128 Facts About Bharat

In The World

The Indus Valley civilization is the world's oldest, largest, and longest-running civilization.
Banaras, also known as Kashi and now Varanasi, is the world's oldest continuously inhabited city. Buddha had also been there.
Bharat has the world's largest postal system, with more than 150,000 post offices, which is three times the size of China's.
On Dal Lake in Sri Nagar, Bharat, there is the world's only floating post office. All regular postal services are available at the office.
The world's highest post office has been renovated and replaced with a letterbox-shaped structure. The post office at Hikkim, Himachal Pradesh's Spiti valley, is located 14,567 feet above sea level.
The Bharatiya railway employs over a million people, making it the world's largest employer. Bharatiya Railways operates the world's fourth-longest rail network.
Bharat has the largest Sanatani (Hindu) population in the world. Its Hindu population accounts for nearly 81% of the total. Bharat is one of three countries in the world where Hinduism is the majority religion (the others are Nepal and Mauritius).
Bharat is the only country with its own ocean, known as the Bharatiya Ocean.
Bharat has the world's fastest growing telecom market and the lowest telecom tariffs.
Navi Mumbai, a planned satellite township of Mumbai, is the world's largest planned city. Its construction began in 1972 in order to relieve traffic congestion in Mumbai.
Fauja Singh is the world's oldest marathon runner. On April 1, 1908, he was born in Beas Pind, Punjab, British India. He began running at the age of 89, and when he first arrived for marathon training, he was dressed in a three-piece suit. In 2013, he ran his last marathon in Hong Kong, clocking 1 hour 32 minutes and 28 seconds to the finish line.
Bharat is the world's largest milk producer, accounting for 16% of global output.
In terms of output, Bollywood is the world's largest film industry with between 1,500 to 2,000 films produced each year in more than 20 languages.
Bharat has the highest number of votes cast in a national general election. Around 912 million people were eligible to vote, and voter turnout exceeded 67 percent (540 million) - the most ever, as well as the largest recorded participation by female voters.
When 485 children dressed as Mahatma Gandhi gathered and walked in Kolkata, a world record was set. The walk was a protest for peace in the country and around the world.
Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious structure, is a Hindu temple in Cambodia dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was constructed in the early 12th century by Khmer King Suryavarman II.
Until Brazil discovered diamonds in the early 1700s, Bharat was the world's only source of diamonds. The first documented reports of Bharatiya diamonds date back to the 4th century BC, though the precise year is unknown.
Takshila, the world's first university, was founded around 700 BC in Bharat.
Chess originated in Bharat.
Only Bharat, along with the United States and Japan, has built a supercomputer from scratch.
Yoga originated in Bharat and has been practiced for over 5,000 years.
Calculus, trigonometry, and algebra were all developed in Bharat.
Brahmagupta was the first to discover the concept of negative numbers. They were used to represent debts.
Around 100 B.C., Bharat developed the decimal and place value systems.
Ayurveda, one of the first medicinal systems, developed in Bharat during the Vedic period. Atharva Veda hymns address ailments and healing herbs. Some well-known ancient Sanskrit writings on medicine are Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
Bharat was the first country to bring cataract surgery to the rest of the world. In ancient times (6th century BC), Sushruta, known as the Father of Bharatiya Medicine, invented cataract surgery. In Sushruta Samhita, he described cataract surgery procedures.
Shakuntala Devi, also known as the Human Calculator, is an Bharatiya math prodigy. She calculated 7,686,369,774,870 x 2,465,099,745,779 in 28 seconds and provided the correct answer.
The satellite, which weighed only 64 grammes, is the world's smallest and lightest satellite to date. It was created by a group of Bharatiya science enthusiasts from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and launched into space using a NASA rocket. The satellite entered space but did not enter orbit.
The Kalamset-V2, a satellite made by the same group of space enthusiasts and weighing only 1.26 kg, was launched by the Bharatiya Space and Research Organization from its Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. "Kalamset-V2 was the lightest satellite ever built and launched into orbit," said ISRO chief K. Sivan.
Bharat is home to the world's largest family, which includes 39 wives, 94 children, and 33 grandchildren. The family lives in a 100-room, four-story house in the hills of Baktwang village, Mizoram, Bharat.
The 'highest bridge in the world,' the Baily Bridge, was built by the Bharatiya Army in August 1982 at a height of 5,602 meters (18,379 feet) above sea level.
Bharat has the world's largest vegetarian population.
Mawsynram, Meghalaya, Bharat has the highest average rainfall of 11,871 mm.
Despite being the world's largest importer of arms, Bharat has never invaded or attacked another country.
Bharat controls the world's highest battlefield (Siachin).
Bharat hosts the most popular events in the world. The largest was the 2001 'Kumbha Mela,' which drew 60 million people and was visible from space.
In Chail, Himachal Pradesh, Bharat, there is the world's highest cricket ground. It was built in 1983 and is 2,444 meters above sea level.
The Brihadeswara Temple in Tamil Nadu was the world's first granite temple. It was constructed in only five years during the 11th century.
Bharat was the first country to discover water on the Moon. The award was given to Bharat's first Moon satellite, Chandrayaan-1.
On Monday, July 11, 2016, Bharat planted approximately 50 million trees in 24 hours, setting a new Guinness World Record.
Shampoo was first invented in Bharat, when herbs were used to strengthen hair.
Bharat is the world's largest gold buyer, while the United States has the largest gold reserves.
While tea is the most popular beverage in Bharat, Bharat is also the world's largest producer of tea.
Benny Prasad, born in 1975, is the fastest man to visit all 195 countries on the planet. He is an Bharatiya gospel musician and instrumental guitarist.
Vijay Kumar V.A. from Bharat has the most teeth in the world, with 37 in his mouth.
Jyoti Kisange Amge is the shortest woman alive. She was born on December 16, 1993. Her height is 62.8 centimetres (2 ft 0.6 in.)
Bharat is well-known for producing around 70% of the world's spices. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, Bharat produces around 75 of the 109 ISO(International Organization for Standardization)-listed varieties.
Bharat has the most mosques in the world, with more than 300,000 functioning mosques. Even Islamic countries have a lower number of mosques than this.
India is well-known for having the most one-horned rhinos, with Assam's Kaziranga National Park serving as a primary habitat.
With over 45,000 students, the City Montessori School in Lucknow is the world's largest school in terms of enrollment. With a student enrollment of 55,547 as of January 16, 2019, this school is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Shukavana, a Mysore walk-through aviary, holds the Guinness World Record for the most bird species in an aviary. It is home to 468 rare and endangered bird species.

