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Odisha Part 9 : The Vaital Temple, Bhubaneshwar

The Vaital temple is of the many intriguing temples in Bhubaneshwar. To begin with, the structure itself resembles a South-Indian temple more than the typical Kalingan style that we see everywhere else in Odisha. The temple has been dated to the last quarter of the 8 th century CE. Further , unlike most of the temples in Bhubaneshwar, this temple is not dedicated to Lord Shiva. Inside the sanctum is one of the deities who is very rarely seen in a sanctum – Chamunda, along with the Saptamatrikas. This is evidently a Shakta shrine. However, the presence of Lakulisha on the vimana indicates the connection with the Pasupata sect, which is most prevalent in this region during this time period. Further, the name of the temple – ‘Vaital’, comes from the word ‘ vetala’ , referring to spirits, which were invoked by tantrics to attain siddhis. Thus, this temple is an amalgamation of Pasupata and Shakta philosophy, with a strong emphasis on tantric rituals, and this is reflected in the iconogra...
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Skywatch Friday



Sunset over the concrete jungle of Mumbai

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Comments

  1. ShubdMarch 12, 2010 at 9:39 AM

    Hi Anu
    That is a lovely pic you have !

    And it seems a lot of us have been watching the same sun !!! ;)

    thanks for your visit and the lovely comment.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bhavesh ChhatbarMarch 12, 2010 at 10:02 AM

    It looks like a blessing on Mumbai!

    Bhavesh

     

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownMarch 12, 2010 at 10:30 AM

    Photo is good! I liked it..

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMarch 12, 2010 at 10:33 AM

    Photo is too good! I loved it..
    Keep up good work

    Jay :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. LadyFiMarch 12, 2010 at 10:41 AM

    What lovely dramatic skies!

    ReplyDelete
  6. chitraMarch 12, 2010 at 10:54 AM

    Good picture!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousMarch 12, 2010 at 11:10 AM

    oh what a lovely pictures..

    ReplyDelete
  8. Guy DMarch 12, 2010 at 1:14 PM

    Excellent shot Ann, I love that glow.

    All the best
    Guy
    Regina In Pictures

    ReplyDelete
  9. RajeshMarch 12, 2010 at 1:18 PM

    Beautiful golden sunset.

    ReplyDelete
  10. jooMarch 12, 2010 at 2:44 PM

    It's fabulous photo Anu!
    Greetings from Poland:)

    ReplyDelete
  11. LauraMarch 12, 2010 at 7:14 PM

    Love the warm colors of the sky Anu.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Bindhu UnnyMarch 15, 2010 at 6:24 AM

    Good one, Anu. :)

    Haven't visited your blog (or anyone's) for a long time.

    ReplyDelete

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