Govt to restore ancient Shiva temples across state
Officials informed that 188 ancient temples were identified and rejuvenated in the past eight years and now the focus is on to identify and renovate Shiva temples across the state aiming to boost religious tourism.
The old temples and their premises that have been identified for infrastructure upgrades include Shiv Mandir in Bhatta Ki Pipri (Mevalikhurd), Fatehabad (Agra) and Chakleshwar Mahadev and Samaur Baba temples in Firozabad, which are being rennovated through UP Projects Corporation Limited.
Whereas, UP State Tourism Development Corporation has been given the responsibility to enhance facilities at Bhuleshwar, Khajni Mahadev, and Jharkhandi Mahadev temples in Gorakhpur, and Tirre Manorama Temple in Gonda. The government is also working on the beautification of Ghanta Ghar in Mainpuri.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
About UNESCO World Heritage Preah Vihear Temple: Why this ancient Shiva temple has triggered war between Thailand and Cambodia
In a sad turn of events, the famous Asian countries Thailand and Cambodia, are currently fighting over centuries old Preah Vihear Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (in Cambodia), is over 900-years-old and has been a reason for conflict between the two countries for a long time now. Let's take a closer look at this historic temple: Location Preah Vihear in Preah Vihear province, is a historic temple dedicated to Shiva temple, set on top of a 1,722 ft cliff in the Dangrek Mountains in Cambodia (it is a natural border between Cambodia and Thailand). To give you a fair idea, the temple is about 140 km from Angkor Wat (the famous temple in Cambodia) and some 418 km from Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. Architecture The temple dates back to the 9th century, and is well preserved mainly because of its remote location. This ancient Hindu temple was built during the reign of the Khmer Empire, and is one of the prime edifices of the empire's spiritual world The temple is counted among the most unusual among Khmer temples. It is because of its construction along a long north–south axis. So, in simple words, the temple is not built in the conventional rectangular format which generally faces toward the east. The place has exceptional architecture. The naturally blessed surroundings just add to its spiritual aura. Explorers are generally left surprised with the exceptional quality of its carved stone ornamentation. The Temple of Preah Vihear holds a universal value as it is a living example of Khmer architecture. The series of connected buildings, paths, and staircases along an 800-metre stretch are simply breathtaking. From design to decorations and the temple's location, everything is truly unique and valuable to the world. History of dispute over the ownership of the temple The temple has been the centre of dispute between Thailand and Cambodia for a long time now. If we go back in time, in 1962, Cambodia and Thailand fought for the over ownership of the temple. But the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague said that the temple belongs to Cambodia. It was on 7 July 2008 that Preah Vihear joined the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Soon after this, the dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over the temple, once again started but this time too ICJ passed the judgement in favour of Cambodia in 2013. Thailand issues travel advisory In view of the current unrest along the Thai–Cambodian border, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has advised against visiting attractions in seven provinces — Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat. India issues travel advisory The Indian Embassy in Thailand has also written on X, 'In view of the situation near Thailand-Cambodia border, all Indian travelers to Thailand are advised to check updates from Thai official sources, including TAT Newsroom. As per Tourism Authority of Thailand places mentioned in the following link are not recommended for travelling.' So before you make any travel for Cambodia or Thailand plan, check the updates.
Mint
9 hours ago
- Mint
Shiva temples at heart of Thailand-Cambodia clashes: All about Prasat Preah Vihear, Prasat Ta Muen Thom
Thailand and Cambodia are locked in a bitter spat over an area known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of both countries and Laos meet. This area is also home to several ancient temples, including the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple near which the recent clashes broke out early Thursday. The ancient Preah Vihear temple in Cambodia has also been the site of some of the most prominent and violent past conflicts between the countries. Prasat Preah Vihear and Prasat Ta Muen Thom, both Khmer-era Hindu temples about 95 miles apart, are two of the key sites where tensions flared on Thursday. Prasat Ta Muen Thom is reportedly on the Thai side of the border, and Prasat Preah Vihear is on the Cambodian side of the border. Both countries claim ownership of these disputed sites. Here's all you need to know about Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple in Thailand and Preah Vihear temple in Cambodia: The ancient Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple stands along the border of Thailand's Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. It is among the contested sites in Thailand's northeastern Surin province. Prasat Ta Muen Thom archaeological site is located at Ban Nong Khanna, Tambon Ta Mueang and is on the Thai-Cambodian border. It is a Khmer archaeological site of three buildings located nearby each other. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It houses a Shivling from a natural rock formation in its sanctum sanctorum. Prasat Ta Muen Thom is located about 800 metres to the south of Prasat Ta Muen Tot. It was assumed to have been built around the 12th century, which is older than its two companion temples — Prasat Ta Muen and Prasat Ta Muen Tot. It is part of a larger temple complex on a strategic pass along the ancient Khmer highway that links Angkor in present‑day Cambodia with Phimai in Thailand. Both sides have been fighting because of the temple's location. The temple, accessible from both sides, is in a poorly demarcated part of the border and stands as an important religious and cultural site for both Cambodians and the Thai. Troops from both countries constantly patrol the temple's area, leading to frequent skirmishes. Cambodia claims the temple is based on historical Khmer Empire boundaries, which included modern-day Cambodia and parts of Thailand. But Thailand say it's in its Surin province. Earlier in February, a group of Cambodian soldiers had reportedly visited the temple area and began singing their national anthem, The Khmer Times, a Cambodian news outlet, reported. They were confronted by Thai soldiers. The last time clashes between Thailand and Cambodia turned deadly over the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple was in 2011. The Preah Vihear temple is dedicated to Shiva and is situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates the plain of Cambodia. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been at the center of past disputes. It "is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture, in terms of plan, decoration and relationship to the spectacular landscape environment," UNESCO says. UNESCO records the temple as dating back to the first half of the 11th century AD. Nevertheless, its complex history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded. This site is particularly well preserved, mainly due to its remote location. Amid the violence at the border, the Thai air force said F-16 jets carried out two bombing runs on Cambodian positions. Cambodia claimed those bombs landed near the Preah Vihear temple. The contesting claims stem largely from a 1907 map drawn under French colonial rule that was used to separate Cambodia from Thailand. Cambodia has been using the map as a reference to claim territory, while Thailand has argued the map is inaccurate. Cambodia complained that Thailand had occupied a piece of its territory surrounding the ruins of the Temple of Preah Vihear. It asked the International Court of Justice to declare that territorial sovereignty over the Temple belonged to it and that Thailand was under an obligation to withdraw the armed detachment stationed there since 1954. In 1962, the International Court of Justice awarded sovereignty over the Preah Vihear temple area to Cambodia. The ruling became a major irritant in bilateral relations. It also held that Thailand was under an obligation to withdraw any military or police force stationed there and to restore to Cambodia any objects removed from the ruins since 1954.
