Lepakshi

Lepakshi is a small village in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located 15km east of Hindupur and approximately 120km  north of Bangalore. Lepakshi is culturally and archaeologically significant as it is the location of shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra which were built during the Vijayanagara Kings' period (1336–1646).The temples are the location of mural paintings of the Vijayanagar kings and Kannada inscriptions. Near the temple complex is a large granite Nandi bull

The Veerabhadra temple of Lepakshi, is dedicated to Veerabhadra. It is an example of the Vijayanagar architectural style. Points of interest in the temple include a rock chain, Vastu Purush, the Padmini race lady, the hanging pillar, Durga Paadam, the eyes of Viroopaaksha and Lepakshi saree designs. The paintings on the roof are made with natural pigments.

The Shiva's bull Nandi is a granite monolithic sculpture on the main road of Lepashki approximately 200m from the temple. It is 4.5m high and 8.23m long making one of the largest nandi in India. The sculpture has been positioned so that it faces the shivalinga which is shielded by a large serpent inside the temple. The nandi wears a kaasu mala, a bell chain, earrings and other jewellery.

The following pictures were shot by me during my visit to this wonderful temple, with Nikon D300 and Tamron 17-55/2.8 lens

Please click on the pictures for bigger version to appreciate them.

Sunset at Cape May, New Jersey, USA

Sunset Beach is one of best places places for unusually beautiful sunsets over open water (not normally visible on the East Coast).

It is indeed a photographer's delight to capture the stunning sunsets and the various hues of the sky during the sunset time.

The following pictures were shot by me during my visit to this wonderful beach, wit Nikon D300 and Tamron 17-55/2.8 lens

Please click on the pictures for bigger version to appreciate them.

Radha Manoharam

Combretum indicum, also known as the Chinese honeysuckle or Rangoon creeper, is a vine with red flower clusters and is found in Asia. It is found in many other parts of the world either as a cultivated ornamental or run wild. 

Other names for the plant include Quiscual (in Spanish), Niyog-niyogan (in Filipino), Madhu Malti or Madhumalti (in Hindi), Madhuri lota and Modhumonjori (in Bengali; named by Rabindranath Tagore), Malati (in Assamese), Madhumaloti (in Manipuri), Akar Dani (in Malay) and Radha Manoharam (in Telugu) Vilayati chambeli (in Marathi), and Irangum malli (in Tamil) .

An extremely spectacular vine that just loves showing off throughout the year in tropical heat. When in full bloom, the beauty will be dramatically covered with long trusses of tricoloured flowers that are very showy and truely a traffic-stopper. It blooms profusely and non-stop too, all year round.The beautifully coloured flower clusters with pendulous trumpet-shaped flowers open first white, then turn pink and end up deep pink, bright red or reddish purple over a 3-day period , displaying the various colouring stages altogether on one and the same flower stalk. The flowers exude an intoxicating fragrance at night. The scent is sweet, fruity and unforgettable.The flowers provide a lilting fragrance in the night.

My third son is very fond of the flowers and their fragrance.

Some of the pictures of the flowers from my garden.

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Graffiti

Graffiti, are writing or drawings that have been scribbled, scratched, or painted illicitly on a wall or other surface, often within public view. Graffiti range from simple written words to elaborate wall paintings. Graffiti may also express underlying social and political messages.  There are many different types and styles of graffiti; it is a rapidly developing art form. 

Kensington is a distinctive multicultural neighbourhood in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is an older neighbourhood and one of the city's most well-known. In November 2006, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. 

Most of the walls in the neighbourhood are painted with Graffiti.

I was indeed very fortunate to be able to photograph some of the wonderful pictures of Graffiti on the walls in Kensington and Chinatown area, during my visit to this historic place. 

Shot with Fuji 70 EXR, a point and shoot camera, when the battery in my Nikon D300 was totally discharged.

Click on the picture to view the larger version for better appreciation.

Lyman Estate Orchid Greenhouse, Waltham, Boston

The Lyman Estate Greenhouses are among the oldest surviving greenhouses in the United States. Located in Waltham, Boston. At any time of year a visit to these picturesque greenhouses is a treat. Rare orchids covered with exotic flowers bloom throughout the year.

Shot with Nikon 60/2.5 micro lens during my visit to Boston