With-In The Country

Bharat, officially the Republic of Bharat (भारत गणराज्य), is the world's second most populous country, trailing only China.
Bharat has a total land area of 3,287,263 square kilometers.
Bharat is a South Asian country with 29 states and 8 union territories.
New Delhi is the capital of the country.
There is no national language in Bharat.
There are over 19,500 known languages and dialects in the country.
The Bharatiya rupee is the country's currency (INR).
Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar are Bharat's land neighbors.
Bharat's maritime borders include Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Maldives, and Indonesia.
Bharat is also one of the world's largest democracies.
The name 'India' is derived from the Indus River. It is a valley where people used to live in the past.
A post office, according to the Bharatiya Postal Department, serves an area of 21.56 square kilometres and a population of 7,753 people.
There are 22 official languages in Bharat. The official languages are listed in the eighth schedule of the Bharatiya constitution. It started with 14 languages.
Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer and innovator from Ladakh, Bharat, designed the solar-powered SECMOL campus. In addition, the campus uses clean energy for heating, lighting, and cooking.
Bharat has the second largest pool of engineers and scientists.
With 125,226,449 English speakers, Bharat is the world's second largest English-speaking country.
Chandro Tomar, also known as "Shooter Dadi," was born in the Bharatiya town of Shamli. She has won over 25 national championships and counting. She won gold at the Chennai Veteran Shooting Championship. Her highest honor is a national bronze medal.
The Indira Gandhi Canal is Bharat's longest canal, stretching for 650 kilometers.
Mr Lubhaya Kaul created a football-shaped water tank in the early 1990s. He built the tank in two parts and later joined them together to form a single unit. Mr Kaul began receiving orders for statues to be built on the rooftops of local residents after the water tank made an impression on the public's mind. To date, the father-son team has created over 3,000 water tanks in a variety of shapes and sizes, including those that resemble airplanes, tractors, eagles, trucks, and navy ships.
Despite budget constraints, Bharat's space programme ranks among the top five in the world.
Bharat is the world's seventh largest country and the largest democracy.
Abortion rates in Bharat are among the highest in the world.
In history, Bharat has never hosted the Olympic Games.
Bharat was so good at hockey in 1928 that the British withdrew from the Amsterdam Olympics to avoid an embarrassing defeat by their own colony.
Bharat produces over 4,700 daily newspapers in over 300 languages.
Bharat has Asia's largest wholesale spice market, Khari Baoli in New Delhi.
Bharat has the world's second-largest road network, spanning 5.89 million kilometers.
The Bharatiya rail network is the largest in Asia, with 7,172 stations and a daily passenger capacity of 23 Million in 12,617 trains.
Vava Suresh, also known as "The Snake Man" of Kerala, is an Bharatiya wildlife conservationist. His mission is to save snakes that have strayed into human-populated areas. He has saved/captured over 52,000 snakes. He is thought to have been bitten over 3,000 times, including 300 times by a venomous snake. He was in ICU and on ventilator on several occasions after being bitten by venomous snakes.
Aryabhatta, a mathematician from Bharat invented the number 'zero' in the number system.
The game of snakes and ladders was invented in Bharat in the 13th century by poet saint Gyandev. The ladders represent virtues, while the snakes represent vices.
Bharat sells software to 90 countries around the world.
Buddhism and Jainism both originated in Bharat.
With approximately 1.45 million active personnel, Bharat has the world's second-largest military.
More than $6 million has been donated to the Vishnu temple in Tirupathi. It was constructed in the tenth century.
In the 2014 general elections, over 540 million people cast ballots. This is more than the combined populations of the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia.
The Bharatiya railway employs over a million people, making it the world's largest employer. Bharatiya Railways operates the world's fourth-longest rail network.
A meteor impact created the 'Lonar Lake' in Maharashtra, Bharat.
Prior to the 18th century, Bharat was one of the world's richest countries.
Bharat's national song is Vande Mataram, and its national anthem is Jana Gana Mana.
The Bharatiya Lotus is the country's national flower.
Indira Gandhi is Bharat's first and only female Prime Minister.
Only white tigers are found among Bharatiya tigers.
Khardungla has the highest road (Leh-Manali).
The Hirakud Dam in Orrisa is the largest.
