Real Wonders of the World

Author Rekha Gupta

BHARAT’S TEMPLES

Wonders of the world ! And I wonder why Bharat’s sacred temples aren’t listed ? What exactly is a wonder? A monument that is not only intriguing but leaves you spellbound, an ancient architectural masterpiece that cannot be comprehended or replicated by the modern world.

After thousands of years the sacred, mystical & bedazzling temples of Bharat remain enigmatic and unexplained for these are yet to be understood by the modern world and discovered in the true sense for the more we go in the more we discover. Some of these are ‘Sheer Talking Temples’ with an amazing insight into Bharat’s incredible culture & traditions. The moment you step into any such Divine temple the opulence of a bygone era renders you speechless. It takes you back in time, that not just simply boast of the riches, splendour ,grandeur and heritage of our country, but has hidden in them centuries old secrets about humans, their evolution, existence of God, faith belief,culture and what not.C@Rg

Built painstakingly by our ancestors , each temple has thousands of carvings on stone depicting an important different chapter of life. These are the ‘Treasure Houses of Knowledge’ built for the benefit of their future generations, perhaps they were discerning enough to know how we the future generations will need to look back upon them for wisdom.

These mammoth temples that were built more than a thousand years ago with either life size ,colossal or micro figures that are in perfect proportion and with their smooth contours and intricately carved ornaments that add to the grandeur. Each temple is different from the other. And no two sculptures are alike, each has a different face with different expressions. The carvings that seem as if they depict our Gods & Goddesses, musicians, dancers are actually much more than that. Hidden within these carvings are actually depictions of an entire way of life….From science to astrology from medical issues to the very evolution of humans.They literally have it all….its upto us to piece them together and that is perhaps what has baffled the archeologists for thousands of years. It was so easy for western world and even our own to call Mahabharat and Ramayan as mere Hindu myths. But what about their depictions on these temples? chapter by chapter? Does it not astound you? .

For the uninitiated, Hindu temples are not just built anywhere on some whim. These magnificent structures certainly take your breath away, but it is the entire science , logic and math in making these temples that can baffle anyone.These temples are honestly nothing short of the cosmos, a well of energies, that comprises of the five elements. That centre which has the maximum energy radiating is where our devta or devi (dieties) preside in all their glory. Temples were designed with accuracy and precision, built scientifically according to Vedic calculations at a location where the maximum of earth’s Magnetic Waves passed, so the entire surrounding region reverberated with the pious, healing and empowering energy.These were designed to be energy spaces where the mind spontaneously moves within and meditation happens effortlessly moving the chakras in our body.Temple is certainly that place where the Supreme Divine can be felt and experienced more strongly than any other place .

SHIVLINGS

The oldest temple of the world is Bhagvan Shiva’s temple. In the centre that is the ‘garbh griha’ is a ‘Lingam’ in every Shiva temple. A lingam is a cylindrical shaped structure standing on a circular base. What exactly is a lingam ? While many believe this symbol to be the divine and cosmic union that leads to creation of new life, in Sanskrit lingam actually and literally means ‘Sign’. Lingam is a revered sign/symbol of Bhagvan Shiv and of ‘His Divine Generative Energy’. The ancient text ‘Shivpurana’ states that ‘Shiva comes from a planet called Shivalok’ , the text further explains the planet’s position in the universe . So popular Hindu beliefs have it that the lingam could have been a rocket used by Bhagvan Shiv to come down on earth ( look at the shapes of the modern day rockets,they all resemble a lingam). * Any other meaning or theory one may have heard is nothing but a distortion by the western world.C@Rg

ENGIMA OF THE JYOTIRLINGAS : Meaning light-sign & divine place of Bhagvan Shiv.

Most of you maybe aware of the 12 Jyotirlingas being on the same geographic longitude of 79….but have you ever paused for a second to absorb this information. Does it not ruffle you ? Do u think it was humanly possible for anyone to physically cover the country and place it according to accurate coordinates? OR Was there a divine intervention ? Many ancient Bhagvan Shiv’s temples from KEDARNATH in the Himalayas to RAMESHWARAM in the south are aligned in a ‘Geographic straight line of longitude of 79….’ . How did our ancestors construct temples that are separated by thousands of miles between them yet are on the same longitude ?

