megaliths2

							Megaliths and ancient temples
Kutkankeri* Cup and Ring marks / Rock Art Ujjain* Ancient Temple Vaital temple* Ancient Temple Lingraj temple* Ancient Temple Bindu Sagar Ancient Temple Brahmeshwara temple* Ancient Temple Mukteshwar Temple* Ancient Temple Kedar Gouri Temple* Ancient Temple Parsusrameswar temple* Ancient Temple Rajarani temple* Ancient Temple Konarak sun temple* Ancient Temple Undavalli cave temple* Ancient Temple Udaigiri Caves Cave or Rock Shelter Konarak sun temple* Ancient Temple Site Name: Kutkankeri Country: India Type: Cup and Ring marks / Rock Art

Kutkankeri, 8 Km West of Badami, Karnataka Some prehistoric Rock art on a sand stone hill West of the village.

Latitude: 15.989261N Longitude: 75.690453E Site Name: Bundi Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Latitude: 25.441144N Longitude: 75.642408E

1

Ancient Temple in Rajasthan, India Bundi district Maharaja Mausoleum

Standing stones that represent deities, near the tree of life at the lord Shiva pilgrim site. Bundi district in South Rajasthan, India.

Lord Shiva Pilgrim Site at Bundi district in South Rajasthan,india. An altar with standing stones that represent deities.

Site Name: Konarak sun temple Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Nearest Town: Puri Nearest Village: Konarak Latitude: 19.887747N Longitude: 86.094446E The sun temple stands in majestic solitude in the Middle of a vast stretch of sand on the shore of the bay of Bengal in Orissa. The name Konarak is derived from the name of the presiding deity, and refers to arka or Sun of the kona or corner. Early European mariners referred to it as The Black Pagoda, as it was a landmark on their coastal voyages in the bay of Bengal. Ancient Hindu texts take the sanctity to mythical times. Brahma-Purana singles out Konaditya (Konarak) as the most sacred place for the worship of Surya, the sun god.

Konarak sun temple, Orissa

2

Site Name: Ujjain Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Ancient Temple in Madhya Pradesh, India Latitude: 23.175978N Longitude: 75.784425E Situated on the banks of Holly Kshipura, one of the oldest Indian cities with mythological and spiritual importance, the citi of lord Shiva. Old Deites staues colored with bright vermillion (Hindu custom).

3

Old lotus shaped altar.

Old altar with Shiva Lingam and statue of the Goddess Parvati, lord Shiva spouse, note: Nandi the bull (the vehicle of lord Shiva).

Site Name: Vaital temple Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Nearest Town: Bhbaneshwar Latitude: 20.270575N Longitude: 85.806042E Dated to the 8th century CE and is dedicated to the deity Chamunda Devi (Kali). It is believed to be the main centre of Tantric worship. The temple has double storey 'Wagon roof', an influence of Buddhist cave architecture.

4

Vaital temple, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa

Vaital temple, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa Chamunda Devi as Mahishasura Mardini (smiting the demon).

Site Name: Lingraj temple Country: India Type: Ancient Temple

5

Latitude: 20.240285N Longitude: 85.831646E The temple was built by Lalatendu Keshari of Somvamsi dynasty in 671-657 CE. The temple compound is about 1500 m square dominated by 40m high temple tower. This is one of the largest conglomerate of shrines with around 180 Spires. The temple dedicated to Tribhuvaneshwar (Shiva as Lord of the three worlds). The granite block of Tribhuvaneshwar is bathed daily with water, milk and Bhang (Marijuana). It is said that the two more halls, Natamandapam (dancing hall) and Bhogmandapam (hall of offerings) were added to the temple over different historical periods.

Lingraj temple, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa

Site Name: Bindu Sagar Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Latitude: 20.241953N Longitude: 85.835043E Bindu Sagar or the Ocean Drop Tank, lying just north of the Lingaraj temple, is said to contain water from every holy stream, pool and tank in India - obviously a good place to wash away sin. There are a number of temples and shrines scattered around the tank(+700). In the centre of the tank is a water pavilion where, once a year, the Lingaraj temple's deity is brought for ritual bathing.

