~ Nostalgic overview ~ Photo

Photographer’s Note

The majestic Birla Mandir at Kolkata which towers to a height of 160 feet is a marvel of India's indigenous craftsmanship. This majestic temple built of white marbles is of stupendous dimensions and designed on the pattern of the famous Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar in Orissa. The manner in which the layering and decoration of the temple facades have been done is a pointer to the high degree of skill involved during the construction process. Not only is the temple an architectural marvel in Kolkata's landscape, this temple has experimented with innovative ideas. Episodes from the sacred Hindu scripture - Bhagavad Gita has been pictorially depicted through stone engravings. Sandstone has been used on the exterior of the temple, and marble for the interiors. Traditional artistry, coupled with modern technology, has lent uniqueness to the architecture and this marvellous and imposing structure in white, attracts huge crowds everyday.

The work started way back in 70’s while I was a student of Kolkata University located close by. More than three decades had passed. So many summers, so many springs and so many wrinkles on my face. Hardly did I know then that in the twilight years of my life I have to stay in a seventh floor apartment of a building just opposite to this temple and wake up early each morning hearing the sweet gongs of its bells.

The shot was taken from my balcony in a soft light of one such morning while deeply engrossed in nostalgia.

riclopes, trekks, syd1946, crckt, leo61, axiotea, Charo, danos has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

riclopes (32951) 2008-06-10 1:45

Wow, having this view from your balcony...what a fantastic sight, Partha. A majestic architecture no doubt, and this morning light is gorgeous touching the white marble like a bride. Excellent shot and good note.
Regards,
ricardo

pablominto (40364) 2008-06-10 4:07

Hello Partha,

Impressive architecture, so unlike most!
Excellent point of view resulting in a well balanced composition, with sharp fine details...
I like the feeling of depth, and the pale morning light gives interesting colours!

Greetings,
Pablo -

syd1946 (17851) 2008-06-10 10:06

Hello Partha,
It is amazing that you have this view from your house.In my eyes the architecture is so special and different from what I am seeing every day.Thanks for the note,helps very much to enjoy more!

Greetings from Greece,
Thomas

trekks (14262) 2008-06-11 4:19

hi Partha

Wonderful perspective view of the layers of roof structure rising up and seen in this fine pov. Good composition and a fine shot. The sharpness has enabled me to see the details of the layers of roof and walls even from this distance. Amazing structure.

tfs, bill
later

crckt (7072) 2008-06-11 13:31

Hi Parthada,
Nostalgic, yes...for me as well. Right next to this is ballygunge science college where I did my M.SC. Have seen this temple every day, for 2 years. Actually, even before that when I did my B.SC from Lady Brabourne I saw it every day from the bus. So you see, your shot did make me very very happy!
Thanks for sharing,
Shaeri

japiey (9491) 2008-06-12 3:59

Hi Partha,

I have been to Birla Mandir at Hyderabad, which has the same look. You are so lucky to witness this from your balcony..
Good composition, and the morning bliss and divinity is well seen.
Excellent in inclusion of the tree in left of frame.
All the best, dear friend.

jp

MarcT (21079) 2008-06-12 6:11

Hi Partha,
Light is excellent, colours are natural. You show almost all the palace. Try an "autostitch" with 2-3 pictures and you'll have more room.
Cheers
Marc

leo61 (43179) 2008-06-12 9:50

Hi Partha1
Good shot of this fantastic building and what a contrast with the modern buildings in the distance.Good sharpness overall and nice colors with this light.
Regards,Leo

axiotea (16025) 2008-06-14 0:50

Hello Partha
What a great view from your balcony! Indeed an imposing marble structure well presented which contrast with the modern buildings we can see in the back. It is naturally framed in between the trees and the sunrays are creating a really nice atmosphere.
Cheers
Marilyn

mikeo (12113) 2008-06-16 10:42

Hello Partha,

Such a view from balcony? Its unbelievable! Absolutely amazing!
This building is breathtaking! Perfect work...Don't know what else to write...I woould love to see it alive...

Amazing place, very good shot!
Well done!
Greetings,
Mikeo

Charo (31665) 2008-06-21 9:03

Partha Hello,
A beautiful temple with a magnificent architecture.
Very good prospect with great colors and details.
Well done.
Greetings
Charo

sagar (2307) 2008-06-27 0:18

Hi Parthada,
Lovely shot. Great POV. Nicely seen and taken . I would request you to try out a shot of the temple during the night with all the lights on. That would make another beauty.
Regards,
Sagarneel.

danos (32116) 2008-07-02 0:27

Hello Partha,
very nice composition of this majestic Birla Mandir at Kolkata.Excellent presentation with a lot of details and sharpness.Really an impressive shot with superb colors and light.Well done.

Have a nice day,Danos