Showing posts with label india. Show all posts
Showing posts with label india. Show all posts

Sunday 7 May 2023

Temple Carved from Single Rock is an Ancient Masterpiece

Kailasa Temple: The World's Largest Monolithic Piece of Art
Credit: @Arian Zwegers

Kailasa Temple is a magnificent piece of ancient Indian architecture located in the state of Maharashtra, India. Built by Hindu craftsmen to honor Lord Shiva, the temple is the largest monolithic piece of art in the world. It was created to mimic Shiva’s home on Mount Kailash in the Himalayas.

According to legend, a Hindu king ordered the temple built after he prayed to Lord Shiva to save his wife from sickness. Architects started carving the structure from the top of the mountain and worked their way down, removing more than 200,000 tons of volcanic rock between 757 and 783 A.D. The carving process took over two decades to complete.

The temple carved from single rock and has a U-shape and is approximately 150 feet deep. The structure is three stories tall and is adorned with large stone carvings of various Hindu deities along the outer walls. Two internal flagstaff pillars depict stories from Lord Shiva’s saga, and there are enormous carvings honoring Lord Vishnu, another main Hindu deity.

Exploring Kailasa Temple: A Wonder of Ancient Indian Architecture
Credit: @Arian Zwegers

Almost every inch of the interior structure contains intricate carvings. On the top, there are carvings of elephants that point the way down. On the bottom of the main building, an army of huge stone elephants appears to be holding up the entire temple. These elephants surround a 100-foot-tall pillar that serves as the main edifice in the temple complex.

Kailasa Temple covers more square footage than the Parthenon in Athens. The temple is mostly made of black volcanic rock, and it was originally covered in white plaster to give the illusion of snow. Visitors can still see remnants of the white plaster today.

Archaeologists estimate that there are more than 30 million Sanskrit carvings within Kailasa Temple that have yet to be translated. If experts can find a way to unlock the hidden meaning of the language, it would make Kailasa Temple one of the most valuable historical artefacts on Earth.

Despite the temple’s magnificence, there is some controversy surrounding its construction. Some people argue that the Kailasa Temple is much older than believed because there is no way humans in that time period could have excavated such a huge structure. The surrounding caves have carvings that are much older than Kailasa Temple, but this could simply mean that no one got around to carving Kailasa until much later.

From Volcanic Rock to Hindu Shrine: The Story of Kailasa Temple

There are also some theories that ancient aliens may have played a role in the temple’s construction, but that's a whole different story! Regardless of its history, Kailasa Temple is a monument to Lord Shiva, and there are five shrines inside the temple that pay homage to the greatest of Hindu gods. The temple is a marvel to behold and is truly a unique and priceless piece of ancient architecture.

The Kailasa Temple is a remarkable ancient masterpiece that stands as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient Indian craftsmen. Carved from a single rock, the temple has survived for over a millennium and remains a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Its intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting various Hindu deities and mythological stories, are a sight to behold. Despite the controversy surrounding its construction and the mysteries that still surround it, the Kailasa Temple remains an awe-inspiring feat of human engineering and artistic achievement. It serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and legacy of India, and its enduring spiritual significance to millions of people around the world.

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Tuesday 2 May 2023

The Incredible Discoveries of India's Forgotten High-Tech Past

Vimanas: Uncovering the Secrets of Ancient Indian Flying Machines

According to a lecture given by C.S.R. Prabhu, senior scientist, NIC, Hyderabad, India had access to advanced warfare technology that was far beyond the capabilities of the West. He argued that the ancient texts Brahmastra and Vimana were early versions of modern nuclear weapons and spacecraft. During the pre-Mahabharata period, there were remarkable technological advancements that were neglected during the medieval period for reasons not yet known. Sastry's texts, dictated in yogic trance, contained technical details on how to assemble, fabricate and erect a spacecraft, and the metals, semiconductors and advanced alloys used, including other minute aeronautical information. Although difficult to believe, the fact that this technology did not exist in the world, not even in America or Europe, during that period makes it hard to disbelieve.

The spacecraft could even become invisible by using a lead alloy called Thamogarbha loha, which would absorb light in a photochemical reaction that would make it disappear. To reinforce his argument, Prabhu mentioned that wall paintings in some forts in Rajasthan depict the use of rockets in Mughal warfare, including by Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The spacecraft's body was made with a metal called Raja Loha, which apart from resisting heat, converted light from lightnings into energy. Prabhu noted that though the texts explained that the spacecraft was propelled by 'Sourasakthi,' modern solar technology does not generate enough power to drag a rocket, but it was a type of nuclear power that was used during that time.

Ancient Indian Vimanas: The Hidden Truth of Flying Technology

The Ararakamra metal was an alloy of copper, zinc, lead, and iron, which is impossible according to modern metallurgy. The Young's modulus of the metal was higher than that of steel, making it stronger. The axle and wheels used Ararakamra material, which allowed the spacecraft to take U-turns and serpentine movements. Prabhu submitted the model and some information on the "super metal" to the Indian Metal Society Conference and claimed that Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the advisor to the government on scientific affairs, asked him to bring the design of the plane.

