Short on time (well who is not), here is a quick way to see and understand Bangalore and see the Sights Bangalore has to offer through a 2 minute video. Enjoy a quick Video Guide to Bangalore.
Few Bangalore resources
Showing posts with label Travel Guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel Guide. Show all posts
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Shravanabelagola Quick Travel and History Guide
We have all heard about the Gomateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka in India, it is arguably one of the most popular monument in India. Here is a Quick Travel Guide both for Trivia buffs and for someone planning their next trip to this Historic marvel central to Karnataka’s Religious and World Heritage Tourism circuit. You can combine you visit to Sravanabelagola with other Heritage locations such as Mysore, Hampi and or Badami, You can find more Karnataka itineraries here.
Where in the world is Shravanabelagola?
This monument of Karnataka is at a distance of 158 km from Bangalore located at Shravanabelagola in Hassan district (49km southeast of Hassan and 93km north of Mysore). Here there are two hills Doddabetta(Vindyagiri) and Chikkabetta(Chandragiri Hill). The monument is positioned on the top of the Doddabetta hill which is at a height of 438 Feet.
What was the unique recognition given to this statue in 2007?
On August 5, 2007, the magnificent statue of Shravanbelagola was voted by Indians as the first of the Seven Wonders of India.
When is the next Mahamastabisheka and when was the first Mahamastabisheka?
Chavundaraya who created this monument himself conducted the first Mahamastabisheka on 14-3-981. From that day every 12 years, thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastabisheka, a spectacular ceremony in which the thousand-year-old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins. The next Mahamastabisheka will be held in 2018 A.D.
How can I reach Shravanabelagola or Can I get Driving directions from Bangalore?
Unfortunately there is no flight yet from Bangalore to Hassan (there will be one in the next couple years). You can go by train to Hassan from Bangalore and drive to Shravanabelagola.
By road take Tumkur Rd towards Nelamangala (27Km from Bangalore). Take a Left onto NH-48 drive for 94 Km and divert at Hirisave towards Sravanabelagola (18Km).
Who was Bahubali also called as Gomateshwara?
Lord Gomateshwara was a Jain saint and is often referred to as the Lord Bahubali.
Who created this monument?
This monument was created by Chamundraya around 983 AD. Chamundraya was a minister of the Ganga King, Rajamalla. The sculptor of this mega statue is said to be Arishtanemi (Bharatoja). The sculptor converted a tor standing at the summit into a colossus statue. Choosing a strategic opening between boulders, he also constructed a gateway (the present Akhanda Bagilu) with a large Gajalakshmi panel adorning its upper portion.
Who are the Gangas?
Know as the Western Gangas with their capital at Talakad on the banks of the River Cauvery. They ruled from 350 to 550 AD.
The kings of this dynasty encouraged the fine arts due to which literature in Kannada and Skilled Craftsmanship flourished. They were most famous for their patronage towards Jainism resulting in the construction of monuments in places many places across their small kingdom including the Lord Gomateshwara at Shravanabelagola.
Why is this monument special?
It is the largest monolithic statue in the world.
The monument is considered as one of the greatest achievements in the field of sculptural art in ancient Karnataka. The statue is made up of a single block of granite 17 meters in height. A 438 feet high granite mass forms its pedestal. It is regarding as one of the most brilliant Jain works of art. Carved from fine-grained white granite, the image stands on a lotus. With no support up to the thighs the 60 feet tall statue has a face measuring 6.5 feet. The serene expression on the face with curled hair, graceful locks and detailed proportional anatomy. Brilliantly combing artistry and craftsmanship it is called the mightiest achievement in sculptural art in medieval Karnataka is considered the high point of Karnataka’s craftsmanship. The architecture has Pallava and Badami Chalukya features or influences.
Why was this jain monument created in Karnataka?
Jainism was the state religion during various periods, it has very strong roots in Karnataka.
Jainism came to Karnataka four centuries before the Christian era. The religion received patronage of all the major dynasties that ruled this region including the Gangas, Kadamba, Chalukyas, Hoyasala and Wodeyars. Around 297 BC when Chadragupta, the founder of the Mauryan dynasty gave up his throne and came to Sravanbelagola in Karnataka to become a Jain monk he died here at a Hill near Shravanbeagola’s called Chandragiri. This is where later the Shravanbeagola shrine belonging to the Digambara sects of the Jains was built.
Are there any inscriptions at Shravanbeagola?
