What Are Tarot Cards, History and Significance

What Are Tarot Cards, History and Significance

Tarot Cards are regarded as mystic tools which are used to gain insight into the past, present and future by formulating a question and then drawing and interpreting cards. In addition to being an intuitive tool, the Tarot is now acknowledged as a powerful instrument for personal development and much more. A standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main sections which are the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). The Major Arcana includes iconic archetypes like The Fool, The Magician, and The Lovers, symbolizing major life themes and spiritual lessons. The Minor Arcana is further divided into four suits namely Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands, each representing different aspects of daily life, emotions, and challenges.

What are Tarot Cards

Tarot Cards have been renowned for being a fortune-telling tool since ages. It has been commonly used for the said purpose as well, but in recent years, amateurs and experts alike have developed more complex methodologies for using the deck of 78 illustrated cards and use them for various purposes along with predicting the future. Reading a Tarot Card spread or layout is the art of seeking direction and knowledge through a particular card arrangement. Contrary to common perception, however, Tarot readings do not require psychic abilities (although it helps), nor do the cards just disclose the outcome of your life. The purpose of the cards is to help one gain insights and understanding of the higher self's deepest secrets. To put it differently, the cards offer a deeper understanding of what you already know deep inside. 

History of Tarot Cards

Although the Tarot Cards' exact origins are unknown and uncertain, there are records of its usage dating back to the fourteenth century in the European continent. From the beginning of the seventeenth century, the Tarot has been used as an oracle in the basic type and form which is known today. During the Middle Ages, the cards were utilized as a game as well as for occult activity, which was widespread during that period of time. The Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society and an esoteric organization founded in London and active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is largely responsible for the development of modern-day tarot. It is believed that Pamela Colman Smith, a talented artist and a member of the Golden Dawn was first to create the drawings of the cards on insistence and instructions of Arthur Edward Waite a fellow member. Many modern decks draw inspiration from the exquisite and deeply symbolic drawings of the Smith Waite deck, which has become a modern classic. The Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley and the Tarot of Marseille are two more traditional decks.

How do Tarot Cards Work

The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that reveal broader, major and primary life themes, while the Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards that reveal minor life lessons and day-to-day happenings. The Minor Arcana is further split into four suits which are Wands, Swords, Cups, and Pentacles. Each suit consists of fourteen cards, numbered Ace through Ten, plus the Court Cards, which are Queen, King, Page (a princess), and Knight (a prince). Deck names can differ somewhat.

Though their names aren't always the same, the suits and the individual cards generally have the same basic meanings. For instance, the Knight in many decks represents the King rather than the Prince. You may use the guidebook that most decks come with to familiarize yourself with the details. The Tarot's Minor Arcana represents elements of daily life, providing insight into our daily struggles and experiences of highs and lows. The Swords represent Air element, Cups represent Water, Pentacles represent Earth, and the Wands represent Fire element.  Each suit symbolizes one of the elements. The outfits can convey a person's attitude and character, such as whether they are fiery, ‘up in the air,’ or ‘down to earth.’ The question asked, the reader, the individual getting the reading and the arrangement of other cards in the spread all play a role in determining the importance of a particular card.

On a spread the Major Arcana cards are arranged in chronological order i.e. from 0 to 21, with The Fool at the beginning and The World at the finish. The Hero's Journey, which may be further explored with Joseph Campbell's book ‘The Hero with a Thousand Faces,’ is in line with the turning points of life's narrative and these cards reflect that. The Major Arcana cards, then, stand for the 22 inescapable stages or junctures of every journey that each of us will experience at some point in our lives.

These stages may also return and repeat themselves several times during a person's life, giving rise to a cyclical character that lacks a definitive beginning or finish.

Different types of Tarot Cards

The traditional 78-card tarot deck consists of 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards.

The Major Arcana part discusses your life's karma and the spiritual learning that you will require to think about and develop as a person. You must give these cards careful thought since they contain a crucial message.

At the same time, the Minor Arcana addresses the everyday hardships that each of us faces in life. These cards teach you how to handle obstacles in your day-to-day life with ease and grace. Four additional card suits namely the Pentacles, Wands, Swords, and Cups are included in the Minor Arcana. With the help of these cards different interpretation and meaning can be given to happenings in one's life. 

