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...
It has been a while since I posted photos of birds, so here is one I see the most these days - the Oriental Magpie Robin.
There are three of these birds in our garden, and I see them frequently flying around, and can hear their distinctive, melodious call even before I see them! Capturing them on camera, however, has been another matter entirely, and I managed these only because the birds were nice enough to sit on the window ledge near my house, and also pose for a while on the tree right opposite my window!
There are three of these birds in our garden, and I see them frequently flying around, and can hear their distinctive, melodious call even before I see them! Capturing them on camera, however, has been another matter entirely, and I managed these only because the birds were nice enough to sit on the window ledge near my house, and also pose for a while on the tree right opposite my window!
Nice little birds. Nice photos, well taken..
ReplyDeleteThanks Shalu!
DeleteSuch womderful captures, extra special as they are birds and that means a lot of patience :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Mridula! for such reasonably big birds, they are hard to capture! am unsuccessfully trying now for the purple sunbird. its flitting around, but cant get an image!
DeleteMy God! I can't believe it! In Mumbai? What lovely luck, Anu :))
ReplyDeleteWe are lucky to live in an area which is covered with greenery, Julia! tho it comes with its share of problems! and this one is a regular visitor...
DeleteLucky you to get visitors like them. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, Indrani! we are indeed lucky to see such beauties!
DeleteBeautiful bird.. I think ot is cached in Dandeli Jungle.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us.
Thank you, Madhukar... this is quite a common bird, seen everywhere in India.
DeleteNice... I miss the sounds of birds chirping (even crow)! You must be hearing that all the time, no?
ReplyDeleteoh yes, Neeraj! birds chirp here all the time , as for crows, they are here all day long!
DeleteSo pretty!!
ReplyDelete