Hindus Temples in Cambodia

Angkor is a region in Cambodia that served as the seat of the Khmer Empire, the largest empire of Southeast Asia that flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries. This ancient and revered Cambodian province is home to astonishing and enduring architectural evidence of the Khmer Empire’s Hindu and Mahayana Buddhist beliefs; the temples of Angkor are awe-inspiring reminders of what was the largest preindustrial urban center in the world, larger than modern day New York. Angkor Wat of Cambodia is the largest Hindu temple of the world.

Hindus Temples in Cambodia

Angkor Wat

While there are over 100 stone temples scattered throughout the Angkor region, the 5 listed here are the definite must-sees. Unquestionably topping this list is the temple at Angkor Wat, built by Suryavaram II to honor the Hindu god Vishnu. The enormous temple consists of 5 concentric rectangular walls and moats, symbolizing a cosmic chain of mountains and ocean. Angkor Wat is the best-preserved temple in Angkor; it appears on the country’s national flag and is the prime attraction for tourists.The construction of Angkor Wat lasted at least 37 years. The main tower of the central temple represents the mountain Meru, the center of the Hindu and Buddhist universe. When touring Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples and religious monuments, it’s also possible to visit nearby Siem Reap, a small colonial town just north of Southeast Asia’s largest lake, Tonle Sap. If you’d like to stay a day or 2 to bask in the Angkor’s spiritual sanctity, Siem Reap has many hotels offering reasonable prices.

Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei, or the Temple of Women, has been called a jewel of Khmer art. Its great reliefs depict many mythological Hindu events including the duel between the monkey princes, Bali and Sugreeva; Narasimha’s slaying of the demon Hiranyakasipu; and the burning of Khandava Forest.Banteay Srei is unique among Angkor’s noble temples because it was built by a wealthy courtier and scholar who served as an advisor to the Cambodian king, and not the monarch himself. Banteay Srei was dedicated to the Hindu god, Siva in 967; the temple is therefore considerably older than the other Angkor sites.The grounds, buildings and layout at Banteay Srei are small, contrasting with the monumental scale of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. While the buildings may be compact, they don’t feel crowded, and the structural layout enhances the narrative relief carvings covering Banteay Srei’s red sandstone walls and passageways.

Preah Khan

Preah Khan is another of King Jayavarman’s creations and an inscription on the temple suggests he built it on the site where he defeated invaders from Champa, a region that is now Southern Vietnam. The successive rectangular galleries surrounding the Buddhist sanctuary have largely been left untouched.This large complex not only functioned as a monastic house of worship, it was also a university including elements of Buddhist, Vaishnava and Shaiva worship. When visiting this hallowed ground, make sure to explore the Prasat Preah Stung, a central tower with 4 ornate Bayon-like carvings. Once inside, meander through the galleries and 2 libraries.This is another Angkor site you can explore while staying in Siem Reap. The Preah Khan hotel takes its name from the site and offers guests modern luxuries near this enduring cultural landmark.

Ta Prohm

The Khmer monarch completed the construction of this royal monastery in the 12th century and dedicated the grounds both to his mother and the goddess of wisdom, Prajnaparamita. The central stone pillar, called a foundational stele, chronicles the dedication and urges successors to protect the revered site.The location of the temple, set amidst the lush Cambodian jungle, makes it extremely popular for tourists. Ta Prohm was home to more than 12,500 people, and the temple served as a place of worship for thousands of souls in surrounding villages. Now this peaceful town stands as a reminder of Cambodia’s early spirituality and religious beliefs.

Bayon

Another of Angkor’s sacred temple sites is Bayon is a walled capital city known especially for its jungle of face towers. These towers bear massive stone carvings depicting the face of the king and a message of spiritual worship. This is a place where the teachings of Hinduism and Buddhism exist in a unique spiritual balance, most visibly evident in the massive stone faces carved into Bayon’s many towers.

Popular Temples of London

London, a stunning capital city of England as well as the United Kingdom mesmerizes its travelers on its every nook and corner. Right from historic monuments to modern architectures and the rich British culture, this city forms a charismatic kaleidoscope for an intrigue traveler. Besides being a British city, its demographic population contains a huge of outsider residents. Thus, it has many beautiful temples related to different faiths. Here, we have listed some popular temples of London which you must pay a visit to while visiting London.

