tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903681181112809092024-03-05T15:13:14.897+05:30Swami's Thoughts and Explorations<b>My Explorations and Thoughts that I Would like to share with you all.</b>Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-56357221968415946572020-07-11T11:35:00.002+05:302020-07-11T11:35:13.456+05:30Kancheepuram : A Magical and Out of the World Experience <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
An Amazing Place when it comes to Ancient Heritage and Architecture .. Kancheepuram. My dedication to this treasure in form of photographs with emphasis on Kailasanathar Temple ,Tamil Nadu #incredibleindia<br />
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Kailasanathar Temple (Blog Post) http://swamisblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/pallava-architecture-kailasanatha.html<br />
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Varadharaja Temple (Monolith Horse Pillars)<br />
http://swamisblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/kancheepuram-series-pillars-of.html<br />
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Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-67833827054605679682013-05-26T09:43:00.001+05:302013-06-17T20:50:29.699+05:30Entrance - Kalyani (Temple Tank)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img alt="Entrance_Kalyani by Swaminathan Natarajan" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/8793028393_341f884d87.jpg" /><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8793028393/">Entrance_Kalyani</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/">Swaminathan Natarajan</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
My Submission for NatGeo Traveler Photo Contest 2013<br />
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<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/entries/210186/view/?fb_action_ids=10200899492344548&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210200899492344548%22%3A490472701025304%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210200899492344548%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D" target="_blank">The Link to My Submission</a><br />
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<i>Via Flickr:</i><br />
Sri Bhoganandesvara Temple, Nandhi Hills</div>
Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com3Nandi Hills, Karnataka 562103, India13.3666667 77.68333329999995813.3031522 77.60265229999996 13.4301812 77.764014299999957tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-23406573729117987612013-03-31T11:59:00.000+05:302013-03-31T18:28:38.757+05:30The Lakshminarayana Temple ,Hosaholalu KR Pet, Karnataka<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A Trikuta (Having Three Sanctum Sanctorum) Hoysala temple tucked inside the KR Pet taluk of Karnataka,the Lakshminarayana Temple at Hosaholalu. This is one of the best places to see the late Hoysala architecture in total peace without any hustle and bustle of the crowds and tourists.The atmosphere is very peaceful and helps in studying the temple and its art.Here the Central Vimana (Tower) having greatest emphasis.Built by Hoysala Ruler Veera Someswara around 1250 AD, this is one of the temples built in the southern regions of the empire during 13th Century as there was a constant fear of invasion on the northern front of the Hoysala empire and Veera Someswara was giving more attention to the politics of Tamil Land.<br />
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The Main Deity is having Shankam (Conch) on right hand and Chakra (Discus) on the Left hand which is a rarity.The Original Venugopala idol in one of the sanctum was reported missing in 1935 and a new idol which is different to the original idol has been installed by the authorities.<br />
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Built in 13th Century, the temple can be termed as par excellence when it comes late Hoysala architecture. The only contemporary temple which can be termed to be equal in terms of beauty and excellence is Somnathpur and Haranahalli Temple in my view.<br />
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The only black spot on this Shinning Sun is the Absurd Porch added in the front during the 17th Century which has eclipsed the original entrance and the lintel. This has also resulted in blockage to the outer prakarams. One have to climb from the side to relish.<br />
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As Always I would let the photographs speak for themselves.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8602637424/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rama in Vanavaasa ,Lakshminarayana Temple, Hosaholalu by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Rama in Vanavaasa ,Lakshminarayana Temple, Hosaholalu" height="129" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8602637424_07eed0c60a.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Sri Rama Vanavasam depicted</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8601519255/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0379.CR2 by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0379.CR2" height="376" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8101/8601519255_735c0236fb.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Beautiful placed friezes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8602569836/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0345.CR2 by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0345.CR2" height="139" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8248/8602569836_c44f27d8ec.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Sri Krishna Avataram</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8601464885/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0339.CR2 by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0339.CR2" height="79" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8601464885_e793172f16.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Samundra Manthan Scene - Kurma Avataram</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8601445309/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0328.CR2 by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0328.CR2" height="417" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8601445309_4e446a5ca7.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
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Sri Vishnu entering the Womb of Sri Devaki</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8602552650/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0323.CR2 by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0323.CR2" height="99" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8602552650_21c506dd3a.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sri Varaha Avataram</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8604423447/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0489.CR2 by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0489.CR2" height="162" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8541/8604423447_01dce6f498.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shri Beeshma on bed of Arrows</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8605530856/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0466.CR2 by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0466.CR2" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8114/8605530856_82e0be2f59.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kalinga Nardhana with Life in River Yamuna Depicted Beautifully </span></td></tr>
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As Always your feedback is highly solicited !</div>
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<b><u>More at:</u></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9">http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9</a> (Hoysala Gems album)</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SwaminathanNatarajan.Photography">https://www.facebook.com/SwaminathanNatarajan.Photography</a></div>
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<b><u>Reference:</u></b></div>
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Hoysala Architecture by Foekema</div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshminarayana_Temple,_Hosaholalu">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshminarayana_Temple,_Hosaholalu</a><br />
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Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com8Pandavapura, Karnataka, India12.5006 76.67329999999992712.469596000000001 76.632959499999927 12.531604 76.713640499999926tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-59644067371590190662013-03-10T08:51:00.003+05:302013-03-10T13:36:32.738+05:30Somnathpura Beckons Again <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I visited Somnathpura Karnataka India after a long time . Again I am feeling that I should have spent more time as the art is just flowing from nook and corner.<br />
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As Always I would like the gems from this great workmanship in art by my favourite Hoysala Architecture do all the talking !<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8501531443/" title="A Village scene depicting Potter by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="A Village scene depicting Potter" height="196" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8501531443_70de0390bc.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
A Village Scene.. Can see pottery making<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8501532299/" title="Mahishasuramardhini Panel by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Mahishasuramardhini Panel" height="406" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8501532299_65c5f2b869.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
Mahishasura Mardhini Panel . Notice the curves on the Buffalo's Back<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8501536027/" title="Beautiful Star Shaped Vimana by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Beautiful Star Shaped Vimana" height="431" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8501536027_9dc0d68dbf.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
One of the most beautiful Vimana one can ever see among Indian Temples<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8506573323/" title="Hoysala gems from Somnathpura Karnataka by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Hoysala gems from Somnathpura Karnataka" height="369" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8506573323_1f4d7e04e1.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
One of the most beautiful Ceiling with Flower bend design and the Designs in stone<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8506575887/" title="Hoysala gems from Somnathpura Karnataka by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Hoysala gems from Somnathpura Karnataka" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8506575887_9a979ed6fb.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Culmination of different architecture Styles and improvements is what Hoysala Architecture is !<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8507690360/" title="Hoysala gems from Somnathpura Karnataka by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Hoysala gems from Somnathpura Karnataka" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8507690360_9254e8d7dd.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
Beautiful Carvings on the Outer linings of the temple with beautiful Floral Designs<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8544429984/" title="Somnathpura Karnataka by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Somnathpura Karnataka" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8376/8544429984_b316907fc0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Beautiful Carvings on the Horses and camels<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8543362827/" title="Somnathpura Karnataka by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Somnathpura Karnataka" height="271" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8543362827_78bc4df2c9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Side by Side: An Incomplete and complete Panel of Makara .. shows the level of workmanship<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8543380545/" title="Somnathpura Karnataka by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Somnathpura Karnataka" height="208" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8244/8543380545_6fb99131a4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Probably a scene from Srimad Bhagvatam. Notice the depiction of Aqua based Fauna<br />
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<b>More At My Photography Page:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SwaminathanNatarajan.Photography">https://www.facebook.com/SwaminathanNatarajan.Photography</a><br />
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For Reference:<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysala_architecture">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysala_architecture</a></div>
Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com1Somanathapura, Karnataka 571120, India12.2758033 76.8821848999999712.268045299999999 76.872099899999967 12.2835613 76.892269899999974tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-38477359643329601362012-12-26T20:51:00.001+05:302012-12-29T20:26:32.057+05:30Few Wonders From Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8311101194/" title="Sri Vishnu - Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple"><img alt="Sri Vishnu - Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple by Swaminathan Natarajan" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8311101194_bdf828f9a5.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8311101194/">Sri Vishnu - Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/">Swaminathan Natarajan</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
Beautiful Fresco of Sri Vishnu at Kanchi Kailasantha Temple <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8322132046/" title="Mesmerizing Smile in Sandstone by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Mesmerizing Smile in Sandstone" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8322132046_2243810584.jpg" width="338" /></a><br />
Beautiful Smile of Lord Shiva at Kanchi Kailasantha Temple
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8321132063/" title="The Graceful Viewer by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="The Graceful Viewer" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8321132063_fe709236a7.jpg" width="434" /></a>
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The Graceful Viewer at Kanchi Kailasantha Temple
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8322195822/" title="Flying High ! by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Flying High !" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8322195822_b247e20826.jpg" width="411" /></a>
