One TwO ZerO Journey

18/04/2025

World Heritage Day

World Heritage Day, also known as International Day for Monuments and Sites, is celebrated annually on April 18th. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural and natural heritage sites worldwide. Established in 1982 by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and endorsed by UNESCO in 1983, it's a day to appreciate the diversity of cultural heritage and promote its conservation for future generations.

06/04/2025

The Amruteshwara Temple in Amruthapura, Karnataka, India, is a stunning example of Hoysala architecture built in 1196 CE by Amrutheshwara Dandanayaka under King Veera Ballala II.

Here are some fascinating facts about this ancient temple:

Architecture and Design

Hoysala Style: The temple features a unique blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles, characteristic of Hoysala architecture.
Ekakuta Design: The temple has a single shrine (ekakuta) with a tower (shikhara) above connected to a large open mantapa.
Mantapa Structure: The open mantapa has 29 bays, while the closed mantapa has 9 bays with a side porch leading to a separate shrine.

Intricate Carvings and Sculptures

Circular Carvings: The outer wall features unique circular carvings, while the inner ceiling has domed structures with floral designs.
Panel Sculptures: The outer parapet wall has over 140 panel sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Krishna.
Sculptor's Legacy: Ruvari Mallitamma, the sculptor and architect, began his career working on the domed ceilings in the main mantapa.

Location and Significance

Location: The temple is situated 67 km north of Chikmagalur town in Karnataka, India.

Historical Significance: The Amruteshwara Temple is a medium-sized Hoysala temple with features similar to the Veera Narayana Temple in Belavadi.
Cultural Importance: The temple showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Hoysala dynasty and is a significant tourist attraction.

04/04/2025

Chandragiri Hills Shravanabelagola

04/04/2025

Chennakesava Temple Carvings

04/04/2025

04/04/2025

Amruteshwara Temple:

Location:
Amruteshwara Temple is located in Amrutapura, Chikmagalur district, Karnataka, India.

Significance:
The Amruteshwara Temple is a historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in the 12th century during the Hoysala Empire.

Architecture:
1. Hoysala architecture: Typical Hoysala-style temple architecture, with a fusion of Dravidian and Nagara styles.
2. Soapstone material: Built using soft soapstone, allowing for intricate carvings.
3. Ekakuta design: A single shrine (ekakuta) with a tower (shikhara) above.

Features:
1. Intricate carvings: Beautiful carvings depicting Hindu mythological stories and celestial beings.
2. Shiva linga: A sacred Shiva linga is installed in the sanctum sanctorum.
3. Mantapa: An open hall (mantapa) with beautifully carved pillars.

Preservation:
The temple is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is a significant historical monument.

Best time to visit:
The ideal time to visit the Amruteshwara Temple is: September to February: Pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).

11/03/2025

Kolkali Kerala Art Form

Kolkali is a traditional folk art form from Kerala. It's a vibrant and energetic dance performance that involves intricate footwork, rhythmic movements, and colourful costumes.

Key Features:
1. Group performance: Kolkali is typically performed by a group of dancers.
2. Stick dance: Dancers use sticks (called "kol") to create rhythmic sounds and patterns.
3. Footwork: Intricate footwork and movements are a hallmark of Kolkali.
4. Costumes: Dancers wear traditional Kerala attire.

11/03/2025

Chakyarkooth - Kerala Art Form

Chakyarkooth is an ancient performing art form of Kerala. Chakyarkooth is traditionally performed in koothambalams in temples.

Kooth's presentation deals with various recent events and social situations in a humorous manner. Chakyar can also make the audience laugh by making fun of the crowd watching. Everyone in the audience has to follow the unwritten rule that there should be no protests from the audience against these pranks.

Kalamandalam Ramachakyar presents the scene between Hanuman, who goes to Lanka in search of Goddess Sita, and Surassa, the serpent mother, who stops him.

11/03/2025

Ottanthullal

Ottanthullal is a famous humorous art form created by Kalakkathu Kunchan Nambiar, one of the ancient poets who lived in Kerala

The Ottanthullal artist presents charmingly composed songs with a touch of humour, satire, and social analysis as an attractively lively dance.

Kunchan Nambiar was born in a village called Killikurrissimangalam in Palakkad district. His birthplace, Kalakatu House, is today preserved as a memorial and museum.

05/03/2025

Manimalarkavu Karthika Morning

04/03/2025

Manimalarkavu Aswathi Vela

03/03/2025

Manimalarkavu Aswathi Vela - Velur Desam