Here are a few of Bharat’s Sacred Divine Temples:

KEDARNATH TEMPLE: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Holy river Ganga released here, withstood Ice Age and many Natural Calamities–

KEDERNATH Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Bhagvan Shiv that holds great religious significance. Its situated in the breathtaking Himalayan range near Mandakini river in Utrakhand . In the Garbh Griha is a unique and different ‘Conical shaped Rock Lingam’. According to ‘Skanda Puran’ : Kedara is the place where Bhagvan Shiv released the ‘Holy river Ganga’ from his matted hair.The main sanctum holds an idol of Bhagwan Krishna and statues of the five Pandav brothers & Draupadi. Legend has it that here the Pandavas prayed to Maha Dev Shiv to atone for their sins thus seeking forgiveness, for killing their Kaurav brothers . This temple too is shrouded in mystery … Kedarnath temple remained under snow for about 400 years from the 13th century to 17th century yet remained intact .The lamp which is lit before closing the temple in winters keeps burning for six months till the temple reopens. C@Rg

More recently were witnessed the massive destructive floods in 2013 that swept away all the surrounding buildings and structures but the Shrine survived miraculously by a massive boulder that came in with the flood waters to stop just behind the temple to take the pressure of the floods that saved the temple. To have survived extreme weather conditions for thousands of years and withstood natural calamities like avalanches, floods and earthquakes, gives rise to many a questions. Whats the material of the stone used herein that has no effect on the temple leaves everyone looking for answers.

JAGANNATH MANDIR : One of the Char Dhams, Flag that defies Wind and many other logics.

The JAGANNATH MANDIR situated in Odisha is dedicated to Bhagwan Krishna. It holds great religious significance as it it is ‘one of the Chaar Dhams: pilgrimage shrines’. The Puri temple is world famous for its annual festival of Rath Yatra wherein the three Deities ‘Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Balabhadra’ are brought outside to be placed on a huge, decorated Rath. This temple attracts people not only from Bharat but all over the world. The Deities in this temple are unique for they are carved in wood, with reasons surrounded in mystery . This temple too is known for many mysteries that defy science : 1 -The most obvious is that the flag atop this temple always flies in the opposite direction of the wind. How is the pressure of wind defied ? No answers herein, puts all your logics and Science to rest and you are forced to believe in the Supreme Divine Force thats beyond our understanding. 2- everyday a priest climbs atop the 45 storey building to change the flag , a ritual in practice diligently for the last 1800 years.

It is believed that if this ritual is ever missed, the temple will remain shut for the next 18 years. 3-Fitted atop the temple is a Chakra 20 ft. high and that weighs a ton’. The Chakras engineering and its positioning both, remain a mystery because one- it can be seen from any corner of Puri and second- irrespective of from where you look at it ,you feel its facing you . 4- Neither Birds nor Planes fly above the temple as Legend says ”Dev Garuda” is guarding this Holy Shrine. 5- Usually wind from the Sea comes to land during daytime and wind from the land blows to sea at evening, however this law is reversed too and the opposite happens here in Puri. 6- Although the quantity cooked for Prasad remains the same everyday , whether a 1000 or 20000 devotees partake prasad yet nothing is left over nor is ever insufficient, How is this possible ? 7-The cooking technique of Prasad is equally intriguing ,wherein 7 pots are placed one on top of another and logically speaking the prasad in the pot at the bottom should be cooked first and the topmost last but this too is reversed here as ”the contents of the topmost pot gets cooked first followed by the lower pots”. C@Rg

