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View from Macallister Springs camp ground over the Terrible Hollow. Mt Buggery (left) and Mt Speculation in the distance.
How Architecture Learned to Speculate
Mona Mahall and Asli Serbest
December 2009
For the first time, the speculative in architecture becomes a topic of critical research. It is investigated, not as idealistic but as strategic acting within endless modernity. This modernity implies that speculation, as strategic acting, is not only applied to economic, but also to political, and aesthetic values. The consequences? Values become mobile, valuations become a play with high and low, authors (architects) become winners or losers, and culture becomes fashion.
Including projects by Michael Najjar, Matthieu Laurette, NL Architects, PARA-Project, visiondivision, MVRDV, Aristide Antonas, David Schalliol, Kevin Bauman, FAT, David Trautrimas, JODI, Bernard Gigounon, Ralf Schreiber, Gitta Gschwendtner, Pascual Sisto, Darlene Charneco, Seyed Alavi, Helmut Smits, Ant Farm, 100101110101101.ORG, Caspar Stracke, and OMA.
ISBN: 978-3-00-029876-9
Number of pages: 246
Measurements: 19 x 12 x 1,1 cm
Pinewood forest of Castel Volturno. The pinet has been almost destroyed in the '60s by the construction of VIllaggio Coppola, one of the biggest example of real state speculation in Italy. Often place for illegal traffic, the pinewood is the way to school for most of the children living in Catel Volturno. ### La Pineta di Castel Volturno. La pineta e' stata quasi completamente distrutta negli anni '60 per la costruzione del Villaggio Coppola, uno dei piu' terrificanti esempi di abusivismo edilizio in Italia. Spesso luogo per traffici illegali, quali droga e prostituzione, e' la strada per andare a scuola per molti dei ragazzi della zona.
While there is speculation betwixt the two of us as to exactly what we found, here is the evidence there are indeed fossils in the area, and not all of them are in the sand stone we have previously found the bivalve shells in.
Photography: Craige Barker
A speculation on the real life disappearance of the enigmatic Connie Converse - Why did the aspiring singer-songwriter who vanish into thin air?
Witness the gripping the haunting true(-ish!) story that remains a mystery to this day.
Diving deep into the sensitive themes of mental health and queerness in mid-century America, be transported into Connie's world and see how these struggles might have affected her life and ultimately led to her vanishing without a trace.
manchester.ssboxoffice.com/events/what-happened-to-connie...
The despair of this speculator in railroad stocks is obvious. During the 1840s in the U.S., merchants and other members of the middle class began trading stocks widely, and the first guidebooks about speculating on Wall Street were published. The most popular railroad shares were called "fancy stocks," trading at huge multiples of their earnings and with enormous volatility that often wiped out amateur speculators. This trader crushes in his hand a pamphlet called "The Art of Making a Fortune in 2 Hours." (Some things never change.) One of the stocks in the recommended list is the Morris Canal and Banking Co., which wags nicknamed "the Morrison Kennel" because it was such a dog. "Fortunes have been lost and won upon its fluctuations," wrote William Armstrong, a "reformed stock gambler," in 1848.
Currier and Ives engraving, 1849.
The Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3a36251/
This is a portrait of Thelma, a beloved Chinese goose that disappeared from my local lake on January 5th, 2010. Here is the original story I wrote about her...
"On January 5th, Thelma the goose, the true spirit of the lake where I take so many of my bird photos, vanished. She was last seen walking along with an unidentified park visitor (not a lake regular). Speculation ranges from the likelihood (very high) of her having been goosenapped and perhaps ending up as someone's dinner to the possibility of a coyote kill. However, no remains or signs of struggle have been found anywhere in the entire area giving a lot more weight to the goosenapping theory.
Plus, other geese and ducks have disappeared recently. On Christmas, I was taking pictures when a guy approached me and asked me if I liked duck. Said he'd catch me one. I told him to get the hell outta there or I'd call the police. And just this past weekend, I confronted a group of young guys who were wandering the lakeshore trying to catch ducks and coots by throwing their jackets and sweatshirts at them.
I only started photographing birds at the lake this past September, but quickly became an almost daily visitor. The first day I arrived, I met Steve "Birdman" Hessong. Steve is the same guy who rescued the cormorant that appears in one of my recent images. He is such a kind and generous man as well as a true hero to so many birds and squirrels he has named and cared for over the years. He calls them his "grand kids."
It was Steve who first told me the story of Thelma and Louise. The two geese were dropped off at the lake about three years ago. They were inseparable. Louise was subsequently run over by a visitor driving through the park who, according to Steve, backed over the goose to finish the job.
