Somnathpura Beckons Again

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.

As Always I would like the gems from this great workmanship in art by my favourite Hoysala  Architecture do all the talking !

A Village Scene.. Can see pottery making


Mahishasura Mardhini Panel . Notice the curves on the Buffalo's Back


One of the most beautiful Vimana one can ever see among Indian Temples


One of the most beautiful Ceiling with Flower bend design and the Designs in stone


Culmination of different architecture Styles and improvements is what Hoysala Architecture is !


Beautiful Carvings on the Outer linings of the temple with beautiful Floral Designs


Beautiful Carvings on the Horses and camels


Side by Side: An Incomplete and complete Panel of Makara .. shows the level of workmanship


Probably a scene from Srimad Bhagvatam. Notice the depiction of Aqua based Fauna

More At My Photography Page:
https://www.facebook.com/SwaminathanNatarajan.Photography

For Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysala_architecture

Few Wonders From Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple

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

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 !

The Colours of Diwali , the festival of Lights in India

The different colours of Diwali from the Terrace of my home ! Hope all of you will enjoy !!

Hope you Enjoyed :) !!!!

Indian Heritage Links from "The Hindu" (Courtesy: www.ponniyinselvan.in)

Heritage Links from The Hindu

• Restoration work in full throttle {2008/01/11)
• Testimony to a rich past {2007/10/19)
• Themes aesthetically laid out {2007/10/12)
• 100. and not out {2007/09/07)
• Contributions invited {2007/08/31)
• The Lord&.8217;s natural crown {2007/07/20)
• The prayer for all {2007/07/20)
• Of rituals and tradition {2007/07/13)
• The scene and the unseen {2007/06/29)
• Chola temple with a Pallava surprise {2007/06/22)
• Cave temple of ancient origin {2007/06/15)
• Patron saint of lost articles {2007/06/08)
• Wrath of a woman wronged {2007/06/01)
• Touched by Pandya generosity {2007/05/18)
• Witness of courage and conquest {2007/05/04)
• Of Nayak vintage {2007/04/27)
• Keeping tradition alive {2007/04/20)
• A new high in the Valley {2007/04/20)
• Centre of socio-cultural activities {2007/04/20)
• To freeze or not to freeze? {2007/02/16)
• A landmark of renown {2007/02/16)
• A haven of its own {2007/02/09)
• The king of kings is 150 {2007/01/26)
• The palace of murals {2006/12/29)
• Rooted in tradition {2006/12/15)
• Procession all grace and majesty {2006/11/10)
• Cambodia beckons tourists {2006/11/03)
• A socio-political institution {2006/10/27)
• The magnificent church of Madanapalle {2006/10/13)
• Beyond the controversy {2006/09/29)
• A place dear to Swami Vivekananda {2006/08/04)
• Revival of a tradition {2006/07/28)
• Grandeur amidst ruins {2006/07/14)
• A place in history {2006/06/30)
• From the pages of yore {2006/05/05)
• In tune with the spirit of Hinduism {2006/04/07)
• Banking on past glory {2006/03/17)
• Statue stories {2006/01/20)
• Tale of a theatre {2005/12/02)
• Preserving Kalpathy {2005/11/25)
• Harmony in architecture {2005/11/04)
• A royal landmark {2005/09/30)
• The Chettinad splendour {2005/09/23)
• A royal tradition {2005/09/09)
• Tribute to the sage in granite {2005/09/02)
• Footprints of the Company {2005/08/26)
