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Maha Shivratri or Mahashivratri is one of the most auspicious festivals in the Hindu religion. This great festival commemorates Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati's marriage and many other cosmic events related to Shiva. We were lucky to attend this feast on Feb 18th where a local organization fed tens of thousands of people - pictured here workers mass produce bread that is served with the meal - estimates suggested upwards of 40,000 of these pieces of bread were made that night!
People assemble garlands in Lucknow India for sale in local markets likely for the Shiva festival. Good to be back after a computer outage.
Brief illumination from a car's headlamps through my front bedroom window tonight, casting shadows of my dancing Shiva
It was pitch dark with moon already risen. Time was local quarter to 7pm
The initial raw image was Processed by AI software to improve the quality
Ancient and Historic Baijmath Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh -- side view
"Baijnath ( Shiva ) temple is a Nagara style Hindu temple situated in a small town of Baijnath located in Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India, and was built in 1204 AD by two local merchants named Ahuka and Manyuka."
Lord Shiva is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, revered as the "Destroyer" in the holy trinity, or Trimurti, which also includes Brahma (the Creator) and Vishnu (the Preserver). Shiva is a complex and multifaceted god, embodying both ascetic and householder aspects. He is often depicted with a third eye, a crescent moon on his head, and a snake wrapped around his neck. His primary consort is Parvati, and together they have two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya.
Some key aspects of Lord Shiva include:
The Destroyer and Transformer: While he is known as the destroyer, his role is to remove the old and make way for transformation and new creation.
Meditation and Asceticism: Shiva is often shown in deep meditation, symbolizing detachment and spiritual wisdom.
Lord of Dance (Nataraja): One of the most famous representations of Shiva is as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, who is believed to represent the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Symbols:
Trident (Trishul): Represents the three forces of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Damaru (Drum): Symbolizes the cosmic sound and rhythm of the universe.
Ganga: The river goddess Ganga, which flows from his matted hair, signifies purity and divine flow.
Blue Throat: This is due to the legend where Shiva drank the poison during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to protect the world.
I photographed this today with the late afternoon sunshine coming in through the window and illuminated the face of Shiva beautifully.
The silhouettes in front of his face are leaves of a Calathea plant which was a little sickly soon after I'd bought it sometime ago, but I'm glad to say is now thriving.
The Kedareshwara Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in Balligavi, a small town in the Shimoga district of the Indian state of Karnataka. Balligavi is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, and among its many ancient structures, the Kedareshwara Temple stands out for its intricate carvings and unique architecture.
The temple was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the primary deities of the Hindu tradition. It is believed that the temple was built during the reign of the Western Chalukya dynasty by King Vijayaditya Satyasraya, who was a great patron of art and literature. The temple is constructed in the Hoysala style of architecture, which was popular in the region during the 11th and 12th centuries.
The Kedareshwara Temple is a perfect example of Hoysala architecture, which is characterized by its intricate carvings, ornate pillars, and sculpted figures. The temple is built on a raised platform and has a simple rectangular plan. The exterior walls of the temple are decorated with beautiful sculptures of gods and goddesses, mythical creatures, and floral patterns. The main entrance to the temple is a massive stone gateway with intricately carved sculptures.
Once inside the temple, one can see the magnificent sculptures of the various deities, including Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and their consorts. The central sanctum is where the main deity, Lord Kedareshwara, is enshrined. The sanctum is carved out of solid granite and is elevated from the ground level. The outer walls of the sanctum are adorned with beautiful carvings of gods and goddesses. The temple also has a large hall with several beautifully carved pillars which support the roof.
One of the unique features of the Kedareshwara Temple is an inscription found in the temple that explains the significance of the temple. The inscription is written in Kannada and is considered to be one of the earliest examples of Kannada literature. The inscription praises the contributions of King Vijayaditya Satyasraya and his queen in the construction of the temple. It also provides valuable information about the temple's architecture and its significance.
In conclusion, the Kedareshwara Temple is an architectural marvel that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka. The temple's intricate carvings, beautiful sculptures, and unique architecture are a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the craftsmen who built it. The temple is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture. Its beauty and grandeur will leave a lasting impression on visitors and make them appreciate the richness of Indian culture and heritage.
Standing at Chandrashila, a trekking peak in the Garhwal Himalaya, we watch as the last rays of the setting sun seemed to not want to leave the slopes of Mount Kedar...and the surrounding range of Himalayn Peaks.
Image is an HDR with 3 different exposures.
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The central idol is the fierce, multi-armed goddess Kali, who is typically depicted standing on the prostrate body of her husband, Lord Shiva. The festival is celebrated primarily in the Indian states of West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam.
