pillar – GOPS Creativ

Jun 18

KOTACHADRI : ADVENTURE MEETS WITH DEVOTION

Kodachadri, situated in the Western Ghats in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, is undeniably one of the most stunning tourist spots in India. A visit to Kodachadri could be an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and thrill-seeking drivers. It is located 1343 meters above sea level and is approximately 30 kilometers away from the temple town Kollur. The area is surrounded by verdant hills and is home to a diverse range of wildlife and tropical flora. The valley has been designated as a natural heritage site by the state government. The term Kodachadri (Kodachadri in Kannada, Kutajadri in Sanskrit, and Malayalam കുടജാദ്രി) originates from the Sanskrit words ‘Kutaja’ and ‘Adri’. Kutaja refers to a species of Mountain Jasmine flower (കുടകപ്പാല, Kutakappaala or Giri-Mallika) while Adri signifies a hill. The Kutaja plant also possesses Ayurvedic medicinal qualities. The breathtaking vista from the summit of Kodachadri peak is captivating. The peak can be reached via a challenging trekking path spanning approximately 9 to 12 km through thick woodland. This trek is designed for individuals in good physical condition and necessitates authorization from the forest department. Alternatively, it can be accessed via a 30 km off-road jeep route from Kollur town. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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KOTACHADRI : ADVENTURE MEETS WITH DEVOTION

SARNATH, THE BIRTH PLACE OF BUDDHISM

A TRIP TO SHRAVANABELAGOLA

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