My Explorations and Thoughts that I Would like to share with you all.
Saturday, 27 December 2008
Book Review: South Indian Shrines by Jagadisa Aiyar P V.( An Excellent Read ! )
While visiting these ancient temples we come across many inscriptions, most of which are not in a language commonly used or ancient ones. These inscriptions always generate a curiosity in us to know what these numerous inscriptions hold in them. The most frustrating part of knowing the information is that the priests in most of the temples are not aware of what is written.
The eagerness to have information about these inscriptions led me to do some "Site" searching on the web. What I came across was not less than a goldmine.Good things come in small packages it is said and for me it came in a book written during 1920's by Mr. Jagadisa Aiyar PV titled South Indian Shrines. This book illustrates and enumerates several inscriptions of ancient South Indian temples in plain English. Being full of inscriptions including the ones which have vanished due to passage of time and of blind renovations carried out in our temples can be still found in this book.
Not being in print for a long time and nearly lost, this treasure was brought to life by Asian Educational Services (A publisher involved in reviving old and lost books on Subcontinent) and is now available in print in major bookshops.
A boon for any Epigrapher interested in Indian temples and is a must buy for an amateur epigrapher like me.
The book has some rare (bit hazy) photographs of south Indian temples but the vivid explanation of the inscriptions with the background is what makes this so special.
This is really a worthy contender for our bookshelf.
The book has some rare (bit hazy) photographs of south Indian temples but the vivid explanation of the inscriptions with the background is what makes this book so special and a worthy contender for your bookshelf.
Rather than me telling in detail about this book, I would like you all to have a read.
You can also buy these book online also at sites like A1Books.co.in, Amazon.com,Flipkart, Gobookshopping.com, Rediff Books. I got mine from Rediff Books Site.
There is also a limited preview of this book on Google books:
http://books.google.co.in/books?id=NLSGFW1uZboC&printsec=toc&dq=south+indiAN+shrines+%5D&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0
I am sure that you will love this book!
Happy Reading !
Friday, 7 November 2008
Friday, 17 October 2008
A Treasure trove of Articles on Indian Art and Architecture
Below are few of the links that I have Compiled (Will Update Regularly) :
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2501/stories/20080118504906500.htm
http://www.flonnet.com/fl2504/stories/20080229503906500.htm
http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2418/stories/20070921505506600.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2416/stories/20070824507606600.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2417/stories/20070907505406400.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2419/stories/20071005505506600.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2420/stories/20071019505206400.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2421/stories/20071102504206400.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2422/stories/20071116504306400.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2423/stories/20071207505906600.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2424/stories/20071221505406500.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2425/stories/20080104242506600.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2502/stories/20080201505906500.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2503/stories/20080215250306500.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2504/stories/20080229503906500.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2505/stories/20080314250506600.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2506/stories/20080328250606500.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2507/stories/20080411250706800.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2508/stories/20080425250806300.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2509/stories/20080509250906400.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2510/stories/20080523251006400.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2511/stories/20080606251106600.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2512/stories/20080620251206600.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2513/stories/20080704251306500.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2514/stories/20080718251406500.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2515/stories/20080801251506600.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2515/stories/20080801251506600.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2410/stories/20070601004907400.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2410/stories/20070601000106500.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2518/stories/20080912251806500.htm
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2519/stories/20080926251906600.htm
Monday, 29 September 2008
My Visit to Kumbakonam
The Majestic Chola Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
(Erstwhile Chola Capital)
HariHara at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
(Left Part Shiva and Right Part Vishnu)
(Vegetable and Plant extracts used as colours)
Friday, 9 May 2008
Karnataka ! Truly Many Worlds in One .
Friday, 15 February 2008
Grantha Lipi - Ancient Literary Script of India (Good Links)
http://www.mudgala.com/articles
http://www.ancientscripts.com
http://dsal.uchicago.edu
http://www.ambaa.org/pdf/index
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grantha_script
Monday, 11 February 2008
Fantastic Websites on History and General Knowledge
http://www.ancientchina.co.uk/menu.html
http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/
http://www.ancientindia.co.uk/
http://www.earlyimperialchina.co.uk/
http://www.mesopotamia.co.uk/
http://www.mughalindia.co.uk/room.html
Sunday, 10 February 2008
Somnathpur : A Marvel Beyond Words
Instead of giving the feel of this beautiful place in Words which will not do justice , I thought it would be appropriate to let the pictures speak for themselves
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Sri Anjaneya Temples in Bangalore
In Particular , there are many temples dedicated to Lord Anjaneya or Hanuman. I will be listing few of the temples I know of in Bangalore in this post.
