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Odisha Part 9 : The Vaital Temple, Bhubaneshwar

The Vaital temple is of the many intriguing temples in Bhubaneshwar. To begin with, the structure itself resembles a South-Indian temple more than the typical Kalingan style that we see everywhere else in Odisha. The temple has been dated to the last quarter of the 8 th century CE. Further , unlike most of the temples in Bhubaneshwar, this temple is not dedicated to Lord Shiva. Inside the sanctum is one of the deities who is very rarely seen in a sanctum – Chamunda, along with the Saptamatrikas. This is evidently a Shakta shrine. However, the presence of Lakulisha on the vimana indicates the connection with the Pasupata sect, which is most prevalent in this region during this time period. Further, the name of the temple – ‘Vaital’, comes from the word ‘ vetala’ , referring to spirits, which were invoked by tantrics to attain siddhis. Thus, this temple is an amalgamation of Pasupata and Shakta philosophy, with a strong emphasis on tantric rituals, and this is reflected in the iconogra...
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Serving Water to the Thirsty

It is said that the best charity is giving food to the hungry and water to the thirsty. The latter is especially true in the hot summer months, when a parched throat can make life feel miserable, and nothing is more welcome than a glass of cool water. All over India, there are people who take this literally, and serve water on the roads in summer, free of cost. There are some who place earthen pots of water by the side of the road, under a shady tree and make sure it is re-filled, while others set up water coolers at public spaces. 

While in Jaipur, at a temple we visited, a girl sat at a small window with a pot of water, patiently serving every thirsty soul.....





I also noticed these huts all over the place, especially near road intersections. It was only when I stopped to take a closer look that I realised that these were bamboo huts with an earthen pot of water inside. A person was in attendance, serving the people who came to quench their thirst, and re-filling the pot when necessary.


Interesting way of performing a service to those in need, wouldnt you agree?

 I just wonder who has organised and arranged these water huts all over the place. Unfortunately, my trip was too short for me to do any digging. If any of you have any further information, please do leave a comment and I will update the post accordingly. 
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Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 26, 2012 at 12:16 PM

    Water is a first need in Summer so these people has a good job..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarMay 26, 2012 at 7:46 PM

      True, water is indeed the first need, but these people do a great job especially considering that all these are usually free.

      Delete
  2. Samaresh BiswalMay 26, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    during hot summer month these people come as savior . in bangalore they distribute butter milk near temple .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarMay 26, 2012 at 7:47 PM

      Absolutely, Samaresh! I have seen people distributing butter milk in temples in Chennai too..

      Delete
  3. VetirmagalMay 27, 2012 at 1:10 PM

    தவிச்ச வாய்க்கு தண்ணீà®°் is the phrase in Tamizh( water for thirty mouth).

    This happens even in Hyderabad. I salute those organisations which take up this charity.
    I also think, this is our tradition form those good old days, where in it was never denied.( like the choulteries for travellers of bygone decades).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarMay 28, 2012 at 9:58 AM

      Thanks for the phrase, Vetrimagal! thats what I was looking for! yes, there are such organisations all over the country, and they do an admirable job! and they rarely advertise themselves, so we know little about them.. surprising, but commendable in this era.. and those choultries were great places too.. clean, comfortable, and meant for rest... to those who needed it

      Delete
  4. RamakrishnanMay 27, 2012 at 6:54 PM

    This is wonderful ! Charity begins at home !

    ReplyDelete
  5. Madhusudan MahawarOctober 19, 2012 at 11:51 PM

    such a great creation...will be most appreciated....

    ReplyDelete

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