Hebbal Lake in north Bangalore is favorite spot for various colorful birds.
Here is egret flying over the lake.
Here is egret flying over the lake.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, Bylakuppe
Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery at Bylakuppe is an important place showcasing Tibetan art, customs and architecture in close proximity.
The Monastery is established by Penor Rinpoche in 1963 and today is home to thousands of lamas, monks. It the largest Nyingmapa teaching center in the world.
The buildings here are painted richly with saturated bright colors The walls are intricately decorated with repetitive patterns and murals of Tibetan Buddhist themes. Below monks offering prayers in one of the temple.
The Monastery is established by Penor Rinpoche in 1963 and today is home to thousands of lamas, monks. It the largest Nyingmapa teaching center in the world.
The buildings here are painted richly with saturated bright colors The walls are intricately decorated with repetitive patterns and murals of Tibetan Buddhist themes. Below monks offering prayers in one of the temple.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Images of India - 25
A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Check other posts that will give you more details about this monument.
Nataraja Temple tower at Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu
Nataraja Temple tower at Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Ganesha Gumpha, Udayagiri
Ganesha Gumpha is located on Udayagiri hill in Orissa. This cave is of the period Mahameghavahana Chedi dynasty during 1st century B.C.
The cave consists of two dwelling cells with low ceilings and a benched verandah in front. In the front of the cave on the approach path on either side there are two detached elephants, each holding branches of mango tree over a lotus.
The cave consists of two dwelling cells with low ceilings and a benched verandah in front. In the front of the cave on the approach path on either side there are two detached elephants, each holding branches of mango tree over a lotus.
This cave is known by this name as there is a carving of Lord Ganesha in the interior on the back of its left cell. This image has been dated to 9th 10th century A.D.
On the same back wall of the cave there is a and 5 line script of the 8th - 9th centurty A.D of a physician Bhimata. In the right cell there is a has a crude carving of a Tirthankara of the later period.
On the outer wall of the cells next to entrance there are decorative carvings with lot to tell. One such carving can be seen here. From left to right the friezes depict woman serving a male, woman leading a man, fight between a man and a woman and the man carrying off the vanquished woman.
Even the entry to the cell is beautifully carved.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Birds in Neighbourhood - 9
I get to see variety of birds around my parents house in Udupi. I have captured few of them in my camera and here they are.
One such beautiful bird is White-cheeked Barbet.
It is found mostly in southern India. It has a distinctive super-cilium and a broad white cheek stripe below the eye. The head is brownish streaked with white, sometimes giving it a capped appearance. The bill is pale pinkish.
One such beautiful bird is White-cheeked Barbet.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Lalbagh Flower Show - Orchids - 17
At flower show in Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore on January 2011 there were exclusive collection of Orchids on display. The colors were amazing. Below is one of the orchids on display:
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Rock Edicts of Ashoka, Dahuli
The set of Rock Edicts at Dahuli contain eleven out of the well known 14 Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka between 273 BC to 236 BC. The Rock Edicts found here include Nos. I-X, XIV and two separate Kalinga Edicts. The scripts used is in early Brahmi.
The Kalinga War was the turning point in the life of King Ashoka and he gave up his ambition of Supreme Emperor.
These inscriptions proclaim Ashoka's adherence to the Buddhist philosophy. The inscriptions show his efforts to develop the Buddhist dharma throughout his kingdom. Although Buddhism and the Buddha are mentioned, the edicts focus on social and moral precepts, rather than specific religious practices or the philosophical dimension of Buddhism.
On the rock above the Inscription, is the sculpture forepart of an elephant carved out of live rock which symbolizes Buddha, the 'Best of elephants' as in the form he was believed to have entered his mother's womb in dream.
The Kalinga War was the turning point in the life of King Ashoka and he gave up his ambition of Supreme Emperor.
These inscriptions proclaim Ashoka's adherence to the Buddhist philosophy. The inscriptions show his efforts to develop the Buddhist dharma throughout his kingdom. Although Buddhism and the Buddha are mentioned, the edicts focus on social and moral precepts, rather than specific religious practices or the philosophical dimension of Buddhism.
On the rock above the Inscription, is the sculpture forepart of an elephant carved out of live rock which symbolizes Buddha, the 'Best of elephants' as in the form he was believed to have entered his mother's womb in dream.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Images of India - 24
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Mulbagal
Mulbagal is a small town just off the National Highway 4 near Kolar. "Mulbagilu" means the "eastern door" in the native Kannada language as in the olden days it was the easternmost frontier of the state of Mysore.
