Our trip to the island town of Srirangapatna was although a big
disappointment as we had gone in search of ancient temples and they all
had been renovated alas in the modern style. However, the existence of an
ancient bridge built during the British occupation using local engineering
skills came as a big surprise. After going around the Srirangapatna Fort
which was once the seat of Hoysalas, we hurried down towards the riverside
on which this bridge still stood mute but spoke of an interesting piece of
history.
Estimated Reading Time::Just :)
Saturday 20 February 2021
Friday 5 February 2021
Cambodia - The Faces Of Bayon
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Heritage
It was early morning and still pleasant when I along with our group set
out to see Bayon, one of the last state-built temples at Angkor Thom
complex. From any of the hotels where you are staying, it is easy to
grab a Tuk Tuk and make most of the scenic surroundings as all the
temples are just 2-3 kilometres away. Our guide who was at our hotel at
5 am itself, motivated us to leave early to escape the scorching sun. He
informed us the temple complex was once the capital city of the great
King Jayavarman VII during late 12th and early 13 centuries.
Angkor Thom with walls, moats |
Cambodia –Bayon Temple
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Heritage
Travelling across the world, I have come across many structures and monuments, however, the most impressive of these structures have been from the Khmer civilization which traces its roots to India. There are no words
to describe the Wat culture – I mean a temple in the Khmer language.
Hundreds of temples have been found and dug in the Royal Kingdom of
Cambodia over a period of 100 years. These temples had remained buried for many centuries with Cambodians not even aware of their own rich and glorious past.
Outside face of Bayon temple |
Thursday 21 January 2021
Belur Chennakeshava Temple
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Heritage
- A Peek Into the Domestic Tales
Thank you for joining me from Part I
Our temples have this unique identity of not only depicting gods and goddesses but also of telling us stories from daily life. They are the time capsules of their century and they do a very good job of helping us peek back into their times. While centuries have gone by, looking at these carvings, it sometimes feels as if nothing much has changed.
Our temples have this unique identity of not only depicting gods and goddesses but also of telling us stories from daily life. They are the time capsules of their century and they do a very good job of helping us peek back into their times. While centuries have gone by, looking at these carvings, it sometimes feels as if nothing much has changed.
Couples, families and human interactions make up for a significant amount of miniature carvings. In this part of the Belur series, I've kept my focus on the domestic scene. Some I understood, while some I'll leave it to your understanding.
No amount of time is sufficient to soak in all the history that is etched in every visible surface of this beautiful temple. But we had a couple of other places to cover, so with much reluctance, I forced myself to speed up my pace. But even in that time, the number of details that sprung out at me from every nook and corner was simply overwhelming.
Come, see for yourself....
A couple in Belur temple |
Thursday 14 January 2021
Belur Chennakeshava Temple
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Heritage
The Carvings Amidst The Carvings
What can I tell you about the Chennakeshava temple in Belur, that has
already not been told? The undisputable source of inspiration to so many and
the undeniable jaw-dropping excellence and beauty has been written about
almost everywhere. So forgive me if I cannot shine any new light on
these wonders. But I did try with great difficulty to look beyond the
beautiful Mandanikas to get a closer look at the tinier treats that acted as
fillers to the main carvings. I was not disappointed.
Monday 11 January 2021
Srirangapatna Fort History
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Heritage
The Ancient Riverine Citadel
If one has to take a peek at the ancient part of the Srirangapatna Fort in Karnataka, the entry from the Delhi Gate side is ideal. Now, how many people know the historicity of this citadel as Murali, our guide, advocate and local temple priest related its roots going back to the 14th century when Vijaynagar kings ruled these parts. The construction of the Srirangapatna Fort started as far back as 1454 and therefore when one moves from one section to another, it clearly takes one to an era where different kings have fortified their kingdom as per the needs of the time.
Sunday 10 January 2021
Srirangapatna Fort
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Heritage
A Citadel That Speaks Of History From Different Periods
In search of ancient temples in Srirangapatna that has retained its original heritage, we stumbled on a citadel that speaks volumes from different periods but not much is known about. We know only from the 18th century how Tipu Sultan had fortified and added more structures to it. But this is a fort from an ancient era and historians have neither dug into its past nor probed into this Vijaynagar heritage far from Ballari. In fact, many parts of the Srirangapatna fort that is hidden by green outgrowths and mosses - remains unexplored and neglected while only the last rulers from this walled structure have been dwelt upon and written about.
In search of ancient temples in Srirangapatna that has retained its original heritage, we stumbled on a citadel that speaks volumes from different periods but not much is known about. We know only from the 18th century how Tipu Sultan had fortified and added more structures to it. But this is a fort from an ancient era and historians have neither dug into its past nor probed into this Vijaynagar heritage far from Ballari. In fact, many parts of the Srirangapatna fort that is hidden by green outgrowths and mosses - remains unexplored and neglected while only the last rulers from this walled structure have been dwelt upon and written about.
