Lalitgiri, Buddhist Site, Orissa

Some unusual sculptures around the monastery.

Ratnagiri, Buddhist Site, Orissa

Another fine monastery, 6-12th century with many excavated artifacts. Ratnagiri means "Jewel Hill."

Udaigiri - beyond the government excavated area

More than a km walk up the mountain side led to these little visited rock carvings. Locals still come here to worship. These terracotta horses are left as some sort of offerings.

Udaigiri, Buddhist Site

This is one of three Buddhist monastery areas going back to 6th Century. Even today these are in the middle of nowhere. Its 60 km north of Cuttack, Orissa. Excavation still continues in these sites.

Raghurajpur, Orissa

This is truly an artist village. Its only two streets with about 120 thatched roof buildings. Nine classical painting forms are still practiced here, although its died out in most of the rest of Orissa. We bought from the locals that are photographed. They even paint their buildings to look nice.

Puri, Lord Jagannath's Temple

In its present form, the Jagannath Mandir was built in 1198. The temple is closed to non-hindu's and Blake could not talk his way in. The deities - Krishna, Balrama (Krishna's brother), and Subardra (Krishn'a sister) are carved from Neem Tree wood. An annual festival includes the deity being paraded down mainstreet. It was considered auspicious to thrown yourself under the wheels of the chariot and be killed in the presence of God. This is how the western word "Juggernaut" came into use. Although the deities were beautiful, the visit into the temple was an unpleasant experience because of the pushy "pandits" (Brahmin priests). In fact even Indira Gandhi was not allowed into the temple because she married a Parsi man.

Town of Pipli, Orissa

Pipli is a town on the road between Bhubaneswar and Konark. It is famous for its brilliantly colored applique craft. The tourists typically buy the parasols, and lampshades. But traditionally the craft was made a tent to cover Lord Jagannath and family during festivals

On a footpath to a little temple, Orissa

Our driver knew of a nice temple in a little village. We had to park about 1/2 km away and walk to this temple. Along the path were these "tulsi kattes." These are elaborate pots that hold the tulsi plant. The tulsi plant is considered holy for Hindus. Its in the same family as basil. The temple typically does not allow non-Hindu's. Blake declared himself a Hindu (because of his thread) and was let in.

Us at Konark

Erotic sculptures at Konark

The erotic sculptures here are said to be more explicit and sensual than the ones in Khajuraho. The erotica was said to be placed here because of the special sect of sun worshipers.

Konark - the Sun Temple, Orissa

The grandest achievement of Orissa type architecture and is a UNESCO site. Built in the mid 13th century, supposed to have had a roof of copper and the sun deity made of iron was supposed to be suspended in air by huge magnets in the main temple. A real masterpiece - pictures do not do justice to it.