PARASURAMESWARA : Oldest Temple, Oldest Lingam, Stone blocks swing open as door

PARASURAMESWARA SWAMY Temple of Gudimallam, dedicated to Bhagvan Shiv is the oldest temple in the world. It is situated in Andhra Pradesh. Like all other temples this temple too has many ancient secrets hidden inside. The first is the structure of the temple that is built with huge solid stone blocks placed one on top of another , that make up as temple’s walls. Nothing strange appears to anyone.  But the mystery and architecture is unfathomable as out of all the stone blocks used to built this temple, there are 9 specific stones that swing open like a door . Now modern day wood or steel doors if not used daily ,jam within a few years then how do these ancient huge stone blocks swing open effortlessly after thousands of years ? What advanced and amazing technology is this ! The name of the temple : Gudimalam literally means underground temple.C@Rg

And these 9 specific stone blocks open up to 9 different passages that lead to secret chambers underground. At the ground level in the garbh graha is the Lingam which is phallus shaped with a full length standing figure of Shiva in front of this lingam. This is the world’s oldest lingam of Bhagvan Shiva.

AIRAVATESVARA TEMPLE : Bhagwan Yama prayed here ,Singing Steps ,Micro Carvings

AIRAVATESVARA TEMPLE in Darasuram Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Bhagvan Shiv. This is a divine splendour built by the Chola king. It is believed to be named after Bhagvan Indra’s white elephant- Airawat. Legend has it that Airawat lost its pure white colour after being cursed by a sage for disrespecting him. It was here, Airawat worshipped Bhagwan Shiv to regain his lost colour. Bhagwan Shiv asked Airawat to take a dip in the temple tank and Airawat regained his colour. Legend also has it that Bhagwan Yama ( god of death) worshipped Bhagwan Shiv here and got rid of a curse after taking a dip in the temple tank. This temple brimming with architecture brilliance is constructed in the shape of a chariot atop a lotus .The temple is conferred with the tag of UNESCO world heritage site. Like all other temples this too is a treasure trove of knowledge & unparalleled ancient architecture. Exquisite sculptures carved with detailed intricacies adorn the walls of the temple that leave you speechless.The courtyard has a small flight of steps made of stone that appear ordinary but the steps are encased with a metal grill that is locked and this arouses curiosity . These are no ordinary steps ,these are ‘Singing Steps’ for when one walks on them these create seven notes of Bhartiya classical music . What science is this ? What stones were used that they all looked alike and yet they differentiated perfectly well between different singing stones .

There are many temples that have mystical musical pillars but musical steps are certainly very special.This temple too has thousands of carved sculptures .The Micro carvings in this temple are fascinating and mind boggling as despite their micro size of about a mere one inch, not only are they brilliantly proportionate of the live size humans but are easily recognizable displaying the exceptional dexterity of the craftsmen. C@Rg

SRIRANGAM TEMPLE: Largest temple, Solid Gold Vimana of Bhagvan Vishnu

SRIRANGAM TEMPLE dedicated to Bhagvan Vishnu is the largest temple that is 2000 years old.This temple is the foremost among the 108 Divine temples dedicated to Bhagvan Vishnu.It is not merely a temple but it encompasses an entire temple town within itself and occupies an area of more than 156 acres .

This temple is not only the largest but one of the grandest and most illustrious temple . It is believed to house many ancient secrets in its underground chambers. Our ancestors always left clues by carving every little detail on stone like the conical sign is a clue of there being a door. This temple has more than 25000 carvings in stone. And amongst these carvings, there are several Vimanas carved in flying positions .Each Vimana carved is different from the other and the bottom of each Vimana has a specific design at the centre.( all modern  spacecraft at the bottom have a circular hole to provide thrust) These designs tell of a specific frequency that may have been used for proportion .  Ancient Vedic texts state that there is a specific mantra /  sound pattern assigned to activate a specific Vimana. Ancient Bhartiya texts state that Vimanas or space crafts are used by Gods to come down. This is why all temples towers are aerodynamically shaped and resemble spacecraft.
There is a large metallic Vimana in Srirangam amongst the 21 Vimanas,  if one was to take an aerial view of the Srirangam temple there is a total of 21 temples ( or Vimanas )  , wherein only 20 temples are made of stone and one Vimana at the very centre is made of solid Gold. This particular vimana is also protected with an electrical fence.C@Rg

One is not allowed to photograph. Ancient history texts clearly state that the Golden Vimana is the original vehicle of Bhagvan Vishnu. There are pictorial representation of Bhagvan Vishnu standing inside a dome carved on this. It’s confirmed by the locals that this Gold Vimana has underground vaults too , that were sealed off about 50 years back. The entire vast temple area has underground chambers that have been sealed off.

