Lord Bizarre Beliefs & Odd Traditions
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Temples Of India

URAIYUR - TOPLESS GARBHAGRIHA

Incredible it sounds that there exist here and there a few temples with topless garbhagrihas. This constructional style is a deliberate deviation from the norms set down in the Vastusastra; yet they are luring a steady influx of bhaktas and paryatakas throughout the year. Normally, Dravidian architectural, pattern insists on a tall tower over mahadwar and another lesser in height over the garbhagriha - sanctum sanctorum. Of course, Orissan counterparts differ in this and the mahadwaras surmount comparatively smaller ones and are totally eclipsed by the gigantic, majestic and splendid curve linear ones built over garbhagriha visible for miles. Some other styles of construction, like Vijayanagara, Yadava etc., have their own models, but no where the garbhagrihas are bereft of towers.

Some towers have fantastic tales and have long legends. The Ananda Nilaya - the glittering gold plated tower surmounting, the garbhagriha of the Balaji temple at Tirumala has been casting irresistible attraction since its construction. Its sanctity draws and rivets the attention of every visitor and makes him feel that his trip for Balaji's darsan reaches consummation point with that only. Visitors to every temple miss not seeing the tower over garbhagriha. But, if the top of the garbhagriha is not adorned with a tower, mystery beckons attention.

 

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About Uraiyur - Topless Garbhagriha
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