Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) apart from palaces other attractions are temples in the city. One of the major attraction in the city is Chaturbhuj Temple, built between the years 1558 and 1573 by Raja Madhukar. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

Built upon a massive stone platform and it is reached by a steep flight of steps. This is a huge temple that has plenty of light and space inside. The temple has a huge cross-shaped congregation hall that caters to devotees. Conical spires crown the sanctuary of the spacious temple. The temple was specially constructed to enshrine the image of Rama that queen got from Ayodha. But this could not happen and the image of Rama remained in the Ram Raja Temple forever.

Lotus emblems and other symbols provide the delicate exterior ornamentation. The doorway is crafted beautifully.

The Infinite Power of Hope

Hope is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a billiant dawn. It encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of an eternal Heavenly Father, who has prepared a way for those who seek for eternal truth in a world of relativism, confusion, and of fear.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Ram Raja Temple, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the architecture of the 16th century temple with its soaring spires is very different from any other temple in India. It is also the only place in the country where Lord Rama is worshipped as a King. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

This temple was originally the queen's palace of the Bundela King Madhukar Shah. There is a legend associated with it. The queen being an devotee of Lord Rama had got an idol of Rama from Ayodha to be kept in a newly built temple. She was told that, once the idol is kept down for the first time in Orchha, it can not be later moved out.

It so happened that, when queen arrived in Orchha, the new temple the Chaturbhuj Temple built for the Lord Rama was not still ready. Due to this the idol was placed in Queen's palace for the day. But, later it could not be relocated from this place. Because of this the palace was converted into a temple.

Chhatris of Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the cenotaphs (chhatris) of 16th century are located on the banks of Betwa river. They are basically tomb erected in honor of a person, whose remains are elsewhere. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

Here the Chhatris are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions. The architecture has elements of Hindu as well as Mughal architecture in them.

The royal chattris are memorials to Bundelkhand's former rulers. One can see series of rows of pale brown weed-choked domes and spires inside a compound on the banks of Betwa river.

Today is Father's Day 6-20-2010

The above picture is my Dad, Homer Criswell. He is the best Dad! I love him.

The picture above is Ron, my husband, Father of our daughters. He is loved by me and them.

This Dad is Ronna's husband and father of seven boys. He loves those boys and they love him.

The father with the mustache is Ron's grandfather and beside him is Ron's father, Joseph Lax

All above are greatly loved by their children .

Orchha Cenotaphs

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the cenotaphs (chhatris) of 16th century are located on the banks of Betwa river. They are basically tomb erected in honor of a person, whose remains are elsewhere. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

Here the Chhatris of Bundela dynasty kings are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions. But this unusual cenotaph different in design from rest of the royal cenotaphs caught my attention.

Parties, Food, People, Play & and whole lot of Fun!

Friends of Brandi and Matt provided their beautiful home and yard to entertain us on Saturday before we left. Birthdays and anniversaries in June were celebrated.

Most everyone spent a lot of time in the pool.  Great grandma had to stay out of the sun.  Sitting in the shaded patio with fan above was my favorite place. 

  

Surprise, Surprise when a Scottish  man appeared playing his bagpipe.  The Bagpiper was a birthday gift from Brandi to Matt (who loves to hear Bagpipers).. 

Matt and Justin cooked up a Shrimp Bowl in a BIG pot. It's ingredients is shrimp, potatoes, sausage and corn on the cob.  It was delicious.

Brandi had some baby pictures of those who had a birthday or anniversary in June and read facts that happen on the June dates. We played name the babies.  After the game the cake was cut and served.  This was Brandi's fun idea. She called her Mom ,Sandy, for help and she gathered and provided the facts that were needed.  Thanks, Sandy, we wish you could  have been there , too..

I got  feeling sporty and Pam and Matt let me shoot some baskets. Out of 3 shots I actually made one basket.  Then Pat and I played ping pong a couple of times.  I can't remember the last time I played. I think Pat could not believe that I could hit the ball more than once.  Of course, he would win like 21 to 4. 

                                                                                            It was a fun party, right B?

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

During our visit to Jodhpur (State: Rajasthan) we planned to visit Umaid Bhavan Palace, after the tour of the Jodhpur fort. We reached this place at 6 p.m and the gates were closed for us. If one wishes to visit this place be here before 5 p.m. After 5 p.m the gates are closed for visitors and they are allowed nowhere near the gates.

