#chandi mandap

[kedarasish]

KEDARASISH DEY PAINTING

[bhairavabhakta]

Kalabhairava Sculpture by samarthan Via Flickr: It is a scupture of the god kalabhairava the god of time

[lalmohanpatnaik]

From Temples to Puja Mandaps to Chandi Medha

Growing up in a Cuttack locality has so many fond childhood memories. One of them is the Bengali style Bhoger Khichudi that we (children of the locality) used to feast on during Durga Puja.

Less than quarter of a km from our residence was located the Binapani Club (Estd 1888) at Badhei Sahi where Bengalis gathered together as Buxi Bazar Durga Puja Samity and organised Sarbojanin or Community Durga Puja in Mrinamayee Murti (clay idol) form. The puja is said to have been organised for the first time by Janaki Nath Bose( father of Subash Chandra Bose), then a flourishing lawyer of Cuttack alongwith some of his friends.

A highlight of Ashtami and Navami was the niramish (without use of onion and garlic) khichudi or khichdi. It had the regular rice and moong dal along with a few additions like spices, peas, potatoes and tomatoes.

The delicious bhog was served at lunch time 1- 2 pm to all those who were in the club around that time for free. The unique feature of their bhog was the individual attention that they gave towards each visitor.

The concept of Sarvojanin puja also brought people of the entire locality together, irrespective of their social strata. This community spirit reached its high point, when hundreds of people, both children and grown-ups regardless of their social backgrounds sat cross-legged in rows to have their delicious serving of hot khichdi bhog.

Before Sarvojanin Durga Puja came to be celebrated in Cuttack, it was mainly confined to the temples – Cuttack Chandi Mandir and Gada Chandi Mandir. It was not before 19th century that the millennium city started celebrating the Durga Puja influenced by Bengalis at a time when the entire country had come under British rule.

Till Orissa attained statehood in 1936 it was part of the larger Bengal Presidency. Initially, a burgeoning middle class of Bengalis who had settled in the erstwhile capital city – Cuttack started to observe Durga Puja in Mrinamayee Murti (clay idol) form. Later they gave way to community Pujas that were conceptualised in permanent puja mandaps.

The earliest worshipping of Mrinamayee Murti of Goddess Durga is traced to a thatched house in Binod Bihar-Balu Bazar area during Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s visit to Cuttack in 1512. The idol was consecrated in the presence of the Bengali saint.

The Bengali priest who had accompanied the saint stayed behind and followed it up by full-fledged Durga Puja in 1513 in the thatched house which is now the Binod Bihari temple and the Puja Mandap of Balu Bazar Puja Committee.

In 1890, the business community of Balu Bazar (then the prime business centre in the city) together with residents of the locality took up the responsibility of the Puja and converted it into Sarvojanin Durga puja. Till now the descendants of the Bengali priest (Banerjees) continue to be the main priest of the Puja Mandap. The Goddess here is known as ‘Elder Sister’.

The Goddess at the Chandni Chowk Puja Mandap is known as ‘Younger Sister’. Nobody knows why. In 1817, a Bengali family (Duttas) started puja of Durga in clay idol form in a thatched house at AstaSambhu temple. Subsequently, it received the patronage of the royal family of Darpani and was shifted to the present Puja Mandap.

By end of 19th century, it was turned into Sarbojanin puja by pooling in the support of Dasah Sahis (ten localities). In the 1940s the Darpani royal family handed over the responsibility of Durga Puja to the people of the locality. Due to the royal link the idols of most Puja Mandaps in Cuttack were brought in a procession to the Chandni Chowk Puja Mandap before being taken for immersion to Purighat.

Even to this day the custom is being followed by around 40 of the old puja mandaps. The present number of Puja Mandaps have crossed 150. Of them around 80 observe Durga Puja in Mrinamayee murti form. The rest come up with idols of Mahadev and Hara Parvat.

Durga Puja in Mrinamayee murti form was also started by Late Swaroop Chandra Das, a Bengali Zamindar at his residence in Machua Bazar in as early as 1752. The Das family which continued with the tradition opened it up for the community of the locality two centuries later. The Goddess there is popularly known as Sarpa Durga.

Another Durga Puja in Mrinamayee murti form was started at Janakinath Bhawan, the ancestral house of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Oriya Bazar. When Subhas was rusticated following the ‘Oaten incident’ – alleged assault on E A Oaten, professor in history by students- he came to Cuttack in March 1916. In the same year Subhas along with friends of the locality started the Durga Puja.

Subhas returned to Calcutta within less than a year to resume his studies when Calcutta University revoked the rustication order. But his friends continued this tradition under the patronage of Subhas’s father Janaki Nath Bose. The puja was converted into a community celebration by the Oriya Bazar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samiti when the entire Bose family decided to shift to Calcutta and settle there. Years later the Durga Puja started by Subhas Bose was shifted to the permanent Puja Mandap of Durgabari Samiti at Alamchand Bazar.

In 1832, Oriya and Bengali employees of the East India Company started Durga puja at Kazi Bazar. This is said to be the earliest Sarbojanin Durga puja in the city.

The Choudhury Bazar Panchayat Committee started Durga puja in Mrinamayee Murti form in 1872. Choudhury Bazar - one of the important business centres in Cuttack is said to have been named after one Manjinath Choudhury who constructed a Jain temple in the locality during the Maratha rule.

The mandap became a star attraction for visitors during Durga Puja when it pioneered use of traditional decorative craft associated with silver as base metal for the backdrop to the clay idol. With it came up the first Chandi Medha – silver filigree backdrop by using 250 kg of pure silver in 1955.

