Hai Friends This is harikrishna ,I Completed my M.Tech Transportation from NIT warangal.Presently working in JNTU Hyderabad.Passion in Transportation sector and wish to share my ideas.
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Thursday, August 26, 2010
My visit to Mahabalipuram(mamallapuram)
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram (Source: Archeological Survey of India, Wikipedia)
The monuments at Mahabalipuram are of different types like the rock-cut cave temples, monolithic temples, bas-relief sculptures and structural temples besides excavated remains of temples. The Pallava dynasty, which ruled this area between 6th-9th centuries A.D., patronised the creation of these wonderful edifices. Among them, Mahendravarman (AD 580-630), his son Narasimhavarman I Mamalla (AD 630-668), Paramesvaravarman (A.D. 672-700) and Narasimhavarman II Rajasimha (A.D. 700-728) contributed the most in developing Mahabalipuram as a centre of art and architecture. Many monuments remain unfinished.
Cave temples
General view of Varaha Cave
Four armed Durga, Varaha Cave
Trivikrama Panel, Varaha Cave
Close up details of Mahishamardini Panel
The Monolothic temples
Dharma raja ratha
Dharma raja ratha
Bhima Ratha
Draupadi Ratha
Ganesha Ratha
Arjuna's Penance Panel
Govardhanadhari Panal
Govardhanadhari Panel
The huge bas-relief with a hall (mandapa) of 16th century added in front depicts the story of Krishna lifting the Govardhana hill to protect the cowherds and the cattle from the storm raised by Indra. The central figure of Krishna, with Balarama by his side, is shown lifting the hill with his little finger. Enjoying the divine protection, the rest are carrying on their business as usual. The artist suggests this by depicting a gopa (cowherd) milking a cow while the cow itself is fondly licking its calf. Another cowherd is seen playing a flute while the gopis carry a pile of pots. A woodcutter strolls with an axe. While one child enjoys the warmth of her mother, another takes a ride over the shoulder of an old man. The hill itself is a habitat for lions, griffins and sphinxes. This is the best representation of this story in the art of India.
Structural temples
Among the structural temples, the Shore temple consisting of two graceful Siva temples –Kshatryasimhesvaram (east) and Rajasimhesvaram (west), built by Pallava King Rajasimha (AD 700-728), mark the culmination of the architectural efforts begun with the carving of monolithicrathas. The western shrine has an outer wall (prakara) and a simple entrance tower (gopura). The elevation is gracefully proportioned. Located in between is an earlier shrine for reclining Vishnu (Narapatisimha Pallavagriham). It has no superstructure.
Shore Temple
Excavated Remains
Sustained removal of the sand in the last century brought to light several buried structures around the Shore temple. Unique among them is the early Pallava stepped structure, approximately 200 m long. This structure is running north to south parallel to the sea. The exact purpose of this massive edifice is still uncertain. The steps are built of interlocking granite slabs over a laterite core. The intelligent interlocking method used here prevented the slabs from collapsing and recalls the megalithic traditions.
Stepped structure in front of Shore Temple
Close up details of Miniature Shrine and Varaha
Subrahmanya Temple, Saluvankuppam, view from north
Subrahmanya Temple, Saluvankuppam, view from south
Ticket Rates:
For Shore temple and Five rathas: Rs. 10 for Indian citizens and Rs.250/- or US $ 5 for others. Admission is free for all below the age of 15
A ticket purchased at one monument is valid at the other
Admission to the rest of the monuments located in the hillock area and other places is free as of now
No fee for still photography with handheld cameras.
Rs. 25/- for videography with handheld cameras. A simple form may be filled at the counter to get permission
For all other types of photography and videography, the Superintending Archaeologist, A.S.I ,Chennai Circle, Chennai-9 may be contacted (Ph. 044- 25670396/25670397)
Hours of opening:
0600 hrs to 1800 hrs on all days. Sale of admission tickets will be closed at 1730 hrs.
Approach:
Mahabalipuram is about 58 km from Chennai on the East Coast Road and well connected by public and private transport. The nearest airport is located at Chennai.
Photo Gallery
Surya, monument known as Dharmaraja ratha, east wall, 7th century A.D.
Monkey group, Arjuna's penance, 7th century A.D.