The Fool: When The Fool is drawn in a reading, it represents a period of fresh starts that call for bravery and a readiness to jump into a whole different cycle, stage, or aspect of life. The Fool is a symbol of the spirit of curiosity and innocence, representing the want for adventure.

The Magician: The magician is a master of time and communication. Pulling The Magician represents a period when you can use your voice, words, brains, and capacity to express ideas to make things happen. Now is the moment to work your own magic.

The High Priestess: Symbolizing intuition, mystery, and the subconscious, she invites you to trust your inner voice and explore hidden truths beyond the surface.

The Empress: The Empress signifies the ability to offer and receive love and care in a balanced manner. It symbolizes abundance, fertility and nurturing. It also represents growth and creativity. 

The Emperor: Your ability to lead and exercise personal authority is shown when you pull the emperor. He is a reflection of your ability to take initiative, be bold, and lead. When it's time to take charge and become your own boss, the emperor often makes an appearance.

The Hierophant: The Hierophant is the card of spiritual teaching and learning that can help us face the religion, customs, and ideas we have accepted. He may represent a period of spiritual development or initiation or the arrival of a teacher or mentor in your life.

The Lovers: The Lovers card represents the art of relationships, both internal and external. It is the joining of opposites, a bringing together of two things, and it might represent the necessity of choosing between two circumstances or individuals. The Lovers challenges you to consider how you approach, select, and give yourself over to love.

The Chariot: The Chariot represents progress, upward movement, drive, letting go of the past to go on, resolve, notoriety, drawing confidence, and feeling secure in your chosen course.

The Strength: Strength is this stage of human growth, where we are all learning how to reconcile our innately animalistic primal nature with our socially conscious civilized selves. You are called to express your originality, passion, and instincts when you pull Strength. You're going to feel energized and full of life again.

The Hermit: The Hermit is a symbol of your inner knowledge and capacity to illuminate your own path; he holds the Star of Hope in his lantern. Presumably, you are about to embark on a period of introspection and seclusion during which the following steps will become clear. Take some time to explore your inner self without outside distractions.

Wheel of Fortune: For those who trust and let the movement lead them to new opportunities, the Wheel spins in favorable ways. Be open to success and breakthrough when you turn the wheel. Be open to venturing into the uncharted territory, where one may encounter "luck" in the shape of novel experiences.

Justice: You enter a state of balance and realignment when Justice displays itself. It's time to take stock of your situation and let go of some of the stuff that has been keeping you off balance. Justice seeks equilibrium in all spheres of life, including work, relationships, health, and wealth.

The Hanged Man: Signifying surrender, new perspectives, and spiritual awakening, he reminds you that true insight often comes through letting go and embracing stillness.

Death: When you let go of what has already passed away, death is the card of rebirth that appears. This card isn't usually associated with physical death; rather, it's a call to release yourself from the burden of death and enter a new stage of life. You powerfully renew yourself in this way.

Temperance: Things are starting to come together when you pull Temperance; you are either going through or soon will go through an integration phase. Even while it may seem like nothing is going on the outside, you are actively alchemically making something new that will eventually appear.

The Devil: It appears that the Devil mocks us, and this card serves as a helpful reminder to not take life too seriously. It is we who bind ourselves with fears, judgments, and expectations. The Devil serves as both a lesson to chuckle at how we ‘bedevil’ ourselves and a cautionary tale about accepting responsibility for our worldly inclinations and ambitions.

The Tower: It's time to demolish the broken and construct something fresh. The Tower serves as a warning. Anything that isn't in line with your actual desires, nature, or purpose can be undone by you. It's time to make a life renovation.

The Star: Discover the revitalizing power of optimism and a new perspective as you pull The Star. You are being reminded of the valuable contribution you make to society and the distinctive ways in which you shine. Make the most of your recovery period, particularly with regard to your self-worth. It's possible that you'll be recognized by the public.

The Moon: The Moon urges you to accept the mystery and everything that defies explanation or definition. When The Moon shows up in a reading, sometimes you won't immediately understand. Maybe now isn't the right moment to find out. It's possible that you'll be drawn to the depths of your spirit, where feelings and visions await your interpretation.