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Flying High at Kanchi Kailasantha Temple
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More at : <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SwaminathanNatarajan.Photography">https://www.facebook.com/SwaminathanNatarajan.Photography</a><br />
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Reference: <a href="http://swamisblog.blogspot.in/2009/07/pallava-architecture-kailasanatha.html" target="_blank">Introduction to Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple </a><br />
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Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com3Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India12.8341735 79.703640212.8341735 79.7036402 12.8341735 79.7036402tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-73035314378372704222012-10-03T20:27:00.000+05:302012-10-15T20:34:20.371+05:30The Tribhanga Goverdhandhari Krishna : A Hoysala Architecture Masterpiece <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Regular readers to my blog and also the first time visitors would have noticed my special affection towards Hoysala Architecture.Continuing with series on Hoysala Architecture, I would like to share with you all a wonderful 12th Century depiction from the life of the Hindu God Sri Krishna (Govardhandhari) i.e Lifting of the Sacred Govardhan Hill ,which has been depicted beautifully in a comparatively small frame.<br />
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To Know the history on this event please visit the following Links:<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Govardhan_hill" target="_blank">The Lifting of Goverdhan Hill</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna" target="_blank">The Life of Sri Krishna</a><br />
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This beautiful Panel from Sri Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebeedu, Karnataka, India is truly mesmerizing. We might get overwhelmed by the details as with most of Hoysala Gems or might give it a pass as just another depiction of the Sacred Govardhan Mountain lifting by Sri Krishna. But Wait there is more to this than meets eye.<br />
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But if we just give few minutes to this then we might me able to appreciate the mastery of ancient sculptors and the ingenuity in depicting a whole story in a single frame.I would like to make your task easier by trying to bring in front the details which get missed in our usual glance.<br />
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Let us have a look at this depiction in full. What an specimen of fine art, the poise and bends has a special meaning which we will look into now.The Length of the land under the hill has been ingeniously depicted by putting subjects who are on ground level vertically due to shortage of space in the frame.<br />
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Going Anti-Clockwise we will see the subject which fill the left and right of the frame.Starting from the point which actually took my attention. Among the herd of cows literally rubbing shoulders with each other on the bottom left of the panel, I thought I saw a Rhino. But on a closer examination I came to know that it was actually a depiction of cow whose one horn and head has been cut most probably by an invader's sword to demerit an otherwise perfect sculpture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-4USQrbarZyJONO4GZwvmlyCLqOTtyGlOz5InEh-EVQwsKW3hDDXynq7Y_iBx2SAB18np8IxM93qYActfrsjB-HVJ1jzgMcMbLnhQ3eV5KvNsjtRwHo_cZID5lkcAA5q7jfBIP5PCbMc/s1600/Cows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-4USQrbarZyJONO4GZwvmlyCLqOTtyGlOz5InEh-EVQwsKW3hDDXynq7Y_iBx2SAB18np8IxM93qYActfrsjB-HVJ1jzgMcMbLnhQ3eV5KvNsjtRwHo_cZID5lkcAA5q7jfBIP5PCbMc/s640/Cows.JPG" width="435" /></a></div>
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The same signs of damage are also seen on the bottom right but here we see a broken portion of what would have been a snake in a standing posture most probably awestruck by the spectacle taking place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpd1Jx2gLidhuCjra9ijTrTW7iBpgadrkdFf4qepRIu93_CKo815QpVoDAp9SDextV8k33BXphcOy79AmnriYCbkS06B9XlevPqqRXDRMfS4AVZDk9GcIHEUzaaO95Boawlo3rs0AhRv2K/s1600/Herd+of+Cows+at+Right.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpd1Jx2gLidhuCjra9ijTrTW7iBpgadrkdFf4qepRIu93_CKo815QpVoDAp9SDextV8k33BXphcOy79AmnriYCbkS06B9XlevPqqRXDRMfS4AVZDk9GcIHEUzaaO95Boawlo3rs0AhRv2K/s400/Herd+of+Cows+at+Right.JPG" width="375" /></a></div>
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We also see the few villagers totally unhindered by the grand spectacle and probably shows their confidence on Sri Krishna protecting them to the core.The details of the Attire,Tools, Pot-belly and even the knots in Loin Cloth is truly mind-blowing.One of the Villager seems to be depicting the event to his friend.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIe4DnMt4_3RXA8U3jNHGnSRTPfpVvlT37QhXEKbs8jSAxXTQI_MuTt8S0xf98xj4Bgx7kL0fF8DzwhO6jLLGTXVe7YJKmMbqtptKl2Hg9FDmT8GRX0qTwOixdgM3SZaF90l_EaeiKqsX/s1600/The+Villagers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIe4DnMt4_3RXA8U3jNHGnSRTPfpVvlT37QhXEKbs8jSAxXTQI_MuTt8S0xf98xj4Bgx7kL0fF8DzwhO6jLLGTXVe7YJKmMbqtptKl2Hg9FDmT8GRX0qTwOixdgM3SZaF90l_EaeiKqsX/s400/The+Villagers.JPG" width="355" /></a></div>
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Continuing ,we see a dance party happening in full swing might be to express the happiness on being saved by Sri Krishna and also to entertain all in the times of despair.Again we see a trademark attention to details by Hoysala Sculptors in portraying expressions, attire , instruments and Anklets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJdvqs-L-Dg37Ztvx9SZCGASfEoDeeI0uu-ahEZ_8Wr_svXw7mw8TsQ6gr3bi86qzjtbdaB2HdXyJUAyAI1fbnfWEFukd9EoavtE0T2IoYsWj9lb4C9OCAOQ45SwcYInZyEIyxW_QHf4J/s1600/Dancers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJdvqs-L-Dg37Ztvx9SZCGASfEoDeeI0uu-ahEZ_8Wr_svXw7mw8TsQ6gr3bi86qzjtbdaB2HdXyJUAyAI1fbnfWEFukd9EoavtE0T2IoYsWj9lb4C9OCAOQ45SwcYInZyEIyxW_QHf4J/s400/Dancers.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
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The next interesting components in the frame which show how the sculptors have brought their unique thinking and style to the fore are the snakes,who have been disturbed from their peace by the uprooting of the hill which has exposed them to open, The snakes though literally hanging from the top seem to be mesmerized by the charm of Sri Krishna by putting all their energy to devote their attention towards him<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Bqi4h1aUibkBwVruUrWI-Dx-eGF-4r_MHe-ZPDPM4Ol1VvwODfb4CvK3WBtsmKWawg_UjLUh9LgTtt-YtIK-z_MtXnGjRUNq0gvKZcgKuJdfpE0aSYCtXTuNkyQXKCAuEaLXDg9m03RI/s1600/Snakes_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Bqi4h1aUibkBwVruUrWI-Dx-eGF-4r_MHe-ZPDPM4Ol1VvwODfb4CvK3WBtsmKWawg_UjLUh9LgTtt-YtIK-z_MtXnGjRUNq0gvKZcgKuJdfpE0aSYCtXTuNkyQXKCAuEaLXDg9m03RI/s400/Snakes_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Coming to the Left of the frame, We see that there was no shortage of entertainment for villagers who have come together under the hill for protection. Here we see musicians enchanting the crowd, again we see that there is no shortage of details.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkJe2tEwEC5BIhWwvTM8dQCXJhcwXCoYqbgxBKSzMgXWrlRyow6eHyiGhqyiuqrf83Vy7I1aJUphw67JoJmoTPB54pydVNbHjC6ZAM4g9oHatXAZlrEFMLIWgz6gX3L6FMv0yPOXgodes/s1600/Musicians.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkJe2tEwEC5BIhWwvTM8dQCXJhcwXCoYqbgxBKSzMgXWrlRyow6eHyiGhqyiuqrf83Vy7I1aJUphw67JoJmoTPB54pydVNbHjC6ZAM4g9oHatXAZlrEFMLIWgz6gX3L6FMv0yPOXgodes/s400/Musicians.JPG" width="365" /></a></div>
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Below we see again villagers standing totally unfazed in group glancing at the spectacle. Again we see a glimpse of those times in attire and tools, Comradeship shown is also need to be mentioned.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSCTNvwQjNVpBXQwoVEZzkxpxFqxJHBTWOSU4loErsXVaRLXv0EeI-laz7ESsof2CDn5seJ3dThr-iVWtvOYl_gWKD24yGCjYTuQescliriD-CgHhrFKcciFaIVOD7uzUIczZCe1kCZaS/s1600/Villagers2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSCTNvwQjNVpBXQwoVEZzkxpxFqxJHBTWOSU4loErsXVaRLXv0EeI-laz7ESsof2CDn5seJ3dThr-iVWtvOYl_gWKD24yGCjYTuQescliriD-CgHhrFKcciFaIVOD7uzUIczZCe1kCZaS/s400/Villagers2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As in the thriller movies, I have kept the best for the last, i.e.The two main characters in the frame ; Sri Krishna and the Govardhan Hill.</div>
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Let us look at the lively Depiction of the Goverdhan Hill. Even though the sculptors were given a small frame to work with but there were given full freedom to run their imagination in their sculptures.The depiction of flora and Fauna in the Hill with Human Activities is immaculate, The Most Eye catching component is the Hunting Scene which is in motion with Monkey, Lizard, Bear and Elephant showing their presence, Another scene of a predator most probably a tiger or leopard grabbing his prey by the mouth is also interesting.The Variety of Flora in the form of different trees including Banana Tree. Many other components in hill are still a puzzle to me and I will be updating the post as and when I get more information.</div>
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All this seem to reflect the Master (Sri Krishna) who controls all the worlds. The One who Supports the Earth , the Heaven and the Nether World seems to be the mindset of the sculptor. It also symbolizes the same through depiction of Flowering Trees (Creation) , Villagers and Cowherds (Protector) and Hunting Scene in the hill (Destroyer)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq1LBUu0DzN3wzEX8bgruO0oxoLQo0yYKM3Op1bB9WbVDAEYMgqgc7O8tf8Op5_TEfE-rKFIgcxu0KHaPXudAdEU8IawCLkxvpB9v9_Pow6IiGbNjDVozam-cP0z4GO9ovjzACk6TK24P/s1600/The+Living+Hill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq1LBUu0DzN3wzEX8bgruO0oxoLQo0yYKM3Op1bB9WbVDAEYMgqgc7O8tf8Op5_TEfE-rKFIgcxu0KHaPXudAdEU8IawCLkxvpB9v9_Pow6IiGbNjDVozam-cP0z4GO9ovjzACk6TK24P/s400/The+Living+Hill.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Coming to the "Hero" of the frame, Sri Krishna we see that here also Hoysala sculptors have tried to experiment and try something new. And what they come up with is a unique depiction of Goverdhandhari Krishna in a Tribhanga Posture.The pose is also seen in many Buddhist Sculptures also.A dance mode known as "Lalitha".</div>
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Wikipedia describes Tribhanga Pose as a Tri-Bent (At Neck,Waist and Knee) Posture where Body is depicted in form of "S". It is used to denote Sensuality and grace in Indian Sculptures and dance.The Sculptor have again let their imagination take over and have come up with a unique solution with crunch in space.</div>
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The Sober Face expresses the ease with which the lord is holding a giant hill but the magnanimity of the lord is shown by reducing the dimensions of the hill with respect to the lord.The Ornamentation be it the rings , necklaces coupled with the Free flowing garland is so pleasing to the eye. The Belt around his waist which is in form of a Chakra (Discus) also is rich in details.To top it all, A kind of muffler around his neck reminds us of the current fashion trend which again shows how much forward thinking Hoysala Sculptors were.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawLrS5p7ZcO05lgmqfCEHBag7JGdXvZakoTDQKkOIraH5RvFL6cZ2c80oNn9STO3kDrv8lnSHwOGibNgHGG4tvMzDjebObPaaTddY9D9cvGC5TkDRBLGUIyIz3yh-nex_FfPioaUgTB0a/s1600/Krishna+Goverdhandhari+Full+Panel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawLrS5p7ZcO05lgmqfCEHBag7JGdXvZakoTDQKkOIraH5RvFL6cZ2c80oNn9STO3kDrv8lnSHwOGibNgHGG4tvMzDjebObPaaTddY9D9cvGC5TkDRBLGUIyIz3yh-nex_FfPioaUgTB0a/s400/Krishna+Goverdhandhari+Full+Panel.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhrsuOjhiGMvWlmfksZkdzH4OhpI_uAC71m3QJ3dJ4qig1IC2u2uC5YJmZ0Y8JOt_3E722KJ7UcVr-Kv61icY3a3Zf4O-pbCREU24CjE6qvuCn701k4JqLC42Nomfz0y_Mj37BDIIB_c3/s1600/Tri-bhanga+Three+Bends.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhrsuOjhiGMvWlmfksZkdzH4OhpI_uAC71m3QJ3dJ4qig1IC2u2uC5YJmZ0Y8JOt_3E722KJ7UcVr-Kv61icY3a3Zf4O-pbCREU24CjE6qvuCn701k4JqLC42Nomfz0y_Mj37BDIIB_c3/s400/Tri-bhanga+Three+Bends.JPG" width="191" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFt_YL7PZwLcM8pLrAYQ3uxdHIh5g-0rOqd55zPtqDN0fVOw9dgmRyDKwTk2-BrhusqE9CqP42vVAWl_vUFqCYvaODIWyXaEJUUG9VSkUyNJODf2GKMAsinQhDX_I4FZp5_CIj8hqjpb_/s1600/Beauty+and+Grace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFt_YL7PZwLcM8pLrAYQ3uxdHIh5g-0rOqd55zPtqDN0fVOw9dgmRyDKwTk2-BrhusqE9CqP42vVAWl_vUFqCYvaODIWyXaEJUUG9VSkUyNJODf2GKMAsinQhDX_I4FZp5_CIj8hqjpb_/s400/Beauty+and+Grace.JPG" width="376" /></a></div>
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As if to Signify that all's well that ends well , we have a beautiful rectangular panel with one of the beautiful depiction of Sri Ganesha one can ever see surrounded by beautiful figures of avian and a miniature of Krishna playing the flute having the similar details as in the main panel above.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPLk4-Rw8pAagRTID8P-gArOJ_oDW4mAMxQU4LlTkp6PzzkEUAjhhJurwtaFF_FG4LukatkpBixxqmY6zO5KiNWWf3SHmo64VCIGpS_NecpNpaUkzgrNLuXWt4BWXWkbhyjpkB78l9eM_/s1600/Beautiful+Ganesha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPLk4-Rw8pAagRTID8P-gArOJ_oDW4mAMxQU4LlTkp6PzzkEUAjhhJurwtaFF_FG4LukatkpBixxqmY6zO5KiNWWf3SHmo64VCIGpS_NecpNpaUkzgrNLuXWt4BWXWkbhyjpkB78l9eM_/s400/Beautiful+Ganesha.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Ornaments Worn by Sri Krishna</u></b><br />
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One of most crucial component of Hoysala Architecture is their Ornamentation, in fact they are kind of experts on it.Now we will look into the Ornaments Worn by Sri Krishna in the above Panel.<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Ear - Karna Kundala</li>
<li>Throat - Kanta Haara</li>
<li>Upper Curve of the Arm - Bhuja Kirti</li>
<li>Arm band - Keyura or Bahu Bandha </li>
<li>Bracelets - Kankana </li>
<li>Chest - Vaksha Haara </li>
<li>Crossed Girdle - Chchannavira (Shoulder)</li>
<li>Chest - Yajnopavita (Cross-Thread)</li>
<li>Long Girdle Beyond Knee - Vaijayanti</li>
<li>Girdle at Waist - Kati Bhanda</li>
<li>Tassels over Pitambhara - Mekhala</li>
<li>Anklets - Kadaga</li>
<li>Chains at Feet - Nupura (With Jinglings)</li>
<li>Chains at Feet - Painjani (Without Jinglings)</li>
<li>Toe and Finger Rings - Unguliyaka</li>
</ul>
Will be writing a detailed post on the ornaments in the Hoysala Sculptures....<br />
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At the end of writing this post , only one word comes to mind .. Amazing !!! Truly the Goverdhandhari Panel is truly a high mix of art ,religion and intuitive thinking<br />
