Worship rats or breasts, drink during the service - think that this is all a ballad fantasy, but, believe me, it really happens in temples located in different parts of the world. Let's learn more about them.
In the world there are many religions and even more different temples in which people sometimes worship animals, spirits, elements and so on. We offer to visit the most strange and at the same time original sacred places. Believe me, some temples will make you smile, and some - will be shocked.
1. Salt Cathedral, Colombia
Unique is the Sipakira Cathedral, which is carved into a solid salt rock. Its height is 23 m, and it holds more than 10 thousand believers. At first there was a mine, which the Indians used to get salt, and when it was no longer used, a temple was organized. It is worth noting that being in such a salt room is very useful not only for the spiritual, but also for the physical for health.
2. Church wagon - Russia
Surprisingly, in Russia railway churches existed since the end of the XIX century. Thanks to such trains, people solved the problem of the absence of temples in some localities. In addition, they were used for the long and safe transportation of the relics of saints and other relics.
3. Inflatable Temple, England
It may seem that this is a trampoline for children, but no, this is the first inflatable church that appeared in 2003. Its height is 14.3 m, and it can accommodate 60 people. It's amazing that there is an organ, windows made of stained glass and candles, and it's all ... inflatable.
4. Transparent Church, The Netherlands
Another inflatable church that deserves attention is the Transparent Churc. Invented by her Dutch philosopher Frank Los. It can be deflated, transported in the trunk and installed anywhere. In the inflatable temple can fit about 30 people.
5. Temple of Lego, Holland
In this country, you can see many more interesting things, but a church built from a popular designer really amazes with its originality. It is clear that the structure is made of concrete blocks, imitating plastic parts, but apparently it looks like it is a real designer. Initially, the building was planned as a temporary pavilion, it was intended for meetings, exhibitions and performances. This is an important place for the Grenswerk festival.
6. Stone temple, India
It is impossible not to admire the beauty of the Hailist temple of Kailash, because it is completely cut from the rock in the state of Maharashtra. Works began in the VIII century and lasted 100 years.
7. The Church of Booze, Africa
Fans of alcohol should definitely visit the church of Gabola, because it hosts services where you can drink. In addition, everyone who wants here is baptized with alcohol. What is the relationship of faith and alcohol, explains the founder of the church, Czeci Makiti:
"The parish is founded so that those who drink and reject the traditional church people find a safe place for libation, and come close to the Lord. In our church you can drink and not be afraid of condemnation. "
Another interesting fact - the church is in the structure of the tavern.
8. Temple of Bones, Czech Republic
Once this church was popular with the local nobility as a burial place. The number of buried was constantly increasing because of the epidemic of plague and wars. When the seats were no longer sufficient, it was decided to place the bones more compactly. The intriguing design was changed several times, and now the interior decoration consists of bones of about 60 thousand people.
9. Temple of rock, Brazil
In San Paolo there is a church called Crash Church, where heavy rock is used for sermons. The temple is in an ordinary but spacious garage, and the services here are more like a rock concert.
The pastor deserves special attention, as his body is covered with tattoos, he has long hair and a beard, and sneakers, jeans and a T-shirt are worn on him. The minister of this unusual church admits:
"The church exists solely for donations, and in my sermons it is difficult for me to balance between religion and heavy music."
10. Transparent church, Belgium
The incredible beauty of the building was made of steel and glass. The architect used more than 2 thousand steel columns and 100 layers. The church, depending on the angle of view and the fall of the sun's rays, looks quite different. It is worth noting that the church does not perform the classical function, and in the near future the service is not planned to be conducted here.
11. Temple of the Rat, India
Not everyone will dare to visit this Hindu temple called "Karni Mata", which is in the state of Rajasthan. Prepare to flinch, because in this temple there are about 250 thousand rats. They are not trying to expel them, but, on the contrary, are guarded and fed with coconuts and milk. If a rodent dies not because of his old age, then in honor of him put a small statue of silver or gold. In this temple, it is believed that rats are the embodiment of the descendants of Karni Mata (a Hindu saint and politician). Pilgrims are happy when they can share a meal with rats, because, in their opinion, it attracts luck and energizes.
12. Temple for dogs, America
In Vermont there is a small chapel, which everyone can visit. Visitors say that this is a really warm and bright place. Here, pets can "turn to their God", and people - leave a photo and a letter for their pet, who passed away.
13. Church in Oak, France
An ancient landscape chapel looks like it was created by a modern architect. For its construction, not a single stone was used, as the church fits inside a huge oak tree, which is 800 years old. Around the tree there is a spiral staircase leading to two small chapels. Inside the oak church was organized after the lightning struck a tree in the 17th century and burned everything inside, but the shell was preserved. The local abbot believed that this is a divine sign.
14. Temple of Pythons, Africa
The religion of voodoo and snake has a direct connection with each other, therefore it is not surprising that in Wid (Benin), where Voodooism is a recognized religion, there is a temple of pythons. It hosts a large number of snakes, which can interact with visitors. It is also interesting that in front of this unusual church there is a Catholic church that makes peace with such neighbors.
15. Temple of the female breast, Japan
A place that will please the males is in the town of Kudoyama. This is truly a unique Buddhist temple and it is dedicated to the female breast. Outside, the temple is not noticeable, but inside everything is clear. Behind the strange idea lies an important meaning: people come here to pray for women's health, for example, about pregnancy, healing and so on.
16. An alien temple, Thailand
The incomparable beauty temple complex, which occupies more than 3 km, is called "Wat Dhamakaya". It is located not far from Bangkok in Patuhumthani province. From the side the temple is like a flying saucer of golden color. If you look at the structure closer, you can see that it is covered with a million Buddha figures. Thanks to the vast territories, thousands of people can meditate here.