Odisha Walks

In ancient tales depicted on the walls of a 7th century temple in Bhubaneswar, Brahma once possessed five heads, but lost one in a captivating story. Similarly, when Ravana encountered obstacles returning from Kubera Puri in his pushpak viman, Shiva's portrayal as a handsome and passionate deity shines through. This morning, heritage enthusiasts from Mumbai and Bhubaneswar joined Odisha Walks to explore the theme of 'Romance Etched on Stone', delving into the rich heritage of the city.

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Strategically positioned at the convergence of trade routes by river, sea, and land, Bhubaneswar enjoys a geographical advantage, surrounded by vast wetlands, rivers, forests, and orchards. Its proximity to Chandaka forest imbues many water bodies with medicinal properties. These factors contributed to its historical transformation into a prominent center for temple construction. Today, Bhubaneswar's temples echo the spirituality of bygone eras. This morning, heritage enthusiasts from Gurugram, Bengaluru, and Bhubaneswar embarked on a journey to explore the city's architectural grandeur with Odisha Walks. They indulged in a mesmerizing Odissi performance at Art Vision and savored a traditional Odia breakfast at a heritage home.

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Following the Kalinga War, Bhubaneswar underwent a significant transformation into a prominent Buddhist hub, with Sisupalgarh (Ancient Tosali) serving as its focal point. Sisupalgarh, fortified and encircled by a moat, functioned as the capital stronghold where the city's wealth and trade guilds thrived. Adjacent to Sisupalgarh, a prominent Buddhist sacred site flourished, boasting pillars, bell capitals, stupas, and monasteries. While many of these structures succumbed to the passage of time, interpretations by renowned archaeologists and the surviving remnants of Buddhist relics continue to captivate our imagination, prompting reflection and inquiry. Presently, heritage enthusiasts from Bhubaneswar engaged in the Odisha Walks theme 'Tosali to Ekamra,' aiming to rediscover and appreciate the city's obscured history and heritage.

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Picture Bhubaneswar during the 10th and 11th centuries, home to the most stunning women on the planet. They embraced various roles, from nurturing mothers to passionate lovers, adorned in attire reflecting exquisite taste. Their freedom to pursue their passions was evident. Although we haven't met them, their tales come alive through the remarkable sculptures, seemingly whispering their narratives even a millennium later. Today, heritage enthusiasts from Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar immerse themselves in these stories, strolling through the corridors of history with Odisha Walks.

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During the Gupta era, often regarded as the golden age of Indian history, a significant development occurred. While religious architecture had been present in India earlier, it was the Guptas who formalized it. This led to the exchange of ideas through pilgrimage and trade between North and South India. Consequently, Bhubaneswar emerged as a prominent temple city. This morning, heritage enthusiasts from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Bhubaneswar took part in Odisha Walks' theme, 'Architectural Splendour of Ekamra,' to admire the city's remarkable architectural legacy. They also indulged in an Odissi dance performance at Art Vision and savored Odisha's traditional breakfast, dahibara aloo dum, in a heritage home.

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Bhubaneswar, over two millennia ago, stood as a cosmopolitan hub with worldwide ties. Emperor Kharavela led Kalinga's expansion into a flourishing global domain. His international vision is evident in the intricate art and architectural marvels of Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves. This morning, heritage enthusiasts from Romania, the United States, and Bhubaneswar came together for Odisha Walks' 'Global Bhubaneswar' theme, delving into the city's untold narratives.

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Did you hear about the legendary women of Bhubaneswar? They were not just stunningly beautiful but also incredibly intelligent. Even the most handsome men were left speechless in their presence. Today morning, heritage enthusiasts from distant lands like Italy strolled along Bhubaneswar's heritage corridor with Odisha Walks, eager to hear their stories.

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In ancient times, people held fascinating beliefs about hybrid creatures, often marveling at depictions of winged animals on ancient monuments. Originating in Greek civilization, these syncretic representations found their way to India through intercontinental trade and travel. Noteworthy sculptures in the medieval temples of Bhubaneswar portray astonishing combinations, such as a lion's head and a horse's body, leaving observers in awe. This morning, heritage enthusiasts from Koraput, Bhubaneswar, and the United States participated in the 'Architectural Splendour of Ekamra' theme during Odisha Walks, exploring these mythical tales. The walk concluded with a captivating Odissi dance performance at Art Vision, followed by immersion in local hospitality and a traditional breakfast at a heritage home.

