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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Hoyesleswara Temple - Halibedu - North karnataka - India

Hoyesleswara Temple - Halibedu - North karnataka - India

Hoysaleswara temple is a temple dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. It was built in Halebidu (in modern Karnataka state) during the Hoysala Empire rule in the 12th century by King Vishnuvardhana. The construction was completed in 1121 CE. During the early 14th century, Halebidu was sacked and looted by Muslim invaders from northern India and the temple fell into a state of ruin and neglect. Previously known as Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra, Halebidu is 16 km from Belur, 31 km from Hassan and 149 km from Mysore, in the state of Karnataka, India.

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Saturday, December 18, 2010

Bangalore - Madurai - Rameswaram - Kanyakumari - Bangalore ( 3 Day / 5 Nights)

Day 1- 9 Sept 2010 - Started from Bangalore
Bangalore to Madurai -- 9 Hrs / 460KM - NH7
Road Condition - Excellent
Struck in heavy Bangalore traffic (Common on long weekends due to congestion in Majestic) . At last reached KSRTC bus stop just on time. Our bus was scheduled to start at 10.00 P.M. Bus started bit late but reached Madurai by 7.30A.M. Reached hotel by 8 A.M.
Day 2- 10 Sept 2010 - Spent the day in Madurai
---------Little about Madurai ---------
Madurai is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Indian peninsula.It is an ancient and prestigious city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, situated on the banks of the River Vaigai in Madurai district.
The city is widely known as the Temple City, and is often also referred to as City of four junctions (Koodal Maanagar), Cultural capital of Tamil Nadu (Kalaachaara thalainagar), City of Jasmine (Malligai Maanagar), Sleepless city (Thoonga Nagaram), Athens of the East and The City of Festivals (Thiruvizha nagaram).It is the third largest (was second largest from its origin till 2001) city in Tamil Nadu.
Madurai was the capital city of ancient Southern civilization. Madurai's cultural heritage goes back 2,500 years, and the city has been an important commercial center and has conducted trade as far as Rome and Greece since as early as 550 B.C.E.
-----Starting Journey-----
Started around 9.30A.M. visited lots of temples near & around Madurai.
Weather was cloudy through the journey. Roads are in good condition. So enjoyed a lot.
Alagar Temple 
Another Vaishnav temple Alagar Koil,20 km away from the city located in the nearby hills. At the top of the hill is a natural stream from where the water is carried fresh daily by the temple priest for the Lord. Famous for Chittrai Festival(First Tamil month)/9April-May)-Summer Festival. The Lord is considered the brother of Meenakshi (Lordes Paravathi) given in wedding with Sundareshwar (Lord Shiva).
The temple is very old but maintained well.
Alagar Temple
Alagar Temple
Palamudir solai (hill)Vishnu temple
Madhan Gopal Temple
Gandhi Museum  - was closed due to Holiday


Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
This palace complex was constructed in the Indo-Saracen style by Thirumalai Nayakar in 1636. It is a national monument and is now under the care of the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department.
The original palace complex was four times bigger than the present structure. It was divided into two parts, Swarga-vilasa and Ranga-vilasa. In each of these there are royal residences, theater, shrines, apartments, armory, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden. The ceilings are decorated with large paintings showing Shaivite and Vaishnavite themes.
Indo Saracenic Dravidian Architecture

Indo Saracenic Dravidian Architecture
Ceilling - Indo Saracenic Dravidian Architecture
The portico known as Swarga Vilasam is an arcaded octagon wholly constructed of bricks and mortar without the support of a single rafter or girder. The stucco work on its domes and arches is remarkable. The gigantic pillars and structures represent architectural mastery. The courtyard and the dancing hall are central attractions for visitors. There are 248 pillars, each 58 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter. Furniture and utensils used by the kings is on exhibit inside the palace. The palace is equipped to perform "Light and Sound" shows depicting the story of "Silappathikaram", in both Tamil and English languages. The palace is in Indian films such as Bombay, Iruvar, Guru and Jodi.
Myself Exploring
The Entrance
Indo Saracenic Dravidian Architecture