The longest highway in Bharat is NH-44 (NH-7) from Varanasi to Kanyakumari. It officially runs over 2369 kilometers (1472 mi).
Bharat Ratna is the country's highest honor.
Bharat's national fruit is mango, and its national bird is peacock.
The first diamonds were mined in Bharat.
After the United States and the United Kingdom, Bharat is third in terms of Guinness World Records claims.
Bharat is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
According to a report from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change, forest and tree cover accounts for approximately 24.56% of the country's total geographical area.
Major Dhyanchand was a favourite of Adolf Hitler, the dictator. When Bharat defeated Germany in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Finals, he even offered him German citizenship.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Bharat, and field hockey is another sport in which the country excels.
Between 1928 and 1956, Bharat's men's national field hockey team won six consecutive Olympic gold medals.
It is illegal to transport Bharatiya rupees outside of Bharat.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are in the Bay of Bengal, and the Lakshadweep Islands are in the Arabian Sea.
The Lakshadweep Islands have 36 coral islands and cover 32 square kilometers. Lakshadweep means "a hundred thousand islands" in Malayalam and Sanskrit. Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory in Bharat.
The Andamar and Nicobar Islands have 572 islands (including islets and rocks) and a geographical area of 8,249 square kilometers, accounting for 0.25% of the country's total geographical area.
The Arabian Sea in the west, the Bay of Bengal in the east, and the Bharatiya Ocean in the south surround Bharat on three sides.
Bharat has eight major river systems and over 400 rivers in total.
With 1.269 million square miles of land, Bharat is the world's seventh-largest country. Bharat's coastline stretches for 7,517 kilometers.
Bharat can be divided geographically into four physical divisions: the great mountain walls, the great Indo-Gangetic plain, the great Deccan Plateau, and the Coastal Ghats.
Northern Bharat is home to the Great Mountain Wall of the Himalayas. The Himalaya mountain range is approximately 2,500 kilometers long and 240 to 320 kilometers wide.
Bharat is rich in mineral resources, with the mining industry accounting for 11% of GDP and 25% of total output. Massive deposits of coal and iron ore are among Bharat's mineral resources. The county is the third-largest iron ore producer and has the fourth-largest coal deposits.
According to the International Monetary Fund's 2021 report, Bharat has a nominal GDP of $3.049 trillion, ranking it sixth in the world. Only the United States, China, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom have surpassed it.
The service sector accounts for 54.27% of Bharat's GDP, driven primarily by business process outsourcing, information technology, retail, public administration, and financial services.
The National Stock Exchange of Bharat is the world's tenth largest stock exchange. The NSE is headquartered in Mumbai and was founded in 1992 as the country's first electronic exchange. It has a market cap of $3.07 trillion as of June 2021, with 1952 listed companies.
In 2018, tourism accounted for 9.2% of Bharat's GDP.
Northern Bharatiya cuisine makes greater use of milk products than spices. However, Southern Bharatiya dishes use a lot of spices, most of which are hot. There is something for everyone in Bharatiya cuisine, whether you like spicy foods or not.
Food should have six distinct flavors, according to Bharatiya culture: salty, bitter, sweet, sour, astringent, and spicy. A chef's reputation is built on balancing all of the flavors while creating a dish from scratch.
The majority of Bharatiya have sweet tooths, and they have over 250 desserts.
One distinguishing feature of Bharatiya cuisine is that you must eat with your hands rather than cutlery. Even in restaurants, eating Bharatiya food with your hands tastes different.
Rice is Bharat's staple food, and it is consumed throughout the country.
The majority of the world has evolved, particularly in terms of historical staples. However, the Bharatiya continue to eat traditional foods such as legumes, lentils, rice, and wheat flour. Bharatiya are still one of the few tribes in the world that adhere to their traditional food culture.
The Bharatiya Rupee is getting closer to replacing the US dollar as the following 18 countries agreed to trade in INR (₹): Botswana, Fiji, Germany, Guyana, Israel, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, and the United Kingdom.
The caverns of Meghalaya have begun to attract explorers from all over the world. The hills are home to the longest general cave system in Bharat, the 31.1km-long Liat Prah limestone cave system. Many of them are massive and carry large rivers.

