Temples of India - 1

This magnificent temple also boasts of "The hall of Thousand Pillars" though it actually has 985 pillars. This hall was built by This was built by Ariyanatha Mudaliyar in the year 1569. In which temple is this hall located?

This temple's design is based on a style of Hindu temple architecture called Nilachal architecture. The name of this style also is the name of the hill on which this temple is located. This architectural style is typically characterized as a hemispherical dome over a faceted (ratha) base. This temple is dedicated to the mother goddess and rose to prominence as a pilgrimage center in the 19th century.

This is one of the best examples of the Vijayanagara style of temple architecture and is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in the 16th century and has a number of frescoes. The fresco in the ceiling of the Ardha mantapa (ante chamber) is believed to be Asia's largest measuring 23 x 13 ft. It is also popular for its "hanging pillar". What is this temple?

This temple was established by Swami Haridas, who was also a guru of the great singer, Tansen. The temple deity is believed to be the combined form of Radha and Krishna. It is one of very few temples (if not the only one) where loud bells are not used, even for Aarti. The original temple/idol was worshipped at nearby Nidhivan, but when the current temple was constructed in the 19th century, it was moved here. Which temple is this?

This immense temple along with a collection of other monuments and temples within a 50 mile vicinity are collective a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple was built in the 11th century and is considered among the greatest architectural and sculptural achievements of this dynasty. It also has one of the largest Shiva lingas in India. Various dance festivals happen year in the month of February. The temple is currently managed and administered by the hereditary scion of the Bhonsle dynasty that ruled this region between the 17th and 19th centuries. Which temple is this?

This 8th century temple at this site is an early example of the architectural experiments of this dynasty which is known for blending the Nagara and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is the largest among a group of 120 temples at this site. A fortified lookout was constructed on top of the temple after the 13th century battles between the Hindu kings and Islamic Sultanates. The name of the temple derives from this, though the rubble of that lookout has now been removed. It is also known for its apsidal plan, a rare example for the architecture of that period.