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Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, science and technology. She is the daughter of Brahma, sometimes also described as his consort.
The kingdom of Champa (Campadesa or nagara Campa) Chăm Pa in Vietnamese, 占城 Chiêm Thành in Hán Việt and Zhàn chéng in Chinese records) was an Indianized kingdom that controlled much of southern and central Vietnam from approximately the 7th century through to 1832.<br/><br/> Champa reached its apogee in the 9th and 10th centuries. Then began a gradual decline under pressure from Đại Việt, the Vietnamese polity centered in the region of modern Hanoi. In 1471, Viet troops sacked the northern Cham capital of Vijaya, and in 1697 the southern principality of Panduranga became a vassal of the Vietnamese emperor.<br/><br/> In 1832, the Vietnamese emperor Minh Mạng annexed the remaining Cham territories. Mỹ Sơn, a former religious center, and Hội An, one of Champa's main port cities, are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The kingdom of Champa (Campadesa or nagara Campa) Chăm Pa in Vietnamese, 占城 Chiêm Thành in Hán Việt and Zhàn chéng in Chinese records) was an Indianized kingdom that controlled much of southern and central Vietnam from approximately the 7th century through to 1832.<br/><br/> Champa reached its apogee in the 9th and 10th centuries. Then began a gradual decline under pressure from Đại Việt, the Vietnamese polity centered in the region of modern Hanoi. In 1471, Viet troops sacked the northern Cham capital of Vijaya, and in 1697 the southern principality of Panduranga became a vassal of the Vietnamese emperor.<br/><br/> In 1832, the Vietnamese emperor Minh Mạng annexed the remaining Cham territories. Mỹ Sơn, a former religious center, and Hội An, one of Champa's main port cities, are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Savitri (Sarasvati) is the wife of Lord Brahma.<br/><br/> Pushkar is one of India's oldest cities. The date of its actual founding is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation.<br/><br/> According to the Rajputana Gazetteer, Pushkar was held by Chechi Gurjars (Gujjars) till about 700 years ago. Later Some shrines were occupied by Kanphati Jogis. There are still some priests from the Gujar community in some of Pushkar's temples. They are known as Bhopas.<br/><br/> The sage Parasara is said to have been born in Pushkar. His descendants, called Parasara Brahamanas, are found in Pushkar and the surrounding area. The famous temple of Jeenmata has been cared for by Parasara Brahmans for the last 1,000 years. Pushkarana Brahamanas may also have originated here.<br/><br/> It is also the venue of the annual Pushkar Camel Fair.
Savitri (Sarasvati) is the wife of Lord Brahma.<br/><br/> Pushkar is one of India's oldest cities. The date of its actual founding is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation.<br/><br/> According to the Rajputana Gazetteer, Pushkar was held by Chechi Gurjars (Gujjars) till about 700 years ago. Later Some shrines were occupied by Kanphati Jogis. There are still some priests from the Gujar community in some of Pushkar's temples. They are known as Bhopas.<br/><br/> The sage Parasara is said to have been born in Pushkar. His descendants, called Parasara Brahamanas, are found in Pushkar and the surrounding area. The famous temple of Jeenmata has been cared for by Parasara Brahmans for the last 1,000 years. Pushkarana Brahamanas may also have originated here.<br/><br/> It is also the venue of the annual Pushkar Camel Fair.
Gayatri (Gyatri) is the second wife of Lord Brahma.<br/><br/> Pushkar is one of India's oldest cities. The date of its actual founding is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation.<br/><br/> According to the Rajputana Gazetteer, Pushkar was held by Chechi Gurjars (Gujjars) till about 700 years ago. Later Some shrines were occupied by Kanphati Jogis. There are still some priests from the Gujar community in some of Pushkar's temples. They are known as Bhopas.<br/><br/> The sage Parasara is said to have been born in Pushkar. His descendants, called Parasara Brahamanas, are found in Pushkar and the surrounding area. The famous temple of Jeenmata has been cared for by Parasara Brahmans for the last 1,000 years. Pushkarana Brahamanas may also have originated here.<br/><br/> It is also the venue of the annual Pushkar Camel Fair.
