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The water lily in the figure’s right hand shows that this statue represents the goddess Uma (also known as Parvati), wife of the Hindu god Shiva. She is standing in an elegant pose, with her body slightly angled at the hip and neck.<br/><br/> In a temple she would have stood to the left of Shiva, her customary position.
Encompassing a former royal palace, a wealth of temples and many other monuments, Durbar Square is Kathmandu’s historic and spiritual centre. The square, after years of neglect, was renovated in 1972-75 in the Hanuman Dhoka Project, initiated after the ascension to the throne of King Birendra.<br/><br/> 'Durbar', or correctly <i>darbar</i>, means royal palace or royal court, but the locals prefer to call the square Hanuman Dhoka, 'Hanuman’s Gate', after the narrow palace gate which is guarded by a crimson-red figure of the monkey god Hanuman. The figure was set up in 1862 to protect the gate from ill luck and enemies of all sorts—or, as the Nepalese chronicles put it, from 'evil spirits, witches, and epidemics, such as smallpox'.<br/><br/> Hanuman is worshipped mainly on account of his bravery and strength, and has often been adopted by Hindu soldiers as their patron deity. In times gone by, fortresses were guarded by images of Hanuman hewn into their walls, and the kings of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur displayed Hanuman figures on their banners.
Encompassing a former royal palace, a wealth of temples and many other monuments, Durbar Square is Kathmandu’s historic and spiritual centre. The square, after years of neglect, was renovated in 1972-75 in the Hanuman Dhoka Project, initiated after the ascension to the throne of King Birendra.<br/><br/> 'Durbar', or correctly <i>darbar</i>, means royal palace or royal court, but the locals prefer to call the square Hanuman Dhoka, 'Hanuman’s Gate', after the narrow palace gate which is guarded by a crimson-red figure of the monkey god Hanuman. The figure was set up in 1862 to protect the gate from ill luck and enemies of all sorts—or, as the Nepalese chronicles put it, from 'evil spirits, witches, and epidemics, such as smallpox'.<br/><br/> Hanuman is worshipped mainly on account of his bravery and strength, and has often been adopted by Hindu soldiers as their patron deity. In times gone by, fortresses were guarded by images of Hanuman hewn into their walls, and the kings of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur displayed Hanuman figures on their banners.
In the late 18th century CE, Rana Bahadur Shah, the grandson of Prithvi Narayan Shah, built a Shiva-Parvati Temple on Durbar Square, which was also, in a way, to become a monument to the joys—or vagaries—of married life.<br/><br/> The temple, built on a platform formerly used for dance performances, is dedicated to the divine couple Shiva and Parvati. From an arched, carved window in its upper storey two wooden figures representing Shiva and Parvati look down on the square below. The figures are extraordinarily life-like, and from a distance one may almost be fooled. Their elbows casually rest on the windowsill, and the couple appears the very image of wedded bliss.
Encompassing a former royal palace, a wealth of temples and many other monuments, Durbar Square is Kathmandu’s historic and spiritual centre. The square, after years of neglect, was renovated in 1972-75 in the Hanuman Dhoka Project, initiated after the ascension to the throne of King Birendra.<br/><br/> 'Durbar', or correctly darbar, means royal palace or royal court, but the locals prefer to call the square Hanuman Dhoka, 'Hanuman’s Gate', after the narrow palace gate which is guarded by a crimson-red figure of the monkey god Hanuman. The figure was set up in 1862 to protect the gate from ill luck and enemies of all sorts—or, as the Nepalese chronicles put it, from 'evil spirits, witches, and epidemics, such as smallpox'.<br/><br/> Hanuman is worshipped mainly on account of his bravery and strength, and has often been adopted by Hindu soldiers as their patron deity. In times gone by, fortresses were guarded by images of Hanuman hewn into their walls, and the kings of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur displayed Hanuman figures on their banners.