Must-Visit Places In Bharat

Manali

Manali is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, Bharat. Manali lies in Pir Panjal & the Dhauladhar ranges covered with snow. There are about 50 tourist attractions in Manali to visit. Best time to visit Manali is from October to June. July to September roads are disturbed due to Monsoon ie. heavy rainfall.

Leh Ladakh

Ladakh is a union territory in the Kashmir region of Bharat. Formerly it was part of the State Jammu & Kashmir. Ladakh is spreading from the Siachen Glacier to the main Great Himalayas. There are about 73 tourist attractions in Leh Ladakh and the best time to visit is from June to September of the year.

Coorg

Coorg is a coffee producing hill station in Karnataka state of Bharat. Coorg is famous for its beautiful green hills. It is also popular for its culture and people. There are about 35 tourist attractions in Coorg and best time to visit is from October to March.

Andaman

The Andaman Islands are a group of Bharatiya islands in the Bay of Bengal. These approximately 300 islands are famous for their palm-lined white-sand beaches, mangroves, and tropical rain forests. Coral reefs that support marine life such as sharks and rays are popular diving and snorkelling destinations. There are about 82 tourist attractions in Andaman and the best time to visit is from October to June of the year.

Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep, formerly known as the Laccadive Islands, translates to "one hundred thousand islands" in Malayalam. Lakshadweep is located 400 kilometres off the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea and is home to some of India's most beautiful and exotic islands and beaches. There are about 15 tourist attractions in Andaman and the best time to visit is from September to May of the year.

Goa

Goa, India's smallest state, is unlike any other, known for its endless beaches, stellar nightlife, eclectic seafood, and world-heritage listed architecture. Goa is located in the Konkan region and spans only 3,702 km. There are about 197 tourist attractions in Andaman and the best time to visit is from October to March of the year.

Udaipur

Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan. Udaipur is known for its azure lakes, magnificent palaces, vibrant culture, and delectable food. It is located around stunning water lakes and is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills in all directions. There are about 43 tourist attractions in Andaman and the best time to visit is from October to March of the year.

Srinagar

Srinagar, also known as "Heaven on Earth," is located in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, on the banks of the Jhelum River. On Dal Lake, Srinagar is famous for its stationary houseboats and gondola-style rowboats known as Shikaras. There are about 42 tourist attractions in Andaman and the best time to visit is from April to October of the year.

Gangtok

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is one of India's most popular hill stations. It is incredibly alluring, pleasantly boisterous, and cloud-wrapped. The town, located at a height of 1650 metres above sea level, provides spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga on clear days. There are about 33 tourist attractions in Andaman and the best time to visit is throughout the year.

Munnar

Popular among honeymooners, Munnar is a hill station in Kerala, located in the Idukki district. Lying in the Western Ghats at 1600 metres, it is one of the most sought after and visited travel destinations globally, especially popular amongst honeymooners. There are about 48 tourist attractions in Andaman and the best time to visit is from September to May of the year.

Varkala

Varkala is a coastal town in southern Kerala known for its unique 15-meter-high 'Northern Cliff' next to the Arabian Sea. It is well-known for its hippie culture, cliff-side shacks serving delicious seafood and playing global music, and the samadhi of Kerala's saint Sree Narayana Guru. There are about 25 tourist attractions in Andaman and the best time to visit is throughout the year.

Mcleodganj

Mcleodganj is a hill station near Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, popular among trekkers. Located in Kangra district, Mcleodganj's culture is a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence. There are about 42 tourist attractions in Andaman and the best time to visit is from October to June of the year.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a small town in the Dehradun District, located close to Haridwar in Uttrakhand. Rishikesh also called as Hrishikesh is known for its adventure activities, ancient temples etc. There are about 53 tourist attractions in Rishikesh and the best time to visit is throughout the year.

Alleppey

Alleppey is a picture-perfect destination known for its beautiful backwaters and houseboats that offer overnight stays. It is officially known as Alappuzha. During the dry season, the Alleppey coastline offers some of the best beaches in Kerala, as well as water sports. There are about 34 tourist attractions in Alleppey and the best time to visit is from June to March.

Darjeeling

It is known for its tea production and is internationally renowned as a tourist destination for its spectacular views of the Kangchenjunga mountain range. It is located in the Eastern Himalayas. The name "Darjeeling" means "thunderbolt place" in Hindi. There are about 23 tourist attractions in Darjeeling and the best time to visit is from February to March, September to December of the year.

Significant Architect of Bharat

Kailash Temple

The largest monolithic edifice in the world, the rock-cave temple of Ellora in Maharashtra, Bharat, is located about 30 kilometers north-west of Aurangabad.

