Mahalakshmi Temple, Goa

Posted on October 6, 2008 by Arun Shanbhag

click image for larger version The Mahamandap (Great Hall) at the Mahalakshmi Temple in Bandivade, Goa provides a therapeutic escape from many of Goa busy attractions. It is a perfect place to sit undisturbed and commune with the divine. On this early morning, regular devotees went about their prayers silently and tourist laden buses had [...]

Filed under: Devi, Goa, Hinduism, Konkani, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Celebrating Ram Navami: A Tribute to Rama

Posted on April 12, 2008 by Arun Shanbhag

Hanuman offering a tribute to Shri Rama, Lakshman and Devi Sita; A carving from the Vijayanagar period on a boulder on Hemakuta, Hampi. (see more from Hampi below) shri ramachandracharanau manasa smaraami shri ramachandracharanau vachasa gruNaami shri ramachandracharanau SHirasa namaami shri ramachandracharanau SHaranam prapadhyae On Rama’s feet I meditate With words I praise With lowered [...]

Filed under: Festivals, Hinduism, India, Karnataka, Prarthana, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | 3 Comments »

Cave Temples of Badami – Cave 3

Posted on September 30, 2007 by Arun Shanbhag

I previously shared pictures of two cave temples of Badami. These represented the zenith of the Chalukyan cave temple architecture from the 6th century. Cave one was dedicated to Shiva as the impressive Nataraja; and Devi as Mahisasuramardini. Cave two honors Vishnu and his avataars Varaha and Vamana. Cave Three is also dedicated to Vishnu [...]

Filed under: Arts, Karnataka, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | 17 Comments »

Cave Temples of Badami – 2

Posted on August 29, 2007 by Arun Shanbhag

Badami in Northern Karnataka, was the capital of the Chalukyan empire. During the 5th to the 8th century, skilled artisans cut caves in the mountainside and decorated the insides with stunning craftsmanship. The four caves are dated to 578 CE. The first cave is dedicated to Shiva and you saw some impressive high relief figures [...]

Filed under: Karnataka, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | 3 Comments »

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

Posted on August 2, 2007 by Arun Shanbhag

The beautiful Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka

Filed under: India, Karnataka, Temples | Leave a Comment »

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi: Faith

Posted on July 11, 2007 by Arun Shanbhag

Faith From our visit a few years ago, to the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka. click image for a larger version;

Filed under: Hinduism, India, Temples | 8 Comments »

Portuguese Inquisition and Revisionism

Posted on May 27, 2007 by Arun Shanbhag

Due to my interest in Konkani Temples in Goa, I have been researching books on the Portuguese occupation in Goa. During the Portuguese Inquisition lasting more than 150 years (1560 – 1812), the Jesuits made a systematic attempt at wiping out the Konkani heritage in Goa. Konkanis were either tortured and killed, forced to convert, [...]

Filed under: Books, Goa, Konkani, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | 2 Comments »

Chai Time!

Posted on July 19, 2006 by Arun Shanbhag

Kamakshi Canteen, Ponda, Goa After quickly performing the puja at the Ramnathi Devasthan, I sneak away to the canteen beside the front entrance. They make the best missal and ussal paav. As I gorge myself, I notice these two guys taking a Chai break. Both were caught up in their own thoughts and did not [...]

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Tirupati: A Walk Enlightens

Posted on April 2, 2006 by Arun Shanbhag

It was a dream of mine to walk up the mountains to the Tirupati Temple. When I shared this with M, the 14 km hike up more than 4000 steps did not dissuade her. My dream became her's too! Last summer, after a week-long tour of Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal and Hampi, we took an overnight [...]

Filed under: Hinduism, India, M & A, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | Leave a Comment »

Baanganga: Satellite View

Posted on February 20, 2006 by Arun Shanbhag

A satellite view of Baanganga. Its the dark green quadrangle on the left. If you have Google Earth: enter the co-ordinates as above, or in fractional degrees as: 18.945454N 72.793612E But first, in PREFERENCES and the default VIEW tab, select “Degrees.”

Filed under: Hinduism, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | Leave a Comment »

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