Devi Kund, Bikaner

From Bikaner (State: Rajasthan) at a distance of 8kms is the site royal cenotaphs of rulers of Bikaji dynasty known as Devi Kund. The royal crematorium has several exquisite cenotaphs.

Each of them are erected in memory of rulers of Bikaji dynasty and is situated on the exact place where they were cremated. These marble cenotaphs reflect the Rajputana style of architecture.

The cenotaph of Maharajah Surat Singh is very intricately designed. There are beautiful miniature frescoes on the ceiling of this inside the dome. The paintings even today appear very fresh.

Tour of Bikaner is incomplete without a visit to this place.

[Read Posts...]

Poetry in Stone - 2

Temples all over India represent the rich cultural heritage. The ancient temples are richly carved and they behold ones attention for their craftsmanship.

One such little known temple is in Padavali (State: Madhya Pradesh). This temple located inside a small fort is a architectural gem. This externally simple looking temple is a treasure trove from inside. The carvings are examples of master craftsmanship.

These numerous tiny carvings are in the ceiling or on the walls close to the ceiling. These carvings depict stories of Lord Vishnu.

There is another temple close by at Mitavali (State: Madhya Pradesh) with totally different style of architecture from the above. This circular temple is a Lord Shiva temple and very unique in shape.

Here the carved circular double pillars are noteworthy.

For more visit ABC Wednesday

and My World Tuesday

[Read Posts...]

Ekambareshvara Temple, Kanchipuram

There are many beautiful temples in Kanchipuram (State: Tamil Nadu). Here, the Ekambareshvara Temple is one of the largest temple and dates back to sometime between 16th to 17th centuries. The temple was constructed by the rulers of Pallava Dynasty and improvised by other dynasties.

The tall tower on the Southern entrance is 180 feet in height. This was erected by Maharaja Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagara Dynasty.

The temple has a huge hall with thousand pillars. To the North of the mantapa is a tank; west of the mandapa is the main shrine which contains the Earth Lingam (a form of Lord Shiva). There is a 3500 year old mango tree to the west of the main shrine. The tree produces four different varieties of mangoes.

[Read Posts...]

Nandi at Chamundi Hills, Mysore

The Nandi located at the top of Chamundi hills in Mysore (State: Karnataka) is bulit sometime in the years 1659 – 1673. The creation of this huge image of Nandi attributed to Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar, the Maharajas of Mysore.

This is the third largest image of Nandi in India. Carved out of single mammoth boulder it is about 16 feet in height and 24 feet long.

The Nandi is in sitting position with its left foreleg folded is on a 4 feet high platform. Many sequences of bells and garlands are carved beautifully over the Nandi.

According Hindi mythology considered as Lord Shiva's vehicle, the Nandi is in actively worshiped. This is an open shrine exposed to the elements of nature.

Direction: This shrine can be reached by climbing 1000 steps on the hill. Alternatively on the main road to hilltop, take right at the “View Point” junction. From this junction it is 2kms.

[Read Posts...]

Elephant Ride to Amber Fort, Jaipur

Amber Fort in Jaipur (State: Rajasthan) is locates at the top of the hill. The fort complex comprises of several beautiful palaces.

From the bottom of the hill one can reach the fort over the hill either by using stairways or elephant ride. For a nominal fee they carry two to three people on elephant to the top where front courtyard of the complex exists.

[Read Posts...]

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal located in Agra (State: Uttar Pradesh) is a mausoleum. The construction of this finest example of Mughal architecture started in 1632 and completed in 1653. It combines the elements from Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural styles.

This white marble structure stands on a square platform and consists of a symmetrical building with an an arch-shaped doorway topped by a large dome. The multi-chambered structure is an unequal octagon that is approximately 55 meters on each of the four long sides.The marble dome at the top is 35 meters in height and is onion shaped.

The minarets at the four corners are more than 40 meters in height. Each minaret is effectively divided into three equal parts by two working balconies that ring the tower.

One of the entrance gate to the Taj Mahal complex.

Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it stands as a symbol of eternal love. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For more visit Watery Wednesday

[Read Posts...]

