New Hanuman Statue near Agara, Bangalore

In Bangalore, you will see many high rising Hanuman statues. I have not seen such statues in other cities. There was a new statue being built at Agara Junction (on outer ring road) and it was recently commissioned. It is a real big statue and I guess should be around 100 ft high.

The statue is built very nicely and is decorated colorfully. Standing on a high pedestal, the statue looks majestic and this site could soon become a tourist attraction. The interesting fact is that this is just besides a Mosque on one side and Temples on other side. A nice piece of communal harmony if I can call it that way.

ISRO Launches 10 Satellites through PSLV

Today, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched 10 satellites using its reliable PSLV rocket from its SHAR range in Sriharikota near Chennai. This is the 13th flight of PSLV and the vehicle carried two Indian satellites and 8 small foreign satellites. Castrosat of India will provide high resolution pictures.

This is one more step of ISRO into the high value space market where only few players are there. ISRO also proves that it can execute such complex projects by ejecting 10 satellites into orbit precisely. I am also proud to say that PSLV vehicle was built at Trivandrum my home town and 2 of my family members are linked to this organization.

See more on this at http://www.isro.org/pressrelease/April28_2008.htm
BBC News has a very informative article on this event. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7374714.stm. The site states "Today the country undoubtedly has one of the largest national networks of operational satellites anywhere in the world."

Great work by people at ISRO.

Kotilingeswara Temple, Karnataka

Kotilingeswara Temple
Originally uploaded by Ramki's reflections

It is stated that there are 67 Lakhs (6.7 million) Shivlings in this temple. They are looking at 33 Lakhs (3.3 million) more to reach one crore (10 million).

This temple is situated near Kolar Gold Fields in Karnataka. You can reach here by taking the old Madras road from Bangalore. Take diversion just before Kolar town through BEML area. This is a unique temple where you see Shivlings everywhere you turn.

Kempfort Shiva Temple, Bangalore

Kempfort Shiva at Night
Originally uploaded by Ramki's reflections

This is situated on the airport road inside the old Kempfort campus. Kempfort has been demolished recently and I believe there is some mall coming in its place. Behind it is the grand Shiva temple in a very serene environment. This is open 24 hours a day and is a good place to visit while in Bangalore. There is also a giant Ganesha statue in the temple.

The Shiva statue is around 65ft high and is considered to be the highest in India. The background is made to resemble Kailas mountain and give a feeling like in Himalaya. River Ganga flows from the head of Shiva on to the mountains. At night the Shiva statue shines majestically in the bright light. They also have a small tour of different Shiva pilgrimage centers across India made into a miniature exhibition. The temple is kept very neat and you will also find music concerts happening here in the evening.

Look at the people standing at the bottom of the picture to gauge the height of the statue.

Agila's First Canvas Painting...

First Canvas Painting...
Originally uploaded by Agi's Moments

She has been learning to do oil painting recently. This is her first oil paint. For a first piece, this has come really good.

Expressions Fine Arts is a small but good place to learn painting. They teach different type of painting from oil painting to sketches. This situated near Lalbagh in Bangalore. The fees are also very moderate.