Thursday 31 December 2020
Nageshwara And Chennakeshava Temples
::
Heritage
- Where Mohini & Varahi Beckon
Awesome....Thanks for staying on from
part II.
As I was walking around the temple trying to understand and decipher as many carvings as I could, I came across a couple of small kids playing catch. To my horror, they were happily using the carvings for target practice. A couple of adults nearby did not even seem to realise the harm that was being caused.
As I was walking around the temple trying to understand and decipher as many carvings as I could, I came across a couple of small kids playing catch. To my horror, they were happily using the carvings for target practice. A couple of adults nearby did not even seem to realise the harm that was being caused.
I just took a wild guess that they must be kids from the surrounding village
for whom the temple complex was just a centuries-old playground. In the
nicest and firmest voice I could muster, I asked them to play elsewhere.
Only after that another villager came running and took charge of the
situation.
No wonder there are so many broken noses, faces and other fractured pieces
of carvings in the temple.
Wednesday 30 December 2020
Nageshwara And Chennakeshava Temples
::
Heritage
- Carvings & More
I was absolutely surprised when I saw a very similar carving here and I was told that this is the 'Visha Kanya' or poisonous maiden. The 'Visha Kanyas' were brought up from childhood with controlled doses of poison. By the time they were grown up their mere touch could kill someone.
Thanks for walking with me from
part I.
Remember my blog about Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy temple in Bhadravati, where I spoke about the figurine of 'the man in the long coat'? The priest in that temple had told us that that figurine was of the chief architect of the temple.
Remember my blog about Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy temple in Bhadravati, where I spoke about the figurine of 'the man in the long coat'? The priest in that temple had told us that that figurine was of the chief architect of the temple.
The supposed Visha Kanya or the mystery person in the long coat |
I was absolutely surprised when I saw a very similar carving here and I was told that this is the 'Visha Kanya' or poisonous maiden. The 'Visha Kanyas' were brought up from childhood with controlled doses of poison. By the time they were grown up their mere touch could kill someone.
Nageshwara And Chennakeshava Temples
::
Heritage
- The Twins Of Mosale Hosehalli
This took us through some very scenic and incredibly pleasant roads on that cloud interspersed winter morning to the twin temples of Nageshwara and Chennakeshva at Mosale Hosehalli. There are times when seated at the far end of a 21 seater bus makes you feel every bump and stone personally. The journey, however, was overall fun and totally worth it. This included the roller coaster drop and climb over a dried-up water canal since there was a bridge construction right next to it. Google maps also showed a long thin road snaking across seemingly nowhere to suddenly reach the temple.
This trip was different. I was not travelling with Meera. This trip was with
a different group of people, who were equally, happily enthusiastic about
heritage, and my parents. In fact, I was not even originally supposed to
travel. But after being cooped up for so long, unable to do the right kind
of justice to spotted owlets and its mission to bring as many stories as
possible from hidden gems all over, I just chose to grab the chance and I am
glad I did.
Our journey was supposed to take us to Belur, Halebidu, Veeranarayana Swamy
temple at Belavadi and Dodda Gadavalli. But after a recent and unfortunate
desecration of an idol at Dodda Gadavalli by some misguided treasure
hunters, the plan had to be changed.
This took us through some very scenic and incredibly pleasant roads on that cloud interspersed winter morning to the twin temples of Nageshwara and Chennakeshva at Mosale Hosehalli. There are times when seated at the far end of a 21 seater bus makes you feel every bump and stone personally. The journey, however, was overall fun and totally worth it. This included the roller coaster drop and climb over a dried-up water canal since there was a bridge construction right next to it. Google maps also showed a long thin road snaking across seemingly nowhere to suddenly reach the temple.
The twins of Moasale Hosehalli |
Tuesday 22 December 2020
Veeranarayana Temple In Belavadi - Additional Information
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Heritage
The main story of this temple can be found here.
It was an incredible feeling when I got a chance to visit the Veeranarayana
Swamy temple at Belavadi again. I had started this year with a visit
to this temple in January. I do not know how it works, but I guess some
energy from the temple made sure I visited the temple again before the
year-end.
The seven doorways or Sapthadwara |
Thursday 10 December 2020
Chikkamagaluru - A 100-Year-Old Unique Heritage
Belavadi is a tiny and quaint village and is just 10 kilometres from the
world-famous Hoysaleshwara temple at Halebeedu in Hassan district.
In the aftermath of visiting the famous Hoysala style architectural
marvel, the Veeranarayana Swamy Temple at Belavadi in Chikkamagaluru
district, we took a stroll around the village which once had about 400
Brahmin families living around the temple.
It was a hot and sunny day and to walk around the village made us thirsty and hungry but this village has neither any tourist facility nor any hotels or restaurants. Despite our rumbling stomach, we decided to take a
peek around this ancient village.
Front view of the house |
Tuesday 8 December 2020
Lepakshi Temple
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Heritage
- The Incomplete Kalyan Mantapa And More
Thank you for joining me from Part IV
Another place filled with drama, intrigue and designs is the incomplete Kalyan Mantapa or the marriage hall near the southwest side of the temple.
