Odisha, a state of India, boasts of centuries old art, architecture, culture and festivals.
Sitabinji, a village in Odisha, has a link to the Ramayana and houses an ancient 1500 years old painting as shown below:
Many places of Odisha have historical significance.
Many festivals are still celebrated with great pomp and grandeur.
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is called the Temple City as at one time it had more than 10,000 temples, out of which many still exist.
The 11th Century Lingaraj Temple is very famous. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
On Ashokastami, the Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj is held.
As per legend related to the Ramayana, when Lord Rama succeeded in killing Ravana by the grace of goddess, he became 'Ashoka'- i.e. devoid of 'shoka' or sorrow.
Out of happiness, Lord Rama took a chariot out with Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga to celebrate his victory. It was the 8th day of the bright half (Shukla Astami) month of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April). Thus, the day is called Ashokastami.
This year, it was celebrated on March 27th.
Ram Mandir is a temple, in Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Lord Ram.
Ram Navami is the celebration of the birth of Lord Ram.
This year, it was held on March 28th. Ram Navami was celebrated with religious fervour in Odisha.
Have you visited Bhubaneswar, Odisha?
Sitabinji, a village in Odisha, has a link to the Ramayana and houses an ancient 1500 years old painting as shown below:
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| 1500 years old Fresco art in Sitabinji, a village in Odisha ; Source |
Many places of Odisha have historical significance.
Many festivals are still celebrated with great pomp and grandeur.
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is called the Temple City as at one time it had more than 10,000 temples, out of which many still exist.
The 11th Century Lingaraj Temple is very famous. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
On Ashokastami, the Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj is held.
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| Rukuna Rath Yatra and Ashokastami Celebrations at Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India |
As per legend related to the Ramayana, when Lord Rama succeeded in killing Ravana by the grace of goddess, he became 'Ashoka'- i.e. devoid of 'shoka' or sorrow.
 |
| Source |
This year, it was celebrated on March 27th.
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| Rukuna Rath Yatra on Ashokastami at Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha ; Source |
Ram Mandir is a temple, in Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Lord Ram.
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| Ram Mandir, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India ; Source |
This year, it was held on March 28th. Ram Navami was celebrated with religious fervour in Odisha.
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| Crowd at Ram Mandir, Bhubaneswar, Odisha on the occasion of Ram Navami. Source |
Have you visited Bhubaneswar, Odisha?
Wow! So much information on the religious side of Odisha.I have visited decades back Bhubaneshwar and I recollect having gone to some temples, one on the outskirts of the city where someone explained the architectural beauty of the temple.I have only a vague memory.
ReplyDeleteGreat that you have visited Bhubaneswar before.
DeleteI think you had been to the Shanti Stupa or Dhauligiri. It's located in the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
Do plan to visit again & experience the architectural beauty & refresh your memory :)
Lovely post! I did not know why it is called 'Ashokashtami'! Now I kno! :D Keep writing abt Odisha & Bhubaneswar......no number of posts will be enough 2 talk of all the wonders this soul of Incredible India has!
ReplyDeleteEven I didn't know why Ashokastami is called so, Amrita! Researched a bit & then thought I must share :)
DeleteMay we all share what we know & spread knowledge & facts about Odisha and incredible India.
Girl you are a wikianita :)
ReplyDeleteAlways resourceful :)))
Pleasure to have you on board!
xoxo
i was not aware if these things :( (Though have lived there for 4yrs) .. nice informative post for me :)
ReplyDeleteI never knew about Ashokashtami! Dear, I have a doubt, there is a belief that Rama killed Ravana on Vijayadashami of Sharannavaratri, i.e., in the month of Ashwina on shuklapaksha dashami. Almost entire north India celebrates Ramleela on that day right? It is also celebrated as the day of victory of Durga ma over Mahishasur as we all know. I am still scratching my head in confusion!!!
ReplyDelete