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Odisha Part 2 - Puri: The Experience of Jagannath

The temple of Jagannath at Puri is one of the four most important temples across India. Sometimes called the Char Dham – Badrinath in the north, Rameswaram in the South, Dwarka in the west, and Puri in the east – these temples mark four corners of our country, and each of these temples has a connection to Adi Shankara. He is said to have travelled to each of them, thus marking a sacred geography of India, long before the country actually existed. Among these 4 temples, 3 are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, while only Rameswaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva, though the lingam there is said to have been installed by Rama. Further, Shankara set up Mutts at 3 of these sites (or very close to these sites, like at Badrinath, where the mutt is at Joshimutt), while the mutt in the south is at Sringeri in Karnataka, quite a distance away from Rameswaram. Coming back to the topic, I have visited Rameswaram most often, Badrinath during my childhood, and Dwaraka a few times, but Puri had stayed out of re...
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Navaratri Preparations

Its time for yet another festival - one which gives me the maximum opportunity to use my creativity - Navaratri - the festival of nine nights. 

These nine nights (and days) are dedicated to the goddess in her myriad forms, and this festival is a celebration of not just the mother goddess, but also her creations. For us, South-Indians, Navaratri is a time for the Bommai Kolu (or Golu), a series of steps with dolls placed on them, and also a time for socialization. The kolu represents the different stages and aspects of life. The bottom steps represent life as we know it - as humans. We therefore use them to depict scenes from life. The higher steps are meant to represent our quest for divinity - which is represented by dolls showing stories from mythology involving gods and demigods. The highest steps are used to show the Gods, who are, after all, believed to be above us all! Apart from the dolls placed on the steps, we also decorate an area around the steps, usually based on some theme. This is mainly meant for children, to give a free rein to their creativity. For me, this is Samhith's area, where he chooses the theme, and then I help him set it up! Yes, I do have to do bulk of the work at present, but he contributes in more ways than you can imagine! As usual, since the theme is of his choosing, our kolu revolves around Samhith's favourite train set! The last few days have been really hectic, preparing for the festival, so no wonder this blog hasnt seen any new posts since Ganesh Chaturthi! 


Over the next ten days, I hope to write everyday, and take you along with me as I enjoy different aspects of the celebrations around me. Meanwhile, here is a sneak peek at our preparations for the kolu!





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Comments

  1. PN SubramanianSeptember 27, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Oh! the preparations are in full swing. In the olden days we used to have wooden sculptures made of red sandalwood.(Marapacchi) which wewre kept to sleep after the Kolu. It would be interesting to go through your posts which I look forward t.

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  2. Aarti krishnakumarSeptember 27, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    Oh wow, looks like quite a preparation :D

    look fwd to your Golu..

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  3. Julia DuttaSeptember 27, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    Too good Anu!

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  4. teamgsquareSeptember 27, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    Happy festive season .

    ReplyDelete
  5. EasycraftsSeptember 27, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    Thanks to your idea last year, this year we got a paper modelling kit of Circus..it was fun doing it...waiting to see your golu this year

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ana O'ReillySeptember 27, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    Anu, I love your posts about festivals, I learn so much! I borrowed this one for this week's contributors' roundup.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sangeeta khannaSeptember 27, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    How nice. I am liking it to know about the festival, particularly how it is celebrated in other parts of the country. 

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  8. magiceyeSeptember 27, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    wow! look forward to the posts ahead!

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  9. Anu ShankarSeptember 29, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    We keep marapachi too.... and make them sleep on the last day....

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anu ShankarSeptember 29, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    Yes, aarti! wait till u see the next one!

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  11. Anu ShankarSeptember 29, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Thanks a lot! and wish u the same!

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  12. Anu ShankarSeptember 29, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Thanks so much, Ana! have been so busy havent had time to check out the site since the last few days! will head over asap!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anu ShankarSeptember 29, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Thanks Sangeeta! 

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  14. NishaOctober 3, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    Such an elaborate preparation Anu! I am sure Samhith is enjoying the most.

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  15. Anu ShankarOctober 3, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    THanks Nisha! Samhith is having a blast! u shd come home for navaratri once!

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  16. TeamKailashOnlineOctober 17, 2012 at 1:03 PM

    May this navratri bring happiness and Prosperity to all..Happy Navratri..Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

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