The ornamental style had then no parallel in the country as far as silver filigree was concerned. The Choudhury Bazar puja mandap continued to have the lone Chandi Medha in the city till the unique style was picked up by the Puja Mandap at Sheikh Bazar with a 350 kg Chandi Medha for their Goddess in 1991. Another 26 Puja Mandaps have since followed with Chandi Medhas made of 250 kg to 500 kg pure silver.

[bongboyblog]

শুভ মহালয়ার শুবেচ্ছা !

Śubho Môhālôyār śubhecchā!

Best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Môhālôyā!

About Môhālôyā:

In Bengal, Mahalaya (Bengali: মহালয়া) marks the beginning of Durga Puja festivities. Mahalaya is the day when the goddess Durga is believed to have descended to Earth. Bengali people traditionally wake up early in the morning on Mahalaya to recite hymns from the Devi Mahatmya (Chandi) scripture. Offerings to the ancestors are made in homes and at puja mandaps (temporary shrines).

Source: Wikipedia

P.S. sorry for the late post!! '^_^

[arjuna-vallabha]

In the years leading upto the Battle of Plassey , Bengal was going through some extremely tough times . Accounts by contemporary writers describes vividly the problems faced by the common man .  This was a period when the East India company was gaining more political power . The true ruling class , the Nawab of Bengal and his aides immersed themselves in luxury and debauchery . On the other hand infamous zamindaars such as Devi Singha made life miserable for the common folk . And then there was famines , epidemics , droughts and inability to pay taxes . But still the people fought on with a smile on their lips . But even that seemed to disappear with the onset of Maratha raids into Bengal in mid 18th century . The “bargee” attacks , as they became popularly known , was so devastating and horrifying that they have been permanently etched in Bengali memory in form of lullaby songs . Even today bengali mothers lull their babies to sleep singing “ Sleep fast my child , for the bargees are coming ! The bulbul birds have eaten all crops , how are we going to pay taxes ? “But who were these ‘bargees’ ?The word bargee is thought to derive from Persian ‘Baargee’ which denoted a cavalry soldier . The other type of  cavalry men used to be called Shiledaars . The government used to provide horses and weaponry to the baargees . The shiledaars on the other hand had to source these themselves . In those times , the sultans of Ahmednagar developed the art of sudden stealth attacks , which came to be known as ‘baargeer-giri’ . This mode of guerrilla warfare was effective and gained massive popularity all throughout the Deccan , including Maharashtra . In the year 1740 Alivardi Khan defeated and killed his master and the then Nawab of Bengal , Sarafaraz Khan and himself sat on the throne of Bengal . But the brother in law of Sarfaraz , Naib Nazeem of Orissa Rustam Jung turned against Alivardi to avenge the wrong done to his brother . Alivardi defeated Rustam Jung and dethroned him from his Orissa office . In retaliation , Rustam Jung went to Nagpur  and sought the help of Raghuji Bhonsle , the then ruler of the region . Raghuji Bhonsle’s Diwan , Bhaskar Kolhatkar AKA Bhaskar Pandit launched an attack on Bengal with all his might . The raids continued for a period spanning 9 years and according to contemporary Dutch estimates , four lakh people died in the bloodbath . It devastated the economy of Bengal and created a period of anarchy and terror . The bargees gradually approached uptill the capital at Murshidabad and sacked the city and plundered the houses of the rich . The Britishers of East India Company on the other hand became anxious about a possible attack on the emerging prosperous city of Calcutta , their main hub . To deter any attack , they began digging a giant moat around the entire town . Luckily the bargees did not attack Calcutta and the work on the moat was discarded midway . The moat was eventually filled up in 1890s and made into upper and lower circular roads ( Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose road & Acharya Prafulla Chandra road presently ) A certain poet named Gangaram composed a poetry describing the affairs of the bargee raids in his book called “Maharashtra Puran” . Parts of it describe the horrors faced by civilians in those times – “ They round up everyone and loot their gold and silver . They cut off the hands of some . To others they cut off the nose and the ears . For the rest they simply chop off their heads . The pretty ladies they take away and tie them up . Then they take turns to rape until they start crying to be spared . The set the homes of the rich on fire and destroy all the temples of Vishnu . They tie up their captives , fold up their hands and kick on their chest with their heavy boots . Those who have money give it to them and escape death . Those who don’t have money have no other option other than to surrender to death . The Brahmins flee with their sacred books under their arms ! The goldsmiths flee with their measuring insruments . The shopkeepers flee with their wares . The metal workers flee with their copper and brass . The blaksmiths flee along with earthen pot makers . The fishermen flee with their nets . Rich men’s wives unaccustomed to walking flee with loads over their heads ! The khetris and the rajputs also flee in fear dropping their swords . The gosais and the mohants of temples flee on palanquins . The Mughals , sayeds and sheikhs also flee in terror hearing of the bargees . The pregnant women are forced to deliver their child along roadways . “None managed to escape the wrath of the bargees. Numerous temples of Bengal were looted and plundered . Fables narrate how the iconic neem wood deity of Dhameshwar Gouranga ( Chaitanya mahaprabhu ) , worshipped by Bishnupriya ( Consort of Mahaprabhu himself ) also had to be buried for quite a few years to save him from the bargee raids! Such lawlessness continued for almost 9 years . In the end , the nawab of Bengal entered into a pact of truce with the bargees conceding Orissa to them on the condition that they would never return to Bengal . During such tumultuous times , the bargees reached upto the capital of the Malla dynasty kings – Bishnupur . Mallas have been a dominant power in that part of the state for more than a 1000 years ! When the bargees approached , the people panicked and started praying to the presiding deity of the town , Madanmohan . It is said that during this time people saw Madanmohan manifest and rush into battlefield ! He lifted up a giant iron cannon and started firing into the bargee hordes that were trying to enter the city . The cannon would later get the name ‘Dala-mardana’ or “destroyer of hordes” and can still be seen in Bishnupur . Madanmohan successfully defeated the bargees and protected his devotees . This tale has been narrated for centuries in Bishnupur and has become one of the popular religious folklores of Bengal .  