Temples of London

Sree Ganapathy Temple, Wimbledon

Established in the year 1981, the Sree Ganapathy Temple at Wimbledon is known to be the first consecrated Hindu temple in Europe. The main deity of the temple is Lord Ganesha however, it also have the deities of Lord Hanuman, Goddess Durga (Parvati), Krishna etc. The temple also features Sai Mandir which is actually a prayer hall dedicated to Sathyanarayana Raju. Apart from various Hindu religious services, Sree Ganapathy Temple adopts an expended holistic approach where visitors can take part in philosophy talks, health seminars and yoga and meditation classes, arranged on regular basis.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Also referred to as the Neasden Temple, the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is located in the London Borough of Brent in northwest London. This temple features a magnificent and impressive architecture which may amaze any onlooker. It is made of 2,820 tons of Bulgarian limestone and 2,000 tons of Italian Carrara, which were actually shipped to India for carving and then re-shipped to London to build the temple. This temple was a part of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) organization and was inaugurated on August 20, 1995 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. It is often referred to Britain’s first authentic Hindu temple. Once inside, one can learn more about Hindu culture through tour to the “Understanding Hinduism” exhibit, and also relish on some Indian cuisine at the Shayona Restaurant and Shop.

ISKCON-Soho London Temple

While Oxford Street in London may be filled with shopping, nightclubs, and crowds of people, a quick turn onto Soho Street will bring you to an orange and sand colored structure that you might miss if you don’t look closely. This is the ISKCON-Soho London Temple. Upon entering the temple, visitors are asked to take off their shoes and approach the alter in front of them, which features the Deities of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara. Upstairs in the temple is the community shop, where you can find spiritual books, chanting beads, incense sticks, herbal medicine, vegan cosmetics, and more. And if you’re hungry, an on-site vegetarian restaurant, Govinda’s, prepares fresh meals throughout the day.

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Also known as the Neasden Temple, the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is the first traditional Hindu Mandir in all of Europe. This temple has impressive architecture, made of 2,820 tons of Bulgarian limestone and 2,000 tons of Italian Carrara that were shipped to India for carving then re-shipped to London to create the temple. The building of the structure is pretty amazing, as it took less than three years to put 26,300 pieces together, essentially like a giant puzzle. Inside, visitors can learn more about Hindu culture through the “Understanding Hinduism” exhibit, as well as grab some Indian cuisine at the Shayona Restaurant and Shop. Moreover, seminars, workshops, and performances for children through senior citizens are provided on a regular basis.

Shree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden

The Shree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden is a sect of Hinduism with the founder being Lord Shree Swaminarayan. In the 1960’s, there was a group of people who emigrated to Great Britain that followed Lord Shree Swaminarayan’s teachings and wanted a place to come together to pray and celebrate. The building of a temple was discussed and officially opened in 1975. Today the temple hosts many activities, from group prayer to teachings to English classes to yoga.

London England (LDS) Temple

temples in london While the temples mentioned thus far have all practiced forms of Hinduism, the London (LDS) Temple is actually a Mormon temple. The building was the first temple to be constructed in the British Isles and the second to be built in Europe. The temple is not exactly in London but about 25 miles south in the peaceful English countryside. There are multiple buildings to explore on the 32 acres the temple occupies, the most popular of which includes a 3-story, 40-room Elizabethian-style mansion. Outside, visitors can stroll around the well-manicured lawns, tall Oak Trees, and reflective pond. At night, the temple takes on a new mood as it seems to glow bright white against a black backdrop.

Temple Church

Most people will recognize the Temple Church from the famous Dan Brown novel, “The Da Vinci Code”. This site, which is usually referred to as “The Temple”, is actually a Christian temple, with beautiful medieval architecture and a unique circular nave that mimicks the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the site where Jesus is said to be buried. The temple was named after the Knights Templar, the “order of crusading monks founded to protect pilgrims on their way to and from Jerusalem in the 12th century”. Temple Church has seen a lot of history, for example, being badly damaged during WWII and surviving the Great Fire of London. Today, visitors today flock to not only see the famous site of a book turned movie, but also to see the knightly effigies (once believed to be tombs), the beautiful wooden alter, and the many gargoyles.

London Sri Murugan Temple

The London Sri Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple with a highly detailed facade, an impressive 52-foot tower outside, and polished granite tiles from India inside. Shrines carved from black granite give tribute to the deities that are decorated with flowers and fruits. Those who attend this temple hold Lord Muruga as the only supreme being, with his many faces manifested in the deities housed in the shrines. Whether you go to the London Sri Murugan Temple to attend service, learn about the Hindu faith, or explore the beautiful building design, a visit to this temple is religious space is a unique experience.

