vinayaka chathurthi-history

                                                                                                                                                        Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated by Hindus all over India, as the birthday of the god of wisdom, knowledge and prosperity, Lord Ganesha. The celebrations continue from five to ten days, depending upon family traditions. It is believed that praying to Lord Ganesha leads to fulfilment of wishes and desires. His blessing removes all the obstacles from life. Although it is not known when this festival was first celebrated, but it is alleged to have been celebrated in Pune initially. Celebrations were started during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji to promote nationalism and give a feeling of unity. Ganapati is the son of Shiva and Parvati; various fables are attached to his birth. This elephant-headed god with Mooshak (rat) as his vehicle was created by Goddess Parvati from the sandalwood dough. It was she who infused life in Ganesha and asked him to guard at the door while she was in her bath. When Lord Shiva returned and was stopped by this unknown child Ganesha, Shiva in rage cut off the head of that child. As soon as Parvati got to know about the severing of head of her son, she asked Shiva to bring him to life again. Shiva then implanted the head of an elephant on Ganesha's body. This re-birth of Ganesha is celebrated as Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as 'Vinayaka Chaturthi' or 'Vinayaka Chavithi'.

History
Ganesh Chaturthi is said to have been celebrated since the days of Maratha rulers: Satavahana, Chalukya and Rashtrakuta. Mainly celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh with a lot of zeal and splendour, Ganesh Chaturthi is the most popular festival of Maharashtra. Ganesh Chaturthi was started by Chhatrapati Shivaji as a public event to promote traditions and nationalism, this festival was even celebrated by Peshwas to worship Ganapati as their family deity. The festivities remained a family affair until the festival was revitalised by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the late 19th Century, to take the message of freedom struggle to all Indians. This festival brought in a feeling of unity and togetherness in Indians that helped in revival of their patriotic spirit. Through the medium of this festival he brought together all the classes of societies against British by getting rid of the caste differences. He stressed on it that Ganesh Chaturthi was a festival for everyone irrespective of the caste or class, and so he organised cultural events like dance dramas, musical nights, and religious gatherings on this festival. That was the time when social and political gatherings weren't allowed by the British. Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi that continued for ten days gave people of every religion the scope to interact and know each other. It is from that time this festival has been celebrated every year with great fervour all over the country.

significance of rakshabandhan

Raksha Bandhan                                                                                                                     

is a Hindu festival which falls in the month ofShravan every year. This festival stands for the bond of love between brother and sister. On this day sister ties traditional and auspicious thread decorated with beads called Rakhi on brother's hand as good omen. And brother promises to protect his sister from every evil and brings gifts for her on this day.Narali Poornima also falls on this day. Read on to know more.


Raksha Bandhan is a festival in which sisters tie Rakhi on the wrist of their brothers with love and affection. This is a sacred thread that indicates that sisters pray and wish that their brothers are protected from all problems and brothers take the oath of protecting their sisters from any trouble in life. This is a festival of love and trust and is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Sravana, which falls in July or August.


Tradition and Rituals

Traditionally this festival is meant to make the bond of love, affection and trust between brothers and sisters stronger. Sisters pray for long and healthy life of their brothers on this day and though Rakhi is just a thread tied on the wrist of the brother, it is considered stronger than even iron chains. Brothers give gifts to their sisters and promise to take care of them throughout their life. This tradition is being carried out in India since time immemorial.

The tradition and name varies from state to state but the meaning and significance remain the same. There are various stories attached to this festival and this is a great time when family members come together. Today, in this hectic schedule if brotherstake out some time and visit their sisters for this special day, it will be a great feeling and gift for sisters. Just meeting each other would bring them together and fill out the gap that usually comes with age and responsibilities.

It is not that only real brothers and sisters or cousins tie the Rakhi, people invite their neighbours and other relatives too on this occasion. There are social and cultural programs organized on this day and both men and women celebrate this day with same vigour and enthusiasm. It works great in social bonding and is also considered as a friendly knot.