Bindu Sagar, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa Site Name: Kedar Gouri Temple Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Latitude: 20.242178N Longitude: 85.840210E 6

Dedicated to Lord Shiva (who is also called the Kedareswar) and Goddess Gouri, the temple is situated within the same premises next to the Mukteswar Temple. By the side of the temple there is a perennial stream. According to Kapila Samhita (a religious text) a single sip of water from this tank absolves the drinker from the repeated cycles of birth and death. The legend goes that king Lalatendu Kesari, after a tragic episode relating to two lovers Kedar and Gouri, had built this temple in their memory. Near the temple there is a ‘Khirakunda’ and another Marichi Kunda’. The water of Khira Kinda is whitish and extremely hygienic and digestive for which it is carried to different places for drinking purpose. The water of Marichi Kunda is sold on Asokastami day by auction and it taken by sterile women who want to conceive. Another legend:Devi Gouri (Parvati) is known as the Pitha (penance) Devi of Ekamrakshetra. When Lord Shiva was in Kashi ( Varanasi), he asked Narada to search for another place as in the future he thought that Kashi may become very noisy. Narada took Lord Shiva to Swarkuta hill in the dense forest of Ekamrakanan. Lord Shiva liked it and began residing here. After much insistence from Devi Parvati he brought her too. Every year during Shital Sasthi, Lord Lingaraja (Shiva) takes his marriage procession from Lingaraj temple to Kedar Gouri and there he gets married to Devi Parvati.

Kedar Gouri temple, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa

Site Name: Mukteshwar Temple Alternate Name: Siddheshwar temple Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Latitude: 20.242717N Longitude: 85.840421E

7

Built in the 10th century, this small elegant temple has been described as the most exquisitely ornamented temple in Bhubaneswar. It has an 11m (35 feet) high tower. The sandstone carvings are the most notable feature of this temple. It is also known for its ornamental gateway, carved dwarves, and intricate motif carvings of a smiling lion, adorned with beaded tassels in its mouth. Every inch of space on the outer surface has been generously decorated. The jagamohana has stunningly beautiful lattice windows on the outside and a richly sculptured interior, lavishly embellished with floral motifs, and other figures. Over the doorway to the inner sanctum the architrave is relieved with the icons of the navagrahas, the nine planets with Ketu, the ninth planet appearing in form of a canopied three-headed snake. But in this temple the sculptured images of the deities appear without haloes behind their heads, which is rather peculiar and is obviously a deviation from the traditional mode of presenting the deities. Muktesvara means the lord who bestows freedom through yoga. The Siddeswara Temple is on the same grounds and has a Ganesh deity. The outer walls are thickly embroidered with the figures of ascetics in meditational poses or with illustrations of tales from the Panchatantra. The niches are filled with the finely filigreed icons of many gods and goddesses mentioned in the pantheon of Hindu gods. Some of the figures on the outer walls of the temple suggest their association with both Buddhism and Jainism. They thus testify to the spiritual synthesis and religious harmony that characterized the Orissan culture. Marichi kund.

Mukteshwar temple, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa

8

Site Name: Parsusrameswar temple Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Latitude: 20.244477N Longitude: 85.841223E Parasurameswar Temple in Bhubaneshwar, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the oldest Shiva temples in the State. Built in 650 AD, the temple also has the idols of the Vishnu, Yama, Surya and Mother Goddess. Profusely carved temple has the friezes depicted with delicate carvings of elephant and horse processions, human figure, floral motifs and the bust of Shiva. The Sahasra lingam or the 1000 small lingams joined together at the corner of the courtyard can be seen.

Parasurameswar Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa 9

Site Name: Rajarani temple Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Latitude: 20.243411N Longitude: 85.843607E Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa The Rajarani temple, built in 11th century, is famous for its ornate deul, or compass, decorated with some of the most impressive Oriya temple architecture. The temple is remarkable for the absence of any presiding deity. The temple's name is supposed to be derived from the red-gold sandstone used in building it - Rajarani being the local name for the stone. The deul is intricately carved with figures involved in daily chores. Statues of eight Dipalakas, guarding the eight cardinal directions of the temple, populate the lower portion of the deul. Between them, nymphs, embracing couples, elephants and lions fill the niches and decorate the pillars. Set in a picturesque locale, the temple creates a dramatic image against the setting sun.