The Jagatpita Brahma Mandir (Brahma Temple) is the most important temple in Pushkar is dedicated to Lord Brahma, one of the holy trinity of Hinduism. It is one of the very few Hindu shrines in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma and remains the most important.<br/><br/> Pushkar is one of India's oldest cities. The date of its actual founding is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation.<br/><br/> According to the Rajputana Gazetteer, Pushkar was held by Chechi Gurjars (Gujjars) till about 700 years ago. Later Some shrines were occupied by Kanphati Jogis. There are still some priests from the Gujar community in some of Pushkar's temples. They are known as Bhopas.<br/><br/> The sage Parasara is said to have been born in Pushkar. His descendants, called Parasara Brahamanas, are found in Pushkar and the surrounding area. The famous temple of Jeenmata has been cared for by Parasara Brahmans for the last 1,000 years. Pushkarana Brahamanas may also have originated here.<br/><br/> It is also the venue of the annual Pushkar Camel Fair.
The Jagatpita Brahma Mandir (Brahma Temple) is the most important temple in Pushkar is dedicated to Lord Brahma, one of the holy trinity of Hinduism. It is one of the very few Hindu shrines in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma and remains the most important.<br/><br/> Pushkar is one of India's oldest cities. The date of its actual founding is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation.<br/><br/> According to the Rajputana Gazetteer, Pushkar was held by Chechi Gurjars (Gujjars) till about 700 years ago. Later Some shrines were occupied by Kanphati Jogis. There are still some priests from the Gujar community in some of Pushkar's temples. They are known as Bhopas.<br/><br/> The sage Parasara is said to have been born in Pushkar. His descendants, called Parasara Brahamanas, are found in Pushkar and the surrounding area. The famous temple of Jeenmata has been cared for by Parasara Brahmans for the last 1,000 years. Pushkarana Brahamanas may also have originated here.<br/><br/> It is also the venue of the annual Pushkar Camel Fair.
Savitri is the wife of Lord Brahma.<br/><br/> Pushkar is one of India's oldest cities. The date of its actual founding is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation.<br/><br/> According to the Rajputana Gazetteer, Pushkar was held by Chechi Gurjars (Gujjars) till about 700 years ago. Later Some shrines were occupied by Kanphati Jogis. There are still some priests from the Gujar community in some of Pushkar's temples. They are known as Bhopas.<br/><br/> The sage Parasara is said to have been born in Pushkar. His descendants, called Parasara Brahamanas, are found in Pushkar and the surrounding area. The famous temple of Jeenmata has been cared for by Parasara Brahmans for the last 1,000 years. Pushkarana Brahamanas may also have originated here.<br/><br/> It is also the venue of the annual Pushkar Camel Fair.
Prang Sam Yot, originally a Khmer Hindu shrine, has three prangs that used to represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (the Hindu trinity). It was later converted to a Buddhist shrine.<br/><br/> The old town of Lopburi dates back to the Dvaravati era (6th - 13th century). It was originally known as Lavo or Lavapura. After the foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the fifteenth century, Lopburi was a stronghold of Ayutthaya's rulers. It later became a new royal capital during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the middle of the 17th century. The king stayed here for about eight months a year. Today, Lopburi is renowned for its Crab-Eating Macaques that live amid the Khmer temple ruins of the city.
Prang Sam Yot, originally a Khmer Hindu shrine, has three prangs that used to represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (the Hindu trinity). It was later converted to a Buddhist shrine.<br/><br/> The old town of Lopburi dates back to the Dvaravati era (6th - 13th century). It was originally known as Lavo or Lavapura. After the foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the fifteenth century, Lopburi was a stronghold of Ayutthaya's rulers. It later became a new royal capital during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the middle of the 17th century. The king stayed here for about eight months a year. Today, Lopburi is renowned for its Crab-Eating Macaques that live amid the Khmer temple ruins of the city.
