PICTHRILL

Koili Ghoghar Waterfall

2010-01-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

In Jharsuguda district there are not many tourist spots. But when one thinks of nature, picturesque setting, force of water, devotion, free air, peace, one can find all these in Koili Ghoghar. This is a small waterfall but gives immense pleasure to the picnickers who gather around the waterfall in winter. When the river Ahiraj flows amidst some highland and dense forest it makes a beautiful waterfall and the place is known as Koili Ghoghar. The river originates in Chhuikanch forest and later merges with the river Mahanadi.

Legend goes that a Lingam (Phalus) of Lord Shiva was spotted inside the bed of the river in summer. The news might have spread and people must have started worshipping the Linga out of devotion. But the linga known as Maheswarnath is submerged in water during rainy and winter season. For the benefit of the devotees a new Siva Lingam is built juxtaposed to the submerged lingam.

Soon, people united their head and started constructing a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. A huge Mela (Festival) is organized here that starts from Shiv Ratri. People of all hues gather during the mela to see the waterfall and show their devotion.

People throw various kinds of light food to see fishes scooping at those bits of food. People respect those fishes and don’t net them for eating.

Sadly not much is available in the internet about the waterfall. I have traveled to the spot three times. It is 55 kilometres from the District Headquarters of Jharsuguda. Raipur-Chandikhol National Highway (NH 200) takes one to the spot. From the Govindpur Chowk the last point of the Highway, the actual spot is only 6 kilometres. Their was no motorable road earlier but now the entire road from Govindpur chowk to the spot is macadamized.

Durga Puja In Jharsuguda

2009-09-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

I was on leave. Mind was just not concentrating on anything. later in the evening, we (My wife and Me) decided to hope Puja pandals. It was the first day that is the seventh day in the bright fortnight. Puja starts from the sixth day though. I brought out my bike and soon we pierced into the crowd. Here is what i have brought for you. Thanks to my Cell Phone it was possible. So enjoy this photographs.

pandal and Image of Town Durga Puja Committee that is celebrating 60 years. The pandal is just marvelous with a marble finish. The Image is fine and stupendous.

This is the image and Pandal of Mangal Bazar that is celebrating its silver jubilee this year. I have got a video that is dedicated to the Prince Dance Group, Orissa. I will upload that after Conversion.

Here we go to another pandal that is the Sarbahal Pandal. The Pandal is stupendous and superb that resembles a historical monument.

I have got some more pictures and will post them very soon. This much for today. Wishing you all a happy Durga puja and holiday.

The Konark Temple: Mesmerim on Stone

2009-08-05T01:04:00.000-07:00

The Konark temple is situated in the Eastern part of Orissa is known all over the world for its architectural brilliance. The complete structure is no more for the present generation to see and feel proud of our past glory. But the massiveness of the main temple can be gauged, if the remnant entrance is seen. The walls of the temple are full of stone masonry and stone filigree works. Scenes are taken freely from the daily life of the king and his subjects. From the court proceeding, hunting to lovemaking everything can be found on the walls of the temple. In one such scene the king is shown on his throne while a messenger from an African country is presenting a Giraffe to the king. The presence of Giraffe an African animal is significant and shows outside contact of Orissa. Indian was discovered in the 15^th century but the monument of Konark belongs to the 13^th century AD. In another scene a woman is seen standing holding the outer gate of her house, possibly waiting for her husband’s return. Serpent nymphs (half snake and half female) figurines can be seen everywhere fondling and embracing. Scenes from Puranas (holy scriptures) are also taken by the masons. Some stone panels were fitted after masonry works but a majority of stone panels are carved out stand alone. This shows the architectural brilliance of Orissan stone workers. The presence of huge single stones and irons pillars (in one of my earlier post photographs of the stone pillars can be seen) shows the architectural development in Orissa in Temple building.

The temple was planned like a chariot of Sun god. Twenty four (12 pairs) wheels are fitted to the chariot on which the temple was built. The chariot was being drawn by seven caparisoned horses and obviously the charioteer was the Sun god. The wheels have got axles and small iron rods to keep the wheel and axle in unison shows as if the temple would run like a chariot. As far as planning was concerned it was brilliant from scientific and geometric point of view. The face of the temple is to the east. In the morning when the sun would rise on the eastern sky the ray would fall right on to the body of the god, placed in the centre of the temple. It would seem as if the sun was swinging on the sun ray. For some different reasons the temple was not consecrated and no God was placed. No worship is done here.

