37 Lotus Mahal
My wife and I returned home yesterday from a very tiring, 5 day long trip but we enjoyed every bit of it as we love to travel. We visited Hampi (Ruins of Vijayanagar Empire), Cave temples of Badami, Patadkal group of temples and Aihole. I have loads of photos and information to share from out trip and todays post is a gist of what's to come.
Hampi is listed in UNESCO world heritage site and is famous among tourists for its monuments which dates back to 13th-15th century, its a backpackers paradise and a practical class room for history students. Very few structures were left undamaged during the siege of the city and one such building is Lotus Mahal aka Chitragani Mahal.
Lotus Mahal is an highlight in Zenana Enclosure and is one of the most photographed building in Hampi, it is symmetrically laid out, with equal projections on four sides.The archways and the balcony with the domed construction resemble a half opened lotus bud and thus gets its name Lotus Mahal.
Lotus Mahal, Hampi (HDR Image with texture)
Lotus Mahal is made out of lime mortar and brick unlike any other structures in hampi, it stands near to the middle of a high walled compound in the northeast corner of the Royal Centre. Octagonal and square watchtowers are built into the compound walls. Its built in Indo-Islamic style and is a curious mix of Hindu temple like elements and Islamic sultanate elements.
HDR Image with sepia tone, I kinda like this one, Which one do you like
The exact function of this is not surely known. some say this was a socializing area for the women folks in the royal family and some say it served as a meeting place of the emperor and his closest advisors. It is said that water used to be poured on the roof of the mahal, the pillars and the roof absorb this water and give a cooling effect, something like a AC Room.
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Skywatch / Foto Friday / Best Shot / Photostory / Scenic Sunday / My World / Shadow Shot / Blue Monday / Outdoor Wednesday / Creative Exchange
Skywatch / Foto Friday / Best Shot / Photostory / Scenic Sunday / My World / Shadow Shot / Blue Monday / Outdoor Wednesday / Creative Exchange
37 Comments:
brilliant work! love the sepia!
Superb photo!
Well, of course, I love them both, but the sepia is particularly cool! Great shots for the day, Sam! I'm a bit envious of your blue skies! Hope you have a great weekend!
Sylvia
It's wonderful.
Sydney - City and Suburbs
I actually like the first picture better. What an incredible building it is, such intricate carving! It is breathtaking to behold. I am 66-years-old and am hoping to get back to India before I die. My only other visit, some 16 days ago, I only visited Mumbai where I stayed with friends - did make it to see the Taj but since the wife of my friend was having problems with her pregnancy, I stayed close to their home, not wanting her to take any chances.
Wow! Sepia gets my vote too! :)
I love them both, but I think the first is my favorite. Absolutely beautiful!
Wow what a beautiful building.. wonderfully captured :) Both are nice but I am particularly fond of the sepia... I think it really adds to such antiquities as this building..but that's purely personal preference hehe :)
I like the sepia toned one too. It has a very interesting feel to it.
Gorgeous photo! I love your edit.
This is awesome, Anthony! I love your processing on both...stunning work!
Such a gorgeous building! I am definitely in favor of the sepia tone
That is incredibly beautiful! The detail in the architecture is astounding.
Oh my goodness. Both are phenomenal, but the sepia image gets my vote. I am normally a color person, but just screams in sepia. Fantastic shot.
These are just so great! I think the second photo is particularly cool! :)
What an amazing place! I like both photos, the sepia is great, but I do like the warmth of the building surface in the color photo.
What an interesting place-
Such amazing architecture. I love both versions but I think the sepia is particularly cool in this instance. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful photo! I love your editing!
This is absolutely gorgeous! I think I like the first one more because of the contrast of the colors, especially the lady's sari and the trees against the stone. The second one looks like something out of a wonderful coffee table history book - also amazing!
I think I like the second one best...such an old world feel to it. Both are stunning though! Thanks for linking up to PSF this week!
Wow this photo is fantastic! Love it!
Scenic Sunday
Gorgeous photos of amazing architecture! Just wonderful!
Splendid shots of the Lotus Mahal. I've seen it, and can appreciate it more.
An ancient temple with a guy standing nearby on a cell phone--of course!
SILLY SHADOW DITTY
Shadows may or may not be
Patterns of urbanity.
If a shadow threatens you,
Here, my dear, is what to do:
Grab the shadow by the throat,
Toss it to a billy goat,
So the goat can chomp and chew,
Keeping it away from you!
© 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Sinister, Shadowy Spyhole
Both shots are beautiful! Wow!
Gorgeous architecture and I love the sepia version!
Thanks for sharing your blues.
Happy Blue Monday.
Beautiful photo and great explanation. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Thank you for this wonderful post. I felt like I had been right with you. At least you gave me a glimpse of things I will never see.:((:)
Love your blog and photography. :)
What a gorgeous structure, and you have captured it so beautifully!! I am going to go with the sepia tones. I think it fits the structure perfectly.
Thank you so much for sharing these this week at The Creative Exchange.
Have a wonderful day!
lisa.
I like both variations you have done for this beautiful building.
its a beautiful place! i like the postprocessing you did on the photo. nice!
Wow- what a splendid building! Both versions are lovely, but I love the colors in the first.
WoW! Awesome! =)
Wonderful piece of architecture! If I had to choose a favorite image it would possibly be the second. I often find that the monotones of black and white and sepia seem to reveal more of the contours of a building. Great shot.
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