Rajarani temple, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa

10

, 01 March 2007 Page Views: 1653 Site Name: Udaigiri caves Country: India Type: Cave or Rock Shelter Latitude: 20.262494N Longitude: 85.785768E Cave or Rock Shelter in Udaigiri Caves, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa One of the earliest of Jain rock-cut shelters, the caves of Udayagiri dominates a prime position in eastern India in the fields of history, rock-cut architecture, art and religion. Huge residential blocks for the Jain monks were carved out of the rocks at Udayagiri in the 1st century BC, in the city of Bhubaneswar. These caves were also an excellent canvas for the detailing of various achievements of King Kharavela's reign. There are about 18 rock- hewn apartments at Udaygiri alone, with the Hati Gumpha or Elephant Cave, bearing the well-known inscriptions of the king. Both he and his queen appear to have been great patrons of the arts. In keeping with this patronage, the Queen's Cave is elaborately embellished with sculptural friezes and carvings of historical scenes and dancers in a variety of poses. The Ganesha Gumpha is well worth a visit. Udaygiri or the Sunrise Hill has many interesting caves. The 117 line inscription of Hathi Gumpha is a magnification record in Pali Language of the exploits of King Kharvel (166 BCE.to 153BCE). These 4 caves were built mainly for the Jain monks. There is an elephant in front and a carving of Ganesh on the right side of the back wall. You can then go up the hill to the top from where there is a good view of the surrounding area. The central Hathi Gumpha (Elephant Cave) is especially interesting. It has an inscription in the ancient language of Magadhi describing the history of King Kharavela, who funded the carving of some of the caves.

11

12

Site Name: Undavalli cave temple Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Nearest Town: Vijayawada Nearest Village: Undavalli Latitude: 16.476929N Longitude: 80.573506E Located 8 KM SW' to Vijayawada, reachable by local bus from Vijayawada C.B.S. (bus no. 301). Excavated in the 6-7 century CE, Chalukaya dynasty. 4 floors, in the 3rd floor 8 meter long statue of Lord Vishnu laying on the serpent Sesha.

Undavalli cave temple, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh.

Undavalli cave temple, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh

Undavalli cave temple, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh Lord Vishnu resting on the serpent Sesha between the distraction and the new creation of the universe,

Garuda the eagle, lord Vishnu's vehicle

lord Brahma seating on a lotus that coming out lord Vishnu's navel

two Demon brothers want to kill lord Brahma that coming out of lord Vishnu's navel.

Lord Vishnu as Narashima (lion)

13

Lord Ganesha, the obstacles remover

Site Name: Ayawal Alternate Name: Aiawal Country: India Type: Burial Chamber (Dolmen) Nearest Town: Aivalli Latitude: 16.000000N Longitude: 75.900000E

14

Site Name: Sri Mahakutta temple Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Latitude: 15.968250N Longitude: 75.711675E

Sri Mahakutta Devi temple, 10 Km NW, of Badami, Karnataka Old temple to avatar of the goddess Durga, a pilgrim centre of the goddess devotes, marvels sculptor dated to the Chalukaya dynasty,(beg. 3rd century CE),decorated with Kamasutra reliefs.

15

Site Name: Kutkankeri Country: India Type: Cup and Ring marks / Rock Art Latitude: 15.989261N Longitude: 75.690453E

Cup and Ring marks / Rock Art in India

Kutkankeri, 8 Km West of Badami, Karnataka Some

16

prehistoric Rock art on a sand stone hill West of the village.

Site Name: Badami Cave temple Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Nearest Town: Badami Latitude: 15.918349N Longitude: 75.684021E

Badami caves, Karnataka Badami was the capital of the Chalukaya empire, fortresses, palaces and temples built from red sandstone, 4 cave temples from the Chalukaya kingdom era (200 CE - 600 CE). 1. Shiva temple cave 2. Vishnu temple cave 3. Vishnu avatars, Varaha (boar), Narashima (lion) temple cave 4. Jain temple cave (Mahavir)

17

Site Name: Hampi Rock Art Country: India Type: Cup and Ring marks / Rock Art Latitude: 15.337553N Longitude: 76.461036E

Hampi Rock Art submitted by motist Hampi, on the banks of the Thungabadra river, on the hard granite ancient sculptores. Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

Hampi, Karnataka on the banks of the Thungabadra river. The Goddess Durga slaying the demon Mahisha carved in the hard granite ancient sculptures.

Nandi with Naga

Lord Shiva With Nandi

Group of Shiva linga in open Shrine

Lord Vishnu resting on Sesha (serpent) after desolation of the world and creation of new world, Lord Brhmah on his navel and

Worshippers

18

the goddess Lakshmi at his knees.

Shiva Linga carved in the hard granite

Lord Vishnu as Narishima (lion)

A carved series of Gods

Samadi, foot print of people carved in the hard granite Site Name: Halebidu Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Latitude: 13.233522N Longitude: 75.983292E

12th century CE temple.

View of the Hoysaleswara Temple.

