architecture – GOPS Creativ

THE GREAT LIVING CHOLA TEMPLES, PART 3 of 3 : DARASURAM (தாராசுரம்)

The Chola Dynasty, which thrived from 300 BC to 1279 CE in Southern India, were devout followers of Shaivism and ardent supporters of arts, literature, and poetry. The Chola Kings, also known as “சோழர்” in Tamil, held a significant position among the rulers of India. They were renowned for constructing numerous Shiva Temples across the world, many of which still stand today. The collection of three remarkable architectural wonders, known as ‘The Great Living Chola Temples,’ were constructed by the Chola Kings and can still be found in Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram, and Darasuram in Tamil Nadu. These temples stand out for their distinctive Dravidian architecture and exceptional artistic craftsmanship. The Brihadeeswarar temple ( Read about it here ) , also known as the Big Temple or Peruvudaiyar Kovil, situated in Thanjavur, was completed in 1010 AD by Emperor Raja Raja Chola I (985–1014 AD). This magnificent temple, which celebrated its 1000th anniversary in 2010, is among the largest temples in India and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument. Rajendra Chola-I (1012-1044 AD), the son of the renowned Rajaraja-I, expanded the kingdom as far as the Ganga River in the North and earned the title Gangaikondacholan. He was a […]

Oct 28

by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage 9 comments tags: architecture, blog, buddha, buddhism, buddhist, caves, cut, elephanta, ellora, ferry, gateway, gharapuri mural, gop.org, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, heritage, hindu, hinduism, india, MUMBAI, of, photography, rock, shiva, shrine, site, temple, Temples, tourism, unesco, WORLD

EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES

The relentless bombardment from the artillery persisted for weeks and months, despite the absence of any actual enemies in the vicinity. Surprisingly, it was the Portuguese soldiers who were using the cannons to target the imposing rock sculptures in Elephanta Caves as part of their training exercises. Reflecting on the historical timeline of explorations, invasions, and colonization, it becomes evident that bloodshed and devastation were the unwelcome companions of each successful event. Descendants of the ruthless invaders who reduced the treasures of a magnificent country to mere rubble and sand should feel remorseful for the actions of their ancestors. While we proudly extol the rich culture and heritage of India, it is disheartening that these distressing truths are frequently overlooked. The ancient island kingdom near Mumbai harbour was known as Gharapuri, which translates to ‘City of Caves’ in Marathi. Evidence of early settlement dating back to the 2nd century BC can still be seen on this little island. For travelers in Mumbai, it offers a quick escape from the bustling city life. The island is made up of two small hillocks on its eastern and western sides, separated by a narrow ravine. Carved caves and sculptures made of Basalt rock, […]

Oct 22

by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage, travel 4 comments tags: ajanta, architecture, aurangabad, blog, buddha, buddhism, buddhist, caves, cut, ellora, gop.org, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, heritage, hindu, hinduism, india, jain, jaina, Kailasa, Kailasanatha, Kailasha, monastery, mural, photography, river, rock, site, temple, Temples, tourism, USESCO, WORLD

ENCHANTING ELLORA

The Ellora Cave Complex, located 29 kilometers North-West of Aurangabad, a prominent city situated 300 kilometers away from Mumbai in India, is a fascinating historical site. Originally known as Elapura, the complex consists of temples and monasteries dedicated to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, dating back to between 600-1000 AD. Carved out of volcanic basalt rock, this extraordinary group of caves showcases the rich religious and cultural history of the region. Although a hundred caves have been discovered, only 34 are currently accessible to the public, offering a glimpse into the ancient heritage of the area. Long ago, the Deccan plateau was shaped by ancient volcanic activity, as molten lava cooled and solidified into layers of basaltic rock. Evidence of early human settlements dating back thousands of years has been discovered in this region, indicating its historical significance. Ellora’s strategic location near a prominent trade route, dating back to the Satavahana dynasty (271 BC to 30 BC), likely contributed to its continual inhabitation and preservation unlike the nearby Ajanta caves. While the exact construction period remains unknown, it is believed that the remarkable architecture of Ellora was a legacy of King Krishna#1 of the Rashtrakuta dynasty (760 AD). Detailed descriptions of […]

Oct 01

by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage, travel 10 comments tags: ajanta, architecture, aurangabad, blog, buddha, buddhist, caves, cut, gop.org, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, heritage, india, monastery, mural, photography, river, rock, site, Temples, tourism, USESCO, waghora, WORLD

AJANTA CAVES : WHEN ROCKS TELL STORIES

Located approximately 450 kilometers away from the vibrant city of Mumbai, ‘Ajanta’ stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of ancient Indian art, architecture, culture, and religion. These magnificent cave temples showcase the seamless integration of various elements that define the splendour of India’s heritage. Ajanta is home to a remarkable collection of 29 Buddhist monasteries and sanctuaries, representing the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions. These stunning architectural marvels date back to the period spanning from the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD. Despite being deserted and concealed for millennia, a group of British soldiers stumbled upon this extraordinary site in 1819, bringing it back into the light after years of obscurity. Located approximately 104 kilometers away from the vibrant city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the river Waghora gracefully cascades down in a series of seven steps, giving rise to a tranquil pool known as Saptakund. As it continues its journey, the river flows through a narrow, winding gorge nestled beside a striking, horse-shoe shaped rock. The caves, a testament to incredible craftsmanship and precision, are meticulously carved into the sheer vertical face of this rock. Evident from the rock’s formation and geological characteristics, it is believed […]

Dec 30

by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage, travel 2 comments tags: architecture, culture, gop.org, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, heritage, india, photography, walls

SIMPLY WALLS… !

The year 2015 is drawing to a close. Reflecting on the past year, I find that 2015 was a particularly eventful year in terms of photography. I have been working on organizing my favorite photographs into categories, and the first category I have created is ‘walls’. Indeed, those walls captivated me…

POETRY IN STONE : MADANIKAS OF BELUR

The Hoysala empire is named after a legend from Kannada folklore, which narrates the tale of a brave young man named Sala who courageously defeated a lion (or tiger) to protect his Master Sudatta. In Kannada language, “Hoy, Sala” translates to “Strike Sala,” which eventually became the moniker of the dynasty he established. This heroic event is symbolized in the emblem of the Hoysala empire. Visitors are greeted by a statue depicting Sala’s battle with the lion at the entrance of the Chennakesava temple in Belur. The construction of the temple took place under the reign of Vishnuvardhana from the Hoysala dynasty in the 12th century AD. As per the myth, the main architects of Chennakeshava Temple were ‘Amarashilpi Jakanacharya’ and his son ‘Dankanacharya’. For more information on the history of Belur & Halebid, please refer to my comprehensive article by clicking here. The Chennakesava temple is renowned for its intricate carvings, sculptures, and motifs that embellish the outer walls. Among these, the most famous and exquisite are the 42 well-crafted bracket figures known as Madanikas (Chaste Maidens or Salabhanjikas). While 38 of these figures are positioned outside the temple, the remaining 4 can be admired within its sacred walls. […]

May 18

A SNEAK PEAK INTO HOYSALA HISTORY : BELAVADI & ARSIKERE

‘Hoy, Sala !” in Kannada means “Strike Sala!”, a phrase derived from Kannada folklore. Legend has it that a young boy named Sala fought a lion (or tiger) to save his Jain Guru named Sudatta. This valiant warrior later founded the Hoysala empire, with the depiction of this event becoming the emblem of the Hoysala dynasty. The Hoysala Empire governed the Deccan Plateau area in Southern India from the 10th to the 14th centuries. They crafted a unique architectural style and constructed numerous remarkable structures throughout their realm, thereby influencing the culture of the region. Many of these architectural marvels can still be found in Karnataka, with the most notable ones listed as follows: Click the name of a temple to go through a photo tour. TEMPLE / PLACE YEAR KING Chennakesava Belur 1117 Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleswara Halebidu 1120 Vishnuvardhana Kedareshwara Halebidu 1200 Veera Ballala II Veeranarayana Belavadi 1200 Veera Ballala II Ishvara (Shivalaya) Arsikere 1200 Veera Ballala II Kesava Somanathapura 1268 Narasimha III Click the name of a temple to go through a photo tour. VEERA NARAYANA TEMPLE, BELAVADI Belavadi, a quaint village positioned 10 kilometers to the northwest of Halebid (Halebeedu), the former capital of the Hoysala kingdom, […]

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 […]

Jan 27

GREAT INDIAN ARCHITECTURE SERIES :: SOMANATHPURA

The Chennakesava Temple was built in 1268 C.E by Soma, a Dandanayaka (commander) in the Hoysala Kingdom during the rule of King Narasimha III. 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 process, many pillars and sculptures were created using lathe turning or scraping motion of the tools. A touch of polishing with oil would bring out a lifelike appearance in them. The side walls are intricately carved with depictions of cavalry, elephants, and scenes from epics such as Mahabharat, Ramayan, and Bhagavat. The sculptures show extreme attention to detail, reflecting the culture, clothing, dances, jewelry, weaponry, and more of that era. Research students can gain valuable insights into the history of the period through these carvings. This Vaishnava temple faces east and is surrounded by a strong boundary wall (prakara). It features three shrines (trikuta) built on a star-shaped platform (jagati). The temple’s beauty rivals that of […]

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 […]

THE GREAT LIVING CHOLA TEMPLES, PART 3 of 3 : DARASURAM (தாராசுரம்)

EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES

ENCHANTING ELLORA

AJANTA CAVES : WHEN ROCKS TELL STORIES

SIMPLY WALLS… !

POETRY IN STONE : MADANIKAS OF BELUR

A SNEAK PEAK INTO HOYSALA HISTORY : BELAVADI & ARSIKERE

FACE TO FACE WITH HISTORY :: BELUR & HALEBID

GREAT INDIAN ARCHITECTURE SERIES :: SOMANATHPURA

GREAT INDIAN ARCHITECTURE SERIES :: MYSTERIOUS TALAKAD

Recent Posts

Archives

Flickr Photostream

Find me on FaceBook

Find me on Twitter

CALENDAR OF EVENTS