Prang Sam Yot, originally a Khmer Hindu shrine, has three prangs that used to represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (the Hindu trinity). It was later converted to a Buddhist shrine.<br/><br/> The old town of Lopburi dates back to the Dvaravati era (6th - 13th century). It was originally known as Lavo or Lavapura. After the foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the fifteenth century, Lopburi was a stronghold of Ayutthaya's rulers. It later became a new royal capital during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the middle of the 17th century. The king stayed here for about eight months a year. Today, Lopburi is renowned for its Crab-Eating Macaques that live amid the Khmer temple ruins of the city.
In Hinduism, Mahadevi (Sanskrit: Mahādevī, Devanagari: महादेवी) or 'Great Goddess' is a term used to denote the Goddess or Devi that is the sum of all other Devis - an all encompassing Female Deity as the consort or complement to an all encompassing Male Deity (Deva) or the Ultimate Reality (Brahman) in Shaktism.
The remote ancient Buddhist site of Buduruvagala (which means ‘stone Buddha images’ in Sinhalese) is thought to date from the 10th century, when Mahayana Buddhism dominated parts of Sri Lanka. Carved into the rock face is a huge 16m-high Buddha figure, with three smaller figures on either side. These are thought to represent the Maitreya Buddha, Avalokitesvara and his consort Tara, as well as the Hindu god Vishnu.
The Mogao Caves, or Mogao Grottoes (Chinese: mò gāo kū), also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas and Dunhuang Caves, form a system of 492 temples 25 km (15.5 miles) southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis strategically located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China.<br/><br/> The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years. The first caves were dug out 366 AD as places of Buddhist meditation and worship. The Mogao Caves are the best known of the Chinese Buddhist grottoes and, along with Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes, are one of the three famous ancient sculptural sites of China. The caves also have famous wall paintings.
Dandan Oilik is a deserted historical town and desert oasis in the Taklamakan Desert of Xinjiang, China. Dandan Oilik was an important (though small) centre of local Buddhism and trade on the Silk Road. Its name means 'Houses of Ivory' and has been the site of a small number of significant archeological finds.<br/><br/> Having been abandoned hundreds of years ago, the oasis was found and lost to shifting desert sands several times. Most recently, a German expedition led by Christoph Baumer found the city based on the accounts of previous explorers such as Sir Aurel Stein, and uncovered relics dating to the 7th and 8th Century. They also marked its GPS position, and the city is now being studied by Chinese archeologists.
Dandan Oilik is a deserted historical town and desert oasis in the Taklamakan Desert of Xinjiang, China. Dandan Oilik was an important (though small) centre of local Buddhism and trade on the Silk Road. Its name means 'Houses of Ivory' and has been the site of a small number of significant archeological finds.<br/><br/> Having been abandoned hundreds of years ago, the oasis was found and lost to shifting desert sands several times. Most recently, a German expedition led by Christoph Baumer found the city based on the accounts of previous explorers such as Sir Aurel Stein, and uncovered relics dating to the 7th and 8th Century. They also marked its GPS position, and the city is now being studied by Chinese archeologists.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Hindu tradition Shesha, also known as Sheshanaga, is the king of all Nagas, and of all serpent deities, one of the primal beings of creation, and according to the Bhagavata Purana, an avatar of the Supreme God known as Narayana. He is also known as Balarama and Sankarshana.<br/><br/> In the Puranas, Sheshanaga is said to hold all the planets of the Universe on his hoods and to constantly sing the glories of Vishnu from all his mouths. He is sometimes referred to as Ananta Shesha which translates as endless-Shesha or as Adishesha which means the first Shesha.<br/><br/> It is said that when Adishesa uncoils, time moves forward and creation takes place. When he coils back, the universe ceases to exist. 'Shesha' in sanskrit texts, especially those relating to mathematical calculation, also implies the 'remainder' - that which remains when all else ceases to exist.