Hoysaleshwara temples built from soapstone, in Hoysala dynasty capital Halebidu in Hassan, Karnataka

19

Site Name: Kerareshwarah Temple Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Latitude: 13.160867N Longitude: 75.857619E

Ancient Temple in Belur, Hassan district, Karnataka, India

Kerareshwarah Temple, Hoyasala kingdom

20

Site Name: Edakkal Caves Alternate Name: Thovarymala Country: India Type: Cave or Rock Shelter Nearest Town: Sulthan Bathery Nearest Village: Ambalavayal Latitude: 11.664236N Longitude: 76.262726E Cave in Kerala, India. Edakkal is a remotely located place in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India. The tallest mountain in the district named Ambukuthi mala is here. Three pre-historic caves (Edakkal Caves), dating from around 8,000 BC and after had been discovered here at a height of 1000 mts on Ambukuthi Mala. You have to alight at Edakkal and do a 1 km trekking to reach these caves. One can see the new stone age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves (Cave murals). Carvings on the walls of Edakkal Caves were created during different time periods. The oldest carvings date from the Neolithic Period. It was the British Officer stationed here, during a hunting expedition, came across these caves. Web site with more information and photos at http://www.edakkal.com IMPORTANT NOTE: The location given is for the nearby town of Sulthan Bathery. A more accurate long/lat would be appreciate. Note: Neolithic rock carvings in remote Indian province facing neglect, see comment. This page features the nearby Edakkal caves which are also full of prehistoric rock art.

Welcome to the neolithic cavesite of Edakkal The fascinating prehistoric rock etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the serious attention of archeologists and historians worldwide. With at least three distinct sets of petroglyphs, the earliest thought to date back over 5000 years, it is assumed that the Edakkal caves had been inhabited at various stages in history.

21

The name “Edakkal” literally means “a stone in between”, and this describes how the cave is formed by a heavy boulder straddling a fissure in the rock. Inside the cave is on two levels, the lower chamber measures about 18 feet long by 12 feet wide and 10 feet high and can be entered through an opening of 5 x 4 feet. A passage opposite the entrance leads upward to a small aperture in the roof through which one climbs up to the next storey whose interior is about 96 feet long, 22 feet wide, and 18 feet high. Light enters the cave through a big gap at the right-hand corner of the roof where the boulder does not touch the facing wall. Legends of the Caves The name Ambukuthimala is ascribed to the local legend which has it that the caves were formed by arrows fired by Lava and Kusha, the sons of Sri Rama, legendary hero of the Ramayana.Even today there are many who believe that Lord Rama killed Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, in the narrow fissure at the southern end of Edakkal cave. A local legend associates Kutti Chatan (the little devil of Malabar) with the goddess Mudiampilli, and until recently local people undertook an annual pilgrimage to the peak of the hill to perform a puja (ritual offering) in her honour. The Colonial Discovery of the Caves On a hunting trip to Wayanad in 1890, Fred- Fawcett, the then superintendent of police of the Malabar District, happened to see a Neolithic Celt (stone axe or chisel) recovered from the coffee estate of Colin Mackenzie. An enthusiast in prehistory, Fawcett made local enquiries and went round exploring the Wayanad high ranges. In the course of his rambles he was shown the Edakkal rock-shelter situated on the western side of Edakkalmala. He identified the site as a habitat of Neolithic (i.e. late Stone Age, c4000BC to c1700BC) people on the basis of the nature of representations on the cave walls, which appeared to him as engravings made of Neolithic Celts. It was an exciting discovery, as these were the first specimens of abraded drawings found in India. Tribal Peoples & the Caves Fawcett suggested the possibility that the carvings might have been the handiwork of Kurumbars (a tribal people of the Wayanad). He writes, "The curious reluctance of the Kurumbars to approach the Cave, combined with the simultaneous want of reverence for it both on the part of the Paniyas and the local Hindus, who are very small in numbers and not Iong resident in the Wayanad, might tempt one to hazard the theory as to the carvings being the handiwork of Kurumbars of a bygone day". Nevertheless he utters a word of caution as follows. "It should, however, be remembered that the Paniya is a particularly fearless individual while the Kurumbar is the reverse. The mere existence of the mysterious carvings in the silent, unfrequented cave would suffice to inspire the Kurumbar with a kind of awe and make him terrified to have anything to do with it” .

22

Site Name: Gokarna Country: India Type: Ancient Temple Latitude: 14.550542N Longitude: 74.313489E

Gokarna (cow ear), pilgrim center with ancient Shiva temples, here the Naga (serpent) is also warshiped. Gogarba (cows womb),a natural cave with old temple and a Shiva linga.

Naga S. Kalyanaraman Kalyan97@gmail.com Source: For pictures and links: Moti Shemtov. http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=16171 29 Nov. 2009

23