Exploring the architectural wonders of incredible Agra

Ruled by Mughals, Agra has become a great tourist destinations thanks to the beautiful architectural wonders left behind by them. From a marvelous love symbol Taj Mahal to the intricately designed city of Fatehpur Sikri and a beautiful red monument Itimad - ul - Daulah, Agra has some of the best architectural wonders of the world. If you stay in Allahabad and want to spend some time in a famous historical place then Agra is the city for you. Just book your tickets on the Allahabad to Agra train and get ready to have an awesome time in the Mughal Capital of India. Here are some of the architectural wonders of Agra.

1. Taj Mahal: Synonymous to Agra, Taj Mahal for long has been the ultimate symbol of love from the ancient times. Constructed by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz, the monument is made up of pure white marbles brought from the Rajasthan. One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal was built more than 350 years ago and since then it has stood test of the time. Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, the monument is a visual delight if you visit it on a full moon day.

2. Agra Fort: Made of red sandstone, the fort is another example of Mughal architectural brilliance as till date it has stood tall without being affected by time and the climate. If you visit Agra and miss out on this fort then it is the biggest mistake you will commit. The mighty fort also consists of various other palaces like Khas Mahal, Jahangir Mahal etc. The fort played an important part in history as it was here that Shah Jahan during his last days was held prisoner by his son Aurangzeb.

3. Itmad-ud-daulah: India’s first tomb made entirely of marble, Itmad-ud-Daulah is often credited to bring the new era in the Mughal Architecture as before this, the tombs were usually built of red sandstone. Dedicated to the Mirza Ghiyas, the 21 meter high tomb was built during the Jahangir’s rule. Father-in-law of Jehangir, Mirza Ghiyas was honored with the title of Itmad ud Daulah which means pillar of the state. Influenced by Mughal Architecture, the tomb also showcases a Parsi touch with beautiful paintings adorning the walls.

4. Fatehpur Sikri: Dedicated to a sufi saint, the city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar in 1570. Like all major constructions of Mughal empire it was also built with red sandstone and acted as Mughal Empire's capital for 10 years. The city boasts of a 6 km long wall on the three sides including various gates and towers. The city can be called as the architectural wonder as it has some of the finest detailings and carvings that are visually stunning.

With so many places to see one can definitely say that Taj Mahal in Agra is not the only wonder that we have, there are many more good laces that can be visited in the city. Just book a Allahabad to Agra train and get ready to have a close encounter with Mughal royal history.

5 temples you should visit in historic Chennai

One of the oldest cities in India, Chennai has a vast history hidden in its various famous temples. The cultural capital of India also has an huge importance for India in terms of commerce, education as well as a booming IT hub. If you love to explore history and want to visit some of the oldest temples in India then Chennai is the place for you. Book your tickets on  IRCTC train reservation platform now to get reserved seats for you and your loved ones. Here are some of the temples you should visit while on your visit to Chennai. 

 

1. Parthasarathy Temple: The Parthasarathy Temple in Chennai is committed to the Hindu God Krishna and is situated in Triplicane. The sanctuary is accepted to have been implicit the eighth century and has been specified in high praise of the works of the Alvar saints. The word Parthasarathy is a Sanskrit word that implies the 'Charioteer of Arjuna'. God Krishna rode the horses for Arjuna's during the Mahabharata. Inside the sanctuary are housed the diverse symbols of Lord Vishnu; Krishna, Narasimha, Rama and Varaha. There are independent passageways for the sanctums of Lord Rama and Lord Narasimha. The sanctuary is well known for being the most established structure in Chennai.

2. Kapaleeshwar Temple: Kapaleeshwar Temple is situated in Mylapore, a rural area close to Chennai. The sanctuary is committed to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati. Goddess Parvati is loved at the sanctuary as Karpagambal or 'Goddess of Wish Yielding Tree'. The sanctuary gets its name from two words, "Kapalam" signifying "head" and "Eswarar" which is another method for calling Lord Shiva. It is said that the sanctuary was assembled at some point amid the seventh century by the Pallava Kings. The engineering of the sanctuary is reminiscent of the Dravidian style.

3. Navagraha Temples: The Navagraha Temples are nine sanctuaries that are situated in the different parts of Chennai. These nine sanctuaries are devoted to "Navagrahas" or the nine planets. The sanctuaries were assembled in order to encourage the worship of the nine planets in Chennai, rather than individuals heading to Kumbakonam to pray the Navagrahas. All the nine sanctuaries were worked amid the Chola period and their style and engineering is really intricate. However, all sanctuaries have equal importance yet a couple have been dismissed throughout the years and are not in good shape. There are a few sanctuaries that have been well maintained and still look new in spite of the progression of time!

4. Ashtalakshmi Temple: The temple committed to eight Hindu Goddesses who are all accepted to be the appearances of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of riches and success. The goddess is additionally the consort of Lord Vishnu. The sanctuary lies on the shores of the Besant Nagar Beach and has four levels. The symbols of the eight goddesses have been put at various levels of the sanctuary. The love of the goddesses begins from level two where places of worship of Goddess Mahalakshmi and Maha Vishnu are set up. On the third floor is the sanctuary of Santha Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi and Gajalakshmi. The fourth floor has one and only hallowed place, that of Goddess Dhanalakshmi. The main floor houses the hallowed places of Adilakshmi,  Dhaanyalakshmi and Dharya lakshmi.

5. Kalikambal Temple: The Kalikambal Temple in Chennai is devoted to Hindu Goddess Kalikambal who is likewise worshipped as Goddess Kamakshi in some parts of India. The present day Kalikambal Temple was constructed in 1640 A.D. after the first sanctuary was annihilated. The site of the first sanctuary was close to the shore, and it is trusted that Portuguese invaders destroyed the sanctuary. As indicated by a regional legend, one of the fiercest types of Goddess Kamakshi was worshipped at the sanctuary.

You have a options galore while visiting Chennai as there are various historic temples there. Just check Bangalore to Chennai train seat availability to look out if tickets are available or not on the IRCTC train reservation platform.

About the Author:



Weaving words to make shiny lexical ornaments, and giving voice to written expressions, is what Ravinder malik loves to do. An avid travel writer, as well as an enthusiast of gaining knowledge about what all lies shrouded in the world, Ravinder will literally take you places with her articles. From inquiring about a PNR status, to planning a sorted trip to watch the Northern Lights, she is always happy to help fellow enthusiasts.