Facts about Kailash Temple

The Kailash Temple, which stretches for more than two kilometres (1.2 miles) along the site's steep basalt cliff, is the biggest monolithic edifice in the world. The Kailash temple is 300 feet long and 175 feet wide, and it is carved out of a 100-foot-high scarp.
The temple is located in the Ellora village's rock-cut caves, which were sculpted out of a single rock in the Charanandri hills. The rock temple was cut in a 'U' shape about 50 metres back, and approximately 200,000 tonnes of rock were removed to shape it. The archaeologists estimated that it would have taken more than a century to complete the temple construction. In reality, it took only 18 years to complete. Surprisingly, modern engineers believe it is impossible to complete the same temple in 18 years using modern technology!
The Kailash Temple is the sixteenth cave and one of the magnificent Ellora Caves' 32 cave temples and monasteries.
The Kailash Temple was carved vertically from top to bottom.

King Krishna I (Reign: 756–774 CE) felt unwell, and according to a tale recorded in Katha-Kalpataru by Krishna Yajnavalki, his queen prayed to Lord Shiva at Elapura (Ellora) to heal her husband. She also swore to construct a Shiva temple and to abstain from food until she could view the temple's roof (shikhara). Because of her commitment, she asked the king to construct a temple right away after he was healed.

The King's proposal to build a temple was rejected by several architects who pointed out that it would take more than a month to complete with its top. The monarch was informed by an architect by the name of Kokasa that the queen would be able to witness the shikhara of the temple within a week. He then began carving the temple from the top, finishing the shikhara in a week and allowing the queen to break her fast.

The Kailasha Temple was created by artisans to mimic Mount Kailash, the residence of Deity Shiva. When properly examined, the specialists discovered that in the beginning, painters painted the entire temple white to make it resemble Mount Kailash. Its pyramidal design is also similar to the mountain.
One of the world's earliest multi-story constructions with a single rock carving is the temple. The temple amazed Western scientists who were conducting an archaeological survey when they discovered that it was twice as large as the Parthenon in Athens.
Each pillar of the Kailash Temple speaks the divine language and has a distinct legacy. The view from the top of the rock reveals the enormous scale of the entire structure. The sculpture depicting Ravana lifting Mount Kailash, in particular, is a watershed moment in Bharatiya architecture.
There is an intriguing story about Ellora's Kailasa Temple. Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor who destroyed thousands of Hindu temples, also attempted to destroy the Kailasa temple. In the year 1682, it is said that 1000 people were dispatched to destroy the temple. They worked for three years but could only break and disfigure a few statues. Aurangzeb eventually gave up on this task, realising that it was impossible to completely destroy the temple because the rock was simply too hard to demolish, despite the fact that artisans built it with only hammers, chisels, and picks.

Modhera Sun Temple

The Archaeological Survey of India maintains Modhera's famed Sun Temple, which is a national monument. It is situated near the banks of the Pushpavati River in the village of Modhera in Gujarat's Mehsana district. The Modhera Sun Temple is roughly 98 km from Ahmedabad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sun Temple is only approximately 34 kilometres from Patan, which is home to the Rani Ki Vav UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Modhera Sun Temple was established by King Bhimadeva-I during the Solanki dynasty's reign in the 11th century. He is the same ruler who rebuilt the famed Somnath temple after Mahmud Ghazni destroyed it.

Facts about Modhera Sun Temple

The Modhera Sun Temple is located near the Tropic of Cancer at a latitude of 23.5835° N, 72.1330° E; the Tropic of Cancer passes through a latitude of 23.4999° N, 85.4866° E.
The Sun Temple in Modhera was designed in such a way that during the Solar Equinox, the first rays of the morning sun illuminated the sculpture of the Sun God in the sanctum.
During the summer solstice, the light shines on the top of the temple without casting a shadow. This is an amazing phenomena that says volumes about the engineering and design abilities of its creators.
The principal deity, Surya, is not shown in the Garbagriha or sanctum sanctorum. The Modhera Sun Temple is not a place of worship.
An inscription on the inverted back wall of the temple bears the date "Vikram Samvat 1083." This feature has assisted historians in estimating the time period in which the Modhera Sun Temple was constructed.
Because of its architectural design of recessed corners, the Sabha Mandapa inside the Sun Temple in Modhera creates the illusion of a star.
The Sun Temple at Modhera, Gujarat, features 52 beautiful pillars. These are thought to represent the 52 weeks of the year.
The Modhera Sun Temple is said to have been looted twice by Mahmud Ghazni and Allaudin Khalji, who is said to have destroyed the primary idol of Surya deity.
According to legend, Lord Shri Ram and Sita Devi sanctified the site where the temple now stands. Lord Ram is said to have done penance in Modhera to atone for the sin of slaying a Brahmin, Ravana.

Brihadeeswara Temple

Brihadishvara Temple, called Rajarajesvaram by its builder, also known as Thanjai Periya Kovil and Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a Shaivite Hindu temple built in the Chola architectural style on the south bank of the Cauvery River in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, Bharat. The construction of temple completed by 1010 AD.

