What To Learn From KhajurahoTemple Sculptures

The ancient Indian sculptures from KhajurahoTemple are renowned for rare beauty and awe-inspiring artistry. In fact, the serene town of Khajuraho has the best sculpture and medieval temples in India. Located in the state of Maharashtra, Khajuraho is known all over the world for its erotic sculptures. These sculptures are also one of the greatest tourist attractions of the state.

The temples were built out of sandstone and adorned with the graceful curved of the stone sculptures of unparallel beauty. The temples were created by the Chandela rulers in the Indo Aryan style. Originally there had been 85 temples, out of which only 22 survive today. The site was forgotten for centuries before it was rediscovered in 1838.                                              

The Khajuraho temples mark the highest development of Indian architecture design. The sculptures represented at Khajuraho Temple include the cult images, Parivara devatas (Family deities), Apsaras or Sura-Sundaris, secular & animal sculptures can be seen at Kandariya Madadeva Temple which displays tall & slender figures with distinctive physiognomy.

Khajuraho Temples are the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples. The temples are known for the erotic sculptures within.The Khajuraho Temples were built during the Chandela Dynasty of Central India. After the fall of the dynasty, the temples were abandoned and forgotten and only 22 of the original 85 temples survived when they were rediscovered by a British army engineer, Captain T.S. Burt.The temples are grouped into western, eastern, and southern sections. Inside the temples are detailed carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from life, such as war, marriage, symbols of spirituality, every day life, and all kinds of life forms. Various temples are dedicated to gods like Shiva, Surya, and Lord Vishnu.

The remnants of the temples and their unique sculptures were restored and today they attract a large number of visitors and art aficionados from all over the globe. The sculptures of Khajuraho famous temple include statues of gods and goddesses, warriors, celestial dancers and animals, besides those of couples in erotic poses. The Hindu philosophy of Yoga (meditation) and Bhoga (physical pleasure), the two paths leading to final liberation, seem to be the underlying theme of these sculptures. All life was seen as an expression of divinity, including human love. The union between man and woman was viewed as the culmination of devotion, symbolic of the union of the devotee with god and divinity.

The Falling in line with all the other ancient religions of the world, these sculptures too celebrate the sacred union of the male and the female the Yin and the Yang. The erotic sculptures depict human beings in the act of making love and thereby reaching the final union of two opposite yet complementary forces of nature that is creative origin of all.

Most Visited Temples in North India

North Indian temples have been constructed in the typical Nagara style of architecture .The basic structure of temples in India is more or less the same throughout, and the same features are seen in the temples of the north as well.Architecture of North Indian Temples.

India is very well known as the country of religions and has many temples, Dhams, Gurudwaras, Mosques, Churches and holy rivers. The temples in North India would be the most mainstream of the Hindu faith in India. Most of the North Indian temples have been designed in Nagara style temple architecture. The temples and literature, laying down rules and method of construction have been well preserved in Orissa. In the Nagara style architecture the temple structure consists of two buildings, one is the main shrine and the other mandapa.          

                                             
Badrinath Temple

Badrinath temple, sometimes called Badrinarayan temple, is situated along the Alaknanda river, in the hill town of Badrinath in Uttarakhand state in North India. It is widely considered to be one of the holiest Hindu temples, and is dedicated to god Vishnu. The temple and town are one of the four Char Dham, Do Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is also one of the 108 Divya Desams, holy shrines for Vaishnavites. The temple is Agra tour open only six months every year (between the end of April and the beginning of November), due to extreme weather conditions in the Himalayan region.

Akshardham, New Delhi

Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomizes 10,000 years of North Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom an d bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.

Kashi Viswanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most sacred and famous temple in Varanasi. The Temple is extremely popular in all other parts of North India too. Every year a considerable chunk of foreign visitors come to Varanasi to get a glimpse of the Vishwanath Temple even though the followers of Semitic religions are not allowed to enter the sanctum of the temple. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is standing on the west bank of India's holiest river Ganga and situated in Varanasi which is the oldest surviving city of the world, and which is the cultural capital of North India. In the heart of this city is standing with the fullest majesty the Kashi Vishwanath Temple enshrined with the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha.

