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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 - Day4 - A Temple Golu

I live in an area which is predominantly South Indian, and has three temples within the colony itself. Today, I am taking you along to the smallest temple - dedicated to the Goddess Mariamman (the most popular form of the goddess worshipped in the rural areas of Southern India). This temple keeps a Golu every year, and the interesting thing is that all the dolls have been donated by people. I enjoy visiting this temple during Navaratri just because I can see some old and wonderful clay dolls of Gods and Goddesses, which are infinitely more beautiful than their newer counterparts.

Here is the overall view.... there are two sets of steps which have been combined to keep all the dolls...


And here are some interesting dolls....

These are Samhith's favourites....
The houses.....


..... and this pumpkin!


I liked this Dakshinamoorthi with his disciples - the four sages.


There are two sets here... one is the marriage set and the other is a group praying to a Ganesha near a tree.


I loved these two dolls... one wearing  a six yards saree and the other wearing the traditional nine yards one...


And here is a closer look at the tree. There are idols at the base, such as a Ganesha and a lingam. There are also four statuettes of snakes, a sight commonly seen in temples in Southern India. Wish I had one of these!


Here is a new set I have not seen before. This one depicts the Lakshmi Kubera Puja. The pair at the centre are Kubera, the God of wealth and his wife Sittarini. Above is Goddess Lakshmi, pouring Gold Coins, symbolizing wealth. On the two sides are Yakshas, and in front are pots of puffed rice and coins covered with sugar candy. To read more about Kubera Lakshmi, click here. Incidentally, there is a lotus placed in front of Kubera with a golden fish on it. I have been unable to find the significance of this, except that the fish is considered auspicious and signifies the presence of Lord Vishnu in Matsya avatar. If anyone can throw any light on this, please do write in and I shall update this post with your information. 


And finally, here is the Devi herself, all decked up for the evening pujas....

A closer look at her...


Thats all for today....Lets see what tomorrow brings!
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Comments

  1. MridulaOctober 11, 2010 at 2:56 PM

    Lovely pictures all, I like the pumpkin.

    ReplyDelete
  2. BindhuOctober 11, 2010 at 2:58 PM

    This is a grand Golu! Thanks for posting this.

    (To read more about Kubera Lakshmi, click here. - This is not hyperlinked).

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anuradha ShankarOctober 11, 2010 at 6:55 PM

    @Mridula: thanks... it was so real...

    @Bindhu: thanks so much.... seem to have missed linking it... have done it now!

    ReplyDelete
  4. SoulSpaceOctober 11, 2010 at 10:53 PM

    Sooper
    was just wishing I could take my kids to see an authentic Golu, and here is one... I shall show it to them surely

    BTW where is yours in its completed version

    ReplyDelete
  5. SoulSpaceOctober 11, 2010 at 10:55 PM

    sorry I somehow missed your first post on N...

    wonderful

    ReplyDelete
  6. AshaOctober 12, 2010 at 12:51 AM

    By showcasing a golu each day, you are sparing us a temple visit. Lovedthe previous blogs. Excellent photos. will watch regularly.

    ReplyDelete
  7. IndraniOctober 12, 2010 at 3:32 PM

    Very colorful! You have started a wonderful series.

    ReplyDelete

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