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Odisha Part 5: Two less visited temples

My quest for ancient temples often takes me to hidden corners of the country, often less visited by regular tourists. More often than not, my drivers are completely unaware of these temples, and we often get lost looking for them, despite the ease that Google Maps has provided. On my recent visit to Odisha, I had only two such less visited temples on my list – the Varahi temple at Chaurasi, and the Gangeshwari temple. I had heard and read about the Varahi temple at Chaurasi , and was eager to go see her. The form of Varahi has always fascinated me, and this particular temple was said to have an exceptionally beautiful idol of the deity. Persuading my driver wasn’t an easy feat – he was reluctant (to say the least) about going in search of temples he had never heard of, but my persistence paid off. The Varahi Temple at Chaurasi The Varahi temple dates back to the 9 th century, and the architecture is unusual, as compared to the other temples of Odisha. The temple is closest in st...
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Skywatch Friday - Phantom Rock, Wayanad

For Skywatch today is an interesting natural sight – the Phantom Rock near Ambalavayal town in Wayanad, Kerala.



This natural, metamorphic rock resembles a skull, which brings about its name.


It is visible from quite a distance, which only enhances its popularity.


Locally, it is called ‘Cheengeri Mala’ or ‘Thalappara’, which means ‘stone head’.


For more beautiful skies from around the world, visit the Skywatch Page. 

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Location: Phantom Rock, Kerala 673593, India

Comments

  1. R Niranjan DasJune 7, 2013 at 2:09 PM

    Have heard about this rock a lot. Yet to visit it. It looks so precariously placed there. Nice clicks!

    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/06/alibaug-beyond-beach.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 7, 2013 at 3:33 PM

      Thanks Niranjan. It is really placed precariously and its amazing to see it still standing like this!

      Delete
  2. MridulaJune 7, 2013 at 3:18 PM

    And I had not heard of it at all before today. They look majestic. catch up with your blog once i am back on the other side of June.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 7, 2013 at 3:34 PM

      Thanks Mridula! it is really a majestic sight! and all the best for your trek! I look forward to your posts!

      Delete
  3. thomasJune 7, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    A majestic rock.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJune 7, 2013 at 4:57 PM

    What a wonderfully moody rock! Great pics.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnuJune 7, 2013 at 7:31 PM

    I've heard about Chengeri Mala / Thalapara, but never seen them. The picture of the rock against the sky is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 9, 2013 at 11:11 AM

      Thanks Anu!! you should go see it someday! really beautiful place!

      Delete
  6. IndraniJune 8, 2013 at 6:31 AM

    There is a spooky place in Wayanad, could you visit it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 9, 2013 at 11:12 AM

      No Indrani, we couldnt visit that. I did hear of it, but our time went off in other pursuits :D

      Delete
  7. KusumJune 14, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Very interesting! There are so many unheard of places.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 28, 2013 at 8:30 PM

      Thank you Kusum! there indeed are many such places across India!

      Delete
  8. AnonymousJune 14, 2013 at 4:58 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  9. SudhageeJune 19, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    Never heard of this, Anu. But then I don't really know much of Wayand. Nice captures all.

    ReplyDelete

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