Thelma was inconsolable for months. She would crawl into Steve's lap and cry. Then, she found a new avian companion, Sam, another Chinese goose. But Sam disappeared this past Thanksgiving morning, and Thelma was alone again. You could feel her sadness and sense of isolation, alleviated only in part by her caring human companions. She loved and was loved by many. A lot of people are so sad she's gone. One woman won't even come to the lake any more, and Thelma's very best friend, Gary, has difficulty even talking about it.
I should note that Thelma was a very discerning bird. If she didn't like someone, she would let them know, usually by lowering her head, charging and if the person didn't back off, she'd try to bite their feet and legs. She chased away many people and if someone swatted her, put a foot up to block a confrontation or tried to shoo her away, she never forgot it.
It so happens that I was one of the lucky humans whom Thelma befriended. Most recently, we spent a glorious New Year's Day together at the lake. I got there just after sunrise, and she was standing in the morning mist atop a shallow knoll. Yes, a grassy one. Virtually no one else was at the lake this early, and she followed me around as I took pictures, squawking her opinion throughout.
At one point as we were both standing side by side surveying the lake, I looked at her, shook my head and laughed, then cried, then laughed again at the thought of us hanging out and welcoming in the new year together. There we were: a couple of crazy old birds, each missing our soulmates.
And so for that day, Thelma was my soulmate and I was hers. She let me hand feed her, pet and caress her. She rested her head on my leg when I sat on a bench for a while. She even jealously chased away a couple of other photographers who had come over to say "hello." At one point, she took a nap at my feet. Such a tender and sweet moment. Later, she went for a swim and gave watery chase to the "three amigos," a trio of more typically agressive geese who always taunted her.
Having lost a good portion of one wing some years ago, Thelma couldn't fly or even get out of the lake by herself except where the shoreline sloped gradually into the water. Then, she could walk out. But that day, when she gleefully leaped on top of one of the three amigos in the water, she was riding along with her one good wing waving in the air like a professional bull rider. The goose under her bucked like crazy, but she hung in for a long time, refusing to let go. It was so great to see her giving them a dose of the same aggravation they'd always given her.
The whole day was magical. We spent many hours together, and I'm so glad I was able to take dozens of images of her. This close-up portrait in particular brings me to tears because you can really see her majestic but gentle soul in it. Without question those beautiful blue eyes made a profound connection -- bird to human.
A few days later on the 4th, I was again at the lake when I heard Thelma's plaintive "where are you" cry as she wandered into the area. (She had different vocalizations for different situations.) I called to her. She turned, and as soon as she recognized me, she came running and honking with such exuberance and joy. She didn't care that I had no food to give. All she wanted was love. I hugged her and we "talked" for a while, again sharing some wonderful, now very precious, time together before she ambled off to greet Steve and her other human friends.
I last saw her the morning of January 5th, the day she disappeared. She came up to me, barked a familiar "hello, friend," nibbled the hem of my skirt and nuzzled my hand. She gently took the corn I offered, but really, she just wanted to socialize. I had to run off to work, so we didn't spend much time together, something I truly regret now. When I heard a couple of days later that she was missing, I was devastated. I couldn't even go through the images and try to choose one for this tribute until today.
Although I had only known Thelma a relatively short time, she really touched my life. In the days after she vanished, I thought of all the times she would run over to greet me at my car, always wanting to climb right into the driver's seat with me. It saddens me that her friendliness may have led to her disappearance. I especially feel for the long-time lake regulars who loved Thelma so deeply and cared for her during her years there. She's an amazing creature. I hope through some miracle she comes back. It's just not the same without her."
[Note: Thelma never returned. I still miss her...]
A note about the image. It was shot early in the morning, after sunrise, but with the sun still low on the horizon. The dark background you see is actually the lake. As she did in most every situation, Thelma stands out, her lovely presence glowing ever-so-radiantly in even the darkest of surroundings.
All of my photos, videos and text are copyright Kahlee Brighton, all rights reserved. This material is not in the public domain which means it is not free for anyone to use. It may not be copied, printed or otherwise reproduced in any manner or form, whether in whole or in part, used on websites, blogs, or in any other media (and that includes, but is not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Stumble Upon, Tumblr, YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) without my express written permission in advance. If you'd like to purchase, license or in any way use my work, please contact me directly. Thank you.
