My first trip to Vaishnodevi was unimpressive. Climbing was hard, and it only served to highlight how badly out of shape I was, while my in-laws managed to cope so much better. Further, I hadn’t quite realized that the cave experience wouldn’t be the same as I had imagined, since the original cave was only opened at certain times a year, and that we only entered a newly created tunnel, one far easier to access, and hence more manageable with the crowds that thronged the mountain shrine. The resulting experience at the shrine, for barely a fraction of a second, hardly compared to what I had expected / imagined / heard about. So, for me, Vaishnodevi was like any other temple, nothing to write home about, something that was reflected (though not explicitly mentioned) in the blog post I wrote then.
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!
And finally, here is the Devi herself, all decked up for the evening pujas....
A closer look at her...
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!
Lovely pictures all, I like the pumpkin.
ReplyDeleteThis is a grand Golu! Thanks for posting this.
ReplyDelete(To read more about Kubera Lakshmi, click here. - This is not hyperlinked).
:)
@Mridula: thanks... it was so real...
ReplyDelete@Bindhu: thanks so much.... seem to have missed linking it... have done it now!
Sooper
ReplyDeletewas 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
sorry I somehow missed your first post on N...
ReplyDeletewonderful
By showcasing a golu each day, you are sparing us a temple visit. Lovedthe previous blogs. Excellent photos. will watch regularly.
ReplyDeleteVery colorful! You have started a wonderful series.
ReplyDelete