But this Madanmohan is not originally a deity of Bishnupur . He is said to have been brought to Bishnupur from elsewhere by Malla king Bir Hambir .One source opines that Madanmohan originally resided at the ShriPaat Chaatraa of Srirampore . This was the residence of Kashishwar Pandita , one of the associates of Chaitanya . Bir Hambir brought Madanmohan to his kingdom and after installing a new deity of Radharani beside him , honoured him with the status of ‘Nagar devata’ of Bishnupur . The entire story raises some fundamental questions and doubts – The first question is , if the marathas are considered the champions of Hinduism and viewed largely as upholders of indian valour , why did they plunder and loot the Bengali temples  ?! The second question that may arise is , did Madanmohan indeed manifest and do this impossible act ? In order to answer this , one must understand that history is never unidimensional and one pointed as we tend to think . History has many complex layers . As the saying goes – “ history is written by victors “ . If we twist it slightly it would be safe to say that history is written by the privileged . Or perhaps , History is most often written with an agenda ! Therefore history , by its very nature , can never be complete nor foolproof . We tend to overlook the fact that in history two opposing ideas can also be true simultaneously . Therefore , every Brahmin need not be a tyrant evil oppressor nor every low caste an oppressed . Every deity taken away from a temple may not amount to a sacrilege and dishonour of hinduism . Taj mahal is not a name changed hindu shaivite temple . Gyan Vapi is not a mosque built on virgin soil . A thousand such historical over simplifications or agenda driven narratives have done more damage to true history than good . It is very necessary to have an open mind while discussing such a tricky subject as ‘bargee attack’ . I will lay down some points which will provide the readers with food for thought . But it is upto them to interpret why the bargees did what they did .1 – Bhaskar pandit organised a full fledged Bengali styled Durgotsav in Dainhaat of Bardhaman district . New pratima was built , new chandi mandap temple constructed and  thousands of sacrificial animals were brought in and grand preparations were begun . But in the night of MahaNavami , Alivardi Khan sent a message of truce and took Bhaskar Pandit into confidence and had him killed . The puja remained  unfinished . Even today ruins of the chandi mandap can be seen at Dainhaat . Understandably , Bhaskar pandit was not anti bengali or anti hindu per se and he embraced Bengali customs and culture . In this context it is worth remembering that the cult deity of Marathas , Tulja Bhawani ( from whom legend says Chatrapati Shivaji received his sword ) is also an image of Mahishamardini . Presumably , the marathas quickly saw the sameness in the rituals and ideas and were glad to adapt . 2- Just like the Mughal army had hindus in their ranks or the british indian army was largely constituted of the Indian soldiers , in the same way the bargees also had men of all castes and religions in their ranks . They even had large battalions of muslim men . It would be unfair to expect that the Islamic bargees would be respectful towards bengali idolators and their practices . 3- human ethics and moral values have underwent massive changes in recent times .  In ancient times , we did not have human rights commission , supreme court or the like . Survival of the fittest was the mantra for the times . In an event of attack it was normal for the army to indulge in plunder and loot . The rulers unofficially allowed their men to have a free hand in ‘exploits of war’ after a hard earned victory . This was a sort of incentive for the men ! Remember in those days warfare had more to do with brute strength and direct combat than with intelligence as it has become nowadays after advent of computer controlled war machinery ! During such post war plunders , rape , looting , rampage and selling humans into slavery became the norm .This was true for the entire world throught history !4 – The temples in Bengal which harbour tales of bargee attacks are mostly vaishnavaite shrines , namely Radha Krishna or Gouranga ( Chaitanya ) temples . Both these divinities would have been unknown to the Marathas whose own brand of Vaishnavism were centered around Vithhal , Rukmini and Satyabhama  . It is possible that unknown gods attracted more wrath .5- But interestingly the marathas were also one of the chief patrons of the Puri Jagannath temple . The hati vesha or Gaja vesha of Jagannath was directly due to Maratha influence over Jagannatha cult .  The  form of Jagannatha too would have been largely unknown to the marathas . That being said , they would have definitely been aqquianted with the tirtha mahatmya of Puri and the name of Jagannath from the puranas and scriptures . 6- In all probabilities Bhaskar Pandit did receive some support from the local hindu populace . The records of his durgotsav mentions throngs of villagers coming to participate in his puja . Presumably , there was both an element of fear and awe working amongst the masses . 7- It is hard to answer whether Madanmohan manifested in form or not , from a point of view of history . Such things are matters of faith and are best left untouched by history ( or even historians ) . However if we introspect purely from a historical perspective some hypothetical probabilities may be suggested . In hindu society when a man narrowly escapes a danger , he often attributes his miraculous escape to the mercy and compassion of his cherished deity . Its common for such a bhakta to say – “ I got saved due to intervention or madanmohan “ . It is very much possible that the Malla dynasty kings who ruled over a jungle infested tricky terrain and whose subjects largely comprised of martial races and tribes , overrun the bargees by their military strength and the pious king attributed the win to the mercy of Madanmohan . In due course of time this popular way of saying aqquired more realistic and literal connotations and became etched in collective memory as madanmohan manifesting in person ! Just a “what if” …. but worth a thought nonetheless !8 – It is also possible that the bargees themselves chose not to attack the malla kings , who in any case had been famous as champions of Hinduism for the last 1000 years . I have laid out the points to contemplate on . It is upto you to draw the final conclusion . History is never straightforward . All we can do is record and mention the loose ends . If the ends meet , well and fine . If they do not , it is best to be honest and admit that history is unclear thereafter  , rather than to try make them meet by force and end up projecting a personal political or sociological agenda unto history . But even after so much , the people of Bishnupur could not keep their beloved Madanmohan in their town . Malla Raja Chaitanya Singha got into a financial debacle and had to take a loan of a thefty sum of money from rich zamindar businessman Gokul Mitra of Calcutta . By this time , the sun had already began to set on the glories of Malla dynasty and Calcutta had begun to emerge as the next economic and political capital of India . In exchange of the money , Chaitanya Singha mortgaged his nagar devata Madanmohan to Gokul Mitra . When Malla king was unable to return the money back in due time ,  Madanmohan was left back at disposal of Gokul who went to build him a grand new temple . Even today visitors to Kumartuli in Calcutta can see the grand temple of madanmohan built in typical greaco roman neoclassical colonial style . At Bishnupur a replica deity was installed which also got stolen a few decades back . A second replica of Madanmohan is presently housed in the original temple back at bishnupur . So did Madanmohan really manifest ? Well, the eyes of a rationalist seek out different things from the eyes of an artist . To an artist , his divine manifestation is of much more importance because it has ‘rasa’ . It has the power to soothe the mind and senses from the drudgery of daily monotonous existence . To the artist , the supernatural is more appealing than the natural . But then again it is the ‘natural’ that gives birth to the ‘supernatural’ .  In this painting I have strived to bridge the gap between the two with the string of bhakti . Jay Madanmohan .

