SECOND PRIZE WINNER!
Sejal Ranka
India
Sejal Ranka is an architecture graduate with a passion for exploring history and culture through design. Writing allows her to express her thoughts and share stories of places and structures that inspire her. She aimed to share a piece of India’s heritage with the world through her writing. The Kailash Temple serves as a perfect example of India’s brilliance, and this essay was her way of celebrating it.
Interview with the Winner
Introduction
I’m Sejal Ranka, an architecture graduate with a love for exploring history and culture through design. Writing allows me to express my thoughts and share stories of places and structures that inspire me. I wanted to share a piece of India’s heritage with the world through my writing. The Kailash Temple is a perfect example of India’s brilliance, and this essay was my way of celebrating it.
Essay Overview
My essay, Through the Rock, focuses on the Kailash Temple at Ellora, carved from a single rock. It explores the temple’s cultural and spiritual significance, its incredible architecture, and its timeless legacy as a symbol of human creativity and devotion.
Exploring Timeless Edifices
I focused on what makes the Kailash Temple timeless. For me, it’s the way its function connects with people and culture. It’s not just a structure; it’s a space where spirituality and community come together, making it relevant even today.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The essay looks at how the Kailash Temple reflects the Rashtrakuta dynasty’s vision, Hindu traditions, and India’s rich cultural identity. It also highlights the stories carved into the temple walls, which bring mythology and history to life.
I read about the temple’s history and construction techniques and studied its carvings and symbolism. I also tried to understand its context in Indian culture and what it represented at the time it was built.
Personal Connection
Yes, I’ve always felt a strong urge to visit the Kailash Temple, and writing about it gave me a sense of belonging to its story. It’s a connection to my roots and a reminder of the greatness of Indian culture.
Impact on Civilization
The essay explains how the Kailash Temple has been more than a place of worship. It’s a space that has preserved traditions, inspired generations, and continues to bring people together in awe and admiration.
Inspirations and Challenges
The biggest challenge was doing justice to such a magnificent structure in words. I overcame it by focusing on its core—its singularity as a temple carved from one rock and its timeless connection with people and culture.
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