[www.keralites.net] Temple - Shivlinga illuminated by sun rays only 2 times a year, same dates every year. Such knowledge of architecture and astronomy.

 

Shivlinga illuminated by sun rays only 2 times a year, same dates every year.

Illumination of shrine by the Sun

Thousands of devotees come in middle January every year onMakarsankrantiDay to this cave temple. This is a special day when the sunrays fall on theSivalingafor one hour as it passes between the horns of theNandi. Such was the knowledge of architecture and astronomy that the ancient sculptors could craft the horns of the stone bull outside the temple so that the sun's rays would pass through its horns and light up the deityShivaLingainside the cave.^[2]Comparison of contemporary structures and earlier drawings byThomas Danielland William Daniell show that earlier the temple has less structures and the Sun illuminated the shrine in summer and winter solstice.^[3]

Also today the Sun illuminates Shivalinga two

times per year -

from 13 to 16 January in lateafternoons

and from 26 November to 2December.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple :also Gavipuram Cave Temple, an example ofIndian rock-cut architecture, is located inBangalorein the state ofKarnatakainIndia. The temple is famous for its mysterious stone discs in the forecourt and the exact planning allowing the Sun to shine on shrine in certain time of the year.

Temple

The ancient temple was cut out of monolithic rock probably in the 9th century. It is dedicated toLord Shiva.The Deity in the main shrine isShivalinga, in the front of the temple there is alsoNandisculpture. The temple contains also a rare idol ofAgni, the God of fire.

There are other idols inside including the idol ofAgnimurthi, which has two heads, seven hands and three legs. Those worshipping this deity believe it will cure one of all eye defects.

This is one of few temples in Bangalore dedicated toShivaand is visited by hundreds of devotees during Shivaratri.^[1]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavi_Gangadhareshwara_Temple

Ravi

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