HISTORICAL MONUMENTS IN INDIA-IMAGES

     

                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                    

                                                                                               

KASI VISWANATH TEMPLE

Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi Vishwanath Temple is located amidst the crowded lanes in the holy city of Varanasi also known as Kashi and Benares. The Vishwanath Temple enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingams of Lord Shiva and is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is believed that Varanasi is the point at which the first Jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which Shiva manifested his supremacy over other gods, broke through the earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the Ghats and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remain the devotional focus of Varanasi. Millions of pilgrims converge here to perform an abhishekam to the sacred Jyotirlingam with sacred water of river Ganga. Significance of Vishwanath Temple Also famous by the name of Shiv Vishwanath Kashi, Shri Vishweshwar Temple is said to be dear to Lord Shiva. Hindus believe that those who come and die here attain liberation. It is said that Lord Shiva gives the Tarak Mantra to the ones who are going to die here. Some also believe that the Lord resides here and is the giver of liberation and happiness. The one who prays and worships Vishweshwar with devotion attains all his desires and one who incessantly recites his name attains all siddhis and finally gets liberated. Structure of Shri Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple Shri Vishwanatha Temple is situated amidst the crowded lanes of Varanasi on the banks of the rive Ganga. The temple can be approached from a lane called Vishwanatha lane. Beside its religious significance, the temple is also an architectural marvel. The magnificent edifice offers a breathtaking view to the onlooker. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is also popularly known as the 'Golden Temple' due the gold plating done on its 15.5-meter high spire. One tonne of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been used in the gold plating of the spire. Inside the courtyard is the temple of Vishwanatha surrounded by many subsidiary shrines. A well, called Jnana Vapi i.e. ‘wisdom well’ located to the north of the main temple. The Vishwanatha temple consists of a mandapa and a sanctum. Inside the sanctum a linga is set into the center of the floor in a square silver altar. The Linga is of black stone. Though the interior of the temple is not large and elaborate it presents the peaceful atmosphere ideal for worship. History of Vishwanath TempleThe famous Vishwanath Temple has been rebuilt several times. The original was supposed to have been built in 1490. However, the original Jyotirlinga of Kashi Vishwanath is a not available. The old temple was destroyed as a result of the Mughal invasion and Aurangazeb built a mosque in place of it. The ancient idol of Vishweshwar is situated in Jnana-Vapi. Even today the western wall of the mosque show the remnants of a temple which had very intricate and fine artwork on it. Both the Kashi Vishwanath and the Gyanvapi Mosque are adjacent to each other The latest structure standing here dates back to the 18th century. It is said that once Lord Shiva came in the dream of Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore. She, being a devotee of Lord Shiva, got the current temple built in 1777 at a distance from the original one.

THE KOHINOOR

KOHINOOR DIAMOND

Description of the Kohinoor Diamond

The Kohinoor Diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in the world. The Kohinoor diamond was   first   mentioned  in  1306    when it was taken from a Rajah  of     Malwa,  whose   family had  held the diamond for centuries. It was described  as   weighing  186  carats  and  was an oval cut white diamond - the shape  and  size  of  a  small  hen's  egg. The  Kohinoor  diamond  belonged    to various  Indian  and  Persian rulers but it became part of the Crown Jewels of England  at the  time that  Queen  Victoria  was  proclaimed empress of India. The  Kohinoor  was  re-cut  at this  time  and  now  weighs 108.93 carats and is kept in the Tower of London .

Meaning of the Kohinoor Diamond

The Kohinoor  (Koh-i-Noor)  originated  from India in Golconda at the Kollur mine  and  was  specifically  mined  from  the  *Rayalaseema  diamond  mine (meaning *Land of Stones)   during  the  rule  of   the  Kakatiya  dynasty. The Kohinoor was then passed from one ruling dynasty to the next. The original name   of   the  diamond  was  ‘Samantik  Mani’   (  Prince and  leader   among diamonds).  In  1739  Nadir Shah, the King  of  Persia, invaded India and was said  to refer to the  diamond as the "Mountain of Light". The Persian-Arabic words  for  "Mountain of  Light"  were   Koh-i-Noor.  The  magnificence  of  the diamond and  its  value symbolized the power of an Empire. It was said that "He  who  owns  this  diamond  will  own  the   world, but will also know all its misfortunes." Possession of the  Kohinoor led  to  murder, torture, mutilation and treachery and stories of the Curse of the Kohinoor Diamond... 

