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Odisha Part 3 - Konark : The Surya Temple, through my eyes

Many years back, when I visited the National Museum in Delhi, one of the images that I was most impressed by, was the Surya from Konark. I remember being rooted to the ground as I stood in front of the sculpture, admiring every detail, simply unable to walk away. There are various ideas of where the sculpture was placed in the temple, but wherever it was placed, there is no question that it would have drawn all eyes. I remember wondering back then, if this single sculpture was so impressive, how much more impressive the temple would have been! The first thing that struck me about the Konark temple during my first visit, was its size. I have seen huge ancient temples before – the Brihadeeshwara temple and the Kandariya Mahadev temple, to name just two. However, Konark was something else. It was awe-inspiring to even think of just how much larger the original temple would have been, with its main spire intact. So many years later, on my second visit, the size was still impressive, bu...
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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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