KAILASHA TEMPLE : Wonder of wonders

KAILASHA TEMPLE in Maharashtra which is dedicated to ‘Bhagvan Shiv’ remains the most enigmatic temple for archeologists around the world . Kailash temple is one of the 32 cave temples of the magnificent Ellora Caves. This temple is special and unique for this was not constructed by adding stone blocks or any other material .This is one of its kind in the world because a huge single mountain was cut out from the top of the mountain going downwards to 107 feet below . In other temples the rock was cut in from the front called – cut-in monolith technique, whereas Kailasha Temple is the only one of its kind in the world to be created by the cut-out monolith technique, notable for its vertical excavation. This is not all, there are many more intriguing facets to this temple : First and foremost is the shape as its in the shape of a Chariot, enormous sculptures of Bhagwan Shiva, it has a huge almost 100 ft tall pillar in the courtyard, it is multi-storeyed, with multiple towers, has bridges that connect two towers, the base of the temple hall features scenes from Mahabharata and Ramayana, has rain water harvesting system, has a drainage system, has secret underground passages, has balconies, has multiple levels.. all this and much more out of a single mountain , leaves one nothing but speechless and spellbound ! 

What architectural plan was this like, to have created so many structures out of piece of a single mountain. This is only possible with an advanced know how on mathematics and architecture both. Amongst the many Indian hindu temples that Aurangzeb destroyed all over the cuntry, this one temple he could not even move a stone after several futile attempts.

Kailasha Temple has left the modern day archeologists and engineers baffled,perplexed and forever guessing! That a temple could not be broken deliberately or due to normal wear and tear even after centuries, would leave one mesmerised and astonished on the material used to build it. But what really is mind numbing is that material that could not be destroyed , then how in heaven’s name could a material so solid be cut into & chiseled to make a beautiful architectural wonder. Maybe the heavens can answer that for us? On a serious note one would wonder on several intriguing questions like -How much rock was removed every day and in how much rock dust in totality/ How was tons of rock lifted out everyday?/ Where was the rock dust disposed?/ How many workers were employed to create this marvel?/ How many years did it take to create this wonder?/ What kind of technology was used and know how did the architects , engineers and workers posses this level of advanced skill set /How did thousands of workers understand the plan to perfection and not make a single error?/ C@Rg

CHENNAKESVA TEMPLE : Gravity Pillar, Panel depicting ten Avtars of Bhagvan Vishnu, Rotating Pillar

CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE The state of karnataka is home to this grand temple. It is dedicated to Bhagvan Vishnu. Magnificent Chennakesava temple was built in the early 12th century that took more than a 100 years to build. In the courtyard, stands a unique 42 feet tall pillar mounted on a star shaped platform. This pillar is carved out of one single rock and more astonishing is the fact that with no foundation below, the pillar stands on its own weight, hence aptly called the gravity pillar.

What science & technology is this ,how is a pillar standing on its weight for more over a 1000 years? In the courtyard is another pillar called the ”Garuda Sthumb”. The star shaped temple is grand and  every inch of the temple is carved with intricate detailing. On top of the main doorway the panel depicts the Ten Avatars of Bhagvan Vishnu. Our ancestors knew of the ten avtars of Bhagvan Vishnu ! At the entrance is a sculpture of the king killing a lion with his bare hands.Temple is known for it ornate Madhanikas each one representing different moods . Other sculptures that leaves one mesmerized, are of: Bhagvan Brahma, Bhagvan Varaha, Surya Dev on his Rath ,  Bhagwan Narshima tearing the chest of demon Hirnakashyap, Ravan lifting Mount kailash . C@Rg