Bhimakali Temple

The Bhimakali Temple is situated in Sarahan district of Himachal Pradesh, this Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. The architecture of the temple is the prime highlight. The temple is all built with wood and presents a wonderful combination of the Hindu and Buddhist Temple style. Bhimakali Temple has a unique and unusual architecture and wealth of wood carvings, Shri Bhima Kali Temple at Sarahan is the major monument that is duplicated no where else in the erstwhile hill states. Sarahan is a unique hill station of Himachal Pradesh known for the natural beauty it is surrounded with.

French Cultural Music And Dance

Take this opportunity to become a bit more immersed in the French culture. Learn about the French culture with information about the French alphabet, holidays, music, dance, art, sports, food, and more.Music and dance of France has further been enriched through the influences of Africa, Latin America and Asia. The folk tunes of these continents have added the requisite fizz to create the music dance of France as dynamic because the country itself. Because of so many different inputs, culture of France leaves its mark about the overall cultural scenario of Europe.      
                                        
Dance and Music of France there are 4,300 institutions that specialize in music dance. France Cultural  is known for developing ballet. The first ballet in France was performed in 1518 and was called the Ballet Comique de la Reine. This famous ballet was performed in the court of Catherine de Medicis. This ballet fused various elements like music dance, dance, plot and design. Another major development in the history of dance took place in 1661, when Louis XVI established the Academie Royale de Danse. The company is now known as the Paris Opera Ballet. This company dominated European theatrical dance during the 18th and early 19th centuries.                                                            

French Cultural Music

The lengthy history of French music begans back in the 10th century with court songs and chivalrous music. Much of France's early folk music was instrumental, with very few and very simple instruments; but there was a group of poet-composers who began their work around the 10th century as well. From this point forward, France has an illustrious musical history, ranging from opera to classical, to pop and rock in the 20th century.In order to do justice to French musicdance, one would have to write an entire series of books on each type of music in the history of music in France. Here, a short summary can pique your appetite.The first operas appeared culture tourism in France during the mid-17th century. While the first operas were experimental, opera was soon met with considerable enthusiasm in Paris, especially the operas based on the Italian opera of the time. During the reign of Louis XIV, Italian-style opera began to flourish in France.

French Cultural Dance

French are by nature very fond of music and dance, and are credited to invent several of world-famous dances. France is known to invent Ballet dances way back in 1581. The French king Louis XIV passion for dances led to the establishment of the Académie Royale de Danse, which contributed significantly to development of new dance style and technique in the late 17th and early 18th century Europe. Ballroom and square dances also grew in popularity in France during this period.France has a very rich and varied dance tradition and almost every region of France has its own distinct forms of music and dances. Traditional folk dances and music are well preserved in several relatively isolated regions in the south France.If you've some basic knowledge of French art and musicdance, you must be familiar with some of the basic dance forms, such as Waltz, Polka, Mazurka, Marche, Scottish, Rondeau and the Bourree. Carols and Baroque dances are other popular traditional dances in France.

Shani Dev Temples - Hindu Temple in India

Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan Shanishingnapur's legend in Taluk Naivasa of District Ahmednagar is famous, far and wide, as the shrine of countless devotees. The number of its unbelievable miracles finds its place of pride in The Guinness book of World Records. Ahmednagar's population is known popularly as the place of saints. God Shani occupies a place of fear in the minds of most people in India.

 The Most Famous Temple in India.Shani Shignapur is a village located in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra. It is about 35 km from Ahmednagar.The presiding deity of Shinganapur, Sri Shaneshwara or Lord Shanidev- the personification of the planet Saturn is worshipped with utmost reverence and devotion by multitudes of people from all over the world. The spectacle of the deity in black stone is overwhelming. A unique aspect of this place is, that no Shani dev temple structure houses the Shanidev. There is only a simple platform on which stands the swayambhu idol, in black stone.                                      

                             
A little village settled in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, 65 km away from Shirdi, Shani Shinganapur is believed to be the home of Lord Shaneshwara (the personification of the planet Saturn). The place is visited by devotees coming in to pay respect to the Mighty Lord Shanidev.The belief of the local people in the deity is so strong that they don't build doors for their houses. The indian temple In the entire village, you can’t spot one house with doors locking them.