Another place filled with drama, intrigue and designs is the incomplete Kalyan Mantapa or the marriage hall near the southwest side of the temple.
The pillars stand all decked up in their incredible carvings, yet bare because of the missing ceiling. Our guide dramatically narrated the macabre story behind the unfinished mandapa.
Entrance to the kalyan mantapa |
Saturday 5 December 2020
Lepakshi Temple
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Heritage
- Hanging Pillar And Other Architectural Expertise
Thank you for joining me from part III
The story of the hanging pillar of Lepakshi is definitely not a new one, but it still does not fail to intrigue. Of the 70 pillars in the dancing hall, one pillar was the chosen one. Hanging from the ceiling in a perfectly straight manner, this pillar balances the weight of all the other pillars around it. Such an immaculate calculation of the place, weight, angle and positioning of the pillar!!!
The story of the hanging pillar of Lepakshi is definitely not a new one, but it still does not fail to intrigue. Of the 70 pillars in the dancing hall, one pillar was the chosen one. Hanging from the ceiling in a perfectly straight manner, this pillar balances the weight of all the other pillars around it. Such an immaculate calculation of the place, weight, angle and positioning of the pillar!!!
The hanging pillar |
Sunday 29 November 2020
Lepakshi Temple
::
Heritage
- The Enthralling Murals
Thank you for joining me from part II.
All over the ceiling in the dancing hall are colorful murals depicting various stories from mythology. Just walking around with head tilted upwards to see these paintings was a challenge enough. So how did the artisans of the bygone eras manage to achieve such incredible perfectionism in their ceiling paintings?
All over the ceiling in the dancing hall are colorful murals depicting various stories from mythology. Just walking around with head tilted upwards to see these paintings was a challenge enough. So how did the artisans of the bygone eras manage to achieve such incredible perfectionism in their ceiling paintings?
Also considering that their paints were entirely made of natural substances and have managed to survive almost five centuries, makes one wonder about the modern-day paints. It might be really interesting to paint our houses with veggies, fruits and leaves.
Ganesha And Ravana |
Friday 27 November 2020
Lepakshi Temple
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Heritage
- The Dancing Hall
Thank you for joining me from Part I here.
Climbing up a few steps from the entrance, we reached the dancing hall. Interesting carvings beckoned us, but after we learnt the story behind each carving we were more than enamored.
Climbing up a few steps from the entrance, we reached the dancing hall. Interesting carvings beckoned us, but after we learnt the story behind each carving we were more than enamored.
The center hall is beautifully spacious with a tall ceiling. The ceiling
is designed like a lotus with around 100 petals distributed in 4
whorls.
The Ceiling In The Dancing Hall |
Lepakshi Temple
::
Heritage
- History And Significance
We were supposed to meet just for a pizza. Then we decided to maybe just go for a long drive and have pizza on the way back. After a breakfast of crisp, hot masala dosas and some piping hot coffee at the Bangalore Cafe, we set off.
We had no idea where we were going, so we decided to go near Nandi hills and
explore some more places nearby. Just as we were nearing the toll, one of my
friends brought up this brilliant idea of going to the Lepakshi temple. So we
topped on the first breakfast with a second breakfast at 'Nandi Upachaar' at
the junction of Nandi Hills and we were on the way to Lepakshi temple in the
town of Lepakshi along the Karnataka-Andhra border.
Jatayu In Jatayu Theme Park |
Monday 9 November 2020
Bhutan
::
Nature
- The Mighty And Magical Journey Across Eastern Himalayas
By Meera
As we drove down from Bagdogra in India to Phuentsholing, the gateway to
Bhutan, crossing Siliguri, Darjeeling and the eastern periphery of West
Bengal - dusty plains followed by terraced fields in the bordering
district, the journey did not seem laborious or difficult. On the
way, we passed through the beginning of the eastern Himalayas while it was
a pleasure to watch the meandering Teesta River, the Dooars forest and
innumerable tea estates.
Sunday 25 October 2020
Our Moon
– The Lunar Fascination Continues In All Serenity
‘The Moon is a friend for the lonesome to talk to’ said Carl Sandburg and for many of us, this is a reality as also a stress buster. At night when it shines luminously, it makes my life bright and meaningful. With so many imperfections, it is still the most beautiful and the most fascinating natural satellite to watch from our planet with naked eyes. It was time for me to join many fellow enthusiasts and other curious people from around the world to watch the Moon.
Our Moon
-A Closer And Keener Look To Satisfy Our Curiosity
I have always felt that when making celestial observations, it is always
better to respect one’s traditions, people’s cultural beliefs associated
with the moon. Since ages, man’s life has been intimately connected with
the Moon and their lives too are woven around it, in whatever form they
are. In fact, the earth’s satellite is represented sometimes as a male
deity or female goddess in different cultures.
Image credit : Kantharaj |
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