Constructed of marble and pink sandstone this immense palace is also known as the Chhittar Palace because it uses local Chittar sandstone. Begun in 1929, it was designed by president of the British Royal Institute of Architects for Maharaja Umaid Singh and took 15 years to complete.

This palace is outside the fort and now converted into a luxury hotel. The above snaps was taken from the fort.

Lexi's baptism day on June 11, 2010

Lexi and her family

Her Uncle Justin talked about Baptism. Her Dad baptized Lexie. Aunt Sheila told her about the Holy Ghost.



Lexie has a very happy mother this Special day.

Lexi's family (on her Mom's side) that attended her baptism.
Pat and Merrilee Beals, Aunt Sheila Heap and Baylee and Great Grandma Lax.



Brandi sewed a special bag to carry her new scriptures. She received other nice gifts.
Some were rings, a special bracelet and a ring box (to hold her rings when not wearing them).
Grandma Vanderwalker and Great Grandma picked the same cards because the girl on the cards looked like Lexi.

Charleston South Carolina

I really enjoyed being a tourist in Charleston.  I was so happy to have Sheila take me there and B with me.
We ate breakfast at a place named Toast.  I ate eggs, grits and country ham.  Across from where we were seated was a case full of desserts.  We could not help thinking of grandma Carrie's coconut cakes.  We planned to come back later for a piece of coconut cake but did not get back there.

 Sheila ate Crab cakes & fried green tomatoes with eggs. 


Oh yes, we had to have an evening meal at Bubba Gump place.  The waiter quizzed us about different
things about Forrest and Sheila answer all questions but one.  She forgot Jennie's name.


Oh my goodness I just discovered that My youngest grand-daughter is taller than me.



B took a picture of me by this fountain which was in our hotel patio. We stayed in the Mill House.



We toured some sites from a mule pulled carriage.  We saw beautiful old homes, gardens and churches. 
Our guide was very good and told us a lot of history about what we were looking at.

A trip to North Carolina

I enjoyed visiting Lexi in her elemtry school. Lexi looked so beautiful while she beautifully played the piano. She certainly would have received THE BEST talent prize if one had been given and I was the judge.



Anna let me sleep in her bedroom which is so pretty and girly.
The girls also shared their pretty bathroom with me. I felt like a welcomed guest.



On my birthday the big girls took me out to a restrauant in Waxhaw and Sheila and I checked out a couple of shops in this small country town. Brandi took the little girls to a park while we shopped.



I don't like the looks of this old lady but she can't do much about that because she is 77 yrs old.
However, the flowers from Matt were so pretty. (Thanks Matt). Note, He got a bouquet with one large sunflower. He did not know that he had purchase a memorial for Ron whose favorite flower is Sunflower. Note. A delicious ice cream birthday cake with one candle and a helper to blow that candle out. The family made a happy birthday for me.

Murals of Raj Mahal, Orchha - 1

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The Fort Complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

One of such palace is 17th century palace, the Raj Mahal. When compared to plain exterior of the Raj Mahal, the paintings on the interiors are extraordinary.

These are the paintings in the Queen's room. The ceilings and walls are painted beautifully.

These paintings depict scenes from various Indian epics.

Raj Mahal, Orchaa

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The Fort Complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

One of such palace is 17th century palace, the Raj Mahal. Work on the Raja Mahal was started by Raja Rudra Pratap, and is completed by his predecessor Madhukar Shah one of the most prominent rulers of Orchha.

The outer courtyard has some beautiful arches arranged in floral patterns and carved out in lime mortar.

It is a fine example of Mughal architecture with typical stone lattice work. The palace is in the shape of a perfect square that is further divided into two courtyards. The main courtyard is flanked by the palace which has a four-story building at one end of it. The other three sides have five-story apartments.

It has raised balconies and interlocking walkways rise in symmetrical tiers on all four sides, crowned by domed pavilions and turrets.

Jehanghir Palace, Orchha

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The Fort Complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

One of such palace is 17th century palace, the Jehanghir Mahal. It is a three storied most impressive palace, which is a fine example of of Indo-Islamic architecture. The harmony in the construction of palace can be seen in hanging balconies, topped domes and lovely onion shaped domes around the central courtyard.

This palace is more airy and lighted since it has countless windows and pierced stone screens looking out over the skyline to the west. In the other direction one can see a sea of treetops and ruined temples.