Panels depicting eroticas like coital actions, heating vagina after child birth, fondling, lesbian kissing and embrace can be seen here. Coital actions showing different poses of love making are carved out on the wall of the temple. It should be noted here that the presence of eroticas should not be looked down upon. It is simple as art is never hated. Art is art depicted in whatever form. It is not a school to make you learn the entire book of Kamasutra of Vatsayana. In fact life is depicted in every form and love making is not something out the realm of life. See the objects of art, love them, explore them, research on them if you are a connoisseur of art. The chief mason seems to give the message to all. Be broad in outlook, shed all conservatism and orthodoxy or prejudices and enthrall yourself.

Approaches

Airport: The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa just 65 kilometers away from Konark proper.

Railhead: Puri, 40 kilometers away.

Surface transport: All weather road from Puri and Bhubaneswar.

Puri, Bhubaneswar and Konark in unison is known as the Golden triangle of Orissa tourism.

There are numerous temples, historical places in and around these places to see and sip the beauty of nature and art. Near Konark temple, just four kilometers away situates the Bay of Bengal. The Chandrabraga beach located here though small still mesmerizing and enticing. Sitting on the sprawling sand on can enjoy the ripples, waves of the sea banging on the coast.

Sunrise is another spectacular scene of Chandrabhaga. The sun can be observed leaping like a red giant ball on to the sea.

Best time to visit: October to March.

The casuarinas forest is enchanting. The floor somewhat clear, canopied by casuarinas trees provides solace to the solace seekers. The road that connects Konark with Puri runs right in the middle of a sanctuary known for the presence of the rare Black Buck.

Jagannath temple, Lingaraj temple and Sakshigopal temple are not open for foreigners and Muslims. Even photography is strictly prohibited in these locations. But in Konark not only foreigners and Muslims are allowed but also photography is allowed. Remember not to denigrate the art objects of Konark by standing on them and taking snaps. Yes you can sit on stiles and take snaps with the temple as backdrop. You can find photographers approaching you for snaps. They are professional photographers known for their trick photography. Rates can be negotiated. Photographs taken by them are delivered within half an hour. Pay after taking the photographs. Even they don’t demand any advance or payment before delivery. So you are not going to incur any loss.

OTDC (Orissa Tourism Development corporation) provides professional guide though their English pronunciation will irritate you for presence of local tinge still with a slight patience you can understand them. OTDC takes care of your interest and provides you all facilities for you to explore the monument.

Entry is prohibited. ASI (Archaeological Society of India) charges everyone as maintenance of such a monument is not an easy task. Indians are charged 10 INR and foreigners are charged 250 INR (5$). The discrimination is obvious and what for this is maintained is known only to the authority. I have no knowledge whether such discrimination is maintained in other parts of the world or not. I have visited the monument twice and have enjoyed my stay there.

So what do you say? Are you coming this season? Don’t worry. In the internet all information can be found from hotel to ticketing or advance booking to sight seeing. Wish you a wonderful stay in Orissa.

Related post:
http://picthrill.blogspot.com/2009/01/konark-temple-in-pictures.html

Thanks

Tourism in Eastern Orissa: Value for Money

2009-06-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

Puri is a bustling and religious city in the extreme eastern point of Orissa. It is adjacent to the Bay of Bengal. It is famous for the Lord Jagannath Temple and many small temples in and around the city. The wave of religion and Krishna cult can be felt in the air of Puri. The temple is the hub of religious activities as every thing seems to start inside the temple. Puri is a seat of Hindu religion and one of the four seats of Sankaracharya. It is said that arriving in Puri one finds oneself bathed in the water laced with religious feeling and devotion. Puri is connected by railways from every parts of India. The nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar 90 kilometers away from Puri. The best time for a visit to Puri is during the winter. As Puri is situated near the sea, the humidity level is high and it is during the winter the humidity is low.

It should be noted here that foreigners and Muslims peoples are not allowed to enter into the temple premises. It is only a safeguard imposed by the then temple management to maintain the purity of the temple and to keep the temple, idol and properties safe from foreign invasion that was recurring features of middle age India. Though there is no such fear in the modern age, the archaic safeguard is still there yet to be reformed. So foreigners and peoples following the religion of Islam should not transgress the feeling of the peoples. Photography is also not allowed inside the Puri Jagannath temple.

