The Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneshwar gets its name from the stone used to build it - the red and yellow sandstone used here is locally called Rajarani. This temple was once known as the Indreshwara temple, which is mentioned in the Ekamra Purana, which tells us about the temples of Bhubaneshwar, which was then known as Ekamra Kshetra. Today, the temple stands in a well-maintained lawn, and is the only ticketed monument within the city. The temple is built in the typical Kalinga style, with the tall curvilinear shikara over the garbagruha , and a jagamohana connected to it. The temple is believed to date back to the 11 th century, and is most well known for its sculptures. The entrance to the temple has two pillars with a Naga couple protecting the sanctum, holding garlands in their hands. The base of the pillar shows 3 lions standing over 3 elephants, a typical motif in temples of this region during this period. On the other side of the pillar is a horse and rider, and the two mo...
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