Author: umedesi

Categories
History Southern India Temples Travel

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Front view of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple’s vimana with intricate carvings and a lush green landscape.
The towering vimana of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a stunning example of Chola temple architecture. Attribution: Image sourced from Tamil Nadu Tourism.

Rajendra Chola I built Gangaikonda Cholapuram to rival Thanjavur. Though the city faded, its temple remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a reminder of Chola power.

Categories
History Southern India Temples Travel

The Engineering Marvels of Brihadeeswara Temple

A breathtaking aerial view of the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, surrounded by greenery and the cityscape.
An aerial perspective of the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, showcasing its architectural grandeur and surrounding landscape. Image sourced from Tamil Nadu Tourism.

Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur is an engineering wonder built over 1,000 years ago. Discover how the Cholas mastered science, geometry, and teamwork to create this iconic structure.

Categories
Southern India Temples Travel

Nandi: The Sacred Bull of Shiva Temples

Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, intricately sculpted at Hoysaleswara Temple.
A close view of the elaborately sculpted Nandi statue at Hoysaleswara Temple, representing devotion and artistic excellence.

Every Shiva temple has a guardian—Nandi, the sacred bull. Learn why Nandi always faces Lord Shiva, explore India’s largest Nandi statues, and see how this tradition even reached Cambodia.

Categories
History Southern India

The Rise of the Cholas – 2

A digital portrait in a 16 9 aspect ratio, featuring a regal depiction of the historic Tamil king, Rajendra Chola, against a backdrop of temples
Rajendra Chola

Rajendra Chola took the Chola Empire beyond India, launching the first full-scale overseas invasion by an Indian ruler. Explore his naval conquests, the attack on Srivijaya, and how the Cholas controlled the Indian Ocean.

Categories
Travel

Yogyakarta: A Cultural Bridge between India and Indonesia

Upper terrace walkway at Borobudur Temple with a row of perforated stupas under a clear blue sky in Central Java.
This picturesque walkway on Borobudur’s upper level is lined with rows of bell-shaped stupas, showcasing both artistic symmetry and panoramic views of Central Java.

Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Indonesia, offers a glimpse into Indian influence with its stunning temples like Prambanan and Borobudur. Dive into its history, cuisine, and festivals.

Categories
Indonesia Temples Travel

Borobudur: The Majestic Buddhist Monument of Java

Distant view of Borobudur Temple framed by lush green trees, with a blue sky and white clouds overhead in Central Java, Indonesia.
Viewed from a distance, Borobudur rises impressively amidst a canopy of tropical foliage, offering visitors a dramatic first glimpse of Indonesia’s largest Buddhist monument.

Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, is a masterpiece of 8th-century architecture. Explore its spiritual symbolism, intricate carvings, and cultural significance.

Categories
Angkor Wat Indonesia Southern India Temples Travel

Where Are the World’s Largest Hindu Temples?

Worlds 3 Largest Temples - Prambanan, Angkor Wat and Brihadeswaraar temples - an artistic rendering imagining all in one place - AI Generated - Dall-e
Worlds 3 Largest Temples - Prambanan, Angkor Wat and Brihadeswaraar temples - an artistic rendering imagining all in one place - AI Generated - Dall-e

Discover the biggest Hindu temples worldwide — from Angkor Wat to Brihadeeswarar. Explore their history, architecture, and spiritual roots.

Categories
Indonesia Temples Travel

Prambanan Temple Complex: Ancient Indian Influence in Southeast Asia

A panoramic garden view of the Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta, showcasing several tall temple spires and the ‘Prambanan’ sign.
A serene garden approach to the Prambanan Temple Complex, revealing the towering temple spires that form Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple compound.

The Prambanan Temple Complex in Central Java, Indonesia, is a stunning testament to the spread of Indian culture and influence, showcasing intricate carvings, towering temples, and shared heritage.

Categories
History

The Rise of the Cholas – 1

Stunning view of Brihadeeswara Temple’s vimana, a hallmark of Chola architecture
The massive vimana of Brihadeeswara Temple stands as a hallmark of Chola dynasty’s architectural brilliance, towering against a vibrant blue sky.

The Cholas ruled for over a millennium, but it was under Raja Raja Chola I that they became a powerful empire. Explore their rise, governance, and architectural legacy.

Categories
Karnataka Southern India Travel

Marketplace of Hampi: A Glimpse into an Ancient Global Hub

Close-up of a stone column in the Hampi Bazaar.
These carved stone columns housed the stores and in the distance is the large plaza which had more stores during Hampi's Vijayanagara period.

Hampi Bazaar, once a bustling trade hub of the Vijayanagara Empire. Known for its gems, spices, and textiles, this ancient marketplace connected South India to Persia, Portugal, and beyond. And this was over 500 years ago!