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Unraveling the Stories Behind Hoysaleswara Sculptures

Picking up where we left off in the previous blog post, let me now unveil more from the captivating array of sculptures discovered during my immersive visit to the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu. 


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Each step within the sacred premises revealed a treasure trove of artistic marvels, transporting me to a realm where gods and goddesses materialized in stone. 


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The sculptures are not only beautiful, but they also tell a story. They tell the story of the Hoysala Empire, a powerful kingdom that ruled over much of southern India in the 12th century. They tell the story of the Hindu faith, and the importance of art and spirituality in Hindu culture. 


Come join me as my imagination dances amidst the tapestry of Hindu mythology and ancient tales that enshroud each creation. 
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The sculpture of Goddess Lakshmi with wealth flowing from her palm serves as a visual representation of the Hindu belief that worshiping and honoring the goddess brings fortune and prosperity to one's life. 




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The original sculpture of Goddess Saraswati, depicting her playing the Veena with her limbs intact, would have been a captivating portrayal.
 

Although the upper part of the Veena, which connects the strings to the resonator, remains intact, it is deeply distressing to see the mutilated state of the rest of the Veena and the limbs of the sculpture. 

It would have been preferable if the Muslim invaders had exercised their judgment and refrained from defacing these valuable works of art. If the sight of idols was offensive to them, they could have chosen to respectfully cover them with a veil, at the very least.



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The sculpture portrays a beautiful scene of Shilabalikas under a tree. Shilabalikas, also known as celestial maidens or celestial nymphs, are mythological figures commonly depicted in Indian temple art.  

One figure stands out as she cradles an infant in her arms. This particular portrayal adds a touch of maternal tenderness and nurturance to the scene.



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Shiva and Parvati seated on Nandi, the sacred bull. 

According to an intriguing legend associated with this sculpture, Nandi, who is considered a devoted devotee of Lord Shiva, did not initially accept Parvati riding on him. 

Nandi believed that only Shiva was worthy of sitting atop him, and he sought to make Parvati uncomfortable.

As a result, the sculptor cleverly depicted Nandi's stride in a slightly different manner that creates a slight discomfort for Parvati. 



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A scene of musicians performing for Lord Shiva. 

In this intricate artwork, musicians are shown playing various musical instruments to entertain and please the divine presence of Shiva. 

Notice how intricately the tuning rope around the drum is carved and the fingers passing under the rope.


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The sculpture portrays Lord Shiva in a dynamic dancing pose known as Nataraja.

In this depiction, Lord Shiva is shown with multiple arms adorned with various weapons, engaged in a rhythmic dance. 

His left foot is raised gracefully, while his right foot firmly presses down upon a defeated demon.





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The sculpture depicts the powerful and awe-inspiring scene of Lord Vishnu's avatar, Narasimha, slaying the demon Hiranyakashipu. 

Narasimha is shown in a half-man and half-lion form, emerging ferociously from a pillar or column. 

 The depiction captures the intense moment of his encounter with Hiranyakashipu, who was a tyrannical demon king. 

The sculpture is quite violent. You can notice on the left, eye balls are attached to the ripped portion of a demon's face. It's pretty gruesome.

Also see how Narasimha is using his leg to lock the shield held by Hiranyakashipu.


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There are many sculptures depicting  different stages of Hiranyakashipu's disembowelment. Here's one.


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The sculpture portrays the powerful and iconic depiction of Goddess Durga as Mahishasura Mardini, the slayer of the buffalo demon Mahishasura.  

Durga is depicted with multiple arms, each holding a different weapon. One of her arms pierces the chest of a soldier with a trident, while simultaneously, another hand deftly retrieves an arrow from her quiver, preparing to deliver the decisive and final strike to the buffalo demon. 


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In this striking sculpture, an intense and fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva is depicted as he dances atop a vanquished demon.

Among the weapons held by Shiva, a notable one is a skull staff, entwined by a snake. In the upper right of the photo, Lord Shiva can be seen piercing a small adversary with his trident.


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Vamana, dwarf avatar of Lord Vishnu, where he approaches King Bali to request land that he can cover in three strides. 

Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana form, stands before King Bali with a gentle and yet determined demeanor. 

To the lower right of the sculpture, Shukracharya, the sage and advisor to King Bali, can be seen. He dissuades Bali from granting Vamana's request, recognizing the true identity of Vamana as Lord Vishnu and understanding the implications of fulfilling his wish.


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The sculpture depicts a moment from the Vamana-Mahabali legend, showcasing Lord Vishnu in his Trivikrama form. 

In this scene, Lord Vishnu, as Vamana, takes one of his three momentous steps. 

To the left of the sculpture stands Mahabali, the generous and noble demon king, with folded hands, acknowledging the divinity of Lord Vishnu. 

