The Parasurameshwara temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneshwar, dating back to the early 8 th century CE. It is also one of the more intriguing temples, with a wide variety of very interesting sculptures. This temple has been attributed to the Shailodbhavas , who were Shaivites. The dynasty is named for their founder, Shailodbhava, who is said to have emerged from a rock, by the grace of Lord Shiva, in response to a prayer by a man from Kalinga, to create a man capable of ruling the earth. That this temple is dedicated to Shiva is clear, not only from the Shaiva dwarapalas who guard the entrance, but also from the numerous sculptures depicting Shiva in his many forms. However, what makes this temple very interesting is the presence of multiple images of the goddesses, especially the Saptamatrikas. The presence of different forms of the goddess, a panel depicting the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, as well as an image of Ardhanareeshwara suggest a strong Shakta influence o...
We continued our Gokarna trip by visiting four other Shiva temples in the vicinity, all connected to the same story of Gokarna. The story of Gokarna mentions the Mahabaleshwara Lingam as the one brought from Kailas by Ravana, and kept at this place on the ground by Ganesha. (See my earlier post- Gokarna – Pilgrimage and Pleasure). However, the story does not end here. It is believed that, in his anger, Ravana flung aside the materials which covered the lingam- the casket, its lid, the string around the lingam, and the cloth covering it. All these items became lingams as soon as they touched the ground. These four lingams, along with the main Mahabaleshwara lingam are collectively called the ‘ Panchalingams’ . These are: Mahabaleshwara – the main lingam Sajjeshwar – the casket carrying the lingam. This temple is about 35 Kms from Karwar, and is a 2 hour drive from Gokarna. Dhareshwar – the string covering the lingam. This temple is on NH17, about 45 Kms south of Gokarna. Gunavanteshw...




Season's Greetings and Happy New Year
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family Anu.
ReplyDeleteFantastic decorations. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Anu.
ReplyDeletePretty decoration of the Christmas Tree. Merry Christmas to you and your family Anu:)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a full grown fir! Lovely decorations and no guesses for what the gifts are :D
ReplyDeleteWish you too a very happy new year Anu..!
ReplyDeleteNicely done xmas tree. Happy 2012 to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteWish you Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Wishing you, your hubby and Samhit a very very happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pradeepa! Wish you a very happy new year!
ReplyDeleteThanks Zephyr! guess I am predictable that way :)
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot, Sridharan!!! wish you a great year ahead!
ReplyDeleteThanks Chitra! wish you too a great year ahead!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rajesh! wish you a great travel filled year ahead!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, PNS!! Wish you and your family too a great year ahead!!
ReplyDelete