Encompassing a former royal palace, a wealth of temples and many other monuments, Durbar Square is Kathmandu’s historic and spiritual centre. The square, after years of neglect, was renovated in 1972-75 in the Hanuman Dhoka Project, initiated after the ascension to the throne of King Birendra.<br/><br/> 'Durbar', or correctly darbar, means royal palace or royal court, but the locals prefer to call the square Hanuman Dhoka, 'Hanuman’s Gate', after the narrow palace gate which is guarded by a crimson-red figure of the monkey god Hanuman. The figure was set up in 1862 to protect the gate from ill luck and enemies of all sorts—or, as the Nepalese chronicles put it, from 'evil spirits, witches, and epidemics, such as smallpox'.<br/><br/> Hanuman is worshipped mainly on account of his bravery and strength, and has often been adopted by Hindu soldiers as their patron deity. In times gone by, fortresses were guarded by images of Hanuman hewn into their walls, and the kings of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur displayed Hanuman figures on their banners.
Mahishasura's father Rambha was king of the asuras, and he once fell in love with Princess Mahishi, who was cursed to be a water buffalo; Mahishasura was born out of this union. He is, therefore, able to change between human and buffalo form at will (<i>mahisha</i> is Sanskrit word for buffalo).
Encompassing a former royal palace, a wealth of temples and many other monuments, Durbar Square is Kathmandu’s historic and spiritual centre. The square, after years of neglect, was renovated in 1972-75 in the Hanuman Dhoka Project, initiated after the ascension to the throne of King Birendra.<br/><br/> 'Durbar', or correctly darbar, means royal palace or royal court, but the locals prefer to call the square Hanuman Dhoka, 'Hanuman’s Gate', after the narrow palace gate which is guarded by a crimson-red figure of the monkey god Hanuman. The figure was set up in 1862 to protect the gate from ill luck and enemies of all sorts—or, as the Nepalese chronicles put it, from 'evil spirits, witches, and epidemics, such as smallpox'.<br/><br/> Hanuman is worshipped mainly on account of his bravery and strength, and has often been adopted by Hindu soldiers as their patron deity. In times gone by, fortresses were guarded by images of Hanuman hewn into their walls, and the kings of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur displayed Hanuman figures on their banners.
Encompassing a former royal palace, a wealth of temples and many other monuments, Durbar Square is Kathmandu’s historic and spiritual centre. The square, after years of neglect, was renovated in 1972-75 in the Hanuman Dhoka Project, initiated after the ascension to the throne of King Birendra.<br/><br/> 'Durbar', or correctly darbar, means royal palace or royal court, but the locals prefer to call the square Hanuman Dhoka, 'Hanuman’s Gate', after the narrow palace gate which is guarded by a crimson-red figure of the monkey god Hanuman. The figure was set up in 1862 to protect the gate from ill luck and enemies of all sorts—or, as the Nepalese chronicles put it, from 'evil spirits, witches, and epidemics, such as smallpox'.<br/><br/> Hanuman is worshipped mainly on account of his bravery and strength, and has often been adopted by Hindu soldiers as their patron deity. In times gone by, fortresses were guarded by images of Hanuman hewn into their walls, and the kings of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur displayed Hanuman figures on their banners.
Encompassing a former royal palace, a wealth of temples and many other monuments, Durbar Square is Kathmandu’s historic and spiritual centre. The square, after years of neglect, was renovated in 1972-75 in the Hanuman Dhoka Project, initiated after the ascension to the throne of King Birendra.<br/><br/> 'Durbar', or correctly darbar, means royal palace or royal court, but the locals prefer to call the square Hanuman Dhoka, 'Hanuman’s Gate', after the narrow palace gate which is guarded by a crimson-red figure of the monkey god Hanuman. The figure was set up in 1862 to protect the gate from ill luck and enemies of all sorts—or, as the Nepalese chronicles put it, from 'evil spirits, witches, and epidemics, such as smallpox'.<br/><br/> Hanuman is worshipped mainly on account of his bravery and strength, and has often been adopted by Hindu soldiers as their patron deity. In times gone by, fortresses were guarded by images of Hanuman hewn into their walls, and the kings of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur displayed Hanuman figures on their banners.
Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, Kumaran, Kumara Swami and Subramaniyan, is the Hindu god of war. He is the commander-in-chief of the army of the devas (gods) and the son of Shiva and Parvati.<br/><br/> Murugan is often referred to as 'Tamil Kadavul' (meaning 'God of Tamils') and is worshiped primarily in areas with Tamil influences, especially South India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Reunion Island. His six most important shrines in India are the Arupadaiveedu temples, located in Tamil Nadu. In Sri Lanka, the sacred historical Nallur Kandaswamy temple in Jaffna and Kataragama Temple situated deep south. Hindus in Malaysia also pray to Lord Murugan at the Batu Caves and various temples where Thaipusam is celebrated with grandeur.<br/><br/> In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Kartikeya is known as Subramanya with a temple at Kukke Subramanya known for Sarpa shanti rites dedicated to Him and another famous temple at Ghati Subramanya also in Karnataka. In Bengal and Odisha, he is popularly known as Kartikeya.
