Carvings on ceiling -unique feature in Hoysala temples

Hoysala dynasty is one of the powerful dynasties ruled Karnataka. History says , they were brave as well as patrons of arts. There are  many temples  in Karanataka built by Hoysalas which witness their love for arts and architecture.

The Hosysala temple architecture shows many unique features, like intricate carvings, star shaped platform , carving of ornaments on the idols , arrays of stone sculptures and two towers. I had the opportunity to visit two Hoysala temples, Somanathpura and Amrutheshwara temples. I have captured the these features and sharing with you.

Some of the features like star shaped platform, two towers and intricate carvings can be seen in this image:

 

I have shared about the ornamentation on idols ( Somanathpura Temple-Carved ornaments in Hoysala Architecture) and carvings on the walls (Amruteshwara Temple-Rich heritage of Karnataka(India)) Another  feature of Hoysala architecture is symmetrical carvings in circular shape on the ceilings. 

These are the carvings on ceilings of Somanathpura temple:

 Closer view of the carvings :

   The symmetrical designs are carved in circular shape and in the center the bud shape is carved:

 

The patterns are different in each circular carving:

 Does it not look like lotus flower? The craftsmanship is really amazing.

Same kind of circular carvings are on ceilings of Amrutheshwari temple, another temple built by Hoysalas:

Another unique feature of Hoysala architecture is wall panel with  horizontal arrays of sculptures. I will share about that in the next post.

Until then, 

Love , laugh and live the life to the fullest,

-Ranjana

Buddha statue at BodhGaya- Personification of Peace

I visited  BodhGaya(in Bihar),the holy place where Buddha attained enlightenment. The stupa(Bhuddist temple structure) was built by Great Emperor Ashoka.

 

This   is an example of architectural genre of the Maurya dynasty. This stupa is one of the 84000 shrines erected by King Ashoka. Around the stupa there is Vihara(or Garden with many small stupas), about which I will share in the coming post. The temple has undergone many renovation.

When I entered the temple I could see the statue of Biddha. When I saw it while entering, I felt its personification of peace.

 

On top of the  statue the roof is also carved: 

And on the seat also some carvings can be seen :

The height of this statue is 2 metres and it is considered as the largest statue of Buddha in seated position.The Buddha statue is carved as seated cross legged , with one hand pointing to the earth .

This statue was created first in black stone then painted with gold by pilgrims.

With all the disciples  , even I started walking towards the statue.I felt , the calm facial expression attracted towards it.

I was unknowingly walking towards that.As I  walked towards the statue, the beauty of the statue filled my eyes.

 

Anybody can be attracted to this face which is filled with peace. I remembered the story of the mad elephant which was rushed towards Buddha. I realized why it returned without doing any harm to him. I took the capture of divinity very closely, we can only see kindness, calmness , peace and love!

With all other devotees I also bowed to the statue. While coming back I turned many times to see the personification of peace again and again.

Still more share about Mahabodhi temple. Wait for my next posts.

Love , laugh and live the life to the fullest,

-Ranjana

Amruteshwara Temple-Rich heritage of Karnataka(India)

Summer has started, few days , summer vacation will start for kids. Every year we go to our native place. Its really fun. So planning for this year also. That reminds me our trip to native place in the year 2010, we visited a beautiful temple near Tarikere.
We were travelling by car. We have a religious  driver,who is fond of visiting temples.Temples attract him as saree shops attract women :-). I think he must have seen most of the temples in South India. He is very enthusiastic to show the temples whichever he has visited to others also. Every-time before starting the trip, we warn him not to stop near any temple. In spite of our warning he stops near temples :-).
(I also like to visit temples, but ancient temples which represent our rich heritage. )As a result of his enthusiasm last time,we could visit Amrutheshwara temple. Amrutapura a small village is near Tarikere, which is situated 4 kms from the highway.

Route map- On Bangalore-Honavar Highway

Though the driver was telling about this temple, we said no to visit the temple . But the driver turned the vehicle to right near Tarikere. When we shouted at him, he said its only 4 kilometers. We were very angry, because if we stopped anywhere it would be late to reach our native place. But when I reached the temple my anger reduced little bit looking at the beautiful Dancing Ganesha sclupture near the entrance.

When we stepped in , looking at the beautiful temple   built in Hoysala Style (well maintianed by the Archaeological department)all our anger towards our driver vanished.  

 

The circular carvings on the ceiling are very attractive. 

 

I think the design can be used as embroidery design . :-) Let me try this out sometime.

Magnificently carved sculptures on the walls of the temple.

                          

Complete story of Ramayana is carved around the temple walls in anti clockwise direction.Some of the sclupture depicting story of Ramayana

Crowning ceremony of Sugreeva 

Rama in the battlefield

 Not an inch is missed on the walls of the temple, everywhere the sculptures! This is really feast to eyes.

We thanked our driver , who made us to visit this place. This summer also while going to native place, I want to visit this temple. And I'm sure, already you have made your mind to visit this temple. Haven't you?

Love , laugh and live the life to the fullest,

-Ranjana

I could not post all the photos. Some of the photos you can view here.  And also if you want to know more about this temple here is the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amrutesvara_Temple,_Amruthapura

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