The Erawan Shrine, underneath the Chit Lom Skytrain station in Bangkok, represents the four-headed Hindu god of creation, Brahma, and was erected in 1956 after a series of fatal mishaps befell the construction of the original Erawan Hotel.<br/><br/> Thai traditional dancers, premanently situated at the shrine, are hired to dance by worshippers in return for seeing their prayers at the shrine answered.
The Erawan Shrine, underneath the Chit Lom Skytrain station in Bangkok, represents the four-headed Hindu god of creation, Brahma, and was erected in 1956 after a series of fatal mishaps befell the construction of the original Erawan Hotel.<br/><br/> Thai traditional dancers, premanently situated at the shrine, are hired to dance by worshippers in return for seeing their prayers at the shrine answered.
The Erawan Shrine, underneath the Chit Lom Skytrain station in Bangkok, represents the four-headed Hindu god of creation, Brahma, and was erected in 1956 after a series of fatal mishaps befell the construction of the original Erawan Hotel.<br/><br/> Thai traditional dancers, premanently situated at the shrine, are hired to dance by worshippers in return for seeing their prayers at the shrine answered.
The Erawan Shrine, underneath the Chit Lom Skytrain station in Bangkok, represents the four-headed Hindu god of creation, Brahma, and was erected in 1956 after a series of fatal mishaps befell the construction of the original Erawan Hotel.<br/><br/> Thai traditional dancers, premanently situated at the shrine, are hired to dance by worshippers in return for seeing their prayers at the shrine answered.
The Erawan Shrine, underneath the Chit Lom Skytrain station in Bangkok, represents the four-headed Hindu god of creation, Brahma, and was erected in 1956 after a series of fatal mishaps befell the construction of the original Erawan Hotel.<br/><br/> Thai traditional dancers, premanently situated at the shrine, are hired to dance by worshippers in return for seeing their prayers at the shrine answered.
The Erawan Shrine, underneath the Chit Lom Skytrain station in Bangkok, represents the four-headed Hindu god of creation, Brahma (Phra Phrom), and was erected in 1956 after a series of fatal mishaps befell the construction of the original Erawan Hotel.<br/><br/> Brahmā is the Hindu god (deva) of creation and one of the Trimūrti, the others being Viṣņu (Vishnu) and Śiva (Shiva). According to the Brahmā Purāņa, he is the father of Manu, and from Manu all human beings are descended. In the Rāmāyaņa and the Mahābhārata, he is often referred to as the progenitor or great grandsire of all human beings.
The Erawan Shrine, underneath the Chit Lom Skytrain station in Bangkok, represents the four-headed Hindu god of creation, Brahma (Phra Phrom), and was erected in 1956 after a series of fatal mishaps befell the construction of the original Erawan Hotel.<br/><br/> Brahmā is the Hindu god (deva) of creation and one of the Trimūrti, the others being Viṣņu (Vishnu) and Śiva (Shiva). According to the Brahmā Purāņa, he is the father of Manu, and from Manu all human beings are descended. In the Rāmāyaņa and the Mahābhārata, he is often referred to as the progenitor or great grandsire of all human beings.
The Erawan Shrine, underneath the Chit Lom Skytrain station in Bangkok, represents the four-headed Hindu god of creation, Brahma (Phra Phrom), and was erected in 1956 after a series of fatal mishaps befell the construction of the original Erawan Hotel.<br/><br/> Brahmā is the Hindu god (deva) of creation and one of the Trimūrti, the others being Viṣņu (Vishnu) and Śiva (Shiva). According to the Brahmā Purāņa, he is the father of Manu, and from Manu all human beings are descended. In the Rāmāyaņa and the Mahābhārata, he is often referred to as the progenitor or great grandsire of all human beings.
The Erawan Shrine, underneath the Chit Lom Skytrain station in Bangkok, represents the four-headed Hindu god of creation, Brahma (Phra Phrom), and was erected in 1956 after a series of fatal mishaps befell the construction of the original Erawan Hotel.<br/><br/> Brahmā is the Hindu god (deva) of creation and one of the Trimūrti, the others being Viṣņu (Vishnu) and Śiva (Shiva). According to the Brahmā Purāņa, he is the father of Manu, and from Manu all human beings are descended. In the Rāmāyaņa and the Mahābhārata, he is often referred to as the progenitor or great grandsire of all human beings.
