Елена Рыбалкина – India. Exploring Karnataka (страница 3)
The physical properties of soapstone are softness, non-porosity, low electrical conductivity, high heat capacity, heat resistance, and resistance to acids and alkalis.
The temple is quite dark, so the Indian guides periodically turn on a flashlight to illuminate the carved ceilings and the Vishnu murti. Vishnu holds a conch in his upper right hand, a chakra (discus) in his upper left hand, a lotus in his lower right hand, and a club in his lower left hand. His consorts, Shridevi and Bhudevi, stand on either side.
Inside the temple, at one of the entrances, you can see Ananta Shesha—one of the forms of God in Hinduism and Vedic religion, a thousand-headed serpent, the king of all nagas. He is depicted with five to seven heads, and most often with multiple heads, each wearing a crown adorned with precious stones and patterns.
The temple was used not only as a religious building, but also for meetings of the raja and his advisers, and justice was administered here.
On the temple grounds there is a pond with fish and turtles.
You can reach the temple from Belur.
The most convenient way to get to Mysore is by air. There are also flights from Goa to Bangalore, followed by car or taxi.
A trip to Belur can be conveniently combined with a trip to Mysore.
Coordinates:13.16293, 75.860593
Chapter 11
Mysore
Mysore is the third largest city in the state of Karnataka. It was the capital of the Mysore kingdom for nearly six centuries, from 1399 to 1947.
It was part of the Vijayanagar Empire until its collapse; it later became one of the most important cities of the sultanate of the same name.
Today, Mysore is a large modern city with developed tourism and traditional crafts (sandalwood and ivory carving).
Mysore is the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga, where Guru Pattabhi Jois taught. It is one of the main centers for yoga study and teaching for people from all over the world.
The world-renowned spiritual leader Sadhguru was born in Mysore. Here he meditated on Chamundi Hill and achieved enlightenment.
Mysore is known as the city of palaces. The main palace is Amba Vilas.
Chapter 12
Amba Vilas Palace in Mysore
The most secure area and the second most visited landmark in India after the Taj Mahal is the Amba Vilas Palace in Mysore. To enter, you must undergo security checks that are stricter than those at the airport. Overall, it's worth it. Bulky backpacks and cameras with interchangeable lenses are not recommended—they will be left in storage. You'll also need to store your shoes in storage; barefoot entry is required.
The palace of the former kings of India, the Wodeyars, was built in the 14th century, restored in the 19th century, and only acquired its current appearance in 1940. The palace combines several styles: Hindu, Gothic, Muslim, and Rajput. The building is located within a fort. In addition, there are 12 Hindu temples built at various times, from the 14th to the 20th centuries. The most popular are:
• Someshvara;
• Lakshmiramana;
• Shweta-Varahaswami.
The palace itself is a three-story gray granite structure with pink marble domes and 44-meter-high five-story towers. The façade features seven wide arches and two smaller ones, supported by tall columns. Intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings, marble figurines, paintings by members of the royal family, and other personal items reflect its former opulence.
The palace was last rebuilt from 1897 to 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, distinguished by mashrabiya (harem) windows, pointed arches, numerous towers, minarets, and open pavilions. Atop the central arch, one can see a sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Eight halls are available for tourists.
Amba-VilasaThe Audience Hall is a spacious and luxurious room where the royal family received distinguished guests. The walls are paneled with mahogany and ivory, the ceiling features-stained glass and large crystal chandeliers in the shape of flowers. A gilded column stands in the center of the room.
Gombe-Totti (Doll Gallery) – This gallery houses a collection of traditional Indian dolls from the 19th and 20th centuries and several sculptures created by European artists. The room's decor is complemented by ceremonial attributes, three-dimensional patterns, paintings, and plaster moldings.
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