GOLDEN TEMPLE

The Golden Temple is situated in Amritsar in Punjab and is the most sacred temple for Sikhs. It is a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people all over the world.

The temple was founded by Guru Ram Das in 1579 with a part of the land granted by Emperor Akbar. The foundation stone was laid by a Muslim Sufi saint, Mian Mir. The construction of the temple was completed in 1601. Around this temple, the holy city of Amritsar came into being.

The architecture of the temple is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles. The holy scripture of the Sikhs, the “Granth Sahib”, is installed in the inner sanctum of the temple. The scripture is
unique as it contains the divine message received by saints, bhagats(devotees) and pirs of all the faiths of India. The temple was destroyed in 1761 by the Muslim invaders but was rebuilt in 1802 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh‘Akal Takhat’(Throne of the timeless God).

It is here that the Sikh parliament traditionally meets. The Sikhs
usually refer to it as Hari Mandir Sahib (the temple of God) or Darbar
Sahib (the court of the Lord).

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19th CENTURY LIGHT HOUSE

The early sea-farers to Pondicherry were guided by a beacon kept burning on the Red Hills (Gorimedu), about 5 kms west of the town. The now-abandoned light house standing on the edge of the sea near the Place Du Gouvernement was lighted for the first time on 1 July, 1836.

The light was placed upon a masonry tower, 29 m above sea level and was visible upto a distance of 29 kms into the sea. In 1931, the fixed light was replaced by a revolving lantern. It fell into disuse with the commissioning of the new light house in 1979. Read Full Post in New Window...

ALCHI

Alchi is located 70 kms from Leh in the Ladakh region in Jammu & Kashmir. It is a priceless Himalayan heritage as it houses an extraordinary wealth of ancient wall paintings and wood sculptures, miraculously preserved for over nine centuries inside five mud walled temples. Alchi is the most impressive place, nestled beside a bend in the milky blue river Indus, and is also a perfect place to break a long journey to or from the Ladakh capital. It’s earliest murals are the finest example of a style that flourished in Kashmir. Alchi is significant for its “The Du-Khang” and “The Sumstek” temples in the village.

The Du-Khang : Being Alchi’s oldest structure erected in the 11th century by Kaldan Shesrab, it can be approached via a walled courtyard and a path that runs under a hollow stupa. The wooden doorway of the square temple is richly carved with meditating Bodhisattavas. Paintings cover every inch of space on the walls.

The Sumstek : To the left of the Du-Khang, is the Sumstek, Alchi’s most celebrated temple. It is the highest achievement of early Indian Buddhist art. Its wooden carvings and paintings in reds and blues are almost as fresh and vibrant today, as they were 900 years ago. The interior of the dark shrine is surrounded by a mass of “Mandalas”, Buddhas, Demi-Gods and other celestials. There is a colossal statue of Maitreya, accompanied by two equally grand Bodhisattvas, their heads peering down through gaps in the ceiling. Each decorated statue wears a figure clinging Dhoti, adorned with beautiful motifs, and episodes from life of Gautam Buddha. The robe of Manjushri shows 84 masters of Tantra. Among exquisite murals is the famous six-armed green Goddess Prajanaparamita. Heavily jewelled, she sits on a lotus by Avalokitesvaras gigantic left leg. When viewed from the centre of the shrine, the multitude of images resolve into a harmonious whole. The other temples of Chos-Khor are also famous for their “Thousand Buddha” paintings and gilding.

Alchi is truly the “Monastic Jewel” of Ladakh. Read Full Post in New Window...

MOUNT MARY

It is situated on a quiet hillock in suburban Bandra. Mount Mary church is one of the most prominent churches in Mumbai with exquisite interiors. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to the Mother of Christ. The Marathi speaking communities refer to Mother Mary as "Math Mauli".

There is another statue of Mary installed outside the Church. People who have genuine faith, light wax candles before the statue and pray for the welfare of the family and their near and dear ones. Local people strongly believe that Mount Mary fulfills their genuine wishes if prayers are made earnestly and faithfully.

In September, the festival of the Virgin Mother culminates in a weeklong fair, popularly known as Bandra Fair, that has all the excitement of a small carnival. Read Full Post in New Window...

BOM JESUS CHURCH

BOM JESUS CHURCH early 17th century church dedicated to Bom Jesus is one of the most impressive holy places in Daman. It was completed, in it's present form in 1603 AD and is a living tribute to the excellence achieved by Portuguese architects and artisans in ornate and intricate church buildings.

The richly carved doorway and the highly decorated interiors together with the lofty ceiling are aesthetic and pleasing.

There are 6 finely made statues in the best traditions of Roman Church art and architecture. In the early days of Portuguese rule, Bom Jesus was a parish church. The church now attracts both tourists and pilgrims in large numbers. Read Full Post in New Window...