Talking of pillars there is another spectacular pillar that seems like any other pillar but it is actually a Rotating pillar. We all know of rotating parts in other temples but for an entire stone pillar to rotate is almost unbelievable ! How did it rotate? At the bottom, a gap is clearly visible,  a peep inside and you see small stone balls, some still intact although most others must have crushed. These are ball bearings on which the pillar rotates , and on top of the pillar, the exact same gap is visible with ball bearings too. This is not all ,this rotating pillar is like the tour guide of the whole temple for everything that’s carved in the temple is carved on this pillar too. And obviously everything that’s carved on this pillar are the exact minatures of the full size or some even large size carvings in the temple. There are sculptures of many Gods , Madhanikas standing at angles, elephants etc. And it leaves one speechless that the minatures are so proportionate ,intricate and ornate.C@Rg

VEERABHADRA TEMPLE: Hanging Pillar , Biggest monolithic sculpture of Nandi, Biggest monolithic

Nagalingam , Giant foot print

VEERABHADRA TEMPLE situated in Leepakshi Andhra Pradesh is famed for its marvel of a hanging pillar/ column that does not rest on the ground .Out of the 70 pillars, one pillar does not touch the ground and one can slip a paper or a cloth underneath to be mesmerized by the genius of engineering of ancient times. This pillar leaves all clueless as to how a heavy stone pillar is hanging loose for hundreds of years? Once there, you are in for many more pleasant surprises. The place holds religious significance from the Sacred Ramyan. When Ravan abducted Mata Sita and was on his way to lanka, Ravan was accosted by ‘Jatau’ who fought to save Mata Sita however Jatau got injured and fell down. When Bhagwan Ram and Lakshman saw the dying Jatau, Ram helped Jatau to attain moksh by saying le-paksh means Rise bird ,hence the name leepakshi. This temple like all others has many unique features: it houses the ”biggest monolithic Nandi” that is 15 feet tall and 27 ft wide , is a perfectly proportionate body carved with smooth contours and decorated with bells ( carved out of a single rock). The temple inside has carvings of various Gods and has 5 Shivlings. It has the largest Naglingam that is about 12 feet tall and is protected by a 7 headed God Naga .C@Rg

It has ornate sculptures of Gods , dancing girls carved on its pillars and a carved ceiling. It has beautiful Mural paintings too from Ramayan & Mahabharat. Another spine chilling feature is the huge long foot imprint on stone(2-3feet ) and which is always wet by a trickle of water that springs up from nowhere.No one knows the source from where the water trickles to keep this foot print wet. Tell me friends, is this not a Divine Manifestation ?C@Rg

MA JAWALAJI TEMPLE: THE ETERNAL FLAME

MA JAWALA JI temple is dedicated to… is situated in Kangra – Himachal Pradesh. It probably is the most ancient temple ,mentioned in epic Mahabharat and various other scriptures . This temple is quite different from all the temples I talk about. You see there are no grand structures or architecture here. Jawala ji called the Jyotawali and is one of the 51 Shakti Peeth’s . What is unique about this temple is that unlike other temples there is no idol here to worship rather a constantly burning eternal blue flame – (Jyot) and the sheer mystery and magic of this continous flame or jawala is hence worshipped here. Nine Jyot’s emit at 9 different places in this temple that are believed to be the 9 swaroop’s of Goddess . The mystery lies in these 9 Jyot’s that are burning here since time immemorial without oil & wick ? Scientists, geologists and experts from all over the world have failed to understand the source from where the Jyot’s emanate and how it is burning on its own since time immemorial ?

