Panchalingeshwara Temple

Panchalingeshwara Temple is a beautifully preserved 12th-century monument located in Hooli village, near Saundatti, in the Belagavi district of Karnataka. Maintained as a protected monument , it stands out as the only fully intact ancient shrine in a village once filled with architectural wonders that now mostly lie in ruins. Built out of local red sandstone during the Kalyani Chalukya rule, the temple is celebrated for its unique structural plan and religious synthesis.

RR: 10 Countries RR (20)
Date: May 18

Rokuon-ji

Kinkaku-ji, officially named Rokuon-ji, is one of Kyoto's most iconic Zen Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for its stunning main hall, which has its top two floors entirely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the Mirror Pond. The temple's centerpiece is a three-story reliquary hall containing Buddha's ashes. Each of the three floors represents a different architectural style: Shinden, Bukke, and Zen.It is one of the most visited Buddhist temples in Kyoto and the most iconic in Japan.

Unesco: Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)
Tag: Favourites tag
Date: March 26

Ġgantija

Ġgantija is a megalithic temple complex from the Neolithic era, on the Mediterranean island of Gozo in Malta. The Ġgantija temples are the earliest of the Megalithic Temples of Malta and are older than the pyramids of Egypt. Their makers erected the two Ġgantija temples during the Neolithic, which makes these temples more than 5,500 years old and the world's second-oldest existing manmade religious structures after Göbekli Tepe in present-day Turkey. Together with other similar structures, these have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Megalithic Temples of Malta. The Ġgantija temples stand at the edge of the Xagħra plateau, facing toward the south-east. The temples are built in the typical clover-leaf shape, with inner-facing blocks marking the shape.

Unesco: Megalithic Temples of Malta
RR: Unesco RR
Date: March 3

Amritsar

Amritsar, a major cultural and economic centre located in the Majha region of Punjab is well known for the Golden gurdwara, spirtial site of Sikhism. In India, the colour gold is associated with divine, holy and royal.

Founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das, Amritsar is home to the spectacular Golden Temple, Sikhism's holiest shrine and one of India’s most serene and humbling sights. The hyperactive streets surrounding the temple have been calmed to some extent by recent urban landscaping, including graceful pedestrianised walkways, but duck into any side alley and you’ll soon discover Amritsar’s fantastically frenetic old-city bazaars, sheltering a sensory overload of sights, sounds and smells.

RR: November alternative RR
Date: Nov 8

Chennakesava Temple

The Chennakesava Temple or Keshava Temple, a UNESCO Heritage site located in Somanathapura, Karnataka, is a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture. Built in the 12th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and showcases elaborate carvings, detailed sculptures, and intricate relief work on its walls. Visitors can explore the beautifully designed open courtyard and the sanctum housing the deity, reflecting the artistic brilliance of the Hoysala era. Its unique star-shaped structure and its detailed craftsmanship make it a significant cultural and historical destination. In 2023, the Somanathapura temple, along with the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu and the Chennakeshava Temple at Belur, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as part of the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.

Unesco: Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
RR: Unesco RR
Date: Nov 18

Sri Mariamman Temple

Sri Mariamman Temple located at South Bridge Road is a popular tourist attraction. It is the oldest and most important Hindu temple in Singapore.

It is an agamic temple, built in the Dravidian style. Located in the downtown Chinatown district, the temple serves the majority Hindu Singaporeans, Tamilians, in the city-state. Due to its architectural and historical significance, the temple has been gazetted a National Monument. Built in the South Indian architecture| style, this temple features a gopuram that rises above the main entrance along South Bridge Road. It is richly embellished with six tiers of sculptures of Hindu deities, other figures and ornamental decorations. Within the walled compound, the temple comprises a combination of covered halls, shrines and service areas, as well as courtyards open to the sky. Leading directly from the gopuram entrance through a covered hall is the main prayer area, with richly ornamented columns and ceilings with frescoes.

RR: 10 countries RR (20)
Date: Nov 2

Byodo-in

Byodo-in is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture. It is often labeled as one of the most beautiful buildings in Japan and is categorized as a Japanese National Treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Byodo-in Temple is a striking representation of Buddhist Pure Land or Jodo architecture. The large, beautiful, and outstanding Phoenix Hall is one of the only remnants of architecture from the Heian Period, which lasted from 794 to 1185. Inside the hall is the famous statue of Amida Buddha and 52 bosatsu attributed to the priest-sculptor Jōchō.

