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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 - Sun and Snow

When we arrived at Narkanda, the sun was high in the sky, and really bright. I cursed it at first, because I could hardly click a decent photo with the sun in my eyes....




As it turned out, we were thankful for its presence that day, even though it stayed for just an hour or so. As we forgot ourselves playing in the snow, we only realized its disappearance once we were done, and futilely wished it back!

P.S. Narkanda is about 60 Km from Shimla and is a popular skiing destination.

The photo isn't as good as I hoped, but it happens to be a memorable one. For better photos of the skies from around the world, go to Skywatch Friday


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Location: Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh, India

Comments

  1. R Niranjan DasJanuary 11, 2013 at 11:47 AM

    The rays look so piercing!

    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/01/old-goa-of-cathedrals-churches-chapels.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 11, 2013 at 11:09 PM

      Yes, they do, Niranjan! It was so bright, I had a hard time seeing anything at first!

      Delete
  2. Mahi KashyapJanuary 11, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    Its really an outstanding click... Most beautiful day of the week...

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2013 at 12:28 PM

    A starburst of sun - how gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AsadJanuary 11, 2013 at 1:11 PM

    Great picture. I wish to be there. I must say you have disturbed a basic of photography and that is don't shoot facing light because its not that easy. But you have done well here.

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    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 11, 2013 at 11:11 PM

      Thanks so much, Asad!!It was simply a fluke! have tried to get such an image earlier, but never managed! even this time, the image could have been much better with a bit better knowledge of photography!

      Delete
  5. NishaJanuary 11, 2013 at 1:29 PM

    It's so pleasing feeling to see the Sun on a snowy day..... that too this bright ! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 11, 2013 at 11:11 PM

      Yes, Nisha! that sun was a sight for sore eyes... about the only time we saw it as bright

      Delete
  6. TeamgsquareJanuary 11, 2013 at 4:51 PM

    Cool picture .

    ReplyDelete
  7. IndraniJanuary 11, 2013 at 10:32 PM

    Fantastic shot!

    ReplyDelete

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