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Odisha Part 7: The Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneshwar

The Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneshwar gets its name from the stone used to build it - the red and yellow sandstone used here is locally called Rajarani. This temple was once known as the Indreshwara temple, which is mentioned in the Ekamra Purana, which tells us about the temples of Bhubaneshwar, which was then known as Ekamra Kshetra. Today, the temple stands in a well-maintained lawn, and is the only ticketed monument within the city. The temple is built in the typical Kalinga style, with the tall curvilinear shikara over the garbagruha , and a jagamohana connected to it. The temple is believed to date back to the 11 th century, and is most well known for its sculptures. The entrance to the temple has two pillars with a Naga couple protecting the sanctum, holding garlands in their hands. The base of the pillar shows 3 lions standing over 3 elephants, a typical motif in temples of this region during this period. On the other side of the pillar is a horse and rider, and the two mo...
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Navaratri 2015 : The Chembur Fine Arts Golu

The Golu at the Chembur Fine Arts is one we look forward to, every year. Not only is it huge, and the dolls are beautiful, but there is always something new and interesting to see, to appreciate. Besides, the experience is enhanced by the music, with students of the institution performing in the evenings. Here is a glimpse of this year's golu..... 

The Main Golu... all of 15 steps! 


The lower steps, with the elaborate kolam

A new addition... the kalasam with the coconut being extended to resemble Ganesha!

Some of the impressive dolls





I first thought this was Vishnu and Lakshmi on Garuda...
a closer look revelaled that this was Gajendra Moksham! 

Samhith's favourites were of course the animals! Esp the cow, which resembles the one we have at home!



The smaller Golu on the side... 

I loved these dolls... dressed so beautifully in costumes from various states / religions

These steps had dolls of saints... including Gandhiji and Swami Vivekananda



Kolam with Nava dhanyam.. nine grains

A village temple scene


people praying to Ganesha under a tree

At the pond

Snake Charmer


And finally, handmade dolls depicting the story of Srinivasa Kalyanam...
the marriage of Srinivasa and Padmavathi, at Tirupati



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Location: The Fine Arts Society, Postal Colony, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071, India

Comments

  1. NatalieGOctober 22, 2015 at 6:16 AM

    Wow, so elaborate! Is this the biggest Golu of the ones you saw this year? It must have taken a long time to set up! The kolum is very beautiful.

    I am slowly learning more about various deities/gods/goddesses in the Hindu pantheon as I read your blog, Anu! :) Thanks for the detailed captions on the pictures you post.

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