Facts about Brihadeeswara Temple

The Temple was constructed using the interlock method, which means that no cement, plaster, or adhesive was used between the stones. It has withstood over 1000 years and six earthquakes.
At 216 feet, the Temple tower was likely the tallest in the world at the time.
Other structures built using this method, including Big Ben and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, are tilting over time. The older Brihadeeswara Temple has a zero-degree inclination.
The Temple was built with 130,000 tonnes of granite, which was transported by 3000 elephants from 60 kilometres away.
The Temple was built without excavating the ground. The Temple's foundation had not been dug!
The Temple's Kumbam (the apex or bulbous structure on top) is carved from a single rock and weighs approximately 80 tonnes.
There are several theories as to how the 80-ton stone piece ended up atop the 200-foot tower. Some speculate that levitation technology was used, but the more plausible explanation appears to be that elephants were used to pull the stone piece across a nearly 6 km long ramp.
According to legend, several underground passages exist beneath the Mandir, the majority of which were sealed off centuries ago. These underground passages are said to have served as safety traps and exit points for the Cholas. According to some sources, there are 100 of these passages.
The Mandir is so amazing that some people believe it was built by aliens. Nothing compares to the Brihadeeswara Mandir, and nothing will ever compare to it. Raja Raja Chola was a forerunner. This timeless marvel must be preserved.

Rani Ki Vav

Rani ki Vav - A flamboyant example of architecture and true woman power in Bharat. Rani Udayamati built it between 1022 and 1063 AD.

Facts About Rani Ki Vav

The step well is shaped like an inverted Temple, emphasising the sanctity of water, and is divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels.
The stepwell is approximately 30m deep, and the architecture reflects the rich style used during the Solanki dynasty's reign.
Every monument has a mystery behind it, and Rani ki Vav is no exception. Below the last step of the well, there is a gate that leads to a 30m tunnel that leads to Sidhpur, a town near Patan.
The stepwell is thought to have contained medicinal plants around 5 decades ago, and the water stored was used to treat viral fever and other ailments.
On the inner walls of the stepwell, nearly 800 sculptures are being carved. The Dasavataras are the main theme (the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu). The remaining sculptures depict sages, apsaras (celestial dancers), and Brahmins.
Rani ki Vav in Patan has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014 and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Kanchipuram Temples

You will see a lot of Pallava art and architecture on your trip to Kanchipuram temple. Kanchi Kamakshi temple is one of the country's most beautiful ancient temples. Its architecture has received worldwide acclaim. Although no one knows for certain, it is thought to have been built between the sixth and eighth centuries BCE. In that case, the temple's archaeological age should be around 1600 years.

Facts About Kanchipuram Temples

Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is an important religious temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, located on the banks of the Vedavathi River, near the western boundaries, facing the east. The temple is very important to Hindu worshippers and is visited by a significant number of tourists all year round, especially during Mahashivratri. Beautiful artwork and wonderful sculptures adorn the Kanchi Kailasanathar temple.
The Kamakshi Amman Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the celestial Goddess Kamakshi, who is thought to be an incarnation of Parvati, the Hindu goddess of love, fertility, and power. The Kamakshi Amman temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, or sacred shrines built around the falling body parts of Goddess Sati's corpse from heaven. It is thought that the naval part of her corpse dropped at this location, making it a hallowed home.
Lord Vishnu is honoured at the Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams devoted to Lord Vishnu and is extremely sacred. The Alwars, or poetic saints, are also said to have visited this temple. The temple complex is vast and was constructed during the reign of the Chola Kings as a labour of worship. Devotees of Lord Vishnu from all over the world come to Vishnu Kanchi to seek blessings, particularly during the 10-day Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam, Purattasi Navaratri, and Vaikunda Ekadasi.
Ulagalanthar Perumal Temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams and devoted to Lord Vishnu, is located near the Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The temple is historically and religiously significant, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.
Lord Shiva in the form of a tortoise can be seen being worshipped by Lord Vishnu at the Kachapeshwarar Temple. This image can be seen on the sculptures and carvings that have ornated this magnificent temple from beginning to end. This temple is particularly unique in that it is dedicated to one Hindu god, in this case Lord Shiva, and then depicts another god worshipping that creature. The temple's magnificent interiors are almost as remarkable as its appearance.
The Pallava king Nadivarman II built the Vaikunda Perumal Temple in the 7th century. This temple is devoted to the Lord Vishnu. Indeed, Lord Vishnu's image may be seen in standing, sitting, and reclining positions on the temple's towering vimanas. On the walls, there are inscriptions that recount the history of the temple as well as the city itself.
Kanchipuram's largest temple is the Ekambaranatha Temple. It has a total size of 20 acres. This temple was erected by the Pallavas and then refurbished by the Cholas and Rayas. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. One unique characteristic of this temple is that the 1000 lingas are all carved from a single stone. There are also a thousand pillared halls within the temple. A mango tree that is around 3500 years old stands outside the Ekambaranatha Temple.
The Chitragupta Temple at Kanchipuram is devoted to Chitragupta, a Hindu deity. It is a unique temple in Bharat devoted to Chitragupta, also known as the aide of Yamaraja, the God of Death. The temple is a magnificent example of traditional architecture, as are most temples in South Bharat. It has a three-tiered Rajagopuram and a sanctum sanctorum. According to Hindu mythology, Chitragupta was formed from a detailed picture created by Lord Shiva and was tasked with keeping an account of the good and evil activities of humanity on Earth in order to assist uphold Dharma.
The Vijaynagar monarchs erected the Devarajaswami Temple. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Inside the temple, you can find decorated etched pillars. This meticulous temple contains a marriage hall created to commemorate Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi's nuptials. There is also a water tank with a big statue of Lord Vishnu inside it. The tank is emptied every 40 years, at which point the 10-meter-high statue can be seen, and it is then set up for darshan for 48 days before being immersed in water again.
Eri Katha Ramar shrine, located near Kanchipuram, is a shrine dedicated to Lord Rama or Ramanuja. The temple is extremely religiously significant for Lord Rama's followers and worshippers. It was constructed during the Pallava Kingdom's reign. The temple complex is built in the same traditional style as many temples in south Bharat. It faces east and is extremely close to Lake Madhuranthakam. The Lord Ramanuja idol stands about 8 feet tall and is a popular tourist attraction in Kanchipuram.

