Bridge

Bridges are meant to unite two ends, that otherwise can't meet each other.

But the bridge is always supported by these two ends.

The sheer existence of the bridge depends on the support of these two ends.

The ends, on the other hand flourish due to exchange of thoughts coming from either side.

Thoughts become ONE!

And the gap is bridged!

Bridge on river Kocher

NEVER BURN YOUR BRIDGES, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE OF WOOD.. STANDING THERE SINCE ANCIENT TIMES.

Picture is from personal travel diary.

The wooden bridge on the Kocher that flows through Schwäbisch Hall, Germany.

Gandaberunda - The state emblem of Karnataka

This post is about the state emblem of Karnataka, the dual headed eagle. Possessing magical powers and immense strength, it is seen here intricately woven in fine silk by weavers of Molkalamuru town in Chitradurga district.

Historically, in Karnataka, the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas, Keladi chiefs, Kadambas, and the Vijayanagara kings have used Gandaberunda in various forms. The Hoysalas adopted it as an epithet. Coins embossed with Gandaberunda were minted by the Chalukyas, Vijayanagara kings and the Wodeyars.

The first sculpture of Gandaberunda dates back to 1047 in Shiralakoppa, Shivamogga district, under the Chalukyas. In Belur's Chennakesava temple, an entire 'chain of destruction', that shows the Gandaberunda slaying Sharabha, an avatar of Shiva, is carved in stone.

The story goes that Lord Narasimhan, the avatar of Vishnu becomes uncontrollable after killing Hiranyakashyapu. Rishis and other deities plead Shiva to pacify this avatar. Shiva is said to have taken the avatar of Sharabha, an eight legged half lion - half bird - beast, to tame Narasimhan. Enraged by this, in a fight that lasted 18 days, Narasimhan eventually changes his form to Gandaberunda, the two headed eagle, and slays Sharabha.

To possess a historically rich weave (the Molkalamuru) with an equally important motif was my dream of 4 yrs. Ever since I visited Gocoop exhibition in 2018, this saree was on my mind. The sarees are intricately woven in silk by the weavers of Molkalamuru cluster in pit looms, using age old techniques.

Finally bought this saree from Gocoop (online portal) during the lockdown period.

Can't thank enough the efforts of

Siva Devireddy

and Mr Vanjre Ramesh, the national award winning master weaver of Molkalamuru silk sarees of Karnataka. Especially for retaining old techniques, old motifs of sarees and training the next generation of weavers.

©️Sharvari Khatavkar

 Hello Friends,

Welcome to my blog. 

I am Sharvari. Here are a few things that I would like to share with you about myself. 

I have been a German teacher for more than 25 years and, indeed, have been to Germany on Scholarships. I have also cultivated a few hobbies and passions these past few years, one of which is embroidery. I have undergone training in embroidery from the gracefully aged Dr. Jayashree Chemburkar at the Sumati Mantri Kala Kendra in Andheri, Mumbai. I am also self taught in the field of handlooms, another passion of mine. I like to write, well, about anything and everything under the Sun. But I love to write about food, music and handlooms. I am also known to be efficient at organizing events and have carried to success quite a few.

I love to travel, to feel tranquil in the company of nature, to enjoy breathtaking scenery and to meet people. You see, I am very extroverted and, as my friends would agree, love to talk.

It was a heartfelt desire of mine to reach out to as many people as possible so as to bring into prominence my passions and along with that to highlight some of the facets of India. A blog is a great tool to do so. Do enjoy....

Sharvari