Varanasi, also known as Benares, or Kashi is an Indian city on the banks of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometres south-east of the state capital, Lucknow. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism, and Jainism, and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Some Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is also known as the favourite city of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva as it has been mentioned in the Rigveda that this city in older times was known as Kashi or "Shiv ki Nagri".
The Kashi Naresh (Maharaja of Kashi) is the chief cultural patron of Varanasi, and an essential part of all religious celebrations. The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the Ganges. The city has been a cultural centre of North India for several thousand years, and has a history that is older than most of the major world religions. The Benares Gharana form of Hindustani classical music was developed in Varanasi, and many prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians live or have lived in Varanasi. Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, located near Varanasi.
Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India. It is often referred to as "the holy city of India", "the religious capital of India", "the city of Shiva", and "the city of learning". Scholarly books have been written in the city, including the Ramcharitmanas of Tulsidas. Today, there is a temple of his namesake in the city, the Tulsi Manas Mandir. The current temples and religious institutions in the city are dated to the 18th century. One of the largest residential universities of Asia, the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), is located here.
ETYMOLOGY
The name Varanasi possibly originates from the names of the two rivers: Varuna, still flowing in Varanasi, and Asi, a small stream near Assi Ghat. The old city does lie on the north shores of Ganges River bounded by its two tributaries Varuna and Asi. Another speculation is that the city derives its name from the river Varuna, which was called Varanasi in olden times.[11] This is generally disregarded by historians. Through the ages, Varanasi has been known by many names including Kāśī or Kashi (used by pilgrims dating from Buddha's days), Kāśikā (the shining one), Avimukta ("never forsaken" by Shiva), Ānandavana (the forest of bliss), and Rudravāsa (the place where Rudra/Śiva resides).
In the Rigveda, the city is referred to as Kāśī or Kashi, the luminous city as an eminent seat of learning. The name Kāśī is also mentioned in the Skanda Purana. In one verse, Shiva says, "The three worlds form one city of mine, and Kāśī is my royal palace therein." The name Kashi may be translated as "City of Light".
HISTORY
According to legend, Varanasi was founded by the God Shiva. The Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata are also stated to have visited the city in search of Shiva to atone for their sins of fratricide and Brāhmanahatya that they had committed during the climactic Kurukshetra war. It is regarded as one of seven holy cities which can provide Moksha:
The earliest known archaeological evidence suggests that settlement around Varanasi in the Ganga valley (the seat of Vedic religion and philosophy) began in the 11th or 12th century BC, placing it among the world's oldest continually inhabited cities. These archaeological remains suggest that the Varanasi area was populated by Vedic people. However, the Atharvaveda (the oldest known text referencing the city), which dates to approximately the same period, suggests that the area was populated by indigenous tribes. It is possible that archaeological evidence of these previous inhabitants has yet to be discovered. Recent excavations at Aktha and Ramnagar, two sites very near to Varanasi, show them to be from 1800 BC, suggesting Varanasi started to be inhabited by that time too. Varanasi was also home to Parshva, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara and the earliest Tirthankara accepted as a historical figure in the 8th century BC.
Varanasi grew as an important industrial centre, famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture. During the time of Gautama Buddha (born circa 567 BC), Varanasi was the capital of the Kingdom of Kashi. Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around 528 BC when he gave his first sermon, "Turning the Wheel of Law", at nearby Sarnath. The celebrated Chinese traveller Xuanzang, who visited the city around 635 AD, attested that the city was a centre of religious and artistic activities, and that it extended for about 5 kilometres along the western bank of the Ganges. When Xuanzang, also known as Hiuen Tsiang, visited Varanasi in the 7th century, he named it "Polonisse" and wrote that the city had some 30 temples with about 30 monks. The city's religious importance continued to grow in the 8th century, when Adi Shankara established the worship of Shiva as an official sect of Varanasi.
In ancient times, Varanasi was connected by a road starting from Taxila and ending at Pataliputra during the Mauryan Empire. In 1194, the city succumbed to Turkish Muslim rule under Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who ordered the destruction of some one thousand temples in the city. The city went into decline over some three centuries of Muslim occupation, although new temples were erected in the 13th century after the Afghan invasion. Feroz Shah ordered further destruction of Hindu temples in the Varanasi area in 1376. The Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi continued the suppression of Hinduism in the city and destroyed most of the remaining older temples in 1496. Despite the Muslim rule, Varanasi remained the centre of activity for intellectuals and theologians during the Middle Ages, which further contributed to its reputation as a cultural centre of religion and education. Several major figures of the Bhakti movement were born in Varanasi, including Kabir who was born here in 1389 and hailed as "the most outstanding of the saint-poets of Bhakti cult (devotion) and mysticism of 15th-Century India"; and Ravidas, a 15th-century socio-religious reformer, mystic, poet, traveller, and spiritual figure, who was born and lived in the city and employed in the tannery industry. Similarly, numerous eminent scholars and preachers visited the city from across India and south Asia. Guru Nanak Dev visited Varanasi for Shivratri in 1507, a trip that played a large role in the founding of Sikhism.
