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Odisha Part 5: Two less visited temples

My quest for ancient temples often takes me to hidden corners of the country, often less visited by regular tourists. More often than not, my drivers are completely unaware of these temples, and we often get lost looking for them, despite the ease that Google Maps has provided. On my recent visit to Odisha, I had only two such less visited temples on my list – the Varahi temple at Chaurasi, and the Gangeshwari temple. I had heard and read about the Varahi temple at Chaurasi , and was eager to go see her. The form of Varahi has always fascinated me, and this particular temple was said to have an exceptionally beautiful idol of the deity. Persuading my driver wasn’t an easy feat – he was reluctant (to say the least) about going in search of temples he had never heard of, but my persistence paid off. The Varahi Temple at Chaurasi The Varahi temple dates back to the 9 th century, and the architecture is unusual, as compared to the other temples of Odisha. The temple is closest in st...
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Skywatch Friday - Mountains and the Sky


Lush green, pine-covered mountains extend till the horizon, while the snow capped peaks are hidden by the clouds.... this was the typical scenery as we travelled across Almora and Binsar.

For more skies around the world, go to Sky Watch Friday


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  1. chitraApril 23, 2010 at 8:09 AM

    Wish I could see the snow capped mountains, at least that would have brought some coolness to escape the sweltering heat here.
    Was it cold there?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Smalltown RNApril 23, 2010 at 8:27 AM

    Those moutains look so inticing..wonderful photo...hope you enjoyed your adventure!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anuradha ShankarApril 23, 2010 at 10:51 AM

    @Chitra: the weather was good early in the morning and in the evenings... afternoons were really hot , but of course, nothing as it is here! it was,after all, summer! you too should go sometime.. the sight of the snow capped mountains is wonderful, but even better if you go to those mountains themselves....

    @smalltown RN: thanks.... oh yes, we did ! it was just too wonderful!
    and i saw the sunrise pics in your blog! wow! what was that dark thing?? did u find out??? it almost looked like a whirlwind in the sky!

    @J Bar: thanks....and your pics are great too! the moon looks awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Carolyn FordApril 23, 2010 at 11:49 AM

    What a beautiful scene. I would love to be standing there gazing at that!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gemma Wiseman aka Pamela AdamsApril 23, 2010 at 3:32 PM

    Beautiful, soft and mystical atmosphere here in these mountains! Lovely photo!

    ReplyDelete
  6. MridulaApril 23, 2010 at 9:28 PM

    Mountains are so refreshing! Beautiful picture.

    ReplyDelete
  7. KcalpeshApril 24, 2010 at 2:35 PM

    The place looks so beautiful and inviting! Almora and Binsar are the names now added in my TO VISIT list :-)

    Pixellicious Photos

    ReplyDelete
  8. muthuApril 25, 2010 at 3:58 AM

    Snow capped mountains- always makes me sing the age old tamil classic song- Pudiya vaanam, Pudiya boomi- engum pani Maalai poligirethe---

    I loved the snap.. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anuradha ShankarApril 25, 2010 at 1:06 PM

    @CarolynL thanks...... it was really great, looking at the wide expanse of mountains....

    @Greyscale territory: thanks a lot!

    @Mridula: thanks.....

    @Kcalpesh: yes, you should certainly go! would love to see what you come back with.. pics i mean!

    @muthu: oh yes..... these are places which surely make you sing!

    ReplyDelete

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