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Hope you would have liked this journey with me in to one of the most beautiful specimen of art from Hoysala Dynasty.<br />
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As always I look forward to your feedback on the post !<br />
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<b><u>References: </u></b><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Special thanks to Mr TM Keshav of ASI, Bengaluru Circle</li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribhanga" target="_blank">Tribhanga</a></li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysala_architecture" target="_blank">Hoysala architecture</a></li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysaleswara_Temple">Hoysaleswara Temple</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.318563288183503.79189.228660403840459&type=3" target="_blank">My Photographic Collection of Selected Hoysala Gems on FB(Copyrighted)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/sets/72157629847713160/" target="_blank">My Photographic Collection of Hoysala Gems on Flickr (Copyrighted)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://asibengalurucircle.org/hassan-6.html">ASI Bengaluru Circle Site Info on Sri Hoysaleswara Temple</a></li>
</ul>
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Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com24Halebeedu, Karnataka, India13.2169444 75.991666713.2092154 75.981796199999991 13.224673399999999 76.0015372tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-66912834704684300452012-09-30T12:19:00.001+05:302012-09-30T21:41:32.003+05:30It is time to go to work !!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8038256711/" title="It is time to go to work !!"><img alt="It is time to go to work !! by Swaminathan Natarajan" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/8038256711_8c398b6456.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/8038256711/">It is time to go to work !!</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/">Swaminathan Natarajan</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
My Submission for the Natgeo Photography Contest 2012 (Taken at Belur Chennakesava Temple)<br />
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<a href="http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/photo-contest/2012/entries/162662/view/" target="_blank">Link to my entry for the NatGeo Photo Contest 2012</a><br />
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Your Feedback Solicited !</div>
Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-43234769617740263472012-09-16T21:27:00.001+05:302012-09-30T21:46:04.377+05:30Esplanade Theater Singapore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/6272175226/" title="Esplanade Theater Singapore"><img alt="Esplanade Theater Singapore by Swaminathan Natarajan" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6239/6272175226_584a08e802.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/6272175226/">Esplanade Theater Singapore</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/">Swaminathan Natarajan</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
A Different Perspective of the world famous Esplanade Theater in Singapore <br /><br />Swaminathan Natarajan Photography (FB)</div>
Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-83288418032194778052012-08-13T21:47:00.001+05:302012-12-29T20:30:22.804+05:30The Highly Ornamented Guardian (Hoysala Style)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/3999358555/" title="The Highly Ornamented Guardian (Hoysala Style)"><img alt="The Highly Ornamented Guardian (Hoysala Style) by Swaminathan Natarajan" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2657/3999358555_8cda19c01f.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/3999358555/">The Highly Ornamented Guardian (Hoysala Style)</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/">Swaminathan Natarajan</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
Ornamentation that is out of this world !!</div>
Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com1Halebeedu, Karnataka, India13.2169444 75.991666713.2092154 75.981796199999991 13.224673399999999 76.0015372tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-10631326586797057082012-07-22T11:57:00.001+05:302012-09-30T21:50:51.824+05:30Few Gems from Hoysala Architecture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/7176496254/" title="Woman Infantry .. Ahead of times: Belur Karnataka by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Woman Infantry .. Ahead of times: Belur Karnataka" height="213" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/7176496254_bd22a97c06.jpg" width="320" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/7176513708/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Supporters: Belur Karnataka by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Supporters: Belur Karnataka" height="214" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/7176513708_a53bf5660e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/7165605054/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Elegance at Belur Karnataka by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Elegance at Belur Karnataka" height="200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7165605054_577cfc396b.jpg" width="164" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9/7165626476/" title="Plucking - Belur by Swaminathan Natarajan, on Flickr"><img alt="Plucking - Belur" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7165626476_1a42f54cd7.jpg" width="209" /></a>
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<b><span style="line-height: 25px;">As always your feedback is solicited.</span></b><br />
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Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com2Karnataka, India15.3172775 75.713888411.4001285 70.660177400000009 19.234426499999998 80.7675994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-15970864624038397142012-07-01T13:40:00.004+05:302012-07-01T14:48:37.605+05:30My Published Works : Discover India Magazine Mar 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Published : Discover India Magazine Mar 2012<br />
(Taken At Sri Chennakeshava Temple,Belur,Karnataka,India)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6pFjYrtbUcgcZYObvL7JurRaFdNaBFuAuhCf1B4sV26YQBuTPGck9BspLxhjvnFK13388r9x6GhDeY64JFYMv5cjnsW1k7chtmO5euHVScDWJ1RrkZCnRhZx_SmUkeuNGBb3sWWOZ0MN/s1600/Published+Work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6pFjYrtbUcgcZYObvL7JurRaFdNaBFuAuhCf1B4sV26YQBuTPGck9BspLxhjvnFK13388r9x6GhDeY64JFYMv5cjnsW1k7chtmO5euHVScDWJ1RrkZCnRhZx_SmUkeuNGBb3sWWOZ0MN/s320/Published+Work.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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As Always , Your Feedback is highly Appreciated !!!<br />
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More On My Photography Page : <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SwaminathanNatarajan.Photography" target="_blank">Swaminathan Natarajan Photography on Facebook</a></div>Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com0NH 73, Belur, Karnataka, India13.1627778 75.868055613.155047300000001 75.8581851 13.1705083 75.87792610000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-71103341073993094972012-02-21T21:20:00.001+05:302012-09-30T21:53:49.200+05:30Beautiful Hoysala for Your Eyes !!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Regular Readers of my blog would have noticed my special liking for the Hoysala Architecture. Continuing the trend,Here is my small "attempt" to make you also love these beautiful work of art (If you aren't already in love :) ) </i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>!!!</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Enjoy the Ride and Do give your Feedback :) </i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monkey Business</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh676QD_lq7MhYKSAeMGuZgcPrdudb6tXW_Iowx6GzjX_4xTf64I2dEFkrjGhkYP2GTPhzprR4m5ynu9a-m7S4dw9xQ1uQZum-xR2vQ55_ZRC1PLj-NWi_Wd_LbpIoYXFusArVBMRIyQxCl/s1600/IMG_0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh676QD_lq7MhYKSAeMGuZgcPrdudb6tXW_Iowx6GzjX_4xTf64I2dEFkrjGhkYP2GTPhzprR4m5ynu9a-m7S4dw9xQ1uQZum-xR2vQ55_ZRC1PLj-NWi_Wd_LbpIoYXFusArVBMRIyQxCl/s320/IMG_0548.JPG" width="192" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Great Hoysala King Vishnuvardhan </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJuL8AVFSfDyJ9smZCZ6I0dNwqyp_Y0Dy5P8byn7oKcDhT17hinV-g2Rccn5I94bXY_syY7GdE6ZVEP-DYGgZZQuMXW2N3Lp4qjNB5-4s4GvCy0Lgy8Gqjdz3ZfYcka-8kMwubQfW4B8g/s1600/IMG_0550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJuL8AVFSfDyJ9smZCZ6I0dNwqyp_Y0Dy5P8byn7oKcDhT17hinV-g2Rccn5I94bXY_syY7GdE6ZVEP-DYGgZZQuMXW2N3Lp4qjNB5-4s4GvCy0Lgy8Gqjdz3ZfYcka-8kMwubQfW4B8g/s320/IMG_0550.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Unique Portrayal of Narasimha Avatar with Boar Face (Varaha Avatar)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt92kjYBvRczu1AHjFpI8vm8x4qTpeHdv2jwqgmE9FER4TRFnBZObYClvO-LscPM61Z8FmK2zCbQEgJJTuaBI3xzOfMvr5wFj49H5s6PdzC0MLueuSHfhuqkXBxN3AZwLcQLeAygevx5U/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt92kjYBvRczu1AHjFpI8vm8x4qTpeHdv2jwqgmE9FER4TRFnBZObYClvO-LscPM61Z8FmK2zCbQEgJJTuaBI3xzOfMvr5wFj49H5s6PdzC0MLueuSHfhuqkXBxN3AZwLcQLeAygevx5U/s320/IMG_0563.JPG" width="287" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A Beautiful Portrayal Of Shiva </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxlS8kW1X4TWArpAXAJ3pM-xL2ascEh2LH3Mr0S_sTqV_Iz-c8EdvsoESM2h7Eh_atLjr3I1NfhFOJDQ2bYqCKBEvHYJ8ttXHiLjZyOND71A3c6TvtH1vam5aDxwnOMXrwYuxmKj50hP5/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxlS8kW1X4TWArpAXAJ3pM-xL2ascEh2LH3Mr0S_sTqV_Iz-c8EdvsoESM2h7Eh_atLjr3I1NfhFOJDQ2bYqCKBEvHYJ8ttXHiLjZyOND71A3c6TvtH1vam5aDxwnOMXrwYuxmKj50hP5/s320/IMG_0639.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another Beautiful Portrayal of Shiva</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCASoyFbva8a1MMNpDjMgK_OizU7tPFzo5Cr_u2POQ4Le18j5js0o8G5lfXXUDtjylScRLSk22WyI_m_Ol7kx_RI4MCC2mNvbsrEY89UV_R-AFnxn3vNboKuxWSEEbdvVn14uR5B-hxbC/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCASoyFbva8a1MMNpDjMgK_OizU7tPFzo5Cr_u2POQ4Le18j5js0o8G5lfXXUDtjylScRLSk22WyI_m_Ol7kx_RI4MCC2mNvbsrEY89UV_R-AFnxn3vNboKuxWSEEbdvVn14uR5B-hxbC/s320/IMG_0642.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Dancing Hoysala Queen Shantala Devi</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQCSnNcGLn68DNLVgoeNguncz7YiutwZQE_nJHJ1gOMEd0q90MvHGOR3pFiTTSEUMgMRNpcJMk3Zo2pQTTAKdXDyZbVfaXFCORdmK-F4jGugUorRCpgDElEZniHOPUOrxDLAxpK2snuSX/s1600/IMG_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQCSnNcGLn68DNLVgoeNguncz7YiutwZQE_nJHJ1gOMEd0q90MvHGOR3pFiTTSEUMgMRNpcJMk3Zo2pQTTAKdXDyZbVfaXFCORdmK-F4jGugUorRCpgDElEZniHOPUOrxDLAxpK2snuSX/s320/IMG_0647.JPG" width="248" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>At Lord's Feet (Gajasamahara Murti)</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXTlSxzK-T51sD_r_MUjS4_yttc82xrdpW2F3L3o7-bN3eFEUwmswPJJJ4zp1ooULBvgJbKmBvZc6HlOh7RElIunBdvUlEoiWf91lmp5FCSSaQTPD71scLPmpowZrGo0IAuJuqLViw2Q9/s1600/IMG_0656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXTlSxzK-T51sD_r_MUjS4_yttc82xrdpW2F3L3o7-bN3eFEUwmswPJJJ4zp1ooULBvgJbKmBvZc6HlOh7RElIunBdvUlEoiWf91lmp5FCSSaQTPD71scLPmpowZrGo0IAuJuqLViw2Q9/s320/IMG_0656.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An Angry Gajasamahara Murti (Notice the Sharp Nails)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLRl-1lnQrBSttIjKUainq56Cc_ut15PvPYYdrbK2uw8YfugKUrwHjBL92WCd7Hd5TYyJrzy_SIr3GaKFukqAHzDyT1Mo-Ob-1jtdmA_hxF8L-sQNoC7dIzBlE561jIL0IKTOCg-ofsbE/s1600/IMG_0657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLRl-1lnQrBSttIjKUainq56Cc_ut15PvPYYdrbK2uw8YfugKUrwHjBL92WCd7Hd5TYyJrzy_SIr3GaKFukqAHzDyT1Mo-Ob-1jtdmA_hxF8L-sQNoC7dIzBlE561jIL0IKTOCg-ofsbE/s320/IMG_0657.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A Calm Govardhandhari (Krishna)</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_SQFEbN0UHaxwNEfkkrP-n82RUOG5QzWOSKrhzhyphenhyphenZ44Ao8dJMqckDIE1rB6UgjC371Gb3CUOKgxCFWNO-etXJ0N06ibYS1ddbhtQQC5lvG8zRd9EM9041XUeYvYUpw-v-_JMqBsIbG3-/s1600/IMG_0659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_SQFEbN0UHaxwNEfkkrP-n82RUOG5QzWOSKrhzhyphenhyphenZ44Ao8dJMqckDIE1rB6UgjC371Gb3CUOKgxCFWNO-etXJ0N06ibYS1ddbhtQQC5lvG8zRd9EM9041XUeYvYUpw-v-_JMqBsIbG3-/s320/IMG_0659.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Hoysala Dancing Figure(Possibly Queen Shantala Devi)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5zT7r95bmWGD-q0ct9Pb5rhdjIDmLRuGSxVG-DvIdMFKf7bkePLup_lZ_VGHQV-GFO3L9bwWv5AmUl-8XRMRmLVNDgTi3VPChWbW4mGwOf4_bnQECfskzUtlimzjSlWy86vfGOPxkB_L/s1600/IMG_0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5zT7r95bmWGD-q0ct9Pb5rhdjIDmLRuGSxVG-DvIdMFKf7bkePLup_lZ_VGHQV-GFO3L9bwWv5AmUl-8XRMRmLVNDgTi3VPChWbW4mGwOf4_bnQECfskzUtlimzjSlWy86vfGOPxkB_L/s320/IMG_0687.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>More On My Facebook Photography Page</b>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SwaminathanNatarajan.Photography" target="_blank">Swaminathan Natarajan Photography</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>(C) All Rights Reserved </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>References:</b></span><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysala_architecture">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysala_architecture</a> <br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysala_Empire">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysala_Empire</a> <br />
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Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com2Karnataka, India15.3172775 75.71388839999997311.893369 73.445690399999975 18.741186 77.982086399999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-12181989841006380712012-02-20T22:49:00.002+05:302012-09-30T22:01:57.045+05:30Vanishing Late Nayak Era Roof Paintings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>I would like to share with you all a wonderful Late Nayak Era (Around 16th Cent AD) Roof Paintings at a Old Rama temple in Kuruchchi Town ,Thirupanandal Distt in Tamil Nadu India. These need immediate attention otherwise these are as good as gone.</i><br />
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<b>Battle Scene from Ramayana</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3WFfARMsOOwvCkEdcHxaNXnASr0hXkLRHXgQO7vcebid6hxjDtSyg2r-p8vSR2ai26NtHLrgDmVHTaPgUy1j1FkXSYIq4REjLbBuzyUGD5_KEnZUVLJRRXKCIZ657wuw-d3luHshh1u1/s1600/IMG_1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3WFfARMsOOwvCkEdcHxaNXnASr0hXkLRHXgQO7vcebid6hxjDtSyg2r-p8vSR2ai26NtHLrgDmVHTaPgUy1j1FkXSYIq4REjLbBuzyUGD5_KEnZUVLJRRXKCIZ657wuw-d3luHshh1u1/s320/IMG_1283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Hanuman and Sugriva Meeting Rama and Lakshmana</b></div>
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<b>Sri Maha Vishnu</b></div>
