Udiyana and Oddiyana - Modern Day Odisha, India

Guru Padmasambhava is revered across the world. He is also called Guru Rinpoche. 

There are several texts about him. Udiyana or Oddiyana is believed to be his birthplace.

While looking for Udiyana and Oddiyana, the above image and the following posts on X (Twitter) were accessed:

Guru Padmasambhava - International Conference At Nalanda

The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara organized a two-day International Conference, "Exploring the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava."

The two-day International Conference on "Exploring the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava" is scheduled for August 28-29, 2024, at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara in Bihar, India. Organized by the International Buddhist Confederation in collaboration with @nnmnalanda under the… pic.twitter.com/HZZeKHg3Qo

— International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) (@IbcWorldOrg) August 27, 2024

This conference was held on 28th and 29th August 2024 at Nalanda, Bihar. 

Copied Ikat Motifs And Handloom Saree Designs

Ikat is a technique of tie-and-dye of handlooms.

Some Indian states have the Geographical Indication (GI) tags for their own unique and special Ikat.

This includes-

Odisha- Orissa Ikat, Sambalpuri Bandha Saree and Fabrics, Khandua Saree and Fabrics;

Telangana- Pochampally Ikat; Telia Rumal;

Gujarat- Patan Patola

Can you identify this Ikat?

Urgent Conservation of The Sun Temple Konark- UNESCO World Heritage #SaveKonark

The Sun Temple located at Konark, Odisha, is an architectural wonder.

It is the sole UNESCO World Heritage site located in Odisha, India.

"Konark Stone Carving" has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. 

 More information on Konark Stone Carving GI is in this blog post-

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2020/04/konark-stone-carving-odishagi.html

Konark Stone Carving has been in the news many times before and also in 2023. 

During G20 Summit 2023, PM Modi ji received world leaders with the wall backdrop having the photograph of the Konark Wheel.

VIDEO | PM Modi explaining about Odisha's Konark wheel to US President Joe Biden as he arrived at Bharat Mandapam to attend the G20 Summit.

The Konark wheel was built during the 13th century under the reign of King Narasimhadeva-I. The wheel consists of eight wider spokes and… pic.twitter.com/NPw5yCgEuK

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 9, 2023

Heritage Hut

She had photographed and documented all the statues found on the river-bank.

They demanded attention, protection and preservation.

All her pleas fell on deaf ears.

There was no action.

Some months later, she was shocked to find the priceless heritage missing.

Photo Prompt - Alicia Jamtaas

The Beauty of Sanskrit Language and Texts

What is the meaning of mangalacharanam?

In which place was the Mahabharata composed?

How many seasons have been described by Kalidasa in his epic Ritusamhara?

What are the four vedas and the four upavedas?

What does Mrichhakatikam mean?

Are spirituality and religion the same thing?

Who compiled the Bhagavata Mahapurana?

If these questions teased your brain-cells, and you are unable to retrieve the answers, it is time to pick up this informative book about Sanskrit language and texts-

The Beauty of Sanskrit Language and Texts is written by Durga Prasad Dash.

It is one of the eBooks launched by the Blogchatter EBook Carnival this year.

Sanskrit is one of the most ancient languages of the world. It was the language of the intellectuals of India, prior to the Mughal invasion and reign. India has one of the most manuscripts in the world. Sanskrit texts are treasure-houses of India’s ancient wisdom. However, many of us are unaware. Many Indians have never studied Sanskrit in school. Had the British not interfered with our education system, we would perhaps have devoted more time and interest in studying this.

My Village My Country - Mera Gaon Mera Desh

Roots are very special. No matter where we currently stay, a part of us still resides in our native place and the places we have stayed before. 

Memories have a magical effect as we take a trip down the lanes that have made a permanent place in our hearts and minds. 

Reading Shri Durga Prasad Dash's book, My Village My Country made me experience this connection.

Interesting Title

When I first saw the title of this book - "My Village My Country"; translated into Hindi, the theme means- "Mera Gaon Mera Desh", the Bollywood fan in me instantly remembered some Hindi movies and songs:

"Dharti sunahari; ambar neela; har mausam rangeela- eisa desh hai mera."

Golden earth; blue sky; every season is colourful - that's my country.

Apt and Attractive Cover

I also liked the apt and attractive cover page of "My Village My Country - Glimpses into the Heart and Soul of Hindustan". Don't fail to notice the streamers in the backdrop of the title. They are ubiquitous in every function of Odisha, and perhaps in other places of India too.

When I first saw the cover, I knew this was from one of the remote villages of Odisha, India.

Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha

First, here are some questions for you. Please answer them honestly.

Are we proud of our culture and heritage?

Many of us will answer in the positive.

Are we aware and interested to learn more about our native state and nation?

We may answer- "Of course!" and cross question- "Haven't we learned enough about this in school?"

Do we know about Geographical Indications (GI) of our state and country?

Many have perhaps never heard this term before, and do not know what it means.

And, no, this is not taught in schools.

How many GIs of Odisha can you spot on the cover?

It feels great to share the cover of my first #eBook -
"Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha".
My eBook will be released on 25 May, 2020 during #BlogchatterEBook Carnival @blogchatter site.

