My first trip to Vaishnodevi was unimpressive. Climbing was hard, and it only served to highlight how badly out of shape I was, while my in-laws managed to cope so much better. Further, I hadn’t quite realized that the cave experience wouldn’t be the same as I had imagined, since the original cave was only opened at certain times a year, and that we only entered a newly created tunnel, one far easier to access, and hence more manageable with the crowds that thronged the mountain shrine. The resulting experience at the shrine, for barely a fraction of a second, hardly compared to what I had expected / imagined / heard about. So, for me, Vaishnodevi was like any other temple, nothing to write home about, something that was reflected (though not explicitly mentioned) in the blog post I wrote then.
Skywatch Friday - The Photo Story of a Spectacular Sunset on Cherai Beach
Cherai is a beautiful beach near Kochi, relatively clean, and not too crowded. We spent a few days there during our summer vacation, and, instead of the simmering heat and calm sea, we found heavy rain and huge waves that lashed at the shore! While this did restrict our time in the water, the sky put up a beautiful show for us every day...a different one each day. Here is one of the most spectacular sunsets we saw. Honestly, I didn't know where to look.... At the clouds as they gathered, or at the sun which changed its look every minute, or at the sea, with its frothy reflections of the sun and the clouds, or at the changing colours in the sky.. Let me leave the descriptions aside, and allow you to see for yourself, one of the most spectacular sunsets I have ever seen!
It all began with the clouds gathering...
...distorting the sun, which still managed to shine!
Then, the colours began to change, as the sun seemed to move faster, towards the horizon
For a moment, the sun appeared in all its glory, a perfect circle, as a cloud streaked through....
It was a spectacular sight indeed!
As the sun continued its downward journey, the light seemed to change all the times, as the clouds changed in the sky... even the sand seemed to reflect the fading light, from the thin layer of water left behind by the receding waves!
The last glimpses of the sun, as it seemed to merge with the water, was too beautiful a sight to describe
Can you see the sun here, almost at the verge of disappearance?
Even as the sun disappeared from sight, the colours just seemed to be more beautiful, and I couldn't help clicking... the patterns of the clouds changed too, appearing more interesting than ever!
Even as the sky darkened, the clouds continued the show, with their ever-changing patterns and colours keeping us hooked!
I have only posted a few photos among the whole lot that I took, but, if, after you see them, you would like to see more, here is a video you can sit back and enjoy!
Fore more beautiful skies from around the world, visit the Skywatch Page!
Anuradha, These are gorgeous pictures. I couldn't resist but to republish here http://www.explorex.in/get-along/skywatch-friday-the-photo-story-of-a-spectacular-sunset-on-cherai-beach.
We continued our Gokarna trip by visiting four other Shiva temples in the vicinity, all connected to the same story of Gokarna. The story of Gokarna mentions the Mahabaleshwara Lingam as the one brought from Kailas by Ravana, and kept at this place on the ground by Ganesha. (See my earlier post- Gokarna – Pilgrimage and Pleasure). However, the story does not end here. It is believed that, in his anger, Ravana flung aside the materials which covered the lingam- the casket, its lid, the string around the lingam, and the cloth covering it. All these items became lingams as soon as they touched the ground. These four lingams, along with the main Mahabaleshwara lingam are collectively called the ‘ Panchalingams’ . These are: Mahabaleshwara – the main lingam Sajjeshwar – the casket carrying the lingam. This temple is about 35 Kms from Karwar, and is a 2 hour drive from Gokarna. Dhareshwar – the string covering the lingam. This temple is on NH17, about 45 Kms south of Gokarna. Gunavanteshw
The four cardinal directions form the axis on which a temple is built, and are thus the basis of temple architecture. Leading from them are the eight directions, which are believed to be guarded by the eight guardians, or Ashta Dikpalas . In the temples of Khajuraho, great care has been taken by the sculptors to carve the Ashta Dikpalas on the walls, both inside and outside. They not only guard the temple, but also look over us as we circumambulate the shrine, protecting us by their presence. They are augmented by the Ashta Vasus , celestial beings which represent natural phenomena. Together, they enhance the idea of the temple as cosmos, enfolding within it, all the aspects of nature, both, on earth, as well in space.
The lanes are narrow , twisting and turning amidst buildings old and new. Crumbling old structures with intricate workmanship stand side by side with art deco buildings, and more modern constructions, which follow no particular style. Autos, bicycles, motorcycles and vans rush past, blowing their horns as loudly as possible, while cows saunter past peacefully, completely unaffected by the noise. In the midst of all this chaos, children play by the side, and women go about their chores, as we explore these by-lanes of Bikaner, and its beautiful Havelis. Facade of one of the Rampuria Havelis
Wow -- gorgeous shots.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Ladyfi!
DeleteWhat a breathtaking sunset and your captures are awesome!!! Thank you so much for sharing the beauty!! Have a great weekend!!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Thank you, Sylvia! have a great weekend too!
DeleteIt is spectacular, especially the one in which the cloud 'slice' the Sun!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vaish! I loved seeing that!
DeleteLovely colors on a beautiful sky
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gunsside!
DeleteAwesome series. Breath taking moment indeed.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lina!
DeleteA truly spectacular series of shots.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Yogi!
DeleteBeautiful capture
ReplyDeleteThank you, Thomas!
DeleteWow, there's no way to pick just one as a favorite! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Natalie! Now you know why I chose to post so many of these pics! just couldnt choose!
DeleteAnuradha, These are gorgeous pictures. I couldn't resist but to republish here http://www.explorex.in/get-along/skywatch-friday-the-photo-story-of-a-spectacular-sunset-on-cherai-beach.
ReplyDeleteThese shots are gorgeous. Kerala is always one among the most beautiful places in India.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the sun set video. This is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWow! Your pictures really do justice to the sunset at Cherai. I live near there so I visit it often. Good job.
ReplyDelete