View of Amber Fort, Jaipur

The pink city Jaipur (State: Rajasthan) has several forts and palaces. Here Jaigarh Fort built in 1726 is perched on a cliff and has a rugged structure with huge fort walls. This fort offers incredible aerial view of the Amber Fort and palace.

The view from the top provides impressive views over a deep narrow valley and the wider plains beyond.

Built in 1592, the Amber Fort is one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. The fort that sprawls along the Maotha Lake, is composed of a massive complex gateways, courts, stairways and pillared pavilions, and palaces.

For more visit Watery Wednesday

[Read Posts...]

Gadisar Lake, Jaisalmer

Gadisar Lake is a man-made reservoir in Jaisalmer (State: Rajasthan) built in 1367 by Maharaja Gadsi Singh Ji. This is a scenic place where one can go for boating.

This tank outside the city walls, and in the olden days it was the main source of town's water supply. The lake is surrounded by small temples and shrines. A wide variety of waterfowl flock here in winter.

This lake located at the South of city is a natural low-land was dammed to catch every drop of rain water.

The beautiful arched gateway through which one can reach this lake is known as Teelon-ki Gate as it was constructed in 19th century by a very famous courtesan named Teelon. This is constructed with yellow sandstone and at the top of the gate is a small temple.

[Read Posts...]

Poetry in Stone - 1

Temples all over India represent the rich cultural heritage. The ancient temples are richly carved and they behold ones attention for their craftsmanship.

One such architectural gem is Kailashnath Temple of Kanchipuram (State: Tamil Nadu). This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is surrounded by 64 small sub-shrines. They adorned with the sculptures of the Lord Shiva in different poses, representing a picture of different aspects of mythology.

The above image is a scene from battle field where Lord Shiva is fighting the evil forces.

The above image depicts the Lord in a dance form. The image above can be seen is the picture below at the top in a smaller form.

At the base of the platform one can see the ancient inscriptions used in those days. On either side of these sub-shrines are lion pillars.

[Read Posts...]

Kailashnath Temple, Kanchipuram

There are many beautiful temples in Kanchipuram (State: Tamil Nadu). One such architectural gem is Kailashnath Temple. This temple is unique in its architecture.

In the late 7th century this temple was built by Pallava dynasty rulers Rajasimha and his son Mahendravarman.

It is an early structural temple, built of sandstone. The walls and sikhara of this temple are filled with great sculptures, and paintings. This temple of Lord Shiva has a four-storeyed octagonal sikhara.

A temple wall encloses the temple complex. The inner and outer walls of these shrines are adorned with fresco paintings while the walls of the main temple are profusely decorated with sculptures. There are all together row of 64 small shrines in the inner walls.

[Read Posts...]

Jama Masjid, Bijapur

The Jama Masjid is the first and largest mosque of Bijapur (State: Karnataka) city. Built in 1686, during the rule of Adil Shah I, the Jama Masjid is a simple and huge rectangular structure with graceful arches.

The grand architecture includes a huge hall having 45 compartments. Above this hall resting on the beams is the massive onion-shaped dome. The masjid occupies an area of over 10,000 square meters and can accommodate 2250 devotees.

On the either side of the arches there are small carvings at the top. The interior of each compartments are carved beautifully.

The only interior decoration at the mosque is Mihrab shown above.

[Read Posts...]

Ibrahim Roza - Mosque, Bijapur

The Ibrahim Roza complex located in the western outskirts of the Bijapur (State: Karnataka) city. Built sometime in 16th century, it comprises of a tomb and mosque. For now we will concentrate on the details of mosque.

The mosque has perfect domes that is topped with crescent moons. There are symmetrical minarets on four corners of the mosque.

The doorways with the distinctive pointed arch lead into cool high-ceiling chambers. The carvings on the arches are very grand.

If keenly observed one can see a stone chain hanging from the top.

The symmetry in the arches are worth noticing and interiors are well decorated and properly carved.

[Read Posts...]

Jalakanteswara Temple, Vellore

This large Jalakanteswara Temple in Vellore (State: Tamil Nadu) is located in the Vellore Fort, near the north wall of the fort. This ancient temple was built around 1566 in the Vijayanagar style. Jalakanteswara means “Lord Shiva residing in the water”.

