The ancient Vitthala Temple in Hampi is known for its exceptional architecture n unmatched craftsmanship. One of the largest n most famous structure of Hampi; it's located in its north eastern part, near the banks of Tungabhadra.
It was built in 15th century AD by King Devaraya II of the Vijayanagara Empire, and expanded by King Krishnadevaraya, the most famous ruler of Vijayanagara dynasty. He played a significant role in giving the monument its present look.
It is dedicated to Bhagvan Vitthala, an incarnation of ShriHari Vishnu. An idol of Vitthala was initially enshrined in here. Legend has it that Bhagvan found it to be too grand n went back to live in His humble home at Pandharpur.
Vitthala temple is built in the Dravidian style; with features that are characteristic of southern Indian temples. It’s elaborate artistic carvings n magnificent architecture are unmatched by any other structure found in Hampi.
The Maha Mantapa (main hall) is in the inner courtyard of the temple complex. In its center are 16 intricately decorated pillars having sculptures of Narasimha n Yali. The ceiling of Maha Mantapa is a richly ornate structure too.
The famous Stone Chariot that stands in the courtyard of temple. is actually a shrine designed in this shape. It is dedicated to Garuda (the celestial eagle of Bhagvan Vishnu) n had his image enshrined in its sanctum at one time.
Ranga Mantapa is a large temple hall renowned for its 56 musical pillars. Musical notes emanate from them when tapped gently. 7 main pillars represent various musical instruments n each is surrounded by 7 minor pillars for 7 notes.
These pillars were carved out of single pieces of resonant stone. The emission of musical notes from them was a mystery that has fascinated many for centuries. The British even cut two pillars to check their inside but found nothing.
Today is Vamana Dwadshi, the day Bhagwan Vishnu incarnated as a midget brahmin to tame the inflated ego of King Bali, grandson of Bhakta Prahlad and the erstwhile ruler of the three lokas. Read the story in the poetry thread that follows.
Mudras are specific hand positions used in Yogic tradition to facilitate smooth flow of various life energies through the human body. The word Mudra literally means ‘Seal’ (symbol) in Sanskrit. In Yoga each Mudra is a Seal of one specific life force.
Universe is made of 5 elements, and each finger represents one of them. The thumb represents Fire (universal consciousness); the index finger Air (individual consciousness); the middle finger Akasha (connection); the ring finger Earth (life); the little finger Water (flow).
When the 5 elements in our body lose their mutual balance, not only do we lose spiritual and emotional equilibrium; on the physical plane too various ailments can arise as a result. Mudras can help us restore that balance and gain direct benefits in all 3 spheres.
Our biggest excuse is when so many translations are available of every scripture that we ever want to read then why take up the extra load?
What we forget is much is lost in translation n each translation is affected by the translator’s individual understanding of the text.
Our scriptures are multi-layered. Every time we read, we may open another layer. But these layers are lost in translation n we read same layer each time, the one that translator opened. If it isnt in sync with our current spiritual stage, then we may miss the point entirely!
Why does gotra of a daughter change when married? Is there any logic behind it?
Infact there is an amazing genetical system we follow through Gotra Gyan.
The word GOTRA is formed by combination 2 sanskrit words Gau (cow) & Trahi (shed). So gotra basically means cowshed.
Gotra is like cowshed protecting a particular male lineage. We identify our male lineage/gotra as descendants of the 8 great Rishi (Saptarishi + Bharadwaj rishi). All other gotra evolved from these only.
Each human carries 23 pairs of chromosomes each with one from each parent.
महिलायों के प्रति दुष्कर्मों में बढ़ोतरी देख कर बार बार ध्यान जाता है इतिहास की ओर जहाँ ऐसी दुर्गति से बचने हेतु हमारी राजपूत मातायों ने हँसते हँसते मृत्यु वरी, जौहर किया था। महारानी पद्मिनी की प्रसिद्ध गाथा के माध्यम से इस दुष्कर प्रथा का वर्णन कर रही हूँ।
जून ८ को बन्दा बैरागी का शहीदी दिवस मनाया गया. दशमेश गुरु के विशेष सिख थे बन्दा जी, उन्होंने गुरु महाराज के चरण चिन्हों पर चलते हुए अपने प्राणों व अपने परिवार को धर्म की वेदी पर बलिदान किया, इस कविता में उन्हीं की शौर्य कथा कहने का प्रयास किया है, 👇👇