The village have no doors as people believe that Shani dev temple will save them from thefts and miscreants will be punished immediately by Shani dev temple.There is no statue and Black stone pillar is worshiped with deep respect and traditions.Transport vehicles has fixed shops of the village. The puja offerings can be priced any thing based on the capabilities of the devotee .There is no fixed rate so you can bargain. As a offering Oil is offered to Shani dev temple and devotees themselves can do the avisekham by pouring the oil over the statue. You can buy oil packets from these shops.

Shani Dev Temple is a considered to be a "Deva" (God). He is the son of Lord Surya Chhaya and hence is also known as "Chayyaputra". He is the elder brother of Yama or Yamraj, the Hindu god of death. Shani Dev gives us the results of one's deeds through one's life through appropriate punishments and rewards.

Shani Shignapur is a famous pilgrimage of Lord Shani Dev Temple. It is a village, situated near the Ahemdanagar district of Maharashtra.The shrine, standing on a simple platform at Shignapur village, is a self emerged black stone. It is known as "Swayambhu" No Shani Dev temple structure houses this idol. It is believed to be exist since Kaliyuga started. Unlike other temples, you have to perform pooja and abhishekam rituals by yourself at Shignapur Dham. 

Introduction To Maori People of New Zealand

The Maori are the native or indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand (Aotearoa The Long White Cloud). They arrived in New Zealand from eastern Polynesia in several waves at some time before 1300 CE. Over several centuries in isolation, the Maori developed a unique culture with their own language, a rich mythology, distinctive crafts and performing arts. They formed a tribal society based on East Polynesian social customs and organisation. Horticulture flourished using plants they introduced, and after about 1450 a prominent warrior culture emerged.

Maori people define themselves by their iwi (tribe), hapu (sub-tribe), maunga (mountain) and awa (river). Whanau is the name given to family the term embraces immediate family, in-laws and all those connected by blood ties.In recent years, the introduction of Maori language nests (kohanga reo) has revived the Maori language. At kohanga reo, preschool children are encouraged to speak in Maori. Primary and secondary schools build on this early immersion by including Maori in the curriculum.              

The Maori language lost its role as a living community language (used by significant numbers of people) in the post war years. In tandem with calls for sovereignty and the righting of social injustices from the 1970s onwards, many New Zealand schools now teach Maori culture tourism and language, and pre-school kohanga reo (literally: "language nests") have started which teach tamariki (young children) exclusively in maori. These now extend right through secondary schools (kura tuarua).

The POI was used, many years ago, by the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand to increase their flexibility and strength in their hands and arms as well as improving coordination.Wahine (female) dancers perform the Maori POI, a dance performed with balls attached to flax strings, swung rhythmically. Those pictured to the right are using short POI.The POI dance was originally used by the Maori women for keeping their hands flexible for weaving and by the men for strength and coordination required during battle. POI are also used as a training aid for other ancient weapons like the Mere or Patu (Short club).

The New Zealand Wars pitched the might of the British Empire and a number of Maori tribes that remained loyal to the crown against the majority of the Maori people. Through the use of ingenious tactics and innovative fortifications the Maori side was able to withstand the attacks for many years before eventually succumbing to the British side's main unmatchable advantage, its vast numerical advantage.

Maori people often use the term Tangata whenua (literally, "people of the land") to describe themselves in a way that emphasises their relationship with a particular area of land a tribe may be tangata whenua in one area, but not another. The term can also refer to Maori as a whole in relation to New Zealand (Aotearoa) as a whole.

Popular Styles o French Dance

French Dance traditional dancing encompases a huge range of geographically and culturally separate groups. At first glance there is little common ground between the hypnotic circle dances of Brittany, the graceful couple dances of central France and the wild Fandangos of the Basque Country. However, they all form part of the larger group of European dances, all of which have developed from simple circle dances with frequent contacts between the different regions. For a review of the recent history of French Dance traditional music and dance.

France has been the cultural centre of Europe since Medieval times. Under the reign of Louis XIV, ballet flourished, and the "French" style of ballet was born. Dancing was a popular pastime for the court, therefore ballroom and square dances also became popular dance during this period. As time went on, dance moved out of the court and into music halls and venues where the audience would often participate.  

