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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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Wandering Thoughts - Wildlife in the midst of Heritage

At the Masroor rock cut temples, while I was trying to identify all the deities, Samhith was busy elsewhere. He had spotted a lizard on one of the rocks, and spent the rest of his time trying to follow it, and see just how many there were! 




It wasn't too hard to spot them. They were everywhere!!! 



Obviously, they were at home, among the many nooks and crannies that nature and temple builders had conspired to provide them with!



It was fascinating to see them appear and disappear at will, even while we admired the intricacy of details the artisans had created. 

The lizards are just the common, or garden lizards, ones we see everywhere. And yet, when you see them so much at home in a monument aspiring for World Heritage Site status, you want to click a photo. Do you agree? 

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Since the last month, I have been writing at least once or twice a week, about my Summer Trip. I am not even halfway through, with Himachal yet to be completed, Amritsar on the way, then Rishikesh, and finally, my Southern sojourn patiently awaiting its turn.

Yet, I am now taking a short break, for another trip - this time, a deeply personal one, to Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh. For those who may not know, in Puttaparthi village is Prashanti Nilayam, the abode of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. We are heading there to participate in the Ashadi Ekadashi  and Guru Poornima celebrations. This, as I have already mentioned, is a personal trip, and I most probably won't be writing about it. I will also be offline for the most part during the next week, as I am taking this opportunity to relax and re-energize myself for all the work that is sure to be awaiting me when I return. 

Meanwhile, here are quick links to all the links in the #summertrip series so far....

  • The Himachal Series- 

Labels:
Location: Rock Cut Temple, Lahalpur, Himachal Pradesh 176026, India

Comments

  1. TusharJuly 25, 2015 at 7:43 AM

    Yes, I agree when I too see lizards or wild life during a tour I wish to click them and store them in camera.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarSeptember 4, 2015 at 12:25 PM

      Glad to see that you too share the enthusiasm, Tushar.

      Delete
  2. Anmol SharmaSeptember 4, 2015 at 12:18 PM

    Hello Anuradha
    My love for heritage sites is universal. The images of your masroor rock cut temples captured my imagination. What were really funny were the lizard’s photographs, creeping among the perfectly sculpted rock structures. The sculptors must surely, be smiling in amusement. Thanks for providing the lighter side.

    ReplyDelete

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