gopan g nair – Page 2

Apr 23

by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage 14 comments tags: aihole, Badami, bangalkot, Bhaje, cave, caves, chalukya, fort, Ganapatim, gop.org, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, hindu, india, jain, karnataka, mahakoota, mahakuta, Malegitti, Nataraja, pattadakal, pattadakallu, RAVALPHADI, RAVANA PHADI, RAVANAPHADI, Shivalaya, shrine, Temples, tour, tourism, vatapi

BADAMI : MAGNIFICENT CAVES OF ANCIENT INDIA

BADAMI, (ಬದಾಮಿ or Vatapi as it was known originally), is a historic temple town situated in the Bangalkot district of Northern Karnataka, India. The town mentioned as ‘Badiamaioi’ by Greek Geographer Ptolemy (150 AD) has been recognized as Badami. Badami served as the seat of power for the Chalukya dynasty, which held sway over various regions of Karnataka from 540 to 757 AD. Located 460 kilometers away from Bangalore, the town of Badami is nestled at the entrance of a gorge shielded by massive red sandstone cliffs on both sides, featuring the picturesque Agastya lake at its center. It is said that the town of Badami derived its name from an asura named Vatapi, who was defeated by the sage Agastya. The Chalukya rulers strategically fortified the hills near the town and constructed numerous temples in the vicinity. The architectural marvels found at Badami, Pattadakkal, Aihole, and Mahakuta serve as prime illustrations of Chalukya craftsmanship. The rock-cut cave temples constructed between the 6th and 8th centuries AD are the most renowned within this group of temples. The celebrated Carnatic recital “Vatapi Ganapatim Bhaje” dedicated to lord Ganesha at Vatapi, was composed by Muthuswami Dikshitar. After the Chalukyas were vanquished by […]

Mar 31

by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage, travel, Varanasi 4 comments tags: benaras, boat, boatman, folk, ganga, ganges, ghat, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, hidden, india, indian, kashi, photography, ride, river, sing, singer, song, talent, varanasi

VARANASI :: SONG OF THE BOAT MAN

Bhumi Nishad, the skilled boatman, was delighting his passengers as they cruised along the Ganga river in Varanasi. The morning boat ride in Varanasi (Kashi), India, is a truly memorable experience for all who visit. I was captivated by his singing, reminiscent of a seasoned Indian classical vocalist. India is home to many undiscovered talents waiting to be unearthed. A boat ride across Ganga River in the night rejuvenates the body and soul. Experience it yourself :

FACE TO FACE WITH HISTORY :: BELUR & HALEBID

Belur (ಬೇಲೂರು in the Kannada language) which served as the former capital of the Hoysala Empire and Halebidu, situated 16 kilometers from Belur, both part of the Hassan district are prominent tourist spots in Karnataka. Belur is positioned along the banks of the Yagachi River, a tributary of the Kaveri River. The distance between Belur and Bangalore is approximately 222 kilometers. Belur’s primary highlight is the Chennakesava temple, renowned for its intricate carvings and Hoysala craftsmanship. The name ‘Chenna’ Kesava translates to ‘Handsome Vishnu’, the principal deity of the temple, enshrined at the heart of the temple complex, flanked by the Kappe Chennigraya temple and several other shrines. Constructed by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE to commemorate his triumph over the Cholas at Talakkad (read it here), the temple’s construction is said to have spanned 103 years according to legend. The intricate and detailed carving style is commonly found in the Hoysala temples of Karnataka, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, contemporary culture, art forms, and weaponry. Soapstone ((steatite or talc-schist)) is the material of choice for carving, providing a remarkable finish. The softness of soapstone allows for shaping even with finger nails, and instead of the traditional hammer and chiselling […]

Feb 05

by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage, travel 2 comments tags: ashok, ashoka, benaras, bodhi, buddha, buddhist, chakra, Dhamek, Dhamekh, Dhamekha, Dharm Chakra, emperor, gaya, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, holy, Isipatana, maurya, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Temple, peepal, photography, pilgrimage, pillar, Rishipattana, sarnath, site, stambha, stupa, tree, varanasi