   
Mazurka Dance

The mazurka is a seductive dance for couples popular throughout Europe, but the French Dance have put their own stamp on it. It is typically done in 3/3 time to the rhythm of the three-syllable word "mazurka," with an accent on the second beat. A French Dance mazurka starts with the man taking three steps, starting with his left foot, and the woman mirroring him with her right. They then make a quarter turn to the leader's left and take three steps on their opposite feet from the first time.

Ballet Dance

Despite its long association with French culture, ballet actually originated in 15th century Italy. Ballet greatly developed in France during the time of Louis XIV and beyond, as it was a favourite pastime of the King. Ballet and elements of comedy would combine to form dramatic ballets for entertainment at weddings or other celebrations. Dancers tended to be courtiers, until Louis XIV opened the first ever ballet school in 1661, and it became possible to train professionally. The French Dance style of ballet today is synonymous with elegance and precise movements.

Basse Dance

The Dance French basse danse comes in two catagories: regular and irregular. The difference is that a regular basse dance contains 80 bars in its main part. In every four bars, or one quaternion, dancers perform either a double step, two single steps, a step called a reprise, or a branle, a kind of chain dance in which dancers join together and move side to side, either in a circle on in a serpentine pattern. Irregular basse dances deviate from this structure.

Zouk Dance

Zouk is a fun, modern dance suitable for all ages. For many in the younger dance crowd, Zouk has rekindled an interest in partner dancing. For those who have experience dancing other traditional Latin dances (and even West Coast Swing), many of the moves, techniques or concepts from those dances can be imported to Zouk, making it relatively easy to adapt to this dance. In addition, Zouk can be danced to a variety of music and a variety of moods, making it a versatile dance to know.

Baroque Period Dance

The gavotte was a popular dance in the Baroque era, so named as it originated in the Pays de Gap region amongst the Gavot people. It consisted of a step pattern where feet were crossed twice after each step, and then a hop would follow. It was of moderate tempo, and there would often be someone leading the dance. 

Khajuraho Temples - Symobol of Love in India

The Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh are amongst the most beautiful medieval monuments in India. Originally a group of 85, they are the largest group of Hindu and Jain temples in the world, although only about 25 of them remain today. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, they have awed generations of people with their architectural brilliance, intricate carvings and, most famously, their erotic sculptures.

Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture. The Khajuraho group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the "seven wonders" of India.            

   
The Southern group of temples in Khajuraho is located slightly away from the other groups of temples. Duladeo and Chaturbhuj temples are the main temples in the southern group of temples in Khajuraho. The Duladeo or “the newly married woman” is a Shiva temple. Tall Chaturbhuj temple, about 1 ½ km away from Duladeo temple is dedicated to Vishnu.

The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups: Western, Eastern and Southern.The Western group is certainly the best known, because it is to this group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple tourist places belongs: The Kandariya Mahadev. Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 km high. Though the four temples that stand at the corners of the main shrine are now in ruins, the main shrine has an exquisitely carved entrance arch with a multitude of themes. Celestial beings, lovers serenading musicians movements captured in stone, frozen in time, yet retaining a quality of warm, pulsating life. The very stone seems to have taken on the living, breathing quality of the carved figures.

The Khajuraho temples, scattered over an area of about 9 square miles, depict the traditional lifestyle of women in the medieval age. Rediscovered almost nine centuries later, they give a poignant representation of life in the 11th century. A few of the temples are dedicated to the Jain pantheon and the rest to Hindu deities to God's Trio, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and various Devi forms, such as the Devi Jagadambi. The divine sculptures are a tribute to life itself.

Khajuraho is believed to be the religious capital of Chandellas. Chandella rulers had tried to discriminate politics from religious & cultural activities, so they established their political capital in Mahoba which is about 60km. away from Khajuraho and religious/cultural capital in Khajuraho. Whole Khajuraho was enclosed by a wall with about 8 gates used for entry/exit. It is believed that each gate is flanked by two date/palm trees.

