Sunday, December 30, 2012

Birds, the common ones in Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi


Wiling away my time on a winter afternoon in New Delhi. Birding from my sister's balcony in New Delhi, Dhaula Kuan. All the birds except the spot billed ducks (which we spotted in Purana Quila, New Delhi) are from Dhaula Kuan.

I did not know that Delhi is so full of Parekeets!






Parakeets in Delhi
Parakeets


Brahminy Starling
Doves


Spot billed ducks
Kites

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Pratapeswar temple; A 19th century terracotta temple in Kalna, West Bengal

Pratapeswar temple
Kalna, WB

Right opposite to the 108 Shiva temple complex in Kalna, West Bengal is another complex of beautiful terracotta temples.One of the temples, the Pratapeswar temple looked very simple from a distance. Up close, I am sure this temple is one of the most beautiful terracotta temples in West Bengal. It is so beautiful that I was awestruck. With the sunlight falling on the intricate terracotta work, the whole temple was glowing like a precious piece of jewel.This temple complex is a must visit too.You can't miss it if you are visiting the 108 Siva temple complex in Kalna.




Walls of temple
Intricrate work


Entrance door, terracotta
Carvings on the
entrance door


Terracotta work
More detailed work
on terracotta


Terracotta figures on the
temple wall
Pratapeswar temple
wall carvings in terracotta


Saturday, December 15, 2012

Hanseswari (Hangseshwari temple) in Bansberia, Hooghly, West Bengal

Hanseswari temple
Hanseswari temple is a Kali temple and dates back to 1788.

Almost a two hour drive from Kolkata will take you to Bansberia. The Hanseswari temple complex is located in Bansberia in Hooghly district of West Bengal. This temple's architecture is very interesting. I am in the process of discovering so many such gems in and around Kolkata, if you are someone who is interested in temple architecture, you may want to visit this beautiful temple complex.

This temple complex has another temple (terracotta), the Ananta Basudeba Temple. There was some renovation work going on but I did manage to capture some nice sections of the temple.


Hanseswari temple
Goddess Kali


Ananta Basudeba Temple
Carvings on the
Ananta Basudeba Temple



Ananta Basudeba Temple
in the temple complex

Intricate work on
the pillar


Friday, December 7, 2012

Brindaban Chandra's Math, terracotta temple complex, Kalna

Brindaban Chandra's Math
complex, Kalna
Brindaban Chandra's Math, terracotta temple complex is in Kalna, West Bengal. Kalna is around 90 kms from Kolkata. By road it should take around 2 to 3 hrs. This complex has four terracotta temples dating back to the 17th and 18th century. These temples are beautiful. Some of the paintings on the walls are absolutely awe inspiring.


One of the terracotta temples
in the complex
A portion of the terracotta temple



Carvings on the wall
Intricate work on the
walls of the temple


Paintings on the ceiling of
the terracotta temple


Paintings
Work in and around the
entrance


A beautiful painting
near the ceiling of the temple
Terracotta temple


Friday, November 30, 2012

108 Shiva temple complex in Kalna, West Bengal

108 Shiva temple complex,
Kalna, West Bengal
108 Shiva temples was constructed by Teja Chandra Bahadur in 1809 AD. These temples are in two concentric circles. The outer circle has 74 shiva temples and the inner circle has 34. They represent the beads in a rosary.

These beautiful temples are located in Kalna,West Bengal. Kalna houses some of the most beatiful terracotta temples of West Bengal.


Outer circle
108 Shiva temples
Inner circle
108 Shiva temples


One of the Shiva
temples
View of the outer
and inner circle


Saturday, November 24, 2012

Durga puja 2012, South Kolkata

Goddess Durga
I continue to share the pictures I clicked of the Durga puja pandals and idols I saw during Durga pujas.

There are so many-many such beautiful pandals and beautifully sculpted idols of Ma Durga that I think I will easily need 2-3 blogs posts to share the pictures that I clicked. And believe me this is just about half of the Durga puja pandals in Kolkata itself! Amazing.
Badamtola Durga puja 2012
Badamtola Durga idol 2012


Badamtalo pandal decoration
Park circus Durga pandal


Durga idol, Park Circus maidan
Kolkata
Ekdalia durga puja pandal 2012


Ekdali, Durga puja pandal
decorations, 2012
Durga idol Ekdalia park, Kolkata


Durga puja pandal, South Kolkata
Durga idol, South Kolkata


Durga pandal decoration,South Kolkata
Singhi park durga pandal



Singhi park durga idol
Mudiali durga puja pandal 2012



Mudiali durga idol
Mudiali, Durga puja pandal 2012