river – GOPS Creativ

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 […]

Oct 31

DEVOTION, DEEP INSIDE THE JUNGLE : THIRUNELLI TEMPLE

Thirunelli MahaVishnu Temple stands as one of the most ancient and revered places of worship in Kerala. The name ‘Thiru Nelli’ translates to Holy Gooseberry tree (Amla). According to the sacred Hindu texts or puranas, Lord Brahma was captivated by the beauty of this valley and chose to descend upon it. It was then that he discovered an idol of Lord Vishnu situated on a gooseberry tree. Recognizing the divine presence of Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma consecrated the idol at the site and bestowed blessings upon the temple, declaring it as a sanctum that absolves all sins. As a result, the water stream in this area came to be known as Papanasini. Thirunelli temple, situated in the Wayanad district of Kerala, is surrounded by the lush green mountains of the Brahmagiri ranges, which are adjacent to the Western Ghats. It is located in north Wayanad, 34 kilometers away from Mananthavady. The exact age of the temple is unknown, but historians believe it could be 3000 years old, making it one of the oldest temples in Kerala. According to popular belief, the temple was founded by Chera King Kulasekharan (AD 767 – 834). Copper plate inscriptions discovered in the area date […]

Jul 29

by GOPAN NAIR in Life in this India, travel, Varanasi 11 comments tags: aarti, Assi Ghat, benaras, benares, Dashashwamedh Ghat, gali, ganga, ganges, ghat, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops.org, Harishchandra Ghat, hindu, holy, kashi, Manikarnika, Manikarnika Ghat, photo, photography, river, sadhu, spiritual, spirituality, street, Tulsi Ghat, varanasi, Vishwanath Temple, worship

VARANASI, A CITY BEYOND LIFE & DEATH

VARANASI, also recognized as BENARAS or KASHI, holds the prestigious title of being the oldest living city globally, with a well-documented history of over 3000 years. Mark Twain’s words resonate as he stated, “Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and appears twice as old as all of them combined.” This ancient city has withstood the test of time, existing even during the childhood years of Siddhartha Gautama, who would later become known as Buddha. Varanasi is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the western bank of the sacred Ganga River. This ancient city, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs, serves as a religious hub. Despite facing destruction by Mughals and other invaders over the centuries, Varanasi continues to stand as a place where the past and present, eternity and continuity, philosophy and wisdom harmoniously coexist. For Hindus, Kashi holds the same level of sanctity as Mecca does for Muslims and Jerusalem does for Christians. It is widely believed that one must receive an invitation from a higher power in order to visit Varanasi. I believe this holds true in everyday life as well. Despite my tendency to procrastinate, the trip […]

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. […]

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 :

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 […]

ENCHANTING ELLORA

AJANTA CAVES : WHEN ROCKS TELL STORIES

DEVOTION, DEEP INSIDE THE JUNGLE : THIRUNELLI TEMPLE

VARANASI, A CITY BEYOND LIFE & DEATH

KOTACHADRI : ADVENTURE MEETS WITH DEVOTION

VARANASI :: SONG OF THE BOAT MAN

GREAT INDIAN ARCHITECTURE SERIES :: MYSTERIOUS TALAKAD

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