Doors of Silver Bhagamandala Temple in Coorg
Doors made of silver! Doors for the Lord Himself! In Hindu Temples the doors to deity, sanctum sanctorum, are shut during certain duration during the day and completely shut at night. Due to fear of theft the doors remain closed during night. But during day several rituals and offerings are made to God by the purohit (priest). People wait patiently at the doorsteps to deity to catch that first glimpse of the deity as soon as the door opens during auspicious time.
Doors of Silver Bhagamandala Temple
Doors of Silver Bhagamandala Temple
I took these shots at Bhagamandala Temple in Coorg around 220 km from Bangalore. This huge temple complex has shrines dedicated to various Gods. The idols are housed inside these small shrines and each of these shrines has doors made of silver or are silver plated. Several auspicious symbols are embossed on the doors. This one has Sun, Moon, Conch Shells, Lotus and Mace.
Luckily we were on time that day, the Puja hadn’t started and the doors were shut. Till the auspicious moment the doors of the shrines are kept shut. There was stillness all around and as the auspicious moment drew closer, the priests started ringing the bells. I took a few shots knowing fully well once the doors are flung open I will be pushed around in the crowd. The crowd around the door had slowly begun to swell.
And precisely at that most auspicious moment, the decibel level was at the peak. The doors flung open, the Pujaris(priests) were chanting mantras, and doing the aarati. People kept craning their necks to get that auspicious first glimpse of the Lord. I knew it was futile to focus my lens then. I too folded my hands, bent my head to seek His blessings!
Do have a look at a door from Florence Italy, the figures embossed on them: Baptistery Doors of Florence Cathedral
Inspired by The Doors Archive by David McMahon.
So fascinating. I’m interested in learning more about the auspicious symbols that are engraved on the doors.
What lovely treasures!
and Indrani do you know that in our Church service we have something similar in between (instead of the door, there is the curtain)
I have always believed that this particular ritual was kept as it is… since the moment is special.. [one can call it a clever move too :)]
What a wonderful moment…reading it was getting me excited as well…You captured the moment very well in your inspired words.
Love the pictures.
Interesting post, Indrani.
The door is splendid.
I like both photographs.
another informative stuff from you…thanks
Spectacular.
The last photo capture the excitement of the moment really well.
Beautiful door. Looks like a nice place to visit. Do you have any snaps of the temple.
an awesome door. yr writing made yr process of taking the best shot of door so real to me…the right moment..the planning… beautiful door
Beautifull!!!!! I don’t have to say anymore, the other ones said it all. Just beautifull. Have a nice weekend, greetings from jeany
Temple doors in India are so exquisite! This one is stunning.
I like the SUN in the door 🙂
Its nice to see a silver door !!
Did you knock knock on the door that he was suddenly open LOL
Now seriously,
it’s a beautiful door 😉
Doors made of silver – wow I always learn something each time I visit. Thanks, Indrani. Have a great week.
I’m glad you were able to both get a picture of those beautiful doors and to be there at the auspicious moment. Thanks for sharing this with us.
A couple of years before, i went there and the temple was under renovation…Looks great
Are the silver doors heavy? They look magnificent. I’m curious about the event.
you have so beautifuuly captured the beauty of the doors, which are usually out-of-sight when the temple is open.
the palace pictures of the previous post were wonderful, too.
the ancient Indian artisans sure knew the craft of intricate carving.
Doors of silver! Imagine that. I have never seen such a sight!
nice info 🙂 i didnt’ know till now they close the door once the ceremony begin.. keep it up 😉
you are so well traveled…thats amazing…i’ve hardly traveled in India 🙁
Oh the texture on that door is so amazing Indrani!
God Bless you.The photograps are beyond imgination.
God Bless You Indrani.Your skill of taking photographs from different angles is beyond imegination.
How gorgeous those doors are! And they look golden in the sunlight.
I really enjoyed this, and learned something. I hadn’t known what aarati meant – thanks for the beautiful photos and the education!
Wow, those doors are lovely! You have captured so beautifully the sounds, sights and spirit of the moment.
lovely post as usual!
great pictures..loved the second shot the keenness of the devotees for the first glance has been captured so well. As always amazing!!
Inspirational post, Indrani.
Amazing door and tks for sharing…hope you are having a blessed week ahead 😛
Is the Lord Vishnu? I don’t know very much about Hinduism at all, thanks for teaching me a little bit more. I really like the second photo, captures the atmosphere well.
(Ha, this is probably where you’ll tell me it’s another religion altogether. oops.)
Interesting info. 🙂
That’s a lovely door. Interesting to know your culture. Thanks for sharing and have a nice day.
hello got an award for you
hope you like it
happy blogging
May God’s blessings be upon you!.
I visit the temple too on special occasions eg.ponggal,anniversaries.
What a lovely, inspiring post, Indrani! And your photos are breathtaking as always! Thank you for sharing the beauty!