02-01-2004, 10:28 PM
Coming back to the RudraMahalya temple in Siddhpur, Gujarat.
Yes, it was one of the biggest Shiva temples, originally built in 943 AD, finally renovated and completed in the 12th century by Siddharaj Jaisimha, described by the scribes of the day as "rising 14 storeys, with 7000 pillars, 1800 statues,e tc" - which of course is mostly poetic license and exaggeration. Nevertheless, it was one of the most important spiritual and political centers of Gujarat. Destroyed and converted to a mosque in 1297-98 by Ulugh Khan and then again in 1415 by Ahmedshah.
The sad thing is that even though we cannot change what happened in the 15th century, we are unable to do anything about what is happening in the 20th and 21st century either, thanks to our pseudo-secular leadership. <!--emo&:furious--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/furious.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='furious.gif' /><!--endemo--> For the full details of the shameful cover-up of the findings of this beautiful and glorious example of our heritage, one needs to read the book by Sita Ram Goel, "Hindu Temples....vol II".
I urge every self-respecting Hindu to read the two volumes of this great work by Mr. Goel. It opened my eyes, I guarantee it will open yours. These and other books are available from Voice of India.
Yes, it was one of the biggest Shiva temples, originally built in 943 AD, finally renovated and completed in the 12th century by Siddharaj Jaisimha, described by the scribes of the day as "rising 14 storeys, with 7000 pillars, 1800 statues,e tc" - which of course is mostly poetic license and exaggeration. Nevertheless, it was one of the most important spiritual and political centers of Gujarat. Destroyed and converted to a mosque in 1297-98 by Ulugh Khan and then again in 1415 by Ahmedshah.
The sad thing is that even though we cannot change what happened in the 15th century, we are unable to do anything about what is happening in the 20th and 21st century either, thanks to our pseudo-secular leadership. <!--emo&:furious--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/furious.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='furious.gif' /><!--endemo--> For the full details of the shameful cover-up of the findings of this beautiful and glorious example of our heritage, one needs to read the book by Sita Ram Goel, "Hindu Temples....vol II".
I urge every self-respecting Hindu to read the two volumes of this great work by Mr. Goel. It opened my eyes, I guarantee it will open yours. These and other books are available from Voice of India.