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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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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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