Ardhanareeswara sculpture in the walls of Pancha Ratha :Mahabalipuram

The Ardhanareeshwara sculpture is indeed present in the walls of the Pancha Rathas in Mahabalipuram, it would signify the inclusion of this important theological and philosophical concept in the diverse array of themes represented at the site. Ardhanareeshwara represents the synthesis of male and female divine energies, encapsulating both Shiva and Parvati in one form. Such a sculpture would typically aim to convey the idea of the unity and interdependence of the masculine and feminine aspects of the divine, which is a recurring theme in Hindu philosophy and art.

The presence of Ardhanareeshwara in the Pancha Rathas would add another layer of cultural and religious significance to this already historically rich site, known for its architectural innovation and artistic brilliance.

The other side of the story

Ambulances are parked on the Walkway. 

Cars are parked on the walkway, and pedestrians are walking on the road.

The reality 

Traveling imparts numerous invaluable lessons that often go unaddressed in textbooks and even in the realm of so-called "social media universities" like WhatsApp. It unveils the genuine truth and provides us with a firsthand look at ground realities, often differing from what's portrayed in travel guides. One such observation comes from my time in Jaipur.

The concern

Personally, I'm deeply invested in road safety and the responsible utilization of public properties, reflecting the ethos of a civilized citizen. Unfortunately, I found myself disheartened witnessing the prevailing attitude of the people.

What is noticed

The government has constructed excellent roads, complete with spacious 9-foot-wide walkways on either side. Such walkways are beyond imagination in Kerala. However, in Jaipur, these walkways are poorly utilized: they serve as parking bays, street markets, and even toilets. This reflects the local attitude towards infrastructure development.

How does it affect people?

Vehicles parked on pedestrian walkways force pedestrians to use the roads and roadsides for walking. This situation significantly escalates the risk of road accidents and collisions with pedestrians walking on the road. The documented data show that morbidity and mortality resulting from such incidents are substantially higher in pedestrian versus motor vehicle collisions.

"Swachh Bharat 1983": 40 years ago in Calicut.

This archived image captures a cherished memory from Calicut Medical College, 1983-1984. During this time, I was bestowed with a memento by Prof. Anna Mani, the Head of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, who also served as the NSS Program Officer at Calicut Medical College. I held the role of NSS secretary and played a pivotal role in organizing a 10-day NSS camp. As NSS volunteers, we conducted a survey through village home visits in Perumanna Panchayat. This survey revealed that hookworm infestations were a significant healthcare concern in the village, alongside inadequate sanitary facilities.With the dedication of the NSS camp, we constructed 15 latrines within the village to address the sanitation issue. Dr. Anvarudheen MN recognized my potential as the NSS secretary and directed me towards the 10-day camp. Evidently, this marked a groundbreaking occurrence, likely being the inaugural instance of a 10-day NSS camp in the history of the medical college.During our campaign, Prof. CK Jayarm Panicker, the Principal, graced us with his presence on one of the camp days in the village, providing us with inspiration and encouragement. The survey saw active participation from approximately 75 medical, dental, and nursing students. Thus, our "Swachh Perumanna" mission was launched four decades ago, etching a meaningful chapter in the history of our institution.

The world of creation ....An exciting experience

I recently visited Mahabalipuram with my family and a few of our batchmates, and it turned out to be a fantastic trip overall. The main entrance to the sculpture city, Mamallapuram, is adorned with marvelous sculptures and statues. Mahabalipuram is renowned for sculpting nearly all the deity figures from the Indian pantheon. The streets are lined with stone artworks and skillfully crafted sculptures. During my morning walk, I strolled through a village where these captivating statues were in the process of creation. The experience was truly remarkable. Observing the depiction of various Gods and Goddesses taking shape before my eyes was truly exhilarating.

The sight of the colossal stones waiting along the streets to be transformed was awe-inspiring. Numerous statues caught my attention, with Ganapathy prominently displayed among them. The factory showcased various forms of Ganesha sculptures. Interestingly, there is a substantial ongoing debate about Ganesha in Kerala. Regardless, I seized the opportunity to take a selfie with the captivating "Myth or Truth."

Selfie with Ganapathy

Mahabalipuram is renowned for its monolithic sculptures, which stand as a testament to its artistic brilliance.

Pancha Ratha at Mahabalipuram

https://drvenu.co.in/2023/08/29/pancha-ratha/(opens in a new tab) 

Incredible India -

I had visited Mahabalipuram twice before, in 2005 and 2009. This is my third visit, along with a few of my batchmates. This time, one noticeable difference was that all the essential tourist destinations had been maintained cleanly and neatly. Here is one such destination

Pancha Ratha,

located in Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram), Tamil Nadu, India, is a remarkable example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. Here's a brief overview:

1. **Name Origin**: "Pancha" means five, and "Ratha" means chariots in Sanskrit. So, "Pancha Ratha" translates to "Five Chariots". These structures are named after the five Pandava brothers and Draupadi from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata.

2. **Architecture & Significance**: These are not temples but architectural prototypes or models. Each of the five structures is carved from a single, long stone or monolith. These structures are unfinished but provide significant insight into the architectural practices of the time.

3. **Individual Rathas**:

- **Dharmaraja Ratha is the largest of the five and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

- **Bhima Ratha**: Rectangular in shape and dedicated to Lord Ananta.

- **Arjuna Ratha**: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it resembles the Dharmaraja Ratha but is smaller.

- **Nakula Sahadeva Ratha**: This is a simple structure dedicated to the gods Indra and Apsaras, with an elephant sculpture nearby.

- **Draupadi Ratha**: The smallest of the rathas, it resembles a village hut dedicated to the goddess Durga.

4. UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Pancha Ratha, along with other monuments in Mahabalipuram, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, under the group "Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram".

5. Tourist Attraction:

Today, the Pancha Ratha serves as a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to appreciate its intricate designs and the history it represents.

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Central park -Jaipur / Vande Matharam

Central park : Jaipur

https://drvenu.co.in/2023/08/31/rich-of-oxygen-in-the-middle-of-city-incredible-india/(opens in a new tab)