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Odisha Part 8: The Parasurameshwara Temple, Bhubaneshwar

The Parasurameshwara temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneshwar, dating back to the early 8 th century CE. It is also one of the more intriguing temples, with a wide variety of very interesting sculptures. This temple has been attributed to the Shailodbhavas , who were Shaivites. The dynasty is named for their founder, Shailodbhava, who is said to have emerged from a rock, by the grace of Lord Shiva, in response to a prayer by a man from Kalinga, to create a man capable of ruling the earth. That this temple is dedicated to Shiva is clear, not only from the Shaiva dwarapalas who guard the entrance, but also from the numerous sculptures depicting Shiva in his many forms. However, what makes this temple very interesting is the presence of multiple images of the goddesses, especially the Saptamatrikas. The presence of different forms of the goddess, a panel depicting the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, as well as an image of Ardhanareeshwara suggest a strong Shakta influence o...
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Unidentified Insect

These days, Samhith runs to get the camera the minute he sees an insect in the house! Of course, since he is not yet allowed to use it, it is me he pesters to take photographs! Here is one which turned up yesterday taking advantage of the window Samhith had conveniently left open. It looks like a cricket, but don't know exactly. I tried to ID it, but to no avail. Any ideas, anyone? I was especially intrigued by the yellow spot on the side. 



P.S. I am out of town, and will be back soon. Please do leave your comments and I shall reply when I get back.



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  1. chitraNovember 2, 2010 at 1:23 PM

    I also think it is a cricket. We had lot of this when we were in Sivakasi

    ReplyDelete
  2. callezeeNovember 3, 2010 at 12:42 PM

    useful info.....

    ReplyDelete
  3. IndraniNovember 4, 2010 at 8:12 AM

    No clue.
    Looks like it lost two of its legs.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anuradha ShankarNovember 9, 2010 at 9:46 PM

    @Chitra: we have lots of insects coming into the house, but this one seemed new.....seems rather like a cricket, and as I understand, there are lots of types...

    @callezee: thanks..

    @Indrani: yeah... i thought so too at first :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. mumbai pausedNovember 17, 2010 at 1:56 PM

    The West Coast is so full of insect life. :) Every few days you will meet an interesting one. Especially in the wet months.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Parker DaycareDecember 7, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    I am quite sure they will learn lots of new stuff here than anybody else!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anu ShankarDecember 9, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Absolutely!

    ReplyDelete

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