Sunday, December 11, 2005

Kudroli is Lit!

Hmm...This is a mobile pic too and I am afraid, not too clear.

This is Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara Temple (a Shiva Temple) in Mangalore, an amazing piece of architecture. I have always felt a disdain for temples that are built recently as they are more often than not, displays of the wealth of the temple trust than a place of worship. This temple is the same too, very beautiful to look at but didnt really feel like praying there.

This pic was taken during the Dasara festival. During those ten days, the entire huge compound is lit up. The lights are amazing. There are programmes going on, bhajans being sung and devotees throng in the hundreds. The temple is like a one-stop shop for all the major Gods of the Hindu pantheon with little temples inside for each of them. The entire temple is built of marble, even the ground is laid with the cool stone. There is a kalyana mantapa or marriage hall inside that looks like the interior of a palace. My friend and I were so amazed that we wanted to get married right then and there, we were not really thinking of who the groom would be and such minor details! Thankfully, the feeling passed in a day!

Nine idols of Goddesses are displaced inside this hall and are taken out on procession on the last day. The temple doesnt look too beautiful without the lights. Good place. We especially loved the bhajans (prayers that are sung in chorus by a lot of people) and the lights. Never seen such a beautifully lit complex, apart from the Mysore Palace, of course!

2 comments:

Bishwanath Ghosh said...

This is one of the best blogs I've seen and I will explain why: it effectively showcases your sensitivity as a writer, your observation power as a journalist, and your aesthetics as an artist. For example, for most people, a dog is just a dog. Only a writer/artist can read a dog's facial expression -- whether it is that of arrogance or kindness or whatever.

Great blog. Great stuff. Keep it up.

Deepa Bhasthi said...

hey thanks! that means something, coming from a seasoned writer like you!
hope you keep coming back!
regards.