The curse of the Kohinoor Diamond

The Curse of Kohinoor Diamond dates back to a Hindu text from the time of the first authenticated appearance of the diamond in 1306. The Curse of the Kohinoor Diamond reads: 
             
                   "He who owns this diamond will own the world, 
                             but will also know   all its misfortunes.
                  Only God, or a woman, can wear it with impunity."

The history and lives of the rulers who owned the Koh-i-Noor diamond were filled with violence, murders, mutilations, torture and treachery. Whether or not people believe in the Curse of the Kohinoor Diamond, the history of the stone is undeniable - and the threat of the Koh-i-Noor curse is enough to make people cautious. The British Royal family were obviously aware of the Curse of the Kohinoor and from the reign of Queen Victoria, when the Kohinoor diamond came into their possession, it has always gone to the wife of the male heir to the British throne. The History Timeline details the story of the Kohinoor diamond.

History of the Dohinoor Diamond

Myths and legends surround the stone. It was of incredible value and described by one of its owners, the Emperor Babur, the Great Mogul, as "Worth the value of one day's food for all the people in the world". The men who fought for it, and the Kingdoms and great Empires that were won and lost, produced many stories of ill-luck that plagued the owners and became part of the history of the Kohinoor diamond.

The History Timeline of the Kohinoor Diamond

The following timeline & history of the Kohinoor details important historical events and dates: 

1200 - 1300's There were many dynasties who owned the Kohinoor diamond including the Slave dynasty (1206-90), the Khilji dynasty (1290-1320), the Tughlaq dynasty (1320-1413), the Sayyid dynasty (1414-51), and the Lodi dynasty (1451-1526)These were all brief reigns ending with war and violence

1306
In 1306 the Rajah of Malwa was forced to give the diamond to the rulers of the Kakatiya Empire

1323
Soon after, in 1323, the Kakatiya Empire fell after a rule stretching from 1083 to 1323. The diamond was taken by Muhammad bin Tughluq  who became the Sultan of Delhi from 1325 to 1351

1323 - 1526
The diamond came into the possession of the Delhi Sultanate which consisted of many Muslim dynasties that ruled in India to 1526. During the Delhi Sultanate Muslim armies consisting of Mongol, Turkic, Persian, and Afghan warriors invaded India

1526
In 1526 the Kohinoor Diamond passed to the Mughal Empire when the Timurid Prince Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last of the Delhi Sultans, at the First Battle of Panipat. Mughal is the Persian word for Mongol
Babur mentions in his memoirs, the Baburnama, that the diamond had belonged to an un-named Rajah of Malwa
The Mughal Empire ruled most of the Indian subcontinent for two hundred years and the Kohinoor passed from one Mughal Emperor to the next. Violence and bloodshed followed these years often marked by the sons of the Emperors rebelling and overtaking their fathers
The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1592 – 1666), who was famous for building the Taj Mahal, had the Kohinoor Diamond placed into his ornate Peacock Throne

1639
The Koh-i-Noor changed ownership several more times until the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan took the throne. In 1639  a struggle for the Empire started between his four sons - Dara Shikoh, Shah Shuja, Aurangzeb and Murad Baksh when brother killed brother.  Shah Shuja executed his brother Dara Shikoh and in then 1658 Aurangzeb defeated Shuja and Shuja who was tortured to death together with all his family

1665
In 1665 Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605 – 1689), French traveller and pioneer of jewelry and diamond trade with India, recorded his experiences in which he describes a great Mughal diamond said to be the biggest in the world. It was called the "Great Mogul" by Tavernier

1739
In 1739 the Persian King Nadir Shah invaded the Mughal Empire defeating their Emperor and stole the great Koh-i-Noor diamond (Nadir Shah is credited with giving the diamond the name it is known by today). The Koh-i-Noor Diamond was taken to Persia

1747
In 1747 the empire of Nadir Shah quickly disintegrated after he was assassinated - the Curse of the Kohinoor strikes again? After Nadir Shah's assassination, the diamond passed to his successors, each were dethroned and ritually blinded (Blinding was used to render an enemy powerless and make him a burden on his community.)

