Temples at a Glance

Religion is the basis of the existence of anything and everything in this World. Religion and faith lead the path towards solace and sanctity. The means to reach this end is via some majestic structures which really stand apart from other architectures and also provide that extra edge of satisfaction.

Let's take you on a stroll to some of these majestic temples around the World. So fascinating are these temples that they tell a tale of their own.

Wat Rong Khun: Thailand

The Wat Rong Khun temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand is very much unique as compared to any Buddhist temple in the world. The whole temple looks as if coming straight away from the Narnia fairy tales. The Wat Rong Khun temple is a highly ornate gilded structure with strategically places mosaic mirrors aligned so beautifully that one remains awestruck gazing the bewildering beauty of the monument.

The Wat Rong Khun temple was born out the masterplan idea by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The Temple is yet under construction but after completion it is expected to astonish human imagination.

Shwedagon Pagoda: Myanmar

The construction of the Shwedagon Pagoda is shrouded in mystery as much as its inception. No concrete data is available as when the Shewadagon Pagoda was built and by whom ? Legend has it that this structure was built some 2500 years ago but archaeologists conclude that it was built between the 6th and the 10th century.

An interesting story looms behind the existence of this piece of architecture. It is said that in the 15th century a queen donated gold equivalent of her weight to the temple. The tradition continues till today and the Shwedagon Pagoda is covered by sheets of pure gold. Even if this is not enough pilgrims donate small packets of gold leafs and stick them to the walls of the temple.

One would also be astonished to find the dome of the Shwedagon Pagoda as it glitters with the shine of 7,000 diamonds and over 5,000 rubies. And lest we forget the Shwedagon Pagoda also houses the holiest relics of Buddhism that is eight strands of Buddha's hair.

Golden Temple: India

The golden Temple is situated in Amritsar in India. This temple is otherwise famed as the Harmandir Sahib and is considered the most sacred shrine of Sikhism. As per legend the site of the temple was apt enough for meditation and solace. Therefore, Lord Buddha is presumed to have meditated here. Guru Nanak is also believed to have lived and meditated by this lake.

Construction of the Golden Temple is said to have started in the 1500's and the lake was named Amritsar or the pool of the nectar. This Golden temple in Amritsar is completely covered with gilded gold and precious stones.

Temple of Heaven: China

The Temple of Heaven is a Taoist temple in Beijing, China. This temple is said to have been constructed in the 14th century by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty with a purpose that his kingdom be bestowed with good harvest. This temple attracts visitors basically for its architecture which is quite interesting. An inside view of the temple showcases amazing things.

What is unique about this temple is that everything inside the temple that represents heaven is circular in shape and the ground levels that represent the Earth is square in shape. Astonishing right, but it is true!

Borobudur: Indonesia

The Borobudur Temple is a mystery which is shrouded till date. Do you know it was all in the 19th century when some Dutch people got lost in the deep forest of Java in Indonesia and they found this massive ancient ruin completely intact. The discovery left the whole archaeological community startled. But a lot many questions did the rounds ? The complex of Borobudur is a mammoth artifact which is a true miracle of civil engineering of that era. What astonishes most is it is built with nearly 2 million cubic feet of stones.

The temple consisits of 504 Buddha statues. Till date no one is aware of the reason why the complex would have been built and the reason of its complete abandonment hundreds of years ago.

Such is the glamor quotient of these temples that one would really want to capture the magnificence of these temples.