In an endeavour to extinguish the ”Divy Jyots” despite multiple attempts Akbar failed each time, And then he tried to pay homage/ obeisance by offering a gold ‘chattr’ to Jawala Devi ,that turned into an unknown metal, which was a sign that Jawala ji had refused his offering. The chattar still lies there for all to see and scientist till date do not know what metal its turned into. Everything cannot be verified by science. Britishers in a bid to hit the jackpot explored the area and the earth surrounding the temple, tried to find the source from which the eternal flame is emanating, but without any luck. In the 70s the Government tried to explore the possibility of a reservoir of natural Gas underneath ,but with no success.It is a natural phenomena and is no mystery but the blessings with the presence of Maa Shakti herself. Where science fails , Spirituality begins.C@Rg

SOMNATH TEMPLE: First of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Reference in the most ancient sacred text ‘Rigveda’, has a Direction Compass

Somnath temple situated in Gujrat is dedicated to Bhagvan Shiv. It is considered one of the most sacred shrines as It is the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas where Bhagvan Shiv appeared in the form of an infinite Light. No one knows when this was constructed as Its one of the most ancient temples that finds reference in one of the four most ancient texts ‘Rigveda’ . Near Somnath temple is Triveni Sangam that marks the confluence of the three Holy rivers Kapila, Hiran and Saraswati. According to Rigveda it is said to have been built by Chandr Bhagvan( Moon God) himself. This temple holds great religious significance for this is the place where Chandr Bhagvan prayed to Bhagvan Shiv to get rid of a curse. 9 th Avtaar of Bhagvan Vishnu : Bhagvan Krishan breathed his last near Somnath temple to leave for His heavenly abode ”Vaikunth”. The place is called Bhalka Teerth . Somnath temple is mentioned in our Sacred texts such as Bhagvad Gita and Skand Puran that states that this temple’s name will change each time ”Bhagvan Brahma” recreates the world. Now known as Somnath temple will be known as Pran Nath temple in the new world created. Mysteries engulf every temple and this temple on its south side overlooking the sea has a ”Baan Stambh” ( Pillar with an arrow ) that is actually a ” Disha Darshak Stambh” . C@Rg

On top of the pillar there is an arrow pointing to the ”South Pole” . The Baan Stambh has an inscription on it in Sanskrit that says “आसमुद्रांत दक्षिण ध्रुव,पर्यंत अबाधित ज्योर्तिमार्ग” : means that form this point in a straight line there is no obstruction (no mountain, no land ) till the south Pole (Antartica)” . The Baann Stambh is a ‘direction compass’ . People around the world are still wondering as to how our ancestors had made such accurate Geographical and Astronomical calculations thousands of years ago ? Clearly and yet again proves we were the most advanced ancient civilization that had satellite technology.

Somnath temple known to be one of the richest temples is said to have been vandalized 17 times by Muslim invaders and its wealth was looted in the most heinous way, killing thousands of devotees and the temple was burnt to erase its existence. But each time it was restored by our rulers and it rises again with all its splendour and glory standing as Majestic as ever. A temple that is so old that no one knows when it was first constructed ,that was destroyed multiple times yet it stands today in all its glory.C@Rg

CONCLUSION

Pulsating with life and Divine Energy Bharat is the abode of Spirituality, that is a way of life for Bhartiyas. Bharat’s temples hold great religious and spiritual significance that attracts spiritually inclined people seeking answers, from world over. We as a race are very conditioned in our way of thinking and knowledge. However what we don’t understand due to this limited faculties, should be just absorbed and marveled and left there. But distorting facts and theories around something that could hold the very secret to human evolution is not something that is entirely fair. This article my dear friends should make you a proud bharitya , to be born in the land of divinity. Im truly hope many of you are planning your next trip to one of these temples: ) . These are only a few of our sacred temples that I have covered. Do not think even for a minute that these are all, there are at least thousands of such spectacular temples not only in our country but those that transcend boundaries too, from Cambodia, to Indonesia to Malaysia, Thailand, SriLanka, Nepal,Burma and many more countries. Please feel free to share your personal experiences , or suggestion in the comment section and I’ll be happy to cover them in my next blog. C@Rg

If you enjoyed reading this , you will enjoy : ‘A Glimpse into the Most Advanced Civilization’ where I have covered a few more temples:©copyrighthttps://blogitwithrekha.com/2021/01/24/a-glimpse-into-teh-most-advanced-civilisation

Author: Rekha Gupta

Disclaimer: This is not a politically or religiously motivated article. (Images used are not mine)