In the 16th century, Varanasi experienced a cultural revival under the Muslim Mughal emperor Akbar who invested in the city, and built two large temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. The Raja of Poona established the Annapurnamandir and the 200 metres Akbari Bridge was also completed during this period. The earliest tourists began arriving in the city during the 16th century. In 1665, the French traveller Jean Baptiste Tavernier described the architectural beauty of the Vindu Madhava temple on the side of the Ganges. The road infrastructure was also improved during this period and extended from Kolkata to Peshawar by Emperor Sher Shah Suri; later during the British Raj it came to be known as the famous Grand Trunk Road. In 1656, emperor Aurangzeb ordered the destruction of many temples and the building of mosques, causing the city to experience a temporary setback. However, after Aurangazeb's death, most of India was ruled by a confederacy of pro-Hindu kings. Much of modern Varanasi was built during this time by the Rajput and Maratha kings, especially during the 18th century, and most of the important buildings in the city today date to this period. The kings continued to be important through much of the British rule (1775–1947 AD), including the Maharaja of Benares, or Kashi Naresh. The kingdom of Benares was given official status by the Mughals in 1737, and continued as a dynasty-governed area until Indian independence in 1947, during the reign of Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh. In the 18th century, Muhammad Shah ordered the construction of an observatory on the Ganges, attached to Man Mandir Ghat, designed to discover imperfections in the calendar in order to revise existing astronomical tables. Tourism in the city began to flourish in the 18th century. In 1791, under the rule of the British Governor-General Warren Hastings, Jonathan Duncan founded a Sanskrit College in Varanasi. In 1867, the establishment of the Varanasi Municipal Board led to significant improvements in the city.
In 1897, Mark Twain, the renowned Indophile, said of Varanasi, "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together." In 1910, the British made Varanasi a new Indian state, with Ramanagar as its headquarters but with no jurisdiction over the city of Varanasi itself. Kashi Naresh still resides in the Ramnagar Fort which is situated to the east of Varanasi, across the Ganges. Ramnagar Fort and its museum are the repository of the history of the kings of Varanasi. Since the 18th century, the fort has been the home of Kashi Naresh, deeply revered by the local people. He is the religious head and some devout inhabitants consider him to be the incarnation of Shiva. He is also the chief cultural patron and an essential part of all religious celebrations.
A massacre by British troops, of the Indian troops stationed here and of the population of the city, took place during the early stages of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Annie Besant worked in Varanasi to promote theosophy and founded the Central Hindu College which later became a foundation for the creation of Banaras Hindu University as a secular university in 1916. Her purpose in founding the Central Hindu College in Varanasi was that she "wanted to bring men of all religions together under the ideal of brotherhood in order to promote Indian cultural values and to remove ill-will among different sections of the Indian population."
Varanasi was ceded to the Union of India on 15 October 1948. After the death of Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh in 2000, his son Anant Narayan Singh became the figurehead king, responsible for upholding the traditional duties of a Kashi Naresh.
MAIN SIGHTS
Varanasi's "Old City", the quarter near the banks of the Ganga river, has crowded narrow winding lanes flanked by road-side shops and scores of Hindu temples. As atmospheric as it is confusing, Varanasi's labyrinthine Old City has a rich culture, attracting many travellers and tourists. The main residential areas of Varanasi (especially for the middle and upper classes) are situated in regions far from the ghats; they are more spacious and less polluted.
Museums in and around Varanasi include Jantar Mantar, Sarnath Museum, Bharat Kala Bhawan and Ramnagar Fort.
JANTAR MANTAR
The Jantar Mantar observatory (1737) is located above the ghats on the Ganges, much above the high water level in the Ganges next to the Manmandir Ghat, near to Dasaswamedh Ghat and adjoining the palace of Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur. Compared to the observatories at Jaipur and Delhi, it is less well equipped but has a unique equatorial sundial which is functional and allows measurements to be monitored and recorded by one person.