Text an art by Halley Goswami

[pixelspeaks]

Terracotta Temples of Antpur, India

Antpur is a beautiful village located in Sreerampur subdivision in Hoogly District of Indian state West Bengal. This place is near about 54 km away from Kolkata. Antpur panchayet consists of 16 villages. These are Atpur, Bilara, Lohagachhi, Tarajol, Ranibazar, Tara, Anarbati, Rajhati, Arabindapur, Raipur, Bamnagar, Palgachha, Kumarbazar, Mirpur, Ichhabati and Gopalpur. his beautiful place is famous for ancient terracotta temples and Ramakrishna-Premananda Ashram. The iconic Radhagovindjiu temple of Antpur is stuffed with wonderful terracotta artworks, that reflects the unique traditions and history of Rural Bengal. This temple was built in the year 1786 by Krishna Ram Mitra, the Diwan of Bardhaman Raj. Chandi Mandap and Dol Mancha is also decorated with wonderful terracotta artworks, which is located in the premises of Radhagovindjiu temple. The artworks on the terracotta temples of Antpur is very much similar to famous Bishnupur Terracotta temples. Most of the carvings consist of the sculpture of Lord Radha and Krishna. Some of them also consists the sculptures of Goddess Durga, Lord Ganesha, Lord Bramha, Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and more Hindu God and Goddess. These terracotta artworks reflects the rich Hindu culture and tradition of 17th century’s Bengal. This place is perfect for ancient temple photography and fine art photography. As Antpur reflects the vibe of Rural Bengal, nature and travel photographers also love this place.

[cultureodisha]

Chausathi Jogini Temple

The central altar holds an idol of the Goddess Kali, which stands upon a man’s head, signifying the triumph of the heart over the mind. This central altar is called a chandi mandap. Similar temples can be seen in Balangir and seven other sites in India.

The temple is said to have been commissioned by Queen Hiradei of the Bramha dynasty in the 9th century AD. The village was originally called Hiradeipur in her name, which was later shortened to Hirapur.

This is a tantric temple with no roof. It was abandoned as Shiva and Vishnu worshipping cults rose to prominence and Shakti worshippers declined. The temple is said to be one of the many destroyed by the Afghan invader Kalapahad in the 16th century. The site was rediscovered in 1953 by eminent historian Kedarnath Mohapatra, painstakingly restored and is now protected by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).

[guidetourme]

Andul Rajbari

Andul Rajbari

It was a spontaneous decision to see the heritage building of Andul Rajbari.  Santanu, Anirban and I boarded a local train from Santragachhi and got down after a few stations at Andul.  By Howrah, it's a half an hour ride by train. The Rajbari, disperse over 10 bighas and containing more than 100 rooms, could be reached in about 10 mins in the Andul station in a cycle rickshaw.  The building is in dilapidated state now but the huge structure and lofty pillars talk of the affluence the royal family needs to have enjoyed in the past.  It's heartbreaking to witness the neglect and ill-maintenance that is driving the grand heritage building into ruins.  The large open ground in front of this Rajbari has now been transformed into a football playing ground for the locals. Interestingly, the building is still being used as residence by a small number of people although sections of it looked dangerously in need of immediate attention.  A part of the building nonetheless was remodeled recently and newly painted adding a comparison to the remaining bulk. After taking some snaps in the exterior we were a bit jittery about whether to enter the building or not.  In the end, putting aside our anxiety about if we had been committing trespassing, we did take a little tour indoors and had we not entered we'd have certainly repented afterward.  There is a small courtyard (maybe the erstwhile naach mahal) inside that has withstood the test of times and still depicts the sophistication and grandeur of the bygone age.  The complex decorations of these columns have remained comparatively unimpaired and transport oneself to a completely different time along with the presence of the pigeons flying around flapping their wings and creating intense sound somewhat leaves a haunted feeling to the mansion. There is precious little history which may be located on the history of this palace.  A signboard in front of the building acknowledges that the palace was built in 1834 by Raja Rajnarayan Roy Bahadur.  However, from a website (which is the sole reference which I came across online ) I could collect that the Andul Raj Family was founded by Ram Charan Roy before the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the construction of the palace building was launched by Kashinath Roy.  However, I couldn't crosscheck the credibility of the information.  Interestingly, in a recent article in Times of India on heritage buildings, someone with a surname of Mitra was quoted among the descendants of the Andul Raj Family.  Not sure if he goes back to the elongated family or whether the palace changed hands (which appears less probable). Only beside the palace construction, there's an older Annapurna Temple surrounded by Shiva shrines.  The temple complex also houses an old cannon (supposedly gifted by Lord Clive as per the exact same source mentioned earlier).