Seshasayi Vishnu, Mahishamardini cave, 7th century A.D
Devi killing Mahisha, Mahishamardini cave, 7th century A.D.
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Friday, August 20, 2010
Hampi - My favorite Tourist Spot
Hampi is a village in northern Karnataka state, India. It is located within the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Predating the city of Vijayanagara, it continues to be an important religious centre, housing the Virupaksha Temple, as well as several other monuments belonging to the old city.
The name is derived from Pampa, which is the old name of the Tungabhadra River on whose banks the city is built. The name "Hampi" is an anglicized version of the Kannada Hampe(derived from Pampa). Over the years, it has also been referred to as Vijayanagara and Virupakshapura (from Virupaksha, the patron deity of the Vijayanagara rulers).
Hampi is identified with the historical Kishkindha, the Vanara (monkey) kingdom mentioned in the Ramayana. The first historical settlements in Hampi date back to one CE.
Hampi formed one of the cores of the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565, when it was finally laid siege to by the Deccan Muslim confederacy. Hampi was chosen because of its strategic location, bounded by the torrential Tungabhadra river on one side and surrounded by defensible hills on the other three sides.
The site is significant historically and architecturally. The topography abounds with large stones which have been utilized to make larger than life statues of Hindu deities. A structure of historic importance appears every quarter of a mile. The Archaeological Survey of India continues to conduct excavations in the area, to discover additional artifacts and temples.
Geography
Hampi is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra river. It is 353 km from Bangalore and 74 km away from Bellary. Hosapete (Hospet), 13 km away, is the nearest railway head. The chief languages spoken are Kannada and Telugu. The principal industries of the village areagriculture, the support of the Virupaksha temple and some other local holy places in the vicinity, and tourism. The annual Vijayanagar Festival is organized by the Government of Karnataka in November.
Due to the presence of several mineral deposits in this region (iron-ore, manganese), mining has been going on for many years now. But a recent boom for the supply of iron-ore in the international market has led to excessive mining in this district. The World Heritage Site at Hampi as well as the Tungabhadra Dam are now under threat.
Important sites at and near Hampi
- Achyutaraya Temple/Tiruvengalanatha Temple
- Akka Tangi Gudda
- Anegondi
- Anjeyanadri Hill
- Aqueducts and Canals
- Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura
- Badava Linga
- Chandramauleshwar Temple
- The Kings’ balance
- The Underground Temple
- Tungabhadra River
- Uddana Veerabhadra temple
- Ugra Narasimha
- Virupaksha Temple
- Vittala temple
- Yeduru Basavanna
- Yentrodharaka Anjaneya temple
- Zenana enclosure
- Virupapura
- Madhavan Palace with more than 1,000,000 pillars
- Sasivekalu Ganesha
- Elephant stables
- Lotus temple
Temples
Hampi has various notable Hindu temples, some of which are still active places of worship. Most notable ones are:Virupaksha Temple complex: Also known as the Pampapathi temple, it is a Shiva temple situated in the Hampi Bazaar. It predates the founding of the Vijayanagar empire. The temple has a 160-foot (49 m) high tower at its entrance. Apart from Shiva, the temple complex also contains shrines of the Hindu goddesses Bhuvaneshwari and Pampa.
Hampi - the story that unrevealed
Saint Vidyaranya established the seat of Vijayanagara empire in 1336 A.D, with the help of his devotee disciples Hakka and Bukka. The empire later became famous for its support towards renovation/reconstruction of temples through out India. It also became renowned for re-establishment of Indian culture, its support for music, art and literature. With the prime purpose of caring for the people and their welfare, this empire stretched physically covering Karnataka, Andhra and Maharashtra and became a by-word for golden rule.
HAMPI, the seat of the famed VIJAYANAGARA empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India, covering several states. The empire reigned supreme under Krishnadevaraya, the Emperor. The Vijayanagara empire stretched over at least three states – Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute. They reduced the city to ruins amid scenes of savage massacre and horrors beggaring description.
Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth. The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of men infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction.
Strewn over a large area (about nine square miles) the ruins at Hampi offers to the tourist a remainder of the greatest land in the whole world. Every rock, every path and every monument at Hampi speak the same language; a language of glory and beauty.
In March 2002, the Government of India has announced that Hampi would be developed as an international destination centre. The State Govt will constitute a Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority for integrated development and conservation of Hampi.