- Gali Anjaneya temple -Said to be the oldest one in Bangalore is on the Mysore Road, said to be established in 1425 by Vyasaraya. It is said to be the sixth of the 635 Anjaneya temples consecrated by Vyasaraya,
- Ragiguda Anjaneya Temple at JP Nagar (Atop a Hill Near Woodys/ Jayanagar East End)
- Ancient Anjaneya Temple at Banaswadi
- Veera Anjaneya Temple at Mahalaxmi Layout (Near ISCKON Temple)
- Anjaneya temple at Yelahanka Gate (Near Mysore Bank)
- Karanji Anjaneya at Basavanagudi (Behind BMS Law College)
- Anjaneya Temple at Hanumanth Nagar (Atop a hill)
- Anjaneya Temple at Bazaar Street in Ulsoor
- Ancient Anjaneya Temple at Domlur (Near Rama Temple Off Airport Road)
- Anjaneya Temple in Madiwala (On Hosur Road) - Big Anjaneya
- Anjaneya Temple on Aghara Circle (Outer Ring Road) - If the above one is big, then this is Huge
- Sundara Anjaneya Temple NRI Layout , TC Palya Road - A Beautiful Temple
- KATTANAGIRI ANJANEYA TEMPLE, BILESHIVALE, off Hennur Bagalur Main road, Bngalore North
Thursday, 24 January 2008
My Visit to an Ancient Temple - Sri Someshwara Temple in Old Madiwala (Bangalore)
In the by lanes of Old Madiwala, near Silk Board/Dollar Colony lies the Ancient Someshwara Temple. This temple is more than 800 year old and was built by Chola Kings
The whole Madiwala, Silk Board Area, Madivala Lake and Maruthi Nagar once belonged to the temple.
The temple houses a "Swayambu" Shiva linga in it Sanctum Sanctorum (Shiva lingam formed by natural Rock Formation). But unlike other ancient temples which I visited in Bangalore , this temple is in good shape and cared well by people around. This shows the real strength people have in protecting our heritage without outside help.
I came to know from the priest that renovation work was done during 2004, before that temple was in very bad shape. Many of the inscriptions which temple once had are lost in sands of time but still the temple has been renovated with proper guidance.
This temple also has the word Bengaluru inscribed in one of its Wall stones inscriptions which survived to tell the tale of the temple , about the rulers and assets it once owned
When one hears of Someshwara temple in Bangalore , only Ulsoor temple comes into our minds but this temple built by the same dynasty(Cholas) and time is not known to many. Even for the people residing near it. The same dynasty had built Ulsoor Someshwara temple and Begur Pancha Lingeshwara Temple
I request all those interested in preserving our heritage to have a visit once to this temple.
Your feedback and suggestions are highly appreciated.
Please find below some Articles on the temple
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/jan222004/metro3.asp
http://www.hindu.com/2004/08/20/stories/2004082016400300.htm
(Origin Of Word: 'Benga-val-oru', the City of Guards in old Kannada)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bangalore
History and Origin Of Madivala and its Lake
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/42766601.cms
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Koramangala (Bangalore)
Dear All,
Shirdi Sai Temple in Koramangala 7th Block will be celebrating its 2nd Year Anniversary on 7 Feb 2008.
Temple Address :
Sri Someshwara Temple/Sadguru Sai Temple
1st Main Road , 7th Block , Koramangala
Route :
Take the Road Beside Robert Bosch (Opp Forum) or
Take the Road Beside Adayar Ananda Bhavan , Koramangala (Opp HDFC Bank)
Tuesday, 22 January 2008
Mother ! The Great.
-- Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
The thoughts I am going to share and dwell upon today are best summarized by the above quote by Abraham Lincoln.
Being far away from home for a long time, I realized the true value of my mom after shifting to Bangalore.First haunted by emptiness then by Absence of my family, especially, my mother. Her never dying love and affection, had created such a vacuum in my life which could not be filled up by anyone else.
After a while, I began to realize the fact that we never understand and recognize the real value of our loved ones and we take their affection for granted. Reality hits us on the face when we have to live being detached from them.
