10 Most Spectacular Temples in the World -

dexa · Post time 24-1-2009 01:32 PM

Saturday January 24, 2009
When faith takes form
By KEE HUA CHEE

Temples are man抯 manifestation of an earthly heaven

dexa · Post time 24-1-2009 01:40 PM

Shwedagon Pagoda

4. Shwedagon Pagoda (Myanmar)

Shwedagon was first built in the 6th century when Yangon (or Rangoon) was still known as Dagon. Its name shwe dagon means 揋olden Dagon

dexa · Post time 24-1-2009 01:45 PM

Borobudur

Borobudur

7. Borobudur(Indonesia)

One of the wonders of the world, Borobudur was built with 55,000 cubic metres of stone and boasts 504 Buddha statues and 2,700 relief panels that tell a story as they are viewed in clockwise direction as you walk towards the top.

The main dome at the apex of this nine-tier monument has 72 life-sized Buddha statues, each seated inside a perforated stupa. However, the central stupa is empty, denoting the state of nirvana when everything is one and all is nothing.

Built in the 9th century when Mahayana Buddhism was at its peak, Borobudur fell into disrepair in the 14th century when Java embraced Islam. The temple was reclaimed from the jungles in 1814 when Sir Stamford Raffles was notified of its existence.

This Unesco World Heritage site is still used as the focal point of a pilgrimage route once a year during Wesak Day. Borobudur is Indonesia抯 single biggest tourist attraction and requires at least four hours to explore.

Golden Temple of Amritsar

A devotee lights candles at the holy Sikh
shrine of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India;

8. The Golden Temple of Amritsar(India)

Shimmering like a golden dream on a lake, the Harmandir Sahib (Abode of God) or simply the Golden Temple of Amritsar in Punjab, India, is the most sacred shrine of Sikhism. The Adi Granth or Holy Book of the Sikhs is kept here and constantly recited within its walls.

Also known as Temple of God or Divine Court, the Golden Temple, conceived by Guru Arjan Sahib, the 5th Guru Nanak, was completed in 1601.

The temple has four main doors that are always open. They represent the four compass directions and welcome everyone from everywhere regardless of caste, creed, religion or sex. The temple is open 24/7.

dexa · Post time 24-1-2009 01:52 PM

Sri Ranganathaswany Temple

Sri Ranganathaswany Temple

9. Sri Ranganathaswany Temple (India)

Sri Ranganathaswany Temple in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, encompasses 156 acres and is the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. Dedicated to Lord Raganatha, a manifestation of Vishnu, the temple is considered the first and most important of the 108 holy abodes of Vishnu.

It is enclosed by seven concentric walls stretching over six miles and guarded by 21 towers. The celebrated Hall of 1,000 Pillars actually has only 953 and is considered a masterpiece of Hindu architecture. Non-Hindus can visit up to the sixth wall but may not enter the gold-topped inner sanctum. Devotees believe Lord Narayana actually resides here.

Angkor Wat

The many faces of Buddha that adorn the
towers of Bayon Temple in Cambodia.

10. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Last but not least is the largest and perhaps most breathtaking temple in history