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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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Memories of 2013 - Travel Vignettes - Goa

The Goa I have seen, twice, is the Goa of the travel brochures - the Churches, the Beaches, the seemingly never ending stretch of the sand and the sea. When I took Samhith and my mother to Goa this time, we saw all those too, for the simple reason that it was all new for them!




However, we also saw a different side of Goa - the wilderness as we drove in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary surprised us, as did the zoo at the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary.



Yet, if there is one thing I shall always remember from this trip to Goa, it is the sight of the Tambdi Surla temple, in the pouring rain. Standing within its centuries old stone walls, while it withstood the onslaught of nature, it was impossible not to admire those who had created such a beautiful structure, and marvel at the fact that it stood, strong, even after all this time. 



I knew when I left for Goa, that it would be the last trip of the year for me  - a fact which only made me enjoy it more! However, stuck at home as I was, for the rest of the year, I did not let that deter us from enjoying ourselves.... as you will see in the next few posts!
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Location: Goa, India

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