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
From Cursed Temples To Vanishing Villages: Chennai's Wildest Urban Legends
The capital city of Tamil Nadu in southern India which is simply known as Chennai embodies both historical significance and traditional heritage. The city of Chennai is known for its busy arts community and delicious food and stunning buildings as well as various neighborhood myths and legends which created its unique character throughout many decades. Local stories formed through the spiritual and social understanding of the region reveal how people of Chennai shape their understanding of past and present as well as future expectations. Legend of Kapaleeswarar Temple: A Pillar of Faith A visit to Chennai to explore its mythological heritage must include the Mylapore landmark known as Kapaleeswarar Temple. Historians trace the roots of this Shiva temple from the 7th century Pallava dynasty period even though the Vijayanagara Empire reconstructed its current structure during the 16th century. Scientific accounts confirm that Hindu mythology associates this temple with Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. Legend tells that Parvati briefly closed her eyes during head massage with Shiva which darkened the universe for a short moment. Shiva swiftly cursed his wife Parvati to walk as a human being on the planet Earth due to her playful closing of her eyes. Karpagambal (a name for Parvati) was born into royalty as a princess who honored peacocks during her existence. After taking severe penance under a mango tree Parvati received her divine form when Shiva manifested as Kapaleeswarar ('Lord of the Skull'). Second, the location of the Kapaleeswarar Temple at this holy grounds. Daily temple visitors deeply identify with these themes because they reflect the devotional nature as well as redemption stories and the importance of humility that runs through the local faith. During its annual Brahmotsavam festival the temple welcomes numerous pilgrims who recognize it serves as the religious foundation of Chennai. Basilica: Bridging Mythology and History St. Thomas Mount forms a legendary connection with the adjacent Santhome Basilica. Early Christian tradition tells of apostle St. Thomas who came to India in 52 AD spreading Christianity down the Coromandel Coast with Chennai as part of his mission. People believe St. Thomas received his martyrdom on St. Thomas Mount before his remains were laid under the modern-day basilica. Hundreds of thousands of Christians from across the globe visit the church because it contains relics believed to be from St. Thomas as well as his tomb. The 'Bleeding Cross' located at St. Thomas Mount carries ancient Pahlavi writings that strengthen the historical significance of the legend. The story remains influential for Chennai's history because it brought religious communities together to share space and tolerance. Enigma of Marina Beach and Adi Shankara Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, holds more than just scenic beauty. The legend at Marina Beach exists because of 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya who used his Advaita Vedanta philosophy to revive the Hindu faith. According to legend Adi Shankara participated in scholar debates at the beach to spread his teachings while visiting the city which was known then as Madrasapatnam. The legend provides no definitive proof about a connection between Adi Shankara and Marina Beach yet it displays Chennai's historical heritage as a place of philosophical discussion. Modern society uses the beach area for entertainment purposes while its historical significance represents Chennai's religious background. Temple: Tales of Krishna's Valor The Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane presents stories from the Mahabharata as it honors Lord Vishnu through his appearance as Krishna. According to popular belief Krishna acted as the chariot driver for Arjuna in the Kurukshetra war. The deity inside the temple holds only a conch and discus while omitting all weapons to symbolize Krishna's promise he made during his time of recovery from injuries. Chennai maintains an enduring link with legendary texts like the Mahabharata that continues to fuel artistic expression and musical and dance creation of Bharatanatyam. All its elaborate sculptural details along with its numerous gopurams serve as an architectural symbol of the partnership between skill and religious devotion that defines the city. Surrounding Semmozhi Poonga The modern botanical arrangement of Semmozhi Poonga stands in contrast to other landmarks even though traditional myths remain present in its history. Town people share historical accounts about traditional medicines that ancient seers and healers once employed. Tamil culture demonstrates its dedication to nature through these historic stories while following the current environmentalist movement toward sustainability. Conclusion: Myths as Cultural Anchors The legends and myths of Chennai play a central developmental role because they unite different generations and create strong feelings of neighborhood ties. Statements about divine temples and historical accounts about saints and philosophers form the basis of Chennai's shared history. Subsequent to the urban development of IT parks and skyscrapers rests an extensive heritage of wisdom that exists through both oral traditions and sacred religious texts. Chennai maintains its cultural foundations firmly rooted by preserving and broadcasting these stories as its people march forward with modernity. Those interested in understanding Chennai's metropolitan essence can learn valuable insights about its essence by studying its legends.