SARNATH, THE BIRTH PLACE OF BUDDHISM

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” :-Gautam Buddha The emblem of India was derived from an Ashoka Pillar discovered in Sarnath. The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a statue featuring four lions seated back to back, as well as the ‘Dharm Chakra’ (Wheel of Dharma/ Ashoka Chakra, with 24 spokes) positioned on top and mounted on a pillar (Stupa, Stambh). Emperor Ashoka erected the renowned Ashoka Pillar at this site, which was destroyed by Turk and Islamic invaders. The remnants of the pillar can still be seen at its original location, bearing inscriptions in Brahmi script. The Lion Capital and Ashoka Chakra are preserved in the adjacent Archaeology museum. The four lions symbolize power, courage, confidence, and pride, as well as Ashoka’s rule extending in all four directions. In addition to the lions, the pillar also features a horse, a bull, an elephant, and a lion, representing the various stages of Buddha’s life. The monolithic polished Chunar sandstone pillar stands at a height of 15.25 meters, with a diameter of 0.71 meters at the base and 0.56 meters at the top. Sarnath, situated 10 kilometers away from Varanasi […]

Feb 02

by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage, travel 7 comments tags: badrinath, bhim, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, gufa, himalaya, hinduism, indian, last, mana, myth, pandava, photography, pul, uttarkhand, village, vyas

MANA, THE LAST INDIAN VILLAGE AND THE ROAD TO HEAVEN

> Buy a commercial license to use this image by clicking here < It was in the evening of April 30, 2009, we decided to drive from Badrinath to Mana Village. Mana, famously known as the last village on Indian land, with Tibet situated beyond, was a destination we were eager to explore. The well-known trade route, Mana Pass, is located 48 kilometers ahead of this village, but has been closed-off since 1962. After parking our car at the entrance of Mana, we set off on foot through the village. This mysterious Himalayan valley is renowned for its mythological significance, being surrounded by a plethora of myths and legends from the epic Mahabharat. It is widely believed that Veda Vyas composed the Mahabharat while residing in this very place. Mana, located at an elevation of 3118 meters (10229 ft) above sea level, is approximately 3 kilometers away from the sacred city of Badrinath in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The indigenous community, known as the Bhutia tribe, traces its roots back to Tibet and sought refuge in India following the Chinese invasion. Residents dwell in stone huts coated with mud, engaging in activities such as weaving woolen garments and tending to livestock […]

Jan 24

by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage 4 comments tags: bahubali, bangalore, Bhadrabahu, Brahmadeva, cave, chandragiri, chandragupta, Chikkabetta, Doddabetta, gomateshwara, gomateswara, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops.org, hill, india, Indragiri, jain, jainism, maurya, monolithic, mysore, photography, pillar, route, SHRAVANABELAGOLA, south, statue, stone, tour, Tyagada, vindyagiri

A TRIP TO SHRAVANABELAGOLA

“THERE IS NO ENEMY OUT OF YOUR SOUL. THE REAL ENEMIES LIVE INSIDE YOURSELF; THEY ARE ANGER, EGO, PRIDE, CURVEDNESS, GREED, ATTACHMENTS AND HATRED” :- Lord Mahavir Bahubali, according to Jainism, is revered as the epitome of a man who overcomes selfishness, jealousy, pride, and anger. The 57-foot monolithic statue of Gomateshvara (Bahubali) at Shravanabelagola holds great significance as a pilgrimage site for Jain followers. Shravanabelagola translates to “White pond of the ascetic” and is situated amidst two hills. The larger hill is known as Indragiri/Vindyagiri (Doddabetta) while the smaller one is called Chandragiri (Chikkabetta). One can observe over two millennia of Jain history at this location. Emperor Chandra Gupta Maurya (340 – 298 BC) chose to live out his last days as a Jain monk at Chandragiri. He had successfully expanded his empire to encompass various regions of the Indian subcontinent, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Balochistan. The Maurya kingdom thrived under the wise counsel of the renowned philosopher Chanakya and also benefited from their alliance with Macedonian king Alexander and his descendants. Chandragupta Maurya, in his later years, made the decision to adopt Jainism under the guidance of his spiritual mentor Bhadrabahu. He then moved to Shravanbelgola in 298 BC […]

Jan 22

by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage 6 comments tags: architecture, bangalore, curse, dunes, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, hoysala, karnataka, kaveri, Kirtinarayana, mysore, mysterious, photography, river, road, route, sand, talakad, talakkad, talakkadu