Lepakshi Temple

Lepakshi Temple, also known as Veerabhadra Temple, is located near Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

The hanging pillar is the temple's main attraction. The pillar can be found in the temple's central hall.
Aside from that, several other legends are enigmatic. The ancient scripture Skandapurana mentions Lepakshi temple as one of the 108 most important Shaivite temples in Bharat.
The temple was built in the 16th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Veerabhadra. Virupanna and Viranna, two brothers, built the temple.
Lepakshi temple is located on Kurmasaila, a low rocky hill with the distinctive shape of a tortoise. The temple complex is famous for its amazing Vijayanagara architecture, which includes the magnificence of a 100-pillared Natya Mandapa with intricately carved pillars and exquisite sculptures, a miraculous hanging pillar, timeless paintings on ceilings, colossal sculptures of monolithic Nandi and monolithic Nagalinga, an unfinished Kalyana Mandapa, and much more.
The first thing you'll notice about 200 metres from the main temple complex is a massive sculpture of Nandi, Lord Shiva's sacred bull, lying in its characteristic pose. With a height of 15 feet and a length of 27 feet, this colossal sculpture of Lepakshi Nandi is considered the largest monolithic Nandi in the country. It is a remarkable work of artistic beauty, with perfectly proportioned limbs, exquisitely carved ornaments, and superior craftsmanship.
The most notable feature of Lepakshi Temple is Natya Mandapa, also known as Ranga Mandapa, which is known as the 100-pillared dance hall. It has intricately carved pillars, sculptures, and paintings that showcase the incredible talents of the Vijayanagara architects.
The central part of the mandapa's pillars will captivate you with life-like sculptures of gods and goddesses playing musical instruments and dancing. Shiva is performing Nataraja Tandava, Brahma is playing the drum, Narada is on Tamburu, nymphs are dancing, and many heavenly artists are playing drums and cymbals and creating a dream world of divine melodies. The hall's ceiling is adorned with beautiful mural paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other scriptures.
A dwarapalaka sculpture can be seen on both sides of the Ardha Mandapa's entrance, and its ceiling is adorned with beautiful frescoes of Lord Shiva's 14 incarnations. The ceiling fresco of Lord Veerabhadra is said to be the largest single fresco in Bharat, measuring 24 feet by 14 feet. The Sanctum Sanctorum contains a magnificent life-size image of Lord Veerabhadra, as well as paintings of Veeranna and Virupanna in praying poses on the sanctum's ceiling.
There is a hanging pillar in the main hall in front of the shrine, the base of which does not touch the floor, which is an amazing piece of architectural wonder that has perplexed several experts. It is said that a British engineer once attempted to make this Lepakshi temple pillar touch the ground, but his attempt failed because he realised it would result in a distortion of the roof and realignment of the nearby pillars, causing the entire structure to collapse. This miraculous pillar is thought to have been built on purpose to demonstrate the architectural brilliance of the Vijayanagara builders.
The Kalyana Mandapa, or Marriage Hall, is an open structure behind the main temple in the inner enclosure, with 38 pillars carved with intricate carvings of various sages, gods, Dhanwanthari, and the eight Digpalakas. This is where Shiva and Parvati are said to have married. The pillars have beautiful carvings depicting Shiva and Parvati's marriage.
Behind the main temple, on the south-east corner of the inner enclosure, is a mandapa, near which is a magnificent rock-cut sculpture of a huge serpent with three coils and seven hoods, regarded as the country's largest Nagalinga. The seven hoods form a canopy around a granite Shivalinga in the centre of the top coil. Legend has it that the artisans cut out this sculpture in an unbelievable amount of time while waiting for their meals to be prepared during their lunch break.
Another mandapa near the Kalyana Mandapa is the Lata Mandapa, also known as the Hall of Creepers. The pillars of this mandapa are carved with beautiful designs and intricate motifs of flowers and birds, which are still used in Lepakshi's famous Sari border designs. Hundreds of such designs can be found on a variety of pillars.