Mulbagal was also the eastern gate to the Vijayanagara Empire in the ancient times.
It has several must-see ancient temples:
Other places near by are:
Mulbagal was also the eastern gate to the Vijayanagara Empire in the ancient times.
It has several must-see ancient temples:
- Anjaneya Temple
- Someshwara Temple
- Vittaleswara Temple
Other places near by are:
- Avani
- Kolar
- Kurudumale
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Pink Powder Puff Flower
Hebbal Lake in north Bangalore has been my favorite place for the park by its side. The park has lot of flowering plants and trees that are of interest to nature lovers. Below is one of the flower in the park.
Pink Powder Puff Flowers are a beautiful powder-puff of erect stamens which are white towards the base and pink above. Pink Powder Puff is native to South America.
It is a small shrub with double-compound leaves. Leaflets are very closely spaced and are often 'closed up'.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Sri VeerMaruthi Temple, Karkala
Sri VeerMaruthi Temple at Karkala is opposite to Lord Venkatramana Temple. This temple was originally built in 1539. The structure that we see now is built in 1972 as invocation.
The statue of Lord Hanuman is more than 15 feet. This statue is unique and the left hand on his hip, right hand on top facing sky, legs in walking style, eyes starred in angry form and hair on his head waving in the air.
The statue of Lord Hanuman is more than 15 feet. This statue is unique and the left hand on his hip, right hand on top facing sky, legs in walking style, eyes starred in angry form and hair on his head waving in the air.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Images of India - 23
A glimpse of India in black and white. A Cuckoo bird on a tree during the rain.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Cave No.2, Ellora
Cave No.2 in Ellora is a Buddhist Monastery that is built sometime between 5th and 10th century.
The entrance door of the cave is flanked by Padmapani and Vajrapani. This cave has a hall with verandah in the front. In the hall there is a main shrine with two cells on either side.
The hall has twelve decorative pillars placed on a raised plinth and the side walls are carved
with many images of Buddha.
Inside the shrine is a large figure of Buddha seated on a lion-throne, a symbol of the royal state. He is seated in Pralambapadasana in Dharmachakara Pravartan Mudra.
The entrance door of the cave is flanked by Padmapani and Vajrapani. This cave has a hall with verandah in the front. In the hall there is a main shrine with two cells on either side.
The hall has twelve decorative pillars placed on a raised plinth and the side walls are carved
with many images of Buddha.
Inside the shrine is a large figure of Buddha seated on a lion-throne, a symbol of the royal state. He is seated in Pralambapadasana in Dharmachakara Pravartan Mudra.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Mysore Zoo - Common Marmoset
Mysore Zoo is the most popular zoo at Mysore in India. There are various wild animals and birds at the zoo. One among them is Common Marmoset.
They are small monkeys with long tails. They live together in family group of 4 to 15 animals.
They have a mixed coat of brownm grey and yellow with white ear tufts and a long, ringed tail. They are mostly arboreal and hardy venture to the ground.
They are small monkeys with long tails. They live together in family group of 4 to 15 animals.
They have a mixed coat of brownm grey and yellow with white ear tufts and a long, ringed tail. They are mostly arboreal and hardy venture to the ground.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
City Palace, Udaipur
City Palace in Udaipur is a palace complex comprising of several palaces on the banks of Lake Pichola. The construction of this beautiful palace was initiated by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and his successors added new sections over a period of around 300 years.
The architecture of this classic palace is a fusion of Rajasthani, Mughal, Medieval and European styles. The series of palaces packed in the city palace complex has a exquisite facade measuring 244 meters in length and 30.4 meters in height.
It has been built using granite and marble. The interiors of the palace is best known for delicate mirror-work, marble-work, murals, wall paintings and inlay-work. Some of the important structures in this complex are Suraj Gokhda, the Mor-chowk, the Dilkhush Mahal, the Surya Chopar, the Sheesh Mahal, the Moti Mahal, the Krishna Vilas, the Amar Vilas.
The entire complex is the property of the Mewar royal family and a number of trusts take care of the running and maintenance of the structures. The complex provides a fine view of the lake and the Lake Palace.