1800
1800 - Ranjit Singh took the Empire and possession of the Kohinoor diamond. Rajah Ranjit Singh died in 1839 and his successors lacked his bravery and vision
The Sikh kingdom became weak and the British conquered India which became part of the British Empire and the British Raj or rule gained control of India from 1858 - 1947
The British Governor-General of India, Lord Dalhousie, was responsible for the British acquiring the Koh-i-Noor

1851
1851 - Dalhousie arranged that the Kohinoor diamond should be presented by Ranjit Singh's successor, Duleep Singh, to Queen Victoria, the Empress of India

1851
1851 - The Great Exhibition was staged in Hyde Park in London when the Koh-i-Noor was put on view to the British public

1852
In 1852 Prince Albert ordered that the Koh-i-Noor diamond to be re-cut from 186 carats to its current 105 carats thus increasing its brilliance. The Koh-i-Noor diamond was mounted in a tiara with more than two thousand other diamonds
The Koh-i-Noor diamond was then used as the centre piece of the crowns of the Queen consorts to the British Kings. The Queen Consorts Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary wore the crowns

1936
In 1936, the stone was set into the crown of the wife of King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother), wife of King George VI
The British Royal family were obviously aware of the Curse of the Kohinoor - "He who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all its misfortunes. Only God, or a woman, can wear it with impunity." And from the reign of Queen Victoria the Kohinoor diamond has always gone to the wife of the male heir to the British throne

The above history timeline of the Kohinoor diamond details important historical events and dates and the legends and myths that surround the curse of the Koh-i-Noor. 

The Kohinoor Diamond

The following timeline & history of the Kohinoor details important historical events and dates. Fascinating information about the history of the Kohinoor stone providing comprehensive facts, information and timeline about the history of the infamous Koh-i-Noor diamond. 

Journey to England :

The final owner was Maharaja Duleep Singh, son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, in the backdrop of the two Sikh Wars leading to the annexation of the Punjab by the British. The hoisting of British flag was on March 29th, 1849 Lahore where Punjab was formally proclaimed a part of the British Empire in India. One of the terms of the Treaty of Lahore was:- “The gem called the Koh-i-noor which was taken from Shah Shuja-ul-Mulk by Maharajah Ranjit Singh shall be surrendered by the Maharajah of Lahore to the Queen of England.” Dr Sir John Login was entrusted with two charges: to take the Koh-i-noor out of the Toshakhana (the jewel house), and also the guards manship of the young Duleep Singh. It was formally handed over to the Punjab government of Sir Henry Lawrence (1806-1857), his younger brother John Lawrence (afterwards Lord Lawrence, the man who in February of 1859 would break ground on the future Lahore railroad station), and C.C. Mausel.

                                                     [Maharaja Duleep Singh]

The Koh-i-noor sailed from Bombay in H.M.S. Medea. It was put in an iron box and kept in a dispatch box and deposited in the Government Treasury. For security reasons, this piece of news was suppressed, even among officers of the Treasury – and withheld from Commander Lockyer, the ship’s captain. HMS Medea’s voyage turned out to be a perilous one – cholera broke out on board in Mauritius and the local people demanded its departure. They asked their governor to open fire and destroy the vessel if it did not respond. After leaving Mauritius, a severe gale hit the vessel that lasted for about twelve hours. They reached Plymouth, England, where the passengers and the mail were unloaded, but not the Koh-i-noor, which was forwarded to Portsmouth. From there, the two officers took the diamond to the East India House, handing it over to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the company. The Koh-i-Noor left the shores of India on April 6, 1850, and on reaching London on July 2, 1850, it was handed over to the Board of Directors of the East India Company. 

The Queen’s crown :

Prince Albert (Prince Consort) and Sebastian Garrard stated that the Koh-i-noor was badly cut, it is rose-not-brilliant-cut. It was decided to seek the advice of practical and experienced diamond cutters. A small steam engine was set up at Garrard’s shop, while two gentlemen, Messrs Coster, Mr. Voorzanger and Mr. Fedder, travelled to London to undertake the re-cutting of the diamond. The Koh-i-noor was embedded in lead, two weeks later, after examining the stone. Mitchell thought that it had lost nearly all its yellow colour and become much whiter. The re-cutting took 38 days and cost £8000 ($40,000). The final result was an oval brilliant diamond weighing 108.93 metric carats, which meant a loss of weight of just under 43 per cent. Its was now in stellar brilliant-cut, possessing the regular 33 facets, including the table, while the pavilion has eight more facets than the regular 25 bringing the total number of facets to 66.