Hampi Virupaksha Temple

Visiting this temple will give you a clear sense of the Vijayanagara Empire's regality. The temple's main deity is Lord Shiva, and the architecture and design are dedicated to him. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Facts about Hampi Virupaksha Temple

The temple was constructed during the 7th century empire of great king Krishna devarayar. In the ninth century, a number of inscriptions about Lord Shiva were engraved. Initially a small shrine, it grew into a large complex during the Vijayanagara empire.
The temple is nourished by their culture's adorable arts, crafts, and statues. These beautiful structures, however, were destroyed by Muslim intruders at the time.
The temple was built in honour of Lord Shive, who lives inside as Virupaksha. The River Tungabhadra flows nearby and reflects the temple's holiness. The temple's significance is that Lord Shiva resides within it with the misformed eye.
The temple has a small shrine, a hall with a large number of pillars, and three antechambers. Aside from that, there are a few small shrines, a pillared monastery, and an entrance way that circles the temple.
The eastern gateway is the best of the available options here. It is approximately 50 metres long and nine-tiered. The brick gateway has a gravel base, and the court has several sub-sanctums.
The Gopura is approximately 165 feet tall, 120 feet deep, and 150 feet wide. It is one of the tallest gopuras in southern Bharat.

Chennakeshava Temple

The architecture of South Bharatiya temples has long been praised. Chennakeshava Temple is one of the South Bharatiya temples that must be mentioned. Chennakeshava Temple is the town's main temple, located on the banks of the Yagachi River in Karnataka's Hassan region. The temple also has another name: Keshava temple. The temple primarily honours Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. The temple's walls are adorned with scriptures. The scriptures' texts are from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temple was built in the 12th century.

Facts about Chennakeshava Temple

Because of the architectural style, two perfectly carved elephants stand on either side of the entrance. There are also small shrines at the entrance, as well as a stepwell or pushkarni near the entrance. People used to perform various temple rituals and take a holy bath here during the Hoysala era.
A 42m high lamp post or pillar standing on a star-shaped construction stands in the temple's courtyard. The intriguing aspect of this pillar is that it stands alone without any foundation and is known as a gravity pillar.
The star-shaped design is beautiful because it represents Hoysala architecture. The Belur Chennakeshava temple extends this legacy further by being built in the shape of a star.
Rows of carvings of animals and dancing damsels adorn the temple's outer walls. They also depict Mahabharata and Ramayana scenes. Elephants, lions, and horses are the most common animal carvings because they represent strength, courage, and speed, respectively.
Near the entrance to the Belur Chennakeshava temple, there are several miniature shrines. According to popular belief, these intricately carved shrines are miniature versions of actual temples.
The temple's various entrances are embellished with horizontal art pieces. In addition, each entrance is uniquely decorated. The most well-known is Lord Vishnu as Narasimha.
The Hoysala crest at the Belur Chennakeshava temple is a major attraction for several reasons. Hoy means to strike, and sala refers to the dynasty's forefathers. According to legend, one of the Hoysala dynasty's ancestors saved a saint from a Lion's attack.
Many of the temple's walls are carved with dancing nymphs. The Madanaikas is magnificent because it is said to have been inspired by the appearance of King Vishnuvardhana's wife, Queen Shantala. Darpan Sundari is the most well-liked of the dancing nymphs.
The interior of the temple is quite dark for obvious reasons. The ornate centre of the ceiling can still be seen in the flickering light that comes through the shrine door. In the centre of the ceiling is a prominent figure of Narasimha or Vishnu.
Mohini is Lord Vishnu's female Avatar. The fine details of Mohini's statue, as well as the gleaming black stone, set it apart from the rest of the architecture.

Jatoli Temple

If you want to view a huge and stunning temple located on a hilltop, Jatoli Shiv temple is the place to go. Jatoli receives its name from Lord Shiva's long Jata (hair). This shrine is considered Asia's highest Shiv temple and is an architectural marvel. Jatoli Shiv Temple is one of Solan's most popular holy sites, attracting a considerable number of pilgrims despite being only 6 kilometres from the city.

Facts about Jatoli Temple

The Jatoli temple in Solan (Himachal Pradesh) is also well-known for being Asia's highest Shiv temple elevated at height of 1,500 m from the sea levels. The temple draws many devotees and pilgrims from all over the country and is thought to be Lord Shiva's final resting place. The Jatoli temple is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Swami Krishnananda Paramahansa wanted to build a Shiva temple, so he established the temple at Jatoli in 1973. The construction of this temple took nearly 39 years.
The Mandir is built on a hilltop and has 100 steps leading up to its entrance. The temple is named after the Mahadev's 'Jata' (Tresses).
The temple (one of the three and main Pyramid) stands 111 feet tall, making it the tallest Shiva temple in North Bharat.

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