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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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Coconut Trees

They form an inevitable part of the coastal skyline in Southern India, and are certainly among the most useful among trees.



It is sometimes compared to the 'Kalpavriksha' - the celestial or wish fulfilling tree, since every part of the tree is used for the benefit of mankind. Yes, I am talking about the Coconut tree.





Every part of the coconut tree is useful. South Indian cuisine would be incomplete without the coconut, and summer would be that much more difficult to bear without the always cool and refreshing coconut water. Even the kernel is used, sometimes with the firewood, but mostly as a small container. These days, we even get jewellery made from it! As to the leaf, they are not just used for roofing, but for making the house too, as you can see in this pic!


This old hut has been decorated for a festival - with two banana trees next to the door (that's another plant which is likened to the kalpavriksha!), and a new banner-like thing made with the coconut palm leaf. This apparently not just signifies celebration, but is also useful, since it strengthens the hut by adding a new layer to its wall!

Here is a close look at the palm frond plaited to make the frame....


Simple, yet beautiful, isn't it? and eco-friendly too!

I can't help feeling excited about learning everything I can, even if it is 'just' about coconut trees. Hey, anyone can study abroad these days; with so many online universities to choose from, class can be wherever you are in the world. Online schooling is in high demand, since many people want the flexibility they both offer.


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