Unesco: Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)
Tag: Favourites tag
Date: Oct 22

Shaolin Temple

Shaolin Temple is a monastic institution recognized as the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and the cradle of Shaolin kung fu. It is located at the foot of Wuru Peak of the Songshan mountain range in Dengfeng county. The Temple's historical architectural complex, standing out for its great aesthetic value and its profound cultural connotations, has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the historic monuments of Dengfeng in "The Centre of Heaven and Earth". Apart from its contribution to the development of Chinese Buddhism, as well as for its historical, cultural, and artistic heritage, the temple is famous for its martial arts tradition.

Unesco: Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in "The Centre of Heaven and Earth"
Tag: Offer tag
Date: June 1

Gamzigrad

Gamzigrad is an archaeological site, spa resort, and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Serbia, located south of the Danube river, in the city of Zaječar. It is the location of the ancient Roman complex of palaces and temples Felix Romuliana, built by Emperor Galerius in Dacia Ripensis. The main area covers 10 acres. The site consists of fortifications, the palace in the north-western part of the complex, basilicas, temples, hot baths, memorial complex, and a tetrapylon. The group of buildings is also unique in its intertwining of ceremonial and memorial functions.

Unesco: Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius
Tag: Unesco offer tag
Date: May 20

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai Province. Built in the early 19th Buddhist century, the beauty of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is marked by seven-headed serpent statues that line the stairs to the temple where a Chiang Saen style golden pagoda and all its exquisite Lanna architecture is situated. The view of Chiang Mai from here is just phenomenal as well. It is the most important temple in Chiang Mai.

Tag: Favourites tag
Date: April  1

Altun Ha

Altun Ha, the archaeological site closest to Belize City, was a major Mayan culture ceremonial center and the discovery site of Belize’s famous Jade Head. Altun Ha functioned as a central trading link between the Caribbean coast and Maya centers in the interior during the Maya Classic Period. Two ain plazas with roughly 13 Maya temples and residential structures have been excavated here. A unique feature of this site is the absence of carved stelae, while its most notable artifact is a large jade carving of the Maya sun god Kinich Ahau. Weighing almost 10 pounds, this 6-inch carving is the largest carved jade object to be found in any Mayan community in the region.

Many thanks Victor!
Date: April 7

Temple of Segesta

At the top of a hill overlooking the Gulf of Castellammare, just outside the ruins of the ancient city of Segesta, is a wonderfully well preserved Doric temple. The old structure is thought to have been built around 420 BC by an architect from Athens and is regularly deemed the best surviving example of Doric architecture in Europe. But strangely, as fine as the structure is, it has several components that suggest that the temple was never actually finished. The columns have not been fluted like they typically would would have been in a finished Doric temple. Also, the tabs that were used to lift the blocks of the base into place were never removed.

Lottery: Just viewcards 
Date: March 27

Three Pagodas

The Three Pagodas of the Chongsheng Temple are an ensemble of three independent pagodas arranged on the corners of an equilateral triangle, near the old town of Dali, Yunnan province. The Three Pagodas are located about 1.5 km north of Dali old town. They are at the east foot of the tenth peak of the massive Cangshan Mountains and face the west shore of the Erhai Lake of ancient Dali. The elegant, balanced and stately style is unique in China's ancient Buddhist architectures, which makes it a must-see in the tour of Dali. The Three Pagodas, visible from miles away, has been a landmark of Dali City and selected as a national treasure meriting preservation in China. The main pagoda, known as Qianxun Pagoda, is 69.6 meters high and is one of the tallest pagodas in China's history. The central pagoda is square shaped and composed of sixteen stories.

RR: All about your country
Date: Feb 23

Kumano Hongu Taisha

Kumano Hongū Taisha is located deep in the rugged mountains of the southeast Kii Peninsula of Japan. It is included as part of the Kumano Sanzan in the World Heritage Site Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. It was originally located at present Ōyunohara, on a sandbank at the confluence of the Kumano River and Otonashi River. In 1889, it was partially destroyed in a flood and the remaining shrine buildings were relocated at its present site in 1891. Of the original five main pavilions only three were rebuilt. Four deities were moved there and the other eight are still enshrined there in two stone monuments. The entrance to Oyunohara is marked by the largest Torii shrine gate in the world, measuring 33.9 meters tall and 42 meters wide. It’s a formalized gateway that designates the entrance to a sacred area. This Torii is called Otorii, O means 'big' and is made of steel weighing 172 tons. It is lit up during special occasions and festivals, such as during the Kumano Hongu Taisha Spring Festival, the Yata-no-Hi Matsuri Fire Festival, and during the New Year holiday.

Unesco: Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
Many thanks Linda!
Date: Dec 18

Lord Murugan

Sculpted by master artisans from India, Lord Murugan looms 42 metres high beside the 272 steps leading to Batu Caves complex.