The architecture of this classic palace is a fusion of Rajasthani, Mughal, Medieval and European styles. The series of palaces packed in the city palace complex has a exquisite facade measuring 244 meters in length and 30.4 meters in height.
It has been built using granite and marble. The interiors of the palace is best known for delicate mirror-work, marble-work, murals, wall paintings and inlay-work. Some of the important structures in this complex are Suraj Gokhda, the Mor-chowk, the Dilkhush Mahal, the Surya Chopar, the Sheesh Mahal, the Moti Mahal, the Krishna Vilas, the Amar Vilas.
The entire complex is the property of the Mewar royal family and a number of trusts take care of the running and maintenance of the structures. The complex provides a fine view of the lake and the Lake Palace.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Images of India - 22
A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Check other posts that will give you more details about this monument.
Massive entrance of Bhojeshwar Temple at Bhojpur in Madhya Pradesh
Massive entrance of Bhojeshwar Temple at Bhojpur in Madhya Pradesh
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Escape Express
Lonely Planet India plays a key role in providing authentic and independent information tailored for the Indian traveller’s needs. And these are written by Indian authors. Their full colour travel guides are packed with breathtaking images and are easy to use.
They have launched a unique contest Escape Express. In their own words the contest is all about "If escaping the humdrum of your everyday life is all you can think about, then Escape Express is the ride for you. Embark on an exciting virtual journey to the places you love. Get the answers right, and up your chances of winning some amazing prizes." The important dates around this contest are:
The 1st prize winner gets to choose between an iPad with Retina display and a Nikon D5200 DSLR camera. You could also win an iPad mini, gift vouchers worth Rs.2500 and cool sling bags by Lonely Planet India. For more details about the contest check out their site escapeexpress.lonelyplanet.in
They have launched a unique contest Escape Express. In their own words the contest is all about "If escaping the humdrum of your everyday life is all you can think about, then Escape Express is the ride for you. Embark on an exciting virtual journey to the places you love. Get the answers right, and up your chances of winning some amazing prizes." The important dates around this contest are:
The 1st prize winner gets to choose between an iPad with Retina display and a Nikon D5200 DSLR camera. You could also win an iPad mini, gift vouchers worth Rs.2500 and cool sling bags by Lonely Planet India. For more details about the contest check out their site escapeexpress.lonelyplanet.in
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Dhauli
Dhauli is an important early historic urban village on the southern bank of the river Daya. It is located at a distance of about 7 km from Bhubaneswar. The archaeological remains found at Dhauli are dated back to 3rd century B.C, during the time of King Ashoka.
This is also the place where devastating of Kalinga war in 261 B.C took place. After seeing the misery and horror resulting from war King Ashoka renounced the path of violence to embrace Buddhism.
Sites of interest that I have visited here are:
The other places of interest nearby are:
This is also the place where devastating of Kalinga war in 261 B.C took place. After seeing the misery and horror resulting from war King Ashoka renounced the path of violence to embrace Buddhism.
Sites of interest that I have visited here are:
The other places of interest nearby are:
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Mysore Zoo - Rainbow Lorikeet
Mysore Zoo is the most popular zoo at Mysore in India. There are various wild animals and birds at the zoo. One among them is Rainbow Lorikeet.
The Rainbow Lorikeet is a medium-sized parrot. The head is deep blue with a greenish-yellow nuchal collar, and the rest of the upperparts are deep green. The chest is red with blue-black barring.
The Rainbow Lorikeet is a medium-sized parrot. The head is deep blue with a greenish-yellow nuchal collar, and the rest of the upperparts are deep green. The chest is red with blue-black barring.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Bhaskaresvara Temple, Bhubaneswar
Bhaskaresvara Temple in Bhubaneswar is located just 1 km away from another famous temple Rajarani Temple. It was built in the 12th century during reign of Ganga Dynasty rulers. This temple was built using sandstone.
The temple is facing towards west and Lord Shiva is the deity here. The temple is square in plan and and is built on a raised platform.
The temple architecture follows Kalinga Style construction and is decorated with beautiful architectural motifs. The roof of the temple is in the form multi-layered pyramid.
In all the 3 directions excluding the front on the external wall of the temple there are beautiful sculptures in a window like niche.
The temple is facing towards west and Lord Shiva is the deity here. The temple is square in plan and and is built on a raised platform.
In all the 3 directions excluding the front on the external wall of the temple there are beautiful sculptures in a window like niche.
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