Kathmandu is an unexpected and extravagant mixture of peoples and religions, child-goddesses, bare-foot porters padding in back alleys, and sacred cows. The Kathmandu most people come to see is the Old City, a tangled network of narrow alleys, stores and temples located around central Durbar Square.
The jungle-covered area of Gokarna (a few kilometres northeast of Kathmandu) was once the capital of Nepal. Gokarna was considered a sacred site and took its name from the holy city of Gokarna in Karnataka, in Southern India, a major place of Shiva worship. During the reign of the seventh Kiranti king, the hero of the epic Mahabharata, Arjuna, reputedly paid the country a visit. Arjuna managed to impress Shiva, who had disguised himself as a Kiranti, with his extraordinary arrow shooting skills.
The Royal Palace supposedly dates back to the Licchavi period (5th-13th century), but, with the exception of a few inscriptions, there is little substantial evidence for this. In the earliest inscription, which hails from the year 643 CE and which was found at the Keshav Narayan Chowk, Licchavi King Narendra Deva announced the abolition of three types of taxes, presumably making him popular with his subjects. This indicates that there may at the time have been a palace at the site of Keshav Narayan Chowk, which is part of the present royal palace complex.<br/><br/> The royal palace as seen today in Durbar Square has its origins in the 14th century; however, the most active building period was the 17th century.
The jungle-covered area of Gokarna (a few kilometres northeast of Kathmandu) was once the capital of Nepal. Gokarna was considered a sacred site and took its name from the holy city of Gokarna in Karnataka, in Southern India, a major place of Shiva worship. During the reign of the seventh Kiranti king, the hero of the epic Mahabharata, Arjuna, reputedly paid the country a visit. Arjuna managed to impress Shiva, who had disguised himself as a Kiranti, with his extraordinary arrow shooting skills.
Dashain is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese people throughout the globe. It is also celebrated by many Hindus elsewhere. Dashain symbolizes the victory of good over evil.<br/><br/> For followers of Shaktism, it represents the victory of the goddess Parvati. In Hindu mythology, the demon Mahishasura had created terror in the devaloka (the world where gods live ) but Durga killed the demon. The first nine days of Dashain symbolizes the battle which took place between the different manifestations of Durga and Mahishasura. The tenth day is the day when Durga finally defeated him. For other Hindus, this festival symbolizes the victory of Rama over Ravana as recounted in the Ramayana.<br/><br/> Buddhists Nepal celebrate Dashain to commemorate Ashoka's adoption of ahimsa and Buddhism.<br/><br/> Kathmandu is an unexpected and extravagant mixture of peoples and religions, child-goddesses, bare-foot porters padding in back alleys, and sacred cows. The Kathmandu most people come to see is the Old City, a tangled network of narrow alleys, stores and temples located around central Durbar Square.
Nandi or Nandin (Tamil: நந்தி Sanskrit: नंदी) is the name for the bull which serves as the mount (Sanskrit: vāhana) of Shiva and as the gate keeper of Shiva and Parvati in Hindu mythology.<br/><br/> Temples venerating Shiva and Parvati display stone images of a seated Nandi, generally facing the main shrine. There are also a number of temples dedicated solely to Nandi.
The Royal Palace supposedly dates back to the Licchavi period (5th-13th century), but, with the exception of a few inscriptions, there is little substantial evidence for this. In the earliest inscription, which hails from the year 643 CE and which was found at the Keshav Narayan Chowk, Licchavi King Narendra Deva announced the abolition of three types of taxes, presumably making him popular with his subjects. This indicates that there may at the time have been a palace at the site of Keshav Narayan Chowk, which is part of the present royal palace complex.<br/><br/> The royal palace as seen today in Durbar Square has its origins in the 14th century; however, the most active building period was the 17th century.