Mariamman Tank
Once the tank was full of water.That time I can imagine it was pleasure for eye.Now no water. Its became a playground for young stars with lash green field.
-----Break-----
Around 1.30 p.m. we finished morning explore. Now its time for Lunch. Be are of-course very hungry & tired also.
But for people who don't like South Indian lunch will have hard time to find a place where you can eat.
We took rest till 5.00 p.m.
Its time to start again. We have only one destination - the world famous "Meenakshi Amman Temple".
-----Starting Journey-----
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Temple opens 4.30 p.m. at evening & you can visit till 8.00 p.m.
We spent almost 3 hours there. Still feel could have spent several hours more.The temple premises is huge and there is every possibility you can be in dilemma where to go & we came from which side.
We finished puja & brought some memento for parents way back home. Now its time to explore the beauty of the temple.
Weather was not great.It was raining constantly. So, I don't more snaps of the temple.
------Little about Meenakshi Amman Temple ------
 
Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple Tamil: மீனாட்சி அம்மன் கோவில் is an historic Hindu temple located in the holy city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to god Shiva - in the form of Sundareswarar or Beautiful Lord- and his consort, Parvati in the form of Meenakshi. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai. The complex houses 14 magnificent Gopurams or towers including two golden Gopurams for the main deities, that are elaborately sculptured and painted. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature, though the present structure is believed to have been built in 1600. The tallest temple tower is 51.9 metres (170 ft) high.

Thousand Pillar hall of Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple was built with the oldest Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli as a model. The Aayiram Kaal Mandapam or Thousand Pillar Hall contains 985 (instead of 1000) carved pillars. It is considered culturally important and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Thousand Pillared Hall was built by Ariyanatha Mudaliar in 1569. He was the Prime Minister and General of Viswanatha Nayak of the first Nayaka of Madurai (1559-1600 A.D.). He was also the founder of Poligar System, the quasi-feudal organization of the country, which was divided into multiple palayams or small provinces and each palayam was ruled by a palayakkarar or a petty chief. At the entrance of the Mandapam, we can still see his statue; the majestic pose of Ariyanatha Mudaliar seated on a beautiful horse-back which flanks one side of the entrance to the temple. The statue is still periodically crowned with garlands by modern worshippers. Each pillar is carved and is a monument of the Dravidian sculpture. There is a Temple Art Museum in the hall where icons, photographs, drawings, and other exhibits of the 1200 years old history are displayed. Just outside this mandapam, towards the west, are the Musical Pillars. Each pillar, when struck, produces a different musical note. The kalyana mandapa, to the south of the pillared hall, is where the marriage of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated every year during the Chithirai Festival in mid-April.
Thousand Pillar Hall
-----Break----- 
Around 8.30p.m. we finished dinner. We need rest. Next way we have to cover huge distance & we need to be ready by 7.30 a.m. 

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Full Moon - 21 Nov 2010


Full Moon - 21 Nov 2010, originally uploaded by Mithun Kundu.

This photo was taken on 21 November from My roof top...

After several attempt I got the exposer correct. Hope you will like that

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

A small Fishing Village - Golden sea shore after sunrise - Kanyakumari

A small Fishing Village - Golden sea shore after sunrise - Kanyakumari

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This shot was taken just after the sunrise. Near the sunrise point Kanyakumari.

You can observe why early morning hours are called "Golden Hours" for natural photography

Uploaded by Mithun Kundu on 29 Sep 10, 9.53AM IST.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Sunrise @ Kanyakumari


Sunrise @ Kanyakumari, originally uploaded by Mithun Kundu.

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Watching the sunrise and sunset is one of the most cherished activities at Kanyakumari. In fact it would not be any exaggeration if we say that this activity has assumed almost a ritualistic proportion. If you are in a hotel your sleep would automatically break at around 5.30 am with the sounds of alarm clock all around. Bleary eyed, you head for the sunrise point or take up a vantage position in the terrace of your hotel building. By 6 am the majestic sight of daybreak unfolds gradually. It is a lifetime experience to observe the image of the night sky metamorphosing bit by bit into various hues of colours. The effect is all the more appealing against the silhouette of fishing boats in the foreground. You can never forget the sun rising above the horizon from the Bay of Bengal.

