Showing posts with label architecture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label architecture. Show all posts

Hiranandani Gardens, Powai




Hiranandani Gardens, Powai












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Raja Rani Temple, Bhubaneshwar



Raja Rani Temple, Bhubaneshwar


RajaRani temple from Bhubaneshwar is perhaps the most beautiful temple to visit. The ancient architecture, peaceful atmosphere and absence of worshipers (since there is no god idol inside the temple) are some of the reasons for a must have visit.
Currently the temple is looked after by ASI and has categorized it as 'ticketed protected monuments of Odisha'. A five rupee ticket allows you to explore the temple for one whole day. Interestingly, the ticket is applicable for entry at one more ticketed place from Bhubaneshwar: Udayagiri and Khandgiri caves. It is possible to cover two historical places in one day, morning and evening  dedicated to temple and during day time the two buddhist caves - Udaygiri and Khandgiri. Photography charges are included in the ticket.
The first impression from the name of temple suggests, the idol might be a pair. In fact there is no idol inside the temple and thus no puja is offered in the temple.The temple was constructed of dull red and yellow sandstone locally called "Rajarani".

The temple is believed to have been known originally as Indreswara. It is locally known as a "love temple" because of the erotic carvings of women and couples in the temple.


Historical Details about the temple. Display boards by ASI.
Various historians place the original construction date between the 11th and 12th centuries, and have placed it roughly belonging to the same period as the Jagannath Temple at Puri. The architecture of other temples in central India is believed to have originated with this temple, the notable ones being the Khajuraho temples and Totesvara Mahadeo temple in Kadawa.

Rajarani Temple is built in the pnahcratha style on a raised platform with two structures: a central shrine called the vimana (sanctum) with a bada (curvilinear spire) over its roof rising to a height of 18 m (59 ft), and a viewing hall called jagamohana with a pyramidal roof. 

The highlight of the temple is the fine sculptures of dikpalas or guardians of the eight directions carved around the shrine. Starting from East we encounter successively-
  • Indra (lord of the East) holding a thunderbolt and an elephant goad, with the elephant below; the potbellied and 
  • Agni (southeast), god of fire, with the Ram; 
  • Yama (South) holding a staff and a noose, with his vehicle the buffalo; 
  • Nirriti (southwest), the god of misery, holds a severed head and a sword above a prostrate figure; 
  • Varuna (West) holding a noose in his left hand, his vehicle is makara or the crocodile; 
  • Vayu (northwest) holding a banner and his vehicle is deer; 
  • Kubera (North) placed above seven jars of gems, he has a horse and
  • Isana (northeast) shown with an erect phallus by the side of an emaciated figure. 



The Department of Tourism of the Government of Odisha organises a Rajarani music festival at the temple every year from January. The temple focuses on classical music, and all three styles of classical music – Hindustani,Carnatic and Odissi – are given equal importance. Musicians from different parts of the country perform during the three-day festival. The festival was started in 2003 with the help of the Bhubaneswar Music Circle (BMC)

Temple is a favorite among photographers. Morning time is excellent to shoot the amber-colored beauty due to the light direction and angle. Temple is surrounded by bungalows. Thus choosing n angle to avoid them from appearing in the frame is tricky. Ultra-wide angle lens perhaps be better than kit lens at minimum focal length.
Early in the morning the temple premises is used by the locals to have morning walk or light exercise. Visitors come bit late, somewhere around and after 10 AM. 

Timing and Entry Fees:


  • The monument remains open from sunrise to sunset. 
  • Entry fee for each Indian citizen is Rs. 5.00, 
  • Foreign visitor has to pay Rs. 100.00/ $ 2.00 
  • Children below the age of 15 years are not charged any entry fee.


Location:




References:



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Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneshwar


Evening view of symmetric placements of main temple among the other shrines in the campus



Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneshwar





Bhubaneshwar is a city of temples and one of the best temple is undoubtedly Mukteshwar temple. Although there are iconic temples like Lingaraj and RajaRani, Mukteshwar has several characteristics which make it stand out. Mukteshwar - meaning lord of freedom - is a millennium old Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva.


Mukteshwar for its architecture built in pithdeula style is rightly called as " Gem of Odisha Architecture". The structure can be divided into fur major parts: Torana (porch acting as gateway to compound), Vimana and Mukhasala.  Although the temple is small compared to others in Bhubaneshwar, along with other small temples the cluster covers well maintained premise of over half an acre. Architecture introduced many new forms not known to the previously built temples of Odisha and thus called as "Harbinger of new culture".



Mukteshwar Temple complex as seen from the entrance. A small well, locally known as Marichi Kund, lies immediately beyond the sinister of the enclosure, the water of which is believed to cure infertility of women.