India: 'Shiva Bearing the Descent of the Ganges River'. Watercolour folio from a Hindi manuscript by the saint Narayan, c. 1740. Shiva bearing the descent of the Ganges River as Parvati and Bhagiratha and the bull Nandi look on. Told and retold in the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and several Puranas, the story begins with a sage, Kapila, whose intense meditation has been disturbed by the sixty thousand sons of King Sagara. Livid at being disturbed, Kapila sears them with his angry gaze, reduces them to ashes, and dispatches them to the netherworld.
The Goddess Durga, fighting Mahishasura, the buffalo-demon (Hindu Mythology). In the clouds the Devas or celestial beings are seen watching the event. The story is recorded in the Devi Mahatmya and the Devi Bhagavata and is the background for Durgapuja, the annual Hindu festival each autumn.<br/><br/> In Hinduism, Durga is a form of Devi, the supremely radiant goddess, depicted as having eight arms, riding a lion or a tiger, carrying weapons and a lotus flower, maintaining a meditative smile, and practicing mudras, or symbolic hand gestures.<br/><br/> An embodiment of creative feminine force (Shakti), Durga exists in a state of svātantrya (independence from the universe and anything/anybody else) and fierce compassion. Kali is considered by Hindus to be an aspect of Durga. She is thus considered the fiercer, demon-fighting form of Shiva's wife, goddess Parvati. Durga manifests fearlessness and patience, and never loses her sense of humour, even during spiritual battles of epic proportion.<br/><br/> At the Durga Puja festival, Durga is celebrated as the mother of Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
Encompassing a former royal palace, a wealth of temples and many other monuments, Durbar Square is Kathmandu’s historic and spiritual centre. The square, after years of neglect, was renovated in 1972-75 in the Hanuman Dhoka Project, initiated after the ascension to the throne of King Birendra.<br/><br/> 'Durbar', or correctly darbar, means royal palace or royal court, but the locals prefer to call the square Hanuman Dhoka, 'Hanuman’s Gate', after the narrow palace gate which is guarded by a crimson-red figure of the monkey god Hanuman. The figure was set up in 1862 to protect the gate from ill luck and enemies of all sorts—or, as the Nepalese chronicles put it, from 'evil spirits, witches, and epidemics, such as smallpox'.<br/><br/> Hanuman is worshipped mainly on account of his bravery and strength, and has often been adopted by Hindu soldiers as their patron deity. In times gone by, fortresses were guarded by images of Hanuman hewn into their walls, and the kings of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur displayed Hanuman figures on their banners.
The three day Teej Festival is celebrated in Nepal and northern India and is traditionally observed by women. The festival is marked by fasting and prayers to Lord Shiva and the goddess Parvati asking them to bless their marriages and to ensure a long life for their husbands.<br/><br/> The most revered Hindu site in Nepal is the extensive Pashupatinath Temple complex, five kilometres east of central Kathmandu. The focus of devotion here is a large silver Shivalingam with four faces of Shiva carved on its sides, making it a 'Chaturmukhi-Linga', or four-faced Shivalingam. Pashupati is one of Shiva’s 1,008 names, his manifestation as 'Lord of all Beasts' (pashu means 'beasts', pati means 'lord'); he is considered the guardian deity of Nepal.<br/><br/> The main temple building around the Shivalingam was built under King Birpalendra Malla in 1696, however the temple is said to have already existed before 533 CE. In 733 CE, King Jayadeva II erected in its precincts a stone tablet which chronicled all the kings of Nepal, beginning with the sun god. During the Muslim raids of 1349 the temple was largely destroyed, but in 1381 Jayasinharama Varddhana of Banepa restored it. Further renovations were conducted towards the end of the Malla period, and the latest extensive improvements were made in 1967.<br/><br/> Since the temple's inception, all the rulers of Nepal have taken great pains to pay their respects to it, to make donations, and to finance extensions.
The three day Teej Festival is celebrated in Nepal and northern India and is traditionally observed by women. The festival is marked by fasting and prayers to Lord Shiva and the goddess Parvati asking them to bless their marriages and to ensure a long life for their husbands.<br/><br/> The most revered Hindu site in Nepal is the extensive Pashupatinath Temple complex, five kilometres east of central Kathmandu. The focus of devotion here is a large silver Shivalingam with four faces of Shiva carved on its sides, making it a 'Chaturmukhi-Linga', or four-faced Shivalingam. Pashupati is one of Shiva’s 1,008 names, his manifestation as 'Lord of all Beasts' (pashu means 'beasts', pati means 'lord'); he is considered the guardian deity of Nepal.<br/><br/> The main temple building around the Shivalingam was built under King Birpalendra Malla in 1696, however the temple is said to have already existed before 533 CE. In 733 CE, King Jayadeva II erected in its precincts a stone tablet which chronicled all the kings of Nepal, beginning with the sun god. During the Muslim raids of 1349 the temple was largely destroyed, but in 1381 Jayasinharama Varddhana of Banepa restored it. Further renovations were conducted towards the end of the Malla period, and the latest extensive improvements were made in 1967.<br/><br/> Since the temple's inception, all the rulers of Nepal have taken great pains to pay their respects to it, to make donations, and to finance extensions.
