The Temple of Pura Lempuyang Luhur, also known as the Temple of Penataran Agung Lempuyang, is one of Bali’s oldest and most revered places of worship. Perched on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang in East Bali, Indonesia, this temple complex is part of a network of Balinese Hindu temples known as the Sad Kahyangan Jagad…
Temples
Temples are sacred buildings dedicated to worshipping gods and goddesses. In ancient times, they were often grand structures, decorated with carvings and sculptures, where people would gather for rituals and ceremonies. Many ancient temples, like those in Egypt and Greece, still stand today.
Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Artemision, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It stood in the city of Ephesus, now near the modern town of Selçuk in present-day Turkey. This grand temple was dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth. It was not only a religious sanctuary but also a symbol of wealth and power for Ephesus. The temple’s magnificence and architectural brilliance attracted visitors from around the Mediterranean. Despite its destruction and subsequent reconstructions over the centuries, the Temple of Artemis continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists today.
Htilominlo Temple
The Htilominlo Temple stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Bagan civilization in Myanmar. Built during the reign of King Htilominlo, also known as Nandaungmya, it dates back to the early 13th century. This majestic structure is renowned for its intricate plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations. It is one of the larger temples in Bagan and has survived numerous earthquakes, retaining much of its original grandeur. The temple’s name, Htilominlo, is derived from the king’s nickname, meaning “the umbrella of the three worlds.”
Temple of Amada
The Temple of Amada, the oldest Egyptian temple in Nubia, stands as a testament to ancient civilization’s grandeur. Pharaoh Thutmose III erected it during the 18th Dynasty, and later, Pharaoh Amenhotep II enhanced it. The temple’s relocation in the 1960s to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser is a remarkable feat. It showcases intricate carvings and inscriptions, offering insights into Egypt’s religious practices and political history.
Goa Gajah Elephant Cave Temple
The Goa Gajah Elephant Cave Temple is a significant archaeological site located on the island of Bali, Indonesia. Known for its intricate rock-wall carvings, central meditational cave, and bathing pools, it dates back to the 9th century. The site blends Hindu and Buddhist elements, reflecting the religious history of the region. It’s a popular destination for tourists and a point of interest for historians and archaeologists alike.
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple stands as a testament to the architectural and spiritual zenith of the Chandela dynasty. Located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India, this temple is the largest and most ornate Hindu temple in the medieval temple group found at the site. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it represents the pinnacle of North Indian temple architecture with its intricate carvings, soaring shikhara, and complex symbolism. The temple, dating back to the 11th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to draw admirers from around the world for its artistic magnificence and historical significance.