Lord Vishnu raises his foot in the step, symbolically reaching the heavens, represented symbolically by Brahma, the three-headed creator deity.



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Natya Saraswati, represents the divine aspect of Goddess Saraswati associated with the performing arts, specifically dance and music. 

Unlike the traditional depictions of Saraswati with a veena, Natya Saraswati is often portrayed holding various weapons. Notice her vahan (vehicle) - beautifully carved hamsa (swan) below. 



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The arrangement of the figurines in close proximity to each other showcases the remarkable optimization of space in the artistic display.



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The next three sculptures beautifully portray the epic battle between Lord Krishna, also known as Shri Hari, and Lord Indra over the celestial Parijat tree. 

The story behind this battle is rooted in the desire of Satyabhama, Krishna's consort, to possess the divine Parijat tree and Krishna's decision to fulfill her wish while imparting a lesson to Indra.

Lord Krishna riding to Earth while holding the sacred Parijata tree. Krishna's appearance shows his readiness for battle, and Garuda, his celestial mount, is also prepared to launch weapons.



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Following Krishna's descent to Earth with the Parijata tree, the divine couple, Indra and Indrani, riding atop the celestial elephant Airavata follows him. 

Notice the elephant with its tail held high, charging forward in full motion and Indrani is suspended in the air taking the bumpy ride.

Both Indra and Indrani are shown wielding the powerful Vajra, a thunderbolt-like weapon associated with Indra's might.

Indra is eventually defeated, and the Parijata tree remains on Earth.




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The poignant tale of Gajendra Moksham, where Lord Vishnu, also known as Shri Hari, comes to the rescue of Gajendra, a devoted elephant, when he is attacked by a crocodile. 

The sculptures beautifully capture the key moments of this divine intervention. 

As Hari approaches riding on Garuda, the elephant welcomes him by offering a lotus. 

With a single strike of the chakra(divine discus), he defeats the crocodile, freeing Gajendra from its grip.




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The performance of Ananda Tandava(joyful dance) by Mahadeva (Lord Shiva) is a captivating sight to behold. 

It's carved from a single stone and every tiny detail, from Shiva's features, skull shaft with snake crawling on it, the intricate waste-band to the musicians, is simply marvelous. 



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The sculpture of Visha Kanya, or "The Poison Girl". 

Vishakanyas are often portrayed as young attractive women who have been exposed to toxic substances or venom from a young age, rendering their bodies poisonous.

According to legends, their touch or presence can be lethal. 

In this particular portrayal, she is shown in a nude, voluptuous form with her legs chained by a serpent that coils around her and extends all the way up to her right shoulder. 

Notice the fashionable footwear and hairstyle depicted in the carving. 


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An ensemble of musicians and dancers. 

In my opinion, the sculpture on the right is the best portrayal of a dancer caught in the middle of a performance. 

The intricate hand gestures, feet position, elegant posture, and captivating jewelry are truly mesmerizing. 

It's as if the dancer suddenly turned to face the audience and got immortalized in stone, preserving that moment forever. 





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Towards the right side, there is a carving portraying a foreigner. 

The foreigner is depicted with distinct clothing and hairstyles that differ from traditional Indian attire. 

The figure might represent a trader or emissary who visited the Hoysala court.  

Notice that the foreigner is depicted without shoes, which is a common Indian practice indoors. This suggests that the foreigner respected and adhered to the local customs during the visits to the Hoysala court.
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Goddess Chamunda Devi, also known as Matrika, represents one of the most fearsome forms of Devi, the Supreme Goddess. 

She embodies the female energy of Yama, the God of Death. 

Unlike the other Matrikas who are considered energies of male divinities, Devi Chamunda is believed to have emerged directly from and embodies the energy of the Supreme Goddess, rather than being associated with a male deity.

While the other Matrikas resemble their male counterparts in appearance, mounts, and weapons they carry, Chamunda Devi enjoys her own independence. 

She is the only Matrika who is worshipped individually, while the others are mostly worshipped together. 

Devi Chamunda is associated with demanding animal and human sacrifices, as well as the consumption of liquor. She is also considered as the chief yogini.

The iconography of Devi Chamunda is a testament to the practices and beliefs prevalent in Tantrism during a certain period. 

Her sculpture features four arms and three eyes. She is depicted with a fiery red complexion, adorned with abundant thick red hair that resembles flames, with snakes protruding and coiling upwards. Her hair is tied in a chignon adorned with a tiara of skulls and a crescent moon.

Devi Chamunda's eyes are prominent and menacing, as if capable of burning evil through her gaze. 

She wears a necklace of snakes, their coils echoing the rings of decaying flesh. 

Sculpted with sagging flesh beneath her collar bone, she wears a mundmala, a garland of human skulls, as a sacred thread. 