Not being with my loved ones, I understood and realized that accessibility of many aspects in life, especially, the love and affection of our parents, are to be cherished and preserved . If we assess the importance of mother's love deeply, we will find that “Greatness of our Mothers lies in the simple fact that the pain of bearing us was not a pain at all. In fact, it brought the joy of bearing a life inside.”
We may feel burden by wearing an extra pullover in winter, but think of our mothers who irrespective of seasons and situations took utmost care and precautions for us even before we were born. For a mother, her child(ren) are the best in the world.
The famous cliché - “A face only a mother could love.” , a clear testimony to mother’s unconditional love. (the cliché used in depicting unpleasantness holds a pleasant truth within it).
We can find a number of instances in history and among us which depicts the greatness of motherhood. But I think we don’t have to look far as we can see a living example in our own lives.
After the realization, I made it a point to always express my gratitude each and every time I speak to her. I believe that this small token of gratitude is nothing and not even enough when compared to the priceless love and affection of a mother that is always there, even if you are living miles away.
As always I will like to have feedback and suggestions !!
Monday, 21 January 2008
Light from Many Lamps -Lillian Eichler Watson , A Gem of a book
The reply was " A Second hand edition of the book LIGHT FROM MANY LAMPS - L Watson and a gift for his father" (Not to Quote)
Immediately it struck me that if a wise man like Kalam sir had brought this book from his first Salary, then it must be really good.
Next Day I went about purchasing the book from a bookshop near my place and had a glance through it.
The striking feature of this book was its nicely divided sections for different facets of life like happiness , work etc.
It is not too textual and contains inspiring quotes and short poems from many different sources.
Most of the quotes and poems have been elaborated by giving their history of origin.
I still have to go through the book completely but I think one should not read this book in a hurry but contemplate after reading each quote or poem.
One can achieve full utility from this book only when one compares and implements the goodness this book holds.
Believe me this book is one to cherish and to be kept along for all times.
It is easily available in all major bookshops. and cost around 270 Rs.
I would like to have your feedback on the book once you read it.
Amazom.com Links : http://www.amazon.com/Indian-President-Abdul-Kalams-List/lm/2ZRSH7OVCTYLE/ref=cm_lmt_srch_f_1_rsrsrs0
http://www.amazon.com/Indian-President-Abdul-Kalams-List/lm/2ZRSH7OVCTYLE
Friday, 18 January 2008
My visit to an Ancient Temple - Basavanna Temple Mamulpet
This time my visit to the temple was by sheer luck
Tucked Inside the corner of the Busy Avenue Road, Right in Middle of Mamulpet (literally as it on the Middle of the Road) is the ancient
Previously I just went past the temple without having much interest.
But after my previous visit, I read a article in The Hindu which stated the place where Kote Venkateshwara temple (Fort Area) stands there used to be a Shiva temple which was shifted to Mamulpet.
After reading this article I could make out that it was the same temple as the structure of the temple in Mamulpet is very old.
The Excerpts and link of the Article:
http://thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/08/29/stories/2002082900270200.htm
"Kote Venkataramanaswamy temple was built by Chikkadevaraya in 1690 and the Basaveshwara there was shifted to Mamulpet. Possibly, they forgot to shift the scenes from Girija Kalyana on the sanctorum walls along with Basaveswara. "
This time I made up my mind that I will have a visit to the
I went ahead with my primary task of purchasing. After returning from the shop to my Amazement I saw that the temple door Open. I approached the main door and enquired the Security Guard there about the place.
Looking at my curiosity may be, he took me inside and showed the Idol. Later I came to know that door was opened just for few minutes for the purpose of shifting some Materials inside. I really felt lucky to have got a chance to see the Lord and thanked the Lord and Security Guard.
Description of the
What remains of the temple is just the main structure (A Hall) containing the Sanctum Sanctorum. The main beauty or the specialty of the temple is the Shivlinga is placed between the horns of the Nandi and Nandi is in the Main Sanctum Sanctorum itself. Once this temple may have been a big structure but now it stands a single structure in middle of the road (
If you are in the vicinity of Avenue Road Area, Do try to visit this forgotten Heritage of Bangalore.
