Golden Fort, Jaisalmer

Golden Fort in Jaisalmer (State: Rajasthan) is the most magnificent site. Built in 1156 by the Bahtti Rajput ruler Jaisala, and reinforced by later rulers, the fort crowns the 80 m - high Trikuta Hill. This is one of the oldest living fort, where one quarter of the old city's population is still residing in it. (Click on the images for bigger view)

The fort has 99 bastions around its circumference and is protected by three walls. The lower wall is of solid stone blocks which reinforce the loose rubble of which Trikuta hill is composed. The second wall snakes around the fort. Above is the view of the fort from one of the havelis located outside the fort at a quite good distance.


The fort is entered from first Fort Gate and a series of massive gates via an enormous stone paved ramp, leads one to a large courtyard. In the courtyard one can see the former Maharaja's seven story Palace, Rajmahal. This square was formerly used to review troops, hear petitions and present extravagant entertainment for important visitors.


Within the fort walls, there are seven beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries.

The fort looks especially magical when it is lit up at night.

ASI Museum, Shimoga

In Shimoga (State: Karnataka) in the fort area is the 16th century Shivappa Nayak Palace of Keladi Dynasty. Today, this palace also serves as a museum for Archeological Survey of India (ASI). (Click on the images for bigger view)

Like any other museum on display are here various sculptures belonging to various periods. Apart from the sculptures there are also manuscripts on display. The sculptures are not only inside the palace, but also out in the garden. Here we will see some of the sculptures that are inside the palace.

Above is the idol of Jain Thirtankara Adinath belonging to the 12th century A.D. Every detail is carved beautifully.

Above is the idol of Gajalaksmi belonging to 11th century A.D. Here Goddess Lakshmi can be seen flanked by elephants on either side.

Above is the idol of Mahisusaramardini belonging to 12th century A.D. Every detail is carved beautifully.

Chausath Yogini Temple, Jabalpur

This temple is located on a hill top in Bhedaghat is 21 kms from Jabalpur. (Click on images of bigger view)

This temple is approached by a series of 150 plus steps. The temple in the center dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati was built by the Kalchuri dynasty in the 10th century AD.

This temple complex has an open circular courtyard around the temple atop a hill. In circular fashion there is a row of 64 idols of attendants of Goddess Durga called Yoginis around the temple. These beautiful lawa stone idols were plundered and disfigured by Moghul invaders.

Varaha Temple, Khajuraho

The Varaha Temple is located in front of the Lakshmana Temple is one of the oldest temple in Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh). Belonging to Western Group of Temples it is one of the smallest and beautifully carved temple at Khajuraho. It is built some time by the rulers of Chandela dynasty between 930 and 950 A.D. (Click on the image for bigger view)

The stands elevated above the ground with 14 short pillars that support the high pyramidal roof capped with an kalash. It has a huge monolithic image of the standing Varaha (the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu). The image is made out of sandstone and measures 2.6 meters long and 1.7 meters high. It is unique from other images of Khajuraho as the stone shines like burnished metal.

The entire body of the divine creature is carved in low relief along with the figures of more than 600 gods and goddesses of the Hindu religion.main shrine of the temple has four subsidiary shrines at the corners of the temple platform. The temple has columned halls with balconies, an entrance porch, and the inner sanctum.

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Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho

The Lakshmana Temple is one of the oldest temple in Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh). Belonging to Western Group of Temples it is the largest and beautifully carved temple at Khajuraho. It is built by King Yaovarman of Chandela dynasty between 930 and 950 A.D. (Click on the image for bigger view)

The main shrine of the temple has four subsidiary shrines at the corners of the temple platform. The temple has columned halls with balconies, an entrance porch, and the inner sanctum.

In the inner sanctum is the sacred image of Vaikuntha-Vishnu brought from Tibet.

Decorating the sides of the temple are numerous statues. It is exquisitely decorated, almost completely with images of over 600 gods in the Hindu Pantheon. Most of the sculptures have economy of drapery but are effusively patterned with ornaments and flower motifs.

The various carvings and sculptures at this temple.

