12.12.14

Indore, Mandu INDIA

On to the next city, I am now in Indore. Indore is the largest city of the Indian state of Madhya Preadesh. Indore has been described as the commercial capital of the state, located on the southern edge of Malwa Plateau, the city is located 190 km west of the state capital of Bophal. 



I am standing on the top of Jahaz Mahal (the ship palace)




Inside the Hindola Mahal (swing palace)







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On to a day trip, a drive to Mandu..... "Perched on top of a pleasantly green, thinly forested 20-sq-km plateau, picturesque Mandu is home to some of India’s finest examples of Afghan architecture as well as impressive baobab trees, originally from Africa. The area is littered with palaces, tombs, monuments and mosques, all within easy cycling distance of each other. Some cling to the edge of ravines, others are beside lakes, while Roopmati’s Pavilion, the most romantic of them all, sits majestically at the far end of the plateau, overlooking the vast plains below." LP

Roopmati pavilion. Rani Roopmati was a Hindu singer of Malwa, Sultan Baz Bahadur and Roopmati fell in love with each other and were married according to Muslim and Hindu rites. Adham Khan a Mughal army general of Akbar was prompted to conquer Mandu partly due to Roopmati's beauty. When Adham Khan marched on the fort Baz Bahadur met him with his small force and was defeated, Roopmati poisoned herself. Thus ending the magical love story which was steeped in music, poetry, romance, war and death. This romance is considered a legend by some whilst others consider it to be true.


One should really stand here at the Roopmati pavilion to feel how Rani and Baz romance, the viewing points are just magical.








A madrasah built here in Mandu opposite the Jami Masjid

fruit seller

Allo veg. I just can't have enough of it!

goat herds


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Driving away from Mandu to the opposite side towards Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri. It is located in the Narmada river; the shape of the island is said to be like the Hindu  (om/omkaara) symbol. There are two temples here, one to Omkareshwar (whose name means "Lord of Omkaara or the Lord of the OmSound") and one to Amareshwar (whose name means "Immortal lord" or "lord of the Immortals or Devas"). But as per the sloka on dwadash jyotirligam, Mamleshwar is the jyotirling, which is on other side of Narmada river.



Mamleshwar

Mamleshwar

a little something...

Mamleshwar

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The next day since we have time in hand, we spent it watching Interstellar before boarding on our train....  When in doubt, go see a movie! :D


thank you all for stopping by and viewing the post...
xxx


Soan Galuh beach

Soan Galuh beach is my source of inspiration. When I feel like I need inspirations in my clay work, I would just get my motorbike and drive ...