Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar

A vaishnava temple of 13th century which enshrines lord Balarama (Ananta), Krishna (Vasudeva), and Subhadra.

a side view of the main temple ...

The temple is very popular, like many others in this region for its profusely carved exterior and finished appearance. But now unfortunately much of the carvings are faded due to the softness of the stones. Going back to history, it was erected by Chandradevi, the daughter of Anangabhima III during the rule of Bhanudeva in 1278 AD.

The interesting thing someone could notice between this temple and the Sri Jagannath temple in Puri, there is one similarity the way prasad (holy food) are sold/offered to to the deities. The place where the food is sold/served is called as Anand Bazaar.

The temple is located very closely to the eastern corner of the Bindu Sagar lake, which offers a magnificent view and another highlight of the visit. And if you walk still further for few minutes, on your right hand side you will find Lingaraj temple, the famous temple of lord Shiva (more on this on a new post).

Due to lack of time, I didn’t able to spend my share of time with the camera but nevertheless these few pictures will serve as a reminder to me that I have to visit that place once again.

Shri Krishna Matha, Udupi

I was on my way to somewhere aimlessly and all of a sudden I blessed with something that I realized later is nothing but miracle. It so happened with me again that I was landed in place where I could discover the meaning of peace and happiness together. I was left alone, with all unknown faces around me, completely clueless, no idea whatsoever to where to go and what to do but my journey was never so meaningful ever. As said - god had HIS own plans and after a travel of 6 hrs I reached Udupi, a place well known for its temples. I welcomed by one of the pleasantly weather that one can ever imagine in that region. It was a sunny and bright day outside with a breeze of relief. I jumped out of the bus quickly to take the walk and then searching for the destination that brought me here from so far ...

Now putting those memories in words here is something I really wanted for long time but it seems to be a not so easy task for me, whatever it maybe I made an effort not to show off it. Those are the moments or I can say the memories that drags you back and when you find that you are completely lost with it, again there is this thing known as miracle happened to you and put everything right on its place. Nevertheless, you see life is as beautiful as before and thank every single thing around you for making it so blissful for you.

Udupi Krishna Temple, otherwise know as Udupi Krishna Matha is a very popular Hindu temple in India. I have copied the information from Wikipedia that gives a good insight about the temple and the history associated with it.

The Krishna Mutt was founded by the Vaishnavite saint Shri Madhvacharya in the 13th century. He was the founder of the Dvaita school of Vedanta.

Legend has it that once Kanakadasa, a worshipper who was so pious and devoted to Lord Krishna, was not allowed entry into the temple. It didn't upset him, but instead made him pray with intense devotion. Lord Krishna was so pleased that he made the statue of himself turn around to allow the disciple to gaze upon his heavenly form through a small window at the back of the mutt (matha). Till today, devotees still worship Lord Krishna by praying through the same window that Kanakadasa was blessed with a view.

The daily sevas (offerings to god) and administration of the Krishna Mutt are managed by the Ashta Mathas (eight temples). Each of the Ashta Mathas performs temple management activities for two years in a cyclical order. These eight Mathas are Pejavara, Puttige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Sodhe, Kaniyooru, Shirur and Krishnapura.

Here you go with few of the pictures that I have taken in that short stay near the temple. Since cameras are strictly not allowed inside the temple I didn't miss any chance of clicking the pictures from the outside.

The main entrance to the temple.

The chariot used for the bi-yearly festival, I spotted it just outside the temple.

Walking around the temple was a different experience for me and exploring the shops near the temple brought me a renewed sense of a happy customer.

Kesava Temple in Somnathpur

Somnathpur is small village located around 130 kms from Bangalore. This place is particularly famous for the Chennakesava Temple (also called Kesava temple) built in 1268 under Hoysala king Narasimha III.

The architecture of the temple is one of the finest in the history of Hoysala dynasty. Its beautifully carved sculptures, amazing art work are beyond any comparisons.

Form inside out view of the entrance .

A wide view of the temple.

The pillars outside the main temple tell a different story of the history.

Black & white tells the story of the amazing architecture of this temple ...

A closer look of the delicate art works on the stone ...

The six bands sculptures around the temple consisting of elephants, horsemen, floral scrolls and demons etc...

Idol of ganesh

Belur & Halebidu Trip

A very quick decision and we were all set for the one day trip to Belur & Halebid. The interesting part of the trip was to look back to the history and explored some of the magnificently crafted temples. The guides at those places are very prompt to tell all that you missed in the book :)

Belur is around 230 Kms from Bangalore and since it was a one day trip we spent more than half of the day in traveling but nerveless the trip was well arranged by KSTDC. The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated temple of Channakeshava built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 117 A. D.

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At the entrance of Channakeshava temple.

Inside view of Channakeshava temple.

Another side view of Channakeshava temple.

Halebidu was the capital of Hoysala. It has one of the finest Hoysala temples. This temple is more like the Belur temple but this is a Siva temple. The guide told us this temple was not completely built though it took more then 190 years and then the story of destruction of the Hoysal Kingdom, something that I found very intresting.

The madap, the fine arts @ Channakeshava temple

On the way to Belur we also visit Shravanabelagola. It is a legendary pilgrim center and shrine of the Jains. The monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, standing atop on the Vindhyagiri hill is 18 meters high and is the tallest monolithic statue in the world.

Entrance at the hilltop, Shravanabelagola.

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*All the Beautiful Photographs Copyright Hello World - Alok, 2007