There are more than 800 inscriptions are found at Shravanabelagola dating from various points during the period from 600 to 1830 AD. The inscriptions are found across the town and Chandragiri. Shravanabelagola abounds in inscriptions that are scattered around the area and are in various Halagannada (Old Kannada) and Purvahalagannada (Pre-Old Kannada) characters. There inscription mention various dynasties including Gangas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar empire and Mysore Wodeyars.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Hampi Utsav and Festival Quick Travel Guide – November
Hampi Utsav is organized by the Government of Karnataka every year in November to promote Hampi Tourism. The Hampi festival includes dance, drama, music, fireworks, puppet shows and processions that recreate the grandeur of the bygone era and providing travellers a chance to experience a slice of Hampi’s glorious past. The festivities take you back to a time when the Dasara festivities of the Vijayanagar kings were held with incredible pomp and show. The kings of Vijayanagar used to sit on a grand throne in the House of Victory or Mahanavami Dibba and witness the 9 day Dasara festival.
Utsav or Festival Highlights
- Heritage Walk - conducted to cover important landmarks such as Virupaksha temple Mahanavami dibba, Gajaalaya, Queen’s bath and Vijaya Vittala Temple
- Illumination of the Vijaya vittala Temple which houses the stone chariot and musical pillars and other important Monuments for night viewing
- Eminent artistes to perform at Hampi Utsav to create a Mega cultural extravaganza of dance, drama and music (1,400 artistes would be performing on six stages simultaneously)
- Sound and light programme would focus on Karnataka Vaibhava.
- Cycle race, water sports and treasure hunt.
Sightseeing Highlights (Location Map for Sights)
- Vithala temple complex with its 56 musical pillars.
- Near the Vithala temple is the ‘Purandara Dasara Mandapa.
- Virupaksha temple and close by at the western end of the famous Hampi bazaar.
- Near to the Virupaksha temple is the giant ruin in the form of Ugra Narasimha which is a 6.7 m and sculpted from a single boulder during the reign of Krishnadevaraya.
- Mahanavami Dibba or the House of Victory which was built by Krishnadevaraya after his victorious expedition to Orissa.
- Hazara Ramaswami temple and its two ruined gates.
- Lotus Mahal an air-conditioned summer palace of the queen and close by elephant stable
Top Rated Budget Stay Options in Hampi - Hotels and Home Stays
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Mysore Dasara Highlights and Tourist Guide
Mysore Tourism's FlagshipEvent Mysore Dasara is all set to take of Oct 12th
Dates of the Festival – 12th Oct to 21st Oct
Festival Inauguration from Chamundeshwari or Chamundi Hill – Oct 12th
Number of Tourists expected to attend the Dasara Festival – 1.2 Million
Key Performers – Hema Malini, Sonu Nigam, Usha Uthup and Kunnukkudi Vaidyanathan
Vintage Car Rally from Bangalore to Mysore – Oct 13th
21st Oct 2007 Afternoon - Dasara Procession (Jumbo Savari)
21st Oct 2007 Evening – Torchlight Parade
Palace will be illuminated with more than 96,000 bulb lights.
Illumination Time: 7.00 PM to 10 PM from Oct 12th to Oct 21st
Entry to the Palace will be restricted between 1.30 PM to 5.30 PM on Oct 12th and Oct 20th and no Entry on 21st on the day of Vijayadashmi procession.
Must know key telephone nos for Dasara Information Centre 9900801675, 9900804061
Most convenient and hassle free way to see the Dasara is to buy the Gold Card
Official Website
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Mysore Dasara 2007, Quick Guide - History and Highlights
Mysore Dasara 2007 in a NutShell
Dasara is Karnataka’s State festival know as Nadahabba. It is part of Navarathri the 10 day pan-india Hindu festival and with the last day Vijayadashmi being the most auspicious day of Dasara. The Dasara festivities were first performed by Wodeyor King, Raja Wodeyar I (1578-1617 CE) in the year 1610. Since then it has been a tradition for the celebration of the festival to be steered by the Royal Family of Mysore. The royal family of Mysore performs special pooja on the occasion of Dasara. During Dasara, the entire City is gaily decorated and illuminated.
Tip: Most convenient and hassle free way to see the Mysore Dasara is to buy the Mysore Dasara Gold Card
Mysore Dasara 2007 Festival Dates – 12th Oct to 21st Oct 2007
Key Dasara 2007 Progams
- 21st Oct 2007 Afternoon - Dasara Procession (Jumbo Savari)
- 21st Oct 2007 Evening – Torchlight Parade
Rest of the events & program guide can be found at the Mysore Dasara Site and the Mysore Tourism Guide.
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