Phuket, at 810sq km Thailand's largest island, lies in the Andaman Sea just off the coast of Phang-nga Province. Joined to the mainland by a wide causeway it has developed into the most luxurious and exquisite beach resort in Thailand.<br/><br/> In centuries past Phuket was an important trading post on the eastern shore of the Bay of Bengal, handling shipping and dealing with sailors from the Arab and Malay Worlds, India, Burma (Myanmar), China and, of course, Siam. By the 16th century the island was also well known to Europeans, as first Portuguese and Dutch, then English and French sailed to its fabled shores.<br/><br/> The island enjoyed an unprecedented surge in wealth when tin was found in large quantities in the nearby shallows. Miners and businessmen flocked to the island from the provinces of south China, adding a considerable Sinitic element to the island's already mixed population.<br/><br/> It was not until around 1975, however, that Phuket's potential for tourism was finally realised. A sweep of warm, sandy beaches line the western, Andaman Coast.
Phuket, at 810sq km Thailand's largest island, lies in the Andaman Sea just off the coast of Phang-nga Province. Joined to the mainland by a wide causeway it has developed into the most luxurious and exquisite beach resort in Thailand.<br/><br/> In centuries past Phuket was an important trading post on the eastern shore of the Bay of Bengal, handling shipping and dealing with sailors from the Arab and Malay Worlds, India, Burma (Myanmar), China and, of course, Siam. By the 16th century the island was also well known to Europeans, as first Portuguese and Dutch, then English and French sailed to its fabled shores.<br/><br/> The island enjoyed an unprecedented surge in wealth when tin was found in large quantities in the nearby shallows. Miners and businessmen flocked to the island from the provinces of south China, adding a considerable Sinitic element to the island's already mixed population.<br/><br/> It was not until around 1975, however, that Phuket's potential for tourism was finally realised. A sweep of warm, sandy beaches line the western, Andaman Coast.
The Sanctuary of Truth is an all-wood building filled with sculptures based on traditional Buddhist and Hindu motifs. The building is close to 105 meters (345 feet) high and covers an area of more than two rai. It features contemporary Visionary art based on traditional religious themes. The project was initiated as an idea of Thai businessman Lek Viriyaphant in 1981, and is scheduled to be complete in 2025.
The Sanctuary of Truth is an all-wood building filled with sculptures based on traditional Buddhist and Hindu motifs. The building is close to 105 meters (345 feet) high and covers an area of more than two rai. It features contemporary Visionary art based on traditional religious themes. The project was initiated as an idea of Thai businessman Lek Viriyaphant in 1981, and is scheduled to be complete in 2025.
The Sanctuary of Truth is an all-wood building filled with sculptures based on traditional Buddhist and Hindu motifs. The building is close to 105 meters (345 feet) high and covers an area of more than two rai. It features contemporary Visionary art based on traditional religious themes. The project was initiated as an idea of Thai businessman Lek Viriyaphant in 1981, and is scheduled to be complete in 2025.
The Devasathan or Brahmin Shrines are three shrines dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva, Ganesh and Vishnu. The shrines were originally built in 1784 at the same time as the Giant Swing (<i>Sao Ching Cha</i>) situated across the road. All were built on the orders of King Rama I.
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.
Prang Sam Yot, originally a Khmer Hindu shrine, has three prangs that used to represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (the Hindu trinity). It was later converted to a Buddhist shrine.<br/><br/> The old town of Lopburi dates back to the Dvaravati era (6th - 13th century). It was originally known as Lavo or Lavapura. After the foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the fifteenth century, Lopburi was a stronghold of Ayutthaya's rulers. It later became a new royal capital during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the middle of the 17th century. The king stayed here for about eight months a year. Today, Lopburi is renowned for its Crab-Eating Macaques that live amid the Khmer temple ruins of the city.
