The Hall of the Holy Mother: One of the Oldest Places of Worship
The Hall of the Holy Mother (聖母殿) in Jinci Temple (晉祠), Shanxi. Built during the reign of Emperor Renzong (仁宗) of the Northern Song dynasty (1023-1032).
The hall is part of the ever evolving temple complex founded about one and a half thousand years ago. Over the centuries of countless transformations, it has accumulated buildings of various periods and styles.
The temple is dedicated to Shuimu (水母), The Old Mother of Waters, witch-goddess of Chinese lore, appearing in the form of a dragon, a snake or a charming lady with a sword and a yoke.
Two years ago, we went to Hyangiram Temple near Yeosu, South Korea.
I took SO MANY pictures that day because the weather was nice and, honestly, I needed a breather after all those stairs, since Hyangiram is built into a steep mountainside.
I’ve since used these for background reference in a variety of my art, and finally got around to collecting them all in portion-sized ZIP folders for downloading.
You can find them here if you ever need Korean temple architecture references, or tortoise statues galore.
The image files are quite large, so it’s easy to zoom in on patterns and wood carvings, too.
My favourite and one of the best works yet, more like a fan art of Indian architecture of Brihadeeswara Temple by adding Some fantasy concept elements #voxelart
Triyuginarayan Mandir, Uttarakhand: A Timeless Tale of Divine Union | #shortsadventure #travel
Embark on a virtual pilgrimage to the sacred Triyuginarayan Mandir in Uttarakhand, where spirituality and mythology converge. 🏞️🕉️ Immerse yourself in the divine serenity of this ancient temple, known for its association with the eternal union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Join us on this #Shorts adventure as we explore the spiritual significance and breathtaking landscapes surrounding Triyuginarayan Mandir. Explore the stunning landscapes of Himachal Pradesh with Jannat Travel Guru Tour and Travel Agency! We specialize in crafting unforgettable Himachal tour packages and providing valuable information about the must-visit tourist destinations in this Himalayan paradise. Experience the timeless charm and architectural elegance of Triyuginarayan Mandir, where every stone seems to whisper tales of divinity. 🏰🏞️ Whether you're a spiritual seeker or a lover of ancient architecture, this temple is a must-visit gem in Uttarakhand. 🎥 Immerse yourself in the divine aura in under a minute with this #Shorts video! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more glimpses of India's spiritual treasures. 🇮🇳🔔
Dongyang Houtu Temple (東羊后土廟), located in Dongyang village, Linfen (臨汾市), Shanxi. Built in the Yuan dynasty, in the fifth year of Zhizheng (至正) (1345). The remaining murals and architecture date from the Yuan dynasty, the altar figurines are from the Ming era.
The temple was erected to worship Houtu (后土神), the Queen of the Earth, ancient goddess of all lands and mountains.
It is curious that the sources of the Spring and Autumn period refer to Houtu as a male deity. Being incorporated into Taoism, Houtu retained his gender from the very beginning, worshipped as one of the Four Heavenly Ministers (四神).
However, he later fell victim to the widespread belief that the Earth represents the Yin principle, and therefore has feminine characteristics. This is how the image of the Lady Mother Earth (地母娘娘) from the late Taoism arose.