RAMNAGAR FORT
The Ramnagar Fort located near the Ganges River on its eastern bank, opposite to the Tulsi Ghat, was built in the 18th century by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh with creamy chunar sandstone. It is in a typically Mughal style of architecture with carved balconies, open courtyards, and scenic pavilions. At present the fort is not in good repair. The fort and its museum are the repository of the history of the kings of Benares. It has been the home of the Kashi Naresh since the 18th century. The current king and the resident of the fort is Anant Narayan Singh who is also known as the Maharaja of Varanasi even though this royal title has been abolished since 1971. Labeled "an eccentric museum", it has a rare collection of American vintage cars, sedan chairs (bejeweled), an impressive weaponry hall and a rare astrological clock. In addition, manuscripts, especially religious writings, are housed in the Saraswati Bhawan. Also included is a precious handwritten manuscript by Goswami Tulsidas. Many books illustrated in the Mughal miniature style, with beautifully designed covers are also part of the collections. Because of its scenic location on the banks of the Ganges, it is frequently used as an outdoor shooting location for films. The film titled Banaras is one of the popular movies shot here. However, only a part of the fort is open for public viewing as the rest of the area is the residence of the Kashi Naresh and his family. It is 14 kilometres from Varanasi.
GHATS
Ghats are embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the river bank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions. Ghats in Varanasi are an integral complement to the concept of divinity represented in physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. All the ghats are locations on "the divine cosmic road", indicative of "its manifest transcendental dimension" Varanasi has at least 84 ghats. Steps in the ghats lead to the banks of River Ganges, including the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Manikarnika Ghat, the Panchganga Ghat and the Harishchandra Ghat (where Hindus cremate their dead). Many ghats are associated with legends and several are now privately owned.
Many of the ghats were built when the city was under Maratha control. Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkars, Bhonsles, and Peshwas stand out as patrons of present-day Varanasi. Most of the ghats are bathing ghats, while others are used as cremation sites. A morning boat ride on the Ganges across the ghats is a popular visitor attraction. The extensive stretches of ghats enhance the river front with a multitude of shrines, temples and palaces built "tier on tier above the water’s edge".
The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main and probably the oldest ghat of Varansi located on the Ganges, close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is believed that Brahma created it to welcome Shiva and sacrificed ten horses during the Dasa -Ashwamedha yajna performed here. Above the ghat and close to it, there are also temples dedicated to Sulatankesvara, Brahmesvara, Varahesvara, Abhaya Vinayaka, Ganga (the Ganges), and Bandi Devi which are part of important pilgrimage journeys. A group of priests perform "Agni Pooja" (Worship to Fire) daily in the evening at this ghat as a dedication to Shiva, Ganga, Surya (Sun), Agni (Fire), and the whole universe. Special aartis are held on Tuesdays and on religious festivals.
The Manikarnika Ghat is the Mahasmasana (meaning: "great cremation ground") and is the primary site for Hindu cremation in the city. Adjoining the ghat, there are raised platforms that are used for death anniversary rituals. It is said that an ear-ring (Manikarnika) of Shiva or his wife Sati fell here. According to a myth related to the Tarakesvara Temple, a Shiva temple at the ghat, Shiva whispers the Taraka mantra ("Prayer of the crossing") in the ear of the dead. Fourth-century Gupta period inscriptions mention this ghat. However, the current ghat as a permanent riverside embankment was built in 1302 and has been renovated at least three times.
TEMPLES
Among the estimated 23000 temples in Varanasi, the most worshiped are: the Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Shiva; the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple; and the Durga Temple known for the band of monkeys that reside in the large trees nearby.
Located on the outskirts of the Ganges, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple – dedicated to Varanasi's presiding deity Shiva (Vishwanath – "Lord of the world") – is an important Hindu temple and one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shiva temples. It is believed that a single view of Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is worth more than that of other jyotirlingas. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times. The Gyanvapi Mosque, which is adjacent to the temple, is the original site of the temple. The temple, as it exists now, also called Golden Temple, was built in 1780 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. The two pinnacles of the temple are covered in gold, donated in 1839 by Ranjit Singh, the ruler of the Punjab and the remaining dome is also planned to be gold plated by the Ministry of Culture & Religious Affairs of Uttar Pradesh. On 28 January 1983, the temple was taken over by the government of Uttar Pradesh and its management was transferred to a trust with then Kashi Naresh, Vibhuti Narayan Singh, as president and an executive committee with a Divisional Commissioner as chairman. Numerous rituals, prayers and aratis are held daily, starting from 2:30 am till 11:00 pm.