One can find hotels of all ranges from budgeted to a bit expensive. One can find many hotels in and around the Sea Beach. Apart from the Jagannath Temple the beach is another point of attraction for tourists. If one gets second or third floor in a hotel then it is okay as from there one can revel in the marvel of dancing ripples and all powerful and mesmerizing waves of the sea without any disturbances. On the beach one can see budding and established sand artists making sand sculptures. There is a special beach dedicated to the foreigners.

There is Sakhigopal temple near Puri. It is believed that if one visits Puri Jagannath temple and does not pay a curtsey visit to this temple, the visit is not said to be complete.

Once you are in Puri, you will start learning about the city and its features. In Puri don’t be a prey to the Priests of any temple, as you can visit any temple and perform worship freely. If you are devoted and ready to expend some dime then no one has any business in that. Don’t be a victim to any middle men who roam around telling, "We will arrange cheaper hotels and can arrange anything for money." You arrange for yourself that is too easy. Peoples of Orissa are known for their peace loving nature and friendliness. Feel free to visit Orissa and take a bath in the exuberance of the culture and tourist attractions in and around Puri.

After you reach Puri please feel free to meet any tourist officials of OTDC (Orissa tourism Development Corporation) stationed in and around the Temple premises and Puri railway station. Visit relevant website searching in the http://google.com and book your hotels as well as train or air tickets. During this time hotel accommodations are not that easy for obvious reason of surging tourist arrival. If possible, check that you are here in and around New Year solely to merge in the crowd of your genre.

Konark temple near Puri is famous for the Sun God temple and just 32 kilometers away from Puri. The road from Puri to Konark criss-crosses the famous casuarina forest and black buck sanctuary. During winter tourists from all over the world surge to Konark. The temple is a marvel in stone. The stone sculptors will mesmerize one. Massive structure though broken still have the capacity to spell bound a tourist. The lush greenery around the temple premises is ideal for sitting at a little distance and bath in the exuberance of architectural greatness of Orissan stone filigree. There is the Chadrabhaga, another small beach always seem to be busy with picnickers and sand lovers in winter. In and around Konark and the beach one can find many photographers persuading tourists for snaps. Remember, they will never cheat you. If you want any snaps of yours then you can ask them and rest assured the snaps will be delivered instantly or in Konark. They can send the photographs to your address if you pay money for sending or they can send bearing packets for your benefit. While going from Puri to Konark Chandrabhaga beach happens to be the first stop and photographs taken in Chandrabhaga is always delivered at Konark premises. There is a small handicraft market just before the Konark temple and while coming back one can buy some fancy items for home decoration. These items are made from coir and clothes.

From Puri one can visit the Lake Chilika 100 kilometers around. In Chilika one can find many small islands of beauty with dense forests. During winter one can see many migratory birds nestling in the water. The Nalabana Bird sanctuary is famous for migratory birds. There is a small temple in an island dedicated to the deity of Kalijai. The base station of the Chilika is Chilka Railway station itself and Balugaon railway station too. From there one can hire boats to roam on the rippling sea. Exclusive or shared boats are always available from the base stations Barkul near Chilika Railway station and Balugaon. Lake Chilika is a marvel of the Orissa, a beauty of water body that is always silent and gorgeous. The pacific ripples dancing in the cool air blowing over the water body sweetly penetrating bodies of the peoples, has some magic power to take you to a séance of ecstasy of travel. And you will love the rhythmic ripples and waves.

Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Orissa is another tourist spot, 90 kilometers from Puri, is linked by rail and road. Bhubaneswar is known for its arrays of temples. In Old Bhubaneswar one can find innumerable temples. The Lingaraj temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva, is world famous. There is Mukteswar temple, Rajarani temple, Kedar Gauri temple and many more. Again it is better to emphasize here that Muslim peoples and foreigners are not allowed to enter into the temple. In and around the New Bhubaneswar one can see Dhauligiri, (Dhbala means White in Oriya) a modern monument of Buddhist looks white from far away. The structure is massive and no one leaves a chance to visit the spot, if one happens to be in and around Bhubaneswar. There is a cave in which one can find the cave writings of Ashoka The Great, the Magadha emperor. There is Lalitagiri, Nandan Kanan, Geological Park, Rope way and Toy train in Nadan kanan.

