This is 12th in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. At Halebid, the 12th century Hoysaleswara Temple beautifully carved out of soapstone. The walls of the temple have been carved beautifully depicting the stories from various Hindu epics.
One such sculptural marvel is based on the story of a small battle between the Gods. The entire story is carved in a area of 4 X 10 ft. Once Satyabhama wife of Krishna demanded beautiful Parijata flowers which were available only in Indralok then. When Krishna and Satyabhama were about to leave after taking a branch of the celestial Parijata tree, they were accosted by Indra and a battle took place, leading to Indra losing the battle.
Here on one side the carving of Krishna and Satyabama are shown atop Garuda with a branch of Parijata flowers in their hand. The tree with flowers and fruits has been carved very intricately.
On the other side the carving of Indra atop his elephant Iravat trying to stop Krishna has been carved great detail.
These two sculptures in totality pictures the entire scene showcasing the craftsmanship even in those days. They has been carved with great detail with attention to every minute aspect.
One such sculptural marvel is based on the story of a small battle between the Gods. The entire story is carved in a area of 4 X 10 ft. Once Satyabhama wife of Krishna demanded beautiful Parijata flowers which were available only in Indralok then. When Krishna and Satyabhama were about to leave after taking a branch of the celestial Parijata tree, they were accosted by Indra and a battle took place, leading to Indra losing the battle.Here on one side the carving of Krishna and Satyabama are shown atop Garuda with a branch of Parijata flowers in their hand. The tree with flowers and fruits has been carved very intricately.On the other side the carving of Indra atop his elephant Iravat trying to stop Krishna has been carved great detail.These two sculptures in totality pictures the entire scene showcasing the craftsmanship even in those days. They has been carved with great detail with attention to every minute aspect.
Amazing! (I have run out of adjectives to express my complete awe at these beautiful carvings). And the story that you tell makes them even more interesting of course. Is the Parijata flower a real one that still exists or is it a myth?
ReplyDeleteSuch a lot of detail. The scroll-like carving of the tree's branches is exquisite. It sounds like a sad story and must be like so many fables where there is a moral to the story.
ReplyDeleteAmazing creativity, Rajesh! Hundreds of highly trained sculptors must have worked
ReplyDeleteto carve out the details..Incredible India!!:)
Thanks for sharing...
Some absolutely whoaaa captures here! Great
ReplyDeletevery nice and cool light :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful temple and carvings. the detail is amazing. Thanks for sharing this wonderful place. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteThese carvings are quite incredible. Thanks for the close-ups. And you are right about the craftsmanship. I wonder if these could be duplicated today using the materials they had back then?
ReplyDeleteGreat depict on sculpture! Completely marvelous, Rajesh
ReplyDeleteJust wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is a poetry like it!
ReplyDeleteKim,USA
Amazing sculpture. Your culture is so rich in art and story. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteWhat a marvelous mural! Such incredible craftsmanship! Your captures are wonderful as always, Rajesh! Hope you have a good week!
ReplyDeleteIncredible detail!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteThe sculpture in the stone is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI find it amazing that stories are so well told through these intricate carvings.
ReplyDeletePoetry indeed, spectacular! Speaking of Hindu epics, I just read the Bhagavad Gita, what an incredible book!
ReplyDeleteWonderfully intricate sculptures, telling an entire story.
ReplyDeleteLove these treasures.
ReplyDeleteHope they last forever!
These are beautiful photos. What an amazing sight- with those intricate carvings! I wish I had have been able to see them on our travels in India.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, wonderful reliefs.
ReplyDeletevery well captured -kudos :)
ReplyDeleteVery informative series...
ReplyDeleteOf course, your whole blog is I for India! Nice detail.
ReplyDeleteIndian temples are always ornate and beautiful. Kate, ABC Team
ReplyDeleteThe detail in thse reliefs are so wonderfully detailed and so well preserved. Thank you for showing them to us.
ReplyDeleteSallie: The Parijata flower is for real and we can see this scented flowering tree in India.
ReplyDeleteawesome
ReplyDeleteBeautiful details!
ReplyDeleteRose, ABC Wednesday Team
Amazing art work !
ReplyDeleteGattina
ABC Team
Beautiful, they look in such wonderful condition that you wouldn't have thought 800 years have past.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for appreciating wonderful craftsmanship.
ReplyDeleteThese are so rich in beautiful detail; it must be rather amazing to see them in person.
ReplyDeleteAmazingly intricate and exquisite sculpture & architecture.
ReplyDeleteAn exquisite, indeed!
ReplyDeleteSo much historical and educational behind these photos.
TY once again for sharing.
Hugs,
/Chie
Incredible. I am always awed by the beauty and richness you show us. Thank you for sharing these photos.
ReplyDeleteSuch Lovely Carvings...Really They are awesome..
ReplyDeleteBeen there as a child, thanks for reviving memories!
ReplyDeletewww.volatilespirits.com
Beautiful carvings...such intricate details. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete