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Showing posts from May 26, 2016


Kanika in Mahabharata

Kanika was a cunning minister of Dhritarashtra, the blind king in the Mahabharata. He was learned, shrewd, cunning and crafty. He earned the name ‘Kanika Kuta Niti’ because of his political philosophy. As per the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata, when war with the Pandavas was in the offing and various ideas were being aired, King Dhritarashtra took the advice of Kanika. He advocated the annihilation of the Pandavas. Here are some of the political philosophies of Kanika. Threaten the timid. Bow before the strong, Bribe the greedy. Kill the enemy even if he were your son, friend, brother, father or preceptor. This is the royal path to success. Never disregard an enemy even if he be weak. Note that even a spark of fire will burn down a forest with external help like the wind. Carry the enemy on your shoulder when times are adverse. Once times become favorable, break him, even as a mud pot on a stone slab. Political assertions of Kanika can be found in Adi Parva chapter 13

Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebid

Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebid in Karnataka extols the superiority of Hindu architecture. This 12th century temple is one of the most ornate temples built by Hoysala. The shrine is known for its minute details. Literally several thousands of sculptures adorn this wonderful temple. Hoysaleswara Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. The temple is divkuta, having two sanctum sanctorums, two sukanasis and two navarangas. It appears like two temples were built symmetrically side by side and was connected by a small corridor. The temple is in the form of a star and stands on a platform. The shrine is built of soapstone. The southern shrine has a linga named Vishnuvardhana and the northern side has a linga named Shantaleshwara. In front of the navarangas are two nandimandapas and in the far east is a shrine for Surya . The horizontal friezes of the shrine has sculptors illustrating episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavad Purana. Above the fr