Landmark : Near NSK shetty's Incense Maker in Mammulpet ( Ask for Basvanna Temple in Mammulpet) Off Avenue Road . Near from KR Market Bus Stand
Compilation of Links on Bangalore's History and Heritage
Her majestic mien still reigns - Deccan Herald
www.deccanherald.com/Archives/mar62006/metromon165310200635.asp
Chapel of St Maria Goretti
http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/dec202004/metro10.asp
Mayo Hall: Still a picture of elegance - Deccan Herald
http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/july122004/metro9.asp
Magnificent visionary - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/sep192005/metromon1340492005918.asp
Sentinel of secular structure - Deccan Herald
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/jan242005/metro13.asp
Adventure in visual art & history - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/may162005/metromon165352005515.asp
Avenue into past & present - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/oct172005/metromon1346620051016.asp
Centre of artistic excellence - Deccan Herald
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/july262004/metro13.asp
A monument to faith in Ulsoor - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/aug222005/metromon1237262005821.asp
Swampy area to a swanky one - Deccan Herald
www.deccanherald.com/Archives/aug232004/metro11.asp
Charmingly old world - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
www.deccanherald.com/Archives/
Weekend for history buffs - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
www.deccanherald.com/Archives/
Withstanding ritual by fire - Deccan Herald
www.deccanherald.com/archives/mar212005/metro.asp
Creating a future worthy of the past and present - Deccan Herald ...
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/aug292005/metromon14522005828.asp
A ride on Bangalore’s pride - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/mar132006/metromon1659552006312.asp
Digging up history - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/mar202006/metromon142282006319.asp
Frozen in a time warp - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/apr182005/metromon1716362005417.asp
Bangalore Club beckons - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/apr252005/metromon143532005424.asp
A Chola temple in Domlur! - Deccan Herald
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/apr192004/metro9.asp
From Tipu to the Raj Bhavan - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/jul182005/metromon1354182005717.asp
My Visit to An Ancient Temple - Chokkanathan Temple , Domlur
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu built by the rulers of Chola dynasty who were mainly followers of Lord Shiva
- The Lord is known as Chokkanathan, a name attributed to Lord Shiva
- The main idols in sanctum sanctorum are made of Saligramam, a rarity
- Historically, it also tells the reign of the Chola dynasty
The idol is small but very beautiful and the place has some thing special about it. There is also a very old Anjaneya temple near the Chokkanathan temple which is worth visiting. The head of Anjaneya is said to be at the level of Lord Chokkanathan’s feet.
The temple had suffered the ravages of time but now has been restored.
========================================================================
Brief History of the Temple and Domlur:
Tombalur (the present Domlur) alias Desimaanikka Pattinam in the region of Ilaippakka Nadu (the present city of Bangalore) of the country the Thadikaipaadi (Karnataka).Renamed as Rajaraja Chola Valanaadu after Chola Conquest later renamed Rajendra Chola Valanaadu during Rajendra Chola era.
Temple was constructed by a Tamil Chettiar named Thiripuraanthakan of Talakkaadu and his wife Chettichchi Parpathi in the 10th Century.
(Reference: Epigraphia Carnativa Vol 9)
Update: Now the temple has become famous and can be easy to locate once you reach BDA complex in Domlur
========================================================================
http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/apr192004/metro9.asp
http://www.vishnutemplesofkarnataka.info/Bang/Chokanarayana.htm
My Visit to an Ancient Begur Temple - Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple
I will be taking up different aspects (Temple and Monuments), Which I have explored or will be exploring in this blog.Let me start with my visit to one of the oldest temple in Bangalore , rich in History and spirituality
Entrance to the Main Hall of the Begur Temple |
It all strted when I stumbled upon an article of this temple while surfing on the web for Bangalore history. The article was very informative and briefed me on the oldest mention of the word "Bengaluru" which is found in an inscription at this temple of "Begur".
Reading the article tickled my inquisitive cells and I decided to explore more on the temple.
It seems there was a road among potholes and not the other way around. After a lot of maneuvering and inquiring, we finally reached the place. From a distance itself the temple had a look of antiquity.
The entrance to the temple was through a small gopuram. (Which has been replaced by a new one now).The proximity to the Begur lake added to the Charm.The temple basically consists of 5 Shiva lingas, each having its own specialty with its own special meditation spots..
The surroundings gave us a soothing feeling of serenity and warmth.Fortunately we reached at the time when Aarthi (Showing of Burning Camphor to the God) was to be performed for all the lingas.
After the Aarthi got over , we inquired about the temple past.The priest (the 15th Generation of the Priest Family of Temple) informed us about the temple . It is believed to be more than 1000 years old and received the patronage of Gangas , Cholas and all the dynasties that followed.
