Lamayuru is one of the most ancient monasteries in Ladakh, the oldest surviving structure dating to the 11 th century CE. What makes this monastery particularly fascinating, is its location, amidst what is today called the “moonscape”, for the spectacular natural rock formations, which truly are “out of the world”! As per legend , there once existed a huge lake in this area, populated only by the Nagas (serpents). It was prophesized that there would be a great monastery built here. This prophecy came true when the great acharya Naropa (756-1041 CE) arrived. He emptied the lake, meditated for many years inside a cave, and built the first monastery here. The present structure is a new one, built around the cave where Acharya Naropa is said to have meditated. This legend seems to fit well with the geological formations seen in the area, which suggest this was a paleo-lake, which disappeared around 1000 years ago. Lamayuru is about 130 km from Leh , and the Indus River flows along th
The Greater Coucal, called a Crow Pheasant, is neither a crow nor a pheasant, but belongs to the cuckoo family. They are commonly called 'Bharadvaj', and sighting them is believed to be a good omen.
We see them quite often in my area, and this one perched on a tree in our compound for a while, drying its feathers after the rains.
They are bigger than the crows, and look a lot stronger too, but at least where I live, the crows rule the roost. This one had a hard time getting dry, pestered as it was, constantly, by the crows, until it finally gave up and flew away.
We see them quite often in my area, and this one perched on a tree in our compound for a while, drying its feathers after the rains.
They are bigger than the crows, and look a lot stronger too, but at least where I live, the crows rule the roost. This one had a hard time getting dry, pestered as it was, constantly, by the crows, until it finally gave up and flew away.
I live in Mumbai, in a colony lucky enough to still have plenty of trees and open spaces. The best part of living here are the birds I see from my window, every single day. "Birds from my Window" is a series, where I regularly feature photos of birds I see from my home. To see all the posts in this series, click here.
nice blog and photography
ReplyDeleteI have to read what is good omen. And this is the first time I saw this bird. Thanks for sharing.
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