The temple walls and the octagonal compound both carries carvings of female dancers, Hindu deities (Saraswati, Ganesha) , animals (monkeys, peacocks) and geometric patterns (lines, squares).

The Department of Tourism of the state government organises a three-day yearly dance function called Mukteswar Dance Festival in the temple premises. This festival celebrates the features of Odissi, the classical dance form of Odisha.

Evening time, when sun sets opposite to the entrance, is the best time to visit. After a long day travel visiting plenty of other places in Bhubaneshwar, Mukteshwar is delightful to watch. Sitting in the lawns one can relish the golden rays illuminating the charming brownish sand stones of the temple. The architecture of temple and peaceful evening must be experienced.



Short history about the temple displayed at the entrance
Mukteshwara Temple
Torana, entrance of the temple
Geometric patterns on windows of main temple: diamond shaped latticed windows  around which one can see images of monkeys engrossed in several jovial and humorous scenes that are imbibed from the Panchatantra tales.
Pillars with intricate and skillfully rich carvings
Closeup of beheaded female dancers on the pillars



Ceilings of the temple
Right side view of the complex

Lawns in front of the main temple (right side), Siddheswara temple (Left side)

Other small temples in the premises

Important things:


  • Temple is open from morning till evening (5 AM till 8 PM)
  • Best time to visit during day is evening time
  • Temple looks beautiful in all seasons and can be visited throughout the year
  • No entry fee or camera fee
  • Drinking water facility is available


How to reach:

Temple is located at walking distance from Raja-Rani Temple. Kedar-Gauri and Mukteshwar temple shares the compound wall. Complex also holds an unfinished temple - Siddheswara  temple.






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Wandering Destination : Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Bhubaneshwar (Part-II)


Wandering Destination : Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Bhubaneshwar (Part-II)



Environment around stupa is peaceful in early morning hours when tourist are yet to start flooding.

Prasad-vendors at the entry gate

A tiny parking space for vehicles. It may quickly get crowded during noon time





Stupa on the Dhauli hills as photographed from the approach road


For info and other details about the place, visit:

Dhauli Shanti Stupa
Sculptures at Dhauli Stupa,
Dhabaleshwar Temple


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Wandering Destination : Dhauli Bhubaneshwar (Sculptures)



Wandering Destination : Dhauli, Bhubaneshwar (Sculptures)








For more info about Dhauli Shanti Stupa Part I 

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Wandering Destination : Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Bhubaneshwar (Part-I)




Wandering Destination : Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Bhubaneshwar (Part-I)


The pagoda, known as white peace pagoda, has been built by the Japan Buddha Sangha and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha in the 1970s. Ashoka fought his last battle, infamous Kalinga war, on the banks of river Daya flowing near by the place. It is said that water of the river turned red with blood on seeing which Ashoka realised the tragedy a war brings. He raised many chaityas, stupas and pillars. Many rock edicts have been discovered in the vicinity of this stupa place showing the inscribing made by King Ashoka.

The construction of Shanti Stupa of Dhauligiri was assisted by Fuji Guruji and therefore, the place became the place of devotion and worship for various people belonging to different generations. The overall structure of the stupa is in the shape of a dome. No doors, no rooms to be found. At a short distance from the Shanti Stupa, the temple of Dhavaleshwar is located. Temple was renovated in the year 1972 and is much frequented by Hindu as well as Buddhist devotees. Do visit Dhauligiri, appreciate the sculptures and explore this Buddhist attraction that add to the sacred significance of Dhauligiri in Orissa.


History of Shanti Stupa


Sculptures of lions : Such eight lions are located around stupa
in four directions looking away towards the city
Location: 

It is located at Dhauli, a small village about 6 km away from Bhubaneshwar, and situated on the banks of river Daya. 

Stupa can be approached by road with private vehicle, tourist bus (prior booking is required) or auto rickshaw. Auto Rickshaw may take about 300 rupees from Bhubaneshwar and back, waiting period included.

Entry fee and visiting time:

There is no entry fee to the stupa. However, toll is collected (rs 5 per vehicle) at the entry point to the village.

No time restriction. One can visit anytime. I advice not to visit very early or on late eve. The area is isolated and not safe.




Stone carvings on the walls of the stupa telling stories about the life of Buddha


Photography tips:


  • For photography morning time and dusk time would be preferable to shoot stupa with dramatic backgrounds.

  • Visit as often as you can at different times. I am sure, monument will appear very different every time you visit.

  • So many tourists visit this stupa. Getting human-free image of the sculptures may be difficult. Spend more time, be patient and grab the right moment.

  • Use CPL to capture gradient in the background. 

  • Use wide angle lens if available with minimum focal length say about 10 or 12 mm.



View of the entry gate from the top



References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhauli
http://www.dhauli.net/shanti-stupa-dhauligiri.html



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