An underground marvel

One hundred and ten kilometers from Kurnool under the flat agricultural fields lay a magnificent cave called Bellum Caves. There are wonderful stalactite and stalagmite formations in this cave.

 

 

This is the second largest underground cave in India. This cave is 3229 meters long! It has long passages and  in some places even some large chambers. Entire cave is aerated artificially through pipes! As we walk along the cave the humidity increases and you start sweating profusely as we go deeper. One needs to carry a bottle of water to drink. 

 

 

The cave’s deepest point is 120 feet from the ground level. This place is called Padhala Ganga! 

They say that this cave was formed when an underground river washed away the soft limestone from the surrounding hard stones. The walls of the caves have deep marks that are the result of erosion caused by the river. The Chambers in this cave are named differently with interesting names. Most of the chambers are not open for tourists. The few accessible places are artificially illuminated and aerated through pumped air from outside. The most beautiful of the lot was the chamber with stalactites in the shape of a banyan tree.

 

 

Andhra Pradesh tourism has done a good job of illuminating the entire cave with different colors. Bellum Caves have been adjudged as a "Unique Eco-Tourism Project" by the Government of India.

On the way to the Bellum Caves there is a manificient statue of Buddha. But no information is available why that statue is there or who installed it! But the statue is great looking!

Allahabad's Khusro Bagh

Originally it was a beautiful garden meant for pleasure built by Jahangir when he lived in Allahabad as a prince.  It became Khusro Bagh when Jahangir’s son Khusro’s tomb was erected in this garden.

 

Constructed in 1622 by Shah Jahan, the tomb stands in the midst of lush garden. The tomb is built from sandstone and has ornate carvings.

Besides the tomb of Khusro, the garden has other tombs too. Shah Begum, Khusro’s mother and Jahangir’s first wife, is also buried inside the mausoleum. Shah Begum is believed to have committed suicide after Khusro rebelled against his father.

 

The third tomb is of Nesa Begum, Khusro’s sister. As per Mughal tradition, Nesa Begum got the tomb constructed for her but was later buried in a different place!

The fourth tomb which is in the middle of the garden is known as Mausoleum of Tombolan.

All the tombs are decorated with fine Mughal frescoes with vaulted apartments. They are examples of exemplary Mughal architecture. The design of the main entrance to the garden, the tomb of Shah Begum and the surrounding gardens are attributed to Aqa Reza Jahangir’s most trusted artist.

 

The tomb of Jahangir’s first wife is built in three layers on a plinth without a main mound. They say that experts from Fatehpur Sikri were consulted for its design. The tomb has inscriptions in Arabic by Jahangir’s favorite calligrapher, Mir Abdullah Mushkin Qalam.

Nesa Begum’s tomb is on an elevated platform and has ornate panels and scalloped arches. The monument has elaborate paintings of stars made in concentric circles. There are floral paintings on the walls of the central room.

 

 

 

Amba Vilas Palace

The biggest palace in Mysore City is called Amba Vilas Palace or more popularly Mysore Palace. This is the most opulent of all surviving palaces and it is located in the city center. The Mysore palace was commissioned in 1897, and its construction was completed in 1912. It is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mysore. Although tourists are allowed to visit the palace, they are not allowed to take photographs inside the palace. (Most frustrating!)

 

The history of Mysore Palace spans over 500 years.  But what we see today in Mysore is the modern palace built in 1912. The architectural style of the palace is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic, and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. It is a three-storied stone structure, with marble domes and a 145 ft five-storied tower. The palace is surrounded by a large garden.

 

The three storied stone building of fine gray granite with deep pink marble domes was designed by Henry Irwin. The facade has seven expansive arches and two smaller ones flanking the central arch, which is supported by tall pillars. Above the central arch is an impressive sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, good luck, and abundance with her elephants.

 

It is from this palace the erstwhile rulers, the Wodeyars, ruled the Mysore Kingdom.

 

 

 

Gem of Odisha

It is one of the most beautiful temples in Orissa. Build in 10th century; the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.  Its architecture is more in Kalinga Temple style. The outer walls show figures of ascetics in various positions of meditations. This temple is often referred to as 'gem of Orissa'.

 

Built in the 10th century, this small but very elegant temple has been described as the most exquisitely ornamented temple in Bhubaneswar. It has an eleven meter high tower. The sandstone carvings are the most notable feature of this temple. It is also known for its ornamental gateway, carved dwarves, and intricate motif carvings of a smiling lion, adorned with beaded tassels in its mouth. Every inch of space on the outer surface has been generously decorated.

 

 

The niches are filled with the finely filigreed icons of many gods and goddesses mentioned in the pantheon of Hindu gods.  Some of the figures on the outer walls of the temple suggest their association with both Buddhism and Jainism. They thus testify to the spiritual synthesis and religious harmony that characterized the Orissan culture. There is a general belief in Bhubaneswar that the small Marichi kund (pond) between the Muktesvara Temple and the road will  cure infertility in women.

 

Thirubhuvanam Temple - a great disappointment

Thirubhuvanam is a small town around 6kms from Kumbakonam town. There is a wonderful temple in this town with superb architecture. This temple was built almost 900 years back.

From internet I gathered information that the temple at Thirubhuvanam was built by Kulothunga Chozhan III. It seems this temple is also build on the same lines of Tanjavur Brehadeeshwarar temple. This temple is full of stone inscriptions and statues. So with great expectations I visited this temple with my camera with the hope of taking some good pictures.

I was utterly disappointed when I visited the temple. They do not allow photography inside the temple. Even in the outer praharams photography is not permitted! I can fully understand if photography is prohibited in the sanctum sanctorum! Not allowing photography even outside the sanctum sanctorum is a little too much in my opinion.

I understand that the temple is under the care of some trustees. Who are these trustees to take control of this temple and put rules? This temple was after all built by Kulothunga Chozhan. This temple is for the posterity and it is the property of all of us! The irony is my taxi driver told me that they allow film shooting inside the temple! Is it not ridiculous?

These temples should be taken over by Archeological Survey of India immediately. The advantage would be that the temple  will be preserved better and more number of people can visit and take pictures! World needs to see our culture and photography & internet are two important media for this.

If these guys come out with the argument that this temple cannot be taken over by ASI because the temple is being worshiped and daily prayers are on there, then Tanjore Big temple, Dharasuram temple & Gangaikonda chozhapuram are all examples! In all these temples although they are under ASI they are open for worship and daily prayers are being done there!

Few people joining together garner national heritage and claiming ownership over it is not accepted and it should not be allowed by the government! It should be declared as a national property and thrown open to public and allow photography.

National wealth/heritage should be in the hands of government and not with these private guys! Preserving our heritage is the responsibility of the Government!