Prang Sam Yot, originally a Khmer Hindu shrine, has three prangs that used to represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (the Hindu trinity). It was later converted to a Buddhist shrine.<br/><br/> The old town of Lopburi dates back to the Dvaravati era (6th - 13th century). It was originally known as Lavo or Lavapura. After the foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the fifteenth century, Lopburi was a stronghold of Ayutthaya's rulers. It later became a new royal capital during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the middle of the 17th century. The king stayed here for about eight months a year. Today, Lopburi is renowned for its Crab-Eating Macaques that live amid the Khmer temple ruins of the city.
Prang Sam Yot, originally a Khmer Hindu shrine, has three prangs that used to represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (the Hindu trinity). It was later converted to a Buddhist shrine.<br/><br/> The old town of Lopburi dates back to the Dvaravati era (6th - 13th century). It was originally known as Lavo or Lavapura. After the foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the fifteenth century, Lopburi was a stronghold of Ayutthaya's rulers. It later became a new royal capital during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the middle of the 17th century. The king stayed here for about eight months a year. Today, Lopburi is renowned for its Crab-Eating Macaques that live amid the Khmer temple ruins of the city.
Prang Sam Yot, originally a Khmer Hindu shrine, has three prangs that used to represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (the Hindu trinity). It was later converted to a Buddhist shrine.<br/><br/> The old town of Lopburi dates back to the Dvaravati era (6th - 13th century). It was originally known as Lavo or Lavapura. After the foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the fifteenth century, Lopburi was a stronghold of Ayutthaya's rulers. It later became a new royal capital during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the middle of the 17th century. The king stayed here for about eight months a year. Today, Lopburi is renowned for its Crab-Eating Macaques that live amid the Khmer temple ruins of the city.
Prang Sam Yot, originally a Khmer Hindu shrine, has three prangs that used to represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (the Hindu trinity). It was later converted to a Buddhist shrine.<br/><br/> The old town of Lopburi dates back to the Dvaravati era (6th - 13th century). It was originally known as Lavo or Lavapura. After the foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the fifteenth century, Lopburi was a stronghold of Ayutthaya's rulers. It later became a new royal capital during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the middle of the 17th century. The king stayed here for about eight months a year. Today, Lopburi is renowned for its Crab-Eating Macaques that live amid the Khmer temple ruins of the city.
Prang Sam Yot, originally a Khmer Hindu shrine, has three prangs that used to represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (the Hindu trinity). It was later converted to a Buddhist shrine.<br/><br/> The old town of Lopburi dates back to the Dvaravati era (6th - 13th century). It was originally known as Lavo or Lavapura. After the foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the fifteenth century, Lopburi was a stronghold of Ayutthaya's rulers. It later became a new royal capital during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the middle of the 17th century. The king stayed here for about eight months a year. Today, Lopburi is renowned for its Crab-Eating Macaques that live amid the Khmer temple ruins of the city.
Phnom Bok is a hill in the northeast of the East Baray in Cambodia, with a prasat (temple) of the same name built on it. It is one of a 'trilogy of mountains', each of which has a temple with similar layout. The creation of the temple is credited to the reign of Yasovarman I (889–910) between the 9th and 10th centuries and was established after he moved his capital to Angkor and named it Yasodharapura. The two other sister temples, named after the contiguous hills, are Phnom Bakheng and Phnom Krom.<br/><br/> The temple is an Angkor monument. It is dedicated to the Trimurti of the Hindu pantheon, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It was built in Bakheng style (893–927) and designed with individual sanctums, which have door openings to the east and west. These are raised on a foundation with a plinth made of laterite stone.
Azes II (reigned circa 35-12 BCE), may have been the last Indo-Scythian king in northern India. After the death of Azes II, the rule of the Indo-Scythians in northwestern India finally crumbled with the conquest of the Kushans, one of the five tribes of the Yuezhi who had lived in Bactria for more than a century, and who were then expanding into India to create a Kushan Empire.