This classic sculpture of Shiva and Parvathi shows us how love is hard work. As the Lord lifts his wife to life and love, he’s struggling to keep his balance and breath. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea!
Tag: Hinduism
Sibling Rivalry
Karna and Arjuna were the most prolific archers in battle. Both had access to several Divyaastra (devine arrows) including Brahmastra, Naga astra and others, which could destroy the whole universe. Both were biological brothers, but fate pit them against each other. This epic sculpture shows the two warriors in action in the Mahabharata battle that lasted…
Meaning of GOD
So during my recent trip to Halibeedu, I had the good fortune to meet with a wonderful guide, Uma, who helped us decode the mystery of the ruined temple of the Hoysala dynasty. She told us, pointing at this statue, that this the Hindu meaning if the the word GOD: the Generator or creator (lord…
Makara, The Hoysala Mascot
Makara is a mythical animal, which was the mascot of the Hoysala dynasty and is featured prominently across all Hoysala temples. The animal has the mouth of a crocodile, ears of a cow, eyes of a monkey, body of a pig, feet of a lion and tail of a peacock.
Rama’s Dilemma
The story of Rama Killing Vali, Sugreeva’s brother is quite a famous moral dilemma. This gorgeous sculpture explains how Rama devised a plan to kill the Monkey king, who was invincible, from behind seven palm trees. Vali had a boon that he couldn’t be killed directly, and hence wrecked havoc. On a request from Vali’s…
Chakraveyu Ka Chakkar
The chakraveyu or human maze was a very difficult war strategy to crack. It is believed that Arjun was one of the few men who could enter the maze and exit it alive. He explained the same to his wife Subhadra who was then carrying his son Abhimanu . But as Abhimanyu was listening intently…
Time Stands Still
The shiva temple in the ruined land of Halebidu is a fine reminder of the stunning architecture of the Hoysala dynasty. The twin-temple is dedicated to Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara Shiva lingas, with two Nandi shrines outside. Local suggest that the two lingas, masculine and feminine was built as a mark of loyalty to the king…
Shabari Ke Ber
Meera Bai’s love for Krishna is epic and the devotion of Shabari for Lord Rama is just as popular. Shabari was a tribal girl, looking for her spiritual calling. After days of hunting, she met Sage Matanga at the foot of the Mountain Rishyamukha and accepted him as her guru. As she grew old, the…
Naga Nrithya
The story of nag nrithya is very popular in Indian scriptures. Kaliya was said to be a multi-headed poisonous snake that had made Yamuna river in Vrindavan his home. The snake had spread its venom and poisoned the river, ensuring no living creature could use the water. Garuda, the foe of all serpents was cursed out of Vrindavana and…
Let Us Prosper
As I was born and brought up in Maharashtra, the Marathi harvest festival/new year (according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar) known as Gudi Padva is a celebration I look forward to. Padva in general means festival or celebration and the Gudi is a “flag” of the Hindu god Brahma (Bhramadhvaj), who is believed to have created time and…
Snapshots of my World 