The Hindu and Buddhist history of Odisha , or rather, ancient Kalinga, is rather well known to everyone. Who hasn’t heard of the grand temples of Odisha – Puri, Lingaraj and Konark, or the great war of Kalinga which inspired Ashoka to convert to Buddhism? In contrast, very few know of the Jaina heritage of this region. This is quite a pity, since, just around 7 km from the city, is one of India’s most ancient inscriptions, which throws light on the Jaina heritage of Odisha. This inscription is the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela, in the hills of Udaygiri. Udaygiri and Khandgiri are two hills located opposite each other, and both are testaments to the rich Jaina heritage of Odisha. The caves at Udaygiri are older, while Khandgiri is relatively newer, but has lasted much longer, and continues to be a place of pilgrimage for Jains even today. These hills, from inscriptions and excavations of caves, shrines and rock beds, appear to have been a haven for Jaina monks, right from the ...
The fifth day of navaratri dawned, along with the sudden realization that we were already halfway through the celebrations, and in five more days we would be back to the normal grind of day to day life. The realization spurred me along to call all those I had planned to invite home, and ask them to come home on Friday, make a few visits, and, in the evening, it led me to the Sringeri Mutt and the Ahobila Mutt in Chembur, where the celebrations are on in grand scale. At the former, I was unable to take photographs, but at Ahobila Mutt, they were only too happy to allow me to take pictures of the Utsava Moorthy - Lord Venkateswara and Padmavati on the Shesha Vahanam, and Mahalakshmi ready for her tour of the area. Here is a glimpse……
At the temple was an interesting decoration – Sri Seethala Devi on her vehicle, the donkey! Seethala Devi is considered a form of the goddess Mariamman, who is said to have a cooling effect and hence is the patron deity for fevers and the pox. I remember accompanying my mom to the local temple where there was an image of Seethala Devi, where we used to offer prayers and naivedhayam of Curd rice to the goddess, asking for protection from fevers, chicken pox, measles and such other diseases, but I don’t remember noticing the Devi’s vehicle. It is fascinating to think that an animal which is considered stupid and the butt of jokes should be revered in this way!
Another interesting thing to note is that the Devi holds in her hands, a broom and a dustpan – a clear indication, isn’t it, that all that’s needed for good health is hygiene???
At the temple was an interesting decoration – Sri Seethala Devi on her vehicle, the donkey! Seethala Devi is considered a form of the goddess Mariamman, who is said to have a cooling effect and hence is the patron deity for fevers and the pox. I remember accompanying my mom to the local temple where there was an image of Seethala Devi, where we used to offer prayers and naivedhayam of Curd rice to the goddess, asking for protection from fevers, chicken pox, measles and such other diseases, but I don’t remember noticing the Devi’s vehicle. It is fascinating to think that an animal which is considered stupid and the butt of jokes should be revered in this way!
Another interesting thing to note is that the Devi holds in her hands, a broom and a dustpan – a clear indication, isn’t it, that all that’s needed for good health is hygiene???
Am loving your Navratri posts...there are so many things about our rich culture that I had forgotten till I read your posts...waiting for the remaining 5 days...
ReplyDeleteSankara
http://sankaracs.blogspot.com
Sankara : Thanks so much! i am on my own journey of rediscovering, and its a pleasure to share my journey....
ReplyDeleteHi Deepa,
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to your posts these days. It truly gives me great vigour and enthusiasm. To share something with you - I remember that when we were young, my Mom used to tell us the significance of GOLU. She used to say that all the dolls and the items we put out on display are people and circumstances which we come across in our day to day lives. This is a time to remember all of them and thank the Almighty for the lovely life HE has given us. Now ain't that a beautiful explanation ?? :)