The Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneshwar gets its name from the stone used to build it - the red and yellow sandstone used here is locally called Rajarani. This temple was once known as the Indreshwara temple, which is mentioned in the Ekamra Purana, which tells us about the temples of Bhubaneshwar, which was then known as Ekamra Kshetra. Today, the temple stands in a well-maintained lawn, and is the only ticketed monument within the city. The temple is built in the typical Kalinga style, with the tall curvilinear shikara over the garbagruha , and a jagamohana connected to it. The temple is believed to date back to the 11 th century, and is most well known for its sculptures. The entrance to the temple has two pillars with a Naga couple protecting the sanctum, holding garlands in their hands. The base of the pillar shows 3 lions standing over 3 elephants, a typical motif in temples of this region during this period. On the other side of the pillar is a horse and rider, and the two mo...
The most natural thing to do when it starts raining is to go looking for shelter, especially when it pours cats and dogs....... Most of us prefer watching the rain from the safety and comforts of our homes, and I have seen the same instinct in many birds which huddle among thick leaves, attempting to find some sanctuary.... However, every now and then I come across something which makes me wonder if these creatures actually want to get away from the rain, or if they,unlike us, are equally comfortable even when it pours.... like the kingfisher which patiently awaited its prey even though it was drenched.....
And just a couple of days back, I happened to notice this butterfly flitting around a tree (incidentally, a curry leaves tree - does it hold a special fascination for butterflies???), while it poured and poured. At first, we thought it was trying to find a place to settle, but it simply refused to sit in one place, going round and round, from one branch to another, intermittently visiting other trees before returning to this one.....
We observed the butterfly for almost half an hour, and Samhith actually started worrying if its wings would get destroyed by the rain beating down..... but the butterfly seemed to be least affected by the rain.....
Here are some pics.....
Very nice observation. Thanks for sharing. Yes, I guess few require shelter but kingfisher seems to be enjoying rain.
ReplyDeleteLovely.... Butterflies i love, and can sit stare at em, or follow them around for hours!! :)
ReplyDeleteGood photos. You have a keen sense of observation.
ReplyDeleteI too love watching butterflies but have never observed the rain phenomenon.
ReplyDeleteSomething to ponder about. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteit's always very pleasant to watch butterflies! i had a dragonfly at my balcony this week... i just uploaded the pic (http://pic-k-s.blogspot.com/) and stumbled on to your blog!
ReplyDeletevery well written
ReplyDeletenice shots
Butterflies hide under leaves when it rains, my mother told me so when I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful observation.
ReplyDeleteAnd monsoons bring in a lot of moths as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog Anu..you've got some real useful stuff here. Visit my blog http://mybioscope.blogspot.com/ whenever you've got time. Some weeks back I had been to Maharashtra Nature Park where I had photographed lots of butterflies. Hope you like them!
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures and a well written piece.
ReplyDeleteI am always fascinated by rains.
It makes one feel so romantic.
great post...like this photo!
ReplyDelete