The caves of Khanda Giri and Udaya Giri are dedicated to the followers of Jains. Enthusiasts can travel to these spots, just 5 kilometres away from New Bhubaneswar. New Bhubaneswar is well planned with grid planning. The traffic situation is one of the best in Orissa. There is parking places provided in regular intervals to avoid clogging and provide convenience to moving vehicles. Nicco Park is another attraction around Bhubaneswar that boasts of some adventurous water sports and entertainment for small children. Science lovers can visit Pathani Samanta Planetarium to feel the sky in their laps. There is ISKON temple dedicated to the lord Krishna which is situated on the NH 5 and near new Bhubaneswar. The temple structure is massive and the hospitality is praise worthy. The food served in the restaurant of Iskon temple is delicious and cheap.

Puri, Konark and Bhubaneswar the three hubs of tourism in Eastern Orissa, is known as Golden Triangle of Orissa tourism. The infrastructures like road and rail transport connects the three destinations and the travel is faster in road as there is no rail link to Konark. It is for this reason the road from Puri to Bhubaneswar via Konark is well developed and well maintained by the State Highway Authority.

Near Bhubaneswar, there is Cuttack the old capital city of Orissan Kings. The city is old and seat of many old historical structures. Far down around two hundred kilometers away from Bhubaneswar and Puri, is Ganjam district, Brahmapur, Gopalpur are some of the well known tourists spots one can choose to include in one’s itinerary. GopalPur is a small port beautiful for its coruscating flake beach. In an around BrahmaPur is a major railway station and district head quarters of Ganjam District, is known for many architectural monuments apart from the famous and picturesque Taratarini Temple situated atop a hill.

So are you planning to visit Orissa this winter? Orissa and its peoples will be there to embrace you on your arrival, rest assured. Happy Touring.

Thank you

Necessity is the mother of invention

2009-01-17T05:56:00.000-08:00

Yes, the above adage fits well to the photograph shown. This photograph is taken from a prestigious train of Indian railway. The train is known as Geetanjali Express named after the anthology of poems written by the Great writer Rabindranath Tagore. Interestingly, Rabindranath Tagore was awarded with Nobel Prize for literature for that collection of Poems that we know in English as ‘Song offering.’

Geetanjali Express connects Howrah to Mumbai two metro cities of India. As the mobile revolution and the scrapping of incoming charges along with reduced cost of outgoing calls, in India everyone has got a cell phone. And during travel everyone wants to charge their mobile that fast loses energy thanks to listening songs and viewing videos.

But Indian railway is not geared up for such a revolution and instead provided with inadequate number of charging points inside sleeper coaches. Regrettably, not all sleeper coaches are provided with charging points and some charging points are out of order thanks to overuses or misuses. But travelers have made alternative arrangements to cope with the shortcomings of the Indian railways. They travel with three pins, extension cords and everyone charge their mobile happily. The photograph given above gives ample proof of the current situation.

Thanks

Bimaleswar Temple

2009-01-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

This is a unique temple situated in the western part of Orissa. From the city of Sambalpur (A district Headquarters of the state of Orissa, India) the exact spot is just 32 kilometers away. Sambalpur and Huma is connected by an all weather road. During the Shivratri festival a grand mela (Festive Gathering) is organized in which devotees gather together to buy traditional products that is not always available in the urban market. The temple is unique because this is the only structure that is leaning. River Mahanadi following by the temple adds beauty to the temple. Kodo fishes are found in abundance in the river. People love them as they feed them to see them just above the blue water. Boats are available to go to a nearby highland from which the picturesque beauty of the both river and the temple is enjoyed to the fullest. In the highland, a huge statue of the goddess Kali will be welcoming you with her ferocious look and weapons.

This is a very beautiful site one must not leave any chance to visit if one happens to be in and around the city of Sambalpur. In Sambalpur accommodations of all ranges are available for the benefit of the tourists.

The leaning parts are obvious to eyes.

Another shot of the temple.

Want to know more about the temple? Then visit the following links:

orissadiary.com/orissa_tourism/temple/HUMA.asp - 27k

etirth.wordpress.com/2008/03/16/huma-temple-sambalpur-orissa-india/ - 36k -

www.xlholidays.com/destinations/orissa/traveling-to-humatemplesambalpur.html - 10k -

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambalpur_District - 28k -

www.bharatonline.com/orissa/sambalpur/huma-temple.html - 33k -

www.orissatourism.gov.in/leaning.html - 3k

Thank You for going through this article.