In 1853, it was mounted on a magnificent tiara for the Queen, which contained more than two thousand diamonds. Five years later, Queen Victoria ordered a new regal circlet for the diamond. In 1911, Garrards made a new crown that Queen Mary wore for the coronation – it contained diamonds, among them the Koh-i-noor. In 1937, this was transferred to the crown made for Queen Elizabeththe Queen Mother, based on Queen Victoria’s regal circlet and is set in a Maltese Cross at the front of the crown.

Who’s diamond is it, anyways ?

The 20th century saw a war of words over Koh-i-noor and its rightful ownership. In 1947, the government of India asked for the return of the diamond. Also, the Congress Ministry which ruled Orissa staked claim to the stone, saying it belonged to the Lord Jagannath. Ranjit Singh’s treasurer mentioned that it was the property of their estate. Pakistan’s claim to the diamond was disputed by India. Shortly thereafter, a major newspaper in Teheran stated that the gem should to be returned to Iran.

Sir Olaf has pointed out that the Koh-i-noor had been in Mogul possession in Delhi for 213 years, in Afghan possession in Kandahar and Kabul for 66 years and in British possession for 127 years. Historically, it maybe difficult to pass judgement on the validity of the various claims, but on the other hand, from a gemological aspect, as a paper report said, the Indian claim is the most valid because it was in that country that it was mined.

Koh-i-noor other name of a ‘deadly curse’ :

It is widely believed, British kings possessed ‘Koh-i-noor’ without knowing how to use properly, therefore it became a mixture, more of a curse than a blessing. The history of this jewel speaks itself, the British Empire which had once expanded throughout the world ever shining like the Sun, is now restricted to a fixed territory.

This jewel is slow, belongs to Saturn, a slow moving planet, and hence affects the possessor cautiously rather than quickly. Normally it takes several years to start its effect between 10 and 25 years, it gives luck only to those who know its procedure to keep it purified.

Otherwise, it forces the possessor to dispossess his or her territory and to disturb home peace. It is equally less lucky for the queens, they are to dispossess many valuables and land to ward off its evil effects, or face some tragedy.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh got this jewel in 1813 and it affected him after 25 years and he suffered from a paralyzed attack in 1839 and died in the same year. In 1849, exactly after 10 years, the British forces toppled his kingdom, which was controlled by members of his family. Further, all of Duleep Singh’s eight children died childless.

The effect of Koh-i-noor makes females or queens more possessive, self centered and self-seeking, forcing them to lose some territory, reputation and brings unhappiness at home, breaks home and ultimately may end the monarchy as per some occult reading of this Gem.

Great Briton had to struggle hard to retain possession of the Falkland Islands also known in Spanish as the Islas Malvinas. They also had to surrender the colony of Hong Kong to China in 1997, faced the tragedy of Prince Diana in the same year, suffered reputation inIraq attack in 2003, by facing the wrath of their people, and then new marriage of Prince Charles with Camila in 2005 and uncertainty of future King of England.

Hence Koh-i-noor has turned out to be unlucky for the Queens and the Kings as universally believed unless they observe and maintain the purity of the diamond.

REFERENCE:

themystery2012.blogspot.com

Somnath Temple-INDIA

                                           

                                                                                                                                    Somnath - this temple town has a long and chequered History. Even though it is referred to by several other names, names it acquired in the various phases of History, the name Somnath is unrivalled as far as popularity is concerned. And understandably so because this small town would have faded to oblivion but for the presence of the magnificent Somnath Temple from which it receives its best known name.

Deo Pattan, Prabhas Pattan, Pattan Somnath (some of the other names of this sea side town in Gujarat, India) would have all been erased from public memory. But instead of that this place has made a distinctive place for itself primarily because of this brilliant structure. The History of Somnath (as in referring to the city) is so completely dominated by the History of Somnath Temple that it would not be exaggeration in the least to say that they are synonymous.

Not much is known about the early History of Somnath temple. However it is popularly believed that the first temple existed even before the commencement of the Christian era. The second was built in the period 480-767 A.D. by the Vallabhi kings. This was again replaced by the Pratihara king Nagabhattta II in 815 A.D.
 

The Somnath temple which enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingas was so highly revered that people from various nook and corners of the country came to offer their prayers here.

