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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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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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