After fall of Chandella dynasty (after AD 1150), Khajuraho Temples suffered destruction & disfigurement by muslim invaders in this area which forced local people to leave Khajuraho. As muslim invaders had a ruling policy of intolerance for worship places of other religions so all the citizens of Khajuraho left the town with a hope that its solitude will not attract attention of muslim invaders into the temple area and in this way both temple and they themselves will remain unhurt. 

Folk Dances in French

French traditional dancing encompases a huge range of geographically and culturally separate groups. At first glance there is little common ground between the hypnotic circle dances of Brittany, the graceful couple dances of central France and the wild Fandangos of the Basque Country. However, they all form part of the larger group of European Folk dances, all of which have developed from simple circle dances with frequent contacts between the different regions. For a review of the recent history of French traditional music and dance see the excellent.                                            

Music and dance of France has further been enriched through the influences of Africa, Latin America and Asia. The folk tunes of these continents have added the requisite fizz to create the music of France as dynamic because the country itself. Because of so many different inputs, culture of France leaves its mark about the overall cultural scenario of Europe.              

Branle Dance

Branle Dances"16th-century French dance style which moves mainly from side to side, and is performed by couples in either a line or a circle." "According to Arbeau, every ball began with the same four branles: the double branle, the single branle, the gay branle, and the Burgundian branle.

Cotillion Dance

The cotillion is a type of patterned social dance and music culture that originated in France in the 18th century. It was originally made up of four couples in a square formation, the forerunner of the quadrille; in the United States the square dance, where the "figures" are called aloud by the caller, is a form of rural contredanse that also descended from the urban cotillion. Its name, from French cotillon, "petticoat", reflected the flash of petticoats as the changing partners turned.

Polonaise Dance

A dance of Polish origin. The polonaise had a rhythm quite close to that of the Swedish semiquaver or sixteenth-note polska, and the two dances have a common origin.Polonaise is a widespread dance in carnival parties. Polonaise is always a first dance at a studniówka ("hundred-days"), the Polish equivalent of the senior prom that occurs approximately 100 days before exams.

Sarabande Dance

Originally, a dance considered disreputable in 16th-century Spain, and, later, a slow, stately dance that was popular in France. Possibly of Mexican origin or perhaps evolved from a Spanish dance with Arab influence that was modified in the New World, it was apparently danced by a double line of couples to castanets and lively music." --Encyclopedia Britannica.

Integral Part of Singapore Culture

Singapore culture has a strong influence of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures. The diversity of Singapore culture is due to her history. Singapore was once a popular free trading port in the 18th century which attracted many Chinese immigrant from China, Indian from India sub-continent, Malay from the Malay peninsular and Eurasian from the various part of Europe who came to trade in Singapore or work in Singapore and later settle down at this cosmopolitan island. These ethnic races still evident in modern Singapore today, though most of the Singaporeans do think of themselves as Singaporeans, regardless of race or culture, each still bears its own unique character and this mixture of cultures formed the Singapore culture.          

                                                                   
Singapore Culture is an island, located at the southern tip of Malaysia. From 1819, it served as a trading port for British ships on their way to India. As a major trading hub and because of its close proximity to its neighbor Malaysia, Singapore Culture was prone to many foreign influences, both from Britain and from other Asian countries. Chinese and Indian workers moved to Singapore to work at the harbor.            

Singapore Culture Language English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil are the four official languages spoken in Singapore and the national language is Malay. The national anthem is written in Malay language, however not many of the young generation know how to speak Malay. The young generation used English to communicate with different races.

The visual arts scene has been active in Singapore Culture since the colonial days when well known European artists visited the area to record and paint the development of the country. In 1976, the establishment of the Art Gallery in the National Museum gave a major boost to the Singaporean visual arts by giving local artists the opportunity to exhibit their work.

Singapore food Culture Known as one of the global food capitals, Singapore is legendary for the sheer diversity, richness, and creativity of its culinary scene. One of the main drivers behind the spurt in Singapore tourism is its popularity in terms of food.

Singapore Festival celebrates the festivals of every ethnic group with gusto throughout the year. Proud of Singapore multicultural and multiracial society, Singaporeans join in the festivities of one another with respect and enjoyment. The list below are the festivals that belong to the different ethnic group celebrate in Singapore Culture.