As many as 2000 Brahmin priests were engaged in temple activities and the revenue collected from ten thousand villages were used for its maintenance. Prayers were announced by ringing the bell which was attached to a golden chain. Its walls were nothing less than pages of History. The exquisite sculptures were a reflection of the times and the pillars even had the names of the sculptors carved on them.

Unfortunately what happened in the year 1025 was a very unfortunate event in the Somnath temple history. Muhammad of Ghazni invaded the city and in spite of the valiant resistance put up by fifty thousand Shaivites, the temple was looted and razed to the ground. What was regarded as an architectural masterpiece was demolished brutally.

King Bhima of Gujarat and King Bhoja of Malwa then took upon themselves the noble task of renovating this fine edifice in red sandstone. However it was fated to be destroyed once again by Alaf Khan in 1300 A.D. This time King Mahipala belonging to the Chudasama dynasty renovated it.

Thereafter also the History of Somnath is punctuated with episodes of destruction and reconstruction at various points of time in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. Finally the temple was once again ruined in 1706 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. After that more than two hundred years passed before Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel finally took upon himself the responsibility of constructing it once again in the year 1947. Much to the glory and pride of not just Somnath but of the whole of India this stunning temple was once again reincarnated. Presently this "Shrine Eternal" is visited by a large number of pilgrims as well as by common tourists.

Kutub Minar History

It is a well known fact that qutub minar history started with the Muslim rule in India. There are multiple facets of the building which was built in the year 11197 with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.  The base of the tower is said to be more than 10 meters in circumference and it gradually transforms into a cone with the increase in height. Information about qutub minar states that it required 20 years to complete the structure and attracted large number of devotees in its fold to offer prayers in an impeccable manner. Teachings of Quran are imprinted on the walls of the structure in an amazing style and would go a long way in delivering beautiful results to the users. The historians are of the view that it is still the tallest building which is entirely made of stones in an impeccable manner.

Iltutmush, who was the Sultan of the Turkish Dynasty, was able to accomplish the task of completing the structure in an amazing manner. Alauddin one of the most famous conquerors, is credited with founding the Siri city which was quite near to Delhi. Gradually, over a period time it was converted into ruins and lies in a dilapidated state in the modern era. Hauz Khas was a well which was created to create an efficient supply of water into the city. Alauddin ran an efficient administration in the city and was a very popular Sultan. According to the travelers of the yester years, Delhi was considered to be equal in grandeur with Baghdad and the great Cairo in Egypt.  Tourists who arrive in great numbers could have a sneak preview of the zafar mahal which is an amazing monument. One of the most important tombs is the zamali kamali which was constructed in the medieval period. Qutub minar history is replete with facts which state that many kingdoms were vanquished and new ones rose from the ruins in an impeccable manner. Restoration work was carried out by the subsequent emperors in the 14 the century because the tombs were destroyed by the lightning that frequently struck and damaged the Quran inscriptions.

It is a well known fact that qutub minar suffered minor problems during the reign of the Tughlaq dynasty, however the emperors undertook the restoration work completely renovated it in an impeccable manner. According to the information about qutub minar the monument faced a barrage of lightning by the end of the 14 the century. Firoz Tughlaq undertook restoration work in an impeccable manner.  The monument faced numerous problems because the stones were not able to withstand changing weather. Sikandar Lodhi, one of the most prominent sultans also undertook renovation of the structure and ensured longevity of the building in an impeccable manner. Due to the natural calamity, top floor suffered huge destruction which was restored by the Feroze Tughlaq who undertook various construction projects in an impeccable manner.  Marble was used in abundance because it helped to make the monument into a wonderful building. Whiteness along with natural splendor provided amazing ambience in an impeccable style.  Due to the different styles of architectures used, the floors are designed according to the requirements and specifications of various emperors. Some of them had flutes which are typical of the Afghani style persistent in the 12^th century A.D. With passage of time, people realized the importance of marbles that became an integral part of the materials used in the construction of different monuments.