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<b>Shri Maha Vishnu with Moustache</b></div>
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<b>Sri Rama</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgML-quw7dCBWhssvny9cxdZKLsMHSBVe2n1297oLXUfTp-fj0Fd4Crm9axhmHEbSSF08RPz4BMI31TEyxmmF1bcxP4hwdJJUrX8jJMZi43kB_TvB67Atsa85JMWlGkTiQTVtziNU1P4qHW/s1600/IMG_1313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgML-quw7dCBWhssvny9cxdZKLsMHSBVe2n1297oLXUfTp-fj0Fd4Crm9axhmHEbSSF08RPz4BMI31TEyxmmF1bcxP4hwdJJUrX8jJMZi43kB_TvB67Atsa85JMWlGkTiQTVtziNU1P4qHW/s320/IMG_1313.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Srimathi Seetha Devi</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pCXFCdv0GPmMI7WoO0-W4YRkO1z9wHbJZ1xi80Bm3dW1DarQHqhJAYK3vXRrHfQKMPJElUQ5QK7V5kPm8Iu45NH63pQ1OGU8CWEWLPiwcsFNYuziH_h_Nm1muz5NHk69a7Ee5nxYC1Xk/s1600/IMG_1314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pCXFCdv0GPmMI7WoO0-W4YRkO1z9wHbJZ1xi80Bm3dW1DarQHqhJAYK3vXRrHfQKMPJElUQ5QK7V5kPm8Iu45NH63pQ1OGU8CWEWLPiwcsFNYuziH_h_Nm1muz5NHk69a7Ee5nxYC1Xk/s320/IMG_1314.JPG" width="168" /></a></div>
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If Anyone is interested in saving these masterpieces, Please contact:<br />
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Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-40900320509464234192012-02-20T22:08:00.000+05:302012-02-20T22:08:13.313+05:30Marina Bay Sands - A Collage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Beautiful Marina Bay Sands through My Viewfinder !!!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtqK5awlYBaqMpeblsnJbYiEH2Pm1kOxnDbtzFEBb58XiwH5qsSlRYMHnhfVtWHzzorTitExGKYIafHa0BITOh4BoE8njGtlspRuD-h-uVsxh7qbd_D5QSaurQlTFOuWFV9QQdHP_HxsA/s1600/Singapore+Revisited+!!!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtqK5awlYBaqMpeblsnJbYiEH2Pm1kOxnDbtzFEBb58XiwH5qsSlRYMHnhfVtWHzzorTitExGKYIafHa0BITOh4BoE8njGtlspRuD-h-uVsxh7qbd_D5QSaurQlTFOuWFV9QQdHP_HxsA/s320/Singapore+Revisited+!!!.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span id="goog_1053438203"></span><span id="goog_1053438204"></span><br />
<div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SwaminathanNatarajan.Photography" target="_blank"> Swaminathan Natarajan Photography</a> </div><div>(C) All Rights Reserved </div></div>Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com0Marina, Singapore1.28225 103.858299999999991.2690225 103.84147649999998 1.2954774999999998 103.87512349999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-84568462015651174192012-02-19T12:29:00.003+05:302012-09-30T22:09:52.356+05:30Nagaresu Kanchi - Kanchipuram from my viewfinder<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">KANCHIPURAM - A CITY PAR EXCELLENCE </span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzB0aSZ7ehq50v0aoNYNCj4nGldM3bxXa6_WkyB2eTiTiVLHPxnmNdD7WEyUSzvfTas2zSb8yYWGHvdTp0v9U5DwTfDZoud_YSmfI9_I5-bw7vT5XgltKEJkXzg1NKB9rtgBDQxPR5GTE2/s1600/HisMastersTemple_SwaminathanNatarajan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzB0aSZ7ehq50v0aoNYNCj4nGldM3bxXa6_WkyB2eTiTiVLHPxnmNdD7WEyUSzvfTas2zSb8yYWGHvdTp0v9U5DwTfDZoud_YSmfI9_I5-bw7vT5XgltKEJkXzg1NKB9rtgBDQxPR5GTE2/s320/HisMastersTemple_SwaminathanNatarajan.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Pallava King Rajasimha's Dream Project: Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIYFZbbzP0-erH_BMK5LWtWNLqkjNdg0e2ovGf9c3fOdruZt3gaF-w1VEqZEL3Gpq6sfJxgUyjtZ4QzEF1dHBqZeVKo5Cumz63YIKkSfCvYLb16fRwxNOaJwqZiuRLKBrn9hV1bi6GPCs/s1600/Sun&Moon_SwaminathanNatarajan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIYFZbbzP0-erH_BMK5LWtWNLqkjNdg0e2ovGf9c3fOdruZt3gaF-w1VEqZEL3Gpq6sfJxgUyjtZ4QzEF1dHBqZeVKo5Cumz63YIKkSfCvYLb16fRwxNOaJwqZiuRLKBrn9hV1bi6GPCs/s320/Sun&Moon_SwaminathanNatarajan.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Sun and the Moon on the wall of of Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple </b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifb64iTNEtPrlaowShcel7SfDI_R5Q11Yfyb2pzPzNnhCH9BFdxErSNifUF1q-CU_KeMpO4g8AAJasZV4eo5sP0kdAoeWG8AuuhrlVZLGnM9D1_5Ge6TeqSKOZOzdcSDKMGQUSUQVGjumD/s1600/VaradharajanTemple37_SwaminathanNatarajan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifb64iTNEtPrlaowShcel7SfDI_R5Q11Yfyb2pzPzNnhCH9BFdxErSNifUF1q-CU_KeMpO4g8AAJasZV4eo5sP0kdAoeWG8AuuhrlVZLGnM9D1_5Ge6TeqSKOZOzdcSDKMGQUSUQVGjumD/s320/VaradharajanTemple37_SwaminathanNatarajan.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Athi Varadar Kolam (Temple Tank) at Varadaraja Perumal Temple</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB1w9ADzg3Vj9nMJnr5QRmqBPxL8ELf0McI-zmlPFKIKYaPGFH7olnwQljQzYf9KwV5y7Mwdkel2rW33tDKTi6KiDCoTLO3fif_udJ64h7llFbEWSbcxYx_LIJPVtsgVJvL57hIejZ4cd/s1600/VaradharajanTemple27_SwaminathanNatarajan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB1w9ADzg3Vj9nMJnr5QRmqBPxL8ELf0McI-zmlPFKIKYaPGFH7olnwQljQzYf9KwV5y7Mwdkel2rW33tDKTi6KiDCoTLO3fif_udJ64h7llFbEWSbcxYx_LIJPVtsgVJvL57hIejZ4cd/s200/VaradharajanTemple27_SwaminathanNatarajan.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">"Pillared" Warrirors at Kalyana Mandapam (Varadaraja Temple)</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9zJoxkJmxPJFLoH5ZP9KvRCKOMCvDjX-m5cO2lEU8-6c7Gl3m4ciE9DlOVGNcVOd6PgqrKm3cSI2VhBnug3GT9mdgNXLkc38tcV7pfVfFrDLXHWAZrIqMp5y2GawTQcb271xkzzKXimt/s1600/SabreTooth_SwaminathanNatarajan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9zJoxkJmxPJFLoH5ZP9KvRCKOMCvDjX-m5cO2lEU8-6c7Gl3m4ciE9DlOVGNcVOd6PgqrKm3cSI2VhBnug3GT9mdgNXLkc38tcV7pfVfFrDLXHWAZrIqMp5y2GawTQcb271xkzzKXimt/s200/SabreTooth_SwaminathanNatarajan.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Sabre Toothed Lion (Emblem of Pallavas) at Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple</span></b> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp1qlBWvKxA1xmr51FjSlPKEh4xioH07tYHqF-bJ12ONtMvSf1ScHPRlH60LO3RwbStKOnqUvATwBuuY0bTTcJs7MtG1CWiIMKw_02Nq-2knHVlA_pcNSgU7nuh-iGOeB98KV6Rg6vw1U/s1600/LionRider3_SwaminathanNatarajan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp1qlBWvKxA1xmr51FjSlPKEh4xioH07tYHqF-bJ12ONtMvSf1ScHPRlH60LO3RwbStKOnqUvATwBuuY0bTTcJs7MtG1CWiIMKw_02Nq-2knHVlA_pcNSgU7nuh-iGOeB98KV6Rg6vw1U/s200/LionRider3_SwaminathanNatarajan.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">A Contemplating Lion Rider at Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple</span></b></td></tr>
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<b>(All Images are Copyrighted and All Rights Reserved)</b> <br />
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<b>More Photographs on my Facebook Page</b>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SwaminathanNatarajan.Photography" target="_blank">Swaminathan Natarajan Photography</a><br />
<br />
<b>References:</b><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanchipuram">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanchipuram</a> <br />
<a href="http://swamisblog.blogspot.in/2009/07/pallava-architecture-kailasanatha.html">http://swamisblog.blogspot.in/2009/07/pallava-architecture-kailasanatha.html</a> <br />
<a href="http://swamisblog.blogspot.in/2010/01/kancheepuram-series-pillars-of.html">http://swamisblog.blogspot.in/2010/01/kancheepuram-series-pillars-of.html</a> <br />
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Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com3Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India12.8341735 79.703640212.797589 79.6606482 12.870758 79.7466322tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-35945669598910311522011-08-31T15:47:00.001+05:302011-08-31T15:48:28.713+05:30My New Photography Page on Facebook !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
Please visit my Photography page on Facebook and give your feedback (Link Below)<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natarajan-Swaminathans-Photography/228660403840459">Natarajan Swaminathan Photography</a><br />
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P.S. Please join by clicking "Like" Button Next to the Title of the Page<br />
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Thanks in advance !!!</div>Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-51347000109727047722011-02-24T14:33:00.028+05:302011-02-28T16:18:02.984+05:30Velachery Temple Walk: The Greatness of Devotee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today we are going to join Pradeep on his Velachery Dandeeshwara Temple Walk... So Hop in !!!!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span> </div><i>"Oh, the Lord with vEl (Divine weapon of Lord Skanda), if you ask what is big, world is big. But the world was created by BrahmA. Brahma was born in the navel of Vishnu. Vishnu sleeps in the ocean. The ocean was drunk by Agasthya. Agasthya was born from a pot. Pot is a small grain (in size) in this earth. But this earth is hold by the serpent in just one head. But that serpent is a small ring in UmA's finger. UmA is there in one part of Siva, Siva is in the heart of the devotee. So the greatness of the devotee is great to explain." (AVVAIYAR thani paadalgal)</i> <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b><i><span style="font-family: '',serif,'',serif; font-size: 10pt;">(The above line expresses the true power of the devotion and it is the same devotion has helped this temple to survive till date without any major donation from the royalty)</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: serif,serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0twXF_Cv2okUQ-93m39s8TT0lDVIEB26okwOui739l6dkwZUHV7l770TNrPSKqCsK85hrBM1YIiWXw6pdelapdZrnLeziaTz1YGMwWKgoOW9ly3DYOk-_cIx6Xb_dJP0Xjp9RtQPBtlq/s1600/IMG_2594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0twXF_Cv2okUQ-93m39s8TT0lDVIEB26okwOui739l6dkwZUHV7l770TNrPSKqCsK85hrBM1YIiWXw6pdelapdZrnLeziaTz1YGMwWKgoOW9ly3DYOk-_cIx6Xb_dJP0Xjp9RtQPBtlq/s200/IMG_2594.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pradeep in his poetic best.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: '','',serif; font-size: 16pt;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">About the Place </i></span></span>: <span style="font-family: inherit;">Velachery once a southern Outskirt of Chennai is now a bustling place full of life. In its current avatar it is a place of IT companies, Commercial Establishments and lavish apartments. But even in this hustle bustle, once a Brahmadeya (Gift to Brahmans) has lost its old charm but still holds its old identity as place of rich tradition and Heritage.The Dandeeshwara temple, even though a temple with bare structure and little history, this temple encapsulates a dynamo in form of inscriptions and inscriptions. There is no records of how the temple came about but the features of Sanctum Sanctorum including Dwarapalakas inside points out a Late Pallava Era most probably Pallava King Dantivarman which might have influenced the name of the temple also.</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"></div><div><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32ERuO7P0IHVvLYYS4ghmqsrCCpcBr0h51_mz_dxzVxJz1-nn9GNVBeUbO42vZj6H6kWZi1JOeXeecA2dxeNX46FcP2LYzAnkB4bj_dz9ZHx_9mHArAbeIzHfD1InBZ4urIBxUkahv1LG/s1600/IMG_2595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32ERuO7P0IHVvLYYS4ghmqsrCCpcBr0h51_mz_dxzVxJz1-nn9GNVBeUbO42vZj6H6kWZi1JOeXeecA2dxeNX46FcP2LYzAnkB4bj_dz9ZHx_9mHArAbeIzHfD1InBZ4urIBxUkahv1LG/s200/IMG_2595.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valuable Inscriptions in the Temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-weight: bold;"><i><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"></span></span></b></i></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><i><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to Wikipedia: </span></b></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Velachery was known as Vedashreni (meaning "Abode of Vedas") and Vedanarayanapuram during the Chola period. Eventually, the Tamil word Veyl that represents King or the Leader that also denotes Lord Sri Narasimha Swami Sri Vedanarayana Perumal is one of the deities of the Sanctum Sanctoram of The Yoga Narasimha Swamy temple. He has a wonderful form with a Prayoga Chakram on His right hand aimed at destroying the evils haunting the devotees.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-KntpEVE4cNTRk1emBtSbVm7wT_FsSJlSN9c4N2AmPCMNd7R8p13Er0dhOYtVdBni2DYV1G2Fhn63E3GAvgEME9wuVkobobqzcWzj0OgZ59qwGG66X1TjbJzYLtZGdK5CwnVtAjGhPTI/s1600/IMG_2596.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-KntpEVE4cNTRk1emBtSbVm7wT_FsSJlSN9c4N2AmPCMNd7R8p13Er0dhOYtVdBni2DYV1G2Fhn63E3GAvgEME9wuVkobobqzcWzj0OgZ59qwGG66X1TjbJzYLtZGdK5CwnVtAjGhPTI/s200/IMG_2596.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Lingothbhavar</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple is one of the ancient temples in Velachery which historians have rated to be of more than 1300 year old. This temple is presently being renovated completely and is expected to be consecrated by end of this year. The temple is surrounded by streets with traditional names (Brahmanan Street, Telugu Brahmanan Street etc) denoting the presence of an Agraharam (residence of Sri Vaishnavites typically around the temple). One could also see innumerous houses that still are hosting the ancient construction styles, but the agraharam as such does not exist anymore around the temple as the houses have been taken over by new Constructions (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velachery)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none; text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRk0AxdZ-I09sd6nIwQUjNos4HSHMybId942oGGk0FJ4lwbU8zpNQVvGzNlL0UkIs9cqQ852FO25qvfEQAA81KJ9Yy72PulmSD049q5ag5J7jnuN9KrlHVqoXhmBfoyxl8RoHlPj6_-WDd/s1600/IMG_2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRk0AxdZ-I09sd6nIwQUjNos4HSHMybId942oGGk0FJ4lwbU8zpNQVvGzNlL0UkIs9cqQ852FO25qvfEQAA81KJ9Yy72PulmSD049q5ag5J7jnuN9KrlHVqoXhmBfoyxl8RoHlPj6_-WDd/s200/IMG_2598.JPG" width="108" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Close-up</td></tr>
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<b>Note</b>: But a recent discovery in the Yoga Narasmiha Temple has brought a new meaning to the Velachery, which is Vela (Outskirts) + Cherry (Settlement) <a href="http://tech.dir.groups.yahoo.com/group/IndiaArchaeology/message/8631">Link to the Article</a></div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tSR5WlOWS_DunbLXUWQQ8VkAwNfe5V8HcRrOforB71zscaNXds1erEUuUgMm6HNVQwLqXf_FlhNxMdz_b44WiYbfgfUNsB4_M4tNOPE2XszT3QsOABcXXutlfnG_tSgV3xMTRsMJTB2W/s1600/IMG_2613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tSR5WlOWS_DunbLXUWQQ8VkAwNfe5V8HcRrOforB71zscaNXds1erEUuUgMm6HNVQwLqXf_FlhNxMdz_b44WiYbfgfUNsB4_M4tNOPE2XszT3QsOABcXXutlfnG_tSgV3xMTRsMJTB2W/s200/IMG_2613.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Unique Vrishiba Vahana at Temple</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The earliest Saptamatrika temple is in Velachery’s Selliamman temple at Velachery, to the right of the Velachery main road (Across the Dandeeshwara Temple). Saptamatrikas are the guardians of water bodies suggesting that the current teertham (Temple Tank) was a major source of water at ancient times.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple Flag Staff</td></tr>