• Centre of learning {2005/08/19)
• Preserving Vedic heritage {2005/08/19)
• Cave where sage Vyasadeva lived {2005/08/19)
• Pazhani Andavar's footprints are here {2005/08/19)
• Fascinating European collection {2005/08/12)
• Architectural grandeur {2005/08/12)
• New sanctum for the Lord {2005/08/05)
• The colourful world of the Nayaks {2005/08/05)
• The Tipu factor {2005/07/29)
• From fortune-telling to health tips {2005/07/29)
• Dasavatara connection {2005/07/29)
• A rendezvous for cultural activities {2005/07/22)
• Sample of Rajasthan architecture {2005/07/22)
• The great sweep of Tamil {2005/07/22)
• Royal connection {2005/07/15)
• Leaves from the past {2005/07/15)
• Sculptural marvel {2005/07/15)
• Modern craft {2005/07/15)
• Sound of history {2005/07/08)
• Swept off its feet. literally {2005/07/08)
• Shaped like an elephant {2005/07/08)
• Sculptures steal the show here {2005/07/01)
• Art in social context {2005/06/24)
• Offering pepper for grace {2005/06/24)
• Hill temple a la Tiruttani {2005/06/17)
• Confluence of cultures {2005/06/10)
• Kaleeswarar temple wears new look {2005/06/10)
• Harmony in divinity {2005/06/10)
• The temples of Manali {2005/06/03)
• Rich in history and architecture {2005/05/27)
• The leaning temple of Huma {2005/05/13)
• In memory of Sakthan Thampuran {2005/04/22)
• Time stands still {2005/04/15)
• Where Bhima killed Keechaka {2005/04/15)
• Needs financial help {2005/04/01)
• Thiruvellarai &.151; land of the white boar {2005/03/25)
• Ancient murals brought back to life {2005/03/25)
• Dilapidated state {2005/03/11)
• In memory of Tiruvalluvar {2005/03/11)
• Panchalinga kshetra of Garden City {2005/03/11)
• Preserving a unique tradition {2005/03/04)
• Grace of Meenakshi {2005/02/25)
• Kathanar's Kadamattam {2005/02/18)
• Fine sample of Nagarathar architecture {2005/02/18)
• An architectural heritage {2005/02/11)
• A veritable banyan {2005/02/11)
• In the glittering grandeur of mirrors {2005/02/11)
• In typical Pallava style {2005/02/04)
• An architectural marvel at Keluvathur {2005/02/04)
• Some sand. some colour. some castles {2005/01/28)
• In memory of Tiruvalluvar {2005/01/28)
• Images of stunning beauty {2005/01/28)
• The special charm of Palani {2005/01/21)
• A rare phenomenon {2005/01/07)
• Festival unique to Margazhi {2005/01/07)
• Temple on the verge of collapse {2004/12/31)
• Siva temple built by Thondaiman {2004/12/31)
• The glory of Margazhi {2004/12/24)
• Waiting to shower immense grace {2004/12/24)
• He communicated through silence {2004/12/24)
• Salvation for the sages {2004/12/24)
• Where Yama has no jurisdiction {2004/12/17)
• Benevolent in the form of a child {2004/12/17)
• Temple in need of renovation {2004/12/17)
• Unique sculpture {2004/12/17)
• Goddess who grants boons instantly {2004/12/17)
• New abode for Lord Dhanvantri {2004/12/03)
• Shrine for Kadambar {2004/12/03)
• Example of refined temple architecture {2004/11/26)
• Where Adisesha was granted refuge {2004/11/26)
• Ancient temple in need of repair {2004/11/05)
• Time for renovation {2004/10/15)
• In need of attention {2004/10/15)
• Gorgeous outfit for deity {2004/09/24)
• Teacher. composer and philosopher {2004/09/24)
• Seated over a pond of poison {2004/09/17)
• A wedge of the past {2004/07/16)
• Sastha plays midwife {2004/06/25)
• The Lord waits on the riverbank {2004/06/25)
• Temples under renovation {2004/06/11)
