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Odisha Part 8: The Parasurameshwara Temple, Bhubaneshwar

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...
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Skywatch Friday - Mountains, River, and the sky....

As the weekend approaches, with exams done, all I wish is that I could get away somewhere... anywhere! Of course, other matters call, and I know I can't, but meanwhile, I try to console myself with all the photos I have clicked on the recent trips....





These wide open spaces... the mountains, the rivers.... these are what I love to see.... the kind of place where I wish to be.... without a single other human in sight!



I clicked these photos somewhere on the way back from Goa. The Konkan railway offers views like none other, especially in the monsoon, which is why this is my entry for Skywatch today!

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

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