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Odisha Part 5: Two less visited temples

My quest for ancient temples often takes me to hidden corners of the country, often less visited by regular tourists. More often than not, my drivers are completely unaware of these temples, and we often get lost looking for them, despite the ease that Google Maps has provided. On my recent visit to Odisha, I had only two such less visited temples on my list – the Varahi temple at Chaurasi, and the Gangeshwari temple. I had heard and read about the Varahi temple at Chaurasi , and was eager to go see her. The form of Varahi has always fascinated me, and this particular temple was said to have an exceptionally beautiful idol of the deity. Persuading my driver wasn’t an easy feat – he was reluctant (to say the least) about going in search of temples he had never heard of, but my persistence paid off. The Varahi Temple at Chaurasi The Varahi temple dates back to the 9 th century, and the architecture is unusual, as compared to the other temples of Odisha. The temple is closest in st...
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Skywatch Friday - Mountains and Monuments



The best thing about Shimla is its colonial architecture, and the beautiful views of the surrounding Shivalik ranges and Himalayan peaks. Having just returned from a visit to the erstwhile summer capital of the country, I can't stop thinking of the beautiful views we woke up to, for a whole week. So, for Skywatch today is one such view... from the Mall at Shimla.

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Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Comments

  1. AartiJanuary 4, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    Beautiful breathtaking view indeed

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  2. MridulaJanuary 4, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    And I can only imagine how this will look once it catches golden light! Lovely capture.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:42 PM

      It was so beautiful, Mridula! I spent early mornings and late evenings just by the window in our room watching the play of light on the snow clad hills. unfortunately, i couldnt capture the beauty satisfactorily with my camera. need to learn how to :D

      Delete
  3. PoornaJanuary 4, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    Thanks for sharing the beautiful picture of Shimla. In spite of horrendous development, Shimla is still a charming place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:43 PM

      Yes, Poorna. In spite of all the horrendous development, as you put it so well, Shimla is still charming! wonder how long it will last though if such 'development' continues..

      Delete
  4. UnknownJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:26 PM

    Fantastic ! - I REALLY want to travel through India one day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:43 PM

      Thanks!! I hope you can come and travel all through India soon!

      Delete
  5. eileeninmdJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:30 PM

    What a beautiful scene, I love the mountains! Thanks for sharing your skies! Happy Skywatching!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Vishal RathodJanuary 4, 2013 at 7:24 PM

    Beautiful Picture

    ReplyDelete
  7. LorriJanuary 4, 2013 at 9:18 PM

    Lovely capture of nature and architecture...the red really stands out.

    ReplyDelete
  8. R Niranjan DasJanuary 7, 2013 at 8:10 PM

    Lovely photo. Frame it!

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in

    ReplyDelete
  9. ArunJanuary 8, 2013 at 3:05 PM

    Nice. Never saw snow peaks from the mall. Winter effect?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 8, 2013 at 3:26 PM

      Thanks so much, Arun! yes, certainly it is the winter effect! plus unusually clear skies for the weather!

      Delete

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