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Konark Sun Temple panoramic view |   Alokprasad84   Sun – it is life, it is light, and the basis of existence of life on the planet. It is what makes the Earth and the constellations go around it. Sun has been revered and worshipped across civilizations, in many manifestations, from Aztec, Inca, Maya, Egyptian, to Buddhist, Arabian and Indian mythology. Praying to the Sun God, in its glory, is the beginning of a new day. The Sun Temple at Konark in the eastern Indian state Odisha is an architectural marvel. It is one of the awe-inspiring examples of temple architecture - as is visible from its grand conception, scale, and proportion, and in the consummate narrative power of its sculptural adornment. Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , was built in 1250 CE by a famous king of the dynasty that ruled the region for more than 700 years. Although many portions are now in ruins, the site continues to draw tourists from all over the world. THE BELIEF Original temple and the ...

The Indra Sabha, a part of the Jain caves at Ellora - Wikimedia Commons There is something about historical perspectives – they seldom cease to awe or intrigue us. As we talk of perspectives, the monuments across the world, from the pyramids in Egypt, the Great Wall of China, ancient cities of Rome and Athens, the mystique of Petra, are awe inspiring all. And then there is India, enriched and embedded in a civilization that is more than 4,000 years old, the length and breadth of the country is embedded with jewels of architecture, each with its unique characteristics and each having a story to relate. Ellora – home to a set of monasteries and temples, extending over more than two kilometres, is a far cry from the urban landscape of the city that never sleeps, India’s financial capital, Mumbai. It is encased in serenity and tells stories of three religions: Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Ellora Caves were carved out of massive rocks and mountain faces between 600 and 1100 AD. The site...

The main temple building of Zuigan-ji Matsushima, Japan: There is something about Zuigan-ji temple that touches the soul. Serenity permeates in the temple compound - the cedar-tree-lined dirt path, rows of caves carved on the rocky cliff with some moss-covered memorials for the departed souls - cool October breeze and blooming hydrangeas - bliss. One of the holiest and revered sites in Japan, Zuigan-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple that opened its doors to the world in 828 AD, attracts visitors from across the world. Zuigan-ji is Matsushima town's hub of activities - visitors, believers, some in awe, others in peace, yet others putting their best pose forward to take selfies - this pious spot sees them all. Statues and caves which are memorials to the departed souls line the path at Zuigan-ji Located at Matsushima-kaigan, a sea-face town that is revered as one of the scenic spots in Japan, Zuigan-ji was made the site for burial by the ruling Date (pronounced Dah tay) fam...