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</div></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>We will be looking various aspects Related to Velachery and its temple in detail now</u></b></span> <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 18pt;">The Rise of Subsistence Economy</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtR9i00My0KmCrzfIhAUSJH2kAPLnwYhEbudePlXzjxzsAz2tExagCjdSLFJfn31g5xgSyr-fpIkH3vAsBwPRVkNpKdDB8COM_3FngKahhDYFrLBdhmRmBwOKdNxxD8vhBPAQbc0-sOX2/s1600/IMG_2599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="59" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtR9i00My0KmCrzfIhAUSJH2kAPLnwYhEbudePlXzjxzsAz2tExagCjdSLFJfn31g5xgSyr-fpIkH3vAsBwPRVkNpKdDB8COM_3FngKahhDYFrLBdhmRmBwOKdNxxD8vhBPAQbc0-sOX2/s320/IMG_2599.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Placed Shiva Ganas in the Temple</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is said that necessity is the mother of the all inventions and that did play a role in development of Self Sufficient Village Economy to prosper. As the mode of communication was in its primitive stage at ancient time, people in a village formed the group to manage their livelihood resulting in subsistence form of economy. So this was a kind of feudalism the persisted in ancient times where a chief in the village had the control over the revenues and produce from the production. But due to the irregularities and corruption, there arise a need f0r a system to be put in place which help the village as well as the exchequer of the empire. that is where temple played a great role in the Southern India. We see an existence of highly developed autonomous rule in these villages </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Z67xC_wi7q38xNTfukM5-K63CtxBjMOFLSEU8ROC_iLJXb-JpF0pp2mhNIsdlqxL8iMeYymGlaYpCZVpbbdKBtw_nhizxs8CUNYXnjDmC2xD3s4wiMxDEwQPWD8-qJMSsN6RYeGxnew0/s1600/IMG_2600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Z67xC_wi7q38xNTfukM5-K63CtxBjMOFLSEU8ROC_iLJXb-JpF0pp2mhNIsdlqxL8iMeYymGlaYpCZVpbbdKBtw_nhizxs8CUNYXnjDmC2xD3s4wiMxDEwQPWD8-qJMSsN6RYeGxnew0/s320/IMG_2600.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautifully Placed Shiva Ganas in the Temple </td></tr>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 18pt;">Role of Temples in Chola Era</span></i></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When temple started performing the function of collecting revenue, there was a system in place and accountability in place. These temples which were a mini economy in themselves started providing exchequer healthy revenue and to reward these temples royalty started the practice of generous land grants to temples and their Brahmans. If the royalty was extra pleased with these temples or the temple was very important in the eyes of royalty then the whole taxes from these temples were waived. Making Temples as the medium of revenue collection was one of the greatest economic decisions taken by then kings which were more efficient than today's Tax Collection.<br />
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The large empire of Cholas thrived because the Local Bodies followed the protocols to the dot with full integrity and commitment even with the primitive communication modes.<br />
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When it came to punishing the guilty and defaulters, nobody was spared. Defaulters were handled with heavy hand and punishments meted out to them acted as a lesson to other.There are instances where people have committed suicide to escape from the punishment.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 18pt;">The Concept of Brahmadeya and Rise of Local Governance</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The land grants given to religious institutions were called Brahmadeya, (i.e. Donated to Brahmins) Devadana (Donated to Gods) and Agrahara (For Highly Learned Brahmins).</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQ-dNeaEocWs_5aMS-ZvgDjOMykaRpRrkGe6X8raLB-Br54gt0hu2jO0TjhI6ULRVd70gPrGLdXFXrE5PYUUeYlQ6qjeQi6pOEtJgqu5jMp5JOyBndm3LLDbDzhdaD1wvI2eq4__Mx3Zg/s1600/IMG_2602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQ-dNeaEocWs_5aMS-ZvgDjOMykaRpRrkGe6X8raLB-Br54gt0hu2jO0TjhI6ULRVd70gPrGLdXFXrE5PYUUeYlQ6qjeQi6pOEtJgqu5jMp5JOyBndm3LLDbDzhdaD1wvI2eq4__Mx3Zg/s200/IMG_2602.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pradeep answering queries of "Walkers"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Administration of Brahmadeya villages was carried out by Group of Elite Brahmins and Land Owners came to be known as Mahasabha that laid the foundation of Local Governance.Uttaramerur inscriptions or what we can call a World's Oldest Constitution records the functioning of one of these Mahasabhas in detail. The Rules Followed by these Mahasabhas was so just and proper that if implemented today many of our politicians will not be qualified to run.</span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5kkps1fmBr7CPZZgloQKh-7hEykVTl5RdfHY6rgu6rNrpO1aYZ8dRqQgYDOKNjN-13ti_DJ4VbnNz6SfKc5OqhIG_IAJnjr-4h0Fa-WUT1giTSmLqFEylqiE-NrxXWnryyz2TR9jzKgo/s1600/IMG_2604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5kkps1fmBr7CPZZgloQKh-7hEykVTl5RdfHY6rgu6rNrpO1aYZ8dRqQgYDOKNjN-13ti_DJ4VbnNz6SfKc5OqhIG_IAJnjr-4h0Fa-WUT1giTSmLqFEylqiE-NrxXWnryyz2TR9jzKgo/s200/IMG_2604.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Stucco Work at Sellaiamman Temple</td></tr>
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</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Chennai we find majority of these inscriptions in Madambakkam, Tirusulam, Velachery, Tiruvittyur,Chengulpet and Tiruvanmyur (Places where these Mahasabhs Existed) . One more striking feature of these Mahasabha was that they did regular business with other Mahasabhas and also recorded the same as inscriptions in their temple because of which we know about existence of these mahasabhas in other locations.The Local Economy was thriving in these times so was the empire.These Mahasabhas were the eye of Chola kings and enjoyed many benefits.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLMX81i9-_fgnLD8qbw_qaHWsAJeJr-GNKM9_nRJWR0oM_IQMHmPdAcmSCzXrk4Lba9IsveQlnT_L5zhwmhzQPQrfTsArA679j44x2WHFdDeyCI8ybOqPwUf3qU3zvtyynnUTFx-fQ7O0/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLMX81i9-_fgnLD8qbw_qaHWsAJeJr-GNKM9_nRJWR0oM_IQMHmPdAcmSCzXrk4Lba9IsveQlnT_L5zhwmhzQPQrfTsArA679j44x2WHFdDeyCI8ybOqPwUf3qU3zvtyynnUTFx-fQ7O0/s200/IMG_2605.JPG" width="190" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Another Beautiful Stucco Work at Sellaiamman Temple</span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The success of Mahasabhas ensured that Chola Kings designated one Brahmadeya in each of the Provinces called Nadu. Mahasabha therefore became the greatest find of the Later Pallava era. These Mahasabhas were later refined in Chola era and were named Vaariyam, the Current system of Corporations.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftk5o87LjmYZ2n5P0NpehJXwB4uTsZBrOkn3-4a391mPIKu6ffipNEfjuaD2AWf26FORsADpEQ4vhE6SlOmYDnyF0fBuXeQOBN5k1K2F2zOhWijq7FQObxS7Wz7jP-drxSyrw7vS79KsK/s1600/IMG_2607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftk5o87LjmYZ2n5P0NpehJXwB4uTsZBrOkn3-4a391mPIKu6ffipNEfjuaD2AWf26FORsADpEQ4vhE6SlOmYDnyF0fBuXeQOBN5k1K2F2zOhWijq7FQObxS7Wz7jP-drxSyrw7vS79KsK/s200/IMG_2607.JPG" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Beautiful Stucco Vimana at Sellaiamman Temple</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Velachery a Brahmadeya itself came under Thondaimandalam Nadu and Kotturpuram Ur (The Present State -District Level).From the inscriptions we know that Velachery had 5 committees to handle day to day activities.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>In Velachery, we know from the inscriptions that there was a Structured Administrative Body in place to take care of village. </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>These were:</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><ul><li>The Alunganathars (Executive Committees having one or more member) </li>
<li>The Eri Variyam that took care of lakes and water bodies; </li>
<li>The Pon Variyam checked the quality of the gold donated </li>
<li>Guarding of the temple and Village was done by the kavalkarars (Local Police)</li>
</ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 18pt;">Temple as a Mini Economy</span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Temple in Ancient times like the one in Velachery and even today played the role of a mini economy in themselves. they provided employment to many in form Upkeep and Maintenance. Even Donation from the patrons resulted in generation of employment and revenue.<br />
<br />
As the Temples Enjoyed a high position in the Empire, People from all walks of life started donating to the temple esp. Rich Landlords. Many Treated donations to the temples as a kind of status symbols therefore High Donations Meant Higher Position in Social Circle. These Donations were mostly in form of the Cattle and Precious Metals. Special People were hired in temple to check the standard of Gold and other precious item that were donated to temple.<br />
<br />
In Case Of Cattle, the two main purpose of donating these cattle were to light the Temple Lamps using butter and producing milk to be used for Religious purposes. To maintain these Cattle, donor was asked to pay for the maintenance of the Cattle. For maintaining these cattle, People from the nearby village were employed. The Size of the some of the Cow Pen these temples had was enormous and the produce was gigantic in proportions. This opened new avenues of employment. The remaining Produce from these cattle after the consumption by temple was sold in open market hence generating more revenue.<br />
<br />
From Inscriptions, we come to know of an interesting instance of a donor from far away Aarkadu(Arcot) having donated for building the Small Ganesha temple inside the temple.Showing the strong flow of communication among the provinces especially about temples.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hence we see a case of Hybrid Administration and mini economy running within a local economy in ancient southern India.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I am thankful to Pradeep for his efforts and bringing such a vast knowledge he possess to novice like us. Incidentally this is Pradeep's 30th Walk.</i><br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A Thing or two about Keerthimukha </span></i></div></div><b><i><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM91C1PsoAMzcansJSY4UaTmZ5gl_58Gcx-Neqvg4zsEtLne0y-LgKFsIhPIrgBIIPrGWzcJ7dIhzDsCG-_EFJceEAVa4eVhPouTcMEbNk3GSTtyLL7WwitzTTQREKYWvI-6nujFt663MF/s1600/IMG_2601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM91C1PsoAMzcansJSY4UaTmZ5gl_58Gcx-Neqvg4zsEtLne0y-LgKFsIhPIrgBIIPrGWzcJ7dIhzDsCG-_EFJceEAVa4eVhPouTcMEbNk3GSTtyLL7WwitzTTQREKYWvI-6nujFt663MF/s200/IMG_2601.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keethimukha Among the Shiva Ganas</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>During the temple walk, I was able to see Keerthiukha among the Shiva Ganas.</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i></i></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The worship of yakshas and ganas and other folk deities constitutes the most important part of the primitive religious beliefs, in which 'Bhakti' had a very conspicuous part to play. Early literature as well as archaeology supplies us with ample evidence about the prevalence of this form of worship among the people.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This terrible looking mask with animalistic ears and horns is once again, Shiva's favourite. The tale of its creation goes like this: Once, infuriated by a yaksha's insolence, Shiva created an ogre to eat him alive. The yaksha begged for mercy and Shiva, whose temper falls faster than it rises, let him go. "But what about me?", asked the ogre who had just been created. "I was created to eat the yaksha. What will I eat now? I am still hungry". "Eat yourself", said Shiva casually. The ogre took Shiva's word seriously and began eating himself. He ate his hands, his legs his trunk, he ate every part of his body and was left with only his head.<br />
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Shiva was amazed at the ogre's obedience. He said, "I'm pleased with you. Henceforth, you will be known as Kirtimukha, face-of-glory. Your face will be seen on every arch, located even above the gods."<br />
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So it is that on every arch, in every temple and shrine, on the arches one finds the terrible yet blessed face of Shiva's gana, Kirtimukha. It is the perfect symbol of life, feeding on itself for survival.<b><i>(Courtesy:www.exoticindiaart.com)</i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i></i></b><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<b><i>Our Expert Reader Kathie Adds</i></b><br />
<br />
"Dear Swami, glad you spotted that belly-face. I've been collecting them, wondering if they appear in the same position on different temples. This guy, tho, isn't just a face. He has a full body also. It's like the gana w a belly-face on 'descent of the Ganges' Mallai, standing next to Lord Shiva, where Shiva gives Arjuna His weapon, Pasupat-astra. Dr. Nagaswamy has called it "Udaramukha" or "kabanda"."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 18pt;">Want to join us:</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">If you are interested to join us in future Temple Walks.<br />
Please contact Pradeep : <a href="mailto:pradeepandanusha@gmail.com">pradeepandanusha@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><b><i>As Always your suggestions and feedback welcomed!!!</i></b></div><div><br />
</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>References</i></span></b></div><br />
<a href="http://tech.dir.groups.yahoo.com/group/IndiaArchaeology/message/8631">http://tech.dir.groups.yahoo.com/group/IndiaArchaeology/message/8631</a> <br />
<a href="http://win2vin.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/brahmadeya-devadana-and-agrahara-land-grants/">http://win2vin.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/brahmadeya-devadana-and-agrahara-land-grants/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hindubooks.org/sudheer_birodkar/hindu_history/landfeudal.html">http://www.hindubooks.org/sudheer_birodkar/hindu_history/landfeudal.html</a><br />
<br />
