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Odisha Part 8: The Parasurameshwara Temple, Bhubaneshwar

The Parasurameshwara temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneshwar, dating back to the early 8 th century CE. It is also one of the more intriguing temples, with a wide variety of very interesting sculptures. This temple has been attributed to the Shailodbhavas , who were Shaivites. The dynasty is named for their founder, Shailodbhava, who is said to have emerged from a rock, by the grace of Lord Shiva, in response to a prayer by a man from Kalinga, to create a man capable of ruling the earth. That this temple is dedicated to Shiva is clear, not only from the Shaiva dwarapalas who guard the entrance, but also from the numerous sculptures depicting Shiva in his many forms. However, what makes this temple very interesting is the presence of multiple images of the goddesses, especially the Saptamatrikas. The presence of different forms of the goddess, a panel depicting the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, as well as an image of Ardhanareeshwara suggest a strong Shakta influence o...
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Back after a long break

195 days. 

 That’s how long it is since I wrote my last post. In the 9 years that I have been blogging, I have taken breaks, but this is the longest I have ever been able to stay away. Usually, it is writers block which keeps me away, and the itch to write which brings me back. This time, however, has been different, which is also the reason it has taken me so long to get back.

The year so far has been interesting, and eventful. The first half of the year kept me busy, first with a trip to Delhi, Gwalior, Orchha and Khajuraho, then my course in Indian Aesthetics from Jnanapravaha Mumbai, and finally, a trip down South, to Chennai, Madurai and Trichy. Returning from my trips, I had assignments to complete, and lots of pending work at home. Now that my course is over, as are the travels, and my son is busy with school work once again, I finally have time on hand. And so, here I am, back to blogging!

While I think about what to write, and, more importantly, where to begin the stories of my travels, here is a collage of pics from my travels….. You can expect to see stories about all these, so how many do you recognize? 


Comments

  1. NatalieGJuly 5, 2016 at 9:52 AM

    Post that first story soon! ;) Looks like there is a lot to share on your blog.

    Will you share more details of the course you just finished, and what you had to do for it? Was a lot of the travel related to it? Sorry if it should be evident but I've never heard of an cultural Aesthetics course before. I know there are major and minor degrees you can pursue at the Liberal Arts colleges over here in the States that sound similar, if much more prolonged.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJuly 20, 2016 at 12:41 PM

      just starting with the posts, Natalie... and about the course, will send you a message...

      Delete
  2. விஸ்வநாத்July 5, 2016 at 1:29 PM

    Thank you & welcome back.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJuly 6, 2016 at 5:59 PM

    Wonderful posts! keep sharing and welcome back.

    Agencia de Viajes en Marruecos

    ReplyDelete

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