Ellora Caves Architecture

The Ellora caves are the magnificent epitomes of Indian architecture. They are famous monumental caves and they are recognized by the UNESCO as one of the world heritage sites. They are known for their exclusive paintings. It centers on the three religions of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. They depict the incidents from the tales of Jatakas and Bodhisattvas. It has been excavated out of the Charanadri hills in the state of Maharashtra, about 30 km. from the city of Aurangabad. Built around the 5th century and the 10th century, there are about 34 caves. There are twelve Buddhist caves, five Jain caves and the remaining are the Hindu caves. This denotes the religious harmony between the people of all the religions.

The caves have structures called Viharas, mainly the monasteries. They were the concepts of the Buddhist monks mainly but the Hindus and jains also made an important contribution in the making of the caves. The monasteries were huge multi-storied residential buildings for the monks. It had living rooms, kitchens, sleeping quarters and other rooms too. The shrines of these monasteries had carvings on them of Buddha, bodhisattvas and saints. The sculptors were so efficient that in many of the caves, the stone sculptures look like they are made of wood.

One of the Buddhist caves is very famous, known as the Chaitya hall or the Vishwakarma cave. Popularly it is also known as the carpenter's cave. This is cave number ten. The Chaitya is a cathedral like Stupa hall. The ceilings of this hall have been carved in such a way so as to give it a look of wooden beams a fifteen foot statue is situated here at the heart of this cave. It has small window opening that highlights the sitting Buddha. This is the statue of Buddha in a preaching pose.

The Hindu caves are remarkable and amazing. They are the finest specimens of architecture. They had their own unique style that made them stand out from the Buddhist and Jain caves. They have their own creative vision and exquisite styles. Their executions skills were remarkable. The cave number 14 depicts lord Shiva as the destroyer.

The twelve caves of Buddhist culture depict the seven incarnations of the Buddha. They believed that the Buddha took birth after every 5000 years. The patrons of these caves were the Rashtrakuta rulers in the seventh century. The boldest feats of architecture were depicted by the 16th cave. Here Kailash was build from a single stone. Mural paintings are still preserved in the Kailash cave though it was painted in five caves. The Elloras are the finest specimen of the Indian architecture.

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Best Examples of Indian Architecture

The elements of Indian architecture have their roots in the religion, culture and history of the Indians. Indian architecture has evolved over time as influences of different cultures touched the design of buildings and other structures in the country.

Here are the predominant types and examples of Indian architecture:

Buddhist Architecture - Most of the Buddhist-influenced structures are monuments such as stambhas, stupas, rails, chaityas and viharas.

• The Lat, Allahabad - This was built in 250 B.C. and is one of the most significant stambhas in India mirroring Buddhist architecture. The lat is decorated in carved inscriptions and emblems depicting the Buddhist religion.
• The Bhilsa Topes - This is another structure that is influenced by Indian Buddhist architecture. The Bhilsa Topes or stupa was built in 150 B.C. along the northern part of Nerbudda River.
• The Rail of the Sanchi Tope - This elaborately carved stupa was inspired by Buddha. The symbolic sculptures surrounding the place depict the life of Buddha.

Jaina Architecture - Jaina Indian Architecture is often in the form of temples and monuments that are mostly found in the north of India.

• Dilwarra Temple - This temple was built in 1032 A.D. by Vamala Shah. The temple is made of granite and marble. It is a stunning temple standing 5000 feet above sea level.
• Ranpur Temple - Another Jaina-influenced structure is the Ranpur Temple, which is considered one of the most complete monuments made by the Jainas. The monument is about 200 square feet and is surrounded by crowns of pyramid roofs.

Hindu or Brahman Architecture - This type of architecture is divided into three main groups: Northern Hindu, Chalukyan architecture and Dravidian architecture.

• The Black Pagoda - This is an example of Northern Hindu architecture. It was built in the 9th century and is considered one of the finest temples of the Hindus.
• Papanatha Temple - Built in 700 A.D., the Papanatha Temple is located on the west coast of Dharwar, India. The temple has pillared porches, one of the elements of northern Hindu architecture.
• Somnathpur Temple - This is an example of Chalukyan architecture in India. This temple was built in 1043 A.D. and is a well-known structure in Mysore province.
• Tanjore Temple - This temple was built in the 14^th century and is an example of Dravidian architecture.

Architecture in India is very popular around the world. it has a distinctive form that anyone can easily recognize by just seeing the structures.

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Authenticity Of Vastu (Science of Indian architecture)

Vastu is one of the most ancient sciences of Indian architecture and is composed of specific rules, regulations and directions, set down by sages of the vedic times. For the modern society it is the highly evolved, comprehensive building philosophy.

According to vastu, a building or a premises is a living organism and can be designed in harmonic resonance with the underlying energy structure of the universe. Such a building or premises becomes a generator of coherence, attuning the occupants to the universal laws and increasing health, wealth and spiritual well being.

Prosperity of Famous Tirupati Temple

World famous Tirupati temple is found adhering to the principles of vastu shilpa shastra. Its prosperity legendary thanks mainly to the exemplary implementation of the principles of Vastu Shastra. The main temple is situated on the South - West side of the temple complex. On its North - East direction is a lake and pond. The dining hall of the temple is on South-East side while the North-West and North side of the temple is allocated to the godown for grains and items require in the kitchen. The entire temple complex is of square shape as a result of which its axis and that of the Earth are perpendicular to each other. The main temple is occupying only the one fourth area of the total areat and on its Eastern and Northern side is open area. Thus the Tirupati temple of Lord Balaji is an ideal place according to the norms of Vastu Shastra which is why it is the most prosperous temple on the earth.

Prosperity of Japan

Inspite of a small country, Japan has progressed tremendously. It has a large water body - the Pacific ocean in its North-East direction. The eastern side of Japan is widely spread and open. Thus Japan gets full benefit of the rays of the sun. This gives Japan a maximum benefits of Vastu & made this country rich and prosperous. But it has sea in Southeast and south, which is a place for Fire, this The Japan has suffered the attack of atom bombs explosion and earthquake ,as it has sea in south east and south.

Prosperity of London

Prosperous city London is ideally situated according to the principles of Vastu Shastra. The Thames river is in the east direction. It has more parks & garderns in the North west & East. Many famous Educational institutes & universities are located in the North east corner. The boundary of the England is more towards North & East directions- a positive directions to capture benefical morning sundrays ,according to vastu.

Prosperity of America

Looking at the map of America, the country is more located towards east side than west. Also the extension is more towards north east, which is auspicious. It has huge lakes in the north east location. As one progresses towards North-East in United States of America the land becomes richer and richer, it is found.

At the root of the progress and prosperity of the cities like New York, London, Mumbai, Singapore, Hong Kong etc. are always the benedictory principles of Vastu Shastra, it is found.

Prosperity of Mumbai

Mumbai, a rich port has a water body to its North - East. All major lakes for drinking water are situated in the North east direction of Mumbai. It has an atomic plant represting Agni (Fire) in the south east of the Mumbai. Fire is a key factor in prosperity of any vastu premises or location. It has more ocean in the West, the perfect location for Vayu (Air).

Spiritual prosperous India

In India, Slope is more towards east, which is auspicious. All important rivers are flowing towards east, that is why country is more rich in spirituality. Thousands of westerners flock to India for spiritual enlightenment. India has the Himalayas in the North of the country which is against vastu, thus there is lot of poverty in the country. There is water in Southwest and southeast side of our nation, thus we have to face the attacks of foreign empires & lot of expenditure on defence.

Dr. Nitin Parmar

[http://www.vastu999.com]

parmar@vastu999.com

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