Singapore has always had a vibrant and exciting musical past. Singapore's folk music incorporates elements of Tamil, Chinese, and Malay sounds to produce a lovely amalgamation of sounds that is distinctly Singaporean!Special mention must be made of Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, which is Singapore's main arts centre. Esplanade is now home to Singapore classical music, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, and several concerts that take place through the year. 

Facts About Golden Temple Amritsar, India

Golden Temple is one of the most important and key religious places for Sikhs in Amritsar. The Gurudwara blessed with immense spiritual bliss and tranquillity really forms the centre and soul of Amritsar. It also holds the Granth Sahib which is a holy scripture for the Sikhs. The upper floors of the Gurudwara are completely covered with gold and hence it is called the Golden Temple.

The Golden Temple has three holy trees. There is also a small Sikh Museum near the Ghanta Ghar, or clock house, in Amritsar which is very rich in information. The entire top of the temple is made of pure gold and thus adds a lot of pride and beauty to the entire temple.                

The construction of the Golden Temple itself started in 1588 under the leadership of the fifth guru; Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The story says that a close friend of the guru was asked to lay the foundation stone of the building. After the stone had been laid, a mason straightened the stone which, to which the guru said as you have just undone the work of such a holy man, who knows what disaster might come.”

The Golden Temple is located in Punjab, northern India. It lies next to the lake Amritsar, in the southern parts of the city with the same name. The easiest way to reach the Golden Temple from afar is by airplane. The Amritsar Airport lies in close proximity to the famous temple.

• The Central Sikh Museum is a must visit for everyone touring the Darbar Sahib. It reflects the history and significance of the Golden Temple through its murals, paintings and art works. These were made by prominent Sikh personalities, including saints, warriors and leaders.

• The Golden Temple is also referred to as "Darbar Sahib” or “Harmandar Sahib", and is one of the oldest worship places for the Indian Sikh. It is located in Amritsar, Punjab.

• The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy scripture of the Sikhs. This large holy book is a compilation of the renderings of the renowned saints of the time (like Sant Kabir and Surdas) and the Ten Gurus (known as the founders of Sikhism). It was compiled by Guru Arjan Dev and installed for the very first time in this temple. You can spot it on a prominent platform under a jewel-studded canopy on the ground floor in the Main Hall of the Golden Temple.

• The temple was initially built without any gold coating. It is during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the ruler of Punjab in the early 19th century that the temple went under full renovation and made into what it is today.
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• Before the temple was built, the first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak, used to meditate at the site. It was not until the fifth Guru, Guru Arjana that the temple was built.

Spectacular Religious Bali Temples

Balinese temples are unique in architecture and structure and are built according to strict rules. Traditional religion is a major part of life in Bali Temples. We have listed for you the most important and most interesting to visit. Do not forget to wear decent clothes (or a Sarong) and behave accordingly, otherwise entry will be denied. Religious Bali is known as an island of thousands temples. In every village in Bali Temples, there are several temples and at least one small temple in each home of Balinese which reach to a total of 10.000.

The temple is the single most important institution on the island. Religious Bali Temples is commonly called the island of a thousand temples, although this is an understatement as every house, village, many crossroads, and irrigation points have a temple. Most pura ("temple" in Sanskrit) share a common architecture, being larger or smaller versions of the previous one you saw. The temples' structure, layout, and days of celebration (and how to celebrate), have been ordained for centuries.            

                 
Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun which means beautiful garden, is located in Mengwi Village, 18 km northwest of Denpasar. It was built in 1634 by I Gusti Agung Anom, a founder of the Mengwi Kingdom, and became the main temple for the ancient Mengwi Kingdom. The temple is surrounded by ponds which give the effect from a distance as if the temple is floating on water.Taman Ayun Temple was renovated in 1937. The grassy area of the outermost courtyard, the fine array of roofs (merus) and pavilions in the inner courtyard, and its well-kept appearance make it one of the most beautiful temples in Bali Temples.

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple, or Pura Luhur Uluwatu, one of six key temples believed to be Bali's spiritual pillars, is renowned for its magnificent location, perched on top of a steep cliff approximately 70 metres above sea level. This temple also shares the splendid sunset backdrops as that of Tanah Lot Temple, another important temple located in the island's western shores.

