Lamayuru is one of the most ancient monasteries in Ladakh, the oldest surviving structure dating to the 11 th century CE. What makes this monastery particularly fascinating, is its location, amidst what is today called the “moonscape”, for the spectacular natural rock formations, which truly are “out of the world”! As per legend , there once existed a huge lake in this area, populated only by the Nagas (serpents). It was prophesized that there would be a great monastery built here. This prophecy came true when the great acharya Naropa (756-1041 CE) arrived. He emptied the lake, meditated for many years inside a cave, and built the first monastery here. The present structure is a new one, built around the cave where Acharya Naropa is said to have meditated. This legend seems to fit well with the geological formations seen in the area, which suggest this was a paleo-lake, which disappeared around 1000 years ago. Lamayuru is about 130 km from Leh , and the Indus River flows along th
Today's Golu is one kept by a friend in the colony. It is a wonderful combination of the old and the new, for they have some really old and beautiful idols, which I enjoy seeing every year, and they have also kept a few new ones along with the kids' toys. Samhith enjoyed this one, especially since he got a bag to carry back home with goodies just like the girls get. Navaratri being a women's festival, boys are generally ignored, but some of us who have boys who don't like being ignored have started giving out goodies to the smaller boys who visit too..... We hope that this will at least make them want to come along with us to see a few Golus!
Here is the full Golu....
With the side arrangement showcasing the toys of both their kids...Barbies and trains! Need I mention that they have a boy and a girl???
Now for the toys... This one is my personal favourite - the goddess Meenakshi.
and here is the First divine family - Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha! in an interesting form...
Lakshmi - Hayagriva -
and Lakshmi Narasimha....
and now for the newer ones... This one depicts Lord Vishnu reclining on Adishesha, Lakshmi by his side, Brahma on the lotus emerging from His navel, Garuda and Hanuman....
and the newest one of all...the dolls set!
Truly, it is with children in the house that Navaratri and Golus become really interesting!
I loved the concept of giving a goodies bag to little boys. I remember that my brothers' faces would fall when I'd get stuff they wouldn't for some kanya puja that some neighbouring aunties did.
ReplyDeleteWOW! That is one awesome and colourful golu! I wish such golu's were kept at my home. But my sis doesn't find time at all :-(
ReplyDeleteI had noticed the small doll in the first picture itself, good to see the details too.
ReplyDeletevery true, with children at home, this festival becomes very interesting... As i told u on mail i have planned for arranging golu dis year. My little one just after getting down from her school bus asks if i have already arranged the golu....i have been saying no to her since last one week, thank god its just one week day away n she will b happy to have darshan immediately after coming back from school...
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