Hindu Temples Listed As World Heritage Sites By UNESCO (PHOTOS)
1) Angkor Wat (Angkor) at Angkor, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is the principle temple of Angkor, which served as the seat of the Khmer Empire and was enlisted as a World Heritage Site in 1992. Angkor Wat was constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, the god of preservation, in the 12th century under Suryavarman II. Later on, it was used for Theravada Buddhist worship, but remains the largest existing Hindu temple. A rare architectural achievement of mankind, the carvings on its walls tell stories of Vishnu and his reincarnated forms, and from ancient Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
2) Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are a group of caves sacred to Hindus and Buddhists that are located east of Mumbai, India. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1987 and art historians date its construction to between 5th and 8th centuries. The principal cave contains exquisite carvings of the Hindu god Shiva in his various forms, and for a long time, has been a place of worship for Hindus. The photo depictsArdhanarishwara, a composite half-male, half-female form of Shiva and his consort Parvati.
3) Kailasnatha Temple -- Ellora Caves
The Ellora Caves are a group of caves sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains located near Aurangabad, India. The caves were designated as a World Heritage Site in 1983 and were constructed between 5th century and 10th century. These caves are world-known for rock-cut temples containing elaborate carvings on the walls. Kailasanatha, the primary cave, is carved out of a single rock and is designed to appear like Mount Kailasa, believed to be the abode of the Hindu god Shiva. This photo shows the exterior of the Kailasanatha Temple.
4) Airavatesvara Temple -- Great Living Chola Temples
One of the three Great Living Chola Temples designated as a World Heritage Site in 2004, the Airavatesvara Temple is located in Darasuram, India. It was built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century in the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
