The majority of us believe that Science has an answer to everything, and all that’s around us can be explained using some scientific theory or the other. When we think of the biggest scientific mysteries, we often think of puzzling phenomena related to space or the deep ocean. But you’d be surprised to hear that there are places closer home here in India, including popular temples and shrines that are shrouded in mysteries to which science has no answer. In short, these temples are fertile grounds for spectacles which science cannot explain. Let’s dive right in and find out more. We bring you 12 Mysterious Indian temples where you can witness unusual phenomena.
1. Kamakhya Devi Temple, Assam—where the goddess menstruates
Situated on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, the Temple witnesses a rare and inexplicable phenomenon every year. The Temple is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of India and does not have a shrine or a sculpture to worship. So, what’s so unusual about this Temple you ask? The temple has a yoni (vagina) of Devi Sati which is always covered with a red silk saree. Each year, goddess is believed to menstruate for three days and that is when the doors of the temple are shut for visitors. It is also a common belief that the spring which flows under the Temple turns red during these three days. Fascinating!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
2. The sculpture of the Brihadishvara Temple in Tamil Nadu is beyond the comprehension of science and its followers
The magnificent temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu is a sight to behold for its countless visitors. The marvelous structure is carved out of one of the purest forms of granite. But, surprisingly, there’s no site around the temple where one can find granite in such a pure form, and that too in such abundance. The non-availability of granite around the temple has been baffled many and scientists wonder how this structure was built.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
3. The Stambheshwar Mahadev Shrine or the disappearing Temple in Gujarat
As unusual as it sounds, this Temple submerges in water completely during high tides in the Arabian Sea. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and devotees can only visit the temple to offer prayers during low tides.
Source: Instagram
4. The Shiva temple in Varanasi is partially submerged in water
A little different than its counterpart in Gujarat, this Shiva Temple remains submerged in water throughout. Located near the Scindia Ghat in Varanasi, the immersed state of the Temple is believed to have been caused due to a collapse which happened when the Temple couldn’t support its own weight.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
5. “Jyotis” at Jawala Temple in Himachal Pradesh have never been put out
Nine Jyotis around Maa Jwala Ji Temple have been incessantly burning for decades, and this might compel you to believe the legend that Maa Jwala resides in the Temple in the form of Pawan Jyoti (small fire). The popular belief also says that these Jyotis can answer all your prayers and can lead you to the path of Moksha.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
6. Kailasha Temple, Ellora
The Kailasa temple in Ellora Caves is the largest rock-cut Hindu Temple. The manner in which stone has been cut to carve out the temple is highly advanced and seems impossible to have been done in the past in the absence of modern day technology.
Source: Flickr
7. Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is considered the richest place of worship in the world. In 2011, treasures worth billions of dollars were discovered in the temple.
Source: Flickr
8. Veerabhadra Temple:
Hanging Pillar
Located about 120 km away from Bangalore in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, Veerabhadra Temple is a relatively lesser known temple that is known for a rather odd architectural marvel. In a dance hall with sixty nine pillars supporting the roof, and in one corner rests – or more correctly, hangs in plain air – a lonely pillar that is simply disconnected from the floor. There is a noticeable gap between the pillar and the floor, and one can even pass a thin sheet of paper from beneath it rather easily. It has only made engineers wonder how such a heavy pillar can be hang by the ceiling with no support from the ground, and that too for hundreds of years.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
9. Ananthapadmanabha Lake Temple: Kasaragod, Kerala
Vegetarian Crocodile
For many of us, one of the most jarring Bollywood moments appears in Rekha and Shatrughan Sinha starrer Khoon Bhari Maang, where Rekha is pushed into a lake by her evil husband, only to be eaten by crocodiles. However, it turns out crocodiles might actually have a more diverse palate than we would have thought of – at least the one in the Anathapadmanabha Lake temple does. Babiya, a crocodile whom many believe to be God’s messenger itself, only eats the vegetarian food offered to her by the temple and its visitors.
10. Nellaiappar Temple
The temple with musical pillar
Did you know that in the past, talented workmen would use musical stones that would produce music or the swaptaswara when tapped? Such stones can be found in the Nellaippar Temple in Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
11. Aiyarappar Temple – Aiyarappar Temple:
The Temple with Seven Echoes
Located in Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, The Aiyarappar Temple is known for a unique feature – if one stands on a particular spot in the temple and says the name “Aiyarappa”, it echoes seven times.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
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12. Yaganti temple – Kurnool, Andhra
The temple with a self growing Nandi idol
In Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, a particularly intriguing Nandi idol has become especially popular with visitors because it is believed that the idol is growing. Present in Yaganti temple, the Nandi idol is also believed to eventually come to life when Kalyuga ends.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
We are sure that after reading this article about mysterious Indian temples, you’d like to visit these religious marvels, irrespective of your faith. Don’t forget to share your experience of visiting these places with us and let us know if you come across any similar inexplicable scientific mysteries. We’d love to hear from you!