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Odisha Part 7: The Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneshwar

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...
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10 things you can look forward to reading….. Yes, I am back!!!!!!

Hi folks, I’m back!!!!! And with lots of material for more posts!!!! Those of you who have been looking forward to reading my posts, here is a glimpse of what you can expect to read in the coming days –


1. A little about the temples of Trivandrum – little, because cameras were not allowed, and I felt totally lost without my trusty Canon around, besides, the language was a major barrier between me and the priests…


2. A lot about the museum and zoo – mom and son totally freaked out for 2 ½ hours, while dad fumed in the auto……


3. Poovar – a heavenly island nested between the backwaters and the Arabian Sea… 4 days of total relaxation…..


4. Thekkady – 3 days of trying to keep Samhith amused – in what is now a bustling tourist hangout on the outskirts of a tiger reserve (where tigers are truly elusive)


5. Kalady – an unplanned visit to a beautiful temple – the birthplace of the foremost of the gurus of our age – Adi Shankaracharya


6. The consequences of the unplanned visit – a race against time – a real adventure in the midst of a staid holiday


7. Puttaparthi – Prashanti Nilayam– the abode of Sri Sathya Sai – something I have been planning to write for a while – hope I actually get it down this time.


8. Tirupati – surely the most crowded, the most visited and most popular of all religious destinations …. So not the usual boring details, but details of the pujas we performed… and information for those who would like to perform the same…….


9. Some temples around Tirupati – Note: some, not all….. just those that we visited this time…. And sorry again…. No photographs… wish our temple authorities wouldn’t separate me from my most trusted companion… one who gives me lots of information to share with you………


10. And finally, some assorted glimpses of my journey…… we have used up every mode of transport this time……..


Meanwhile, I am writing this in peace, because Samhith is out again, on another journey – this time with his dad and grandma, while I stay at home with grandpa, who is busy with work…. Now, they are off to Dwaraka and Somnath with some relatives visiting us, who have a major language problem……. Yes, you guessed right… they are from the southern heartland and can’t understand a word of Hindi…… And after all, it is fair isn’t it? Mom and son have had a wonderful 15 days… now it is just 4 days with grandma and dad!!!! But you know what, guys???? I’m already missing him!!!!!!!!!!

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  1. RajeshMay 25, 2009 at 12:28 PM

    Looking forward to your experiences on all the interesting places listed in your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 25, 2009 at 3:23 PM

    Oh I cant wait to read more now...

    I've been to Tirupati and its surrounding temples as a kid and vaguely remember anything. So cant wait to read more!!

    Also.. am extremely interested in Poovar... Sounds great!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownMay 25, 2009 at 9:18 PM

    Anu, you have literally gone all over Southern India. I m sure we will get some comprehensive experiences. Do keep me posted.

    ReplyDelete

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