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In the 12th century, Jayadev wasn't the originator when he penned the Gita Govinda, celebrating Lord Krishna and Radha's divine love. Centuries prior, Odia sculptures had already carved tales of romance on stones used in building Bhubaneswar's majestic medieval temples. This morning, residents delved into these love stories in the heritage district with Odisha Walks.

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Monuments from the early Christian era often showcase highly naturalistic art narratives, portraying various aspects of daily life, including scenes of jungles, hermitage, hunting, gathering, picnicking, and wild animals. The caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri are notable for preserving a diverse tapestry of such depictions, making them a significant treasure for travelers and heritage enthusiasts interested in appreciating ancient Indian fables. This morning, enthusiasts from Gurgaon, Pune, and Bhubaneswar explored the Udayagiri caves as part of the 'Global Bhubaneswar' theme organized by Odisha Walks.

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In Indian philosophical discussions, attaining salvation in daily life involves the harmonious connection of bodies, minds, and souls between opposite genders, referred to as purusha and prakruti. The temples in Bhubaneswar highlight the significance of the art of lo******ng. This morning, heritage enthusiasts from Bengaluru, Pune, and the United States joined the 'Romance Etched on Stones' theme during Odisha Walks in Bhubaneswar, delving into how Indian wisdom manifests in heritage structures.

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In Bhubaneswar's temples, a captivating sculpture features a lion seated atop an elephant, sparking varied interpretations among scholars. Some believe it symbolizes Hinduism prevailing over Buddhism, while others suggest it signifies the sun emerging from dark clouds. The true meaning remains elusive, yet these sculptures in Bhubaneswar's temples serve as a mesmerizing repository of tales, mysticism, and the shared experiences of bygone eras. This morning, heritage enthusiasts from Mumbai, Dharwad, and Bhubaneswar participated in the Odisha Walks event themed 'Architectural Splendor of Ekamra temples,' delving into these myths. They also witnessed an Odissi Dance performance by Art Vision dancers, guided by the renowned Odissi Dance exponent Padmashree Ileana Citarasti, and concluded the event with a traditional Odia breakfast at a heritage home.

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Emperor Ashoka spent two years in Kalinga before ascending the throne and engaging in the Kalinga War. During his exile, he met Karubaki, believed to be the daughter of a fisherman. They developed a mutual liking and eventually married. The Allahabad Prashasti of Ashoka recognizes Karubaki as one of his favorite queens. Yesterday morning, during the compassionate trail organized by Odisha Walks at Dhauli, participants from Delhi and Odisha explored different aspects of Ashoka's personal life.

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The temples in Bhubaneswar served as more than just religious sites; they were hubs for diverse socio-cultural and economic activities. Our ancestors devised Vajra Mastaks, resembling demon pairs, strategically placed on the temple's cardinal directions for protection from both malevolent forces and lightning. To safeguard temple wealth, serpent deities, among the wealthiest in the pantheon, were envisioned. These temples hold numerous stories and metaphoric symbols. Today, heritage enthusiasts engaged in the 'Architectural Splendour' trail by Odisha Walks, exploring Bhubaneswar's rich history. The journey included a mesmerizing Odissi dance performance at Art Vision by students of renowned dancer Padmashree Dr Ileana Citaristi. The event concluded at a heritage home near Bindusagar Tank, where participants enjoyed a traditional Odia breakfast, embracing local hospitality.

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Shola Shringar stands as a remarkable contribution of Indian women to the global realm of emotions. Bhubaneswar's temples showcase a captivating array of sculptures portraying Shola Shringar, with depictions of local apsaras, known as alaskanyas, embodying various moods, including romance. This morning, heritage enthusiasts from Bhubaneswar delved into the city's romantic history through the 'Romance Etched on Stone' theme presented by Odisha Walks.

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What was the attire of the residents of Bhubaneswar 2000 years ago? How did they set themselves apart from visiting delegates? These intriguing questions captivate us as heritage enthusiasts. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves' artistic panels hold many answers, as discovered by 12 heritage enthusiasts from Sonepur during their exploration of the caves under Odisha Walks' 'Global Bhubaneswar' theme this morning.

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Why do most temples in Ekamra Kshetra, Bhubaneswar, feature four lion sculptures in the cardinal directions? Could this be influenced by Emperor Ashoka's 3rd-century BCE lion pillars? While speculative, such questions engage heritage enthusiasts. Recently, 15 participants from the USA and UK, of Indian origin, joined local enthusiasts in an Architectural Splendor trail by Odisha Walks. The experience included a mesmerizing Odissi dance performance by students of Padmashree Dr. Ileana Citaristi at Art Vision. The trail concluded at a heritage home near Bindusagar Tank, where participants enjoyed local hospitality and a traditional breakfast.

