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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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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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