Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
India has a wealth of sculptural wonders that have stood the test of time and the changing trends of human evolution. Sanchi is one such tourist destination that proudly sings the valorous story of Emporer Asoka’s reign and search for salvation. Sanchi is flocked by tourists round the year as it houses the opulent stupas, monolithic Asokan pillar, rich temples, and monasteries. Buddhist influences are evident all over Sanchi and its architectural wonders. Other than Emperor Asoka the the Mauryas, the Sungas and the Guptas have contributed to Sanchi’s stupas, monasteries etc., which were built in between the 3 rd century BC to the 12 th century AD. Sanchi and surrounding areas are still under excavation, conservation and environmental development. So the next time you plan on taking a trip round the Buddhist tourism circuit in India opt for Sanchi and its glorious Stupas.

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Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple provides exceptional records for the events associated with the life of Buddha and is one of prime sites related to the attainment of Enlightenment. The first temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and the present temple dates from the 5th or 6th centuries. In The grand 50m high Mahabodhi Temple is one of the few representations of the architectural genius of the Indian people in constructing fully developed brick temples in that era. One of the earliest brick structures in India has had significant influence in the development of architecture over the centuries. The sculpted stone balustrades are sculptural reliefs in stone. As part of the temple Emporer Asoka has built, the diamond throne (called the Vajrasana ), attempting to mark the exact spot of the Buddha’s enlightenment, was established. You could even take a stroll down to the western side of the temple to pay your respects to the Bodhi Tree.

BodhGaya is located about 96 kms from Patna in Bihar state.

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Monuments of Khajuraho
Located in the interiors of the Chhatrapur District of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu temples, famous for their erotic sculptures. The temples at Khajuraho are a brilliant example of medieval Indian architecture. Built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050, today only about 20 temples remain from the original 80. The temples fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions – Hinduism and Jainism. Khajuraho temples, constructed with spiral superstructures, adhere to northern Indian shikhara temple style and are a perfect juxtaposition of architecture and sculptures. Especially the Temple of Kandariya , which is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art. The sculptors have shown immense virtuosity in expressing the myriad aspects of Indian life – gods, goddesses, guardians, sensuous apsaras (nymphs), and infinite moods and postures. The amorous couples in various love making poses on the sandhara temples draw maximum attention. The Khajuraho Festival of Dance held in the temple premises is one of the biggest culminations of artists from various parts of the globe and a visual treat for art connoisseurs.

The temples are divided into three main groups:

Western Group: The Western Group comprises of the finest bunch of temples which include the Lakshmana Temple, Vishvanath Temple, Jagdamba Devi temple, the Chitragupta Temple, and the magnificent of them all, the Kandariya Mahadev.

Eastern Group: This group of temples are situated around Khajuraho village. The group includes the Brahma Temple , Vamana Temple , Javari Temple , Ghantai Temple , Santinath Temple , and the Parshvanath Temple .

Southern Group: Lot of excavation work is in the process in the Southern Group. The latest find by the Archaeological Survey of India is the Bijamandala Temple which is said to be larger than the Kandariya Mahadev. The other temples in the group are the Duladeo Temple and Chaturbhuj Temple .

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Sun Temple , Konarak
“Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man.” – Poet Rabindranath Tagore’s description of Konark

This small town in Orissa, on the Bay of Bengal draws large crowd. The reason being the 13th-century Sun Temple a.k.a. the Black Pagoda situated in Konark. It’s a Brahman sanctuary built in black granite and shaped in the form of the chariot of Surya (Arka), the sun god. The vast canvas is artistically crafted to depict seven horses and twelve wheels, carrying the sun god, Surya, across the heavens. King Narasimhadeva I of the Ganga dynasty constructed this World Heritage Site in the 13 th century. It is the perfect example of Orissan temple architecture, and one of the most stunning monuments of religious architecture in the world.

Today the temple stands in ruins among the sand dunes but it’s the exquisite carvings on the outer walls and the free-standing sculptures that give the temple its unique character. Musicians, dancers, animals, birds, mythical beasts, kings, queens, nymphs, couples in various moods of lovemaking and deities adorn the walls of the Sun Temple.

You could even visit the Sun Temple Museum run by the Archaeological Survey of India that houses various sculptures from the glorious era. Or you could visit the Sun Temple in the month of December to witness the mesmerising Konark Dance Festival.

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