Uploaded by Mithun Kundu on 28 Sep 10, 6.37PM IST.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Sun about to Rise - Kanyakumari - India

Watching the sunrise and sunset is one of the most cherished activities at Kanyakumari. In fact it would not be any exaggeration if we say that this activity has assumed almost a ritualistic proportion. If you are in a hotel your sleep would automatically break at around 5.30 am with the sounds of alarm clock all around. Bleary eyed, you head for the sunrise point or take up a vantage position in the terrace of your hotel building. By 6 am the majestic sight of daybreak unfolds gradually. It is a lifetime experience to observe the image of the night sky metamorphosing bit by bit into various hues of colours. The effect is all the more appealing against the silhouette of fishing boats in the foreground. You can never forget the sun rising above the horizon from the Bay of Bengal.

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Thursday, September 23, 2010

Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari

Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari

Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a sacred monument and popular tourist attraction in Kanyakumari, India. The memorial stands on one of two rocks located about 500 meters off mainland India's southernmost tip. It was built in 1970 by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee in honour of the visit of the great spiritual teacher Swami Vivekananda to Shripada Parai during the month of December 1892 for deep meditation and enlightenment. He swam to this rock and meditated about the past, present and future of India. It is said that he attained enlightenment on the rock, and henceforth became a reformer and philosopher.

From very ancient times, the rock has been regarded as a sacred place. The mythical tradition states that it has been known as 'Sripada Parai', meaning the rock that has been blessed by the touch of ‘the sacred feet’ of the Devi Kumari. On the rock is a projection similar in form to a human foot and a little brownish in complexion, which has traditionally been venerated as a symbol of Shripadam. According to legend, it was on this rock that Devi Kumari performed austerity.

A meditation hall (Dhyana Mandapam) is also attached to the memorial for visitors to meditate. The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. It houses a statue of Vivekananda. The merger of three seas - Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean can be seen from these rocks.

The memorial consists of two main structures, the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam.


The Thiruvalluvar Statue is a 133 feet (40.5 m) tall stone sculpture of the Tamil poet and saint Tiruvalluvar, author of the Thirukkural. It was opened in January 1, 2000 (Millenium) and is located atop a small island near the town of Kanyakumari, where two seas and an ocean meet; the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean . The statue has a height of 95 feet (29 m) and stands upon a 38 foot (11.5 m) pedestal that represents the 38 chapters of "virtue" in the Thirukkural. The statue standing on the pedestal represents "wealth" and "pleasure", signifying that wealth and love be earned and enjoyed on the foundation of solid virtue.

The combined height of the statue and pedestal is 133 feet (40.5 m), denoting the 133 chapters in the Thirukkural. It has a total weight of 7000 tons.

The statue, with its slight bend around the waist is reminiscent of a dancing pose of the ancient Indian deities like Nataraja. It was sculpted by the Indian sculptor Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati, who also created the Iraivan Temple.


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Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Hogenakkal Falls | Tamilnadu | India

Hogenakkal Falls - When its full of beauty.
Shoot @ 31 Aug 2007

Hogenakkal Falls is in Tamilnadu, India. It is fondly called the Indian Niagara. the place is very beautiful indeed.

River Cauvery in Southern India causes a series of beautiful falls at Hogenakkal (smoking rocks). The falls are usually gentle, beautiful and a major tourist attraction. The river Cauvery is a major river in southern India. It flows along the Karnataka-Tamilnadu State border at Hogenakkal.

The route Bangalore-Hosur-Krishnagiri-Dharmapuri-Hogennakkal (186 km) was very good. The Indian National Highway NH-7 that connects these places is very well maintained and is a pleasure to drive. I covered this distance on hired car ... and it was a wonderful experience !