According to the Qutub minar history, the minaret was built by the Rajput King Chauhan for his wife, so that she could pray while facing the great Yamuna River located near Delhi.  According to the historians, the monument depicts an Islamic style which was prevalent in the era. Many craftsmen who were Hindus worked tirelessly to build the great Minar. Archeologists have found remnants of Devanagri scripts as evidences which reinstate the above mentioned fact in an impeccable manner. Cupola one of the most important components, was destroyed in the 18^th century when an earthquake struck Delhi and caused widespread catastrophe. Major Smith who worked in the British Indian army worked tirelessly to install a new cupola in an amicable manner.  A wonderful Masjid is built near the minar in an impeccable manner. It is a huge building which provided amazing ambience to the users in the past for offering prayesr to the God. The stones of the temples were used to build the mosques in a wonderful style which is regarded as one of the most important architectures in medieval period. It is a well known fact that mosque was built by the Aibak who was the first slave sultan.  Once can also view the iron pillar which is located near the tower and it dates back to the era of Gupta Dynasty. It comprises of a structure which is made of durable iron and also comprised of the statue of legendary bird called Garuda. It is an amazing piece of architecture which has captivated imagination of people in a wonderful manner. As per information about qutub minar, the pillar was built in the 4^th century and is a testimony to the fact that prosperity existed in those times. There are other facets of the Islamic architecture providing comprehensive information to the tourists who arrive at this place in huge numbers. Anangpal who was a very famous king of Tomar dynasty played a very important role in founding Delhi which later became the capital of India.

History of GoldenTemple

Sri Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as Golden Temple, literally means "the House of God”. The shrine consists of Darbar Sahib, which is surrounded by the Holy Tank (Amrit Sarovar). It was constructed under the aegis of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Fifth Sikh Guru. He wanted to build a common place of worship for the Sikhs, providing a common platform where all the Sikhs could gather and offer prayer to the Almighty. This wish initiated the idea of constructing Golden Temple and subsequently, he designed the architecture of the temple. Prior to him, Guru Amardas Sahib, the third Guru, had planned the excavation of the Holy Tank (Amrit Sarovar), but it was executed only by Guru Ramdas Sahib, under the supervision of Baba Budha Ji.

The earlier Guru Sahibs acquired the site from the Zamindars (landlords) of native villages. The plan to establish a town settlement was also made. Therefore, the construction work on the Sarovar (The Tank) and the town started simultaneously in 1570. The tank was excavated in 1577 A.D. and was subsequently called "Amritsar”, meaning the pool of the nectar of immortality. This contributed in naming the city, which grew around it (Amritsar). In due course, a splendid Sikh edifice, Darbar Sahib (Temple of God) was constructed in the middle of this tank, which became the prime centre of Sikhism.  The work on both projects was completed in 1577 A.D.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji laid the foundation of Golden Temple with the help of a Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir Ji of Lahore, on 1st of Magh (December, 1588). The construction work was directly supervised by Guru Arjan Sahib, with the assistance of prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha Ji, Bhai Gurdas Ji, Bhai Sahlo Ji and many other devoted Sikhs. Guru Arjan Sahib built the building on the lower level, unlike the traditional Hindu Temple architecture, where it is normally built on a higher structure.

Golden Temple deviated from a temple in another aspect, by being open from all four sides, rather than having only one gate for both entrance and exit. This symbolized the dawn of a new faith, which embraces people without any distinction of caste, creed, sex and religion. The building work was completed in 1604 A.D and Guru Arjan Dev Ji installed the Adi Granth in it. He appointed Baba Budha ji as its first Granthi i.e. the reader of Guru Granth Sahib. After this event, it attained the status of 'Ath Sath Tirath’.

Legends Connected With Amrit Sarovar
The most popular legend connected with (Amrit Sarovar) is the story of Rajni, the daughter of Rai Duni Chand. Rajni was an ardent devotee of Guru. One day, her father got some gifts for all the three daughters. While the other two daughters praised the father, Rajni stated that the gifts were actually from God and that her father was only the medium to deliver it. Hearing this, the father got very angry and made her marry a patient of leprosy. From then onwards, Rajni started struggling to sustain herself and her husband.

One day, Rajni she placed the basket containing her husband near a pool and went for some work. In the meantime, her husband saw a crow plunging into the water of the pool and coming out transformed into a white bird. Excited over the sight, he too plunged into the water and the miracle transformation occurred. He turned into a handsome young man, with all diseases cured. The couple thanked God and went to their Guru to narrate the happening. It is believed that since then, the tank came to be known as the "Amrit Sarovar” meaning "the pool of nectar”.