BHUBANESWAR: The Gilehrio Trails, which starts at 7th century Mukteswara Temple and ends at Brahmeswara Temple traversing another five temples depicting Kalinga architecture, were kick started here Saturday.
The walk was conducted by well-known archaeologist Jitu Mishra. He highlighted the history etched in stones in the temples of the capital. Team Gilehrio wanted to showcase the beauty and heritage of Bhubaneswar temples through thematic trails. Future trails will include Romance etched in stone, Pashupat Cult trail and Tantric Trail among others.
Mishra will embark on an exploration of the timeless beauty of romance in Bhubaneswar temples and the stories and myths associated with them. The Gilehrio Trails go on board on an architectural exploration to uncover the myths associated with five exquisite temples, starting with the 7th century temple Mukteswar and ending with Brahmeswara Temple.
Mishra earned his MA in Archaeology from Deccan College, Pune. He is a WIPRO fellow and the co-founder of Virasste Hind Foundation and is an avid blogger, archaeologist and educator. He has a keen interest in cultural anthropology.
Bhubaneswar, celebrated as Ekamra Kshetra in Medieval Time, had been Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati’s ultimate pleasure garden. It is said that the divine couple had left Kashi, their eternal abode to seek pleasure in Ekamra Van, the land where lived heavenly damsels and was filled with celestial water bodies and pristine forests. The temple walls of Bhubaneswar are illustrated with the scenes of pleasure seeking both by the gods in the form of amorous couples and heavenly damsels (alas kanyas).
The session started from the brief Introduction to Gilehrio Trails followed by discussion on (1) Shiva and Parvati’s move from Kashi to Ekamra and (2) Shiva – The Eternal Lover. In the Parasurameswar Temple, participants discussed Bhikasatha Murti and Ravana Anugraha Murti, Kedar Gauri Temple, Discussion on Shiva and Parvati’s Rasakrida, Asta Sambhu and Asta Gouri and Kedar Gouri Episode.
In the Mukteswar Temple, participants discussed Salabhankikas and depiction of women in temples with an emphasis on Mukteswar Temple, Rajarani Temple, amorous couples and their placement and context, beautiful women of Bhubaneswar and their attitude and activities as described by Brahma.
The session concluded with Brahmeswar Temple with ‘Appreciation of Romance in Stones’. Sweta Mishra, a student, said, “The trails were quite informative. We have been to the temples often but have never really looked into the details. This was a much-needed trail to explore beyond the dates and names of the dynasties. Never knew our ancient city gave so much importance to love and romance!
Sourav Pattanayak, a Marketing Professional, said, “Fascinating and informative are the two words which describe my first experience with Gilehrio Trails. Years of school and college education, and we are never taught the history of our motherland. There’s so much to know, and the storytelling medium works just right in arousing and sustaining interest. My first impulse after finishing the trail – rush to the State Library the first chance I get. I am looking forward to more such trails.”
Journalist Pratima said, “It was really nice experience to feel the romance of the stones which told the truth of the society in a mythological way.”
