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Newasa - Encountering an unique form of Vishnu, and Sant Jnaneshwar

The year was 1290 . A crowd had gathered around a clearing, where broken down pillars marked the presence of an ancient temple, now long gone. A young boy, just 14 years old, leaned against one of those pillars, deep in thought. Then, he began speaking, and the crowd fell silent, listening to his every word. He spoke without any notes, translating the Bhagavat Gita, from Sanskrit, which only the pundits knew, to the language everyone in the village knew and spoke – a variety of Prakrit which developed into the Marathi language. Even as he spoke, one of the men in the audience realized how momentous this event was, and how important this composition would be. He began writing down the words the young boy spoke, and this composition was named by its author and composer, the Bhavartha Deepika – the enlightening meaning (of the Bhagavat Gita). Now, the ancient, holy text, was no longer restricted to the pundits, but accessible to all, understood easily by them, composed as it was, in their...
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Navaratri Day 6: Dashavatar Set from Chennapatna

Navaratri for me, is all about the Golu. Many of you must have been wondering why I still haven't posted any photos of Golus. The reason, rather prosaically is that I can't celebrate the festival this year, and, unfortunately, neither can many of our relatives, and friends. That, plus some unexpected events have kept me from visiting and posting about Golus so far. Meanwhile, I am sharing with you today, one of the items on my wishlist for next year's Golu....



I saw this beautifully carved wooden set of the  Dashavtar at Chennapatna. The small town is known for its wooden toys, and whenever I am in the vicinity, I can't help stopping, even if just for a look!! Of course, I always end up buying something... I did buy some toys for Samhith and a few gifts for friends, but I restrained my temptation to buy this beautiful set! Maybe another time! 
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Location: Channapattana, Karnataka 562160, India

Comments

  1. Meghana HassanOctober 1, 2014 at 10:46 AM

    Yes Anu, we r really missing your posts on Golu.. Do visit my place for golu, if you r in Thane sometime during the festival.. My MIL recently bought a pagade game from Channapatna. How I wish I could visit that place sometime.. Yeah, we know how particular you are abt the features of Dashavatar doll set..

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    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 1, 2014 at 10:52 AM

      Thank you, Meghana! I am so sorry, but not this year... maybe next time. Its so hectic around here right now, I havent been able to go anywhere :( you really should go to chennapatna. you will go crazy with all the beautiful stuff they have!

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