shyamalchatterji's photostream

Wonderful concept executed by Shibshankar Das & Sanatan Dinda. Devi rises from 'pralay jaladhi'- cataclysmic ocean, standing on the 'jiban taranee' , she defeats 'Madhu-Kaitava'-like demons . ''Maner Manush' - soul of mankind - lies stretched in front of Devi with a lotus in his folded hands. Lotus adorns Durga's being, her crown - wonderful !

The pandal is decorated in a very restrained manner - never outdoes the 'protima'- yet enhances the over-all impact of the presentation . Strong mythological concept - much beyond the oft-repeated 'Naba Durga' or 'DashaMahavidya' or ' Sapta Matrika'. Made a strong impact on me - 'naa dekhle jaantaam na eto unique hotey paarey' .

Malyavanta Raghunatha temple showcases typical Vijayanagara style . It was built on Mayavanta hill ( erstwhile 'Kishkindhya') in 16th century, Now a 'must-see' sunset point @ Hampi, this place is said to have been residence of Ramchandra and Lakshman during the monsoon while in search for Seeta.

In this figure, we see a king enjoying with Court jesters.The LH lower figure is distracted - he is looking away with lowered eyes.

Siva is the principal deity in this imposing temple complex at SriMukhalingam,45 km from SriKakulam, built according to Orissa style in 9th century AD.

The main temple has many wall-relief's showing manifestations of Siva's warrior form. Here we find 8-armed Nataraja, without 'Apasmara' , prominently ithyphallic, with 'Nandi' looking upwards between His legs. His dance posture is delicate.He touches Parvati's chin with His left hand.On His right, we find 'Bhringee' - with his prominent rib cages - imitating His dance posture 'Gajahasta' etc.

Andhakasura was rechristened 'Bhringee' after he received Siva's pardon and joined His retinue.

The Goddess and Hermits.
From Someswara temple @ SriMukhalingam, near SriKakulam, AP.
Each of the hermits has a different hair-do .The one in the LH corner sits cross-legged, as if in a 'Yogasan'. Is the person in the centre a devotee/disciple ?

View in 5th Avenue, New York.
Reflection of evening sky and a skyscrapper on glass panels of another !