trying to attempt it through physicality, you are essentially trying to go towards boundlessness in installments. Can you count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and one day count to infinity? You will only become endless counting. That’s not the way. Through physical means, you can never reach towards boundless nature. Every human being is looking to become boundless. If you give him whatever he wants, for three days he is okay. The fourth day he is looking for something else. Somebody may label it as greed, I just say this is life process in the wrong direction. If you want to know boundless nature, you must experience, you must perceive something which is beyond the physical. Something you might have touched when you jumped into the ocean, when you saw a mountain, when you sang a song, when you danced, when you closed your eyes, in so many ways it could have happened to an individual. You touched it, but now the question is of sustainability.

A Simple Practice

One thing is, we can put you on to something very simple, which is subjective. Any subjective technology cannot be taught to you in uncommitted atmospheres. So if you are willing to give yourself a small space of time that is very committed and focused, we can put you on a simple practice, where investing just 21 minutes a day (Inner Engineering), you can start your day with a very phenomenal spiritual experience within you. A very powerful experience that leaves you peaceful and joyful throughout the day.

Apart from that, to sustain it, one simple thing every human being has to do is, make your sense of involvement indiscriminate. If you look at a person, a tree, or a cloud, you are equally involved. You are equally involved with your own body and the breath. If you have no discrimination as to which is better, and you are equally involved with every aspect in life, then you will be constantly spiritual. Nobody needs to teach you what is spirituality.

13 Beautiful Ancient Temples In India That Will Take You Back In Time

13 Beautiful Ancient Temples In India That Will Take You Back In Time

We have learnt in Indian history that temples in ancient times were once social hubs where people congregated. They were also sites where the arts of dance, music and combat were honed and have been passed down for generations. Today, these temples remind us of our past and the architectural brilliance of craftsmen in those days.

1. Brihadeshwara Temple, Tanjore, Tamil Nadu

                                                                

Built by King Rajaraja Chola in 1002 AD, this temple was dedicated to Shiva and is the finest example of Dravidian art. The Brihadeshwara temple combines the best in the tradition of temple building - architecture, sculpture, painting and other allied arts. It is composed of many interconnected structures such as the Nandi pavilion, a pillared portico and a large hall. Its vimana (the roof like structure that towers above the sanctum sanctorum or main shrine) is 66 metres high.

brihadeswara temple

2. Kailashnath Temple, Ellora

This was built as a dedication to Lord Shiva, the destroyer. It is a tribute to man's greatness, even though academia have not given it its due place in our school history syllabus. It was carved in perfect proportion and alignment to its adjacent structures, which include columns, flying bridges, stone arches, and statues and buildings - all made out of a single piece of rock.

ellora

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3. Chennakeshava Temple, Karnataka

Situated on the banks of the Yagachi river, this temple was an early masterpiece of the Hoysala Period. It was built by the Vijayanagara ruler to commemorate their victory over the Cholas and is solely dedicated to Vishnu as most of the figural carvings depict aspects of Vishnu, particularly the incarnations and the God seated with Lakshmi.

temple

4. Tugnath Temple, Uttarakhand

At an elevation of 3680 metres above sea level, the Tugnath Temple is the highest elevated of the Panch Kedar, the others are Madhyamaheshwar, Kedarnath, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar. The temple is connected to the Ramayana where Lord Ram meditated to release the curse of Brahmahatya for having slaughtered Ravana. The temple is quite small, and hence only 10 people are allowed in at a time.

Tugnath Temple

5. Adi Kumbeswarar, Tamil Nadu

Located in the temple town of India, Kumbhakonam, this temple dates back to the Vijaynagara period. Adi Kumbeswarar is the presiding deity of the temple and the shrine is located in the centre. Kumbeswarar is in the form a lingam believed to have been made by Shiva himself when he mixed the nectar of immortality and sand.

kumbakonam

kumbakonamtemples.in

6. Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, Rajasthan

Although the structure of this temple dates back to the 14th century, this temple is said to be 2000 years old. The temple is mainly built of marble and stone slabs. It has a distinct red pinnacle and a bird motif. The temple sanctum sanctorum holds the central images of Brahma and his second consort Gayatri. It witnesses a festival dedicated to Brahma during the Kartik Purnima.

Jagatpita Brahma Mandir

7. Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu

Varadharaja Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in the holy city of Kanchipuram. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu believed to have been visited by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars. It is believed that the lizard sculptures that adorn the ceilings of the temple when touched forgive the sins of your past life.

Varadharaja Perumal Temple

8. Konark Sun Temple, Odisha

This temple was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty around AD 1250. The temple is in the shape of a gigantic chariot with elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls. A major part of the structure is now in ruins. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

konark sun temple

9. Dilwara Temples near Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Located about 2.5 km from Mount Abu, each of these five temples are unique in their own way and were built between the 11th and 13th century AD and are remarkable for their stunning use of marble. These five temples (Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar Temple, Parshvanatha Temple and Mahavir Swami Temple) are considered the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites in the world.

dilwara temples

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dilwara temple ceiling

10. Pancha Ratna Temple, Bankura, West Bengal

Built in 1643 by King Raghunath Singha, this temple stands on a low square plinth and consists of an ambulatory pathway with a porch opened by three arches on the four sides of the temple. The walls are richly decorated with terracotta carvings featuring aspects of Lord Krishna’s life.

pancharatna temple

11. Badami Cave Temples, Karnataka

The Badami cave temples are a complex of temples located at Badami, a town in the Bagalkot District in the northern part of Karnataka, India. They are considered an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, especially Badami Chalukya Architecture.

badami caves

badami caves

12. Vittala Temple, Hampi, Karnataka

Perhaps one of the most popular of all the temples in the Hampi complex, this houses the famous musical pillars that have amazing acoustics. The British wanted to find out the reason behind this, and so they cut two pillars to check if there was anything inside that was producing the sound. They found nothing but hollow pillars.

hampi

The road leading to the temple was once a market where horses were traded. Even today we can see the ruins of the market on both the sides of the road. The temple contains images of foreigners like Persians selling horses.

vittala temple

13. Orchha Temples, Madhya Pradesh

Orchha is another famous tourist spot located near the famous Khajuraho Temple. The town has Chaturbhuj Temple, Lakshmi Temple and Ram Raja Temple.

The Chaturbhuj temple is imposing with tall spires built atop a high platform. Its exterior is richly ornamented with lotus symbols. The Raja Ram Temple resembles a palace as the Ram is worshiped as a king here.

The Lakshmi Temple is an odd mixture of temple and fort and an unique mixture of concentric forms. It consists of an octagonal central tower inside a triangular temple. In line with this eccentricity, the entrance gate is set in a corner rather than the wall.