The Sun: Prepare to shine in ways that uplift and encourage others when you apply The Sun, the co-creation principle. You are a sun for others on the globe, just as the Sun is a source of warmth and light for us in our solar system. Give up on things that make you feel exhausted. Team up with people who make you happy to be alive and follow your heart.

Judgement: The use of sound judgment is crucial, and reading judgment emphasizes the value of having a wide viewpoint, impartiality, and fairness. It might be time to examine how you and judgment interact. All of this is a means to an awakening or rebirth, from which you can re-emerge, changed. 

The World: It symbolized the ending of a particular cycle and a new beginning. And realizing and experiencing that everything is interconnected is the new cycle. It is fullness, the sum of all things. You have boundless potential to travel, share your gifts with the world, and take part in the cosmic dance.  

After pulling a card from the spread and depending upon the guidance which is sought a gifted reader then interpret the symbolism, imagery, and positions of the cards in spreads (patterns) to provide guidance, clarity, and perspective. Whether used spiritually or analytically, tarot cards continue to be a popular and meaningful method for exploring intuition, making decisions, and understanding life’s complexities.

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Top Most Powerful Healing Crystals

Crystal healing is fast gaining popularity throughout the world. They have been popular since time immemorial due to their numerous special mystic and healing qualities. Crystal healing experts state that every species of crystal has a distinctive frequency that combines spiritual, metaphysical and healing aspects. They stimulate the natural healing energy of the human body or heal, balance and energize the human energy system when kept in close proximity. Crystal impact one’s health, lifespan and overall wellbeing.  Similar to how humans have electromagnetic energy fields, crystals too have them. One may connect to the delicate healing vibrations of crystals and harness their power through mere touch, keeping them in close proximity or by meditating with them. Below we have listed the most powerful healing crystals as per experts. These are the most powerful crystals available in the world, ranging from piezoelectric gemstones to crystals that heal, empower and bestow with good health and wellbeing.  

Amethyst

Amethyst's is a beautiful semi-precious gemstone of purple to violet color; this popular gemstone encourages peace of mind, clarity, and spiritual insight. Amethyst originates from a variety of minerals in igneous and metamorphic rocks, hot springs, hydrothermal veins, and pyrogenic volcanic rocks. Amethyst belongs to the Quartz family. The related elements of this crystal are water and air. Spiritual knowledge, insights, clairvoyance, psychic abilities, intuition, vision, intelligence, calmness, clarity, subtle thinking, access to dreams and the subconscious, nobility, meditation, manifestation, and divine motivation are among the qualities that this crystal bestows. Its zodiac signs and chakras are Aquarius and Pisces, and the Third Eye and Crown Chakra.

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz is a highly effective crystal for love and attraction. Rose Quartz supports the healing of sadness, loss, and painful emotions and memories, as well as the opening of avenues for forgiveness, empathy, and the outflow of compassion. Rose quartz is found in the cores of pegmatites, which are created by high temperatures. It is composed of titanium, iron, and manganese. Hydrothermal veins are another place to find it. Earth and Water are the related elements. Self-love, unconditional love, kindness, generosity, purity, honesty, care, romance, platonic intimacy, motherly love, compassion, harmony, and friendship are all qualities of this crystal. Its Zodiac signs and Chakras are Libra, Taurus, and Heart.

Black Obsidian

Black obsidian is an incredibly powerful gemstone for purification, transformation, and manifestation. It helps to protect one from negativity, electromagnetic and electronic interference, and environmental contamination, such as hazardous energy. Black obsidian is a form of silicon dioxide and is generated from felsic lava. It is one of the most potent crystals for luck, because of its self-protective properties. Fire and Earth are the two associated elements. Transformation, cleansing, manifestation, psychic abilities, self-alignment, healing, protection, luck, and stress, anxiety, trauma, and terror relief are all examples of healing properties. It is related with the Root Chakra and Scorpio because of its powerful transforming abilities.

