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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...
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Memories of 2012 - Nanded to Lonar

November brought us the Diwali vacation, and the most memorable trip so far this year. We set out for Nanded, starting with a visit to Aundha Nagnath and Parali Vaidyanath, two Jyotirling Shrines in the vicinity....



We spent Diwali at the Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan at Shegaon, where it was a calm and quiet Diwali, celebrated with beautiful Rangolis...



and people lighting lamps all over the complex... even the rooftops...


We wrapped up our tour with a visit to the Lonar Crater Lake..... I have still not been able to pen down my experiences, but this is one post you can look forward to reading soon in the new year!


And, as you read this post, I am on my final trip of the year.... a winter vacation at Shimla! I will be in the train when the new year dawns, and am hoping that the new year is full of travels too! Usually, I do not make new year resolutions, but this year I do have one - to catch up with my writing. To try and write as many posts as I can and share all my experiences with you! 

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Location: Lonar crater lake, Maharashtra

Comments

  1. LeonidDecember 31, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    Great info to have. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DietmutDecember 31, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    Happy New Year too!!!!

    http://dith-plukeenogenblikvandedag.blogspot.nl/2012/12/jouw-beschermengel-your-guardian-angel.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 2, 2013 at 3:55 PM

      Thanks Dietmut! and wish you a great year ahead too!!

      Delete

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