On the base of the platform are beautifully carved carvings. One such band of carving is King sitting on the throne in the Royal Hall with his ministers. In front of the King dance and music is played.

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Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh) is the finest example of architecture of the medieval period in India. Belonging to Western Group of Temples it is the largest and most ornate Hindu temple at Khajuraho. It is built by King Vidyadhara of Chandela dynasty in 1050 A.D. (Click on the image for bigger view)

The main spire rises to a height of 31 m and is surrounded by 84 miniature spires. Other features of the temple are columned halls with balconies, an entrance porch, and the inner sanctum. Inside the sanctum is a marble linga representing Shiva.

Decorating the sides of the temple are numerous statues and the inner sanctum also has large number of ornate statues. Many of the side panels depict Shiva in the presence of apsaras, consorts, and other divinities. Most of the sculptures have economy of drapery but are effusively patterned with ornaments and flower motifs.

Its ornate gateway is very attractive with carvings on it.

Above is the front view of the temple when Sun rays fall on it. The people around it give us the sheer size of the temple.

Javeri Temple, Khajuraho

The Javeri Temple built between 950 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This is one of the three Hindu Temples built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty in this group. (Click on the image for bigger view)

This temple is a architectural gem. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its ornate gateway, the makara torana, and slender shikhara are especially noteworthy.

Like every other temple in Khajuraho, even this temple is also famous for the band of sculptures around the temple.

This is rear view of the temple.

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Vamana Temple, Khajuraho

The Vamana Temple built between 950 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This is one of the three Hindu Temples built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty in this group. (Click on the image for bigger view)

It measures 19.1 meters in length and 13.9 meters in breath. This is a medium size temple. It consists of a mandap and garbha graha.

Around the temple are two band of sculptures with almost 3000 sculptures. This is less than half when compared to larger temples in Western Group of temples. The sculptures layout is a blend of gods, their consorts, female figures and mythical creatures.

In the garbha graha there is a dwarf image of Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Adinath Temple, Khajuraho

The Adinath Temple built in 950 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This is one of the three Jain temples built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty inside the compound wall. (Click on the image for bigger view)

As the name suggests, it is dedicated to to the Jain Tirthankara Adinath. The temple is constructed in the form of 'sapta-ratha' with a single towered 'shikhara'.

The exterior walls of the temple is decorated with the lavishly carved figures of court musicians, gods and goddess.

Shiva Temple, Survaya Ki Grahi

Survaya Ki Grahi is a big auditorium of stone. There is a Shiva temple with the idol still inside it. The temple has beautiful carvings on the exterior as well as on the ceiling. The below are the images of the Shiva temple. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

Above is the entrance to the temple. The idol can be seen inside and the carvings are all around the entrance.

Above is the intricate carvings in the ceiling of the temple.

Above is the carvings on one of the external walls of the temple.

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Survaya Ki Grahi Temple - 2

Survaya Ki Grahi is a big auditorium of stone. There is a Shiva temple with the idol still inside it. There are two more temples here without the idols in it. The below are the images of temples without the idol inside them. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

This is a temple beautiful carvings all around it.

The above structure is in front of the temple.

The above structure is on the top of the residential area of the students and teacher.

Stone Chariot, Hampi

At Hampi, the stone chariot located in the Vittala Temple Complex is a shrine built in the form of temple chariot. An image of Garuda was originally enshrined within its sanctum. Garuda, according to the Hindu mythology, is the vehicle of lord Vishnu. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

The chariot built with many giant granite blocks. The joints of the blocks are smartly hidden in the carvings that adorn the Stone Chariot and due to this it appears as a monolithic structure. It is built on a feet high rectangular platform. All around this base platform is carved with mythical battle scenes. The four giant stone wheels attached to the chariot look complete with the axis shafts. On the wheels are concentric floral motifs.

In front of the chariot two elephants are positioned as if they are pulling the chariot. These elephants where later additions to the chariot and they actually replaced two horses that were carved in that position. The tails and the rear legs of the horses can be still seen just behind these elephant sculptures. A broken stone ladder once gave access to the sanctum is kept between the elephants.

