Famous Murals of Lepakshi

The murals of the roof of the Lepakshi temple is another remarkable feature of this 700 year old Vijayanagara temple. Some of the scenes are reproduced here.

In Paravati's dressing room. Note the six attendants have  distinct hairdo and dresses.

Royals and staff offering prayers

Bhikshatanar and Annapoorni at Lepakshi and Nanguneri

Bhikshatana murthy and Annapoorni

At Lepakshi one of the most exquisite carvings on pillar is the depiction of the Bhiskatana scene.

Lord shiva disguised as  bhikshatanar approaches Parvati and seeks alms. Parvati, rushes from her bath to offer the ‘mendicant’ some rice. To test her devotion, the Lord dislodges her attire. The steadfast Parvati, is unaffected and continues with her task. The Lord was highly impressed and Parvati came to be known as Annapoorneswari.

It is interesting to note that it is the mendicant Bhikshatanamurthy, also known as Kankala murthy, who wears the sandals. Are there any other aspects of the Gods which are depicted with a footwear? 

I located another tiny image depicting the same episode  from the roof beam of Nanguneri temple near Thirunelveli .

Bhikshaatana scene in Nanguneri temple roof panel

There is another version of the story of Bhishatanar.A group of leading sages were performing great yagna and other austerities. While doing this, they become very arrogant and egoistic. To teach them a lesson, Shiva appeared as an attractive naked mendicant. The wives of the sages while giving him alms, became enchanted and started following him. The sages realised what was happening and apologized to the Lord. The Nanguneri panel probably depicts this versions as there are more than one woman. 

I found this newly sculpted pillar with Bhikshatnar at Mahabalipuram school of craft. 

16th Century Jain Temples of Bhatkal.

We found the 16th century temples of Bhatkal rather serendipitously. We were driving from Udipi to Murudeshwar on NH 17  and wanted to stop at Bhatkal on the way to see some ancient mosques and other heritage sites. Quite accidentally, we saw an acient looking structure on the way. This was the Jattappa Chandranatheswara basadi, being restored by ASI. The junior staff of ASI were very helpful and above all enthusiastic about the heritage They guided us to the other temples in the town.

All temples were built around 1500 C.E. mostly funded by rich merchants or association of traders. 

1. Jattappa Chandranatheswara basadi - this temple is located on one of the main roads close to commercial establishments and schools. There are two blocks connected by a columned porch. As you enter from the road you see the two tiered main block with sloping stone roof and another structure which looks like a bell tower.The entrance has ornate dwarapalakas, more like the Hoysala style. The three-celled Garbagriha had only the peethams. The steps to the upper tier were missing. The temple faces East and has a deepastambham in front. There are two tablets with inscriptions on either side of the porch. The compound was well maintained by the junior staff of ASI.

Dwarapalaka

View of the temple from the roadside 

2. Parshwanath Jain temple. 


Without proper guidance,we would have missed this temple as this was tucked in between shops in the commercial area.





















A typical deepastambham greets you as you enter. The temple itself is small and has a pair of dwarapalakas on either side. The main idol is Parshwanath, but there are two other deities. The turned pillars are similar to the ones in Chandranath basti. On the compound we also found nagas, hero stones and inscribed tablets. A distinct ornate window on the North was a unique feature.

Nagas,

Ornate stone window