Previse 2024: Heritage and Culture

Culture and heritage are not just static concepts from dusty textbooks! They are vibrant, living entities that constantly evolve and shape our nation's identity.

As a UPSC aspirant, staying informed about current affairs related to heritage sites and art forms is crucial. Understanding these developments demonstrates your well-rounded knowledge and ability to connect the dots between the past, present, and future.

Konark Sun Temple

WHY IMPORTANT ?

The mural of the Konark Sun Temple was showcased at the G20 Summit.

• It is also known as Black Pagoda, Arka Kshetra and Padma Kshetra.
• It was built by Eastern Ganga King Narasimhadeva-I during the 13th century .
• There are many other sun temples like Katarmal in Uttarakhand, Surya pahar in Assam, Martand in J&K, Dakshinaaka in Bihar, Arasavalli in Andhra Pradesh, Suryanar Kovil in TN, Modera in Gujarat and Brahmanya MP.
• It is based on Kalinga Architecture.

Sharda Devi Temple

WHY IMPORTANT ?

Puja was held at the new Sharda Devi Temple in Kupwara district.

• Al Beruni described it as a very important site of the region.
• It is part of 18 Maha Shakti Peethas and is the abode of Hindu Goddess Saraswati.
• Goddess Sharada is kuldevi of Kashmiri Pandits and is referred as Kashmira Puravasini.
• It has educational significance as scholars like  Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya studied at Sharda University.

Santiniketan

WHY IMPORTANT ?

Santiniketan became the 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site of India.

• Santiniketan is the third heritage site of West Bengal after the Darjeeling toy train and Sundarbans National Park.
• It was recommended by the International Council on Monuments and Sites.
• It is an amalgamation of India’s ancient, medieval and folk traditions as well as Chinese, Persian, Balinese, Japanese, Burmese and Art Deco forms. 

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Sengol

WHY IMPORTANT ?

The Sengol or scepter from the Chola Empire was presented by head of Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam and was placed in the new Parliament building.

• The 'Sengol' was received as a symbol of the transfer of power on August 14, 1947 by the then PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. 
• The word is derived from 'semmai', which means 'righteousness'. 
• The hand-engraved Nandi atop is the observer of 'justice'.
• Sengol was deemed to be a symbol of duty, service and path of the nation in the Chola Empire.

Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas

WHY IMPORTANT ?

Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas in Karnataka were declared as 42nd UNESCO World Heritage site.

• The ensembles include Hoysaleshwara temple in Halebidu, Chennakeshava temple in Belur and Keshava temple in Somnathpur.
• It is the 4th World Heritage site of Karnataka which also includes Hampi, Pattadakal and Western Ghat.
• Chennakeshava Temple is also called Vijayanarayana Temple, which was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana on the banks of the Yagachi River.
• Hoysaleshwara Temple is also called Halebid Temple, which was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana on the banks of Dwarasamudra lake.
• Keshava Temple was commissioned during Narasimha III reign and is located on the banks of Kaveri.

Trimbakeshwar Temple

WHY IMPORTANT ?

Trimbakeshwar temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

• It is located in Brahmagiri mountain and is the source of Godavari River.
• "Trimbak" means trinity of gods and the temple was constructed by third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao 
• It is built in Nagara Style out of black stone.

Jageshwar Temple

WHY IMPORTANT ?

Jageshwar temple is located near river Jata Ganga and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• The temple belongs to the post-Gupta and pre-medieval era which was built and renovated by the Katyuri dynasty.
• As per the Skanda Purana and Linga Purana, it was Jageshwar from where the worship of lord Shiva was started.
• The area is center of Lakulisha Shaivism, a revivalist sect which worships Lord Shiva. 

Tungnath Temple

WHY IMPORTANT ?

The 1,000 years old temple is located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and legend says that it was founded by Arjuna.

• It is the highest Shiva temple in the world, located at an altitude of over 12,000 feet.
• It is part of the ‘Panch Kedar’ i.e cluster of Shiva temples including Kedarnath, Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath and Kalpnath.
• Also referred to as Tritiya Kedar, it is located in the Garhwal Himalayas.

Thirunelli Temple

WHY IMPORTANT ?

INTACH proposed conservation of the 600-year-old ‘Vilakkumadom’ at the Thirunelli Temple in Kerala.

• It is built as per Kerala architecture and is situated on the banks of Papanashini in Brahmagiri hills.
• It is dedicated to the trinity of Vishnu (main deity), Shiva and Brahma.
• Vilakkumadom structure is made of exquisite granite and dates back to the 15th century AD.

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