The Hindu and Buddhist history of Odisha , or rather, ancient Kalinga, is rather well known to everyone. Who hasn’t heard of the grand temples of Odisha – Puri, Lingaraj and Konark, or the great war of Kalinga which inspired Ashoka to convert to Buddhism? In contrast, very few know of the Jaina heritage of this region. This is quite a pity, since, just around 7 km from the city, is one of India’s most ancient inscriptions, which throws light on the Jaina heritage of Odisha. This inscription is the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela, in the hills of Udaygiri. Udaygiri and Khandgiri are two hills located opposite each other, and both are testaments to the rich Jaina heritage of Odisha. The caves at Udaygiri are older, while Khandgiri is relatively newer, but has lasted much longer, and continues to be a place of pilgrimage for Jains even today. These hills, from inscriptions and excavations of caves, shrines and rock beds, appear to have been a haven for Jaina monks, right from the ...
We continued our Gokarna trip by visiting four other Shiva temples in the vicinity, all connected to the same story of Gokarna. The story of Gokarna mentions the Mahabaleshwara Lingam as the one brought from Kailas by Ravana, and kept at this place on the ground by Ganesha. (See my earlier post- Gokarna – Pilgrimage and Pleasure). However, the story does not end here. It is believed that, in his anger, Ravana flung aside the materials which covered the lingam- the casket, its lid, the string around the lingam, and the cloth covering it. All these items became lingams as soon as they touched the ground. These four lingams, along with the main Mahabaleshwara lingam are collectively called the ‘ Panchalingams’ . These are: Mahabaleshwara – the main lingam Sajjeshwar – the casket carrying the lingam. This temple is about 35 Kms from Karwar, and is a 2 hour drive from Gokarna. Dhareshwar – the string covering the lingam. This temple is on NH17, about 45 Kms south of Gokarna. Gunavanteshw...
Nice picture but I have no idea what the insect is.
ReplyDeleteI cant identify it... but I like the way.. you've clicked a pic of this little thing and made him a celebrity.. :-)
ReplyDeleteDon't know the name of the insect Anu.
ReplyDeleteCan see, however, the deception because of the similarity in colors to its background. I guess that's what they mean by camouflage!?
May be one belonging to grasshopper family.......
ReplyDeleteWe saw a rock agama brilliantly camouflaged against the colourless rock in Nandi hills recently..will find out reg the insect
ReplyDeleteThis is brilliant! I wouldn't have called it an insect had you not mentioned it. it looks more like a crooked root.
ReplyDeleteNo idea what it is. Though it seems like a shorter grasshopper/cricket variety. These guys are experts in camouflaging. So, I am assuming that this insect is related to them.
That is a cricket.
ReplyDeleteBrown version of grasshopper.
@Mridula: thanks.... I wouldnt even have realised it was one, but it jumped :)
ReplyDelete@Patty: :) I never thought of it that way... but then again... wonder if it would know, what would it think???
@Celine: Absolutely! I used the pic to explain the word to my son!
@Chitra: yes, it did look like that....
@Lakshmi: Isnt it amazing, the kind of things we see these days now that we carry a camera around, and look for things to shoot??? I never even noticed them before!
@Indrani: thanks a lot! u seem to be the only one who has any idea about the insect....
@Sankara: you were right! Indrani just commented that it was the cricket variety! and even i wouldnt have realised that it was an insect... just cause it jumped i managed to notice it... and thankfully it stayed still long enough for me to take a pic!
ReplyDeleteDamn, i was looking for the insect in the picture and then realised i was staring right through it... :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a camouflage...yep, i also think its a cricket family insect only.. Amazes me to think God thought so deep to create such mysterious creatures as well ..
Samhith must've been intrigued... :))
Well spotted and neat image...Thomas
ReplyDeleteGood shot...but don't know what the insect is....
ReplyDeleteit does look like a cricket from this angle...
ReplyDeleteOnce in the area I was studying there was a locust storm and I was also a volunteer in the campaign to eradicate them. The creature you have photographed looks like that very monster!. Good shot.
ReplyDelete