A study in geometry, design & aesthetics.
The Chennakeshava Temple is neither the largest nor the most ornate of the surviving Hoysala Temples. It more that makes up with its unique superstructure which comprises of 3 Vimanas with 16 points each.
This priest had the same outward gaze as the mighty Bahubali, under whose shadow he was standing.
At Shravanbelagola, Karnataka.
The Virupaksha temple at Hampi is one of the few 'living temples' in Hampi and was the patron deity for the rulers of Vijanagara.
As one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal hardly needs an introduction. The Taj complex is a sanctuary of peace & tranquility (despite the hordes of tourists) in the hustle & bustle of Agra.
The Taj Mahal Masjid, carries the same design elements, albeit on a much smaller scale.
In the land of big temples (Tamil Nadu) this temple bears the title of Periya Koil - Tamil for big Temple.
The Brihadeeshwara Temple in Thanjavur is an architectural marvel which recently celebrated its 1000th anniversary.
The cupola on top is fashioned out of a single piece of granite & was hoisted up with a ramp that started several kilometers away. The beginning of the ramp is still visible today.
A panoramic shot of the Annamalaiyar temple complex taken from the holy hill of Arunchala. Its one of the largest temples in India. Lord Shiva is said to have taken the form of an infinite column of fire here.
The Bhoothanatha temple complex in Badami, Karnataka looks like it belongs to the lanscape. This 7 century temple is set in one of the most beautiful natural sorroundings & looks very organic. Funny, how the Chalukyas lived by this v=concept long before it became a buzzword
The main Rajagopuram of the Annamalaiyar temple is one of the tallest in India, rising upto 66 meters.
The Sé Cathedral of Santa Catarina, in Old Goa is one of the finest examples of classical european architecture in India. It also helps that the Portugese built it on a massive scale making it one of the largest churches in India.
The backside of the Se cathedral in Old Goa.
The stone chariot at the Vithala temple in Hampi is the de facto symbol for Karnataka's rich cultural heritage. Its exquisitely carved, a feat that's all the more outstanding, considering its made of granite.
The stone charriot at Airavateshwara temple, Darasuram, TN is an Art Studio of mind boggling variations. I'm in no doubt that the artisans could have made the entire temple from one piece of rock, such is their mastery & finesse. Considering that there are no rock quarry's for scores of miles around, this charriot with separate jointed rocks is a testament to their skill & endurance.