• In memory of Bhaskaracharya {2004/06/11)
• In precincts serene and green {2004/06/04)
• Glistening spires of Palitana temples {2004/06/04)
• Similar to Srirangam in many ways {2004/06/04)
• A dream that led to Devadanam {2004/06/04)
• Samprokshanam of Venkatachalapathy temple {2004/05/14)
• Kanchi temple in need of renovation {2004/05/14)
• Where sage Brighu did penance {2004/05/07)
• Ready for consecration {2004/04/16)
• Symbol of devotion to Sri Rama {2004/03/26)
• The glory of Tirukkachur {2004/03/12)
• Where legend adds lustre {2004/03/12)
• Kumbabhishekam {2004/02/06)
• Consecration {2004/02/06)
• Sakthi in massive form {2004/01/30)
• The Supreme Light Divine {2004/01/30)
• Tribute to the saint composer {2004/01/02)
• Carving a colossal image {2004/01/02)
• Laksharchanai {2004/01/02)
• Planet none can afford to ignore {2004/01/02)
• Shrine for the Lord who heals {2004/01/02)
• Linked by legend {2004/01/02)
• Rare phenomenon {2003/11/28)
• Samprokshanam at Kanchi {2003/11/21)
• Consecration of Nanganallur temple {2003/11/21)
• A temple craves for attention {2003/11/21)
• Temple where troubles melt like butter {2003/10/31)
• Dedicated to Sri Rama {2003/10/31)
• Divine home of the Saint-Poetess {2003/10/17)
• Glorifying the chivalry of Jatayu {2003/10/17)
• Gold kavacham for the Lord {2003/10/10)
• Of sculptures. trees and snakes {2003/10/10)
• The auspicious tamboolam {2003/10/10)
• Ancient Chola temple at Madambakkam {2003/09/26)
• Simhachalam temple &.151; magnificent architecture and sculpture {2003/09/19)
• Ancient shrine under repair {2003/09/12)
• Cluster of temples in dilapidated state {2003/08/29)
• Magnificent samples of Buddhist architecture {2003/08/29)
• Muktinath &.151; an awesome pilgrim spot {2003/08/22)
• Abode for Siva languishes {2003/08/01)
• Kumbabhishekam performed {2003/07/18)
• Gurupeyarchi at Alangudi {2003/07/18)
• Shrine for Bruhaspati {2003/07/18)
• Consecration of an ancient temple {2003/06/06)
• Brahmotsavam at Singaperumalkoil {2003/06/06)
• Kumbabhishekam {2003/06/06)
• For Sholingur pilgrims {2003/06/06)
• Renovation completed {2003/05/30)
• Marvellous carvings on temple car {2003/05/30)
• Panchamuka Anjaneya idol to be installed {2003/05/30)
• Symbol of amity and co-existence {2003/05/30)
• His mission is to spread spiritualism {2003/05/30)
• Birthplace of Vaishnavite saints {2003/05/30)
• The cave shrine of Uttaranchal {2003/05/23)
• The Sage of Arunachala {2003/05/09)
• Supreme skill of Chola sculptors {2003/05/09)
• Place sanctified by Siddhars {2003/05/09)
• Kali Mandir of Kolkata {2003/05/09)
• Auroville... a deeper experience {2003/05/09)
• Ancient shrines near Sriperumbudur {2003/05/09)
• Narasimha temple in ruins {2003/05/09)
• Shrine for Chitragupta {2003/04/18)
• Golden Satari for Udaiyavar {2003/04/18)
• Enchanting images of Sri Rama {2003/04/18)
• Work on at temple complex {2003/04/18)
• Vatarangam. seat of Hari and Haran {2003/04/18)
• Sad state of a glorious shrine {2003/04/18)
• Outstanding for its architecture {2003/04/18)
• Seven Words on the Cross {2003/04/18)
• A dream wedding enacted {2003/03/28)
• Divine symbol {2003/03/28)
• Mandalabishekam {2003/03/28)
• Hanuman's special avatar as Annihilator {2003/03/07)
• Sri Ramanuja shrine at Tirumala gets a facelift {2003/02/28)
• ASI restores 400-year old paintings {2003/02/28)
• Deities in rare forms {2003/02/28)
• A time to fast with faith {2003/02/28)
