I am very fond of architecture. I travel far and wide in India to see architectural marvels. India is a rich country with diverse heritage encompassing ancient civilizations, vibrant cultures, diverse religions, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it a bounty of  heritage treasure of history and art.  Architecture talks about our culture, how we live, work, and interact, while also reflecting cultural identity and fostering a sense of place and belonging. 

One such beautiful temple is Sri. Vidyashankar temple of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The temple is famous for its exceptional architecture that combines the Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture. The temple has 12 pillars in total, each of which represents  the twelve zodiac signs separately:  Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Vidyasankara Temple is a prominent pilgrimage site for followers of Advaita Vedanta. The temple was founded in the 13th century by Vidyaranya, a sage and patron saint. Advait Vedanta is not dual – our soul and God is one, God is within.

The Vidyashankara Temple was built in the year 1338 A.D. It was built under the patronage of the Vijayanagara Empire, dedicated to Guru Vidyashankara, a prominent figure in the lineage of the Sharada Peetham. 

It is a unique monument built entirely of stone combining both Hoysala (Chalukya) and Dravidian architectural styles. The structure stands on a high plinth and commands a magnificent view from the hills and their slopes all round. It is a rectangle with apsidal (referring to shape of an apse) east-west ends. On the western side is the Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum), with Vidya Ganapati on one side and Durga on the other side of the entrance. On the other three sides of the Garbhagriha are shrines to Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara with their wives. In the eastern half of the structure is a mandapa (pavilion) with twelve pillars, huge monoliths carrying large figures and carrying heavy projecting trusses on top. These twelve pillars are marked by the twelve signs of the zodiac in their regular order. The central ceiling is an exquisite piece of workmanship with lotus and pecking parrots. It is in true sense a wonder of craftmanship.  

Let’s understand this: the temple builders of that time had the genius idea of positioning these pillars in such a way that the sunlight falls on the corresponding zodiac sign pillar every month, casting a shadow on the corresponding sign following the lunar calendar.

Each Zodiac Pillar is decorated with intricate carvings that reflect the characteristics and symbols associated with its respective zodiac sign. You can check yours when you visit the temple complex. There you will find detailed depictions of animals, celestial figures, and several gods and goddesses. The general belief is that this genius design was incorporated to help the temple priest calculate and keep track of all important dates, events and festivals.

These pillars continue to be a source of wonder and inspiration for visitors to the temple. They portray India’s rich cultural and scientific heritage. India is a rich country. India’s status as “Vishwaguru” is its ability to enlighten the world with profound knowledge; Yoga, Ayurveda, Mathematics, and Philosophy which continues to influence global thought

Vidyaranya, also known as Mādhavācārya, was the 12th Jagadguru of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham from 1380 to 1386 AD, and he was the elder brother of Bharati Tirtha, the 11th Jagadguru. He played a significant role in establishing the Vijayanagara Empire and is considered a saint and statesman. Vidyaranya later became the 12th acharya of the Sringeri peetham in 1375 CE. Shortly after the start of the Vijayanagara empire in 1336 CE, the rulers began building the Vidyashankara temple at the Sringeri peetham site. This temple was completed in 1338.

To the student of Hindu iconography which consists of several symbols of animals, flora, instruments, weapons, or even color, and devas, this temple is a authentic store house of sculpture. The meditation of the Linga (Vidya Shankara Linga) in the sanctum and other Murtis will lead to Divine consciousness.

Vidyatirtha Rathotsava is celebrated on a grand scale during kartika Shukla paksha (October, November). The festival spans for seven days from Tritiya to Navami. On the Saptami day His Holiness performs special Puja. Also, the Aradhana of Sri Vidya Shankara is performed on shasti, saptami and ashtami. This temple is under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India. One must visit Vidyashankara temple for its unique blend of architectural styles, spiritual substance, and serene surroundings, offering a rich experience for both devotees and those seeking to explore Indian culture and history. 

Bollywood actors Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married as per South Indian traditions (Konkani wedding) in Italy’s Lake Como on Wednesday, 14th November 2018 afternoon in Italy and the couple will be taking their wedding vows according to Sindhi traditions on the next day. Deepika and Ranveer’s extremely private wedding happened in the presence of their families and close friends. Wedding ceremonies serve several purposes and they are often a cherished moment in a couple’s lives. A wedding ceremony is often utilized as a public display of marriage vows and of the couple entering into the marital contract. For most couples, the focus of the wedding ceremony, is on their commitment and love for each other.

