Lakshmi Narasimha statue in Hampi - Amazing craftmanship

The living history of ruins of Hampi in Karnataka makes any visitor visualise the place that would have existed centuries ago. The town has many small and big shrines and many of them ceased to be worship places. One such is the huge Narasimha statue situated close to the Badavilinga temple.

The statue often referred to as Ugra Narasimha, the ferocious form of the god with lion's face and a human body should have been Lakshmi Narasimha. Going by the marks of removal of a portion on the chest of the statue and the arm with fingers at the backside of the statue hint the presence of Goddess Lakshmi on the statue.

The teeth, the right hand and the feet in the front of the statue are mutilated. The largest of the monolithic statue in the Hemakunta group of temples, the statue is meticulously sculpted. Open to the sky, the statue is a grandeur among this group.The proportion of the chest to the head and the legs is so perfect that it is difficult to take off the eyes quickly. The cross-legged statue is seated on the coil of Adisesha, the holy snake on which Lord Vishnu reclines in many shrines. The seven heads of the snake forming a hood adorn the statue as its headgear.

Being one of the interesting gigantic statues among the ruins, your guide or your taxi driver will not give this a miss. Even if you are on your own, the direction boards to the Royal Centre mentions this 'temple' closer to Sri Krishna Temple which is inside a closed enclave.

This statue deserves an exclusive post and my visit to other parts of the town are in a separate post. Do read my experience.

Jogging Canopy in Lalbagh Bangalore

Living in Bangalore, many think people here go on regular walks and jogs in the well-maintained parks. But no, not me. Still, Lalbagh fascinates me. The flora and fauna here are so wonderful that I promise myself that I would resume my walking schedule every time I go there.

This is the canopy that welcomes the joggers at the West gate of Lalbagh. I miss to take a picture of it all the time, but not this time.

If you walk down your backyard there are many beautiful places you would want to visit again and again and this is one such!

Rafting in Dubare - River Cauvery in some spots is still!

River rafting is an intense adventure experience. If you are a first-timer, you would change your mind even before going near the waters. In Karnataka, River Cauvery provides ample opportunities for people who love rafting on waters, in many of its stretches.

In Dubare, near Coorg, the rafting stretch is 11 km And the rapids along this stretch are of grades 1 and 2. This means the rapids are small and medium regular waves. And they have easy eddies and gradual bends.

Tourists rafting along River Cauvery in Dubare

If you go to Dubare during the monsoon season (between June and September) you would really have great fun with rafting here. After the season, especially from November to February, the river flows quietly. Sometimes you may experience still water rafting too.

Whatever the season, you must ensure safety and take the services of only the recognised rafting guides. Wear all your safety gears.

At the dock