• Renovation {2003/02/28)
• The power of absolute faith {2003/02/21)
• Exquisite temples aplenty {2003/02/14)
• Impressive shrine for the Elephant God {2003/02/14)
• Thirumangalya Utsavam {2003/01/31)
• Brahmotsavam {2003/01/31)
• Tyagaraja aradhana {2003/01/31)
• Ancient temple gets a face-lift {2003/01/31)
• Temple priest felicitated {2003/01/31)
• Kumbabhishekam {2003/01/31)
• Bestowing plenty and prosperity {2003/01/17)
• Saivite temples of Sri Lanka {2003/01/10)
• Free Veda classes {2003/01/10)
• A treasure trove tucked away {2003/01/10)
• Informative and interesting sessions {2003/01/10)
• Triad of sacred spots {2003/01/10)
• Philosopher and saint in the true sense {2003/01/03)
• Diamond jubilee celebrations {2003/01/03)
• For a cause {2003/01/03)
• Hanumath Jayanthi {2003/01/03)
• An interesting temple tale {2003/01/03)
• A picture of neglect {2002/12/27)
• New temple for Panchamukha Anjaneya {2002/12/27)
• Unsung but not forgotten {2002/12/27)
• Glorious synthesis of temple styles {2002/12/27)
• The Lord atop Serpent Hill {2002/12/06)
• Icon of devotion {2002/12/06)
• Temple for Kethu dedicated to Siva at Mannar {2002/12/06)
• The Protector at Rudrankoil {2002/11/22)
• Pining for the Lord {2002/11/22)
• Handsome and prosperous {2002/11/08)
• A pilgrim's paradise {2002/10/25)
• Strewn sculptures tell a tale {2002/10/25)
• Shrines that Nammazhwar glorified {2002/10/25)
• Sanctity bestowed by the devotee {2002/10/25)
• Manthralayam for that healing touch {2002/10/18)
• Special trips to Tirumala {2002/10/11)
• The Saviour as an endearing child {2002/10/11)
• Another abode of Lord Venkateswara {2002/10/04)
• Temples that reverberate with history {2002/10/04)
• Pavitrotsavam {2002/09/20)
• Lord Incomparable {2002/09/20)
• Avatara Utsavam {2002/09/13)
• On a Vedic quest {2002/09/13)
• Captivating deities at Chettipunnyam {2002/09/13)
• A symbol of cultural synthesis {2002/08/30)
• On the banks of the Amaravathi {2002/08/23)
• Maduranthakam &.151; unique and significant {2002/08/09)
• What Jeers stand for {2002/08/09)
• Temple for all {2002/08/02)
• Splendour of shrines long forgotten {2002/08/02)
• Ramayana in Therukoothu {2002/08/02)
• The Lord in unique company {2002/08/02)
• Eagles enhance the sanctity {2002/08/02)
• Spiritual discourse {2002/07/19)
• Holy sangamam in the South {2002/07/12)
• New temple for Raghavendra {2002/06/28)
• Gurupeyarchi {2002/06/28)
• Fire that stokes up faith {2002/06/21)
• Awesome sight {2002/06/21)
• Holy constellation abroad {2002/06/14)
• Bhagavati in ethereal surroundings {2002/06/14)
• A great incarnation {2002/06/07)
• As holy as Tirumala {2002/05/10)
• For the sake of a child-devotee {2002/05/10)
• The Lord aloft a glittering mount {2002/05/10)
• Preceptor who practised compassion {2002/05/10)
• A temple steeped in legend {2002/05/10)
• Ordeals of a saint {2002/04/12)
• With high objectives in mind {2002/04/12)
• Marked by exclusive carvings {2002/04/12)
• Tenacity of an ardent devotee {2002/04/05)
• Crowning glory for the Tiruvallur deity {2002/04/05)
• Samprokshanam {2002/04/05)
• Spruced up for Samprokshanam {2002/03/22)
• Service with a professional touch {2002/03/15)
• Lapping up Indian literature {2002/03/08)
• The Butterfly and the Banyan {2002/03/08)
• The silent revolution {2001/11/23)
• Seer. sage and savant {2001/11/16)
• Where rare deities are housed {2001/11/09)