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The Temple of Yore - Belur

by Nuggehalli Pankaja
(Bangalore, India)

On moon-lit nights,swans snow-white,
Flit across the sky,
Blue beyond sight………
Human sight.

Racing through rays of moon,
They soar above,
Then dive down to circle in a group
The temple of yore-Belur,
Singing in chorus melodious,
‘Keshava! Oh Keshava, Madhava!

Gongs beat,loud and clear
Like strains of silver,
Shiva glides down bright,
Over thrones of clouds white,
Dancing to chants divine-
‘Keshava! Oh Keshava, Madhava!

,
JHANA!JHANA!JHANA!
Floats down Parvati through rainbow;
With steps like stars,smile like beam,
Anklets jingling,bracelets tinkling,
Deva-devi one in that dance of devotion,
‘Keshava! Oh Keshava, Madhava!

Nectar-like breeze,
Akin to form of moon-beings,
Sways the supple limbs of coconut trees,
While champak-laden boughs bows low,
And offers all unto
‘Keshava! Oh Keshava, Madhava!

Lightening gleams-thunder claps,
Life-like carvings spring to life!
SHANTALA OF THE HOYSALAS
Wafts down the steps with grace;
Full temple vibrates,
To the rhythm of her whole being,
‘Keshava! Oh Keshava, Madhava!

Keshava comes down from his pedestal,
Watching transfixed
This queen of all artists!
Devas float through fleecy clouds,
Full Belur throbs with songs of Shantala-
‘Keshava! Oh Keshava, Madhava!

Shiva and Parvati stand still,
Heavenly bliss!
“Jakanachari?”-Rings out the voice of the lord,
“Eternalise this dance with thy hand!
Let this temple of yore,
Be a living tribute for all times to come,
To Shantala, Of Hoysalas!’

“Worthy is thy life,Oh Shantala!”
Blessing, the swans from afar
Flit across the sky-blue beyond sight,
Beyond …….. human …… sight. . . . ………

*****

Note: It was ‘Godhuli time’; I remember standing before the temple visualizing Rani Shantala doing homage to the Gods through her celestial dance made immortal through the carvings of Jakanachari the Michael Angelo of our Karnataka. Imaginative that I am, the scene was transformed to a moon-lit night, jhana jhana of the anklets resounding, with Shantala dancing as of yore. I scribbled feverishly on some piece of paper and knew what I had scribbled only when I went through it the next day. Was it one of the inspirations I experience now and then?

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Jun 28, 2017
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very nicely written
by: vaidehi mukunda

VERY NICELY WRITTEN.
vaidehi mukunda.

Jan 15, 2013
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Thanks
by: nuggehallipankaja

Your comments are not just comments-they flit like poesy! No wonder you are such a good writer !
I cannot thank you enough for going out of the way to devote so much time .

Jan 15, 2013
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Your Poem!
by: Geetashree Chatterjee

You provide almost a cinematographic kaleidoscope by your wordcraft.A train of visuals crossed my mind while reading this poem. Strangely, it reminded me of Russian Ballets, those yester-year black and white movies which had a mythical quality about them and of course the moon lit corridors of a temple carved in shining stone in shadowed frames intricately done to perfection. The flower laden boughs swinging enchantingly and the breeze heavy with the intoxicating fragrance of night blooms, Shiva-Parvati in a timeless posture of conjugality and Shanthala softly traipsing down the steps in alluring grace....Belur came alive.

Incidentally, we also have Swami Vivekananda's Math in Belur, West Bengal but the ambience is very different. I wish you visit there once, by the Ganges, the Ashram sprawling on acres of lush green and tranquil quietude. Especially during the evenings when the Maharajas of the Math sing Dhrupads ( Adi Temple Music) in praise of the Lord. An experience which may inspire you to write more such vivid poetry!!! Regards

Nov 20, 2012
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Thanks
by: nuggehallipankaja

Eva,
Just now I read your comments. It is like a poem.
Thanks for pointing out the mistake-'Immoral instead of immortal'.That is a very very grave mistake,and I felt horrified at what I had done. Henceforth I will be very careful and alert even in fits of inspiration.

---
Corrected.

Nov 20, 2012
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The Temple of Yore- Belur.
by: Eva Bell

The temple comes alive through your beautiful poem as Shanthala glides down the steps. I hear her anklets tinkle as she loses herself in this celestial dance.

A small mistake in the footnote which needs to be corrected - 'immortal' instead of 'immoral.'

Nov 12, 2012
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good
by: nuggehallipankajas

Thank you Nandita for the picturesque comment.
The poem just wrote itself!

Nov 11, 2012
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Poetry for the gods !
by: Nandita

Excellent pati. It has rhyme, rhythm, alliteration, and metaphors. A poem about the beauty of nature, and the inspiration to dance for the divine.

Nov 03, 2012
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Thanks
by: nuggehallipankaja

Dear Anonymous,
You have expressed your comments so well,that I must request you strongly to divulge your name-please!

Nov 03, 2012
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Thanks
by: nuggehallipankaja

Vimala,I was waiting for your comment,I knew you would be the first! And you have added humor to the poetic comment! (Vimala's dance).

Nov 03, 2012
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inspired visuals
by: Anonymous

Pankaja
May you get many more inspired visions so that it may result in such beautiful poetry. Now for me the temple of Belur has become more beautiful!

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-By Admin

Nov 03, 2012
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poem
by: vimala ramu

Beautiful imagery, Pankaja , certainly an inspired one. I had the misfortune to see the temple at high noon with my bare feet trying to avoid the heated stone slabs.(Vimala's dance!)

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