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the sacred temples of the Hindu god Hanuman situated by the Assi River, on the way to the Durga and New Vishwanath temples within the Banaras Hindu University campus. The present temple structure was built in early 1900s by the educationist and freedom fighter, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of Banaras Hindu University. It is believed the temple was built on the very spot where the medieval Hindu saint Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman. Thousands flock to the temple on Tuesdays and Saturdays, weekdays associated with Hanuman. On 7 March 2006, in a terrorist attack one of the three explosions hit the temple while the Aarti was in progress when numerous devotees and people attending a wedding were present and many were injured. However, normal worship was resumed the next day with devotees visiting the temple and reciting hymns of Hanuman Chalisa (authored by Tulidas) and Sundarkand (a booklet of these hymns is provided free of charge in the temple). After the terrorist incident, a permanent police post was set up inside the temple.
There are two temples named "Durga" in Varanasi, Durga Mandir (built about 500 years ago), and Durga Kund (built in the 18th century). Thousands of Hindu devotees visit Durga Kund during Navratri to worship the goddess Durga. The temple, built in Nagara architectural style, has multi-tiered spires[96] and is stained red with ochre, representing the red colour of Durga. The building has a rectangular tank of water called the Durga Kund ("Kund" meaning a pond or pool). Every year on the occasion of Nag Panchami, the act of depicting the god Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha is recreated in the Kund.
While the Annapurna Temple, located close to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, is dedicated to Annapurna, the goddess of food, the Sankatha Temple close to the Sindhia Ghat is dedicated to Sankatha, the goddess of remedy. The Sankatha temple has a large sculpture of a lion and a nine temple cluster dedicated to the nine planets.
Kalabhairav Temple, an ancient temple located near the Head Post Office at Visheshar Ganj, is dedicated to Kala-Bhairava, the guardian (Kotwal) of Varanasi. The Mrithyunjay Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is situated on the way to Daranagar to Kalbhairav temple. A well near the temple has some religious significance as its water source is believed to be fed from several underground streams, having curative powers.
The New Vishwanath Temple located in the campus of Banaras Hindu University is a modern temple which was planned by Pandit Malviya and built by the Birlas. The Tulsi Manas Temple, nearby the Durga Temple, is a modern temple dedicated to the god Rama. It is built at the place where Tulsidas authored the Ramcharitmanas, which narrates the life of Rama. Many verses from this epic are inscribed on the temple walls.
The Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to the national personification of India, was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. It has relief maps of India carved in marble. Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and Durga Prasad Khatri, leading numismatists, antiquarians and nationalist leaders, donated funds for its construction.
RELIGION
HINDUISM
Varanasi is one of the holiest cities and centres of pilgrimage for Hindus of all denominations. It is one of the seven Hindu holiest cities (Sapta Puri), considered the giver of salvation (moksha). Over 50,000 Brahmins live in Varanasi, providing religious services to the masses. Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges remits sins and that dying in Kashi ensures release of a person's soul from the cycle of its transmigrations. Thus, many Hindus arrive here for dying.
As the home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Jyotirlinga, it is very sacred for Shaivism. Varanasi is also a Shakti Peetha, where the temple to goddess Vishalakshi stands, believed to be the spot where the goddess Sati's earrings fell. Hindus of the Shakti sect make a pilgrimage to the city because they regard the River Ganges itself to be the Goddess Shakti. Adi Shankara wrote his commentaries on Hinduism here, leading to the great Hindu revival.
In 2001, Hindus made up approximately 84% of the population of Varanasi District.
ISLAM
Varanasi is one of the holiest cities and centres of pilgrimage for Hindus of all denominations. It is one of the seven Hindu holiest cities (Sapta Puri), considered the giver of salvation (moksha). Over 50,000 Brahmins live in Varanasi, providing religious services to the masses. Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges remits sins and that dying in Kashi ensures release of a person's soul from the cycle of its transmigrations. Thus, many Hindus arrive here for dying.
As the home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Jyotirlinga, it is very sacred for Shaivism. Varanasi is also a Shakti Peetha, where the temple to goddess Vishalakshi stands, believed to be the spot where the goddess Sati's earrings fell. Hindus of the Shakti sect make a pilgrimage to the city because they regard the River Ganges itself to be the Goddess Shakti. Adi Shankara wrote his commentaries on Hinduism here, leading to the great Hindu revival.
In 2001, Hindus made up approximately 84% of the population of Varanasi District.
OTHERS
At the 2001 census, persons of other religions or no religion made up 0.4% of the population of Varanasi District.
