Many years back, when I visited the National Museum in Delhi, one of the images that I was most impressed by, was the Surya from Konark. I remember being rooted to the ground as I stood in front of the sculpture, admiring every detail, simply unable to walk away. There are various ideas of where the sculpture was placed in the temple, but wherever it was placed, there is no question that it would have drawn all eyes. I remember wondering back then, if this single sculpture was so impressive, how much more impressive the temple would have been! The first thing that struck me about the Konark temple during my first visit, was its size. I have seen huge ancient temples before – the Brihadeeshwara temple and the Kandariya Mahadev temple, to name just two. However, Konark was something else. It was awe-inspiring to even think of just how much larger the original temple would have been, with its main spire intact. So many years later, on my second visit, the size was still impressive, bu...
We continued our Gokarna trip by visiting four other Shiva temples in the vicinity, all connected to the same story of Gokarna. The story of Gokarna mentions the Mahabaleshwara Lingam as the one brought from Kailas by Ravana, and kept at this place on the ground by Ganesha. (See my earlier post- Gokarna – Pilgrimage and Pleasure). However, the story does not end here. It is believed that, in his anger, Ravana flung aside the materials which covered the lingam- the casket, its lid, the string around the lingam, and the cloth covering it. All these items became lingams as soon as they touched the ground. These four lingams, along with the main Mahabaleshwara lingam are collectively called the ‘ Panchalingams’ . These are: Mahabaleshwara – the main lingam Sajjeshwar – the casket carrying the lingam. This temple is about 35 Kms from Karwar, and is a 2 hour drive from Gokarna. Dhareshwar – the string covering the lingam. This temple is on NH17, about 45 Kms south of Gokarna. Gunavanteshw...


Hi Anu
ReplyDeleteThat 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.
It looks like a blessing on Mumbai!
ReplyDeleteBhavesh
Photo is good! I liked it..
ReplyDeletePhoto is too good! I loved it..
ReplyDeleteKeep up good work
Jay :)
What lovely dramatic skies!
ReplyDeleteGood picture!!!
ReplyDeleteoh what a lovely pictures..
ReplyDeleteExcellent shot Ann, I love that glow.
ReplyDeleteAll the best
Guy
Regina In Pictures
Beautiful golden sunset.
ReplyDeleteIt's fabulous photo Anu!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Poland:)
Love the warm colors of the sky Anu.
ReplyDeleteGood one, Anu. :)
ReplyDeleteHaven't visited your blog (or anyone's) for a long time.