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Odisha Part 10: Bhubaneshwar – the city of temples

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...
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Wandering Thoughts - Wildlife in the midst of Heritage

At the Masroor rock cut temples, while I was trying to identify all the deities, Samhith was busy elsewhere. He had spotted a lizard on one of the rocks, and spent the rest of his time trying to follow it, and see just how many there were! 




It wasn't too hard to spot them. They were everywhere!!! 



Obviously, they were at home, among the many nooks and crannies that nature and temple builders had conspired to provide them with!



It was fascinating to see them appear and disappear at will, even while we admired the intricacy of details the artisans had created. 

The lizards are just the common, or garden lizards, ones we see everywhere. And yet, when you see them so much at home in a monument aspiring for World Heritage Site status, you want to click a photo. Do you agree? 

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Since the last month, I have been writing at least once or twice a week, about my Summer Trip. I am not even halfway through, with Himachal yet to be completed, Amritsar on the way, then Rishikesh, and finally, my Southern sojourn patiently awaiting its turn.

Yet, I am now taking a short break, for another trip - this time, a deeply personal one, to Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh. For those who may not know, in Puttaparthi village is Prashanti Nilayam, the abode of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. We are heading there to participate in the Ashadi Ekadashi  and Guru Poornima celebrations. This, as I have already mentioned, is a personal trip, and I most probably won't be writing about it. I will also be offline for the most part during the next week, as I am taking this opportunity to relax and re-energize myself for all the work that is sure to be awaiting me when I return. 

Meanwhile, here are quick links to all the links in the #summertrip series so far....

  • The Himachal Series- 

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Comments

  1. TusharJuly 25, 2015 at 7:43 AM

    Yes, I agree when I too see lizards or wild life during a tour I wish to click them and store them in camera.

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    1. Anuradha ShankarSeptember 4, 2015 at 12:25 PM

      Glad to see that you too share the enthusiasm, Tushar.

      Delete
  2. Anmol SharmaSeptember 4, 2015 at 12:18 PM

    Hello Anuradha
    My love for heritage sites is universal. The images of your masroor rock cut temples captured my imagination. What were really funny were the lizard’s photographs, creeping among the perfectly sculpted rock structures. The sculptors must surely, be smiling in amusement. Thanks for providing the lighter side.

    ReplyDelete

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