Bhubaneshwar is often called the city of temples . It is impossible to know exactly how many temples there are, but it has been estimated that there might be over 700 temples in the city. This number, while impressive, is just a fraction of the original number, which, sometime in the 13 th century, would have been about 7000. Wikipedia has a page dedicated to the Hindu temples of Bhubaneshwar , where 93 temples are listed. All these are ancient temples, built between the 7 th and 13 th centuries CE. Bhubaneshwar was once known as Ekamra Kshetra , the sacred mango grove. We know this name from an inscription at the Ananta Vasudeva temple, which mentions the name of the place, and the main temple (that we now know as the Lingaraja temple) in the mango grove. Ananta Vasudeva Temple, with a sculpture of Trivikrama in the niche It is extremely interesting to note that the Ananta Vasudeva temple is the only temple to Lord Vishnu in this city. Varaha, Ananta Vasudeva Temple Located v...
We were on our way to a temple, with a hot spring. "It is a nice temple" assured our driver. "It won't be crowded at all." The single bus standing outside the tiny temple should have warned us, but we didn't pay attention till it was too late. The shrine, and the spring, were filled with people - who stared as we walked in. It was an unnerving experience, and we rushed to get out. A flash of white on a tree diverted me, and I hurried to see what it was. It turned out to be an Egyptian Vulture.. the saving grace of the long journey it had taken us to get here!!!
The vulture perched on the bare branch for a while, allowing me a good capture...
and then spread its wings, and soared up into the air. I watched, struck by just how beautiful it looked, and almost forgot to click. But the vulture circled, and another one joined it.... and I just had to try my luck to capture it in flight....
We stood there, losing track of time, watching the birds swoop and circle, and wondered what they were doing. Our driver rushed up, surprised to see out outside, looking at a bird, instead of the temple. By the time I turned back, the birds had disappeared, and we headed back to the car.
It was as if they had appeared just for us, to make up for the disappointing temple, and the baleful stares of those we had surprised!It is moments like these which make trips memorable, don't they?
This post is part of my series on my #summertrip 2015, and I hope to take you along with me as I recount stories from my month long trip, which took me across the country. To get an idea of all the places I visited, and what you can hope to read about, click here.
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- The Himachal Series-
Vulture watching is rare these days. You are lucky you saw it. And thanks for sharing photos. We also watching because of you.
ReplyDeletesurprisingly Tushar, I have seen Egyptian vultures earlier too, near Mysore. but its always a pleasure to see such rare birds!
DeleteLook at the wing span!! Lovely catch there Anu.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Prashanth! I was fascinated by the wingspan too, and elated that I could capture it, for once :D
DeleteWell, I would have liked to see your driver's face! Rushing out of a temple and staring at a vulture :D
ReplyDeleteOh Usha.. that was certainly a sight worth it! I dont think he ever had passengers like us. first we didnt want to visit any of the popular temples, and then i stopped him for birds, and sheep! not sure if he will come again if i call him on my next trip there :P
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