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Odisha Part 3 - Konark : The Surya Temple, through my eyes

Many years back, when I visited the National Museum in Delhi, one of the images that I was most impressed by, was the Surya from Konark. I remember being rooted to the ground as I stood in front of the sculpture, admiring every detail, simply unable to walk away. There are various ideas of where the sculpture was placed in the temple, but wherever it was placed, there is no question that it would have drawn all eyes. I remember wondering back then, if this single sculpture was so impressive, how much more impressive the temple would have been! The first thing that struck me about the Konark temple during my first visit, was its size. I have seen huge ancient temples before – the Brihadeeshwara temple and the Kandariya Mahadev temple, to name just two. However, Konark was something else. It was awe-inspiring to even think of just how much larger the original temple would have been, with its main spire intact. So many years later, on my second visit, the size was still impressive, bu...
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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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