Durga (meaning 'the inaccessible' or 'the invincible'), is the most popular incarnation of Devi and one of the main forms of the Goddess Shakti in the Hindu pantheon. Durga is the original manifested form of Mother Parvati or Adi-Parashakti.<br/><br/> The most revered Hindu site in Nepal is the extensive Pashupatinath Temple complex, five kilometres east of central Kathmandu. The focus of devotion here is a large silver Shivalingam with four faces of Shiva carved on its sides, making it a 'Chaturmukhi-Linga', or four-faced Shivalingam. Pashupati is one of Shiva’s 1,008 names, his manifestation as 'Lord of all Beasts' (pashu means 'beasts', pati means 'lord'); he is considered the guardian deity of Nepal.<br/><br/> The main temple building around the Shivalingam was built under King Birpalendra Malla in 1696, however the temple is said to have already existed before 533 CE. In 733 CE, King Jayadeva II erected in its precincts a stone tablet which chronicled all the kings of Nepal, beginning with the sun god. During the Muslim raids of 1349 the temple was largely destroyed, but in 1381 Jayasinharama Varddhana of Banepa restored it. Further renovations were conducted towards the end of the Malla period, and the latest extensive improvements were made in 1967.<br/><br/> Since the temple's inception, all the rulers of Nepal have taken great pains to pay their respects to it, to make donations, and to finance extensions.
The three day Teej Festival is celebrated in Nepal and northern India and is traditionally observed by women. The festival is marked by fasting and prayers to Lord Shiva and the goddess Parvati asking them to bless their marriages and to ensure a long life for their husbands.<br/><br/> The most revered Hindu site in Nepal is the extensive Pashupatinath Temple complex, five kilometres east of central Kathmandu. The focus of devotion here is a large silver Shivalingam with four faces of Shiva carved on its sides, making it a 'Chaturmukhi-Linga', or four-faced Shivalingam. Pashupati is one of Shiva’s 1,008 names, his manifestation as 'Lord of all Beasts' (pashu means 'beasts', pati means 'lord'); he is considered the guardian deity of Nepal.<br/><br/> The main temple building around the Shivalingam was built under King Birpalendra Malla in 1696, however the temple is said to have already existed before 533 CE. In 733 CE, King Jayadeva II erected in its precincts a stone tablet which chronicled all the kings of Nepal, beginning with the sun god. During the Muslim raids of 1349 the temple was largely destroyed, but in 1381 Jayasinharama Varddhana of Banepa restored it. Further renovations were conducted towards the end of the Malla period, and the latest extensive improvements were made in 1967.<br/><br/> Since the temple's inception, all the rulers of Nepal have taken great pains to pay their respects to it, to make donations, and to finance extensions.
The three day Teej Festival is celebrated in Nepal and northern India and is traditionally observed by women. The festival is marked by fasting and prayers to Lord Shiva and the goddess Parvati asking them to bless their marriages and to ensure a long life for their husbands.<br/><br/> The most revered Hindu site in Nepal is the extensive Pashupatinath Temple complex, five kilometres east of central Kathmandu. The focus of devotion here is a large silver Shivalingam with four faces of Shiva carved on its sides, making it a 'Chaturmukhi-Linga', or four-faced Shivalingam. Pashupati is one of Shiva’s 1,008 names, his manifestation as 'Lord of all Beasts' (pashu means 'beasts', pati means 'lord'); he is considered the guardian deity of Nepal.<br/><br/> The main temple building around the Shivalingam was built under King Birpalendra Malla in 1696, however the temple is said to have already existed before 533 CE. In 733 CE, King Jayadeva II erected in its precincts a stone tablet which chronicled all the kings of Nepal, beginning with the sun god. During the Muslim raids of 1349 the temple was largely destroyed, but in 1381 Jayasinharama Varddhana of Banepa restored it. Further renovations were conducted towards the end of the Malla period, and the latest extensive improvements were made in 1967.<br/><br/> Since the temple's inception, all the rulers of Nepal have taken great pains to pay their respects to it, to make donations, and to finance extensions.
