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Odisha Part 9 : The Vaital Temple, Bhubaneshwar

The Vaital temple is of the many intriguing temples in Bhubaneshwar. To begin with, the structure itself resembles a South-Indian temple more than the typical Kalingan style that we see everywhere else in Odisha. The temple has been dated to the last quarter of the 8 th century CE. Further , unlike most of the temples in Bhubaneshwar, this temple is not dedicated to Lord Shiva. Inside the sanctum is one of the deities who is very rarely seen in a sanctum – Chamunda, along with the Saptamatrikas. This is evidently a Shakta shrine. However, the presence of Lakulisha on the vimana indicates the connection with the Pasupata sect, which is most prevalent in this region during this time period. Further, the name of the temple – ‘Vaital’, comes from the word ‘ vetala’ , referring to spirits, which were invoked by tantrics to attain siddhis. Thus, this temple is an amalgamation of Pasupata and Shakta philosophy, with a strong emphasis on tantric rituals, and this is reflected in the iconogra...
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Navaratri Day 9 : Ramleela

Navaratri might be about the goddess, and her victory over the demon. However, the festival is also about another war - that between Rama and Ravana. Ramleela is just as important a part of our Navaratri celebration, so here is a peep into the Ramleela at Chembur...




That's Kumbhakarna in full flow, all set to enter the war...

And there is Ravana on the side, all ten heads in tow.



Here is the Ravana effigy....



Interestingly with just nine heads...



Samhith suggested that this was because Ravana would have already lost at least one of his heads by the time the effigy is burnt... Anyone have a better explanation????



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  1. NatalieGOctober 4, 2014 at 6:07 AM

    Maybe there's another one hidden under his hat?? :) I'm sure Samhith would know better than I, so I think I'll go with his theory...

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    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 9, 2014 at 12:26 PM

      hmm, doubtful, Natalie! I simply think they didnt notice that one of the heads had fallen off, and I suppose they thought no one would notice!

      Delete
  2. divsiOctober 10, 2014 at 7:50 PM

    Ah! There is our very own Baby Ravan :p (Thats what we call him) hehe can see him from the window :D

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    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 10, 2014 at 10:24 PM

      thats a nice name for him, divsi!!! and lucky you, to see him from your window!! btw, we should meet sometime... since i too live in chembur :)

      Delete
    2. divsiOctober 11, 2014 at 10:46 PM

      definitely! adding you up on FB :)

      Delete

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