Wat Buddhapadipa

Wat Buddhapadipa was the first Buddhist temple ever to be built in London. The building, which was first opened at its present location in Wimbledon in 1976, is designed in a Thai style and used for monastic ceremonies. According to the temple’s website, they are the only traditional Thai temple ever to be built in Europe. While the structures consist of the monk’s house and a cottage, the 4 acres Wat Buddhapadipa resides on features a lake, small grove, orchard, and flower garden.

Top Stunning Lures of New York

If you are not conversant with the names or quality then you do not need to worry. So as to enjoy your holiday in N. Y Town, you ought to have an idea of what types of hotel there are for your stay. It is replete with names of Big Apple Hostels and their offered-amenities and features. 1 or 2 smart moves and tourist-knowledge will promise you a remarkable trip to the town.

Stunning Lures of New York

Its ideal opposite location with the Stunning Lures of New York permits business officers straightforward and on-time access to significant conferences. Audiovisual kit is offered too. Fitness centers and on-site trattorias are available for your service. Going thru the offers systematically will provide help to cut back the list of the places to go to for your weekend getaway. A mini-bar to unwind at and relaxing rain-forest styled showers can keep the guests at relaxation bay without a worry worldwide.

Decision-making can be based mostly on what you’re counting on doing over Saturday and Sunday. As an example, a hotel that’s in a convenient position to the theater district is a sensible choice if taking in the sounds of Broadway is on the slate. Different Sorts of Manhattan Hostels and the Varied Areas of Long Island The hostels of Manhattan are numerous in number.

Empire State Building

City’s tallest skyscraper and a true testament of its ingenuity – Empire State Building is the epitome of stately deco architecture. This legendary 102-storey building is an international icon and the most significant reason for holidaymakers who travel all the way to the city on cheap flights to New York. Observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors of the Empire State Building offer breathtaking vistas of the New York City. During late evenings, the sight becomes all the more mesmerizing when the top 31 stories get illuminated with neon lights.

Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty or the Lady Liberty is an ultimate symbol of American Dream that stands regally over New York Harbour. This is the most recognisable structures around the world. The Lady Liberty was gifted by French authorities to the people of United States and typifies the close kinship between France and America. This remarkable piece of art is 46.5 meter (151ft) high and with pedestal it reaches 93 meter (305ft). One can take the staircase inside the statue and walk all the way up the 354 steps to the crown. The spellbinding view from the top of the statue is cherished by every visitor. The statue tops the itinerary of extravagant travellers as well as those taking cheap flights to New taking cheap flights to New York.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn remain a must explore borough of New York and any discussion of New York’s travel trappings is incomplete without its mention. The iconic Brooklyn Bridge is the world’s first steel suspension bridge and has been an inspiration for poets, writers and painters. Most visitors kick off their expedition here with a breathtaking drive over the bridge. The Brooklyn Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Children’s Museum are other two of Brooklyn’s popular draws that make any family holiday to New York a memorable affair. Those looking for calmer pursuits can partake in the activities at the Brooklyn Bridge Park that is also one of the city’s best parks perfect for bird watching. Behold the exquisite splendour of the stunning Brooklyn Botanical Gardens during summers when the garden is at its full bloom.

Museum of Modern Art

Museum of Modern Art is the home of masterpieces and has been widely hailed for its noteworthy design with five-story atrium that houses peaceful, airy galleries with works of art, architecture and design, prints, illustrated books, and film and media. This museum exhibits 100,000 pieces of modern artworks of Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne, Rothko, Pollock and many other great artists. An expedition to the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden in the Museum of Modern Art offers a true nirvana for those who have penchant for art.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the most cherished single-site tourist attraction visited by millions of tourists. It houses more than two million works of art, 2,500 of the finest paintings, and one of the richest coffers in the art’s world. The museum has grown to be the largest art repository in the western hemisphere and its huge collection takes away the breath of almost every visitor. The collection spans 5,000 years of culture and staggering works of Vermeer’s, Rembrandts, Impressionists and Post-Impressionists as well as the Renaissance, African, Asian, and Islamic artwork.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bahai Temple – Lotus Blossom Temple Tourist Attraction in Delhi, India

Baha’i Temple in Delhi is often compared to the Sydney Opera House. Located 12km southeast of Connaught Place, has emerged as a top attraction for the tourists. Popularly known as the Lotus Temple, Baha’i Temple is a major feature of Delhi and is well known for its appearance. There is no doubt that in years to come the temple will prove to be a mecca for the visitors. Baha’ism is considered to be a syncretism of the nine great religions of the world and traces its genesis to its prophet Baha’u’llah, born in Persia in the twentieth century.

