'Shahi Jama Masjid (1656 AD), Delhi' - by K J S Chatrath

On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, we share some photos of Shahi Jama Masjid Delhi, taken 3 years back. 

 Eid al-Adha is the last of the two islamic holidays celebertated worldwide each year. It honours the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God's command. But before Ibrahim could sacrifice his son, God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead. It honours the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God's command. But, before Ibrahim could sacrifice his son, God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead.

 Jama Masjid, Delhi, is one of the largest mosques in India. It was built by the Mughal   Emperor  Shah Jahan Shah between 1650 and 1656 at a cost of one million rupees, and was inaugurated by Imam Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari from Bukhara, present-day  Uzbekistan.  

It has three great gates and two 40 metres high  minarets constructed with strips of red sandstone  and white marble. The courtyard can accommodate more than 25000 people. There are three domes on the terrace which are surrounded by the two minarets. On the floor, a total of 899 black borders are marked for worshippers.

An invite from KJS Chatrath for those fascinated by Indian History & Heritage:

The above photo is from Chausath (64) Yoginis Temple at Hirapur, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. This temple dates back to 0750-0950 AD.

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An Invite

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The 70s Backpacker,

KJS Chatrath.

Jhulta Minar or Shaking Minarets (15th/16th century AD), Ahmedabad, India - by K J S Chatrath

Sidi Bashir Mosque is a former mosque in the city of  Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Only the central gateway and two minarets survive; they are known as the Jhulta Minar or Shaking Minarets.Dates back to 15th/16th century A.D.

'Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati of Hindu pantheon' - K J S Chatrath

  Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati of Hindu pantheon adorned in South Indian style dresses.

Lord Shiva is the protector, the destroyer and regenerator of the universe and all life in the Hindu pantheon. Goddess Parvati is his wife. She is the daughter of the mountain king Himavan and queen Mena.  She is the mother of Hindu deities Ganesha, Kartikeya, Ashokasundari. I saw this colourful representation in Mamallapuram Hotel of Tamil Nadu State Tourism Development Corporation.

'Champaner (16th century AD), Gujarat, India- a curtain raiser' - by K J S Chatrath

In July 2004, UNESCO inscribed the site on the World Heritage List with the justification of its “joint significance as a living Hindu pilgrimage center, its cluster of Jain temples, its remarkable preserved medieval urban fabric, its exquisite sandstone-carved mosques and tombs and its intangible heritage values".  

Coming soon on this blog- many photos and a detailed write-up on 'Champaner' (16th century AD) Gujarat, India- a UNESCO Heritage site.

Hindu God Ganesha at Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Leepakshi India (1533 AD) - by KJS Chatrath

Hindu God Ganesha at Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Leepakshi, India (1533 AD)

 

Ganesha of Ganesh, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka is one of the most loved deities of Hindu Pantheon. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is believed to be worshipped atleast from 1st century C.E. 

Ganesha getting ready to throw his lotus. Basholi miniature, circa 1730. National Museum, New Delhi, India.

'Konark Temple (13th century AD), Odisha, India' - K J S Chatrath

Those of you who have visited the Konarak Temple in Odisha, know that it is one of the most fabulous examples of Indian art. For those who have not yet visited it I would say that as soon as Covid subsides, you must visit not only Konarak but Bhubaneswar, Puri and other places in Odisha. 

Yes, according to me, Odisha is one place that everyone must visit before one dies......

Sun Temple of Konark is renowned throughout the world for its stone sculptures. The temple was designed in the shape of a huge chariot drawn by 7 mighty spirited horses on 12 pairs (total 24 wheels) of gorgeously decorated wheels at its base. The size of the wheel is of 9 feet 9 inches in diameter and each one of them having 8 wider spokes and 8 thinner spokes.Out of these 24 wheels 6 are in either side of the main temple, 4 wheels are on each side of the Mukhasala and 2 wheels on each side of steps at eastern front. The huge wheels of the Konark Temple are one of the major attractions for visitors. 

 

Various theories have been advocated regarding the significance of Konark wheel. According to some, the 7 horses represent the days of the week and the 12 pairs of wheels represent the 12 months of the year and the 24 wheels signifies 24 hours of a day and the 8 major spokes signifies prahars (three hour period) of a day. According to others, the wheels of the chariot have been interpreted as the 'Wheel of Life'. They portray the cycle of creation, preservation and achievement of realisation. These 12 pairs of wheels may also possibly represent the 12 zodiac signs. Some also believe that the Wheel of Konark is the same as the Dharmachakra of the Buddhists - The Wheel of Karma, The Wheel of the Law. If you hire a guide during your visit Konark Temple then they will explain you similar theories. 

The size and architecture of the 24 wheels is same but each one of them has been differently carved all over. The thicker ones are all carved with circular medallions at their centres on the widest part of the face. The axels of the wheels project by about one foot from the surface, having similar decorations at their ends. The rims are carved with designs of foliages with various birds and animals, whereas the medallions in the spokes are carved with the figures of women in various luxurious poses, mostly of sensual nature.  

(Text sourceed from: http://www.thekonark.in/konarkwheel.html)

Konark Temple...maintenance and renovation in full swing by the Archeological Survey of India.

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