Goa Lawah Temple

Goa Lawah is one of Bali’s most important temples. It features a complex built around a cave opening that is inhabited by hordes of bats, and its name translates to 'Bat Cave’. This temple was established in the 11th century by Mpu Kuturan, one of early priests who laid the foundations of Hinduism on the island.Goa Lawah is located in the village of Pesinggahan, Dawan district, bordering the Klungkung and Karangasem regencies. This landmark is one of the first stops on tours to Candidasa and further eastern regions within the Karangasem regency.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Temple is located at the edge of lake Bratan, Bedugul area, Candikuning village, Baturiti district, Tabanan regency Bali Temples, The distance from Denpasar city about 56 kilometers to the north along the highway Denpasar - Singaraja. Ulun Danu Beratan temple is one of the most famous Balinese Hindu temple, it is also commonly called as Bali temple on the lake or Bali temple on the water because it looks like floating on the water when the water level in the lake is rising.

Lempuyang Temple

Lempuyang temple is situated on the highest of Belibis Hill, northeast of Mount Agung, in Karangasem regency. Lempuyang Temple is one in all the six major Temple in Bali island specifically Andakasa Temple, Uluwatu Temple, Watukaru Temple, Ulun Danu Batur Temple and Besakih Temple. Compare to alternative six major temple of island, Lempuyang Luhur is tiny and contains of a padmasana or the shrine of God, 2 shrines that area unit almost like padmasana and share single foundation, dedicated to Hyang Gnijaya, the founding father of Lempuyang Temple and his sons. 

Maori Cultural Art - Tribal Tattoo

The Maori people of New Zealand have developed a unique culture rich in tradition. The following paragraphs briefly describe Maori culture covering such topics as Maori language and Maori art. For more detailed information click here for books on Maori culture.

Tribal as a tattoo type was originally a assorted collection of different ancient tribes and cultures from around the world. Maori tattoos are a popular tattoo choice for many men. Although Maori Tribal tattoos are mainly worn by men, women do get such tattoos. Maori tattoos cultural can be designed in a variety of different ways. Maori tattoo designs are traditionally done in black ink and vary in size. However, some tattoo artist put their own twist on this type of Tribal tattoo so you may see different designs, symbols, and colors.      

The Maori Cultural are indigenous people that originated in New Zealand. They have a form of body art, known as moko but more commonly referred to as Maori tattooing. The art form was brought to the Maori from Polynesia and is considered highly sacred. Since the Maori people consider the head to be the most sacred part of the body, the most popular kind of Maori tattoo was the facial Tribal tattoo, which was composed of curved shapes and spiral like patterns. Often this tattoo covered the whole face and was a symbol of rank, social status, power and prestige.

Ta Moko tattoo

Ta Moko The origins of tamoko come from Rangi and Papa through one of their offspring called Ruaumoko who is seen as the god of earthquakes, volcanoes and subterranean activity. Tamoko is a name for Maori tattoo and the culture that surrounds it. It is a reflection of whakapapa (geneology) and history. It symbolises Maori identity and marks in time ones journey in life.

Polynesian Maori Tattoos

Maori Polynesian tattoos were born in the native land of New Zealand to the indigenous Maori people. The Maori tattoo or Ta Moko is one of the most important parts of the Maori culture. The meanings behind these tattoos are to show tribal history, family history, rank, and other identifying factors. Men and women had different styles of this tattoo but the theme is these tattoos carry a great deal of weight throughout the culture. Today, many other people outside the Maori culture are getting these kinds of tattoos much to the chagrin of the native people.

Hawaiian Tattoos

the tattoos are a bit different from other Polynesian tattoos in that they have a more personal meaning. Today, Hawaiian flowers, abstract tribals, and turtles are very popular. Specifically, one of the most popular tattoo designs in Hawaii is the hibiscus flower. To the women of Hawaii, the Hawaiian hibiscus flower is very symbolic and has a great deal of meaning. It is also the state flower of Hawaii.

Samoan Tattoos

In Samoa, these tattoos (or tatau) are very big and tell of social status and the rank of who wears it. They are an initiation in becoming a man. Until a young man’s tattooing is complete, they’re still considered boys in the culture. Women are also tattooed. Not as much as the men but much more than women in other areas.