This is tenth in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. Today we will see sculptures on the external walls or pillars of the temple. In Gwalior at Gwalior Fort, the 9th century Teli Ka Mandir has some nice carvings at the entrance of the temple. They are distorted now, but they could have been wonderful when intact.
The 16th century Veerabadhra Temple of Lepakshi has excellent carvings. The pillars of the temple are beautifully carved. Some of the pillars have musicians playing musical instruments carved on them.
The Brihadeswara Temple of Gangaikondacholapuram built in 1020-1029 AD has magnificent carvings on their external walls. There are carvings of various forms of Lord on the external surface of the temple. We will see two of these sculptures here. First one is that of Lord Harihara.
The second one is that of Ardhanareeshwar, i.e., half form is of male and other half is female.
The left half is Lord Shiva and the right half is Goddess Parvati. This can be clearly seen from the face, body and dress.
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The 16th century Veerabadhra Temple of Lepakshi has excellent carvings. The pillars of the temple are beautifully carved. Some of the pillars have musicians playing musical instruments carved on them.
The Brihadeswara Temple of Gangaikondacholapuram built in 1020-1029 AD has magnificent carvings on their external walls. There are carvings of various forms of Lord on the external surface of the temple. We will see two of these sculptures here. First one is that of Lord Harihara.
The second one is that of Ardhanareeshwar, i.e., half form is of male and other half is female.
The left half is Lord Shiva and the right half is Goddess Parvati. This can be clearly seen from the face, body and dress.
Prev 9 Next 11
Fantastic sculptures!
ReplyDeleteIncredible, such artistry.
ReplyDeleteWow! The Gwallor Fort - fantastic craftsmanship once again. Very interesting to look at.
ReplyDeleteExcellent carvings .Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteWonderful captures..:-)very nice post..One more place is added to our travel list...Thanks for sharing.:-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful architecture. Nicely captured.
ReplyDeletewww.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
Warm Aloha from Honolulu
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The ravages of time and the elements. I'm amazed at how good the beautiful carvings look after so many hundreds of years!
ReplyDeleteExquisite carvings and wonderful captures as always, Rajesh! And the last statue -- most definitely a woman! That one brought a smile!! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Great carvings!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteThe artwork on the temples is fascinating.
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing works of art!
ReplyDeleteGreat details, Rajesh, fabulous sculptures and decorations.
ReplyDeleteThe temple sculptures and carvings are exceptional. Some look Egyptian, others look Aisan --they all look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous stone carvings.
ReplyDeleteA good piece of architecture with excellent sculptures, precious pictures. Saludos.
ReplyDeleteExcelentes fotografias de valioso Património....
ReplyDeleteCumprimentos
Some beautiful carvings there.
ReplyDeletePoetry in stone, the words, are rather attractive to me. And they go with an illustration they become so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteperfect pics for P :)
ReplyDelete'Poetry in Stone' is a perfect description for these beautiful carvings. They must have been truly magnificent when new.
ReplyDeleteAmazing how religion can inspire artist to creating such beautiful statues.Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWil, ABC Team.
Rajesh...I am so glad you gave us macro shots of these carvings in stone. They are awesome. It is interesting that they will mix the 1/2 male and the 1/2 female. These are so beautiful. Thanks again for sharing such wonderful history from your beautiful country. genie
ReplyDeletePLENTY of beauty and history.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
Beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteKim,USA
Beautiful temple carving
ReplyDeletethanks
Incredibly beautiful sculptures on stone !
ReplyDeleteImpressive carvings. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteTruly a poetry in stone!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful carvings.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Mette
Thank you all for appreciating wonderful craftsmanship.
ReplyDeleteWow! very delicate rock carving here.
ReplyDeleteIncredible, even they are caused to damage! Beautiful capture on the carvings.
ReplyDeleteYou have added the Gwalior fort to the must-do list for me
ReplyDeletewonderful!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully presented, all of the carvings truly speak of the rich cultural heritage of our country.
ReplyDeleteamazing
ReplyDeleteWow...loved the picture of the Gwalior fort! Awesome post!
ReplyDeletePadmapriya T S
http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.in
eye catching sculptures and very nicely taken !!
ReplyDeletewhat a treat to eyes !
ReplyDeleteWow.. Awesome pictures.. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://sushlaventulip06.blogspot.in/
beautiful as they are. Nice shots...
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