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Odisha Part 2 - Puri: The Experience of Jagannath

The temple of Jagannath at Puri is one of the four most important temples across India. Sometimes called the Char Dham – Badrinath in the north, Rameswaram in the South, Dwarka in the west, and Puri in the east – these temples mark four corners of our country, and each of these temples has a connection to Adi Shankara. He is said to have travelled to each of them, thus marking a sacred geography of India, long before the country actually existed. Among these 4 temples, 3 are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, while only Rameswaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva, though the lingam there is said to have been installed by Rama. Further, Shankara set up Mutts at 3 of these sites (or very close to these sites, like at Badrinath, where the mutt is at Joshimutt), while the mutt in the south is at Sringeri in Karnataka, quite a distance away from Rameswaram. Coming back to the topic, I have visited Rameswaram most often, Badrinath during my childhood, and Dwaraka a few times, but Puri had stayed out of re...
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Snake Charmer

Ever since I started sending postcards, I have been inundated with requests for postcards showing snake charmers. When I did find some, I realised something else. I might not be a great fan of snake charmers, but Samhith hadn't even seen a single one!!! He hoarded all the cards I found, and refused to allow me to send any but duplicates! Moreover, he was now curious. He wanted to see a snake charmer!!! I told him about what they did, how it was cruel to snakes, and that it was illegal, but he was still curious. Now, apart from the fact that I do not like the idea of trapping snakes and using them to amuse people, I couldnt even find a snake charmer to show him... yes, for those of you who are wondering, our area remains immune to snake charmers even on Naga panchami day, and I couldnt remember when I had last seen one!! His wish was eventually fulfilled, of all places, at Amer Fort!!!





This chap lounged by the exit of the fort, snakes securely packed in their boxes, a turban ready to be worn, and the tools of his trade near at hand. Needless to say, Samhith was enthralled! He sat down, spoke to him, asked him if he could really make snakes dance... and eventually asked him if he could wear the turban.....



I was initially hesitant, since I had no intention of seeing a snake charmer at work. However, the man smiled and gave Samhith not just his turban, but also his flute... Now came the difficult part. He wanted to see the snake. Of course, the man obliged. But, no sooner had the snake peeped out of the basket,that Samhith had run off!!! I was relived, not as much as having missed a performance, but that at last I wouldnt be pestered for photos of snake charmers anymore!

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Location: Amber Fort, National Highway 8, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028, India

Comments

  1. liju philipSeptember 17, 2012 at 3:56 PM

    hahaha....lovely. Had seen so many snake charmers during my growing up days in Hyderabad. Today with all the animal rights activists,these people are a rare species.

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    1. Anuradha ShankarSeptember 17, 2012 at 5:31 PM

      Thanks Liju! Welcome to my space! they are indeed rare these days

      Delete
  2. MridulaSeptember 17, 2012 at 5:16 PM

    He looks so cute and good that it has worked out for you too!

    ReplyDelete
  3. muthuSeptember 18, 2012 at 7:42 AM

    hmhm... yes - The snake charmers (yes, they were cruel to the snakes) did have their charm. And he looks awesome in that turban.. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarSeptember 18, 2012 at 8:31 AM

      He will be so happy to hear that, Muthu!! and yes, I so agree... they did have their charm, before our awareness set in!

      Delete
  4. Manish K.October 23, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    Snake charmers are one very popular and a great attraction of the Amer Fort . These snake charmers profession is declining in India after the Animal rights group has made an impact, very rare they are seen around. It is fascinating enough to see a snake dancing on the tune of the flute, they say, this sound hypnotizes the snake hence they tend to sway.

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