
Indian Religious Monuments trace the history of religions in India. India is a land of mixed culture and thus secularity in every form is retained here. In all ages religion has a remained the matrix of Indian civilization and the history of India are linked with history of religion. The many thousands years of Indian history reflect the evolution of several religions that reigned supreme and died down. However, such religions have also left behind its footprints through sacred homes.
In all ages religion has remained the milieu of parameter of the progressive Indian civilization. Years of history have had witnessed the flourishing of numerous religions have evolved, reigned superlative and died down. The Indian kings were also religious minded and patrons of the religions they followed. They constructed places of worship of their respective religions all over their empire. The artisans of the time also found a way to put their skills and creativity to best use in building them.
Indian architecture and sculpture in all ages explored new heights of glory. Several influences and styles came in and blended to generate a whole new form of perfection. More amazing was the fact how the craftsmen yore built such magnificent works of art and engineering marvels with the primitive technology.
The Indian kings were religious minded and patrons of the religions they followed. They constructed several places of worship of their respective religions all over their empire. The artisans of the era also invented various ways to put their skills of creativity at its best while building the Indian religious monuments. Indian architecture and sculpture in all ages surveyed new heights of glory.
Several influences and styles influenced and eventually blended to generate a whole new form of excellence through the Indian religious monuments. More amazing was the fact how the craftsmen built such magnificent works of art and engineering marvels with the help of mere primitive technology.
Religious monuments in India include an astounding Diasporas of temples, mosques, churches,
Gurudwaras and monasteries. Many Indian religious monuments were carved out of a single piece of rock or by piling pieces of rocks one upon another to extraordinary heights. Indian religious monuments in southern part of India are glaring examples to this fact. Fantastic works of art are also seen in the Indian religious monuments of other religions like
Hinduism, Islam, Churches and Monasteries as well.
The Temples are the holy monuments visited by especially Hindus.
Ranakpur Temple,
Mahabalipuram Temple,
Kanchipuram Temple and
Varanasi Temple are some of the magnanimous works of the artisans of medieval age.
Bharat Mata Temple,
Durga Temple,
Vishwanath Temple,
Sankat Mochan Temple and
Tulsi Manas Temple are also some notable Indian religious monuments.
Among the Mosques and Dargahs,
Jama Masjid in
Delhi is the most significant of all. The pain endured to build this mosque can be ascertained, knowing the fact that over 5,000 workers toiled over a period of six years to build this mosque in Delhi. The cost incurred to build this Indian religious monument was almost 10 lakhs during the 17th century.
Golden Temple in
Amritsar is an incredible piece of art. This Indian religious monument is a Gurudwara or the worshipping place of the Sikhs and is also known as Darbar Sahib. Build in 17th century; it is an exquisite marble work with golden plates covering the exterior of the Gurdwara`s upper floor and domes. Basilica of Bom Jesus and
St. Paul`s Cathedral are the two prominent churches in India. St. Paul`s Cathedral, consecrated in 1874 is stands on the "island of attractions" in
Kolkata, beside
Victoria Memorial.
The stupas and monasteries are some of the major Indian religious monuments, found in large number in South India. Nalanda is both a university and a monastery for the Buddhists in
Varanasi. Besides, Vaishali, Sanchi and Sarnath are also important stupas in India. Other than the mentioned categories, there are many Indian religious monuments standing across the nation.
Khajuraho Temples,
Jagannath Puri Temple,
Konark Sun Temple,
Tirupati Balaji Temple, Mahabalipuram Temples and
Pattadakal Temple are some of the best-known Indian religious monuments.
Myths and legends go into the making of many Indian religious monuments. The Indian artists` imagination still continues to fascinate the people around the world by building exquisite temples in this land of religions.
(Last Updated on : 19/04/2013)