5 Ancient temples where astronomy meets spirituality!
Credits: Wikimedia / Musafir kanya
We look at 5 mysterious structures across in India have been known for unique astronomical alignment!
Credits: Wikimedia / Amartyabag
01. Modhera Sun Temple
Credits: Wikimedia / Prayash Giria
This 1026 AD temple was built by the Gujarat Chalukyas
About 400,000 tourists visit each year.
Credits: Wikimedia / Hiren Patel
The temple is located on the Tropic of Cancer. On the Equinoxes, the sun's first rays would illuminate the idol that once stood here.
On the summer solstice, the sun shines directly above the temple at noon, casting no shadow.
Wikimedia / Musafir kanya
Originally built by Gautama Maharishi & Bharadwaj Muni. Rebuilt in the 16th century by Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru.
02. Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, Bengaluru
Wikimedia
During Makar Sankranti, the setting sun's rays pass between the horns of a sculpture of Nandi and illuminate the Shivalinga.
Imagine the spectacle!
Wikimedia / Dineshkannambadi
03. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivendrum
Credits: Wikimedia / Ashcoounter
The temple finds mention in ancient literature! The deity's idol is believed to have been purified by Lord Parashurama!
On the two equinoxes every year, the sun appears sequentially in each of the windows of the Gopuram of the temple!
Credits: Wikimedia
Just amazing to think the Gopuram was rebuilt 260 years ago with none of today’s technology available, and they got it perfectly aligned with the sun’s course.
- Shashi Tharoor on x.com
Credits: Wikimedia
04. Konark Temple, Bhubaneshwar
Wikimedia / Mayank Choudhary
It was so built that the first rays of the sun fell on the gigantic sun idol kept inside the main temple complex!
Credits: Wikimedia / Alokprasad84
Dedicated to Sun god, built by Eastern Ganga Dynasty in 1250 CE.