<div align="justify" class="post-body entry-content" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div></span></div>Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-85919733179823364502010-11-21T08:54:00.000+05:302010-11-21T08:54:09.395+05:30The Colours of Diwali , the festival of Lights in IndiaThe different colours of Diwali from the Terrace of my home ! Hope all of you will enjoy !! <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you Enjoyed :) !!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-30147347779304036082010-11-21T08:36:00.003+05:302010-12-02T09:33:14.348+05:30Few Drops from the Ocean of the Hoysala Architecture ! (Soapstone Wonders)A Picture is worth thousand words.... Therefore Let the Pictures Speak for Itself <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbfluHcmUt_HSS9LG0IaFAbH0i4oTfZ2I3nVOrbQb4WLSGMGQPNicpF6yJmPipAlQnhuOel3EAwixxhnaxfYKtAiML_BK6o8VTBaAa3-hr-uP71G5N8NNrKNm7yQGVk9b8NSU2pnT4QwA/s1600/IMG_0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbfluHcmUt_HSS9LG0IaFAbH0i4oTfZ2I3nVOrbQb4WLSGMGQPNicpF6yJmPipAlQnhuOel3EAwixxhnaxfYKtAiML_BK6o8VTBaAa3-hr-uP71G5N8NNrKNm7yQGVk9b8NSU2pnT4QwA/s320/IMG_0545.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugra Narasimhar at Belur</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKKjJhUuwhBT8dAzFnTdV0xjxCpBLL0A-eRrOPUuK8ho6EtZcW6rImKrzyfBJCu0A82WKMQGubUCLiaL3FbxgBAkuBNEZCru-S2F0-JsFZ9ZLKodEc0wgAsHf9udxZgmJSQMksddCwkNw/s1600/IMG_0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKKjJhUuwhBT8dAzFnTdV0xjxCpBLL0A-eRrOPUuK8ho6EtZcW6rImKrzyfBJCu0A82WKMQGubUCLiaL3FbxgBAkuBNEZCru-S2F0-JsFZ9ZLKodEc0wgAsHf9udxZgmJSQMksddCwkNw/s320/IMG_0554.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoo Shoo in the most Artistic Manner, Belur</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgfJWMNcB_4Lh28dDtEhkyRNLkb0rITa_b8vBLGm1Xeq2eVw2S_X8p0SRn48_9HUixTu_qmRDCTx492E25j8vkiOSKPImo7pTKxWI1wTiF4xa9RF4uy5B_BhtE42_LwUDba9ITwXHO6fK/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgfJWMNcB_4Lh28dDtEhkyRNLkb0rITa_b8vBLGm1Xeq2eVw2S_X8p0SRn48_9HUixTu_qmRDCTx492E25j8vkiOSKPImo7pTKxWI1wTiF4xa9RF4uy5B_BhtE42_LwUDba9ITwXHO6fK/s320/IMG_0581.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gajasamharamurti , Belur</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeikoweuF6G8TlnK9GAgBDVcF1UwzR9YTJnTITOgxtMGrmoHoyAsNPeoZH9Mr7WYJFAI5Ub5ISKgQ1C9laT9i8wmFogRmTA6b1_RW4vauK7wXzbP3UOFUENAAlirRLoUP1U7bUPIRmFj9/s1600/IMG_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeikoweuF6G8TlnK9GAgBDVcF1UwzR9YTJnTITOgxtMGrmoHoyAsNPeoZH9Mr7WYJFAI5Ub5ISKgQ1C9laT9i8wmFogRmTA6b1_RW4vauK7wXzbP3UOFUENAAlirRLoUP1U7bUPIRmFj9/s320/IMG_0565.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Emblem of Hoysala Dynasty, Belur</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6v9rZaWMjil9vekW5TnFJbj-x9LKQClsXqjBHm94HihXc2RZj3reXLu46Z3DeRtOriwruGPeot7gQ96_VszYRm83iua-S3Gue9Sbc2W04sYOFGDXgUZqcKS4O7V9tHObX6S8Y_21xZzdj/s1600/IMG_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6v9rZaWMjil9vekW5TnFJbj-x9LKQClsXqjBHm94HihXc2RZj3reXLu46Z3DeRtOriwruGPeot7gQ96_VszYRm83iua-S3Gue9Sbc2W04sYOFGDXgUZqcKS4O7V9tHObX6S8Y_21xZzdj/s320/IMG_0650.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bejeweled Gatekeeper... The Dwarapalaka with innumerable Ornaments at Halebeedu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkzdw6MovmfccXGwhTdfHsywsaiFtPWG9Z-BP5z1UX35zOZkbPu80P2DXBUytvu6LNuD1FJj8sW1yiJ-Zw6Pgk1599WRQaScpyviz1jXDX3iXfjFipJz0OYeVtGb6PBvr2hDDB7PZrTaq/s1600/IMG_0651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkzdw6MovmfccXGwhTdfHsywsaiFtPWG9Z-BP5z1UX35zOZkbPu80P2DXBUytvu6LNuD1FJj8sW1yiJ-Zw6Pgk1599WRQaScpyviz1jXDX3iXfjFipJz0OYeVtGb6PBvr2hDDB7PZrTaq/s320/IMG_0651.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing Ganesha, Halebeedu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1lM2cevVTmsk0Fp22oHDDgVxl7NwoufCl3VmJVA5MYyx5iIAMZo-AFeO5U03Q-Gt_dduwBUSxO1sK2UdYbG0dA_DPgc12loSe5gzACQJe222JhPy7ptDTnujDavtSjRKG-lvcQsvQevc/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1lM2cevVTmsk0Fp22oHDDgVxl7NwoufCl3VmJVA5MYyx5iIAMZo-AFeO5U03Q-Gt_dduwBUSxO1sK2UdYbG0dA_DPgc12loSe5gzACQJe222JhPy7ptDTnujDavtSjRKG-lvcQsvQevc/s320/IMG_0639.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dance King... Nataraja<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T5pB0twp1_x6ABRYKgErquR5tcVuR2jwA03frY3v7M1TZP9a2i9t3Cwoeq-Jp-LJk3xoHyrQwRmPW-bDUuIIuvwhbvHgCt80lgt4qRn3wkXwKaOu_EsDSYXKqawhO-I7-5fcQ3M-64Q6/s1600/IMG_0652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T5pB0twp1_x6ABRYKgErquR5tcVuR2jwA03frY3v7M1TZP9a2i9t3Cwoeq-Jp-LJk3xoHyrQwRmPW-bDUuIIuvwhbvHgCt80lgt4qRn3wkXwKaOu_EsDSYXKqawhO-I7-5fcQ3M-64Q6/s320/IMG_0652.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Lord Subramanya<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAA-ApwoxcOhNSaES3MYgLgmogY8ZoUcQ4XunkVGKixY_wyWMvM2t6IVCYCBdVfgBWgjOmvFVReFXZynU6B0NK2GQ8jdEoGGXcvvCs20hYV9eh1wLmwB8kyV1E-X0W-vkwHdwhK75nAt4/s1600/IMG_0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAA-ApwoxcOhNSaES3MYgLgmogY8ZoUcQ4XunkVGKixY_wyWMvM2t6IVCYCBdVfgBWgjOmvFVReFXZynU6B0NK2GQ8jdEoGGXcvvCs20hYV9eh1wLmwB8kyV1E-X0W-vkwHdwhK75nAt4/s320/IMG_0661.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Govardhanadhari Krisha having whole village in it at Halebeedu</td></tr>
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Enjoyed the Droplets , To Get an out of the world experience the Real thing... Visit Belur/Halebied/Somanathpur !!!Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-81673308703872828822010-11-05T11:50:00.072+05:302011-02-28T16:50:50.547+05:30Madambakkam Temple Walk: When Curd Meant Fortune.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="background-color: #783f04; clear: both; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #783f04; clear: both; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #783f04; clear: both; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #783f04; clear: both; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #783f04; clear: both; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #783f04; clear: both; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #783f04; clear: both; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #783f04; clear: both; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0k5ZSjmKsz8BiKkOtDgWL_ReGw_tDN7gLHQjjtVT60Q9Tzn4He3CpJ8L-fjDFAHGkwKT5DnPAK7c61ETVrBm9Zh-F8xBNAsHX9Ie-j8nInzjHN37MLKKG2TInQ6uD08HA24-N0W-y2HJ/s1600/IMG_2287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0k5ZSjmKsz8BiKkOtDgWL_ReGw_tDN7gLHQjjtVT60Q9Tzn4He3CpJ8L-fjDFAHGkwKT5DnPAK7c61ETVrBm9Zh-F8xBNAsHX9Ie-j8nInzjHN37MLKKG2TInQ6uD08HA24-N0W-y2HJ/s200/IMG_2287.JPG" width="198" /><span style="background-color: #4c1130;"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #fff2cc;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skanda at the entrance of Madambakkam Temple</td></tr>
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;"><i><b>No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">- Gautam Buddha</span> </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;">The above quote perfectly summarizes the topic on which I am going to touch upon today. A walk , an effort to reach out and conserve our heritage. A Walk which started with a single step that has now become an achievement of sorts for one person,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Heritage Enthusiast</i></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;"> <b>Pradeep Chakravarthy.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;"><b> </b> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;">The Date was 30th Oct 2010 and I was raring to participate in my first "Walk". But there were dark clouds looming large in the skies threatening to ruin my plan. The weather Forecast was also not any heartening. I was praying to rain gods to delay their plans if any for the evening.</span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Walk was called "Temple Walk" arranged by the Pradeep. The walk mostly is mostly topical in nature. The walk I was going to attend was happening in Madambakkam Dhenupureeswarar Temple. The temple has a long history having got patronage from different dynasties starting from Cholas to Vijayanagar Empire. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is near to my place in Chennai so there was a strong reason to attend the Walk. (For More Info on the temple, please refer to Reference Section)</span></div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHn6DoLx_dAesV6zUlWvNYGfwcRfUTDOQcGx95gXtmJRIIgX3fQ_PFVBn_dEfBQtCnDRJ4H-7m3V969FrUCDHhTeC9BI_Vjy71lFcYbdDjiJ3eDUXI40J863BQIOS7osVeHRTtiQQObRHX/s1600/IMG_2290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHn6DoLx_dAesV6zUlWvNYGfwcRfUTDOQcGx95gXtmJRIIgX3fQ_PFVBn_dEfBQtCnDRJ4H-7m3V969FrUCDHhTeC9BI_Vjy71lFcYbdDjiJ3eDUXI40J863BQIOS7osVeHRTtiQQObRHX/s200/IMG_2290.JPG" width="69" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVk75VwMzEAOBWkKAbHNQ3BPAYrjiAl-qCQbnHEI2WY55B8mv5Bu98c8t1oMfd_nfwQyMKSEwuXOaxGm2j8tAUqsQUbo_jxSp65cwQCj2NHJ4S-fcKqFjcdN5ra2wj7z9KPmYXGR9Wt2Z5/s1600/IMG_2294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVk75VwMzEAOBWkKAbHNQ3BPAYrjiAl-qCQbnHEI2WY55B8mv5Bu98c8t1oMfd_nfwQyMKSEwuXOaxGm2j8tAUqsQUbo_jxSp65cwQCj2NHJ4S-fcKqFjcdN5ra2wj7z9KPmYXGR9Wt2Z5/s200/IMG_2294.JPG" width="150" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10pt;">Beautiful Image of a Damsel at the Entrance of the temple</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;">I reached the destination half an hour before so I don't miss on anything. There I met fellow Heritage Enthusiasts from different walks of life having a high pride and passion. Meeting fellow Enthusiasts was very pleasing experience and knowing that there are many who share you interest is a very satisfying experience. The meeting was more as ever special as that fellow enthusiasts who came were truly interested lot as they braved gloomy weather and not so heartening forecast.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;">Pradeep came before time and was raring to start the walk. His excitement was evident by his way of speech and expressions. His excitement rubbed off on us also in a way.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>History behind the Temple</b></span></div><div style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After a small introduction the Walk began with a nice recital of a verse from Arunagirinathar's Magnum opus Thiruppugazh in his Poetic voice. The Literary work has the oldest mention of the temple. This bit of information was bit surprising to me as I always thought this temple being revered as a Shiva Temple only.</span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hAzBSe5RGNUI34RGioYK1hUp5h-lDDGLNFtVxjdc9Ak77-55kOz0r7JSnslMb0h4u1df1vySgqIx-twjGgSP0VaAihmWdyQTIjLQk0C1c2TpYHf-_o-UkbgaMYKCaoSnNOdk2jvO9gJJ/s1600/IMG_2292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hAzBSe5RGNUI34RGioYK1hUp5h-lDDGLNFtVxjdc9Ak77-55kOz0r7JSnslMb0h4u1df1vySgqIx-twjGgSP0VaAihmWdyQTIjLQk0C1c2TpYHf-_o-UkbgaMYKCaoSnNOdk2jvO9gJJ/s200/IMG_2292.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figures which has the features of Far East </td></tr>
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</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;">Pradeep then dwelt upon the history of temple with specific mention of the Beautiful Pillars in the Mandapam. He informed us that temple was built by the<b><i> minister </i></b> <b><i>Anirudha Bramadhirajan of Sundara Chola (10th AD) </i></b>, father of Great Raja Raja Chola . The area was known as Anirudhamangalam during Chola's era.It was fascinating to know that Anirudha is the main character in Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan. . It was recommended that we read this great work of art to know more about Chola Empire .This great work of art has helped in igniting the minds of many on drawing attention to heritage.</span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: small;">The Madambakkam of today started as a small hamlet which prospered around this temple built during Sundara Chola's time. The interesting point to note is that in due course of time, the fortune of this temple reversed as it got the ownership of the whole province from the Vijayanagar Rulers. Thus having a meteoric rise in its stature.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">An Epigraphist's Dream</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;">Inscriptions were diligently employed by Chola rulers to record the history and what better place to store them than temples.These inscriptions acted as a sign post of King's Accomplishments and Records for the eternity to see. The story is no different in Madambakkam temple. </span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;">The Present Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbha Griha) enshrining the Shiva Linga , being the oldest structure in the temple is shaped in the form of Elephant's Back commonly known as <i><b>Gajaprishtam</b></i> in architecture sense. The outer walls of the Sanctum Sanctorum and its adjoining walls are of great interest to the Epigraphists. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Being as it the replete with inscriptions from different dynasties. Pradeep informed us that inscription were written from Bottom's Up i.e. Oldest inscriptions will be at the bottom.There is a also a small reference to Sundara Pandyan which is a rarity. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Vijayanagar Empire's Contribution</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;">The Considerable built up around the Sanctum Sanctorun is supposed to have come up during the reign of Kulotunga Chola I which was enhanced by the later dynasties specifically the Vijayanagara Empire.It was pointed out to us that the construction during <b>Chola Era</b> seems to be have done with lot of time to spare whereas there is sense of hurried when it comes to that of Vijayanagar Empire Structures. Even then there was commendable job done by the Vijayanagar Sculptors. The Major addition being the Pillared Mandapam (Hall) and the outer Fortified Walled Perimeter. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;">Vijayanagar Sculptors seemed to have had a tough time as the empire was in constant war with Muslim invaders who were bent upon destroying temples. A reminder of the hard times faced is the incomplete Gateway without a Gopuram topping it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: small;">Even then the commitment shown by these artists even in the hard times is really commendable.One can only imagine how the temple would have looked in its complete form with enchanting Gopuram and Completed Mandapams. The explanation by <b>Pradeep</b> really took</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: small;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: small;">us back into the Chola Era.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Corporate Governance, Chola Style!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Even though Chola Empire at its zenith stretched till Vietnam, the Empire was held together in an ingenious way by the Chola rulers. It is amazing to note that in the age when there were no emails or faster transportation modes, Chola rulers kept the empire in good shape for a long period of time. We were enlightened on how the Chola rulers employed ministers purely on the basis of merit and delegated the complete authority to govern the provinces assigned to them under the governance of body called <b>"Mahasabha"</b>. <b> </b></span><br />
