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Odisha Part 7: The Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneshwar

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...
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Breaking the travel jinx

Cooped up at home for over 3 months, we were in dire need of a short break. Which is why, we made use of the Holi and Good Friday holidays to escape from the city. Our destination - one which has eluded us for years, which we have booked tickets to, twice, and had to cancel both times. We hoped to get, as they say, 'third time lucky', and we did, heading out to Coorg for a too-short vacation, just to break the jinx!




I have been back for two days, and the time has been spent recuperating from the trip - mountains of clothes to be washed, house to be cleaned, chores to be done...... and I haven't even been able to update my blog till now. Yet, amidst all this chaos is a peace which comes from the fact that I did manage to get out, for however short a trip.... This will probably last me for a few more days, till the travel pangs begin anew! Meanwhile, I am re-living the wonderful experiences we had.... of Samhith swimming in the Kaveri at Bhagamandala.....


Enjoying the thrill of adventure at Club Mahindra, Coorg....


Playing with the elephants at Dubare...



And, for me, the sheer beauty of the mountains, and the pleasure of seeing birds where least expected...


The trip was a short one, but I have loads to share.... Now, if only I could take a second break from the chores.... just to sit down and write! 

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Location: Madikeri, Karnataka 571201, India

Comments

  1. MridulaApril 3, 2013 at 9:37 AM

    I know so many things wait for you once you get back. But good to see that you and Samhaith enjoyed Coorg.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarApril 3, 2013 at 1:44 PM

      Thanks Mridula! its only the thought of future trips that keeps us going!

      Delete
  2. R Niranjan DasApril 3, 2013 at 4:17 PM

    Nice images. Am sure your tales would flow out soon.

    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/04/ruralscapes-of-india.html

    ReplyDelete
  3. SoulSpaceApril 3, 2013 at 7:38 PM

    lovely snap there of S in the water...

    heres to more travel for you and soon:)

    ReplyDelete

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