Thillai Natarajah Temple, Chidambaram or Chidambaram temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple as it stands now is mainly of the 12th and 13th centuries CE, with later additions in similar style.
Thillai Natarajah Temple, Chidambaram or Chidambaram temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple as it stands now is mainly of the 12th and 13th centuries CE, with later additions in similar style.
Thillai Natarajah Temple, Chidambaram or Chidambaram temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple as it stands now is mainly of the 12th and 13th centuries CE, with later additions in similar style.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
Annamalaiyar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva. The present structure was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions are attributed to Vijayanagar rulers of the Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485 CE), the Saluva Dynasty and the Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570 CE).
Durga (Hindustani pronunciation: [d̪uːrgaː]; Sanskrit: दुर्गा); meaning 'the inaccessible' or 'the invincible') is a popular fierce form of the Hindu Goddess or Devi. She is depicted with multiple (variously, up to ten) arms, carrying various weapons and riding a ferocious lion or tiger. She is often pictured as battling or slaying demons, particularly Mahishasura, the buffalo demon.<br/><br/> For the Goddess-worshipping Shaktas, Durga is sometimes equated with Mahadevi, the Supreme Goddess. Her triumph as Mahishasura Mardini, Slayer of the buffalo Demon is a central episode of the scripture Devi Mahatmya. Her victory is celebrated annually in the festivals of Navaratri and Durga Puja.
Durga (Hindustani pronunciation: [d̪uːrgaː]; Sanskrit: दुर्गा); meaning 'the inaccessible' or 'the invincible') is a popular fierce form of the Hindu Goddess or Devi. She is depicted with multiple (variously, up to ten) arms, carrying various weapons and riding a ferocious lion or tiger. She is often pictured as battling or slaying demons, particularly Mahishasura, the buffalo demon.<br/><br/> For the Goddess-worshipping Shaktas, Durga is sometimes equated with Mahadevi, the Supreme Goddess. Her triumph as Mahishasura Mardini, Slayer of the buffalo Demon is a central episode of the scripture Devi Mahatmya. Her victory is celebrated annually in the festivals of Navaratri and Durga Puja.
Shakti (Devanagari: शक्ति) from Sanskrit shak - 'to be able', meaning sacred force or empowerment, is the primordial cosmic energy and represents the dynamic forces that are thought to move through the entire universe in Hinduism.<br/><br/> Shakti is the concept, or personification, of divine feminine creative power, sometimes referred to as 'The Great Divine Mother' in Hinduism. On the earthly plane, Shakti most actively manifests through female embodiment representing creativity and fertility, though it is also present in males in its potential, unmanifest form.<br/><br/> Not only is the Shakti responsible for creation, it is also the agent of all change. Shakti is cosmic existence as well as liberation, its most significant form being the Kundalini Shakti, a mysterious psychospiritual force. Shakti exists in a state of svātantrya, dependence on no-one, being interdependent with the entire universe.<br/><br/> In Shaktism, Shakti is worshiped as the Supreme Being. However, in other Hindu traditions of Shaivism and Vaishnavism, Shakti embodies the active feminine energy Prakriti of Purusha, who is Vishnu in Vaishnavism or Shiva in Shaivism. Vishnu's female counterpart is called Lakshmi, with Parvati being the female half of Shiva.
The story of the River Ganga's descent from heaven is told in the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and several Puranas. It begins with the sage, Kapila, whose intense meditation has been disturbed by the sixty thousand sons of King Sagara. Livid at being disturbed, Kapila sears them with his angry gaze, reduces them to ashes, and dispatches them to the netherworld.<br/><br/> Only the waters of the Ganga, then in heaven, can bring the dead sons their salvation. A descendant of these sons, King Bhagiratha, anxious to restore his ancestors, undertakes rigorous penance and is eventually granted the prize of Ganga's descent from heaven. However, since her turbulent force will also shatter the earth, Bhagiratha persuades Shiva in his abode on Mount Kailash to receive Ganga in the coils of his tangled hair and break her fall.<br/><br/> Ganga descends, is tamed in Shiva's locks, and arrives in the Himalayas. She is then led by the waiting Bhagiratha down into the plains at Haridwar, across the plains first to the confluence with the Yamuna at Prayag and then to Varanasi, and eventually to Ganga Sagar, where she meets the ocean, sinks to the netherworld, and saves the sons of Sagara.
