Swami's Thoughts and Explorations: Bangalore

Showing posts with label Bangalore. Show all posts

Sunday, 31 March 2013

The Lakshminarayana Temple ,Hosaholalu KR Pet, Karnataka

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.

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.

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.

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.

As Always I would let the photographs speak for themselves.

(Clicking on the picture redirects to Flickr Page)

Rama in Vanavaasa ,Lakshminarayana Temple, Hosaholalu

Sri Rama Vanavasam depicted

Beautiful placed friezes

Sri Krishna Avataram

Samundra Manthan Scene - Kurma Avataram

Sri Vishnu entering the Womb of Sri Devaki

Sri Varaha Avataram

Shri Beeshma on bed of Arrows

Kalinga Nardhana with Life in River Yamuna Depicted Beautifully

As Always your feedback is highly solicited !

More at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/swami9 (Hoysala Gems album)

https://www.facebook.com/SwaminathanNatarajan.Photography

Reference:

Hoysala Architecture by Foekema

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshminarayana_Temple,_Hosaholalu

Saturday, 6 February 2010

Hesaraghatta Grasslands : Savannah of Bangalore

While 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.

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 !!!

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.

Lets hope that this unique place remains the same for the times to come.

I have shared different facets of the place for you to enjoy !!!

Other Places to visit:

Hessarghatta Lake: is a favorite spot for Bird Watchers. It was once a major source of Water for Bangalore.

Nrityagram: This "Village" of Dance is worth a visit for Classical Dance Lovers.

Different Texture of Nature in Hessaraghatta

Thursday, 24 January 2008

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Koramangala (Bangalore)

Dear All,

Shirdi Sai Temple in Koramangala 7th Block will be celebrating its 2nd Year Anniversary on 7 Feb 2008.

Temple Address :
Sri Someshwara Temple/Sadguru Sai Temple
1st Main Road , 7th Block , Koramangala

Route :
Take the Road Beside Robert Bosch (Opp Forum) or
Take the Road Beside Adayar Ananda Bhavan , Koramangala (Opp HDFC Bank)

Friday, 18 January 2008

My visit to an Ancient Temple - Basavanna Temple Mamulpet

This time my visit to the temple was by sheer luck

Tucked Inside the corner of the Busy Avenue Road, Right in Middle of Mamulpet (literally as it on the Middle of the Road) is the ancient temple of Basaveshwara / Basavanna. I came to know about this temple during my periodical visit to Mamulpet for buying Incense Sticks (The place is very famous for Incense Sticks)

Previously I just went past the temple without having much interest.

But after my previous visit, I read a article in The Hindu which stated the place where Kote Venkateshwara temple (Fort Area) stands there used to be a Shiva temple which was shifted to Mamulpet.

After reading this article I could make out that it was the same temple as the structure of the temple in Mamulpet is very old.

The Excerpts and link of the Article:

http://thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/08/29/stories/2002082900270200.htm

"Kote Venkataramanaswamy temple was built by Chikkadevaraya in 1690 and the Basaveshwara there was shifted to Mamulpet. Possibly, they forgot to shift the scenes from Girija Kalyana on the sanctorum walls along with Basaveswara. "

This time I made up my mind that I will have a visit to the Temple. But due to circumstances I had to visit the place during noon. To my disappointment the temple was closed and I gave up the thought.

I went ahead with my primary task of purchasing. After returning from the shop to my Amazement I saw that the temple door Open. I approached the main door and enquired the Security Guard there about the place.

Looking at my curiosity may be, he took me inside and showed the Idol. Later I came to know that door was opened just for few minutes for the purpose of shifting some Materials inside. I really felt lucky to have got a chance to see the Lord and thanked the Lord and Security Guard.

Description of the Temple:

What remains of the temple is just the main structure (A Hall) containing the Sanctum Sanctorum. The main beauty or the specialty of the temple is the Shivlinga is placed between the horns of the Nandi and Nandi is in the Main Sanctum Sanctorum itself. Once this temple may have been a big structure but now it stands a single structure in middle of the road (Basavanna Road after the Temple).

If you are in the vicinity of Avenue Road Area, Do try to visit this forgotten Heritage of Bangalore.

Landmark : Near NSK shetty's Incense Maker in Mammulpet ( Ask for Basvanna Temple in Mammulpet) Off Avenue Road . Near from KR Market Bus Stand

Compilation of Links on Bangalore's History and Heritage

My Visit to An Ancient Temple - Chokkanathan Temple , Domlur

Continuing on my curiosity and liking for exploring the hidden and forgotten heritage sites of Bangalore An article in Deccan Herald prompted me to visit a temple in Domlur .

This blog is on perhaps the oldest and ancient temple in Bangalore encompassed by congested vicinity of Domlur.

The notes in article which heightened my curiosity were :

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu built by the rulers of Chola dynasty who were mainly followers of Lord Shiva
The Lord is known as Chokkanathan, a name attributed to Lord Shiva
The main idols in sanctum sanctorum are made of Saligramam, a rarity
Historically, it also tells the reign of the Chola dynasty

I decided to visit the temple. But there was a problem. Majority of people I knew in Bangalore didn’t seem to know about the temple. But finally after lot of enquiry I got a fair indication on the location of the temple from one of my friends in Domlur.The temple was at a high base and seemed to be renovated recently. After climbing small steps we reached the entrance. Near the entrance there was a portrait depicting the state of the temple as on 15th August 1947 (India’s Independence Day). Only a mound with entrance existed then.

The idol is small but very beautiful and the place has some thing special about it. There is also a very old Anjaneya temple near the Chokkanathan temple which is worth visiting. The head of Anjaneya is said to be at the level of Lord Chokkanathan’s feet.

The temple had suffered the ravages of time but now has been restored.

I would request all those, who are interested in cherishing and preserving our ancient heritage to visit the temple at least once

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Brief History of the Temple and Domlur:

Tombalur (the present Domlur) alias Desimaanikka Pattinam in the region of Ilaippakka Nadu (the present city of Bangalore) of the country the Thadikaipaadi (Karnataka).Renamed as Rajaraja Chola Valanaadu after Chola Conquest later renamed Rajendra Chola Valanaadu during Rajendra Chola era.

Temple was constructed by a Tamil Chettiar named Thiripuraanthakan of Talakkaadu and his wife Chettichchi Parpathi in the 10th Century.

(Reference: Epigraphia Carnativa Vol 9)

Landmark to visit the temple : The Road Besides Steve's Gym on Airport Road (Domlur) opposite New Shanti Sagar leads to the temple.

Update: Now the temple has become famous and can be easy to locate once you reach BDA complex in Domlur

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Please find below the link to the Deccan Herald article and other Links :

http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/apr192004/metro9.asp

http://www.vishnutemplesofkarnataka.info/Bang/Chokanarayana.htm

Swami's Thoughts and Explorations