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<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>There is a reference of Madambakkam Mahasabha in one of the inscriptions found in </b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Varaha Swami Temple of Tiruvadandai, Chingleput Taluk, Chingleput District which show the coordination between various Mahasabhas. </b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>(</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Please refer to reference Section)</b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Pradeep</b> underlined on how this implementation stands out as a Classic and Historic case of Modern Corporate Governance. A perfect example can be seen in the case of Anirudha who was Brahmin by caste. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerpxHM0iWrXJbukcvsS7bnLA_ddo6iTCs6fXjuhT6e2kq1pBIzDbrGV-1hqtQ8-AlOoFaJRPHQDYDKlSJh1CQpIpMdevyiNOxLCtOo9BQ-bG4jffGENyKYqAOzltQxooyjSH9m0b5us-9/s1600/IMG_2295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerpxHM0iWrXJbukcvsS7bnLA_ddo6iTCs6fXjuhT6e2kq1pBIzDbrGV-1hqtQ8-AlOoFaJRPHQDYDKlSJh1CQpIpMdevyiNOxLCtOo9BQ-bG4jffGENyKYqAOzltQxooyjSH9m0b5us-9/s200/IMG_2295.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flag Post at Madambakkam Temple</td></tr>
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The highly developed Local Governance which existed at Chola times will put to shame the current setup. It was not only the set of rules but the way it was whole heartedly implemented made this setup a huge success and guiding factor behind the acclaimed rule of Chola Dynasty. The <b>World Famous Uttaramerur</b> inscriptions are the living example of the Legislative Assemblies that were employed in Chola times to govern the Local provinces.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: small;">One of the major duties of these provincial heads was to collect various types of taxes and fill the treasury of the empire. In return Kings gifted these ministers with lavish titles and gifts to maintain motivation levels. It was highlighted that how these Kings employed the Modern Motivation Theories (Maslow) without going to any Business Schools in their day to day Governance. The policy of give and take was employed at the highest levels during Chola times. The Optimal implementation of <b>Johari Window </b>Principle had worked wonders during this era i.e. you are OK and I am OK </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The Strange case of the Curd</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: small;">Inscriptions in the temple show that the donors to the temple who mainly took the responsibility of maintaining the Oil lamps were asked to help in generation of Curd and upkeep of the Cattle. The Generation of Curd was given the highest importance and given a status of a Fortune. It is amazing to note that how the importance of simple items like curd in today’s time played such a important role in ancient times.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Taxes Galore!</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inscriptions in the temple shed a good amount of light on the taxes that were existent during the times of different Dynasties. These taxes also give a fair amount of idea on the type of commerce that was prevalent.</span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the taxes that are mentioned in the inscriptions are:</span></div><ul style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fishing Tax (Erri Meen Pattam) </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Farming Tax</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Market Tax (Sandhai Mudhal)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">House Tax (Vasal Vari)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Weaver Tax</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tax collected for Village Watchman</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We ended our walk with a message from <b>Pradeep</b> that we should be proud of our heritage and contribute in conservation of our rich heritage which is getting lost due to ignorance and unscientific restoration.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once a highly influential province, Madambakkam of today is now a outskirt of Chennai city but in some ways it has helped the place mantain its erstwhile charm. We left the place energized and with the exciting thought of joining <b>Pradeep</b> in his next walk which is scheduled to take place at <i><b>Velacherry's Ancient Dhandeeswarar temple.</b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Interested in joining us! <b>Please Contact Pradeep</b><b> (<a href="mailto:pradeepandanusha@gmail.com">pradeepandanusha@gmail.com</a>)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As always your feedback is highly appreciated ! Your feedback will help me in giving you better info.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Footnote:</span></span></span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It is interesting to note the Origin of the names of the vicinity:</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Madambakkam:</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Madam Originated from the word for Cow in Tamil and also due to the Dhenu from Dhenupureeswarar, which means Cow in Sanskrit.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Rajakilapakkam or Rajakizhapakkam</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Supposed to have come up because the Chola kings seem to have to come to village to visit the temple which he saw in his dream and met the common people. that is why Raja (King) + Kizha (Came Down to meet public).</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
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</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 18pt;">References:</span></b></div><ul style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponniyin_Selvan">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponniyin_Selvan</a> </b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madambakkam">Info on Madambakkam </a></b><b><br />
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://chennaionline.com/hotelsandtours/placesofworship/dec08/12temple260.aspx">http://chennaionline.com/hotelsandtours/placesofworship/dec08/12temple260.aspx</a></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirupugazh">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirupugazh</a></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://sify.com/news/Madambakkam-temple--an-ancient-stone-wonder-imagegallery-others-jiwaQzbbcae.html">http://sify.com/news/Madambakkam-temple--an-ancient-stone-wonder-imagegallery-others-jiwaQzbbcae.html</a></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_13/stones_26_to_50.html">Inscription No. 43 on Madambakkam Mahasabha</a></b></span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Below is the Extract from Thiruppugazh (Courtesy: www.kaumaram.com)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>============================================================</b></span><br />
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</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US">701 Thodurung Kuzhai </span></u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US">Thodu Urum Kuzhaiyale Kol Valai Cudu Sem Kaikalale: </span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US">With Their Ears Wearing The Stud Called Thodu And Swinging Ear-Studs, With Their Reddish Arms Wearing Robust Bangles, </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US">Yazh Tharu Keetha Men Kuralale Thu Mani Nakaiyale: </span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US">With Their Sweet And Soft Voice That Sounds Like The Music From Yazh (A String Instrument), With Their Pure And Sparkling Teeth, </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US">Thumam Men Kuzhalale Uriya Then Ilangu Ithazhale Ala Vilosanangalinale Sopitha Azhakale: </span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US">With Their Silk-Soft Hair Dried In The Smoke Of Fragrant Incence, With Their Moist Lips Tasting Like Honey-Drip, With Their Eyes That Look Like Alakala Poison, With The Radiance From Those Eyes, </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US">Padakam Punai Thalale Mika Veesu Than Pani Neerale Valar Para Kongaikalale Koliya Vilai Mathar: </span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US">With Their Feet Adorned By The Anklet, Padakam, And With Their Huge Bosom Spruced Up By Smearing It With Aromatic Rose Water, These Whores Hook And Pull (Men) Towards Them; </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US">Pavakangalinale Yan Mayal Muzhki Ninru Ayarathe: </span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US">Lest I Am Enticed By Their Treacherous Acts And Drown In Delusive Passion, </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US">Nupura Patha Pangayam Meethe Alvathu Karuthayo: </span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US">Will You Not Kindly Consider Taking Me On Your Lotus Feet Adorned With Anklets? </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US">Nada Arum Sudar Thana Othu Siva Akamangkalin Nana Petha Anatha(Ne): </span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US">In The Treatises Of Siva Agamas Which Describe Lord Siva As An Effulgence Beyond Comprehension Of Any One Who Seeks To See It, You Are Praised By Several Diverse Principles As The Supreme Lord Who Does Not Have Any One Superior To Him! </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US">Thanthra Kala Ma Pothaka Vadivaki Nal Vitham Tharu Vetha: </span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US">He Is Of The Form Of Pure Knowledge As Described In Scriptures On Meditation (Manthra) And Mysticism; He Is Lord Brahma Who Preaches The Four Vedas, Namely, Rigg, Yajur, Samam And Atharvanam; </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US">Vethamum Nadi Ninrathu Or Maya Atheetha Manolayam Tharu Natha Ariru Puyavele: </span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US">He, Along With The Vedas, Seeks You As The Lord Who Transcends Beyond The Reach Of The Matchless Delusion And One Who Gives Tranquility! You Are The Lord With Twelve Hallowed Shoulders! </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US">Val Thayangiya Velale Poru Cur Thadinthu Arul Veera Ma Mayil Eru Kantha Vinotha Kuru Ena: </span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US">"Oh Valorous One, You Destroyed The Battling Demon Suran With Your Bright Spear! You Mount The Great Peacock As Your Vehicle, Oh Kandha! You Are Full Of Miracles! Please Teach Me!" - </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US">Aranar Mun Vasakam Piravathor Njana Suka Uthayam Pukal Vasa Thesika: </span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US">So Said Lord Siva To Whom You Preached The Meaning Of Pranava Manthra That Generat<span style="background-color: #783f04;">es A Bliss Of Knowledge That Cannot Be Created Through Description By Words, Oh Great Master! </span></span></i></span><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #38761d;"><i><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Madaiyam Pathi Vazhve Thevarkal Perumale.: You Have An Abode In Madambakkam*, Oh Great</span></i></div><div style="background-color: #38761d;"><i><span style="color: #fff2cc;"> Treasure; And You Are The Lord Of The Celestials, Oh Great One! </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div></div>Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-90081703798733364652010-09-25T12:49:00.008+05:302010-11-13T15:40:27.777+05:30Beautiful Ganesha PicturesDear All,<br />
<br />
Sharing the Pics of Beautifully done Ganesha's Decoration by the temple priest during Chathurthi Celebration at my locality VGP Srinivasa Nagar Rajakilapakkam Chennai.<br />
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The Original Idol has only one head, the decoration doesnt give the sense of that at all !!!<br />
<br />
Hope you all will enjoy the pics<br />
<br />
As Always your feedback is highly appreciated....<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1edKZVSmyF52jGOjY9HWA4c1HVlJ5w1aeYy-70gbChQh6zcblcjqbtSgbwgxOUkM2Njh-S1vn_YCUJicYXq-mxM7FqA4nn-bWbQKiSKPcPodK5gdRwLNxgHbBonDdwYuL-V_ePA3Mi_p/s1600/IMG_2228.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521194358670767378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1edKZVSmyF52jGOjY9HWA4c1HVlJ5w1aeYy-70gbChQh6zcblcjqbtSgbwgxOUkM2Njh-S1vn_YCUJicYXq-mxM7FqA4nn-bWbQKiSKPcPodK5gdRwLNxgHbBonDdwYuL-V_ePA3Mi_p/s320/IMG_2228.JPG" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Ganesha / Vinayaka Decoration</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiax1REaf6MHIcS4wCxtJtS9OW_khSn-HCPHR_sPNJMTV_xPaTLK4MwNhKPgAQjb_IEc7rOrc8T64_6Tg4pkLieG2Wbb6QzA9g1nz2c6LJ8LG0z-esEtsLPC_zgPrqr12LIFsWRLtCrckOX/s1600/IMG_2233.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521195584678138850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiax1REaf6MHIcS4wCxtJtS9OW_khSn-HCPHR_sPNJMTV_xPaTLK4MwNhKPgAQjb_IEc7rOrc8T64_6Tg4pkLieG2Wbb6QzA9g1nz2c6LJ8LG0z-esEtsLPC_zgPrqr12LIFsWRLtCrckOX/s320/IMG_2233.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5pfx5ZJhur034vZ3KSsjdIu_OCR__6C2EE9ROhH2OR5JUGK9DCuV9W4-ybQbpxg-cJ-oiWOi1XpWGzfgYkKiDXlbXQXZJY8MhdbuRC3_FNS1R9NJGu7l7agBkpzDwoDAcma1c1dmFDqL/s1600/IMG_2232.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521195580845633714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5pfx5ZJhur034vZ3KSsjdIu_OCR__6C2EE9ROhH2OR5JUGK9DCuV9W4-ybQbpxg-cJ-oiWOi1XpWGzfgYkKiDXlbXQXZJY8MhdbuRC3_FNS1R9NJGu7l7agBkpzDwoDAcma1c1dmFDqL/s320/IMG_2232.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9iyozONH_LnGLo2UJw89cdtOK3CeAKWWCs6OhuP4K3N1tu7nYFGqda8gW9xx7M4U6k2L4VtecvKQdX8-xKCXFIbmYCtVLt8_iynLJsL6glhUY-cFXCZ_L7Neuv1o4GxcaRgINTQDv4ns/s1600/IMG_2231.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521195569351612034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9iyozONH_LnGLo2UJw89cdtOK3CeAKWWCs6OhuP4K3N1tu7nYFGqda8gW9xx7M4U6k2L4VtecvKQdX8-xKCXFIbmYCtVLt8_iynLJsL6glhUY-cFXCZ_L7Neuv1o4GxcaRgINTQDv4ns/s320/IMG_2231.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvoVXVClWsoLt-aULIy0-k_hokITEfL1WBxMwxj4IJ1enmrwHDcqXfeu4hdnyF1roo4KTuYFm3Fs-cV0QoY1Qy4lkjJRRQzfv9zaRZMZgFYeGoHOhg5wMIWgO7FHAVI7uMhax-iwl3HCf/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521194356136497698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvoVXVClWsoLt-aULIy0-k_hokITEfL1WBxMwxj4IJ1enmrwHDcqXfeu4hdnyF1roo4KTuYFm3Fs-cV0QoY1Qy4lkjJRRQzfv9zaRZMZgFYeGoHOhg5wMIWgO7FHAVI7uMhax-iwl3HCf/s320/IMG_2223.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-64959000783487185792010-09-12T11:33:00.006+05:302011-02-28T17:33:28.108+05:30MAHABALIPURAM: Unfinished Poetry in Stone: – A Layman’s Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><p$1><p$1></p$1></p$1><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><p$1><b><i>“A Picture is worth thousand Words”</i></b><br />
