'Ugra Narasimha' leaves Thai princess speechless

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March 10, 2005

 

'Ugra Narasimha' leaves Thai Princess speechless

 

Thursday March 10 2005 00:00 IST

 

BELLARY: The beautiful giant statue of Ugra Narasimha at Hampi has

left Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn speechless.

 

The 50 plus Princess is visiting the historic Hampi for the first

time. A History Professor, the Princess was virtually swept off her

feet by the sheer beauty and grandeur of the place. She arrived here

from Goa on Tuesday in a special aircraft.

 

When deputy director of the Centre for Archaeology explained the

historical significance of the Ugra Narasimha statue, she could say

only word `marvellous' to express her feelings.

 

``Hampi is privileged to have a deity of Virupaksheswara,'' said the

Princess while speaking to reporters after performing a pooja at the

Virupaksha temple, where she was received with pomp and splendour

with

an elephant garlanding her on arrival.

 

It was interesting, she said, adding that it was like history or past

being presented to the future. It was a living tradition as it is

full

of monuments and places of immense archaeological significance.`` I

am

privileged to be here. Old times have come to the new,'' said the

Princess.

 

The Princess spent a long time at the Lotus Mahal and Elephant

stables

and kept noting down things apart from taking photographs. Inside the

Virupaksha temple, she was moved by the number of Gopurams. And at

the

Vijaya Vittala Temple, the Princess was astounded by the pillars that

produce the `Sapta Swaram'.

 

EXCELLENT RELATIONS:

 

The Princess said relations between Thailand and India were

excellent.

She said though this was her first visit to Hampi, she had visited

India earlier and had worked towards bettering the relationship

between the two countries.

 

Before leaving for Bangalore after her visit, the Princess remarked:

One day is too short a time to see Hampi.

 

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