Can you identify the #GIs on cover? #OdishaGI #GIsofIndia #KnowYourGI #COMINGSOON pic.twitter.com/aNgnASwacB

— anitaexplorer (@anitaexplorer) May 20, 2020

Netherlands And Odisha - Shared Heritages

Odisha, a state in eastern India, has links with many nations. Kalinga's maritime trade is legendary and such memories are celebrated even today every year on Kartik Purnima as Boita Bandana and Bali Jatra. Odisha and Bali connection is also famous. However, Odisha's trade-links with Netherlands and other European nations is not that well known. 

Few people know about the history un de voc in the region of Bengal, which used to be Odisha (Odisha) and Myanmar (Burma). Dr. Carel Tenhaeff, a Dutch sociologist, undertook the journey from Netherlands to Odisha intending to share this unknown piece of history.

Heritage Sites Around Bhubaneswar

There are many heritage sites in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Bhubaneswar is called the 'temple city'. Out of the thousands of temples and heritage sites that were once existent, some exist. 

There are many lesser-known heritage sites around Bhubaneswar and its twin city, Cuttack.

Lalitagiri, Ratnagiri And Udayagiri - Buddhist Heritage Odisha #AToZChallenge

Buddhism in Odisha dates back to the time of Buddha. Many historical accounts, Buddhist sculptures and images are testimony to this.

Located about 100 kms from Bhubaneswar, Lalitagiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri are the ruins of Buddhist monastery complex.

Lalitagiri

One of the earliest Buddhist complexes dating back to 1st Century AD is at Lalitagiri. 

Remains of a huge brick monastery, Chaitya Hall, votive stupas, sculptures etc. throw light on Buddhist art and heritage. 

Budhia Singh At Nepal - Day 4

Budhia Singh from Bhubaneswar, India, was invited by the Nepal Government to participate in the "Lumbini To Mount Everest Peace Run 2017".

17th May 2017 - Day 4 - Kathmandu To Kalinga

The last day of our Nepal trip began early. After a quick breakfast, Prof.Dr.Panth, Budhia Singh, Marathon Man Amar Subba & I checked out of our hotel to set out for Swayambhunath.

The entire team was already ready. The Peace Run commenced at this ancient heritage temple of Swayambhunath.

The Team made multiple rounds (parikrama) with the PeaceTorch.

Budhia Singh At Nepal - Day 3

Budhia Singh from Bhubaneswar, India, was invited by the Nepal Government to participate in the "Lumbini To Mount Everest Peace Run 2017".

16th May 2017 - Day 3 - Bhairahawa To Kathmandu

Our Buddha Air morning flight from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu was delayed. Ex-VC of Nalanda University, Prof Dr. Ravindra Panth, had been invited by the Theravada Buddhist Academy to deliver a lecture from 8-9 AM in their premises in Kathmandu. As our flight was cancelled the previous night and the morning flight was late, Prof Dr.Panth, Budhia & I missed this classroom lecture. However, we had an invite from World Peace Temple- Vishwa Shanti Vihara that has the said academy in its premises. 

After reaching Kathmandu and checking into Hotel Marshyangdi in Thamel, we got set to explore the heritage sites. Our guide, a knowledgeable, elderly gentleman named Mr. Surendra, is an avid follower of Indian news and a great fan of our PM Modiji. 

We visited the World Heritage Site of Patan. 

L-R- Mr. Surendra, Prof. Dr. Ravidra Panth, Budhia Singh & I

Budhia Singh At Nepal - Day 2

Budhia Singh from Bhubaneswar, India, has been invited by the Nepal Government to participate in the "Lumbini To Mount Everest Peace Run 2017".

15th May 2017 - Day 2 - Kathmandu To Lumbini

We had a morning flight from Kathmandu to Lumbini. However, the Buddha Air flight got delayed. When it arrived finally, Budhia boarded Buddha Air.

Budhia Singh

The chief organizer, Shri Bikram Pandey KAJI received us at the Gautam Buddha International Airport, Bhairahawa, and took us to Lumbini to meet the other runners. We had a great reception by the Peace Run Team- four-times Olympian, Baikuntha Manandhar, Marathon Man of Sikkim, Amar Subba, local marathon woman, Shah Banu Khan and three-times Everest Marthon Winner, Deepak Rai amid others. 

Then, Budhia Singh, Prof Dr. Ravindra Panth, and I were given Peace Run T-Shirts and sportswear that we wore and set out for the event venue. 
Nepal Government authorities, Lumbini Development Trust officials, revered Monks from monasteries, visitors, and members of Press & Media were already waiting for us at the Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini. They addressed as "from the land of Kalinga" and felicitated us.

While the monks chanted hymns, the peace torches were lit from the eternal flame in the Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini. 

World Heritage Day 2015 At Bhubaneswar

Last night I was delighted to see a tweet @Odisha_Tourism :#WorldHeritageDay will be celebrated by the Department tomorrow. Programme will start at 7:30 am (18 April).

Source:@Odisha_Tourism

Bhubaneswar is an ancient and modern city that is referred to as the Temple City as it has many temples.

The starting venue for the heritage walk was the RajaRani Temple.                                                       

Durga Puja - Old Station Square, Bhubaneswar

Not many know that Durga Puja has been celebrated for centuries in Odisha, a state of India.

Durga Puja is celebrated with great grandeur & style here.

This year, I was particularly touched by the Durga Puja Pandal at Old Station Square, Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is called the Temple City of India. One time it had more than 100,000 temples; now there are hundreds...

Note- The following photos and images shared in this post are from the Old Station Square Durga Puja Pandal of Bhubaneswar. The Pandal  presented a glimpse of history with relevant social messages that set me thinking.