Swami's Thoughts and Explorations: Heritage

Showing posts with label Heritage. Show all posts

Sunday, 26 May 2013

Entrance - Kalyani (Temple Tank)

Entrance_Kalyani by Swaminathan Natarajan

Entrance_Kalyani, a photo by Swaminathan Natarajan on Flickr.

My Submission for NatGeo Traveler Photo Contest 2013

The Link to My Submission

Via Flickr:
Sri Bhoganandesvara Temple, Nandhi Hills

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

Wednesday, 26 December 2012

Few Wonders From Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple

Sri Vishnu - Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple by Swaminathan Natarajan

Sri Vishnu - Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple, a photo by Swaminathan Natarajan on Flickr.

Beautiful Fresco of Sri Vishnu at Kanchi Kailasantha Temple

Beautiful Smile of Lord Shiva at Kanchi Kailasantha Temple

The Graceful Viewer at Kanchi Kailasantha Temple

Flying High at Kanchi Kailasantha Temple

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

Reference: Introduction to Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple

Wednesday, 3 October 2012

The Tribhanga Goverdhandhari Krishna : A Hoysala Architecture Masterpiece

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.

To Know the history on this event please visit the following Links:

The Lifting of Goverdhan Hill
The Life of Sri Krishna

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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".

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.

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.

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.

Ornaments Worn by Sri Krishna

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.

Ear - Karna Kundala
Throat - Kanta Haara
Upper Curve of the Arm - Bhuja Kirti
Arm band - Keyura or Bahu Bandha
Bracelets - Kankana
Chest - Vaksha Haara
Crossed Girdle - Chchannavira (Shoulder)
Chest - Yajnopavita (Cross-Thread)
Long Girdle Beyond Knee - Vaijayanti
Girdle at Waist - Kati Bhanda
Tassels over Pitambhara - Mekhala
Anklets - Kadaga
Chains at Feet - Nupura (With Jinglings)
Chains at Feet - Painjani (Without Jinglings)
Toe and Finger Rings - Unguliyaka

Will be writing a detailed post on the ornaments in the Hoysala Sculptures....

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

Hope you would have liked this journey with me in to one of the most beautiful specimen of art from Hoysala Dynasty.

As always I look forward to your feedback on the post !

References:

Special thanks to Mr TM Keshav of ASI, Bengaluru Circle
Tribhanga
Hoysala architecture
Hoysaleswara Temple
My Photographic Collection of Selected Hoysala Gems on FB(Copyrighted)
My Photographic Collection of Hoysala Gems on Flickr (Copyrighted)
ASI Bengaluru Circle Site Info on Sri Hoysaleswara Temple

Sunday, 30 September 2012

It is time to go to work !!

It is time to go to work !!, a photo by Swaminathan Natarajan on Flickr.

My Submission for the Natgeo Photography Contest 2012 (Taken at Belur Chennakesava Temple)

Link to my entry for the NatGeo Photo Contest 2012

Your Feedback Solicited !

Monday, 13 August 2012

The Highly Ornamented Guardian (Hoysala Style)

The Highly Ornamented Guardian (Hoysala Style), a photo by Swaminathan Natarajan on Flickr.

Ornamentation that is out of this world !!

Sunday, 22 July 2012

Few Gems from Hoysala Architecture

Let the Picture speak for themselves

Woman Infantry .. Ahead of times: Belur Karnataka

As always your feedback is solicited.

Swaminathan Natarajan Photography on Facebook

Saturday, 12 June 2010

REACH : 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.

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.

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.

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.

Please find Links related to Organization below:

http://reachhistory.blogspot.com

http://templesrevival.blogspot.com/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/temple_cleaners/

www.conserveheritage.org

Happy Reading !

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

My Visit to an Ancient Begur Temple - Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple

When One thinks of Bangalore , the first thing that comes to mind is a Hi-Tech city.But behind this Glamor and Glitz there exists a city full of rich heritage waiting to be explored and cherished.

I will be taking up different aspects (Temple and Monuments), Which I have explored or will be exploring in this blog.Let me start with my visit to one of the oldest temple in Bangalore , rich in History and spirituality

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My Visit to ancient Temple of Sri Pancha Lingaeshwara Temple,Begur

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Entrance to the Main Hall of the Begur Temple

It all strted when I stumbled upon an article of this temple while surfing on the web for Bangalore history. The article was very informative and briefed me on the oldest mention of the word "Bengaluru" which is found in an inscription at this temple of "Begur".

Reading the article tickled my inquisitive cells and I decided to explore more on the temple.

In the beginning I faced some problems in pin-pointing the location but as usual the web came to my help, by providing a link to another article that had loads of information. The information I needed and more . I immediately got motivated to visit the place which was off Hosur Road (on Begur Road,Bommanahalli)

The Journey Begins....

On a misty Sunday Morning, Me and my friend embarked upon the "exploration" on a bike . After taking the turn for Begur road off Hosur Road, we understood that we are going to have a rough ride ahead.

It seems there was a road among potholes and not the other way around. After a lot of maneuvering and inquiring, we finally reached the place. From a distance itself the temple had a look of antiquity.

The entrance to the temple was through a small gopuram. (Which has been replaced by a new one now).The proximity to the Begur lake added to the Charm.The temple basically consists of 5 Shiva lingas, each having its own specialty with its own special meditation spots..

The surroundings gave us a soothing feeling of serenity and warmth.Fortunately we reached at the time when Aarthi (Showing of Burning Camphor to the God) was to be performed for all the lingas.

After the Aarthi got over , we inquired about the temple past.The priest (the 15th Generation of the Priest Family of Temple) informed us about the temple . It is believed to be more than 1000 years old and received the patronage of Gangas , Cholas and all the dynasties that followed.

