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...
We continued our Gokarna trip by visiting four other Shiva temples in the vicinity, all connected to the same story of Gokarna. The story of Gokarna mentions the Mahabaleshwara Lingam as the one brought from Kailas by Ravana, and kept at this place on the ground by Ganesha. (See my earlier post- Gokarna – Pilgrimage and Pleasure). However, the story does not end here. It is believed that, in his anger, Ravana flung aside the materials which covered the lingam- the casket, its lid, the string around the lingam, and the cloth covering it. All these items became lingams as soon as they touched the ground. These four lingams, along with the main Mahabaleshwara lingam are collectively called the ‘ Panchalingams’ . These are: Mahabaleshwara – the main lingam Sajjeshwar – the casket carrying the lingam. This temple is about 35 Kms from Karwar, and is a 2 hour drive from Gokarna. Dhareshwar – the string covering the lingam. This temple is on NH17, about 45 Kms south of Gokarna. Gunavanteshw...
"Listen you. This is the marker. Right side your place, left side my place. In case of dire consequences next time, don't tell me I didn't warn you."...:-)
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Atula!!! thats really quite probable, considering where and how they are standing!!!
Delete:)
ReplyDeleteWhoever moves first makes the dinner!
grt thought, Indrani!!! a battle of wills to decide who gets to do the chores?
DeleteAwesome click!
ReplyDeletewww.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
Thats what I would think too, if only they opened their mouths.. or rather, beaks! but they just stood still... as they were, not a squeak out of them!
ReplyDeleteShe came
ReplyDeletepensively
and confused
to meet her aunt,
who just stood
with her lips pursed
in great disapproval.
The beauty parlour trip
gone wrong,
a mess of colors
in the hair,
trickling on to the body,
and she wailed'
"All my efforts
coming to naught -
what will I do now
at the
L'oreal Miss Hen International ?"
"Hmm"
said the elderly aunt,
"Its the influence
of that Rooster
you met on FB ....."
That was fantastic, Suranga!!!!Thanks so much for these wonderful lines.. been laughing and laughing!
DeleteActually, you said "Statue" and they just stood where they were ! :-P
ReplyDeleteprobably they were already playing 'statue' when I found them?
Delete