There are few places where you get the feeling of Peaceful Bliss and this is one of those places.The place where you can speak to your inner self and get a kind of unexplainable comfort. Do visit this place when you can get time.
Just to enumerate particular and unique info about the temple :
- Boasts of Five lingas , each having its owns specialties.
- One of the Oldest Ganesha idol in south is in the temple
- In the temple you will the oldest mention of the world of "Bengaluru" in Stone slab.
- Inscription is much older than the famous story of Benda Kadalu.
- The slab is in a neglected state and needs immediate attention.
- Temple is a Bhaskara Shetra ( Sun God ).
- Temple has a rich history and received the patronage of many rulers.
- Maha Shivratri : celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha (as per Shalivahana) or Phalguna (as per Vikrama) in the Hindu Calendar (that is, the night before and day of the new moon).
- Pradosham : Occurs once in every 15 days and considered most auspicious by Shaivites, almost 2 days before either Amavasya (black moonday) or Pournima (full moon day).
Note : The best time to visit the temple is 7:30 AM in the morning and 6:00 PM in the evening. Temple has a bus stop in its name in Begur . There are many buses which ply from KR Market and other areas to Begur. (343 Series of BMTC Buses Ply on this Route)
Some of the temple's Historic relics are housed in Bangalore Museum (Next to Vishweshwaraya Industrial & Technological Museum)
Noteworthy Inscriptions in Epigraphia Carnatica
==================================
On a stone now in the Bangalore Museum, from temple at Begur
svasti samasta-bhuvana-vinuta Ga.nga-kula-gagana-iiirmruala-t,arapati jaladhi-jala-vipula-valayamekhala-
ka]apalankriteladhipatya-lakshmi-svayamvrita-pati talv-ady-aganita-guna-gana-vibhushana-
vibhu9hita-vibhuti srimad-Ej^yappa-arasar pagevar ellamam nih-kshatram madi Gangavadi
tombhattaru-sasiramuman eka-chchhatra-chchhayeyol aluttam ijdu Bira-Mahendranol kadal endu
Ayyapa-Devange samanta-sahitam Nagattaranam dandu veldode Tumbepadiyol kadi kalegam imb
alidode aneyoj ant iridu sattod adara keld Ereyapam mechchi Irugange Nagattara-vattam gatti Bempur-
ppanneradumam sasana-baidham kalnad itan aviiv endode || Berapuru Tovagiiru Puvina-Pullimangala
Kutanidu-Nalluru Nalliiru Komarangundu Tggaluru Dugmonelmalli-Galafijavagilu Sajamu
Elkunde Paravuru Kfidale initumam polainere-sahitam ittan Ereyapam sevucharan Naga[ttal range
maugajam aha sri
Date about 890 AD
Be it well. When,—a spotless moon in the sky the Ganga-kula praised in all the world, the
self-chosen lord of the Lakshmi of sovereignty over the earth decorated at her waist with a z me of
the wide circle of the waters of the ocean, his greatness adorned with the ornament of these and a
host of countless virtues,—srimad Erejarjparasa, having made all his enemies powerless, was ruling
the Gangavadi Ninety-six Thousand under tbe shadow of one umbrella :—on ordering Nigattara
along with his feudatories and the army to Ayyapa-Deva in order to fight against Bira-Mahendra, fighting in Tumbepadi when the battle was losing ground, going close up among the elephants, he
slew and died.Hearing that, Ereyapa was pleased, and binding the Nagattara crown on Iruga, gave
him the Bempur Twelve, secured by a sasana, as kalnad. Those are as follows :—Benpuru,
Tovaguru, Puvina-Pullimangala, Kutanidu-Nalluru, Nalluru, Komarangundu, I'jrgaluru, Diigmonelmalli-
Galanjavagilu, Saramu, Elkunde, Paravuru, Kudal. Thus rauch, with the fields and
boundaries, did Ereyapa give for the dutiful Naga[tta]ra. Great good fortune,
P:S: A Very useful link www.puzha.com/puzha/selfpublish/1092802792.html
Update:During my second visit to the temple I learnt from the priest that there are two other temples of the same antiquity and style at Nandi Hills. i.e.Bhoganandeeswara temple and Yoganandeeswara Temple.
I have not personally visited these temple at Nandi Hills but will like to do the same in near future. I would appreciate if anyone can share more detailed info and experience on these temples at Nandi Hills.