Kali Puja is a major festival that takes place on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which coincides with Diwali, the festival of lights. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the destruction of ignorance and ego. Devotees worship Goddess Kali to seek her protection from negative forces and to gain inner strength. In cities like Kolkata, the festival is celebrated with great fervor, with elaborate pandals and rituals
The lake at Katas Raj is said to have formed from the teardrop of Lord Shiva mourning the death of his wife Satti.
Rays from setting sun illuminating the trident shaped peak, Mt Trishul, an impressive 23000ft peak of Kumaon himalayas.This particular shot was taken from Gandhi ashram, Kausani.
The Katas Raj Temple complex in the Punjab is a sight to behold, and this panoramic photograph does it justice. Ancient stone temples, lush vegetation, and a pond create a breathtaking panorama that attests to the region's spiritual and cultural wealth. The Katas Raj complex, built in the sixth century and dedicated to Shiva, is one of the holiest Hindu sites. The image that has drawn visitors and pilgrims to this holy site for centuries is palpable as you take in this vista.
Dasaswamedh Ghat is one of the most important Ghats of Varanasi. Dasaswamedh literally means the Ghat (river front) of ten sacrificed horses. According to legends ten horses were sacrificed by Lord Brahma to allow Lord Shiva to return from a period of banishment. In spite of the fact that Dasaswamedh is one of the oldest Ghats of Varanasi, dating back to many thousand years, the Ghat has remained unspoilt and clean.
Mt Kinner kailash in my sights! This twenty thousander is supposed to be the winter abode of Lord Shiva and is considered to be the 2nd most sacred kailash after the one at Mansarovar in Tibet.
"In the stillness of meditation, Shiva holds the universe within. The creator, the destroyer, the eternal force — he reminds us that from every ending comes a new beginning. The cosmic dance of life and death unfolds, yet through it all, Shiva remains unmoved, embodying the infinite power of transformation."
Just to the north of the centre of Seremban is Then Sze Khoon, a Taoist temple on Wu Gong Hill. It's noted for its eclecticism which is among many things exemplified by this humorous statue of Hanuman, the Ape Avatar of Shiva, perching just off a temple balcony. What he's seeing in the distance is anyone's guess. Perhaps my flight back to Amsterdam tomorrow night...
Or he may be fighting an advancing Lord Shiva...
This temple was located at Roopkund and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Backdrop of Junar Gali and Mt. Trishul makes for great views upon reaching here. Trekkers offer their prayers and thank the almighty for their well being.
This sub-shrine is dedicated to Goddess Brihannayagi, the consort of Lord Siva. This was built by a later Pandya King in the 13th century.
The shrine and idol is placed facing north as with any other Siva temple.
The oval shape black is " shiva lingam" which indicates that in this universe every being, matter, celestial bodies are oval in shape. A Shiva Linga consists of three parts. The lowest of these is called the Brahma-Pitha; the middle one, the Vishnu-Pitha; the uppermost one, the Shiva-Pitha. These are associated with the Hindu pantheon of gods: Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer).The shape of the milky way, solar system are all oval. The Lingam is shaped like an egg and represents the 'Brahmanda' or the cosmic egg.
lingam, in Hinduism, a votary object that symbolizes the god Shiva and is revered as an emblem of generative power. The lingam appears in Shaivite temples and in private shrines throughout India.
According to Hindu mythology women should not touch the Shivling, and everyone should stay away from non-veg food, onion, garlic and raw milk, etc, throughout Shravan Mass.
I finally finished Lord Shiva. If anyone is wondering what the difference is since the last Lord Shiva pic, I seed stitched the hair.
Poor Penny Nickels, I promised this for her waaaaaayyyyyy back in February of this year. Let's hope she forgives my tardiness.
All Lord Shiva needs is a frame and off he goes to live with Penny and Johnny Murder.
Leaning temple of Varanasi
From this angle, it is not obvious that this temple is leaning. A view from the water would show the angle better, make itin fact, it is partly submerged in the Ganges river.
This partly submerged temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated at the Scindia Ghat, in Varanasi
According to a legend, this Shiva temple was built by a king named Man Singh for his mother ‘Ratna Bai’ as repayment for everything his mother had done for him. Ratna Bhai did not like the idea, though. She cursed the temple saying nothing could repay what a mother does for a daughter or son. Due the curse, the temple leaned to eventually sink.
If you like this picture from my trip to India, you can see more at www.flickr.com/photos/chizuka/albums/72157673735932443
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Lepakshi is a small village in Mandal in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located 15 km (9.3 mi) east of Hindupur and approximately 120 km (75 mi) north of Bangalore. Lepakshi is culturally and archaeologically significant as it is the location of shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra which were built during the Vijayanagara Kings' period (1336–1646).[2] The temples are the location of mural paintings of the Vijayanagar kings and Kannada inscriptions. Near the temple complex is a large granite Nandi bull.
