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Temples of Kashi - The Kardameshwar temple

The absence of ancient Hindu structures in Kashi is something I have always lamented about. The shrines are certainly ancient, and that is something that has always attracted me to the city. However, I miss the beauty of the ancient structures that we see at other sites. This feeling is intensified when I see marble and concrete and tiles in temples that once would have been beautifully adorned with evocative sculptures, and worn by the passage of time, touched by the hands of seekers who came before. This time , this desire to see some remnants of an ancient Hindu structure in Kashi came true when I managed to visit the Kardameshwar Temple. The Kardameshwar temple is not one of the main temples in the city. It is part of the temples on the Pancha Kroshi yatra, a pilgrimage which takes one on a circumambulatory tour of the whole city. The temple is located on the outskirts of the city, on the western bank of a tank called the Kardama Kund. The Kardameshwar temple is one of the...
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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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