</p$1><p$1><b><i><br />
</i></b></p$1></div><p$1></p$1><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1>I was always looking for a book on Mahabalipuram which is at a layman level explains the treasures of Mahabalipuram offered. Even though there are many books on Mahabalipuram but I found most of them having lot of texts or having low resolution Illustrations. I am that kind of a person who doesn’t like to read too much of text sans illustrations or few. Let us admit, learning History through <b>Amar Chitra Katha</b> was far more interesting and intriguing than reading our School Texts. That is Amar Chitra Katha Stories are still one of the most sought after Comics and Collector’s Item.</p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1></div><p$1></p$1><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1>Even during my recent visit to Mahabalipuram, I Missed a companion and a guide as I found that even the ASI approved guides lacked basic information on the sites and in fact were concocting their own version which I found very disturbing. I believe misinformation is more dangerous than having no information at all.<br />
</p$1></div><p$1><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1>When I posed the Query to my good friend and Architecture Guru VJ, he asked me wait for sometime as his Guru Mr S Swaminathan (A Heritage Expert) was in process of compiling a book on Mahabalipuram. Knowing VJ’s Taste and Knowledge, I was sure that it is going to be a masterpiece and decided to wait for the Book.</p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1></div><p$1><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1>After a while, the much awaited news came in the form of a post in VJ’s Magnum Opus (<a href="http://www.poetryinstone.in/">www.poetryinstone.in</a>), in which he informed on the Book Finally coming out of the press and finally within the reach of the patrons. Being Impatient and Eager to get my hands on the book which is still awaiting a Formal Launch, I contacted Mr Ashok Krishnaswamy through his email id (<a href="mailto:aarkeygraphics@gmail.com">arkeygraphics@gmail.com</a>) available on VJ’s Post.</p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1></div><p$1><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1>Frankly speaking, before getting my hands on the book I could gauge that the book is going to be par excellence. My self-belief was the outcome from two aspects; the person who recommended (VJ) and the author Mr S Swaminathan.</p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1></div><p$1><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1>I am very delighted to say that I was right; the Book is really a masterpiece which has not been attempted till now on Mahabalipuram. I would like to thank and Wish all the people involved in making of this masterpiece.<br />
</p$1></div><p$1><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1>The Fun ride starts right from the title itself; Mahabalipuram “Unfinished Poetry in Stone” which is totally apt. Association of the sculpting to the Poetry portrays the passion of the author towards the subject. <br />
</p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1></div><p$1><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<p$1>The Chapters in the book flows like a soothing stream of a river, portraying the author knowledge of the subject and most importantly its readers. Starting from the brief introduction to South Indian Temple Architecture, the author gradually takes the reader to the Pallava Temple Architecture and then finally to the “Unfinished Poetry in Stone” i.e. Mahabalipuram. I have never such a detailed and interesting explanation of Panels like Arjuna’s Penance. The level of importance given to readers is highly appreciable. <br />
</p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1></div><p$1><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<p$1>The Icing on the cake is splendid and articulate photography by Mr. Ashok Krishnaswamy. A Heritage enthusiast himself, his photographs portrays and answers many questions we as a viewer and reader have regarding various works of arts in Mahabalipuram. Once you start going through pages you will find it hard very hard it keep the book down. The glossary at the end of the book supplements the main text in very nice way.</p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1></div><p$1><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1>Finally I got what I was longing for so long and I strongly believe that it will be answer to many of the heritage enthusiasts like me and you. Our Companion to Next Trip to Mahabalipuram has finally arrived. <br />
</p$1></div><p$1><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1>My Sincere Request to the author is to bring out a similar work on Kailasanatha Temple of Kanchi.<br />
</p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1></div><p$1><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1>Just Go For it !!!! I Say <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">!</span> </p$1><p$1><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span></p$1><p$1><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br />
</span></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br />
</span></p$1><p$1></p$1><p$1></p$1></div><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1><p$1></p$1></p$1></div><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1>Update:</p$1></div><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1>======</p$1><p$1></p$1></div></p$1><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1>Now for the benefit of enthusiasts, the book is available on Flipkart !</p$1><p$1><p$1></p$1></p$1></div></p$1></p$1><div class="MsoNormal"><p$1><a href="http://www.flipkart.com/mahabalipuram-swaminathan-ashok-krishnaswamy-unfinished-book-8191020203">http://www.flipkart.com/mahabalipuram-swaminathan-ashok-krishnaswamy-unfinished-book-8191020203</a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flipkart.com%2Fmahabalipuram-swaminathan-ashok-krishnaswamy-unfinished-book-8191020203&h=0b4b2"></a></p$1></div><p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></div>Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-90049468050181269642010-08-01T19:43:00.004+05:302010-11-14T09:36:51.863+05:30Beautiful IndiaHi All,<br />
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I would like to share two Snaps which I could not resist taking en route to Chennai !<br />
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Missed having my camera handy so had to use my mobile.....<br />
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Hope you will like it :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVExVq3HHoQHlvmoy6tV0Va12J_VvQlBz6bnRuJxej7SGyyj14QGfuycbMj3KGO1cyUjdV2XUs9An8HgHHALX6eaQuhgfWJyaMeK5LTMdtqv5J_iDAPTJc_VG3_y4SlO9QaRokxkIP0f4E/s1600/Landscape.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500445670866539890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVExVq3HHoQHlvmoy6tV0Va12J_VvQlBz6bnRuJxej7SGyyj14QGfuycbMj3KGO1cyUjdV2XUs9An8HgHHALX6eaQuhgfWJyaMeK5LTMdtqv5J_iDAPTJc_VG3_y4SlO9QaRokxkIP0f4E/s400/Landscape.jpg" style="display: block; height: 277px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful India</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIaaTy_cG5ekjbdCmFka3Z1zr1ThkAe25pZDiDWX2yScV4SD0unhyphenhyphen8SrGRsRuwLcimKrQlLV-EmDQq7gqOkyZNHcmdHziNd3-aqupU0uLg9NyLMih1_cuIo1iPvoIOu-CZHsAMWrzIulP/s1600/Great+Landacape.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500445660975161650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIaaTy_cG5ekjbdCmFka3Z1zr1ThkAe25pZDiDWX2yScV4SD0unhyphenhyphen8SrGRsRuwLcimKrQlLV-EmDQq7gqOkyZNHcmdHziNd3-aqupU0uLg9NyLMih1_cuIo1iPvoIOu-CZHsAMWrzIulP/s400/Great+Landacape.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 202px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
As every time .... your feedback is highly appreciated !!!!Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-15099546732541759072010-06-12T18:49:00.009+05:302010-06-13T13:03:02.769+05:30REACH : Where "INDIAN HERITAGE REVIVAL" is the Mantra !Today I would like to share with you all, information about a Dedicated Organization formed with a dedicated goal of not only preserving our heritage but also informing us all on how to carry forward the gift of our ancestors forward.<br /><br />REACH is involved in lot of great works including renovation work at Kailasanatha Temple Uttaramerur and Varadharajan Temple at Kanchipuram.Headed by Great Person like Mr Satyamurthy (Ex- ASI Chief, Southern Region), the group is proactive in its methods which enable it to find places which are remotest of remote. The like minded members of the groups are its major strength and act as a source of inspiration for many like us.<br /><br />One thing I like the most about the Organization is that REACH makes learning about the past an enjoyable experience by combining the Stalwarts from the respective fields like Epigraphy using innovative means like Field Trips and Seminars. The regular course in Epigraphy is one of REACH's famous activities. <br /><br />Instead me commenting more on them , I would like you all to see the work Done by the Group which shows their Dedication and Spirit.<br /><br />Please find Links related to Organization below:<br /><br /><a href="http://reachhistory.blogspot.com">http://reachhistory.blogspot.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://templesrevival.blogspot.com/">http://templesrevival.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/temple_cleaners/">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/temple_cleaners/</a><br /><br /><a href="www.conserveheritage.org">www.conserveheritage.org</a><br /><br />Happy Reading ! <b></b> <b></b>Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590368118111280909.post-26180895676528548422010-02-06T08:31:00.008+05:302010-11-13T18:40:17.975+05:30Hesaraghatta Grasslands : Savannah of BangaloreWhile attending a photography workshop by famous photographer Mahesh Bhat (www.Maheshbhat.com) recently , I came across one of the most beautiful landscape I have ever seen. The place is a breeding ground for some migratory birds of prey from Central Asia like Brahmani Kite. This place is also home to the endangered primate Slender Loris.<br />
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It is surprising to note that there are so many hidden gems near us waiting to be explored. So What are you waiting for , pack your backs (don't forget your camera) and get going !!!<br />
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The place needs conservation and our attention as the possibility of it becoming a victim of Blind "Development" that is plaguing the Bangalore is looming large.<br />
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Lets hope that this unique place remains the same for the times to come.<br />
<br />
I have shared different facets of the place for you to enjoy !!!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Places to visit:</span><br />
<ul><li>Hessarghatta Lake: is a favorite spot for Bird Watchers. It was once a major source of Water for Bangalore.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Nrityagram: This "Village" of Dance is worth a visit for Classical Dance Lovers.</li>
</ul><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uoCZ_9sumV3AiOi4k9QZ877rugf2mRu4hmXCfvulKz_PEsHDbMevfU7eHdRzV2NnZvBYDRCFGKZq9jLy0vHb83v8LAu8fUDBBbpe85egf7miLOhR8vMDbVpVfhV_0vGq-YZeaW4dalR4/s1600-h/IMG_1311.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434965553193498642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uoCZ_9sumV3AiOi4k9QZ877rugf2mRu4hmXCfvulKz_PEsHDbMevfU7eHdRzV2NnZvBYDRCFGKZq9jLy0vHb83v8LAu8fUDBBbpe85egf7miLOhR8vMDbVpVfhV_0vGq-YZeaW4dalR4/s320/IMG_1311.JPG" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Different Texture of Nature in Hessaraghatta</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7THt6x5wNGyu6rsZxKCSMbWOFriFjEtg_jvcMxJr2_HXh6gi4vOZxTNQT9v2JBEnG9hV-nAAVYnW3A-1rOGNrsVa-tWwZrt82QMS6hc-diAbPF8HhsX6zHwP2a2BHks6sJqPuvW_Ej8Mw/s1600-h/IMG_1309.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434965544160818658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7THt6x5wNGyu6rsZxKCSMbWOFriFjEtg_jvcMxJr2_HXh6gi4vOZxTNQT9v2JBEnG9hV-nAAVYnW3A-1rOGNrsVa-tWwZrt82QMS6hc-diAbPF8HhsX6zHwP2a2BHks6sJqPuvW_Ej8Mw/s320/IMG_1309.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwn0gHBc9aJcu2h0j0KBJDA8swA-rxrwruPUGU2pGvwpv0vsgU8resLaoWOjRQCh7ZoDqwneJUeUH8kI7pytaxazVOnntnXcl-cQ-sJVruK6ElAYspjmPLrBn4jaD-2WC2ZuuRJiP2G_HF/s1600-h/IMG_1256.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434965534554217842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwn0gHBc9aJcu2h0j0KBJDA8swA-rxrwruPUGU2pGvwpv0vsgU8resLaoWOjRQCh7ZoDqwneJUeUH8kI7pytaxazVOnntnXcl-cQ-sJVruK6ElAYspjmPLrBn4jaD-2WC2ZuuRJiP2G_HF/s320/IMG_1256.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindI-ht96xEFaFkW9LmzPLVAYkO0wRL1qdqiqSVPHS84Fb0x25xvRTX4h_IADLsHViuUq0ykD71cd6kQoFR16FXDYo5XOdIn76yaScDH0r0z5PRD1u-IHmIu0so51edP_k5xXQufABDLtj/s1600-h/IMG_1486.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434968738617965618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindI-ht96xEFaFkW9LmzPLVAYkO0wRL1qdqiqSVPHS84Fb0x25xvRTX4h_IADLsHViuUq0ykD71cd6kQoFR16FXDYo5XOdIn76yaScDH0r0z5PRD1u-IHmIu0so51edP_k5xXQufABDLtj/s320/IMG_1486.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGYt2IrsaOW0dYlG57ZKNLfAtXFzCORNd_Njlhu3s_Otaqb2eh04HpEsF0yIQhLviewFX5u0Y0b3ODmn3A7k8o6sR9TcftNYO-2MEi16jSC8d9iBd0KnoEaPdc19BAjY_oqAzL-U4wHhU/s1600-h/IMG_1217.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434968726904303938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGYt2IrsaOW0dYlG57ZKNLfAtXFzCORNd_Njlhu3s_Otaqb2eh04HpEsF0yIQhLviewFX5u0Y0b3ODmn3A7k8o6sR9TcftNYO-2MEi16jSC8d9iBd0KnoEaPdc19BAjY_oqAzL-U4wHhU/s320/IMG_1217.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8Y7S2T75DMNN3XOdD7Qq5fG7XoSSzxhg3eB1WGF6GoSuvDeU00YnVpIfb19V3JaeTwj8XsfMXRGRCPAO6BFDWtIDhUkFddcpZFcZwosrtaidvsEhnzG-u1l0s1L8V7k63EfmebCW3v1j/s1600-h/IMG_1491.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434968743753212578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8Y7S2T75DMNN3XOdD7Qq5fG7XoSSzxhg3eB1WGF6GoSuvDeU00YnVpIfb19V3JaeTwj8XsfMXRGRCPAO6BFDWtIDhUkFddcpZFcZwosrtaidvsEhnzG-u1l0s1L8V7k63EfmebCW3v1j/s320/IMG_1491.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmXpHJ4LbVbKOQTH2cBT6VjuEMT5xwV_9bKZxDBto185uamHMvaSythvTzS8BKa3aB94N1teF_rnexRQx9zzvq9DWyq_4hu5xRdybUpTaq4wGV20VqLnl7Xq36YHlUjp-5XuvmjIpJpcn/s1600-h/IMG_1325.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434968718860642178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmXpHJ4LbVbKOQTH2cBT6VjuEMT5xwV_9bKZxDBto185uamHMvaSythvTzS8BKa3aB94N1teF_rnexRQx9zzvq9DWyq_4hu5xRdybUpTaq4wGV20VqLnl7Xq36YHlUjp-5XuvmjIpJpcn/s320/IMG_1325.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Swamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079312386609516195noreply@blogger.com2