The environment encompassing the temple is of peace and serenity. One really feels calm and cool just by visiting the place esp. in the early mornings. Far from the crowd and congestion of the city , the temple is a wonderful, peaceful and serene place to visit .

There are few places where you get the feeling of Peaceful Bliss and this is one of those places.The place where you can speak to your inner self and get a kind of unexplainable comfort. Do visit this place when you can get time.

Just to enumerate particular and unique info about the temple :

Boasts of Five lingas , each having its owns specialties.
One of the Oldest Ganesha idol in south is in the temple
In the temple you will the oldest mention of the world of "Bengaluru" in Stone slab.
Inscription is much older than the famous story of Benda Kadalu.
The slab is in a neglected state and needs immediate attention.
Temple is a Bhaskara Shetra ( Sun God ).
Temple has a rich history and received the patronage of many rulers.

Special Days :

Maha Shivratri : celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha (as per Shalivahana) or Phalguna (as per Vikrama) in the Hindu Calendar (that is, the night before and day of the new moon).

Pradosham : Occurs once in every 15 days and considered most auspicious by Shaivites, almost 2 days before either Amavasya (black moonday) or Pournima (full moon day).

Note : The best time to visit the temple is 7:30 AM in the morning and 6:00 PM in the evening. Temple has a bus stop in its name in Begur . There are many buses which ply from KR Market and other areas to Begur. (343 Series of BMTC Buses Ply on this Route)

Some of the temple's Historic relics are housed in Bangalore Museum (Next to Vishweshwaraya Industrial & Technological Museum)

Noteworthy Inscriptions in Epigraphia Carnatica
==================================

On a stone now in the Bangalore Museum, from temple at Begur

svasti samasta-bhuvana-vinuta Ga.nga-kula-gagana-iiirmruala-t,arapati jaladhi-jala-vipula-valayamekhala-
ka]apalankriteladhipatya-lakshmi-svayamvrita-pati talv-ady-aganita-guna-gana-vibhushana-
vibhu9hita-vibhuti srimad-Ej^yappa-arasar pagevar ellamam nih-kshatram madi Gangavadi
tombhattaru-sasiramuman eka-chchhatra-chchhayeyol aluttam ijdu Bira-Mahendranol kadal endu
Ayyapa-Devange samanta-sahitam Nagattaranam dandu veldode Tumbepadiyol kadi kalegam imb
alidode aneyoj ant iridu sattod adara keld Ereyapam mechchi Irugange Nagattara-vattam gatti Bempur-
ppanneradumam sasana-baidham kalnad itan aviiv endode || Berapuru Tovagiiru Puvina-Pullimangala
Kutanidu-Nalluru Nalliiru Komarangundu Tggaluru Dugmonelmalli-Galafijavagilu Sajamu
Elkunde Paravuru Kfidale initumam polainere-sahitam ittan Ereyapam sevucharan Naga[ttal range
maugajam aha sri

Date about 890 AD
Be it well. When,—a spotless moon in the sky the Ganga-kula praised in all the world, the
self-chosen lord of the Lakshmi of sovereignty over the earth decorated at her waist with a z me of
the wide circle of the waters of the ocean, his greatness adorned with the ornament of these and a
host of countless virtues,—srimad Erejarjparasa, having made all his enemies powerless, was ruling
the Gangavadi Ninety-six Thousand under tbe shadow of one umbrella :—on ordering Nigattara
along with his feudatories and the army to Ayyapa-Deva in order to fight against Bira-Mahendra, fighting in Tumbepadi when the battle was losing ground, going close up among the elephants, he
slew and died.Hearing that, Ereyapa was pleased, and binding the Nagattara crown on Iruga, gave
him the Bempur Twelve, secured by a sasana, as kalnad. Those are as follows :—Benpuru,
Tovaguru, Puvina-Pullimangala, Kutanidu-Nalluru, Nalluru, Komarangundu, I'jrgaluru, Diigmonelmalli-
Galanjavagilu, Saramu, Elkunde, Paravuru, Kudal. Thus rauch, with the fields and
boundaries, did Ereyapa give for the dutiful Naga[tta]ra. Great good fortune,

P:S: A Very useful link www.puzha.com/puzha/selfpublish/1092802792.html

Update:During my second visit to the temple I learnt from the priest that there are two other temples of the same antiquity and style at Nandi Hills. i.e.Bhoganandeeswara temple and Yoganandeeswara Temple.

I have not personally visited these temple at Nandi Hills but will like to do the same in near future. I would appreciate if anyone can share more detailed info and experience on these temples at Nandi Hills.

Swami's Thoughts and Explorations

Sunday, 26 May 2013

Entrance - Kalyani (Temple Tank)

Sunday, 31 March 2013

The Lakshminarayana Temple ,Hosaholalu KR Pet, Karnataka

Wednesday, 26 December 2012

Few Wonders From Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple

Wednesday, 3 October 2012

The Tribhanga Goverdhandhari Krishna : A Hoysala Architecture Masterpiece

Sunday, 30 September 2012

It is time to go to work !!

Monday, 13 August 2012

The Highly Ornamented Guardian (Hoysala Style)

Sunday, 22 July 2012

Few Gems from Hoysala Architecture

Let the Picture speak for themselves

Let the Picture speak for themselves

Saturday, 12 June 2010

REACH : Where "INDIAN HERITAGE REVIVAL" is the Mantra !

Friday, 18 January 2008

My visit to an Ancient Temple - Basavanna Temple Mamulpet

Compilation of Links on Bangalore's History and Heritage

My Visit to An Ancient Temple - Chokkanathan Temple , Domlur

My Visit to an Ancient Begur Temple - Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple

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