https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTGAXyAggZU At the crack of dawn, I was ready in a Batik saree from Ujjain. It had been stuck in my Mumbai wardrobe for the longest time and as I draped it, I thought I heard a rip, but couldn't find it. (Some of my readers may know that I juggle between two cities and … Continue reading Ghati Subramanya Temple: A Sacred Journey ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
Karnataka
Gandaberunda – the official emblem of Karnataka
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIxjom7p-A8 The official emblem of my home state, Karnataka is the Gandaberunda- a mythological two headed bird believed to possess immense strength. The Gandaberunda or Bheruṇḍa, means the two-headed terrible one. The bird is generally depicted as clutching elephants in its talons and beaks, demonstrating its immense strength. According to the historian, P V Nanjaraje Urs, the Gandaberunda was … Continue reading Gandaberunda – the official emblem of Karnataka
Spirituality Essays: Sripadaraja Narasimha theertham, Mulbagal, Karnataka ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
If you recall reading about Mulbagal in my previous pieces, the word ‘Mulabagilu’ is derived from the word ‘Mudalabagilu’, which means the eastern door in Kannada. History records that this was a centre for Vedic learning and the Sripadaraja Narasimha Theertham, a monastic institution is testimony to this fact. Before I describe the place, a … Continue reading Spirituality Essays: Sripadaraja Narasimha theertham, Mulbagal, Karnataka ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
The grandeur of Someshwara Temple, Kolar ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
If you had read my previous piece on the Kolaramma Temple, dedicated to the goddess and presiding deity of Kolar, you would be familiar with the history of Kolar. For a quick recap, Kolar was previously known as ‘Kuvalapura’, and became the capital of the Ganga Dynasty. For as long as they were in power … Continue reading The grandeur of Someshwara Temple, Kolar ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
Palaces of Bangalore; the Jayamahal Palace Hotel ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
Just north of the city centre, close to the Cantonment Railway Station, Bangalore, is the Jayamahal Palace. This was the summer palace of the royal family of Gondal (Gujarat). The history is obscure, but it is said to have been built in 1903 by Arni Jagirdar (Maratha Brahmins from Arcot district, Tamil Nadu), and it … Continue reading Palaces of Bangalore; the Jayamahal Palace Hotel ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
Temples of Bangalore (Rajarajeshwari Nagar) ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
Shrungagiri Shanmukha It had been ages since I had driven up to the neighbourhood of Rajarajeshwari Nagar, located in the southwestern part of Bangalore, but after seeing the pictures of Shrungagiri Shanmukha Temple, I knew I had to visit as soon as possible. Shrungagiri Shanmukha Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, whom I … Continue reading Temples of Bangalore (Rajarajeshwari Nagar) ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
Garuda Temple at Koladevi ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
One of the most popular articles on my website is the piece on the Vainatheya Temple at Bindiganavile, where I get a number of visitors everyday. I had written that the place was also famous for the fact that this is the only temple where there is a separate sannidhi for Garuda. In all other temples, Garuda … Continue reading Garuda Temple at Koladevi ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
Kolaramma Temple, Kolar ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
You would have previously read my pieces on the Koti Lingeshwara Temple, the series on the Mulbagal Temples, the Ramalingeshwara group of temples and Avani Betta, all of which are in the vicinity of the town of Kolar. However, we missed visiting the Kolaramma temple dedicated to the goddess and presiding deity of Kolar, which … Continue reading Kolaramma Temple, Kolar ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
Temples of Bangalore (Basavangudi temples) – ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
Devakula Yatra of Gudiya Sambhrama 2023 As part of the Heritage Parampara, a non-profit registered trust's annual programme ; Gudiya Sambhrama - the Bangalore Temple Festival', it was a pleasure to participate in the 'Temple Walk' on the final day of the 10-day programme that involved music, dance, talks and much more. Heritage Parampara has … Continue reading Temples of Bangalore (Basavangudi temples) – ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
The beauty of Navalgund Durries / Carpets ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
Since we are in the Karnataka Rajyotsava month, I thought I should write about the Navalgund Durries or carpets. These are functional carpets that are woven with geometric designs, and other motifs. Yes, the type I am sitting on in the picture. I had recently acquired it and decided to inaugurate it for a special … Continue reading The beauty of Navalgund Durries / Carpets ©Sangeeta Venkatesh
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