How to reach Andul Rajbari

Road: Kolkata is the nearest major town situated only 14 kilometers away.  Cabs for hire can be found from Kolkata. Raol:  Andul channel is your nearest station, which is connected with all the Howrah station.  Regular trains are available from Howrah as well. Air: NSCBI Airport is the closest one, situated just 17 kilometers off.  Cabs are available here as well. Tourists can go to this area throughout the entire year.  However, it's advisable to not venture into this place during the monsoon.

Attractions Places of Andul

Chandi Mandap: This really is a family temple, which belonged to the Dutta Chaudhury loved ones, who whined here. Andul Palace: It is also known as the Andul Rajbari.  Ths huge mansion was once owned by the Kar Family.  Afterward the possession was transferred to the Mitra Family.  The huge mansion as been constructed in European style. Hawakhana: This is basically a resting place built by the king of Andul.  The area lies in ruins, however, tourists visit this place so as to become acquainted with the history of this location.

Things to do

Andul is much more of a historic website.  Sightseeing and photography would be the actions that may be accomplished here. Read the full article

[prasanttricolour]

Best Monuments & Temples in Odisha Chausath Yogini Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Hirapur, Bhubaneswar. Of the 4 Chausath Yogini sanctuaries making due in India, the Hirapur temple is the best dynamic one.  Arranged at the bans of Bhargavi River, it's miles one of the celebrated areas to visit near Bhubaneswar. Additionally alluded to as Mahamaya Temple, the temple is accepted to be assembled through the Queen Hiradevi of Bhauma tradition over the span of the ninth century.  The Hirapur Temple is the littlest of the Yogini sanctuaries in India. It gauges best thirty feet in measurement and is rarely 8 feet high. It is worked in a round style with squares of sandstone.  The Yogini conventions are tantric in nature and thusly have vigorous associations with the country and ancestral customs. Embellished in blood-red texture and vermilion, Mahamaya is the managing divinity of the temple.  The inside segments of the temple incorporate 60 specialties, one each for the Yogini sculptures, two toes tall, etched from top-notch dark chlorite stone. Three yoginis enhance the basic column or Chandi Mandap alongside four Bhairavas.  While three of the Bhairavas are etched in sitting stance, one in everything about is status and is called as Ekapada Bhairav. The Chandi Mandap by configuration contained a sculpture of Lord Shiva as moving Nataraja, however is by and by lacking.  Travel Tips for Hirapur – Chausath Yogini Temple Step by step instructions to reach there: There are two methodology streets to the temple, both merging about 500 meters away from the temple on a semi-tarred street.  a) Road 1: Keep going on the Bhubaneswar – Puri Road. When you see Dhauli Stupa, watch out for the left side. There is a particular board demonstrating the street bearings.  b) Road 2: This is a progressively helpful course. Take the Tankapani (articulated as Ton-co-pany) The road from Ravi - Talkies Square (RTS). Prop up directly to Gangua (additionally called Bhargavi by certain records) stream (This would come after you have crossed Rajarani Temple on the right-600 Mtrs from RTS, Bhaskareshwar Temple on the left-3 or 4 Kms from RTS on the left, Megheshwar Temple-5 Kms from RTS on left, Sai Temple-7 Kms from RTS on left and another 2 to 3 Kms through the fields). Traverse the waterway and take the prompt right. Continue following the street signs or approach locally for the temple.  What time to go there:  Go around 0900 hours IST. This is the point at which the morning Pujas would be finished and the individuals would be there to direct you. The non-rainstorm season is acceptable. Keep away from the rainstorm. There is a lake close by which gets overwhelmed during the storms. Indeed, even the Gangua River gets overwhelmed during the rainstorm if the deluge is substantial. Durga Puja time would be packed.  In the event that you are a picture taker: Carry a Ultra Wide Angle focal point and a Circular Polariser. A 4 GB card would be helpful if u expect to catch all the Yoginis and the environmental factors.  There are sixty yoginis on the inward divider elongated specialties encompassing the devi mandap. The biggest sculpture is that of 'Mahamaya'. The mandap is enhanced with 4 chlorite sculptures – on the southern side, two sculptures of ten-furnished "Swacchanda Bhairava" (Blissful fearsome Shiva) and on the eastern side, the four-outfitted "Ajaikapada Bhairava" (Shiva remaining on one leg), and one sculpture of ten-equipped Swacchanda Bhairava all with urdhvalinga (erect phallus or idyphallic). The western and northern appearances of the mandap contain three more chlorite yoginis. 61st of the first 64 yogini sculptures is missing and I found no record on equivalent to I compose this report. The external dividers are decorated with 9 Katyayanis. Katyayani, according to Skanda Puarana, is the mother of Skanda. So the 9 katyanis are 9 unique types of the Mother goddess. In the passage, there are two sculptures on the internal dividers, and are recognized as Kala and Mahakala. This part, I don't know of on the grounds that Kala and Mahakala, are comprehended to be the vitality types of Lord Shiva. (I will attempt to toss some increasingly light when I examine every one of the vitality frames in detail) .There is a multi-reason stage outside the temple.  For More Details, please visit - https://www.odishahospitality.com /   http://www.elicitodisha.com/  https:// odishahospitality.blogspot.com

http://unmaskodisha.blogspot.com/2020/05/chausath-yogini-temple-bhubaneswar.html

[prasanttricolour]