The Indian Institute of Science appointed a committee to investigate the claims but declared Sastry's texts as fraud, possibly due to the descriptions mentioned in the ancient texts being too advanced to believe. Prabhu proposed a project called 'Bharadwaja Institute of Vedic Science' to investigate the so-called 'myths' as scientific formulae on advanced technology. Although this theory is controversial, Prabhu believes in the authenticity of these ancient texts and hopes that future research will help to uncover the truth.

Vimanas: The Incredible Flying Machines of Ancient India

Vimanas: Ancient Indian Flying Machines

The Vedas, some of the oldest Indian texts, describe Vimanas as flying machines with various shapes and sizes. These machines were known for their impressive abilities and were used as weapons of war. The Asvins, the Atlanteans in Indian texts, had more advanced technology than the Indian people, and their "Vailixi" flying machines had a cigar-like shape that allowed them to maneuver both underwater and in outer space.

The ancient guide to Vimanas, Yantra Sarvasva, describes three classes of Vimana based on their range. Some were made to travel locally from one place to another, while others were used to travel to different countries. The third class of Vimanas was used to travel to various planets. Vimanas were non-combustible, unbreakable, and invisible to enemies. They were just as effective on the offensive, able to render enemies into a suspended animation state and cause widespread destruction.

The Enigma of Vimanas: Ancient Indian Flying Technology Unraveled

In the ancient Hindu texts, the empire of Rama existed nearly fifteen thousand years ago during the time of the Atlantean civilization, ruled by Priest-Kings. The empire had seven cities, and the people of the Seven Rishi cities had flying machines named Vimanas. There are four types of Vimanas described in the text, some of which were saucer-shaped, while others were cylinder-shaped. These flying machines had circular aircraft with portholes over two decks and a dome. A Vimana is described as flying with the wind’s speed and producing a melodious sound.

The ancient Indians who created these ships also wrote flying manuals about the controls of several Vimana types. Many of these manuals are still in existence and offer a detailed guide for piloting these craft.

The descriptions of Vimanas in ancient Indian texts and epics provide fascinating insights into the technological advancements of the time. These flying machines were not merely a figment of imagination, but were believed to be real and functional, with detailed instructions on their operation and control. While some may dismiss these accounts as mythical or exaggerated, others believe that they offer evidence of ancient civilizations' technological sophistication. Regardless of one's perspective, the Vimanas' descriptions are a testament to the creativity and imagination of the people of ancient India and offer a glimpse into their culture and beliefs.

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Thursday 16 March 2023

Exploring the Ajanta Caves: A Hidden Gem of Ancient India

Exploring the Ajanta Caves: A Hidden Gem of Ancient India

The Ajanta Caves, located in Maharashtra, India, are a testament to the country's rich cultural and artistic heritage. Carved into the rock face of a horseshoe-shaped gorge, the caves are home to some of the finest examples of ancient Indian art and architecture.

The caves were built in two phases, with the first phase dating back to the 2nd century BCE and the second phase to the 5th century CE. The caves were used as a retreat for Buddhist monks, who carved out the intricate designs and sculptures that adorn the walls and ceilings.

There are a total of 30 caves at Ajanta, each with its own unique features and architectural style. The most famous of these is Cave 16, also known as the Kailash Temple, which is carved to resemble Mount Kailash, the mythical abode of Lord Shiva.

Exploring the Ajanta Caves: A Hidden Gem of Ancient India

The walls of the caves are adorned with intricate paintings and carvings, depicting scenes from the life of Buddha, as well as other mythological and historical figures. The paintings are some of the earliest examples of Indian art, and are renowned for their use of vibrant colors and intricate details.

The Ajanta Caves remained hidden for centuries, until they were rediscovered by British soldiers in 1819. Since then, they have become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to marvel at the beauty and grandeur of these ancient structures.

Despite their popularity, the caves are still relatively unknown to many people outside of India. This is partly due to their remote location, but also because they have yet to receive the same level of international recognition as other ancient wonders, such as the Great Pyramids or the Colosseum.

However, efforts are underway to change this. The Indian government has designated the Ajanta Caves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has taken steps to promote them as a cultural destination. In recent years, the caves have been renovated and modernized, with new visitor centers and facilities added to make them more accessible to tourists.

In conclusion, the Ajanta Caves are a hidden gem of ancient India, and a testament to the country's rich cultural and artistic heritage. While they may not be as well-known as other ancient wonders, they are no less impressive or important. With their intricate designs, vibrant paintings, and awe-inspiring architecture, the Ajanta Caves are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of India.

Exploring the Ajanta Caves: A Hidden Gem of Ancient India