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  4. IN PICS: 9 Indian temples where mythological legends come alive in stone

IN PICS: 9 Indian temples where mythological legends come alive in stone

India's ancient temples are more than just places of worship; they are living museums, where epic myths, gods, demons, and cosmic events are immortalised in stone. From Ramayana to Shiva Purana, these stunning temples narrate age-old stories through intricate carvings and artistry. Take a look:

priyanka-kumari
Edited By: Priyanka Kumari
Updated: July 31, 2025 21:06 IST
Sun Temple, Konark (Odisha): Shaped like a colossal chariot of the Sun God, this 13th-century temple tells the story of Surya and his celestial journey across the sky.
1/9 Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Sun Temple, Konark (Odisha): Shaped like a colossal chariot of the Sun God, this 13th-century temple tells the story of Surya and his celestial journey across the sky.
Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu): Commissioned by Chola king Rajaraja I, this UNESCO site features vivid carvings from Shaivite lore, including scenes of Shiva’s cosmic dance.
2/9 Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu): Commissioned by Chola king Rajaraja I, this UNESCO site features vivid carvings from Shaivite lore, including scenes of Shiva’s cosmic dance.
Kailasa Temple, Ellora (Maharashtra): Carved from a single rock, this monolithic marvel depicts tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with the glory of Lord Shiva.
3/9 Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Kailasa Temple, Ellora (Maharashtra): Carved from a single rock, this monolithic marvel depicts tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with the glory of Lord Shiva.
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Jagannath Temple, Puri (Odisha): A major pilgrimage site, this temple's rituals and legends are rooted in stories of Krishna, Balabhadra, and Subhadra’s mysterious origins.
4/9 Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Jagannath Temple, Puri (Odisha): A major pilgrimage site, this temple's rituals and legends are rooted in stories of Krishna, Balabhadra, and Subhadra’s mysterious origins.
Lepakshi Temple, Andhra Pradesh: Known for its hanging pillar and murals, this temple narrates stories from the Ramayana, especially the fallen Jatayu’s final moments.
5/9 Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Lepakshi Temple, Andhra Pradesh: Known for its hanging pillar and murals, this temple narrates stories from the Ramayana, especially the fallen Jatayu’s final moments.
Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu (Karnataka): This twin-shrine temple is adorned with intricate friezes showing episodes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Bhagavata Purana.
6/9 Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu (Karnataka): This twin-shrine temple is adorned with intricate friezes showing episodes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Bhagavata Purana.
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Meenakshi Temple, Madurai (Tamil Nadu): Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswar, the temple celebrates their celestial wedding and is steeped in divine lore.
7/9 Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai (Tamil Nadu): Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswar, the temple celebrates their celestial wedding and is steeped in divine lore.
Chennakesava Temple, Belur (Karnataka): With over 1,000 intricately sculpted figures, this Hoysala gem illustrates Puranic scenes, celestial beings, and temple dancers.
8/9 Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Chennakesava Temple, Belur (Karnataka): With over 1,000 intricately sculpted figures, this Hoysala gem illustrates Puranic scenes, celestial beings, and temple dancers.
Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar (Odisha): This ancient Shiva temple showcases Odisha’s Kalinga style and mythological motifs centered around Harihara — a fusion of Shiva and Vishnu.
9/9 Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar (Odisha): This ancient Shiva temple showcases Odisha’s Kalinga style and mythological motifs centered around Harihara — a fusion of Shiva and Vishnu.
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