Chrysocolla

One of the most powerful gemstones for bringing tranquility and peace is chrysocolla. This stunning blue-green gemstone enhances confidence, elegance, purity, and sensitivity. A silicate mineral with significant copper constituents is chrysocolla. It is typically discovered in malachite and other copper ores. Water and Air are two elements that are related with this crystal. Calm, peace, intuition, gentleness, patience, subconscious wisdom, acceptance, meditation, grace, sensitivity, kindness, hope, intimacy, honesty, nurturing, honesty, higher truth, communication, and self-love are among the healing qualities of this crystal. Throat Chakra and Taurus and Virgo signs are its related zodiac signs and chakra.

Lapis Lazuli

The ancient Egyptians held lapis lazuli in high regard due to its capacity to induce clear and vivid dreams as well as lucid wakefulness. It helps in communication, truth, and higher wisdom while allowing you to get a greater understanding of yourself. A metamorphic rock called lapis lazuli was created by igneous and hydrothermal processes. Lazurite, calcite, sodalite, and pyrite make up its composition. Air and water are the related elements of lapis lazuli. Inner truth, higher wisdom, strength, instinct, alchemy, purification, manifestation, friendship, love, luck, security, harmony, self-awareness, self-knowledge, honesty, integrity, and inspiration are elements that have healing qualities. Its zodiac signs are Sagittarius and Libra, and its Chakras are the Throat and Third Eye.

Carnelian

Carnelian is a powerful crystal that encourages creativity, imagination, and self-empowerment. The Fire element of the stone helps healing, companionship, personal growth, and interpersonal interactions. Carnelian is a form of chalcedony created by the intergrowth of several silica minerals, such as quartz and mogonite. Creativity, warmth, vulnerability, emotional intelligence, inspiration, creative thinking, sociability, independence, self-expression, harmony, bravery, trustworthiness, joy, self-empowerment, vitality, positivism, and fertility are among the healing qualities of Carnelian. Sacral, Cancer, and Leo are its zodiac signs and chakras.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is often regarded as the stone for healers, psychics, seers, and prophets, and it undoubtedly ranks among the most powerful crystals. Aquamarine boosts visionary and clairvoyant abilities while also improving calm, inner strength, and inspiration. Aquamarine is made up of granite pegmatite rocks and hydrothermal veins. It's made of Beryl and aluminum silicate. The related element is water. Healing characteristics include cleaning, meditation, peace, calmness, wisdom, intuition, prophesy, inspiration, inner power, serenity, peace, bravery, personal truth and expression, higher views, spiritual insight, healing, sensitivity, and empathic self-awareness. Its Chakras and Zodiac signs are Throat, Scorpio, and Pisces.

Bloodstone

Bloodstone, also known as a blood purifier, is beneficial for healing, purification, and cleaning. It boosts your internal energy systems and activates the body's self-healing capabilities. Bloodstone is an opaque Quartz and Chalcedony mineral with chlorite, pyroxene, and various oxide minerals. Earth and Fire are the related elements. Good health, purification, blood cleansing and strengthening, abundance, luck, alignment, flow of energy, healing, generosity, idealism, and negativity dispelling are among the healing characteristics. Its Zodiac signs are Aries and Pisces, and its Chakra is Root.

Selenite 

Selenite is an inspiring gemstone that promotes universal consciousness, peace, and cleansing. It is one of the most powerful crystals since the world's largest crystal cave is home to massive Selenite crystal wands. Selenite is created from crystalline gypsum and contains sulfate and calcium-rich seawater. Water and Ether/Spirit are related elements. Healing qualities include tranquility, positivism, meditation, higher consciousness, universal awareness, unconditional love, compassion, purification, integrity, spiritual enlightenment, purity, psychic growth, and forgiveness. Its Chakra and Zodiac signs are Crown, Taurus, and Cancer.

Garnet

Garnet, commonly known as Red Garnet, is a powerful source of energy, inspiration, and passion. It's one of the best stones for boosting physical instinct and vigor, as well as capturing sexual intimacy fears. Garnet is a complicated gem containing several components. To The related element is fire. Survival instinct, devotion, sexuality, libido, life force, passion, positivism, self-confidence, social skills, energy, success, inspiration, vitality, empowerment, and previous life recollection are some of the healing characteristics. Its Chakra and Zodiac signs are Root, Aries, and Capricorn.