Bahai Temple Tourist Attraction

The Baha’i Temple of Delhi is spectacular in its design. 27 wonderful huge white petals of an unfolding lotus made of marble spring from nine pools and walkways. This symbolizes the nine unifying spiritual paths of the faith. Experience the solitude of Baha’i Temple with Hotels of Delhi. As a matter of fact no travel to Delhi is complete without visiting the temple.

Background

One of the most beautiful architectural temples in India, construction of the Bahai Temple was completed in 1986. At night, one can enjoy its elegant beauty even from a kilometer away. This grand temple, termed by many as the Taj of modern India, belongs to the Bahai sect.

The temple represents the Bahai faith, which is broad in its outlook, scientific in the influence it exerts on the hearts and minds of the people. It signifies the purity and the universality of the lord and people of any faith can enter this temple to offer their prayers. This temple happens to be the seventh and most recent Bahai House of Worship in the world.

Description

The structure of the Bahai Temple is made of pure white marble in the shape of a half-opened lotus, reaching a height of more than 40m, and is surrounded by deftly groomed lawns. This architectural wonder is made of a combination of marble, cement, sand and dolomite. One can see 27 giant white petals of marble in a lotus shape, springing from nine pools and walkways indicative of the nine unifying spiritual paths of the Bahai faith.

Location

Nestled in a quiet stretch amidst the busiest streets of the Indian capital is the distinctively unique and fascinatingly beautiful lotus-shaped insignia of the Bahai faith – the Lotus Temple. Built in 1986 by Bahá’u’lláh, this Bahai House of Worship, draws into its sanctum sanctorum people from across the globe irrespective of creed and community.

Architecture of Bahai Temple

The delicate architecture of the Lotus Temple is built in two layers. The first layer contains nine white marble-covered petals rising towards heaven, while the second layer of nine petals serves to conceal the portals. The fabulous structure built in total white is a fantastic sight to behold. The interior, especially, the Hall of Worship, conforms to that of all Bahai temples and is so calm and quiet that even a low whisper echoes loudly in the structure. No image representing a religion are housed here except the copies of the Holy Scriptures and wooden pews. The construction of the temple was completed in 1986 and from then it was open to the public.

The Bahai Faith

The Baha’í Faith is the youngest of the world’s independent religions. Its founder, Bahá’u’lláh (1817-1892), is regarded by Bahá’ís as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.

The central theme of Bahá’u’lláh’s message is that humanity is one single race and that the day has come for its unification in one global society. God, Bahá’u’lláh said, has set in motion historical forces that are breaking down traditional barriers of race, class, creed, and nation and that will, in time, give birth to a universal civilization. The principal challenge facing the peoples of the earth is to accept the fact of their oneness and to assist the processes of unification.

One of the purposes of the Bahá’í Faith is to help make this possible. A worldwide community of some five million Bahá’ís, representative of most of the nations, races and cultures on earth, is working to give Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings practical effect. Their experience will be a source of encouragement to all who share their vision of humanity as one global family and the earth as one homeland.

Bahai Houses of Worship

Bahai houses of worship are open to all peoples. Although their architectural styles differ widely, the nine sides and central dome common to all of them symbolize at once the diversity of the human race and its essential oneness. Devotional programs are simple, consisting of prayers, meditations, and the reading of selections from the sacred scriptures of the Bahá’í Faith and other world religions. Music is provided by unaccompanied choirs.

Other Attractions Near the Lotus Temple

Red Fort

Built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan, the Red Fort is a sight to see. Red Fort or lal qila as it is more popularly known is a masterpiece of architecture and one of the most haunting spots for tourists from both India and abroad.

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar was the first Islamic structure Built in India. One of the most visited tourist spot of Delhi, Qutub Minar was built in 1199 by Qutub-ud-Din. . It is 72.5 m high and one has to climb 379 steps to get to the top. The diameter of the base is 14.3 m while the top floor measures 2.7 m in diameter.

India Gate

India Gate is a majestic high arch, 42 meters high, built as a memorial to the Indian soldiers killed in the World War I. The surrounding area is an ideal place for spending sometime with family and friends.