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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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Navaratri 2010 - Day 7 - Family Golus

Today, I have two Golus to feature - both kept by Shankar's aunts. Here is the first one-


The most interesting part of this Golu is this set of Narthana Krishna (Dancing Krishna)..... What I found really interesting was all those cute little Krishnas holding musical instruments. I have a similar set of Ganeshas, but have never seen such Krishnas. Beautiful, aren't they?


The second Golu is a simpler one, but with some lovely dolls (Click on the pic for a larger view)


My favourites are the set of folk dancers on the top step (we call the folk dance 'poi kal kudarai' meaning false legged horse, where the dancers wear a dress resembling a horse. I dont know what it is called in English), and the set of Rama and Sita performing puja to Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram (It is placed on the 3rd step from the top). This is one set I would love to have... Just imagine making a seashore and placing these on the sand! It would look fantastic! With all those sea creatures Samhith has, it would also be rather interesting.... Of course, the only question remains - How to make all the water needed for the ocean?
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  1. whatsinanameOctober 14, 2010 at 12:09 PM

    Loving your posts on golu and hats off to you for taking so much trouble to click the snaps and putting them up here.
    I wish you could come over for my golu also :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anuradha ShankarOctober 14, 2010 at 12:16 PM

    @whatsinaname: thanks a lot! How about posting your golu pics on your blog and i try doing a roundup of all my blog followers golu once we are through????

    ReplyDelete
  3. ECOctober 14, 2010 at 5:11 PM

    Thats so nice of u to show us various golus..I got the opportunity this time to visit the golu in Parthasarathy temple, Triplicane, Chennai and its so huge and amazing...planning to upload the pics for those who wouldnt be able to visit in person

    ReplyDelete
  4. IndraniOctober 15, 2010 at 9:08 AM

    Very interesting and colorful Anu.
    I have many such small collectibles, but have no Golu festival. :), :(

    ReplyDelete
  5. MridulaOctober 15, 2010 at 1:36 PM

    Lovely and colorful Anu.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bhavesh ChhatbarOctober 15, 2010 at 2:27 PM

    Very cute actually :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. website for mothersDecember 28, 2010 at 11:00 AM

    It was excellent..it was really interesting..your kolu also very colorful and simple.. have you participate in www.chennaimoms.com kollu competition...next time dont miss it..

    ReplyDelete
  8. website for mothersDecember 28, 2010 at 11:07 AM

    It was excellent..it was really interesting..your kolu also very colorful and simple.. have you participate in Dinamalar and chennaimoms.com kollu competition...next time dont miss it..

    ReplyDelete

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