Her body appears withered and emaciated, instilling fear and horror with her protruding ribs, veins, and shriveled, sunken breasts.

The expressions on Devi Chamunda's face are frightening, with tusks protruding from the corners of her mouth. 

She wears Kundala, earrings made of conch shells, while her elongated earlobes rest on her shoulders. A terrifying grin adorns her broad face. 

She is often accompanied by Preta (spirits of the departed) and ghosts.

The carving of Devi Chamunda depicts her holding various symbolic objects, including a Damaru (drum), trishul (trident), sword, snake, skull-mace (khatvanga), thunderbolt, severed head, and either a panapatra (drinking vessel) or skull-cup (kapala) filled with blood. 

These objects represent her powers and attributes associated with her fierce and formidable nature.



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Let me introduce you to Bhikshatana Bhairava, a unique figure that combines the fierce form of Shiva-Bhairava with the calmness of a monk Bhikshatana.

In this depiction, you can spot the monk's sandals, while Bhairava is represented by forked teeth, a garland made of skulls, and a severed head.

Interestingly, in the lower right corner, there's a ghoul, breast feeding her child while looking up lovingly at Bhikshatana Bhairava. It's truly a fascinating mix of contrasting elements and a heartwarming moment of motherhood in the divine realm!



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Ravananugraha is a compassionate form of the Hindu deity Shiva. 

In this depiction, Shiva is seated on his sacred abode, Mount Kailash, alongside his consort Parvati. Meanwhile, the ten-headed demon-king Ravana of Lanka endeavors to uproot the mountain. 

According to Hindu scriptures, Ravana once attempted to lift Mount Kailash, but Shiva effortlessly pressed the mountain back into place with his big toe, trapping Ravana beneath it.

Ravana gave a loud cry in pain. Since Ravana cried, he was given the name "Ravana" – one who cried.

During his thousand-year-long captivity, Ravana sang hymns praising Shiva, who eventually bestowed his blessings upon him. 

As a gesture of benevolence, Shiva granted Ravana an invincible sword and a powerful linga, which is Shiva's symbolic representation, known as the Atmalinga, for him to worship.

The depiction of Mount Kailash is absolutely stunning! The structure is a four-tiered pyramid. It's filled with lots of attendants called ganas and lush plants covering different parts of the mountain. 

In the sculpture, we can see Mahadeva(Shiva), pulling Devi (Goddess Parvati) close to provide comfort. Ravana's feet are firmly pressed against the ground, exerting great effort to lift the heavy weight.



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Who are the sculptors?

The temple artwork panels feature signatures or statements by the artists or their guilds. 

There are recurring names of artists such as Manibalaki, Mabala, Ballana, Bochana, Ketana, Bama, Balaki, and Revoja. 

These artists, who were nearly forgotten by history, remain unknown unless one pays meticulous attention to the pedestals. 

The Hoysaleswara Temple sculptures are a testament to the skill, dedication, and creativity of these artists who created them. 


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I have more sculptures to share in my next blog post. Don't forget to comment below and let me know your thoughts.

Please find below the links to all three parts for your convenience:

Part 1: Mesmerizing sculptures of Halebidu

Part 2: Unraveling the Stories Behind Hoysaleswara Sculptures

Part 3: A Tapestry of Wonder


Linked with Mosaic Monday


46 comments:

  1. If the Muslim invaders had the same sensibilities as the Taliban then respect would not have even been part of their lexicon. Destruction or defacing of ancient monuments is a travesty - and I feel the same way about graffiti in modern cities.

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  2. "where gods and goddesses materialized in stone. " Indeed!
    There is so much wonderful material here that you really should make it into a week's worth of posts. I'm sure my attention is not good enough to appreciate both of these treasures at once. Thank you for posting

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  3. Being in the presence of the Temple must be overwhelming with all the carvings and details. I've experienced that feeling when I visit a place with so much to take in. Very beautiful - thank you for the explanations.

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  4. Excellent commentary again! These sculptures show humanity at its imaginative heights and the defacing of them humanity's lows. It would be interesting to learn about the lives of the artists who did the work. They must have been acclaimed in their day.

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  5. These are the most amazing sculptures I've ever seen in my life. Such intricate and detailed work!

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  6. Such an amazing series of sculptures with a complementing story to go along with it

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  7. The detail and beauty of the sculptures is jaw-dropping!

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  8. Your photos and commentaries are fascinating and that site is a treasure house of art, religion and history. Shame on the muslims for defacing some of the statues, they still do that. Nice to see the photos at the end, is that you and your family?

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    1. My eldest son is the one sitting alone, while the remaining three individuals are my father, mother, and wife. I am always behind the camera LOL.