Konark Temple In Pictures

2009-01-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

Konark Temple dedicated to the sun god is a magnificent architecture of Medieval Orissa. It is a site declared as World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. All these photographs were taken by a Nokia N95 camera.

The Iron Pillars used to support the huge chariot like structure.

A broken panel joined together resembles a blossomed lotus.

Panels full of art on stones.

The Konark Wheel that is world famous and is being used as one of the State Emblems of Orissa, India.

A broken statue of the Sun God on a wall of the temple.

Konark temple mesmerizes the art and sculptors lovers.

Entry is not free to the temple site.
Phtography is free.

Happy touring Konark.

Thanks

ATRI: A Hot Spring In Orissa

2008-07-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

Atri the name creates curiosity in the minds of tourists. Atri is a hot spring situated in the eastern part of Orissa. One can visit the site from Khurdha the last railhead. But considering the facilities of lodging and boarding it is best to make Bhubaneswar the capital city of Orissa as the base. From Khurdha (Locally known as Jatni) it is just 25 kilometers. The road is not one of the finest but don’t worry it is nor one of the worst. People thronging to Puri one of the famous towns of Orissa, can also visit the site from there as it is only 90 kilometers from there. The Jagannath Road upto Rameswar, 62 kilometres is black tapped and motor-able. From there, via Baghamari to Atri, the road criss-crosses among high land, foliage and habitations. And the quality of the road is a bit worrisome though cabbie drivers plying in that area; know very well to ply in that kind of zigzag, pot-holey road.

The OTDC (Orissa Tourism development Council) maintains the site and for the benefit of the people coming to the site it has built a Panthaniwas (Inn) inside the area of the hot spring. The hot water comes forth from inside. Legend goes that rice can be boiled in the heat generated by the water. The water of the main well is too hot, limpid as one can see till the bottom. Peoples out of devotion to the presiding deity of the place, Lord Shiva, throw coins of small denomination into the well. This kind of devotion is easy to find in various places of India.

For the benefit of the tourists the OTDC has dug out four wells and has made arrangements to feed water from the main well. The water of the other fed out wells are relatively less hot and peoples easily bath inside the well. As the water contents high degree of sulphur (sulfer), it is said that a bath in the water is a good bye to the many of skin diseases like rashness, eczema, wart, sole crack in winter etc. This blogger has taken bath once and for that reason or other does not know about these kind of dermal diseases.

While coming back one can visit the Shiva temple on the way. The phallus of the Lord Shiva, eleven in numbers, whitish in look are said to be natural. A pond near the temple complex is said to have miraculous power. A lady wishing child can have that if she happens to bath inside the pond, search a bulb of lily or other water creepers. If she found one and devours that with devotion the Lord Shiva then she will be in the family way very soon. This is only a folk tale and belief and how far it is scientifically true is a matter of research. But devotion is devotion not subject to any scientific principles or research.

A big mela (Festive gatering) is organized During Makar Sankranti that roughly corresponds to the date of January 14 in the Gregorian or international Calendar.

People visit Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar, Konark temple, Puri Jagannath temple. All these places are known world wide. But apart from a visit to this place, one must visit this small but picturesque site to get solace from the crowd, noise, cars and hawkers.

N.B: Stories about more unknown places will be covered by and by. Photo related to Atri will be given later if possible.

Gudguda Waterfall

2008-05-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

This is one of the small but beautiful waterfalls of Sambalpur district, Orissa. It sprinkles out from the Gudguda mountain, as told by the local peoples. Picnickers throng to the spot during the X-mas holidays, New Year. Specially in winter season from November to February picnickers gather there to have some fun and eat out. The picturesque scenery of the dense forest and the waterfall provides solace to people. The cool atmosphere provides a toxic sensation and feeling to those who understand. The spot can be visited from the Jharsuguda end and Sambalpur end. All weather road connects Kuchinda the base town of Gudguda waterfall. From there the rest 36 kilometers, the road is not pucca or black tapped. But the drudgery of the 31 kilometers evaporates, once the spot is seen. The water from the waterfall is used for irrigation that provides livelihood to the people of the locality. Litchi grows during summer one of the mainstay of the area's economy thanks to the water of the waterfall. other vegetables also grow that provides financial security to the area and its people.