The Goddess Durga, fighting Mahishasura, the buffalo-demon (Hindu Mythology). In the clouds the Devas or celestial beings are seen watching the event. The story is recorded in the Devi Mahatmya and the Devi Bhagavata and is the background for Durgapuja, the annual Hindu festival each autumn.<br/><br/> In Hinduism, Durga is a form of Devi, the supremely radiant goddess, depicted as having eight arms, riding a lion or a tiger, carrying weapons and a lotus flower, maintaining a meditative smile, and practicing mudras, or symbolic hand gestures.<br/><br/> An embodiment of creative feminine force (Shakti), Durga exists in a state of svātantrya (independence from the universe and anything/anybody else) and fierce compassion. Kali is considered by Hindus to be an aspect of Durga. She is thus considered the fiercer, demon-fighting form of Shiva's wife, goddess Parvati. Durga manifests fearlessness and patience, and never loses her sense of humour, even during spiritual battles of epic proportion.<br/><br/> At the Durga Puja festival, Durga is celebrated as the mother of Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The present temple dates from between 1623 and 1655 CE.
Shiva (Sanskrit: शिव Śiva, meaning 'auspicious one' ) is a major Hindu deity, and is the destroyer god or transformer among the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine.<br/><br/> Shiva is depicted three-eyed, the waters of the River Ganges poring from his top-knot.<br/><br/> Parvati (Sanskrit: पार्वती (IAST: Pārvatī)) is a Hindu goddess. Parvati is Shakti herself, considered as wife of Shiva, albeit the gentle aspect of Mahadevi, the Supreme Goddess. Parvati is sometimes considered as the supreme Divine Mother and all other goddesses are referred to as her incarnations or manifestations.<br/><br/> Mewar (मेवाड़ مئور also called the Udaipur Kingdom) is a region of south-central Rajasthan state in western India. It includes the present-day districts of Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara and some of the part of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.<br/><br/> The region was for centuries a Rajput kingdom that later became a princely state under the British. It was ruled by the Chattari rajputs of Mori Guhilot Parihar and Sisodia dynasties for over 1,400 years.
Shiva bearing the descent of the Ganges River as Parvati and Bhagiratha and the bull Nandi look on, folio from a Hindi manuscript by the saint Narayan, circa 1740.<br/><br/> Told and retold in the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and several Puranas, the story begins with a sage, Kapila, whose intense meditation has been disturbed by the sixty thousand sons of King Sagara. Livid at being disturbed, Kapila sears them with his angry gaze, reduces them to ashes, and dispatches them to the netherworld.<br/><br/> Only the waters of the Ganga, then in heaven, can bring the dead sons their salvation. A descendant of these sons, King Bhagiratha, anxious to restore his ancestors, undertakes rigorous penance and is eventually granted the prize of Ganga's descent from heaven. However, since her turbulent force will also shatter the earth, Bhagiratha persuades Shiva in his abode on Mount Kailash to receive Ganga in the coils of his tangled hair and break her fall.<br/><br/> Ganga descends, is tamed in Shiva's locks, and arrives in the Himalayas. She is then led by the waiting Bhagiratha down into the plains at Haridwar, across the plains first to the confluence with the Yamuna at Prayag and then to Varanasi, and eventually to Ganga Sagar, where she meets the ocean, sinks to the netherworld, and saves the sons of Sagara.
Pierre Sonnerat (1748-1814) was a French naturalist and explorer who made several voyages to southeast Asia between 1769 and 1781. He published this two-volume account of his voyage of 1774-81 in 1782. <br/><br/> Volume 1 deals exclusively with India, whose culture Sonnerat very much admired, and is especially noteworthy for its extended discussion of religion in India, Hinduism in particular. The book is illustrated with engravings based on Sonnerat’s drawings. Among the most interesting illustrations are Sonnerat’s pictures of various Hindu deities.
