Koti Linga ( Near Kolar Gold mines)

Interestingly pooja is performed for a section of the Lingas everyday( the ones shown in the pic- some 100 of them) at 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. by 10 Priests with drums and music. The count of lingas start even before the actual temple entrance ( we started counting from there) Devotees offer their prayers to Lord by installing Lingas in various sizes. Some even have names of those who have placed the Lingas.

Tired of the Bangalore malls, on a whim we drove to the Kolar Gold mines on the weekend. Though the mines were closed, discovered a rather interesting temple called Kotilinga temple, which is situated in the village of Kammasandra, near the Kolar Gold fields. Legend takes the origins of the Koti linga back to the days of the Ramayana, which as the name suggests supposedly has a 1 crore Lingas. The main & the largest Linga is actually quite unimpressive..it looks rather like a Sintex water tank ( just bigger) but the temple as a whole is quite interesting with more Lingas than people ( for a change)

Counting one's blessings

As I took my evening walk yesterday, I saw this old person, sitting on the pavement take out a small pouch tulked preciously into his waist..little coins were studiously kept in neat little stacks, while he counted them again and again..I sat with him and asked what he was doing. He said he was counting his days earnings rather matter of factly...without any expectations. I asked him if he would allow me to add a note to his collection, which I kept beneath his coins..wordlessly he nodded his head, not looking at me. As I was leaving, he gave me a smile, that stayed long after...disturbed evenings..hopefully better mornings.

Crazy Shoppe

Liked this tie..its full of skeleton images!

Some very hip badges and funky art that's sure to be a hit with college goers

That's the shop signboard..it's called MISFITS, situated near Kamnahali ( Kalyan Nagar, near Sukh Sagar- 1st floor)..personally didn't find anything a misfit..just fun

I think I'll reserve my comments for this..:))) but eye catching is all I'll say

These are some of the masks they sell..fun & quirky

Ok so this is a skull mask..You see lots of associated stuff there too to complete the junkie look & scare the hell out of any of your friends

Loads of fun wigs there..depending on what you want to be on your chosen day, a brunette, a blonde..etc, they have it all...Wish I had tried these one but then thought better of it..am quirky enough I guess :))

The entrance to this shop has a skeleton & a cloth banner with a Bob Marley Picture on it..How cool can it get..was Maha khush

Feel a place, feel your travel..minus the guide books

Have travelled so many cities, and yet it is not the monuments that I remember in those places or their grandeur..as much as the sudden joys of discovering an odd scene, a warm smile, a cranky chat..A sudden something that the guide books didn't mention. I still remember while on a trip to Darjeeling, hiking on the mist laden untapped Mirik, steaming ...cabbage wontons, sold by a toothless old lady..still remains fresh in my memory...If I had my way travel books would have only maps and information regarding places to stay..don't carry the baggage of history..see what you will..mould yourself into the place..not through guide books but by feeling it. As usual the odd piece of Bangalore through my lens.

Bangalore flower nurseries

One of the many beautiful sights in Bangalore are these little nurseries in almost every nook and corner of the city. Rarely have I seen so many plant nurseries in any city. It not only shows the people's love for gardening but also the green culture of the people here. This particular nursery is in East Bangalore near Kalyan Nagar. It stores on indoor and outdoor plants, lotus, lillies, geraniums, etc. Lotus are priced at 1500. The store also sells hanging plants and wind chimes. An ideal visit on a bright sunny day.

Interesting Balcony

An interesting balcony that I spotted on one of my walks. The green bottles and the wall art made for a rather unique display. Reminded me of the Voodo practice in the Congo basin of a phenomenon called 'Bottle tree spirits'..The bottles in question are supposed to catch the evil spirit and restrict themfrom entering home.

The Garden Store

The garden store, stocks on everything from Pots, earthen ware, wind chimes, decorative pebbles, plants, Masks, love seats, lamps,etc..A wonderful plcae to be if you are a gareden freak or just love creative knick knacks with an earthy hue

There is this cute little set up of a water body colplete with fishes and running water

The entrance of the store has Buddha figures, stone sculptures, little stone lamps, water falls, etc