RYALI

UNIQUENESS

That small, yet significant village -Ryali, situated in the Atreya Mandala of East Godavari Dt. treasures up an inestimable spiritual wealth that is enthralling the beholders with its mere mention, or a single darsan for some centuries now. The oddity is so fascinating that even a causal reference hastens thousands of devout pilgrims and ardent art-lovers to visit and profit by. And lo! it springs from the sanctum sanctorum making the visitors join their palms and bend heads at its first sight. Strangely enough, this eccentricity is embedded in the archamurthi itself. The very concept, more than designing delights listeners; for, its sanctity does not confine to one side, but manifests on two sides-fore and rear. This unique sculptural marvel by virtue of its queerness is receiving prayers and ritualistic offerings from both sides-front portion exhibiting the exquisite carving of the Kesavaswamy - one of the august names of Lord Sri Mahavishnu, and the back side is adorned with the exotically captivating figure of Jaganmohini - the female aspect of Sri Mahavishnu, assumed for the distribution of nectar among the Surasuras, when claims for absolute ownership by both were about to culminate in blood-shed. The craftsmanship of the sculptor merits whole-hearted obeisance and perpetual reminiscence.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]