A very common yoga mudra is the gyaana mudra. The tips of the thumb and index finger form an O and the other three are fingers together, lightly stretched. It signifies the unity of universal and individual consciousness; it symbolizes knowledge. The open hand is the dhyaana mudra, which is usually the mudra for meditation….
Tag: Somnathpur
Peace & Quiet
The ornate Chennakeshava temple is a fine representation of the Hoysala architecture; in fact historians suggest that this is one of the last temples to be built with this architecture. The main temple sits in the middle of a high star-shaped platform with three symmetrical sanctums (garbha-griha) for Kesava , Janardhana and Venugopala, all forms of Vishnu.The…
Troopers Alert
Horses and elephants were both a very essential part of the war cavalry in old India wars. While the use of horses with archers and swordsmen is quite popular, elephants were used in siege operations and bringing down doors and breaking into fortresses. If you visit old forts across India, guides will enlighten you about…
Pillar of Strength
I love pillars; the optical illusion through symmetry is so mesmerizing. This pillared corridor leads to what was once a bustling temple. History suggests that the Mughal rulers of India came in and destroyed several Hindu temples and godly artifacts. Yet, the government and archeological board of India has done a phenomenal job in ensuring…
Immortally & Ornately Blessed
Having friends who are proud of their birth land is a blessing for wanderers. This is what the inside dome of Somnathpur in Mysore looks like. The last major temple of Hoysala dynasty, it was constructed in 1268 A.D. in the reign of King Narsimha III by his army general Somnatha. Hence, this Kesava temple…
Snapshots of my World 