Varanasi is a pilgrimage site for Jains along with Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed to be the birthplace of Suparshvanath, Shreyansanath, and Parshva, who are respectively the seventh, eleventh, and twenty-third Jain Tirthankars and as such Varanasi is a holy city for Jains. Shree Parshvanath Digambar Jain Tirth Kshetra (Digambar Jain Temple) is situated in Bhelupur, Varanasi. This temple is of great religious importance to the Jain Religion.
Sarnath, a suburb of Varanasi, is a place of Buddhist pilgrimage. It is the site of the deer park where Siddhartha Gautama of Nepal is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. The Dhamek Stupa is one of the few pre-Ashokan stupas still in existence, though only its foundation remains. Also remaining is the Chaukhandi Stupa commemorating the spot where Buddha met his first disciples in the 5th century. An octagonal tower was built later there.
Guru Nanak Dev visited Varanasi for Shivratri in 1507 and had an encounter which with other events forms the basis for the story of the founding of Sikhism. Varanasi also hosts the Roman Catholic Diocese of Varanasi, and has an insignificant Jewish expatriate community. Varanasi is home to numerous tribal faiths which are not easily classified.
Dalits are 13% of population Of Varanasi city. Most dalits are followers of Guru Ravidass. So Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan is important place of pilgrimage for Ravidasis from all around India.
RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
On Mahashivaratri (February) – which is dedicated to Shiva – a procession of Shiva proceeds from the Mahamrityunjaya Temple to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Dhrupad Mela is a five-day musical festival devoted to dhrupad style held at Tulsi Ghat in February–March.
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple celebrates Hanuman Jayanti (March–April), the birthday of Hanuman with great fervour. A special puja, aarti, and a public procession is organized. Starting in 1923, the temple organizes a five-day classical music and dance concert festival titled Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh in this period, when iconic artists from all parts of India are invited to perform.
The Ramlila of Ramnagar is a dramatic enactment of Rama's legend, as told in Ramacharitamanasa. The plays, sponsored by Kashi Naresh, are performed in Ramnagar every evening for 31 days. On the last day, the festivities reach a crescendo as Rama vanquishes the demon king Ravana. Kashi Naresh Udit Narayan Singh started this tradition around 1830.
Bharat Milap celebrates the meeting of Rama and his younger brother Bharata after the return of the former after 14 years of exile. It is celebrated during October–November, a day after the festival of Vijayadashami. Kashi Naresh attends this festival in his regal attire resplendent in regal finery. The festival attracts a large number of devotees.
Nag Nathaiya, celebrated on the fourth lunar day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik (October–November), that commemorates the victory of the god Krishna over the serpent Kaliya. On this occasion, a large Kadamba tree (Neolamarckia cadamba) branch is planted on the banks of the Ganges so that a boy acting the role of Krishna can jump into the river on to the effigy representing Kaliya. He stands over the effigy in a dancing pose playing the flute; the effigy and the boy standing on it is given a swirl in front of the audience. People watch the display standing on the banks of the river or from boats.
Ganga Mahotsav is a five-day music festival organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, held in November–December culminating a day before Kartik Poornima (Dev Deepawali). On Kartik Poornima also called the Ganges festival, the Ganges is venerated by arti offered by thousands of pilgrims who release lighted lamps to float in the river from the ghats.
Annually Jashne-Eid Miladunnabi is celebrated on the day of Barawafat in huge numbers by Muslims in a huge rally coming from all the parts of the city and meeting up at Beniya Bagh.
Garden of Worthies
Robert Burns 1759 - 1796
Gie me ae spark o' nature's fire that's a'the learning I desire.
Garden of Worthies
To Joanna Baillie 1762-1851
Butterfly Butterfly speed through the air, the Ring - Bird follows thee fast and the monkey looks up with a greedy stare, speed on till the peril is past.
When science fiction films envisage credible futures, is there a bigger role that design studios can play in converting creative speculation to technological innovation? This talk looks at the challenges and real…
fitc.ca/presentation/fantasy-fact-journey-speculation-inn...
Speculation is that the Torajans came from south China where hanging coffins are traditional. They are elaborately carved and can hold the bones of dozens of family members. Note the offering of a cigarette in the foreground.
Sunday(29-5-2016) :- ."PLEASE REMEMBER ME BY MY FAILURES AS I HAVE VERY FEW OF THEM IN MY SPORTS SPECULATION INDUSTRY " quotes the estate of "Mittoo alias mittoo the poppat" from a borrowed phrase of the movie "The Wolf of Wall street"..! The Estate of "Mittoo alias Mittoo the poppat" thanks its followers for having trust in the speculation prowess of the estate owner trustee Mr Rudolph Andrew Furtado. After the "Real Madrid " win the estate has recovered from its recent hat-trick of memorable string of losses and is now worth a total of Rs 10,36,87,000 Only ! ? Rs 5 ,35,72,323 has been kept aside for investment in "Debt Funds", "Stocks","Real Estate" etc.Don't want to take the risk of the estate going bankrupt.