The Batu Caves Murugan Statue is a striking monument located at the Batu Caves in Malaysia, just north of Kuala Lumpur. The statue is situated at the foot of the Batu Caves, a series of limestone caves housing Hindu temples and shrines. Constructed over three years and completed in 2006, the statue is made of 250 tons of steel bars, 1,550 cubic meters of concrete, and 300 liters of gold paint brought from Thailand. Lord Murugan is depicted holding a vel and standing in a majestic and commanding pose, symbolizing his role as the god of war and victory t.he Batu Caves themselves are a popular tourist attraction and an important religious site, particularly during the annual Thaipusam festival, when thousands of devotees perform acts of penance and carry kavadis up the 272 steps leading to the main cave temple. The festival is marked by vibrant processions, music, and devotional activities, highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of the site.

RR: 10 Countries RR (20)
Date: Dec 7

Brihadeeshwara Temple

Brihadeeshwara Temple, Thanjavur, is part of Unesco World Heritage Site 'Great Living Chola Temples. It is a temple dedicated to the Hindu God of Shiva, built by Tamil King Rajaraja Chola I. The 1000th year of this temple was marked in 2010 with a stamp and coin release.

One of the main attractions of the temple is a big statue of Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. 13 ft high and 16 ft wide, the statue is sculpted out of a single rock. Fortified walls rich in elaborate rock art works surround the temple and give a grand look to the entire complex. The main temple tower is 216 ft high and the tallest of its kind in the world. The complete structure of the temple is made out of granite. The temple’s inscriptions and frescoes narrate the tale of the rise and decline of the city’s fortunes. The temple stands as a fitting example of the might and power of the Chola dynasty that once ruled over the region.

Unesco: Great Living Chola Temples
RR: December Alternative RR
Date: Dec 7

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home to the ancient Hindu pilgrimage temple Pura Tanah Lot. It is one of the island’s most iconic temples, celebrated for its unique setting and deep-rooted history. The temple was established in the 16th century by Dang Hyang Nirartha, a revered Hindu priest, during his journey to spread the teachings of Hinduism throughout Bali. Dedicated to the sea gods, Tanah Lot’s location on a large offshore rock, surrounded by the ocean, makes it a powerful symbol of the spiritual and natural worlds’ interplay.

Tag: Favourites tag
Date: Nov 9

Temple of Confucius, Qufu

Qufu Confucius Temple, at the hometown of Confucius, is the most famous and the largest temple of its kind in the memory of the sage. His ideology was developed to the influential Confucianism, which has had the most enduring and profound effect over Chinese culture. Located inside the south gate of Qufu, Shandong, the Temple of Confucius is a group of grand buildings built in oriental style. The temple complex is among the largest in China. Having been destroyed and reconstructed over the centuries, it now covers 14 hectares, with 104 buildings dating from the Jin to Qing dynasties including the Dacheng Hall, Kuiwen Pavilion and Xing Altar, and over 1,250 ancient trees.

Unesco: Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu
Tag: Offer tag
Date: Oct 20

Lake Bratan

Set within the highlands of the mountainous Bedugul Regency in Bali, atop a plateau that sits on Lake Beratan, stands the majestic Ulun Danu Temple. In the mild, mountain weather, approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, the air is crisp and cool. Lake Beratan is the second largest lake in Bali, and is the source of irrigation for rice fields and plantations across the entire Bedugul Village. The mountain on which it sits is often referred to as the holy mountain as the weather is cool and the soil rich and fertile. Built in the 17th century in honor of the Hindu gods Brajma, Vishnu, Shiva, and the lake goddess Dew Danu, the temple’s name means 'the power or source temple of Lake Bratan'. It is one of the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites in Indonesia, as well as a social and religious symbol for the Balinese. The temple complex is comprised of five temples and one Buddhist Stupa.

Unesco: Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy
Many thanks Gian Luca and Raffaella!
Date: June 20

Wat Phou

Wat Phou is a ruined Khmer-Hindu temple complex in southern Laos and one of the oldest places of worship in Southeast Asia. It is located at the base of mount Phou Khao, some 6 kilometres from the Mekong river in Champasak province. The Champasak cultural landscape, including the Vat Phou Temple complex, is a remarkably well-preserved planned landscape more than 1,000 years old. It was shaped to express the Hindu vision of the relationship between nature and humanity, using an axis from mountain top to river bank to lay out a geometric pattern of temples, shrines and waterworks extending over some 10 km. Two planned cities on the banks of the Mekong River are also part of the site, as well as Phou Kao mountain. The whole represents a development ranging from the 5th to 15th centuries, mainly associated with the Khmer Empire.

Unesco: Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape
Many thanks Eric!