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Odisha Part 8: The Parasurameshwara Temple, Bhubaneshwar

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...

The Meeting of the Rose Ringed Parakeets

I just realised that I have not posted any bird images on my blog for quite a long time. One of the reasons for this is that the tree opposite our house has been pruned, which has led to fewer bird arrivals. The ones which do come, don't wait long enough for me to get my camera. However, I have managed to capture a few here and there.... Here are a group of Rose Ringed Parakeets which seem to be having a meeting...

At first there were just two on the lamp post...



They were soon joined by a third...


Look at the expressions....


Doesnt it make you wonder what is going on?


The third one especially appeared to be in a pensive mood...


Looking down frequently as if he was looking for something on the rusting lamp post..


All the while, this one, on a tree right opposite the lamp post, seemed to be keeping an eye on the happenings, but refused to be drawn in...


The meeting ended when the third parakeet flew off, and the first two decided to tease this one which stayed apart. He flew off, and the two flew off too, chasing him!

Doesn't that make you wonder what the 4 parakeets were up to?

Update: While I was writing this post, the one person whom I kept thinking about was Suranga Date, or Ugich Konitari, as we all know her. She always comes up with the most amazing lines on the most unexpected photographs. Her lines always bring a smile to my face, and as I wrote this post, I wondered if these photos would induce some memorable lines too... And yes, they did!! While you can read what she wrote in her comments, you will enjoy them even more if you head over to her blog where she has posted the lines in her own inimitable style!!Here is the link: 


Comments

  1. The moods captured are fantastic. I presume it is a social issue.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your post makes me wonder what they were up too amd it brought a smile to my face :D

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Chairparakeet
    at the top
    in lights,
    and her smart protege
    steeped in guava economics
    and FDI in Trees;
    both wondering
    how the fiery one
    on the eastern pillar
    will react.

    " No ! I cannot
    and will not allow
    FDI in trees, ever ;
    what will my fellow birds eat ?"
    She said determinedly.

    The Chairparakeet
    gave a slight nod,
    and
    the fiery one,
    ever aware of the niceties,
    bowed and said,
    "i am sorry, but I must withdraw..."
    and flew off.

    Some distance away,
    another parakeet,
    statue-like and stately,
    watched the proceedings,
    as the Chairparakeet approached....

    No one knows what was said,
    but this one too
    flew away.

    Crisis time.
    The Chair parakeet
    and the smart protege,
    were last seen winging south...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Suranga!!! I am amazed, as usual, with the way you instantly come up with these wonderful lines!!! you made my day!

      Delete
  4. http://kavitalihi.blogspot.in/2012/10/parakeets-and-politics.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. This was an amazing capture. I too love watching the activities of the birds that fall on the tree in front of my house. It gives a different kind of pleasure as well as happiness. The pictures of the parakeets indeed makes me wonder what are they upto. Thanks for the nice post.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nice shots.

    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in

    ReplyDelete
  7. delighted to read this post. loved your site. you are here http://trishanka.wordpress.com/links/

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wonderful captures, Anu. I wonder what they were thinking, communicating about. I wonder...

    ReplyDelete

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