My Weekend Odysseys

From the depths of the ocean to the flowing rivers, Water- so vital for life to exist, hides within its belly lot of secrets. One such secret lies embedded on Shalmala river bed - A place called SAHASRALINGA. Sahasra translates to thousand in Sanskrit and as name suggest "Thousand linga's or Shivlings".The place is unique because the linga's are situated on rocks of the river Shalmala. Carved on riverine rocks, Sahasralinga looks very artistic and beautiful. Sahasralinga is a pilgrimage place, located around 14 kms from town of Sirsi in Uttar Kannada district nestled in lush green Western Ghats. River Shalmala which originates from Dharwad flows quietly through the pristine forest near the village of Sonda. The bed of this river has huge boulders as well as small rocks and each one of them have Shivalinga carved on them. Some even have more than one Shivalinga and even Nandi - the vehicle of Lord Shiva. Originally every Linga had a Nandi facing it but now many seems t...

Gyaraspur - One name which many may not have heard of unless you have some association with Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh. Its is situated around 35kms from town of Vidisha on Vidisha - Sagar road. The name it seems was derived from a fair which is held at the eleventh month of Hindu calendar hence the name Gyaras and pur meaning a small town. Irony is most don't even know that there is a statue of lady called " Shalabhanjika " kept at Gujari Mahal museum - Gwalior which is considered a matchless beauty by many historians and experts. The statue is called as Indian Venus or Monalisa statue in stone. It was discovered in Gyaraspur. History: The Kachhapagatha dynasty ruled the North West parts of Madhya Pradesh during the 10th and 12th CE. They are assumed to be progeny of the Nagas and were the vassals of Gurjara - Pratiharas and later of the Chandelas of Central India. This dynasty contributed much to art and architecture and many temples were built under their patro...