The temple has a Nataraja Shiva deity on the northern altar, and on the western altar is a Shiva-linga. The temple has 2 court yard, one is inner prakara and the other is outer prakara. The outer prakara has huge Gopuram on the southern side which is 30m (100ft) high, seven-storey made of blue granite. Temple has some beautiful sculptures on the ceiling and some richly, carved pillars and monoliths.

The temple has beautiful Kalayana Mandapam. The carvings in this pillared hall are some of the most impressive in India. The outer pillars have sculptures of rearing horses and dragons. The inner pillars have sculptures of yalis, which are lion-like creatures.

[Read Posts...]

Zones of Hampi

The World Heritage Site, Hampi (state: Karnataka) is divided into many zones based on the their significance. This 14th century flourishing capital of the Vijaynagar Empire spread across the rocky terrain of 26 sq.km had plenty of palaces, temples which exhibited its rich culture and wealth in its hay days.

The Sacred Centre is the religious part of Hampi as a number of temples are located here. Some of the old temples in the area are still functioning. Some of the important structures in this area includes the Badavilinga Temple, Kadalekalu Ganesha, Krisha Temple, Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple.

The Royal Centre is the part that is mostly populated with the courtly and military structures. Some of the important structures in this area includes the Elephant Stables, Lotus Mahal, Queen's Bath, Mahanavami Dibba, Stepped Tank and the Hazara Rama Temple.

Anegondi is the area on the other side of the river which seperates it from other zones. Important places here are Hanuman Temple and Ranganath Temple.

This zones are connected by road and coracles through the river.

[Read Posts...]

Nimishamba Temple, Ganjam

Ganjam (State: Karnataka) is located at a distance of 17 kms from Mysore. Here is the famous Nimishamba Temple on the banks of river Cauvery.

This ancient temple was built by Mummadi Krishanaraja Wodeyar, king of Mysore. The presiding deity of this temple is Goddess Parvati. Idol of the Goddess is carved in black stone. People believe that she will grant your wish in a minute.

Other idols inside the temple are Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Surya Narayana and Hanuman. There are sculptures of Goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswati at the entrance on either side of the main tower.

Route: On the Mysore - Bangalore highway near Srirangapattana town, a road towards right leads to Ganjam.

[Read Posts...]

Mysore, the Heritage City

Mysore (State: Karnataka), is located at a distance of 140 kms from Bangalore. For many centuries the city was under the control of Wodeyar Dynasty.

Mysore is well known for the festivities that take place during the period of Dasara. It is celebrated for 10 days every year and was introduced for the first time by King Raja Wodeyar I in 1610.

The city is known for its heritage buildings, palaces which are all around the city. The city can be rightly called "The Heritage City".

The main attractions are:

• Amba Vilas Palace
• Mysore Zoo
• Art Gallery
• Railway Museum
• Chamundi Hills
• St. Philomena's Church
• Brindavan Gardens
• Lalith Mahal

Nearby Tourist Attractions are:

• Somnathpur
• Ganjam
• Srirangapattinam

[Read Posts...]

Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore

The historical Chamundeshwari Temple of Goddess Durga is located on the top of Chamundi Hills about 13 km from Mysore (State: Karnataka).

The original shrine was built sometime in the 12th century by Hoysala rulers and its tower was probably built in the 17th century by the Vijayanagar rulers. The temple tower is seven story tall and is decorated with intricate carvings.

On top of the sanctum is a small tower that can be seen from outside the temple. Around the temple are small beautiful carvings of Goddess in black stone. They are present both on inner courtyard as well as outer walls of the temple.

When in Mysore, even though outside city the visit to the temple is really worth.

[Read Posts...]

Chamundi Hills, Mysore

The Chamundi Hills with an elevation of 1000 meters is located close to Mysore (State: Karnataka) as many interesting sites. The temple top cab reached either by vehicle or by climbing around 1500 steps. From the top you can get a panoramic view of the Mysore and surroundings. At the top of the the hill are few temples. most prominent among them is the temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari.

En route to the top, one can see

• the large monolithic statue of Nandi the Bull.
• the statue of Demon Mahishasura.

At the top temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari

We started from Mysore to the Hills at around 7:00 a.m in the morning. It was drizzling on the the way. And at the top the temple tower was covered by mist. On the way we saw group of horse riders.

[Read Posts...]