GREAT INDIAN ARCHITECTURE SERIES :: MYSTERIOUS TALAKAD

They say ‘fact is stranger than fiction !!’ Talakad, located near Mysore in India, is a historical site that was once home to more than 30 temples, now buried under sand. The massive sand dunes that cover the area have sparked numerous myths and legends among the locals. Ongoing excavations have led to the recovery of several temples from the sand dunes. The photos included were taken by me at the same location, with a 24-year gap between them. The first picture shows us standing on the partially visible Mahadwara (grand entrance) of the Kirtinarayana temple, which has since been fully recovered and restored (as shown in the picture below). Talakkad was established by the Ganga Dynasty during the first millennium CE, and subsequently by the Tamil Cholas from the 11th to the 12th centuries. The town later fell under the control of the Hoysalas in the 12th century. It was later conquered by the Vijayanagar rulers and the Maharajas of Mysore. Talakkad was engulfed by sand over 400 years ago, leading to various theories surrounding this enigma. According to scientific research, it may have been an ecological catastrophe triggered by a series of earthquakes. There is also a belief […]

Jan 21

by GOPAN NAIR in travel 2 comments tags: 1984, bangalore, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, greenery, lake, new, old, photography, ulsoor, vintage

ULSOOR LAKE, BANGALORE IN 1984 AND TODAY

ULSOOR LAKE, BANGALORE, photographed from the same spot within a gap of 30 years . The first picture was photographed by me in 1984. The famous Ulsoor Lake of Bangalore. The sepia tone came naturally due to the ageing of film. Those were the days of peace & tranquility in Bangalore…! Captured with a Yashica Electro-35 film camera. Let’s have a look at the same place today (Jan-2015), photographed from the very same location. I was happy to notice that nothing much has changed around the lake during these 3 decades, though most of the city’s greenery has been eaten up by concrete jungle..! The Public Utility Building built in 1973 was the tallest building those days, which is still visible today in the background.

Jan 19

by GOPAN NAIR in poetry 0 comments tags: fallen, flower, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops.org, kumaranasan, malayalam, photography, poet, poetry, veenapoovu, തര്‍ജ്ജമ, വിവർത്തനം, വീണപൂവ്

SORROWS OF A FALLEN FLOWER ( വീണപൂവ് )

The sight of a fallen flower may seem insignificant to many. Back in 1907, the renowned poet from Kerala, Kumaranasan, eloquently portrayed the unattained aspirations of a fallen flower through his poignant words. Reflecting on the legacy of this great poet… വിലകുറഞ്ഞ ഒരു വിഷയം എന്നു തോന്നുമെങ്കിലും, 100 വർഷങ്ങൾക്ക് മുൻപ് (1907-ൽ), മഹാകവി കുമാരനാശാൻ ഒരു പൂവിന്റെ പൂർത്തീകരിക്കാൻ കഴിയാതെപോയ സ്വപ്നങ്ങളേക്കുറിച്ച് 1000-ൽ കൂടുതൽ വാക്കുകളിൽ വർണ്ണിച്ചു. “ഹാ” എന്നു തുടങ്ങി, “കഷ്ടം” എന്ന് അവസാനിക്കുന്ന ഈ കവിത, മനുഷ്യജന്മത്തിന്റെ പ്രതിഫലനം തന്നെയല്ലേ ?! THE FALLEN FLOWER (Kumaran Asan) : വീണപൂവ് (കുമാരനാശാൻ) :- Translated from MALAYALAM by Manjeri S. Isvaran (1910 – 1966) Translator’s Note: – (Born April, 1870 in Kayikkara, Trivandrum, the Poet received his early education in the village school; he studied for a while in the Sanskrit College, Mysore, and later in the Sanskrit College, Calcutta. An ardent social reformer, he was a member of the Sri Mulam Popular Assembly and Secretary for over fifteen years of the S. N. D. P. Yogam. During this time he edited Vivekodayam. In recognition of his greatness as a poet he was presented with a silk shawl and a gold medal by H. R. H. the Prince of Wales. He died in January 1924, in the Redeemer boat disaster in Pallana […]

Jan 17

by GOPAN NAIR in Varanasi 0 comments tags: boat, ganga, ganges, ghats, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops.org, india, kashi, night, photography, ride, row, spiritual, varanasi, video

