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Odisha Part 10: Bhubaneshwar – the city of temples

Bhubaneshwar is often called the city of temples . It is impossible to know exactly how many temples there are, but it has been estimated that there might be over 700 temples in the city. This number, while impressive, is just a fraction of the original number, which, sometime in the 13 th century, would have been about 7000. Wikipedia has a page dedicated to the Hindu temples of Bhubaneshwar , where 93 temples are listed. All these are ancient temples, built between the 7 th and 13 th centuries CE. Bhubaneshwar was once known as Ekamra Kshetra , the sacred mango grove. We know this name from an inscription at the Ananta Vasudeva temple, which mentions the name of the place, and the main temple (that we now know as the Lingaraja temple) in the mango grove. Ananta Vasudeva Temple, with a sculpture of Trivikrama in the niche It is extremely interesting to note that the Ananta Vasudeva temple is the only temple to Lord Vishnu in this city. Varaha, Ananta Vasudeva Temple Located v...
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Chembur Durga Puja

Eight days have gone by, and Navaratri is almost over. It's unbelievable how fast time flies, especially during festivals like this. The last few days have been so busy that I haven't been able to write, but I have more to write before I call an end to my Navaratri posts. Today, let me give you a glimpse of our Chembur Durga Puja.....



This is how we are greeted at the entrance, the dancing lights stopping us on the road, for a second glance!





This is no replica, but a temple made from the imagination of the artists.....



Inside, everything is eco-friendly... All the items used are bio-degradeable.... Take a look at what lovely decorations have been made with coir, reeds, shola wood, and similar items....








On the ceiling is a piece de resistance -  a chandelier, made of Shola wood, lighting up the decorations...






And here is what we are here for..... the tableau of deities....



As I stand before them, hands folded in prayer, Samhith's attention is drawn elsewhere - to the stalls outside, selling food. Of course, what he really wants is Rasgolla! We had planned to be here early, in time for the Bhog, but, we are too late. We have to settle for the stalls just beginning their sales, and he pulls me out of the pandal, intent on satisfying his stomach, rather than my spiritual satisfaction, but I give in, for this is what brings him here with me, year after year, for now!

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  1. P.N. SubramanianOctober 13, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    Beautiful decorations. Oh that means there is a large Bengali population in Chembur.

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    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 13, 2013 at 11:40 AM

      Yes, PNS. there is a sizeable Bengali population in and around Chembur. And they arrange for some really beautiful decorations each year!

      Delete
  2. Bindhu UnnyOctober 13, 2013 at 11:01 AM

    Very creative! And sensitive to create an ecofriendly pandal. Where is this? Chedda Nagar?

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    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 13, 2013 at 11:40 AM

      No, Bindhu, this is near the Chembur Naka...on the ground near the municipal school

      Delete
  3. Wild ShutterOctober 15, 2013 at 11:11 AM

    Very nice being in Chembur never visited this place

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownOctober 15, 2013 at 12:14 PM

    Thank you Anuradha Ji for creating such beautiful post on this magnificent puja mandap. I'd like to add one thing which you may not know that the LED lighting is based on a beautiful childhood Bengali poem "Palkir Gaan".

    ReplyDelete

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