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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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Wild Encounters in Gir

Ever since I returned from a short and unexpected trip to Gir, I have been asked the same question - "Did you see a lion?" Our main interest in visiting sanctuaries seems to be the sightings of the big cats... and no wonder. They are so rare these days! Our Gir trip was eventful and full of adventure. But did we see a lion? Read my post on the Club Mahindra Blog to find out!!!


Click here to read the post. 
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  1. Samaresh BiswalMay 29, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    during the monsoon time will there be safari taking place ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 3, 2012 at 5:53 PM

      There are safaris during monsoon, Samaresh, but it depends on the state of the weather and the roads. they dont take advance bookings for that period, so it is simply your luck. in any case, chances of sightings during the monsoon are low. but on the other hand, the forest will look beautiful and you will have it to yourself since there will not be any crowds!

      Delete
  2. SmitaMay 31, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    Hey, have left a comment in the club mahindra blog but wanted to say nice blog you have here :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 3, 2012 at 5:55 PM

      Thanks so much, Smita!! But i wasnt able to see your comment over at the club mahindra blog :(

      Delete
  3. Ritu DuaJune 1, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    So finally you could get a glimpse of the lion! i can well relate to your excitement mixed with nervousness as I had a similar experience while on a wild safari in
    Tanzania. Well it is a wonderful experience indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anuradha ShankarJune 3, 2012 at 5:54 PM

    Thanks Roopa!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Shilpi GemawatNovember 8, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    Lucky you!!! Great that you were able to view the lion after all! Gir is one of my most memorable and the first wildlife safari too. You can read my Gir experience and the see the pics at http://lovethewild.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/my-first-jungle-safari-gir/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Shilpi GemawatNovember 8, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    Lucky you!!! Great that you were able to view the lion after all! Gir is one of my most memorable and the first wildlife safari too. You can read my Gir experience and the see the pics at http://lovethewild.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/my-first-jungle-safari-gir/

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJune 27, 2018 at 11:44 AM

    Thanks for sharing your experience.

    ReplyDelete

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