The word “Temple” was derived from the Latin word “Templum”. It’s a place where people experience religious and spiritual enlightenment. These blessing structures were built and reserved for divine practices, such as praying and sacrificing. The construction and design of places of worship such as churches, mosques and temples is called sacred architecture. It is believed to be a religious architectural practice. Those sacred, religious and holy structures evolved over the centuries and used to be the largest buildings of the world, before modern skyscrapers were built. Over 1500 years ago while the religious sects were expanding and the Abrahamic monotheism was rising, religious buildings increasingly became not just the core of worship, meditation and prayers but also the art and inspiration in architecture and design. Western architecture is known for its sacred geometry, iconography using sophisticated semiotics as a signature and symbolism. Symbology and religious motifs have always been present in sacred architecture.

As for India, Hindu temples were evolving over a period of more than 2000 years. Their architecture became widely recognized all over the world for its unique and varied fingerprints. Hindu Temples are of different shapes and sizes with different types of domes, ceilings and gates. Although Indian architecture varies between Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhism And Jainism, they mainly have many characteristics in common. In Byzantine architecture, the roman trademark is always apparent through unique intricate ways. The byzantine style in church architecture eventually merged two majestic styles the Near East and the Greek Influence. Brick was replaced by stone and a blessing classical order was created. They also replaced carved ornaments by mosaics and introduced the complex domes. This architecture has also been a great influence for the early Islamic architecture. Many forms of mosques evolved in different regions around Asia. The common feature in mosques is the minaret, the tall, slender tower that is usually situated at a single corner of its structure.

This was a short brief about the history of sacred architecture and temples’ origins. Have you ever wondered about a must see destination of the world that holds miracles, memories, magic and history? If you haven’t planned your summer vacation yet, this article is for you. Choose one of the 5 most blissful temples of the world and make your adventure unique and artistic!

1 • The Temple of all Religions

Known as The Temple of All Religions, this unique architectural complex is getting tourist traffic from all over the world. Some of the tourists visit the temple to get inspired by the soul of this monumental temple and others for their devotional practices. The unique perspective of this architectural wonder merges the 12 major religions of the world through several cupolas, minarets and spires. The temple was tightly clustered on a small plot of land and it’s located inside Kazan municipality in Russia.

Source: http://www.amusingplanet.com/2015/02/the-temple-of-all-religions-in-russia.html

2• Ganesh Temple at Nakhon Nayok Museum

The predominantly Buddhist nation, Thailand, has a population of over 60 million people. Buddhism has always been known for its peaceful sermons of tolerance and self sufficiency. Therefore, an imposing Ganesh statue was built in the Nakhon Nayok province of Thailand. Ganesh, the younger son of Shiva is one of the most worshiped deities in Hinduism. Also known as the remover of obstacles, his devotion has also extended and diffused around Jains and Buddhists.

Source: http://www.leisure.food-recipe-cooking.com/ganesh-temple-thailand-sightseeing-01.htm

3 • Ulundanu Temple in Bali

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, is the foremost Shivaite and water temple of Bali in Indonesia. It’s located on the shores of Lake Bratan next to the Bedugul mountains. Ever since it was built in 1663, the temple complex is used for devotion ceremonies for the Balinese Water and River Goddess Dewi Danu. The Balinese consider the Lake Bratan as the main source of irrigation in Central Bali. The Balinese Hindus call their belief-system “Agama Tirta” or “the belief-system of the water”. Dewi Danu is the water Goddess and one of two supreme deities in the Balinese tradition.

Source: http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Information/Hindutemples.html

4• Baha Temple In Delhi

The Baha temple in Delhi became widely renowned as the Lotus Temple. The temple is also celebrated as a portal of sacred geometry and symbolism. It’s located in New Delhi, India and was completed in 1986. The temple is considered to be the mother temple of the Indian subcontinent and has become a prominent attraction of the city.

Source: http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Information/Hindutemples.html

5 • Borobudur in the Indonesian Island of Java

Borobudur is one of the largest Buddhist monuments in the world and a Buddhist stupa in the Mahayana tradition. It’s located on the Indonesian Island of Java, 40 km northwest of Yogyakarta. Ever since it was built around 750 AD, the magnificent temple manifests a three dimensional mandala that symbolizes the diagram of the universe. This temple was built on one of the purest and most blissful lands of the world. It became the most wonderful visual manifestation of the Buddhist philosophy and art.

Source: http://www.delhitourism.gov.in/delhitourism/tourist_place/bahai_temple.jsp

Ever since the beginning of humanity, cities have been an illustrious symbolism of creativity, imagination and folklore. What do you think of Sacred Architecture? Which city would you love to dig into and explore its spirituality and creativity? It’s been a long and tiring year, now is the right moment to make it special and distress your nerves and senses.

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