Category Archives: Tourism

DAILY PHOTO: Orange and Old

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Taken November 23, 2013 at Belur

Taken November 23, 2013 at Belur

In Cambodia, one can buy these paintings that are monochromatic with the exception of the vibrant saffron of monks’ robes. These artworks are commonly found around Siem Reap and have backgrounds such as the Bayon, Ta Prohm, or Angkor Wat. While this photo was taken in Belur, India at the Chennakeshava temple, it reminds me of an impromptu version of such paintings. All dull earth-tones, except the Hindu adherents moving about in their bright colors.

Apparently, the significance of the color orange is shared by Hindus and Buddhists. Krishna is usually portrayed in orange or yellow, and in Buddhism orange is considered the color of illumination.

DAILY PHOTO: Mysore Palace

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Taken November 29, 2013 in Mysore.

Taken November 29, 2013 in Mysore.

This is the front of the palace at Mysore. This particular palace was constructed between 1897 and 1912, and was the seat of the Wodeyar Kingdom that  ruled from 1399 to 1947.

The front of the building is set up like a parade ground with a stage from which the King could address the public, with the highfalutin’  people sitting under the shelter of the palace roof and the minions and peasants out baking under the sun. Of course, now there’s bird netting all over the facade to prevent the pigeons from bombing the place into poop-blivion.

One can’t take pictures inside, which is too bad because the colors and opulence are stunning, e.g. imagine a sterling silver couch. I come from the wealthiest country in the world (if one doesn’t count debt, which the government doesn’t, so why should I), and I have trouble wrapping my brain around a silver couch. I bet Warren Buffet doesn’t even own a silver couch.

 

DAILY PHOTO: Delhi From the Minaret

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Taken October 14, 2013.

Taken October 14, 2013 in Old Delhi.

This is the view roughly northward from the minaret of the Jama Masjid.

DAILY PHOTO: Albino Black Buck

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Taken November 29, 2013 at the Mysore Zoo.

Taken November 29, 2013 at the Mysore Zoo.

There’s something about this picture that strikes me as not of this world. The albino creature contrasted against the earth-tone environment. One expects to see a deer in a verdant patch where it can meet its grazing needs, not on barren, stony soil.  Then there are those wicked screw-bit horns, seeming a little out of place on bambi–like fangs on a butterfly.

DAILY PHOTO: Saint Philomena’s of Mysore

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Taken on November 29, 2013 in Mysore

Taken on November 29, 2013 in Mysore.

This neo-Gothic cathedral sits in downtown Mysore. It was built in 1936 and its design was influenced by the cathedral in Cologne.

The saint for which it was named was a martyred Greek princess.

DAILY PHOTO: Dariya Daulat Gate

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Taken November 29, 2013 in Mysore

Taken November 29, 2013 in Mysore

[I missed my Daily Photo post yesterday due to being on the road to Mysore, so I’m doubling up today.]

Dariya Daulat is Tipu Sultan’s palace at Mysore. There’s a similar structure in Bangalore, where the Sultan conducted meetings while in town. The Mysore palace is much more impressive from the inside. The murals have been restored and there are exhibits of furniture, arms, and artworks from the era.

However, the outside the structure is much less impressive because of ugly green blinders that are used for the twin purposes of keeping the light and tourists photos out. (There is no photography allowed inside.)

This is the gate which stands inline but opposite Dariya Daulat.

DAILY PHOTO: Pigeon Town Hall Assembly

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Taken October 14, 2013 on Chandni Chowk in Delhi.

Taken October 14, 2013 on Chandni Chowk in Delhi. 

The base of this statue of Swami Shraddhanand (1856–1926) is a popular point for feeding the birds. It’s located in front of the Town Hall building on Chandni Chowk.

DAILY PHOTO: Jain in White

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Taken November 23, 2013 from Shravanabelagola Hill

Taken November 23, 2013 from Shravanabelagola Hill

The other day I posted a pic of the gigantic statue of Bahubali that’s located on Shravanabelagoli Hill. This is the view from the hill looking down toward the village. A Jain adherent was standing on the edge of the temple base looking down at path up to the temple.

DAILY PHOTO: An Emperor’s Jail

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Taken on October 12, 2013 at Agra Fort.

Taken on October 12, 2013 at Agra Fort.

The top of this tower is where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb–the latter being the 6th Mughal Emperor. The 5th Emperor’s “cell” offered a great view of the Taj Mahal, the monument that Jahan built to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

This just goes to show that just because one kills off one’s brothers who are ahead of one in line for succession, and imprison one’s own dad,  doesn’t mean one has to be completely heartless.

This is what Jahan would have seen-- except from about one story up and a couple hundred feet to the left.

This is what Jahan would have seen– except from about one story up and a couple hundred feet to the left.

 

DAILY PHOTO: Shiva Dancing in an Elephantine Demon

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Taken November 23, 2013 at Halebidu.

Taken November 23, 2013 at Halebidu.

This frieze is located at Hoysaleshwara temple in Halebidu. Hoysaleshwara is dedicated to Shiva, and was finished in 1121AD–though many believe it was not actually finished. It’s one of the largest temples to Shiva in southern India and is actually a double temple–the inside being split between the king’s temple and the queen’s temple.

This is a depiction of Shiva dancing inside a vanquished elephant. It may seem mean to kill an elephant and dance inside it, but this particular elephant was a demon or possessed by a demon. Of course, the question remains as to why one would dance inside a slain enemy. I guess it’s a little like dancing on your enemy’s grave, but a lot stinkier and messier. It’s just weird no matter how you slice it.