Malachite

Like moldavite, malachite is a highly effective stone for prosperity. It is a great tool for boosting self-esteem and confidence because of its many metaphysical and therapeutic qualities. Since malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, different chemicals have been applied to alter copper minerals to create this unusual gemstone. Earth is the related element. Protection, knowledge, inner strength, self-assurance, balance, transformation, optimism, dispelling bad energy, trauma healing, comfort, healing, and a state of equilibrium are among its healing qualities. Heart, Scorpio, and Capricorn are its zodiac signs and chakras.

Moonstone

The properties of moonstone are to enhance emotional intelligence, sensitivity, and feminine wisdom, make it one of the most powerful stones for beauty on the inside. You appear more appealing and spiritually mature from the outside when you have a stronger inner light. The opaque translucent look of moonstone is a result of many intergrowth systems present in the mineral feldspar. Water is the related element. Emotional intelligence, warmth, openness, self-awareness, prosperity, health, sacredness, age-old wisdom, spiritual awareness, contentment, nurturing, motherly love, selflessness, unconditional love, hope, forgiveness, and plenty are among the qualities that are healing. Sacral, Cancer, and Libra are its Zodiac signs and Chakras.

Jeremejevite

Jeremejevite needs to be included in the list of the topmost potent crystals only because of its piezoelectric qualities. When pressure is applied to this pricey and rare crystal, electricity is produced. Aluminum borate with varying hydroxide and fluoride ions is used to make jeremejevite. Its hexagonal arrangement, which has "perfect pyramidal termination," makes it unique. Air and Water are the related elements. Higher consciousness, clairvoyance, psychic abilities, communication, genuineness, truth, knowledge, honesty, self-expression, originality, uniqueness, and the ability to heal emotional trauma and sadness are among its healing qualities. The Throat, Third Eye, Aquarius, and Pisces are its Chakras and Zodiac signs.

Celestite

The term celestial (Latin caelestis) is the source of the word celestite. This uncommon gemstone radiates strong, yet gentle vibrations that are meant to uplift and expand your mind. Strontium sulfate is the source of celestite, which is found in sedimentary rocks. Ether/Spirit and Air are the related elements. Celestial contact, divine inspiration, angelic contact, spirit connection, activation of the higher self, clairvoyance, intuition, universal awareness, imagination, access to dream states, and subconscious wisdom are among the healing powers. Its Zodiac signs are Pisces and Aquarius, and its Chakra is the Crown and Third Eye.

Citrine 

Citrine is an all-arounder and one of the most potent gemstones for luck, money, and love. It has a wide range of applications, and many claim to see changes in citrine's therapeutic properties fast. Amethyst or Smoky Quartz that has been overheated is used to create citrine. It is a macrocrystalline quartz variety with a high silicon dioxide content. Air and Fire are its related elements. Good fortune, abundance, prosperity, joy, self-expression, empowerment, success, inspiration, generosity, receptivity, warmth, truth, and spiritual progress are among the healing qualities of this stone. Its Zodiac signs are Gemini, Leo, and Libra, and its Chakra is Solar Plexus.

Topmost Mysterious Temples of India

India or Bharat is home to one of the most ancient civilizations and religions on the planet. Both, Sanatan Dharma and the ancient Indian civilization are most vibrant, mystic, colorful and unique in many a sense. The land of Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas also hold numerous diversities in cultures, traditions and rituals across its length and breadth. This fact is also evident in food habits, customs, costumes, celebration and even architecture. But in the land one will feel that there is a bond or a thread that ties together people of varied and diverse traditions and beliefs. Like the stories and legends from the ancient scriptures spellbound people from across the land. Ancient sciences such as Vedic Astrology and Vastu Shastra are believed-in and practiced across North, South, East and West of India. Throughout the ages ancient architecture was dominated by magnificence and mighty temples which were built as per principals of Vastu Shastra and were home to various devotional and as well as mystic practices. Thus it is of no surprise that India is home to many mysterious temples whose mysteries are still intriguing till date. These temples hold in them many untold secrets, stories and unsolved puzzles. While visiting these temples, one will experience a mixed feeling of spiritual Divinity and spooky goosebumps. Listed below are some of the most enigmatic and intriguing temples of India.