FEEL THE PEACE, ENJOY A BOAT RIDE AT VARANASI…

Jan 17

by GOPAN NAIR in Life in this India 2 comments tags: basava, bull, decorated, folk, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, gypsies, gypsy, handsome, india, karnataka, kole, photo, photography, tradition

HUNGER PARTNERS ( KOLE BASAVA )

“THE HANDSOME BULL ( KOLE BASAVA )” “Kole Basava” is a traditional folk art from Southern India where intricately adorned bulls, led by their handlers, are taught to amuse spectators. These images capture the essence of this practice in the state of Karnataka, India. These individuals are itinerants or wanderers who roam the streets, bestowing blessings upon individuals in return for monetary compensation, clothing, or sustenance. The leaders are typically skilled musicians who play various musical instruments or showcase their talents. They may even pose queries to the bull, receiving responses through nods signifying Yes or No. The robust bulls also engage in feats such as balancing on a person’s stomach without causing harm. In India, the bull, associated with the Hindu deity Shiva, is revered as sacred. Women from the villages present offerings of ragi, paddy, chillies, salt, and tamarind. They also venerate the bulls with turmeric, vermilion, and incense sticks. The kole basavas are well looked after by their owners as they fill their food bowls. When they perform, the bulls are adorned in bright attire, with colorful ribbons attached to their horns and caps on the tips. Anklets are fastened to their legs, and a bell is […]

Jan 14

by GOPAN NAIR in travel, Wonders of Nature 2 comments tags: bloom, blossom, flower, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, kerala, Kunthiana, kurinji, munnar, neela, NEELAKURINJI, nilgiri, Strobilanthes, Strobilanthes Kunthiana

WHEN NEELAKURINJI BLOSSOMS

The stunning sight of Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes Kunthiana), a fabled purple-blue flower that blossoms once every 12 years in the mountain ranges of Munnar in Kerala. Following the last bloom in 2006, another widespread flowering in the Nilgiris-Palanis-Munnar area is anticipated only in 2018. Interestingly, there was a cluster of plants in the area that bloomed four years earlier than the rest of the community in the region, and I was fortunate to witness this rare event in October 2014. However, it remains uncertain whether these plants will survive for the next season. The Nilgiri Hills, also known as the “blue mountains,” are thought to have derived their name from the Neelakurinji flowers. It is fascinating to note that the Paliyan tribes, who resided in this area, used to determine their age according to the blooming cycle of these flowers.

Jan 14

by GOPAN NAIR in Life in this India 1 comments tags: bhoot, bhoota, bhootha, elements, five, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, of nature, panch, pancha, photography

PANCHA BHOOTA ( पन्च भूत )

The PANCHA BHOOTA (Sanskrit: पन्च भूत ), or the five prime elements of nature, are represented by LAND, WATER, AIR, SKY and FIRE. Despite the immense potential of each element, humans often underestimate the power of nature. It is believed that these elements must be kept in balance in both the universe and the human body. Any imbalance could lead to natural disasters and diseases. This framework symbolizes the five elements of nature, with the man at the top representing a life filled with energy, and the empty bottle at the bottom representing death. This is one of my all-time favorite captures. License this image for commercial use here : http://www.gettyimages.in/detail/photo/five-elements-of-nature-royalty-free-image/502150131

BADAMI : MAGNIFICENT CAVES OF ANCIENT INDIA

VARANASI :: SONG OF THE BOAT MAN

FACE TO FACE WITH HISTORY :: BELUR & HALEBID

SARNATH, THE BIRTH PLACE OF BUDDHISM

MANA, THE LAST INDIAN VILLAGE AND THE ROAD TO HEAVEN

A TRIP TO SHRAVANABELAGOLA

GREAT INDIAN ARCHITECTURE SERIES :: MYSTERIOUS TALAKAD

ULSOOR LAKE, BANGALORE IN 1984 AND TODAY

SORROWS OF A FALLEN FLOWER ( വീണപൂവ് )

FEEL THE PEACE, ENJOY A BOAT RIDE AT VARANASI…

HUNGER PARTNERS ( KOLE BASAVA )

WHEN NEELAKURINJI BLOSSOMS

PANCHA BHOOTA ( पन्च भूत )

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