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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...

Book Review: The Aryavarta Chronicles, Book 1: Govinda by Krishna Udayasankar

Govinda . We know him by many names – Krishna, the dark one, Vaasudeva, the son of Vasudev, Gopala – the cowherd, and many more. Then why Govinda? Why choose this among all his names?

Skywatch Friday - Akshi Beach, Alibag

Every week, as Friday approaches and I go hunting for an image to post as part of Skywatch Friday , I lose myself among all the images I have clicked.... re-live the memories of all those trips... and wish I was there again!

Of Memories and Reality - At the Wagah Border

A little girl stood by a gate , staring at the other side. A few minutes earlier, the place had been buzzing with activity, and an aura of importance had hung over the area. Now, it was calm and peaceful, and men who had stared straight ahead without blinking were now smiling and talking with others, completely at ease. 

Faces in the crowd - Officer

Samhith , with an officer from the Border Security Force, clicked at the Wagah Border.

Of Books and The Sunday Book Club

As a book lover, I need the least of inducements to talk of books. The people I get along best with are those with whom I can converse about books. In my family, I am the one who wants books as gifts, and also gifts nothing but books! 

Skywatch Friday - Wish I was there......

Another weekend comes, and once again, I am stuck at home... So, for Skywatch this week, is a pic of where I would love to be....

Book Review: A Possible Life by Sebastian Faulks

‘A Possible Life’ by Sebastian Faulks, is ‘a novel in five parts’. However, it’s not a novel as much as a collection of stories, spread out over various periods in time, from the past, present, and even the future, with the word ‘possible’ being the key to connecting them.  The five stories are of different characters in different time frames, facing different situations, but each of them has have made choices which have changed the direction of their lives. Each of their stories could have had a different ending, but it is the possibilities in life which give the stories the direction they take.