Location : Hogenakkal, 50 kms from Dharmapuri, Tamilnadu State, India



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Yercaud View from Lady's Seat



Yercaud View from Lady's Seat

Yercaud (Tamil: ஏற்காடு) is a hill station near Salem, Tamil Nadu, India in the Servarayan range of hills (anglicized as Shevaroys) in the Eastern Ghats. It is at an altitude of 1515 metres (4970 feet) above the mean sea level. The highest point in Yercaud is the Servarayan temple. Hence the Yercaud hill area is called Shevaroy Hills

Uploaded by Mithun Kundu on 2 Aug 10, 12.18PM IST.

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Monday, September 20, 2010

Thousand Pillar Hall


Thousand Pillar Hall, originally uploaded by Mithun Kundu.
Thousand Pillar hall of Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple was built with the oldest Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli as a model. The Aayiram Kaal Mandapam or Thousand Pillar Hall contains 985 (instead of 1000) carved pillars. It is considered culturally important and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Thousand Pillared Hall was built by Ariyanatha Mudaliar in 1569[3]. He was the Prime Minister and General of Viswanatha Nayak of the first Nayaka of Madurai (1559-1600 A.D.). He was also the founder of Poligar System, the quasi-feudal organization of the country, which was divided into multiple palayams or small provinces and each palayam was ruled by a palayakkarar or a petty chief. At the entrance of the Mandapam, we can still see his statue; the majestic pose of Ariyanatha Mudaliar seated on a beautiful horse-back which flanks one side of the entrance to the temple. The statue is still periodically crowned with garlands by modern worshippers. Each pillar is carved and is a monument of the Dravidian sculpture. There is a Temple Art Museum in the hall where icons, photographs, drawings, and other exhibits of the 1200 years old history are displayed. Just outside this mandapam, towards the west, are the Musical Pillars. Each pillar, when struck, produces a different musical note. The kalyana mandapa, to the south of the pillared hall, is where the marriage of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated every year during the Chithirai Festival in mid-April

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple

is an historic Hindu temple located in the holy city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to god Shiva - in the form of Sundareswarar or Beautiful Lord- and his consort, Parvati in the form of Meenakshi. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai. The complex houses 14 magnificent Gopurams or towers including two golden Gopurams for the main deities, that are elaborately sculptured and painted. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature, though the present structure is believed to have been built in 1600. The tallest temple tower is 51.9 metres (170 ft) high

Porthamarai Kulam, the sacred pond inside the temple, is a very holy site for devotees. People go around the 165 ft (50 m) by 120 ft (37 m) lake before entering the main shrine. The name means the Pond with the Golden Lotus, and the lotus that grows in it has a golden color. According to legend, Lord Shiva promised a stork that no fish or other marine life would grow here and thus no marine animals are found in the lake.[2] In the Tamil legends, the lake is supposed to be a judge for judging a worth of a new literature. Thus, authors place their works here and the poorly written works are supposed to sink and the scholastic ones are supposed to float


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View From - Thirumalai Nayak Palace

The Nayaks of Madurai ruled this former Kingdom from 1545 till 1740’s and Thirumalai Nayak (1623-1659) was one of their greatest kings that line notable for various buildings in and around Madurai. During the 17th centuries the Madurai Kingdom had Portuguese, Dutch and other Europeans as traders, missionaries and visiting travelers. Tirumala Nayak is believed to have recruited the services of an Italian architect, (apparently one of the many unknown European adventurers who swarmed these regions before the advent of British) for the construction of his Palace.

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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Kanyakumari Trip

Sunrise @ Kanyakumari

At the southern most tip of India, where the Arabian Sea,the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meets, lays Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is famous for the historic Amman Temple,Vivekananda Rock Memorial,Gandhi Memorial and Sunrise and Sunsets,. I recently had a wonderful Trip to KanyaKumari. KanyaKumari is about 640 kms from Bangalore, by bus it takes about 14 Hrs. The view one gets towards KanyaKumari is wonderful & an unforgettable experience .

Kanyakumari Panorama - From  Vivekananda Rock Memorial


Sunrise @ Kanyakumari 

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