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Odisha Part 2 - Puri: The Experience of Jagannath

The temple of Jagannath at Puri is one of the four most important temples across India. Sometimes called the Char Dham – Badrinath in the north, Rameswaram in the South, Dwarka in the west, and Puri in the east – these temples mark four corners of our country, and each of these temples has a connection to Adi Shankara. He is said to have travelled to each of them, thus marking a sacred geography of India, long before the country actually existed. Among these 4 temples, 3 are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, while only Rameswaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva, though the lingam there is said to have been installed by Rama. Further, Shankara set up Mutts at 3 of these sites (or very close to these sites, like at Badrinath, where the mutt is at Joshimutt), while the mutt in the south is at Sringeri in Karnataka, quite a distance away from Rameswaram. Coming back to the topic, I have visited Rameswaram most often, Badrinath during my childhood, and Dwaraka a few times, but Puri had stayed out of re...
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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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