Mehandipur Balaji Temple (Dausa, Rajasthan)

Not for the faint-hearted, the Mehandipur Balaji temple is a spooky and a unique pilgrimage site in Dausa, Rajasthan. It is one of the most unique, mysterious yet popular temples in all of India as here the priests perform exorcism rituals to rid a person of any kind of evil spirit or black magic. Imagine being a visitor at the temple and hearing the screams and cries of possessed men and women. It is, nevertheless, Lord Hanuman's abode. Hundreds of people travel to Mehandipur Balaji temple every day in hopes of healing a family member or relative who has been possessed by a spirit, ghost or black magic. Many people find their visit to this temple upsetting and unsettling due to scenes of people being chained or peculiar custom or ritual being carried out. This Mehandipur Balaji temple is not like any other temple in India. But as it is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, one may witness the Tuesday evening Aarti ceremony which is considered very powerful. It is believed here one shouldn’t strictly eat anything given by anybody within this temple premises. Also it is believed that one should never look back when he or she leaves the temple premises.

Kamakhya Devi Temple (Guwahati, Assam)

The Kamakhya Devi temple is one amongst the Shakti Peetha temples. The temple is located on Assam's Nilachal Hill. Here Goddess Shakti is worshipped in the form or shape of a yoni (vagina). The mysterious Kamakhya Devi Temple in Guwahati, India, celebrates womanhood and menstruation since the Goddess of this temple bleeds every year during the monsoon period. The century-old temple is considered as one of India's most popular and powerful amid the 51 Shakti Peethas. On entering the temple premises, one will witness a stone-shaped vagina, or ‘Yoni’ that is worshipped here by the devotees, instead of a Deity idol. Every year, the Goddess bleeds and turns the underground water reservoir red. Therefore, the temple is shut throughout this period. The temple is considered as an epicenter for cult, occult and tantric practices and the mysticism can be felt in the air here. Many devotees experience strange feelings, thoughts and occurrences after visiting the Kamakhya Devi Temple near Guwahati. Every year, during the monsoon, the Ambubachi festival is celebrated to honor the fertility of the Goddess for three days. The temple closes during that period and opens again on the fourth day.

Kailasa Temple (Ellora Caves, Maharashtra)

Kailasa Temple dates back to the 16th century, it is a huge rock-cut Hindu temple located in the Ellora Caves in the state of Maharashtra. This temple will inspire one to learn more about ancient Indian civilization, culture and mysticism than one ever have before. Kailasa Temple's structure is monolithic, meaning it has been built from a single rock. This three-story-tall temple edifice boasts beautiful sculptures that drew the attention of the tyrant Mughal King, Aurangzeb, who ordered the caves to be destroyed, yet the Kailasa Cave Temple remained intact. Everything about the temple is mysterious, so much so that people believe it was built by aliens or by humans having some unique alien technology as the temple is cut from top to bottom. The temple when viewed from air resembles a chariot; experts believe it is impossible for people in that day and age to have such construction technology. Also archeologists don’t know what happened to millions of tons of stones that would have been generated during the construction, it is believed that it just evaporated in thin air. The mystery also surrounds the time it took to construct temple the temple, some experts believe it was built in 14 years which is impossible others believe it to be 400 years but scriptural reference doesn’t collaborate this claim. An estimated thirty million Sanskrit carvings remain unidentified, according to archaeologists. Some claim that its mystery stems also from the fact that no one in today's world could create something so intricate. Some people believe the said temple has some connection with the Kailash Mountain in Tibet.

Nidhivan Temple (Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh)

Located in Vrindavan in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, Nidhivan is a sacred forest. For devotees of Lord Krishna and Maa Radha, Nidhivan is a unique and special place and experience. Nidhivan, often called the Forest of Tulsi, is a location that is shrouded in mystery. One cannot help but notice the twisted trees that are scattered around the forest floor in pairs when visiting Nidhivan. It is thought that these paired basil trees are gopis that come to life at night. Many believe that Lord Krishna come here to perform Raas Leela here after dusk. Devotees are not permitted to remain on the premises past dusk. It's said that anyone and everyone who has tried to watch what happens here either passes away, goes blind, or goes crazy.

