Gajapati Narasingha Deva – I relaxing on a swing at the Antahpura or the Gynaeceum (the Queen’s Apartment). Here also he is keeping a sword in his lap that portrays the life threat to the King and his readiness to face any adverse situation at any given point of time. The top of the poles… read more »
Sri Jagannath, as a revered deity holds a special place, not only in the culture of Odisha, but also in the families of its people as well. An Odia offers the first fruit of a tree he has planted to Him, sends the first invitation to Him in a family function, so how could he… read more »
Once, Sangya, the daughter of celestial architect Vishvakarma and wife of Surya, unable to bear the radiance of the Sun-god, went into the forests to engage in devout austerities in the form of a mare (she horse). She placed her shadow Chhaya, who looked just like Sangya in her position as Surya’s wife. When Surya… read more »
There used to exist Kitchen Wells in ancient temples that provided water for the preparation of Anna Bhog to be offered to the presiding deity. Lots of vessels were used to draw water from these wells as seen in the upper portion of the attached image which is of an ancient temple at Ekamra Kshetra… read more »
Like most of the Hindu temples in India, the Odishan temples also have three small temples in each of the three sides of the main temple, behind and adjacent to the front of the main temple housing the main deity. This is mainly done to give stability to the main structure of the temple. So… read more »
To find the exact reason behind the fall of the Konark Sun Temple is difficult as we have to take the help of history and history is always speculative. However several reasons come to mind. They are – 1. Magnet theory: As per legend, a huge magnet was fitted at the top of the temple… read more »