Over the centuries Puri has been known variously as Nilachala, Srishetra Purushottam Shetra , Purushottam  Puri and Jagannath Puri known by different names. Its history Puri has assimilated all differences to create a unique stream of consciousness and has carved out a special place for itself in the world with its unique identity lifestyle and tradition. The geographical shape of Puri is in the shape of a south facing Kalsh called shankha in local balance that is why it is also known as shankha shetra.  A host of temples mods are the holy places and historically significant ponds are scattered across the geographical limits of the city.  But the Shree Mandir the temple devoted to Lord Jagannath has been at the center of all religious institutions philosophies and traditions that have flourished here  The Magnificent temple was constructed by King Chodaganga of the ganga dynasty in the 13th century.  Puri draws people from all over the world because of the three deities worshipped in the temple Lord Jagannath ,Lord balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. from mangala arathi to Pahara every ritual of the deities follows the normal daily routine of a human being  these servitors appointed to take care of a particular ritual constitute any Joga there are a total of 36 such new yoga's together known as Chatishyoga  the Gajapati king of puri has been designated as a first servitor of the lord  the king's palace symbolic of puris glorious royal past has great significance because many of the rituals of the Gajapati are performed here  [Music] there are numerous other temples small and big surrounding the shri Mandir in puri  all of them ancient , famous and with strong links with the Shree Mandir. Mahavir and Chandi are worshiped in these temples  the Shakti cult has several influences in puri among the many forms of the goddess here is Shama Kali in Bali sahi one of the tenth incarnations of Goddess Durga [Music]  another Shakti peeth is the alum Chandi temple at the entry point of Puri town now the temple is not exactly an architectural marvel it has immense religious significance [Music]  seven kilometers before Puri comes the Battmagla temple on the way to Shri Mandir there you will first bow their heads before the goddess here BaliharChandi on the road from Puri to Brahmagiri satpada is another important seed of the shakti cult  the eight-armed mahisamardini or buffalo killing form of Goddess Durga is worshipped here [Music]  another important temple of Puri Shakti cult is Ramachandi  there are numerous legends about the performance of tantric rituals here in the past  Saints and seals from around the world have arrived in Puri over the centuries many Saints like chaitanya, Ramanuja ,adi shankaracharya and Kabir has set up maths here for service to Lord Jagannath [Music]  there have been others who have found the charms of the spiritual town too hard to shake off and have never gone back  the religious institutions set up by them have led to a flourishing work culture in the town  the main purpose of which is the propagation of the Jagannth cult.  it is believed that the visiting Saints and seers must have come in contact with the Gajapathi King and influenced him with the spiritual and philosophical nuances of their own belief systems  the maths of Puri thus represent the wonderful integration of the best of the jagannatha cult and other Cults[Music]  but it is not just a confluence of beliefs, the maths also provide particular services during the myriad rituals of the Shri Mandir  the Goverdhan math set up by adi shankaracharya is considered the earliest of these maths jagadguru adi shankaracharya who came to puri sometime in the first half of the ninth century had ushered in a host of changes in the rituals of Shri Mandir .  that is why the Goverdhan Math continues to head the Mukti mandap.  the supreme policymaking body of the temple [Music]  the Jaganath Balav Math is another big attraction for religious tourists coming to Puri  this math established in the honour of Rai ramanandi and  as per the prevailing administrative custom is situated opposite the Municipal Market on the left side of the Grand Road.  the idols of Lord Jagannatha balabhadra and Subhadra come to the gardens inside the maths on Basant Panchami and some other special occasions.  this maths performs important rituals in the Shri Mandir at the time of Shri Rama Navami Dola Purnima and conduct of rituals   in keeping with this spiritual ambience of the city several ashrams have come up in various parts of puri named after saints and seers these asharams are closely linked to the rituals of Shri Mandir and had thus an integral part of the spiritual ethos of this pilgrim City  the lifestyle of the people of Puri is greatly influenced by the culture and traditions of the temple giving a distinctive flavour to the spiritual atmosphere of the city  like the rituals of the Lord the lifestyle of the people has an element of feudalism to it  the evening Khati or congregation is something that no Puri man misses out on these congregations usually take place at tea shops where the talk straddles everything from the mundane affairs of the neighborhood to events and issues in the country and the world at large  on their way back home the Khati members usually carry some cheese or vegetables  Bhang an edible preparation of cannabis is also part of most people's evening ritual here  there are some who routinely visit the temple after bath twice a day and that too at a particular time [Music]  they're life revolves around lord jagannath though it is not their profession they have been following this routine for ages because it gives them pleasure  [Music] the jagaghara or wrestling Place Called jagaghara in local parlance is an important component of the daily life in Puri  whenever they find time people of all classes in the locality congregate at the jagaghara   the people of Puri say Bhanga ,Sangha or friend , Sangato or special friend and Pangata or  community feast are the four key components of their lifestyle  all these four components are found together and in ample measure at the jagaghara . Cards (Pasha) and ganja possessions are a daily affair