Friday, January 27, 2006
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Standing below a wonderful tree (probably since the olden times) at the Vijaya Vittal Temple
A series of pillars seen on the northern side of the Vijaya Vittala temple ..
Fantastic view from behind the great temple ..(Vijaya Vittala)
Lavanya (sitting), Varuni and Amma seen at the Vijaya Vittala Temple
Notice the once intricate carvings on the gopuram of the main housing at the Vijaya Vittala temple.
The main temple, Stone Chariot, the entrance Gopuram and the Kalyana mandapam at the Vijaya Vittala Temple
The partially restored gopuram on the northern side of the Vijaya Vittala Temple...
A better view of the stone pillars inside the Sanctum...
The famous musical pillars inside the Vijaya Vittala Temple (Mandapam)
One more view of the famous Kalyana Mandapam at the Vijaya Vittal Temple
The most defining and world famous STONE CHARIOT at the Vijaya Vittal Temple. It is a truly amazing peice of architecture.
The Brundavana at the entrance of the Vijaya Vittala Temple.
The famous Kalyana Mandapam - There are 40 stone pillars at equal distance. Each of this pillars is monolithic. With each of the forty giant stone pillars one can hear different Indian musical instruments sounds.
The Virupaksha Bazar - The broad road (?) starting from the Virupaksha Temple till the end of the same is called the "Virupaksha Bazar" it is truly fantastic and it is told that gold, diamonds and other expensive jewellery were sold openly in these bazars
Saturday, August 06, 2005
A small mandapam on the way to Sri Vijaya Vittala Temple
A view from atop the MAHANAVMI DIBBA (Elevation) which was construted by Krishnadeva Raya to Commemorate his victory over the Kalinga's (Orissa)
PUSHKARINI (A pond with steps) - It is assumed that this pond was contructed by the members of the Royal family for religious purposes. The steps arranged out of balck slabs of stones are well planned, perfect and exquiste and that is way this pond is named "Mettalukola Pushkarani". This was below the ground till about 1985 after which the ASI discovered it. There is also a systamatic STONE CANAL which feeds water to this pond.
Friday, August 05, 2005
A fantastic display of architectural ingenuity during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya
A beautifully carved pillar inside the Hazar Rama temple ...
Inside the Hazar Rama temple - It is said that all the members of the Royal family used to visit Sri Hazar Rama temple. This temple is east-ward facing and there are door for entrance from the North and Southern gates. Several ramayana pictures are engraved in three stages on the stone walls of this temple and hence it is called the Hazar Rama temple. On the stone walls, Putrakamesthi (performed by Dhasharata for begetting male issues). Birth of Sri Rama, Sri Rama' departure to the jungle, Apaharana of Sitadevi, war between Sri Ramam and Sri Ravana and many other carvings of Ramayana are quite beautifully carved. - Sri Krishnadeva Raya built this temple in memory of his expedition and victory.
The watch tower near the Elephant Stable (Amme trying to get a world view)
One more view of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha (ಶ್ರೀ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ ನಾರಸಿಂಹ)
This is the world famous single peice idol of (partly destroyed and later restored) Sri Lakshmi Narashimha (��� �Q�� ��g9A��). This statue was carved by an architect named Sri Krishna Bhat in 1528 AD during the reign of Sri Krishna Devaraya. The monolithic idol is about 22 ft high. The idol was with Sri Lakshmi but is no more - the victim of the onslaugth of the brutal and dumb islamic invaders (Shahi Kings)
Aditya sitting in front of the main Gopuram of the VirpAksha Temple
This is near the Durgadevi Temple - originally installed by Sri Vyasa Thirtharu
This is the main gopuram called the "Sri Bishtappayya Gopuram" (from inside the VirupAksha Temple)
A view of the intricate carvings of those time (inside VirupAksha temple)
