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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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Ganesha with a Message

While I enjoy going to see all the Ganpatis in their various avatars around Mumbai during the ten days of Ganeshotsav, it is those with a message which really touch my heart. Among my favourite ones - one I have been seeing for almost 20 years now, and which is located right outside my college - is the Ruia Naka Ganpati. 





This year the theme is 'Save the Girl Child'.... And they have chosen to depict it through the medium of the Goddess as well as women achievers.

Maharashtra is home to 3 1/2 Shaktipeethas - 52 temples of the Devi located in the Indian Subcontinent - From left to right in the pic - Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur, Tulja Bhavani at Tuljapur, Renuka Devi at Mahur and Saptashrungi Devi at Vani.

And behind these deities are women achievers from every possible field.. There is a board in front of the deity -



The issue taken up here is the spate of female foeticides, and in Marathi is a poem asking the Lord to bless us with a vision that makes us see, not just a girl child in the ultrasound, but an achiever. 


What I really liked about this one is how it focuses on changing our vision - after all, it is how we see things that decides how we react to issues. So it is that vision we need to change!

Usha, I really missed you this year! Esp when we visited this Ganpati.. which, I remember, is the only one you really liked when we visited Ganpatis together!
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Location: Ramnarain Ruia College, L. Nappo Road, Matunga, Dadar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400 019, India

Comments

  1. MridulaSeptember 27, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    It is that time for you again when festival after festival will arrive! Enjoy Anu and I will enjoy through you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarSeptember 28, 2012 at 9:41 AM

      oh yes, Mridula, the festive season has indeed arrived...and with all your travels, it looks like its the travel festive season for you :D

      Delete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2012 at 5:44 PM

    I agree with Mridula! I wanted to come read this one for long...so what is your little "ganpati' saying to all this? He probably is enjoying the modak more LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarSeptember 28, 2012 at 9:45 AM

      Thanks Julia! the little ganpati is so busy with stuff at school, there is no time to do anything :( as to modaks, unfortunately, we cant make them this year for some reasons, so he is missing out on them.. have promised to make them for him once the festival is over, though :D

      Delete
  3. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2012 at 5:46 PM

    I wanted to read your post long ago. So what is your little Ganpati saying to all this? He is probably enjoying the modhak more LOL

    ReplyDelete
  4. chitraSeptember 27, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    I love to read your posts during festival times.They are colurful,full of life and you bring the essence of each through your posts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarSeptember 28, 2012 at 9:46 AM

      Thanks so much, Chitra.. its nice to see u here again!

      Delete
  5. DeniseinVASeptember 27, 2012 at 9:13 PM

    I wish you a happy festival time. I have enjoyed visiting your blog. Thank you very much for sending me the link.

    ReplyDelete
  6. IndraniSeptember 28, 2012 at 12:03 PM

    That is very thoughtful!
    Happy festival greetings!

    ReplyDelete
  7. ArtiSeptember 28, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    Wow Anu, that is a wonderful theme and very creatively done! Loved it, thanks for taking us there! :)

    ReplyDelete

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