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...
The rains are here, but it still doesn't seem the same. It rains, but in a desultory way, as if it's heart isn't in it. More of concern is the fact that there has been very little rain in the catchment areas, which means that we are looking at a major water problem. It has already been announced that the water cut is being taken further, so we shall get water just once in two days from now on!
On a personal note, Samhith is upset that the snails haven't appeared yet. We spend our few minutes waiting for his bus looking for snails and earthworms, but haven't seen one yet.
Meanwhile, as we wait for the snails and the creatures of the rain, here are the birds and other members of our extended family whom we have been noticing from our window -
Red-Vented bulbuls - there are plenty of them around, and they regularly come to eat the food we put out for the crows (a tradition which symbolises providing food for our ancestors). But I have never been able to take a photograph. I am trying for a better shot, though, and shall put it up when I manage it!
I wonder if this one is a water-hen or some other bird???
The poor Kingfisher is looking for food.... wonder if it found any....
A lone insect struggles to hold on to the swaying branch..
We have been noticing these birds for years.... but never managed to get a pic.... they are too fast for my clumsy shutter.... but perseverance finally paid off... and here are two of my pics.... the better ones... I took quite a few, but these were the best....
this one is the female....
and here is the male....
I think those are purple rumped sunbirds, but am not sure. Can someone confirm this??
And finally, here is a pic of a group of guys making the most of the rain... and the slush too..... football!!!!
I clicked a Bulbul to recently! And there is some rain here too now. Thanks for sending it across. :D
ReplyDeleteClicking birds is a very tricky affair. You have got some good shots.
ReplyDeleteI was told the last two are Asian Warblers by a birding guide at Panghot in Uttarakhand. He was working with a description, not a photograph or sighting. So, I am not sure but they are definitely not hummingbirds. Did I tell you about watching one suck nectar from a flower of one of my potted plants?
ReplyDeleteno usha, they arent warblers.... those look similar... come home sometime,and lets look at the book together... yes, and they do suck nectar...
ReplyDeleteA wonderful set of photographs!
ReplyDeleteSlow and Beautiful — Snail
Hi Anu,
ReplyDeleteThe last two are Purple-rumped Sunbirds. The first is the female and the second the male.
You seem to have a very interesting garden with lots of photo ops.
Apana