Monday, May 19, 2014

Poetry in Stone - 20

This is twentieth in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. The 9th century Brahmeswara Temple in Bhubaneshwar is one of the earliest temples of the city and there are beautiful sculptures on the external walls of this temple.   



A warrior riding a horse with the full attire required for combat.  There are several similar sculptures with minute differences.



A portrait of couple having an interesting discussion. From their expression of their faces it is very clear it is something funny. At Sanchi the Great Stupa has interesting sculptures depicting life of Buddha and life of people at that time.


  1. From the top front panel of the right post, after the death of Buddha's mother, she was reborn in the Heaven. The panel shows his return to earth following the visit. Buddha descends the central ladder in the company of Indra, Brahma, and other gods and sages. 
  2. From the middle front panel of the right post, a royal departure is shown, perhaps of the Buddha's father from Kapilavastu.
  3. From the right post, the fortunate denizens relax "at ease" behind a colonnade, or view the passing scene from an upper balcony. 
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39 comments:

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

He is saying something to make her blush, is what I think. But like poetry and all great art these sculptures are open to interpretation. I love them both. Interesting that the warrior and horse dominate the elephant in the first photo.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

The warrior on the horse looks like a woman to me, of course nothing wrong with that!
I enjoyed more of the architectural history you've shared.

Irene said...

Lovely portrait of the coulple! Amazing pieces of art!

Unknown said...

I love your title...Poetry in Stone...and they are beautiful! (http://www.reflectionsenroute.com)

Unknown said...

What a great place, so much history and fab photos! we'd love you to link up each Sunday with us for #SundayTraveler if you like http://www.chasingthedonkey.com/sunday-traveler/

Noel Morata said...

These reliefs are gorgeous, the colors of the stone are beautiful

Sylvia K said...

Wonderful captures, Rajesh, and I love the laughing couple!!! How different and unusual!! I think it's terrific! Thanks for sharing!!

Fun60 said...

What stories those sculptures tell.

carol l mckenna said...

Fascinating post and photography for OWT ~ namaste,

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

Randi said...

So beautiful...these images are fantastic! I always learn something new, when I visit your blog.
Thank you for sharing these interesting posts!
Have a good week!

islandwonder said...

They are very beautiful. I like the horse with the elephant especially.

Snap said...

The sculptures are always amazing.

sunshine said...

A wonderful mason work.

Photo Cache said...

perfectly titled post - poetry in stone.

Anonymous said...

Wow - how beautiful.

Arija said...

These sculptures are so expressive. Just beautiful.

Leovi said...

Nice pictures , full of beauty , wonderful sculptures !

Hazel said...

Nothing quite charming and beautiful as poetry in stone. They look graceful too.

Teamgsquare said...

Agree with you.

Unknown said...

Another great series!! Boom, Bobbi and Gary.

Lina Gustina said...

Poetry in stone indeed. Awesome details.

www.womenandperspectives.com/2014/05/buying-orchid-flowers.html

Reader Wil said...

Great sculptures! I like the couple the man of which says something funny and she hides her smile.
Wil, ABCW Team

MaR said...

Beautiful and amazing sculptures!

Kate said...

All the monuments and carvings in India are amazing.

Roger Owen Green said...

Such playful STATUES!

Richard Lawry said...

I always enjoy your posts!
An Arkie's Musings

Susan Moore said...

It really is poetry in stone - those sculptures could tell many stories.

Leslie: said...

Sensational stonework!

Leslie
abcw team

photowannabe said...

Usually the carvings are so serious. It is delightful to see some humor from so long ago.

ellen b. said...

So much detail...

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

These sculptures are superb! Thank you for sharing these historical Indian treasures. Happy ABC Wednesday and Blessings! #32

http://arnoldolromero.blogspot.com/2014/05/sugar-sweet-sensibility.html

AmitAag said...

Poetry in stone indeed!

Unknown said...

Nice title. Poetry in stone indeed. the poetry, the art and the craft all is lost now.

PhenoMenon, ABCW
http://phenomenal-cuisines.throodalookingglass.com/2014/05/coorgi-pandi-pork-curry/

Gattina said...

Beautiful sculptures !
Gattina
ABC team

Cristina Pop said...

Interesting indeed

Maria's Space said...

Those relics are beautiful .

Unknown said...

Awesome post with great information and now we can get all the deals online bus booking.

Yogi Saraswat said...

saying some word !!

Ravish Mani said...

Great capture! :)