Jagannath Temple (Puri, Odisha)

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha is most significant for every Lord Vishu devotees, it is also one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites meaning one of the four primary and most sacred pilgrimages in Santan Dharma that a devotee must undertake in his life. The temple is also world-famous for its yearly Rath Yatra. According to many traditions, King Indradyumn established this sacred temple after Lord Vishnu blessed and directed him in his dreams to discover Nila Madhav. There are many mysteries that surround the temple, the first one being that defying natural laws, the flag atop the temple always flutters in the opposite direction of the wind. Another mystery about the temple is the 20-foot-tall and colossal Sudarshan Chakra situated atop the temple. The Chakra is visible from all directions and location in Puri and what is intriguing is that no matter from what location or place in Puri one views it from, it will seem that the Sudarshan Chakra is always facing towards them. One may believe the phenomenon to be an engineering marvel or placement and positioning trick but nevertheless the exact reason for the same still remains a mystery. Another unique and mysterious aspect of the temple is that the place is a no-fly zone designated by some spiritual force rather than any govt. authority as no birds here fly over the temple unlike in the neighborhood. The said occurrence also has no explanation and still remains a mystery.

Veerabhadra Temple (Lepakshi, Andra Pradesh)

The mysterious Veerabhadra Temple in the Lepakshi region of Andra Pradesh is famous for having one hanging pillar out of seventy. Its architecture reflects the Vijaynagar style of construction, and its history goes back to the sixteenth century. Andhra Pradesh's Veerabhadra Temple has gained popularity across the country due to its unique feature of having a single pillar hanging from the top, which attracts a lot of people. This temple is dedicated to Lord Kal Bhairav Nath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and dates back to the sixteenth century. A cloth can even be slipped beneath the hanging pillar to reveal the gap between it and the ground. One may explore and admire the stunning Goddesses and Deity sculptures on the pillars and the walls, and also be enchanted by the ancient engineering marvel as you tour the temple. This temple is a place where mystery and history converge.

Lingaraja Temple (Bhubaneshwar, Odisha)

The eleventh century Lingaraja Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the largest temple in the city of Bhubaneswar. The incredible temple was presumably constructed by Jaipur's King, Jajati Keshari when he relocated his dynasty to Bhuvneshwar city around 1090 to 1104 C.E. This temple is unique and remarkable because of an optical illusion that makes it appear much bigger than it actually is. One will be captivated by the intricate designs of the temple, which features architecture in the Kalinga style. Inside is a unique Swayambhu Lingam which as per legends was not in the current lingam form in the Satya and Treta Yuga but took the said form in Dwapar and Kali Yuga. The temple has a long and rich history, the main gate is guarded by two yellow lions and here offering of milk and bhang by devotees to the Lingam is a tradition.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala)

The mysterious Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is situated in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. There are several restrictions on entry to this holy place as only Hindus are permitted inside the temple premises. People of other religions are not permitted inside the temple in order to maintain its sanctity and purity. The temple is devoted to Lord Padmanabhaya, one of Lord Vishnu's avatars. Many think that coming to this shrine will grant their wishes. This ancient temple, which dates to the eighth century CE, was designed in the Chera architectural style. Keep in mind that there is a dress code before you go. Women should wear sarees, and men are required to wear dhotis. No modern clothing is permitted inside the temple. A trust headed by the Travancore Royal Family looks after the temple. The mystery surrounding the temple is about the treasures in cellars/vaults at this temple. Some believe it to be billions of dollars and more that GDP of many countries. There are also many myths, mysteries and legends associated with the said treasure of the temple. Some vaults are still not opened as experts believe opening them will harm the structure of the temple, thus nobody know what treasures are present in the temple. No wonder that the government has installed Z-Security to protect the treasures kept in the cellars.

Venkateshwara Temple (Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh)

The Venkateshwara Temple is another mysterious temple of India located in the Tirupati area of Andhra Pradesh. Every day, some 50,000 pilgrims come to worship Lord Venkateshwara, sometimes referred to as Lord Balaji, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. The temple attracts devotees from around the world. The energy and aura at the temple is something unique and one to experience. The temple has an annual turnover of about 6.5 million USD, making it one of the richest temples in India. The mystery here is that the Deity idol here is known to perspire and have real hair. Surprisingly, despite the priests' constant efforts to dry it off, the back of the idol remains moist. Also what is interesting is that it is believed when one properly positions their ear on the back of the Deity, one can hear massive sea waves.