Now the main kitty for "SPORTS SPECULATION will be Rs 5,01,15,000 only.
I.P.L Final :- Royal Challengers Bangalore @ 8/13 V/s Sunrisers Hyderabad @ 13/8 Williaim Hill (London) Odds.
Estate of "Mittoo alias Mittoo the Poppat" will be betting 25 peti's(Rs @5 lakhs) on a Royal Challengers win @ 8/13.
"Chotta Rajan Bada Catch, Chotta Shakeel lamba haath", expect the unexpected !
Students of the game of speculation should learn from "Mittoo alias Mittoo the poppat" that making money in "STOCKS/SPORTS SPECULATION" is the hardest way to make easy money !
NOTE:- THIS IS JUST A SPORTS SPECULATION GAME AND ALL MONEY IS NOTIONAL MONEY.
I entered have small short position for EURUSD today as I tweeted, and
this is what I am speculating now.
My stop is at 1.4440
Since I am anticipating black wave 2 rebound, it's natural for me to
take profit at 1.4300, and wait to re-establish the short position.
Location:www.google.com/maps/@-43.0094706,147.9314963,99m/data=!3m...
Photo shows rectangular blocks lying between sands on the beach. Related article: wretchfossil.blogspot.com/2019/01/obviously-man-made-tile...
Related article: wretchfossil.blogspot.com/2019/01/debunking-speculations-...
Image source: www.alamy.com/stock-photo/tessellated-pavement.html
My website: wretchfossil.blogspot.com/
Indulging in wild speculation is not my safest activity, but here goes. Was this at the centre of the Arbroath Provost's chain of office until it became the centre-piece of the Angus Provost's chain. Before that, of course, the motto Nemo Me Impune Lacessit (Wha dar meddle wi me) has been associated with Scotland since the Stuarts so is it an ancient logo even more prestigious than that of the Arbroath Provost? Surely not. Those who have worn it have done so with honour. Mostly.
London Bus Route #205 Shoreditch Bishopsgate Principal Tower Skyscraper Luxury Residential Apartments for Financial Speculation Investment
Shoreditch London 50 Storey Sky Scrapper Principal Tower Luxury Residential Apartments for Financial Speculation Investment
There's a lot of speculation as to what the structure is in the back of the photo. A friend has suggested that it might be a 'single log' chute from the logging days. This brook is a long way from my home, but the next time I pass by, I plan to talk to the residents.
When science fiction films envisage credible futures, is there a bigger role that design studios can play in converting creative speculation to technological innovation? This talk looks at the challenges and real…
fitc.ca/presentation/fantasy-fact-journey-speculation-inn...
Shoreditch London 50 Storey Sky Scrapper Principal Tower Luxury Residential Apartments for Financial Speculation Investment
After months of speculation, her majesty has made an appearance upon the common folk.
Isabella young daughter to the mother I befriended at the flea-market I work weekends and who is now about a year and and a half in age.
When this photo was taken, I had not seen her presence in a while. Lo and behold she was walking in tow with her mom and all eyes on the hustle and bustle of the market goings on. Not exactly at the running stage, walked more like the shuffle of an old woman, taking cautious furtive steps with her mother's leg nearby as a safety net. She may not be a real princess in title, but in my eyes she certainly is
The Garden of Cosmic Speculation at Portrack House is open just one day a year. We went along, with what must have been half the county, to have a look
After much speculation, the Cloverfield monster has finally been revealed. Pictured here is a behind-the-scenes snapshot taken just moments before the Statue of Liberty has her head smacked clear across Manhattan.
Speculation that the little Citroën C15D van could become a collectable ‘youngtimer’ vehicle has begun to appear in some sections of the French media.
The vans have been part of French rural life since 1984, but the C15D is gradually becoming a rare sight on the roads.
Citroën stopped building the vans in 2006 after selling 1.18 million of them, officially because tools used in the factory in Spain which made them were worn out.
The decision was not popular at the time, and conspiracy theories abounded, including that it was to save face after poor sales of the first Berlingo vans, designed by a committee from scratch to replace the C15.
Others blamed new management at the time, brought in by Peugeot, who, the story goes, decided that modern, anonymous vehicles were the key to success and were embarrassed by the C15D’s distinctive shape.