here while the helping a Bhang in the evening provides relief from the day-long exertions and fatigue  away from the hustle and bustle of the city the jagaghara  has kept alive another ancient tradition wrestling [Music]  physical exercises and wrestling bouts are practiced rigorously and with great commitment here  as part of the tradition of the jagaghara culture those who follow the physically demanding routine with the intention of becoming a champion wrestler are expected to stay away even from the shadow of a woman  that is a reason only men are allowed inside the jagaghara  we're a temple devoted to Lord Hanuman the epitome of power, discipline and celibacy has pride of place  no matter where they work and what time they are through with the day's business the members never failed to turn up at the jagaghara  to have their fill of Bhanga and praying at the feet of Lord Hanuman  some of the Sahis or colonies have more than one jagaghara   the numerousjagaghara  scattered across the city have kept alive a centuries-old tradition  the fact that the place where mud Cara's at toyed around all day long is also the place where gotipuya for performances are held to the accompaniment of the enchanting beats of Magdala and give me  suggest that a jagaghara  is not just a place for learning the art of physical combat it is also a platform for culture and refinement [Music]  the size of Puri town have also preserved another centuries-old tradition sahi jata perhaps the world's oldest open-air fair  chapters of the Ramayana are enacted with a wonderful combination of the spiritual and the folk during the fair that starts on drama of media  artists actually wait for a whole year to form on this special occasion  they dawn heavy dresses and paint themselves with garish colors to act as gods demons giant birds and horses  every sahi has its own distinctive symbol of flag to distinguish itself from others  artists who perform on the occasion like to believe that they are doing a service to the Lord with dance and song as a means [Music]  it is hardly surprising that creativity has flourished in this city with such a long cultural tradition and such an eventful past  perhaps that is a reason annapurna theater the pioneer of the modern theater movement in the state was born here way back in 1936  several theater groups in undivided Puri district were merged to form the annapurna  theater group  once the breeding ground of many acclaimed actors it is now in complete ruins with one dilapidated part towards the Uttar pareshwar math and the other faced in the grand road  though it shut down in 1978 it sowed the seeds of theater movement that latest spawned several full-grown trees [Music]  the constant arrival of tourists from outside has provided this ancient city  a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchanges that I have assured them new ideas  one such new idea was the making of Sita Vivah the first odia film way back in 1934 barely two years after the first Indian film Raja Harish Chandra was made and the man behind the whole idea was Mohan Sunder Dave Goswami the head of a rasa group that performed Odissi dance and music who had little knowledge or experience of filmmaking [Music]  there was not infrastructure for filmmaking in the town nor anyone else with even a perfunctory knowledge of filmmaking but in fact that is remarkable for its sheer audacity Dave Goswami goes for me not only made the film it was also its script writer director music composer singer and actor  legend has it that there are 13 festivals in puri in the twelve months of the year  some festival or the other keeps the town in near permanent state of festivities all year round the biggest of them all Ratha Yatra or the car festival it is also known as yatra Gosai yatra and Gundicha yatra   once in a year Lord Jagannath accompanied by his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Subhadra sets off on his rath to the shri Gundicha temple his aunt's place where he was born [Music]  new raths are made for this journey every year the pudding logs for construction of the chariots traditionally come from Nayagarh district and the construction of the three chariots takes place in front of the Royal Palace  In the olden days the logs were brought on Boats . the vote for the construction of Lord Jagannath Chariot Nandi Ghosha Lord Balabhadra chariot Balanhadra and Darpadalana subhadra's Chariots  are separated on Akshaya Trutiyaan important day in the agricultural calendar of the state because seeds for the new crop are sown on this day [Music]  the Jalli yatra celebrated during the making of the chariots commemorates the dispatch of various food items from West Bengal by Chaitanya’s mother for her son who lived in Puri for 18 years [Music]  while the chariots are in the making the Lord catches fever after excessive bathing during snann yatra here returns to anshana ghara and fully recovers there before embarking on the surge on to his aunt's place  lakhs of devotees then pull the chariots to the Gundicha temple on other of the grand road Puri comes alive and throbs with activity during the nine days of the rath Yatra [Music]  among the more colorful festivals in puri is the Gosani yatra. it is in essence Durga Puja but with its own distinctive flavor in everything from the making of the statue to the rituals observed  legend has it that goddess gosani was a repository of all power created to fight the demon king Mahishasura  the name of the goddess speaks of the unique curry tradition [Music]  the raising of Badagadauwa is another unique tradition here forefathers invited earlier are given a ceremonial send-off by lighting bundles of jute stakes  prayers are made to them to give some blessing's on their way out  the mass raising of Badagadauwa  in front of the Jagannath temple is a sight to behold  the flames of thousands of bundles of the chewed sticks burning together create a breathtaking spectacle blessings are sought from the forefathers with fond chanting of Oriya lines that mean all “O my forefathers come in the dark, go in the light, keep rolling on the bayishi pahacha (22 steps)”  these lines are Chattred not just in Puri but across Odisha. 

