Green Parraot at Srirangapatana

During our tour of Srirangapatana, we spotted  a parrot around the temple premises. Here are few shots.

Sangam

Sangam is just 3 kms from Srirangapatna. Located near a temple is the confluence of 3 holy rivers Kaveri River, Kabini River & Hemavati River. 

The place is not only frequented by devotees, but also by those interested in picnicking. 

This place is also frequented by birds.

Daria Daulat, Srirangapatna

Daria Daulat at Srirangapatna was the summer palace of Tipu Sultan that was built in the year 1784 A.D.  The palace is square in plan, built on a raised stone plinth, with teak pillars running along the outer edge, enclosing a corridor. 

There are two recessed bays on the northern and southern sides overlooking two large hall, through canopied balconies. The living spaces on the two floors of the palace are accessible by four staircases.

All the walls and ceilings of the entire palace are painted. The paintings depict the victories of Hyder Ali and Tipu over the British, and the durbar scenes of Tipu's contemporaries like the Rani of Chitoor, the Raja of Tanjore, The Raja of Banaras, Unfortunately photography is not allowed inside the palace.

I could capture some beautiful paintings which were near the entrance to the palace. After the death of Tipu Sultan in 1799, this palace was occupied by Colonel Arthur Wellesley.

Srirangapatna

Srirangapatna is a town of great cultural, religious and historic importance just 20 kms from the city of Mysore. As per the several inscriptions the history of the place dates back to 10th century when Hoysala Kings built the city. This place became the seat of the local Viceroys of the Vijaynagar empire during 15th century. 

In the 17th century it was taken over by Wodeyars and became their set of power and it was later taken over by Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan. The town takes its name from the celebrated Ranganathaswamy temple which dominates the town.

Other than the famous temple one can also see here Tippu's Summer Palace. Apart from the above, there are several sites of interest in this small town:

• Jumma Masjid
• Obelisk
• Dungeon
• Tippu's palce of Death
• Gumbaz

Nearby places of interest are:

• Ganjam
• Mysore
• Rangatititu Bird Sanctuary
• Sangam

Poetry in Stone - 9

This is ninth in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. Today we will see how the elephants have been carved from stone in various temples through the centuries.

At the 12th century Chennakesava Temple of Belur there are intricate sculptures and friezes. They include elephants, lions, horses, episodes from the Indian mythological epics. What interested me is the chain of elephants at the base of the temple.

Watch them carefully and you can see two elephants as if they are interacting with each other. The elephant in the front is turning back and questioning "Why are you pushing me so hard?" See it for yourself below.



In contrast to the red color of 16th century Aghoreshwara Temple of Ikkeri there are two small black stone elephant sculptures at the entrance. Around its neck is a there is intricately carved chain of stone bells.

There are two beautifully carved stone elephants on either side of the entrance of the 9th century Ranganathswamy Temple at Srirangapatana. The carvings on the body of elephant are awesome. 

At the ancient white marble Jain Temple, Ranakpur one can see huge elephant carved in white marble.



In Mahablaipuram at the site of Panch Rathas one can see life-size rock cut elephant. There are many more such beautiful carvings in each of the ancient heritage sites which always mesmerize us.

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