Sanatan Archive

"Only heart to heart can speak the bliss of mystic knowers": The mystic beauty of the Descent of the Ganges relief at Mahabalipuram, an exquisite of rich Indian artistry and spiritual depth, and the legends sculpted into life-size figures on pink granite

The Descent of the Ganges, also known as the Arjuna's Penance, is an open-air rock relief carved on two monolithic rock boulders in the heart of Mahabalipuram. This awe-inspiring site gazes out towards the shimmering waters of the sea, set at a brief distance from the Coramandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. This location places it near the famed Shore Temple, another architectural masterpiece in this region.

The Bhagwan Ganesha shrine may not catch your eye with its architectural design, but it holds a special place in terms of its surroundings. In the past, the area was filled with large stones and rocks, bearing deep markings where lanterns were once lit during celebrations. If you look closely, you can still find these tiny holes, preserving the memory of those joyful moments.

The Malnad region of Karnataka has historically been a significant arena for numerous dynasties, their respective realms, and capitals throughout the post-medieval era. One can imagine how the towering hills, enclosed by almost insurmountable jungles, provided a safe and secluded space, making it an ideal location for erecting fortresses. Among these fortresses, one of particular prominence is the Kavaledurga Fortress, which harbors a mystic Nagadevathe or a snake shrine, traditionally believed to protect the palace treasures.

Nestled in the heartland of Mandya district in Karnataka, India, lies a divine place of worship named Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple. Also known by the moniker of Thirunarayanapura, this temple is perched upon rocky terrains, fondly called Yadugiri or Yadavagiri, which provide a magnificent overview of the verdant Kaveri valley. Lord Vishnu, a deity revered in various forms globally, finds a dedicated space here, making this temple an essential pilgrimage site for Vishnu followers. The temple is conveniently accessible, standing about 156 kilometers away from Bangalore and approximately 48 kilometers from Mysore.

Tucked away in the core of Bishnupur, West Bengal, we find the Jor-Bangla Temple, also known as Keshta Rai Temple, a striking piece of historical architecture that effortlessly speaks volumes about the region's rich heritage. This wondrous temple, erected in the year 1655 by the Malla King Raghunath Singha, stands tall as a symbol of the vibrant cultural and architectural legacy that Bengal has carried forward through the centuries.

Immerse yourself in a tale of historical significance, spiritual resonance, and the tenacity of human effort, as we unveil the fascinating story of a 13th-century temple, nestled in the Solapur district of Maharashtra, India. This sacred site, belonging to the Chalukyan era, was rediscovered by the inquisitive archaeologist Gajanan Bhide around twenty years ago. The profound echoes of ancient devotion hidden beneath the dust of centuries were uncovered through an extensive excavation operation.

Badrinath, a city in India's Uttarakhand region, is a major holy destination for Hindus around the world. It's quite common for folks from distant places to journey here at least once in their lives. With each passing year, more and more pilgrims are making their way to Badrinath. Now, the government has a big plan to make Badrinath even better for everyone. They're calling it the Badrinath Master Plan 2023.

In Jambukeswarar temple, Thiruvanaikaval, Tamil Nadu, Lord Shiva is said to have manifested Himself as water (Neer) element. The presiding deities here are Lord Jambukeshwarar (Lord Shiva) with His consort Goddess Akilandeswari (Goddess Parvati).

In the annals of India's history, few warriors are as revered as Lachit Barphukan, a hero whose valor remains underappreciated due to the deliberate obscurity imposed by left historians. His legacy, a testament to India's fierce resistance against the Muslim rule, however, continues to inspire generations in his native Assam and beyond.

On March 30, 2003, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, like a devoted son of Mother India, remembered the indomitable spirit of Shyamji Krishna Varma, a gallant freedom fighter and unsung hero of India's struggle for independence. His heart swelled with reverence for this exceptional nationalist, his voice echoing the respect and admiration of a grateful nation.