http://unmaskodisha.blogspot.com/2020/03/over-centuries-puri-has-been-known.html

[guidetourme]

Andul Rajbari

Andul Rajbari

It was a spontaneous decision to see the heritage building of Andul Rajbari.  Santanu, Anirban and I boarded a local train from Santragachhi and got down after a few stations at Andul.  By Howrah, it's a half an hour ride by train. The Rajbari, disperse over 10 bighas and containing more than 100 rooms, could be reached in about 10 mins in the Andul station in a cycle rickshaw.  The building is in dilapidated state now but the huge structure and lofty pillars talk of the affluence the royal family needs to have enjoyed in the past.  It's heartbreaking to witness the neglect and ill-maintenance that is driving the grand heritage building into ruins.  The large open ground in front of this Rajbari has now been transformed into a football playing ground for the locals. Interestingly, the building is still being used as residence by a small number of people although sections of it looked dangerously in need of immediate attention.  A part of the building nonetheless was remodeled recently and newly painted adding a comparison to the remaining bulk. After taking some snaps in the exterior we were a bit jittery about whether to enter the building or not.  In the end, putting aside our anxiety about if we had been committing trespassing, we did take a little tour indoors and had we not entered we'd have certainly repented afterward.  There is a small courtyard (maybe the erstwhile naach mahal) inside that has withstood the test of times and still depicts the sophistication and grandeur of the bygone age.  The complex decorations of these columns have remained comparatively unimpaired and transport oneself to a completely different time along with the presence of the pigeons flying around flapping their wings and creating intense sound somewhat leaves a haunted feeling to the mansion. There is precious little history which may be located on the history of this palace.  A signboard in front of the building acknowledges that the palace was built in 1834 by Raja Rajnarayan Roy Bahadur.  However, from a website (which is the sole reference which I came across online ) I could collect that the Andul Raj Family was founded by Ram Charan Roy before the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the construction of the palace building was launched by Kashinath Roy.  However, I couldn't crosscheck the credibility of the information.  Interestingly, in a recent article in Times of India on heritage buildings, someone with a surname of Mitra was quoted among the descendants of the Andul Raj Family.  Not sure if he goes back to the elongated family or whether the palace changed hands (which appears less probable). Only beside the palace construction, there's an older Annapurna Temple surrounded by Shiva shrines.  The temple complex also houses an old cannon (supposedly gifted by Lord Clive as per the exact same source mentioned earlier).

How to reach Andul Rajbari

Road: Kolkata is the nearest major town situated only 14 kilometers away.  Cabs for hire can be found from Kolkata. Raol:  Andul channel is your nearest station, which is connected with all the Howrah station.  Regular trains are available from Howrah as well. Air: NSCBI Airport is the closest one, situated just 17 kilometers off.  Cabs are available here as well. Tourists can go to this area throughout the entire year.  However, it's advisable to not venture into this place during the monsoon.

Attractions Places of Andul

Chandi Mandap: This really is a family temple, which belonged to the Dutta Chaudhury loved ones, who whined here. Andul Palace: It is also known as the Andul Rajbari.  Ths huge mansion was once owned by the Kar Family.  Afterward the possession was transferred to the Mitra Family.  The huge mansion as been constructed in European style. Hawakhana: This is basically a resting place built by the king of Andul.  The area lies in ruins, however, tourists visit this place so as to become acquainted with the history of this location.

Things to do

Andul is much more of a historic website.  Sightseeing and photography would be the actions that may be accomplished here. Read the full article

[guidetourme]

Andul Rajbari

Andul Rajbari

It was a spontaneous decision to see the heritage building of Andul Rajbari.  Santanu, Anirban and I boarded a local train from Santragachhi and got down after a few stations at Andul.  By Howrah, it's a half an hour ride by train. The Rajbari, disperse over 10 bighas and containing more than 100 rooms, could be reached in about 10 mins in the Andul station in a cycle rickshaw.  The building is in dilapidated state now but the huge structure and lofty pillars talk of the affluence the royal family needs to have enjoyed in the past.  It's heartbreaking to witness the neglect and ill-maintenance that is driving the grand heritage building into ruins.  The large open ground in front of this Rajbari has now been transformed into a football playing ground for the locals. Interestingly, the building is still being used as residence by a small number of people although sections of it looked dangerously in need of immediate attention.  A part of the building nonetheless was remodeled recently and newly painted adding a comparison to the remaining bulk. After taking some snaps in the exterior we were a bit jittery about whether to enter the building or not.  In the end, putting aside our anxiety about if we had been committing trespassing, we did take a little tour indoors and had we not entered we'd have certainly repented afterward.  There is a small courtyard (maybe the erstwhile naach mahal) inside that has withstood the test of times and still depicts the sophistication and grandeur of the bygone age.  The complex decorations of these columns have remained comparatively unimpaired and transport oneself to a completely different time along with the presence of the pigeons flying around flapping their wings and creating intense sound somewhat leaves a haunted feeling to the mansion. There is precious little history which may be located on the history of this palace.  A signboard in front of the building acknowledges that the palace was built in 1834 by Raja Rajnarayan Roy Bahadur.  However, from a website (which is the sole reference which I came across online ) I could collect that the Andul Raj Family was founded by Ram Charan Roy before the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the construction of the palace building was launched by Kashinath Roy.  However, I couldn't crosscheck the credibility of the information.  Interestingly, in a recent article in Times of India on heritage buildings, someone with a surname of Mitra was quoted among the descendants of the Andul Raj Family.  Not sure if he goes back to the elongated family or whether the palace changed hands (which appears less probable). Only beside the palace construction, there's an older Annapurna Temple surrounded by Shiva shrines.  The temple complex also houses an old cannon (supposedly gifted by Lord Clive as per the exact same source mentioned earlier).

How to reach Andul Rajbari

Road: Kolkata is the nearest major town situated only 14 kilometers away.  Cabs for hire can be found from Kolkata. Raol:  Andul channel is your nearest station, which is connected with all the Howrah station.  Regular trains are available from Howrah as well. Air: NSCBI Airport is the closest one, situated just 17 kilometers off.  Cabs are available here as well. Tourists can go to this area throughout the entire year.  However, it's advisable to not venture into this place during the monsoon.

Attractions Places of Andul

Chandi Mandap: This really is a family temple, which belonged to the Dutta Chaudhury loved ones, who whined here. Andul Palace: It is also known as the Andul Rajbari.  Ths huge mansion was once owned by the Kar Family.  Afterward the possession was transferred to the Mitra Family.  The huge mansion as been constructed in European style. Hawakhana: This is basically a resting place built by the king of Andul.  The area lies in ruins, however, tourists visit this place so as to become acquainted with the history of this location.

Things to do

Andul is much more of a historic website.  Sightseeing and photography would be the actions that may be accomplished here. Read the full article