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In the 3rd century BCE, envision a hospital dedicated to animals—an initiative born from Emperor Ashoka's foresight. Following the Kalinga War, he took pioneering measures for the well-being of both his subjects and animals, setting a trend that resonates in humanity's history. This morning, 15 school teachers from Odisha's Boud district delved into Ashoka's legacy during the 'Compassion Trail' at Dhauli, offered by Odisha Walks.

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Imagine a world where even gods seek shelter. Just like humans, deities find abode in a range of dwellings, from humble structures to magnificent architectural marvels. Across history, human endeavors to create sanctuaries for their gods have transformed into iconic religious structures. In our cherished city of Bhubaneswar, gods reside in perfect harmony with nature within splendid temples, exemplifying the renowned Kalinga School of Temple Architecture. From the modest proportions of human-sized shrines to the majestic Lingaraj Temple towering above, these structures are a source of immense pride as part of the city's heritage. This morning, 18 heritage enthusiasts from New Delhi, Tanjavur, Kolkata, and Bhubaneswar embarked on an 'Architectural Splendour' theme walk in Odisha. They traversed the heritage corridor, appreciating the unique features of the Kalinga School of Temple Architecture. The participants also witnessed the pallavi and abhinaya themes of Odissi dance at Art Vision, concluding the trail with the enjoyment of traditional milet uttapam and hot coffee, immersing themselves in the warmth of local hospitality.

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In ancient times, when Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati reached Bhubaneswar, the region was plagued by two demon brothers named Kirti and Vassa, causing distress among the inhabitants. Eager to find a solution, the people approached Devi Parvati, who promised to resolve the issue. The tales of Ekamra Kshetra's history, including this one, are etched on temple walls, each sculpture narrating stories of love and compassion. Today, travelers from Hyderabad, Delhi, and Bhubaneswar embarked on the 'Romance Etched on Stones' theme of Odisha Walks, delving into the intriguing narratives hidden within Bhubaneswar's temples.

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In the 19th century, Scottish architect and art historian James Fergusson marveled at the intricately carved facades of Jain caves at Khandagiri and Udayagiri. Without camera technology, he illustrated and documented these caves in his book 'Cave Temples of India,' praising them as among the finest in the country. This morning, proud citizens of Odisha explored these ancient caves with Odisha Walks, rediscovering their hidden stories and history.

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While Bhubaneswar's temples may appear similar at a distance, each possesses distinctive features. Some showcase abundant apsaras conversing with parrots, while others flaunt prominent Vajra Mastaks designed to ward off lightning. Certain temples are guarded by serpentine deities, considered among the wealthiest gods, entrusted with protecting the temple treasures. However, a common thread among all Hindu temples in Bhubaneswar is their dark interiors. This morning, around 20 heritage enthusiasts from India and the United States joined Odisha Walks's 'Architectural Splendour' theme to explore these facets of Kalinga Temples. Following the trail, they enjoyed a captivating Odissi dance performance at Art Vision, featuring students of the renowned Odissi dance exponent Padmashree Dr Ileana Citaristi. The walk concluded at a heritage home, where participants immersed themselves in local hospitality while savoring a traditional Odia breakfast.

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The famed Rosetta Stone's decipherment, an adventurous journey, owes its success to bilingual inscriptions in classical Greek and Egyptian. This revelation not only uncovered the mysteries of Pharos but also delved into the incredible history of Egyptian Pyramids. Yet, lesser-known is the archaeological adventure to decipher the Brahmi script narrating Ashok and the Kalinga War at Dhauli. This morning, heritage enthusiasts from Bhubaneswar and Kalahandi embarked on a compassionate trail, exploring tales of adventure and empathy at Dhauli in Odisha.

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In Indian philosophy, women are revered as symbols of flourishing life. Their influence triggers the blossoming of trees with a mere touch. The Salabhanjika, a woman frequently portrayed in Bhubaneswar's temples holding a tree branch, is linked to the fertility cult. This morning, heritage enthusiasts from Bhubaneswar and Haryana delved into the 'Romance Etched on Stones' theme of Odisha Walks, exploring how Bhubaneswar historically embraced gender inclusiveness.

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When contrasting Kalinga's temples with other regional styles in India, it's notable that the interiors of Kalinga's temples are dimly lit, while their outer walls boast intricate sculptures. This morning, during the Odisha Walks architectural tour, around 20 participants posed such inquiries, delving into the local hospitality. The walk concluded at Art Vision, where students of renowned Odissi dance exponent Padmashree Dr. Ileana Citaristi showcased a spectacular performance.

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