Ananthapadmanabha Lake Temple (Kasaragod, Kerala)

In Kasaragod, Kerala, located is the Ananthapadmanabha Lake Temple. The temple is mysterious and unique because of its crocodile protector, Babia. Unlike other crocodiles, this one is a vegetarian. The crocodile, Babia, protects the temple and till date has never hurts anyone. Babia exclusively consumes the temple prasad, which consists of cooked rice and jaggery, despite the fact that crocodiles have a reputation for being vicious meat eaters. After the midday prayer, devotees even give Babia food with their hands. It is astonishing that Babia, who has been a resident of the lake for approximately 70 years, gets along nicely with people. The impressive wood carvings at the temple, which depict scenes of Lord Vishnu's incarnations, date back to the ninth century. There is a unique relationship between Babia and the temple priest. Babia once emerged from the pond, but it turned around and went back in response to the priest's command. There are other fish in the pond besides Babia, and this vegan crocodile hasn't hurt any of them. It is believed that when one crocodile dies or vanishes it is replaced by another one by nature.

Meenakshi Amman Temple (Madurai, Tamil Nadu)

Meenakshi Amman Temple is an extraordinary landmark located in the very heart of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Madurai city as a whole has a deep bond with this temple. Meenakshi sometimes referred to as Goddess Parvati, and Sundareswarar, Lord Shiva, are the presiding Deities of this temple. This temple is considered one of the most mysterious in India because of architectural, historical and religious significance. The mesmerizing architecture of the temple is a mystery in itself. Experts are still puzzled about the architectural, technical and engineering marvel the temple is and how it was constructed without advanced technology and tools in ancient times. The temple has a hall with musical pillars whose mechanism experts aren’t able to solve till date. Also the pillars remain cool even in scorching temperatures, how this is achieved is still a mystery. Meenakshi Amman Temple, which covers an enormous 14-acre area, is not just large but also exceptionally old, with sculptures dating back about 3000 years. Inside, there are around 33,000 sculptures and 4000 pillars, each crafted from a single rock. Carvings of mythical creatures such as a lion with elephant heads and more found throughout the temple complex add to mysticism and mystery of the temple.

Jwala Ji Temple, Himachal Pradesh

The Jwala Ji Temple is located in the Kangra district in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the Shakti Peethas dedicated to Goddess Shakti. It is believed here is where the tongue of Goddess Shakti fell when Lord Vishnu cut Her corpse using Sudarshan Chakra during Lord Shiva’s tandava. Here in the temple there is no typical Goddess Idol which is worshipped instead there is natural blue flames that emerge from rock fissures within a square sanctum pit which is worshipped as a representation of Goddess Shakti’s tongue. The mystery of the temple is the unexplained, Divine blue eternal flame. The flame has no visible fuel source and experts have failed to find definitive natural source. Legends go that Mughal Emperor Akbar attempted to extinguish the flame using iron plates and water channels but failed.

Kaal Bhairav Nath Temple (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)

The Kaal Bhairav Nath Temple in Varanasi, UP is dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. The mystery or the uniqueness of the temple here is that here, in place of the typical offerings; people offer the God wine or whiskey and in-turn are blessed with blessings of courage, confidence and fearlessness. The offering of alcohol poured in the Idol’s mouth mysteriously disappears. Here, you won't find the typical flower garlands or sweet shops. Before entering the shrine, devotees purchase these alcohols from booths outside. Be prepared for long queues particularly on important Hindu festivals, but the wait will surely be worthwhile.

Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple (Kavi Kamboi Village, Gujarat)

Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is another mysterious temple, close to Vadodara, that emerges from water and vanishes in it. Lord Shiva is said to reside in this temple, therefore those who dare to enter are bestowed with His blessings. The Stambheshwar Temple is only open for visits during low tide. The temple vanishes into the sea during high tides and resurfaces when the water level drops.

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