Sun Temple, Gwalior

Actually we started the sight seeing at Gwalior by first visiting this temple and then moved on to see the heritage sites in and around the city. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

It is located 5 kms from city center. This is a very new temple and was constructed in 1988. It is inspired by architecture of the famous Konark Temple in Orissa.

The exterior of temple uses red stone while the interior uses white marble. There is a beautiful sculpture of Lord Surya in the temple. The carvings on the exterior of the temple depict various Hindu Gods and they have been carved beautifully.

Even though this temple is pretty new it attracts lot of visitors. The temple premises has a beautiful garden and is a nice place to relax.

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Padavali Temple

Around Gwalior there are plenty of places of historical importance. One among them is Padavali located at a distance of 40kms from Gwalior. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Here in the fortress of Padavali there exists a magnificent temple. The premises of fort has to to be entered by climbing a set of steps. The temple and a small residential complex are the only two structures inside the fort. The temple displays classic architecture, which is as good as any of the famous temples in its time. Most of the sculptures are in the ceiling.


This temple depicts the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Ram Leela, Krishna Leela, Mahabharat, marriage of Lord Ganesha, and Samudra Manthan among various other things. The image of Lord Shiva dancing in the cemetery in Preta form is a specialty of this beautiful shrine.

An abode of numerous Hindu gods and goddesses, devotees will be enriched with devotion by the holy darshan. They all look so novel as if they were built just recently.

The carvings in the ceiling are unique and no two carvings are identical.

From here we next moved to Mitavali.

Distance: Padavali ---> Mitavali 12 kms

Monolithic Bull, Hampi

The monolithic bull, is one of the beautiful structures in Hampi. This bull is locally known as Yeduru Basavanna. It is located at the the east end of Virupaksha Bazaar, and it stands like a guard opposite to Virupaksha Temple. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

The sculpture is placed in a two storied pavilion constructed on a high platform at the foothill of Matunga Hill. A heap of gigantic boulders behind the pavilion offers an picturesque view.

Though partly mutilated, it attracts lot of tourists for its sheer size.

Vittala Temple, Hampi

Hampi, is the cradle of Vijaynagar architecture as showcased by various monuments in the region. But,the Vittala Temple is the prime attraction among them. No words of explanation can do justice to the architectural extravaganza of this temple. The construction of the temple was initiated in 1513 AD by the Maharaja Krishnadevaraya. The work was later supported by its successors Achuta and Sadasiva till its destruction in 1565 AD. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Sculptures on the tower of gateways

The sprawling temple campus was built inside the high boundary walls with 3 gateway towers on the east, south and north. The eastern entrance is used for entry into the temple complex. Inside this campus there are many halls, pavilions and temples.

Stone chariot

In front of the main temple is the Stone Chariot. This has become a iconic monument in Hampi. Even though it is referred as monolithic, it is in fact built with many giant granite blocks. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Temple Maha Mandap

The Vittala Temple stands on a strong ornate stone basement that has been richly carved with designs of horses, elephants, dancing girls, floral motifs and soldiers. The temple can be entered through a series of steps flanged by elephant balustrades that leads to the Maha Mantapa. This contains four open halls within. While the central western hall has collapsed, the south, north and the east ones are still intact.

musical pillars

The main attraction of Maha-Mantapa is its superbly carved giant monolithic pillars. The outermost of the pillars have slender and short pilasters carved out of the giant pillars. They are known as musical pillars as they emit musical tones when tapped. The tapping on it is not permitted for the sake of preservation. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Sculpture on the pillar

The eastern hall is known as the musicians hall because of the sculptures of musicians on the pillars. The southern hall pillars are carved with mythical creatures called Yalis. The northern hall is surrounded with a series of pillars with the Narasimha themes. The ceilings of the halls are carved with lotus in the centre. The inner sanctum is devoid of any idol. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Pillared Hall in the temple campus

Even the other halls inside the campus are equally worth noticing. There is a 100-pillared hall at the southwest, the ceremonial marriage hall in the southeast. Even they have been richly carved.