The Pāla Empire, one of the major middle kingdoms of India, existed from 750–1174 CE. It was ruled by a Buddhist dynasty from Bengal in the eastern region of the Indian subcontinent, all the rulers bearing names ending with the suffix Pala (Modern Bengali: পাল pāl), which means protector. The Palas were often described by opponents as the Lords of Gauda. The Palas were followers of the Mahayana and Tantric schools of Buddhism. Gopala was the first ruler from the dynasty. He came to power in 750 in Gaur by a democratic election. This event is recognized as one of the first democratic elections in South Asia. He reigned from 750–770 and consolidated his position by extending his control over all of Bengal. The Buddhist dynasty lasted for four centuries (750–1120 CE) and ushered in a period of stability and prosperity in Bengal. They created many temples and works of art as well as supporting the Universities of Nalanda and Vikramashila. Somapura Mahavihara built by Dharmapala is the greatest Buddhist Vihara in the Indian Subcontinent.<br/><br/> The empire reached its peak under Dharmapala and Devapala. Dharmapala extended the empire into the northern parts of the Indian Subcontinent. This triggered once again the power struggle for the control of the subcontinent. Devapala, successor of Dharmapala, expanded the empire to cover much of South Asia and beyond. His empire stretched from Assam and Utkala in the east, Kamboja (modern day Afghanistan) in the north-west and Deccan in the south. According to a Pala copperplate inscription Devapala exterminated the Utkalas, conquered the Pragjyotisha (Assam), shattered the pride of the Huna, and humbled the lords of Pratiharas, Gurjara and the Dravidas.<br/><br/> The death of Devapala ended the period of ascendancy of the Pala Empire and several independent dynasties and kingdoms emerged during this time. However, Mahipala I rejuvenated the reign of the Palas. He recovered control over all of Bengal and expanded the empire. He survived the invasions of Rajendra Chola and the Chalukyas. After Mahipala I the Pala dynasty again saw its decline until Ramapala, the last great ruler of the dynasty, managed to retrieve the position of the dynasty to some extent. He crushed the Varendra rebellion and extended his empire farther to Kamarupa, Orissa and Northern India.<br/><br/> The Pala Empire can be considered as the golden era of Bengal. Never had the Bengali people reached such height of power and glory to that extent. Palas were responsible for the introduction of Mahayana Buddhism in Tibet, Bhutan and Myanmar. The Palas had extensive trade as well as influence in south-east Asia. This can be seen in the sculptures and architectural style of the Sailendra Empire (present-day Malaya, Java, Sumatra). The Pala Empire eventually disintegrated in the 12th century weakened by attacks of the Sena dynasty followed by the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khilji's Muslim armies.
The Goddess Durga, fighting Mahishasura, the buffalo-demon (Hindu Mythology). In the clouds the Devas or celestial beings are seen watching the event. The story is recorded in the Devi Mahatmya and the Devi Bhagavata and is the background for Durgapuja, the annual Hindu festival each autumn.<br/><br/> In Hinduism, Durga is a form of Devi, the supremely radiant goddess, depicted as having eight arms, riding a lion or a tiger, carrying weapons and a lotus flower, maintaining a meditative smile, and practicing mudras, or symbolic hand gestures.<br/><br/> An embodiment of creative feminine force (Shakti), Durga exists in a state of svātantrya (independence from the universe and anything/anybody else) and fierce compassion. Kali is considered by Hindus to be an aspect of Durga. She is thus considered the fiercer, demon-fighting form of Shiva's wife, goddess Parvati. Durga manifests fearlessness and patience, and never loses her sense of humour, even during spiritual battles of epic proportion.<br/><br/> At the Durga Puja festival, Durga is celebrated as the mother of Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
Shiva (Sanskrit: शिव Śiva, meaning 'auspicious one' ) is a major Hindu deity, and is the destroyer god or transformer among the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine. In the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism, Shiva is seen as the Supreme God. In the Smarta tradition, he is regarded as one of the five primary forms of God. Followers of Hinduism who focus their worship upon Shiva are called Shaivites or Shaivas (Sanskrit Śaiva).<br/><br/> Uma or Parvati (Sanskrit: पार्वती (IAST: Pārvatī)) is a Hindu goddess. Parvati is Shakti herself, considered as wife of Shiva, albeit the gentle aspect of Mahadevi, the Supreme Goddess. Parvati is sometimes considered as the supreme Divine Mother and all other goddesses are referred to as her incarnations or manifestations.