The Hanging Temple was built in the Shanxi Province, in China over 1,500 years ago. The Hanging Temple is an iconic structure because of its location. Built on a sheer precipice, the temple is kept steady by oak crossbeams that are fitted into chiseed holes in the side of the cliff. The main support structure […]
Once, a Raja owned a stallion who was considered the best in all the kingdoms across the globe. The grooms took the horse every day for a bath in a lake. One day, the horse refused to enter the lake. When the grooms tried to pull him towards the lake, he neighed loudly. The grooms
Once, there lived a horse by the name Kanthaka, who was strong, loyal, wise and intelligent. He was known as the Knowing One, as he always guided his riders without needing any instructions. One day, the armies of seven kings attacked the kingdom. The Raja ordered the soldier to take Kanthaka to defend. A night
Once, a Raja’s favourite chariot became wet in the rain. The royal dogs smelled the wet leather seats and greedily tore it up and ate it. The next morning, the Raja realised that it was the work of some dogs. He ordered all dogs, but not the royal ones, to be killed. The panicked dogs
The Natural History Museum was built in London between 1873 and 1880. The Natural History Museum contains more than 80 million specimens of life and earth sciences, including books, journals, manuscripts and artworks that were initially housed in the British Museum. The construction made use of bricks and terracotta tiles to help keep moisture and
Once, the Buddha was preaching the people, in the neighbourhood of Savatthi. There lived a man of great wealth who suffered from many ailments. He came to the Buddha to take help. The Buddha saw the luxuries with which the man was surrounded. He saw his rich clothes and jewellery and his well-decorated horse cart.
Once, a Monkey King by the name Arahant ruled thousands of monkeys in the Lumbini Grove. A drought struck. The monkeys started to leave their homes in search of water. The Monkey King warned them, “Do not eat fruit or drink water that looks unusual.” The monkeys reached a lake. The Monkey King looked around
The Old Town Hall was built in Prague, Czech Republic, in the 14th century. The Old Town Hall is considered an extremely odd historical work, because while the original magnificent building with its Gothic stone portals and mouldings was bought by the councillors of the Old Town; constant additions of smaller houses and reconstructions have
Once, Chandaka, a superstitious man, saw a banyan tree. He thought, ‘This is a Kalpavriksha (tree). I am sure this banyan tree will fulfil my wishes.’ He prayed to the banyan tree, “If my wish comes true, I promise to sacrifice an animal as an offering.” One day, Chandaka’s wish came true. It was a
Once, a bhikshu (monk) decided to behead a goat in a yogic ritual offering to his god. When the goat was being bathed, it started to laugh. The next moment, it started to cry. The bhikshu was confused. He asked, “Why are you laughing and crying?” The goat said, “Many births ago, I was a
Once, a lion and a tiger lived in a faraway forest. They had met when they were cubs and remained good friends. One day, they had an argument. The lion said, “The weather is becoming cooler. This is because of the moon fading and turning from a full moon to a new one.” The tiger
The Krzywy Domek, meaning the ‘Crooked Little House’ in English, was built in Poland in 2004. The Krzywy Domek is part of a shopping centre and an iconic symbol for Poland, combining business with art and culture. Considered on the strangest buildings in the world, this structure was inspired by fairy tale illustrations and drawings
Once, a fawn joined a school to learn tricks in order to survive in the forest. One day, he was caught in a trap. The teacher said to the crying mother of the fawn, “While the others played, your son listened to my lessons attentively. He has ‘Chitta’ which is conscious mind. He will surely
The Hanging Gardens were built in the ancient city of Babylon, which is possibly located in Iraq around 605 BC. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are supposed to have towered hundreds of feet into the air. Considered to be one of the wonders of the ancient world, it is the only one for which there
The Victoria Memorial was built in Kolkata, India, between 1906 and 1921. The Victoria Memorial is built entirely of white marble in dedication of Queen Victoria. 103 metres in height, the monument is a blend of Mughal and European styles of architecture. With its dome, four subsidiaries, portals, terrace and octagonal domed chattris, the monument