The most important part of any wedding ceremony is the words utilized to proclaim never-ending love and appreciation between each unique couple. A wedding ceremony will include other elements, such as an offering of the love and support of family and friends present. In addition, a religious wedding ceremony helps couples commit their relationship to God (in temple, church, mosque).

Hindu marriages are based on age old traditions that have been translated into laws. According to traditions, a Hindu marriage cannot be reversed and is irrevocable. The modern day Hindu Marriage laws prohibit Polygamy or Polyandry. In India as well as most Hindu cultures across the world, arranged marriages are still the most preferred way of getting hitched. Consent and happiness of the families are of utmost important in Hindu culture as the marriage not only union of two souls, but also union of two families!

Even in this age of high-tech living, where life has become like a fast forward movie, wedding is still considered important to many people around the world. Most of the religious sectors view it as a necessary and sacred undertaking in order to adhere to their basic teachings. Christianity for example, has many wedding ceremonies that are practiced in every nation that believes in it. Muslims have their own traditions and practices also in celebrating wedding events. Although polygamous lifestyle is allowed by them, wedding is still an important event in the life of a Muslim believer.

In today’s world, we are witnessing many couples who live together without getting formally married. But, it is still not accepted wholeheartedly by the larger society. Couples say, we have accepted each other and are committed to each other. But, when you participate in a wedding ceremony, you’ll be asked to talk about your commitments. And your answer is always on the confirmatory. There are of course some exceptions like some couples who live under one roof and got married just for the sake of convenience.

You rarely see someone who is not excited about getting married. Most of the people are thrilled with the exception of those under pressure when their wedding was held. Wedding is one of the most important events in life of a person. It’s the start of a process in building a family. Wedding is the symbol of commitment and the foundation of your love to your partner. Building a warm home starts with choosing your partner for life. And this is officiated in a ceremony called wedding. A marriage rite is therefore important because it binds two people in a lifetime commitment.

Let’s look at different styles of wedding rites around the world:

In Congo it seems Congolese brides and grooms must keep their happiness in check; during their entire wedding day, from ceremony to reception, the two are not allowed to smile. If they do, it would mean they weren’t serious about marriage. Well, this is their custom. While most about-to-be married couples brim with excitement and eagerness, in this country the bride and groom have to present serious faces.

In China, a groom will shoot his bride with a bow and arrow several times then collects the arrows and breaks them during the ceremony, to ensure their love lasts forever. What would Cupid do?

In France, brides and grooms traditionally eat chocolate and champagne after the reception. But, do you know that they must consume these treats from a toilet bowl? The point is to give the twosome strength before their wedding night; unfortunately, if the bowls are not clean, it might give them something else.

In Fiji, when a man asks a woman’s father for her hand in marriage, he must present his future father-in-law with a whale’s tooth.

While in many brides-to-be in other countries go on strict diets to lose weight before the wedding. It is not so in Mauritius, where young girls are forced to pack on the pounds before their weddings. The chubbier she is the better for the husband who is thought to be wealthy with such a well-fed wife!

In Germany, the bride and the groom are supposed to do housekeeping ritual together. German brides and grooms clean up piles of porcelain dishes that their guests threw on the ground to ward off any evil spirits. The lesson: when the couple works together, they can face any challenge thrown their way.

Whereas in Scotland, the couple elopes! It seems centuries ago England restricted marriage for couples who were 21 and above. But that didn’t stop young lovers from finding a loophole, or to elope to a nearby Scottish town without such limitations. Today that village, Gretna Green, is still popular for couples who want to elope.

In Guatemalan, as wedding reception hosts, the parents of Guatemalan grooms can do whatever they want, including smash things. When the newlyweds arrive, it’s a tradition that the groom’s mom breaks a white ceramic bell, filled with grains like rice and flour, to bring prosperity to the couple!

So friends, a wedding ritual in any part of the world is performed to state a couple’s wedding vows and the love and support of their family and friends. Guests help to celebrate the couple’s commitment to each other. Wedding ideas and practices are rooted in historical practices. Most couples even today choose to hold a ceremony that is practiced in age-old style, while adding some individualized sentiment to the occasion. The most important part of a wedding ceremony is the vows between the bride and groom. The vows help couples to state publicly their commitment to the relationship.