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by Dr K Sharmila Reddy
Historian || Iconographer || Heritage conservationist || Travel Blogger || Subject expert at T.O.R.C.H
(1)

14/09/2026

Happy Vināyaka Cavithī to all by Our Iconography
Pic: Ganesha in 8th CE Brahmanical Cave at Aurangabad Caves Complex, Rajatalaka (ancient ),

30/04/2026

Happy Narasiṃha Jayantī.
This hindu festival celebrated on the 14th day Vaisakha masa (April-May) is revered as the day Lord Vishnu assumed his 4th avtaar the man-lion form 'Narasimha' to vanquish the oppressive asura king Hiraṇyakaśipu.

When Hiraṇyakaśipu asked Prahalada where your Vishnu is, young Prahalada responds by saying-

ఇందుగలడందులేడని సందేహము వలదు చక్రి సర్వోపగతుండు
ఎందెందు వెదకి చూచిన అందందే గలడు దానవాగ్రణి వింటే!

Indugala dandu ledani sandehamu valadu chakri sarvopagatundu
endendu vedaki choochina
Andande galadu daanavagrani vinte

Translation-
" O great Daanava! You do not need to doubt where Vishnu is. He is everywhere. Where ever you look for him, you can find him."

-- From Bammera Potana's book "Sri Maha Bhagavatam" (1450-1510 AD)

Following this ignorant Hiraṇyakaśipu points the pillar and breaks it telling is your Vishnu here. Then Vishnu emerges from the pillar (Sthaūna) in the form of Lord Narasiṃha (Sthaūna Narasiṃha) at the present day , mandal, dist, .

It is said when Devas witnessed Lord Narasiṃha tearing Hiraṇyakaśipu
into pieces here, they sang in praise as Aho! Bala! (Lo! The Strength) From then this place is called as "AhoBilam".

Below is the beautifully carved episode of Narasiṃha emerging from the stone on a pillar of Ranga Mandapa at the present day Lower Ahobilam Temple built by Hari Hara Rayā II of dynasty in 1395 AD.

Follow Our Iconography to read many such interesting posts on various elements of Indian Temple Iconography.

21/11/2025

Poli Padyami 🙏🏽

In the South Indian states of & where Amānta tradition of Hindu Lunar Calendar (i.e. month ends on Amavasya) is followed,
a lamp lighting ritual called Poli Padyami is observed early in the morning following the night of Karthika Amavasya.

This festival which commemorates a washerwoman named Poli, marks the
marks the actual conclusion of the month of Karthika & the beginning of the month of Margashira.

Devotees light lamps made up of 31 wicks on Plantain trunk (Arati Doppa) and float it on a water body. This lamp which resembles a miniature boat is called 'Poli Swargam Deepam'.

08/11/2025

13th CE Kakatiya era, ,

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Nandhi Hills, Meerpet
Hyderabad
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