Click to read Part-1 about Roda Temples..
Journey through ancient India begins again.
It was difficult to walk away from idyllic and spiritual surroundings of Shiva temple and "Kund", but temptation to explore further was equally strong.
Side note: Many statues and artifacts of these temples are kept in Baroda museum. ASI has failed in providing any historical or archaeological information about these temples at the site.
We started our walk through ravines of the river Hathmati or of some stream which must be meeting the river nearby. We were on a look out for Navgrah Temple and Shiva temple. I wish ASI had put board showing the way to those temples. Though maybe topography made it impossible for them. And to be truthful it was interesting to search for them and find them.
Both the temples were on the mounds. Maybe to protect them from over flowing river during monsoon.Our first climb was to Navgrah Temple. Temple precinct was peaceful with occasional chatter of jungle babblers breaking that quietness. One feels like whispering at such places so as not to disturb the serenity.
Navgrah temple is so called because 9 planets of astrology are depicted on its door panel. Pillars have statues of Apsaras or dancers. Surprisingly few of the statues are better preserved than at other temples.
As a photographer, I loved the play of light and shadow on the temple and it's compound. Many artifacts , collected by the ASI from surrounding areas can be seen strewn around the compound. We settled down on the stones and enjoyed some quiet moments. One can see lush Green wheat fields on the backside of the temple. ASI has also done plantation on one side of the temple. Take a look at Navgrah Temple!
After a little walk we could see mound on which Shiva temple was situated. Climbing was little tricky as steps were broken and loose.
Shiva temple, considered to be the largest in the group is in dilapidated condition. 2001 earthquake has really taken its toll. Beautiful Nandi statue with missing head can be seen in front of the temple. Cracks were visible all over the temple and one rather worried about going inside the temple.
Sun was really making its presence felt now. Time for lunch and some rest! We left ,enriched by what we saw and carrying beautiful memories forever.
Journey through ancient India begins again.
It was difficult to walk away from idyllic and spiritual surroundings of Shiva temple and "Kund", but temptation to explore further was equally strong.
Side note: Many statues and artifacts of these temples are kept in Baroda museum. ASI has failed in providing any historical or archaeological information about these temples at the site.
We started our walk through ravines of the river Hathmati or of some stream which must be meeting the river nearby. We were on a look out for Navgrah Temple and Shiva temple. I wish ASI had put board showing the way to those temples. Though maybe topography made it impossible for them. And to be truthful it was interesting to search for them and find them.
Both the temples were on the mounds. Maybe to protect them from over flowing river during monsoon.Our first climb was to Navgrah Temple. Temple precinct was peaceful with occasional chatter of jungle babblers breaking that quietness. One feels like whispering at such places so as not to disturb the serenity.
Navgrah temple is so called because 9 planets of astrology are depicted on its door panel. Pillars have statues of Apsaras or dancers. Surprisingly few of the statues are better preserved than at other temples.
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| Statues of Apsaras on the pillar |
As a photographer, I loved the play of light and shadow on the temple and it's compound. Many artifacts , collected by the ASI from surrounding areas can be seen strewn around the compound. We settled down on the stones and enjoyed some quiet moments. One can see lush Green wheat fields on the backside of the temple. ASI has also done plantation on one side of the temple. Take a look at Navgrah Temple!
After a little walk we could see mound on which Shiva temple was situated. Climbing was little tricky as steps were broken and loose.
 |
| Climbing was not so easy on this mound , Roda Shiva temples |
Shiva temple, considered to be the largest in the group is in dilapidated condition. 2001 earthquake has really taken its toll. Beautiful Nandi statue with missing head can be seen in front of the temple. Cracks were visible all over the temple and one rather worried about going inside the temple.
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| Badly damaged Shiva Temple at Roda group of temples |
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| Ruins of Shiva temple |
Sun was really making its presence felt now. Time for lunch and some rest! We left ,enriched by what we saw and carrying beautiful memories forever.
Very well Described. It indeed helps people to know about the hidden heritage treasures of Gujarat.
ReplyDeleteThank you:)
DeleteA beautiful photographic journey through History and Nature. A very enjoyable way to narrate. I have loved each time I stopped my visual exploration, going through your pictures in detail. I have liked the light and the variety of textures. You have now become a confirmed rambler!
ReplyDeleteWhen is your next blog post? 😃
Thank you:) My next blogpost, no idea as yet:)
DeleteBeautiful. Video brought it alive. Reminds me of such temple complexes in Asia. Gujarat government should be doing more to preserve our heritage. May be through such blogs it will get publicity and the government will do something to preserve it.
ReplyDeleteThank you:) ASI is restoring them. Unfortunately not many are aware about them.
DeleteSushama Karnik , woman I greatly admire has penned beautiful poem for this blog. I am honoured Sushama. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteThere is a temple hidden
behind the clusters of trees which hide the sky,
and in the sky nine celestial beings
are in eternal orbit. They watch us the humans
doing our rounds of birth, death and rebirth.
And from here, my earthly dwelling
I bow in reverence to the spirit of those
who build temples,
be it in appeasement, reverence,
or in wonder of the occult truth
that governs the life
of this Universe all around.
I don't know how to tag Sushama here.