Hello There! =)

[Vinayaka]

Are you talking about the Swaminarayan Akshardham? That's actually the first temple, even though I think it's more a theme park, I went to. It was amazing but definitely a tourist attraction. However you are correct, God is there because it pulled me right in. Especially the garden! Then I went to the smaller temples and prefer those more for actual worship and prayer. =)

Yes, we went there too. It was a second choice though. We had hired a car to take us to Haridwar for a Ganga dip over 2 days, 1 night, but ran into this massive traffic jam. Our flight back to Canada was the next night and we didn't want to risk missing it, so we went back to Delhi. Next day we had to kill some time, so went to Akshardham. There are more impressive temples, like Rameswaram, Tanjore, or Madurai Meenakshi in the south.

 

[TJ_Lee]

Yes, we went there too. It was a second choice though. We had hired a car to take us to Haridwar for a Ganga dip over 2 days, 1 night, but ran into this massive traffic jam. Our flight back to Canada was the next night and we didn't want to risk missing it, so we went back to Delhi. Next day we had to kill some time, so went to Akshardham. There are more impressive temples, like Rameswaram, Tanjore, or Madurai Meenakshi in the south.

Hardiwar is nothing but traffic, it's a pain in the bum. I only went as far south as Mumbai, where I spent most of my time. Rameswaram and Meenakshi, I want to go there so bad, they are my top places on my bucket list for next time I'm India.

 

[Vinayaka]

Hardiwar is nothing but traffic, it's a pain in the bum. I only went as far south as Mumbai, where I spent most of my time. Rameswaram and Meenakshi, I want to go there so bad, they are my top places on my bucket list for next time I'm India.

I've only been twice, and probably won't go again. (age, health) Both times it was just the south except for the 2 days in Delhi, coming and going, as that was where plane connections were. Since I'm a Murugan bhaktar, and Saivite, TN is just where I get called. We did get to see a few incredibly amazing temples, and people. I'm sure you'll go again. There is just so much to see, so many temples, such beautiful people.

 

[SalixIncendium]

Greetings and salutations. Welcome to RF. I hope you enjoy the forum.

 

[TJ_Lee]

I've only been twice, and probably won't go again. (age, health) Both times it was just the south except for the 2 days in Delhi, coming and going, as that was where plane connections were. Since I'm a Murugan bhaktar, and Saivite, TN is just where I get called. We did get to see a few incredibly amazing temples, and people. I'm sure you'll go again. There is just so much to see, so many temples, such beautiful people.

India is just magnificent to me, everything about it is amazing, even the awful traffic. haha I plan on going back this summer, not sure how long I'll stay this time but I'd really love to see as many temples as I can, the bigger ones, The Cave Temple too. Regardless, I do know I'll be there for sure in 2022 for Kumbh Mela, probably semi permanently if my Visa is approved. =) That I'm exceptionally excited about.

 

[TJ_Lee]

Greetings and salutations. Welcome to RF. I hope you enjoy the forum.

Thank you so much! I'm so happy to be here.

 

[Vinayaka]

India is just magnificent to me, everything about it is amazing, even the awful traffic. haha I plan on going back this summer, not sure how long I'll stay this time but I'd really love to see as many temples as I can, the bigger ones, The Cave Temple too. Regardless, I do know I'll be there for sure in 2022 for Kumbh Mela, probably semi permanently if my Visa is approved. =) That I'm exceptionally excited about.

You mean Amarnath by 'cave temple'?

 

[TJ_Lee]

You mean Amarnath by 'cave temple'?

Badami Cave Temple specifically ... and Undavalli Caves. Amarnath is way up north I think? I have a friend that's planning a trip there at the end of the year.

 

[Vinayaka]

Badami Cave Temple specifically ... and Undavalli Caves. Amarnath is way up north I think? I have a friend that's planning a trip there at the end of the year.

There are so many cave temples. I'll google these two. Amarnath yatra (walk up to it) is only open for a bout 45 days a year I think.

 

[TJ_Lee]

There are so many cave temples. I'll google these two. Amarnath yatra (walk up to it) is only open for a bout 45 days a year I think.

That sounds correct, he said it starts and ends during summer, so 45 days would make sense. It's for a pilgrimage mostly but they let tourist go in too. at least I think it's the same place. I'll have to ask him. I am obsessed with the cave temples in India! They fascinate me beyond belief. <3

 

[Vinayaka]

That sounds correct, he said it starts and ends during summer, so 45 days would make sense. It's for a pilgrimage mostly but they let tourist go in too. at least I think it's the same place. I'll have to ask him. I am obsessed with the cave temples in India! They fascinate me beyond belief. <3

I've been to 2 rock-cut temples. (meaning the deity is just cut into the rock, like art and it's just the front) Tiruparandandram south of Madurai, is like that, as is the ancient Pillaiyarpatti temple east of there. Not caves but still different. Badami cave looked spectacular. Do you know if either of these is still functioning as temples? Or are they regarded as historical monuments only?

 

[TJ_Lee]

I've been to 2 rock-cut temples. (meaning the deity is just cut into the rock, like art and it's just the front) Tiruparandandram south of Madurai, is like that, as is the ancient Pillaiyarpatti temple east of there. Not caves but still different. Badami cave looked spectacular. Do you know if either of these is still functioning as temples? Or are they regarded as historical monuments only?

I think any type of "monument" carved into the caves is awe inspiring regardless, it takes a lot of love and work to that. I know Undavalli Caves are still used as a place of worship as well as a historical monument for sure. I'm not positive on Badami, there are temples set up in the town in honor of the monuments in the caves, and I know people bring flowers and other gifts. If they are allowed to leave them in the actual halls, I dont know.

 

[Vinayaka]

I think any type of "monument" carved into the caves is awe inspiring regardless, it takes a lot of love and work to that. I know Undavalli Caves are still used as a place of worship as well as a historical monument for sure. I'm not positive on Badami, there are temples set up in the town in honor of the monuments in the caves, and I know people bring flowers and other gifts. If they are allowed to leave them in the actual halls, I dont know.

I prefer them alive. It would be nice to see something happen all over southeast Asia like in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam where Hinduism once thrived.

 

[TJ_Lee]

I prefer them alive. It would be nice to see something happen all over southeast Asia like in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam where Hinduism once thrived.

Oh I agree! You do see it making more of an appearance recently in more places than it was. Not how it was before obviously, but still better than before. And way more multicultural acceptance of different 'ethnic" backgrounds is definitely helping. For example, me, pasty white girl haha, doesn't really make anyone blink an eye in temple. Here or India, where 5 years ago I got the strangest looks. And people are either more accepting of the vast amounts of diverse religious beliefs now or people are more bold about saying what they believe. Maybe a bit of both. Baby steps but it is happening. =)