As the civilisation evolved, religion and temples and other religious centres acted as focal point of societies around the world. India is no exception.
Many large temples in ancient and mediaeval India acted as learning centres. Religion was instrumental in laying ethics for the society, gave art, craft, sculpture, music, performing arts and linguistics a huge boost.
Tarakeswara Temple located in a small dusty town of Hangal, even today is centre for various societal activities.
When I visited this ancient temple, a group of women from around the locality were having their regular meeting. I was told that they exchange information, practice music and even exchange recipes while they meet under the roofs of this ancient temple.
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The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known as “Great Living Chola Temples”
Vimanam or the sanctum sanctorum, seen here is 216 feet or 66 meters high. This 14 tier pyramid shaped vimanam has a huge monolithic dome shaped cupola on the top carved from an 81.3 tonne block of granite.
Vimanam was raised with the aid of a 6 km long inclined plane.
Sanctum has gigantic lingam/linga called Mahalingam, measuring 4 meters in height.
Adiyogi Shiva Statue (112 feet) was unveiled on 15th January 2023 in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, India.
"The Adiyogi statue has been built at Isha Foundation premises at Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka State in India. The Ashram has been set up to promote Indian art, culture and spiritual traditions. Cultural programmes including Bharathanatyam by Radhe Jaggi,"
Adiyogi Statue has been recognised as the “Largest Bust Structure” in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records, and stands 112 feet tall. This iconic image of the first yogi is 150 feet long, 25 feet wide, and made from around 500 tons of steel.
"Hoysaleswara temple/ Halebidu temple, is a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the largest monument in Halebidu town, Karnataka, India. The temple was built on the banks of a large man-made lake, and sponsored by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire. Its construction started around 1121 CE and was complete in 1160 CE. During the early 14th century, Halebidu was twice sacked and plundered by the Muslim armies of the Delhi Sultanate from northern India, and the temple and the capital fell into a state of ruin and neglect. It is about 210 kilometres from Bengaluru."
This picture is shot by chance in a village in Garhwal Himalayas. The life in the villages is very tough and the economy revolves around women, cattles and organic agriculture through very small holdings... a mere subsistence level to survive! Men folks are generally migrated to the plains in search of work and slowly the family travels to his new found home! A very few family lives in the villeges.
This woman was old, sick and helpless that she could not even take that fly away from her face/nose.
Lepakshi is a small village in Mandal in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located 15 km east of Hindupur and approximately 120 km north of Bangalore.
Reflections in one of my framed photographic giclée prints of my Shiva bust from Sri Lanka. Hanging below is a carved Jade Möbius made by my friend Andrew who lives and carves in China, and on the wall, a framed print by English artist Val Lewis.
Peter Gabriel ~ The Court (Dark-Side Mix)
Halasuru Someshwara Temple is the oldest temple in the Bengaluru city dating back to the Chola period and dedicated to the Lord Shiva. Major additions or modifications were made during the late Vijayanagara Empire period under the rule of Hiriya Kempe Gowda II.
In the "Gazetter of Mysore" (1887), Benjamin Lewis Rice describes a legend behind the consecration of the temple. Kempe Gowda, while on a hunt, rode far away from his capital Yalahanka. Being tired, he rested under a tree and fell asleep. The local deity Someshwara appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to build a temple in his honor using buried treasure. In return the chieftain would receive divine favor. Kempe Gowda found the treasure and dutifully completed the temple.
A thunderstorm was approaching from the west, thundering clouds and flashes of light made my heart shiver. You see, less than a month back, a thunderbolt hit the ground, less than 20 feet from me and I had felt the life within me leave my body. It had snowed the previous night and I did not want to miss this chance I had gotten in years.
So here I was, as much focused on the shot in front of me, as much on the approaching thunderstorm. Needless to say, I left the place before I got hit by another one.
The temple tower or ‘Gopuram’ is built in fourteen storeys and said to be 216 ft high. It is among the tallest of its kind in India, complete with images of gods of the Hindu pantheon sculpted onto it. The large bulbous/dome shaped structure right at the top of the gopuram is also said to be a monolith and estimated to weigh 80 tons. It is believed that in order to get this structure to the top of the tower, an inclined plane was built starting four miles north-east of the city!!
Lepakshi is a small village in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located approximately 120 km north of Bangalore. Lepakshi shrines are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra, which were built during the Vijayanagara Kings' period (1336–1646). The temples are the location of mural paintings of the Vijayanagara kings and Kannada inscriptions.