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  9. These are the most beautiful sculptures I have ever seen in my life.
    The details of the sculptures is magnificent.
    The story that goes with it completes it.
    Greetings Irma

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  10. Yes. Hoysala empire was a gem. Great monuments and you narrated it so closely. Wonderful work. And destruction feels disheartened every time I visit such great historic monuments of India

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  11. Absolutely as wonderful as your birdshots. Very nice photographed and with great accompanying text. Thumbs up for this.

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  12. some of the sculptures are just mind boggling.

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  13. Hello,
    Wow, the sculptures are just amazing. The details are just beautiful, I can not imagine someone trying to destroy them. I appreciate your commentary too, well done. Wonderful post and photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.

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  14. Those are fantastic photos Shiju. I am really appreciative of your explanation of each one. I have a brass god carving from our trips to India and often look at it while wondering the meaning behind the sculpture. It is saddening that some religions feel the need to destroy other beliefs when there is one world to share.

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  15. Woow who did these sculptures? There are great workmanship on each. I couldn't see this type of artist in modern days. :(

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    1. These sculptures have been around for centuries, yet the artists behind them never achieved fame. Some of the pedestals bear signatures that reveal the names of the artists. Among them are recurring names like Manibalaki, Mabala, Ballana, Bochana, Ketana, Bama, Balaki, and Revoja.

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  16. ...to think that these sculptures were made with primitive tools. How long would it take with modern tools? Thanks for sharing.

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  17. Beautifully captured in pictures and words. Perfect guide to anyone who wishes to visit.

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  18. Hello Shiju :=)
    My first reaction on seeing this temple was one of wonder, then as I read your detailed article about how the figures were defaced, one of disgust. The carvings are spectacular and I thank you most sincerely for sharing this magnificent temple with us.

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  19. these sculptures are nothing short of spectacular. your images of them and the following explanation were very insightful!! i can't image making sculptures like this without modern tools!! a beautiful post, have a wonderful sunday!!

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  20. Amazing sculptures and awesome photos also ~ Wow! Such history ~ thanks,

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  21. Wow, it`s fantastic art. I would be pleased, if you like to share this at MosaicMonday. It`s wondderful

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  22. The sculptures are absolutely beautiful and your narrative is very insightful. An amazing post, thanks for sharing.

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  23. The detail in these sculptures is extraordinary! Thank you for linking up!

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  24. Great temple. Here from #NaturesNotes

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  25. Brilliant sculptures of the Hindu religion, lovely artists.

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  26. Fantastic photos. Thanks for sharing
    Have a nice week.

    Much💖love

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  27. Amazing temple.. exquisite!

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  28. Such intricate and amazing detail!!
    Thank you for sharing with us at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2023/05/on-retreat.html

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  29. This series are one of your best posts. I appreciate all the information about each piece of art. It really helps for the viewer to understand what they are seeing.

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  30. It really is amazing to see your photos that show so much detail. What beautiful works of art! Thanks for taking the time to share them and all the good info. Enjoy your week!

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  31. Wow these are totally amazing thoroughly enjoyed all these :-)

    Have an artistictastic week 👍

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  32. I love your wife's jewelry from the previous post. It's as beautiful as the intricate and meaningful sculptures. I'm reading a book you might enjoy: Conversations with Birds by Priyanka Kumar. It's so beautifully written, celebrating nature and birds.

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  33. Great detailed narrative that goes along with the photos. It strikes me how little I know about the Indian culture's stories and mythology, where I know a lot of Greek, Christian, European, Egyptian, and Norse stories/mythology. Super interesting, and if you hadn't pointed out details I would not have noticed them.

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  34. What an amazing place, no?! A few years back we'd toured Belur and Halebidu and the craftsmenship at these temples filled me with awe. And the body language in these soapstone figures continues to blow my mind! So nice of you to seek the names of the sculptors and mention them here. They were extraordinarily skilled!

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  35. The detail in the sculptures is amazing. And the stories that go along with them - the depth of culture and spirituality is almost beyond understanding.

    Unfortunately, the examples of "powers" destroying such creations are rampant, down through time. I can only hope that we can learn our lessons, one day.

    Joining you from Mosaic Monday.

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  36. Wow, what a beautiful place. So very amazing. Thanks for sharing.

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  37. Wow. Your stories and history along with the images is so thorough. Thank you for sharing a post from your blog on this week’s Wednesday’s Words and Pics Link Up. I hope to see you next week too. Take care, Denyse.

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  38. Absolutely incredible, the sculptures and the stories behind them.

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  39. The sculptures are absolutely stunning and it's very interesting to read the story behind them.

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  40. Those are fantastic close up photos. The intricacy of the sculpting is amazing. I wonder if the craftsmen of today can emulate such work. "Only in India" I hear both you and I say.

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  41. Wow, just wow! Such amazing architecture and artwork. Thanks for sharing and for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot.

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