Indian Columbus

Tiruputkuzhi is a small village near Kanchipuram, easily accessible via the Chennai-Bangalore Highway. The village is home to the Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple , one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In this temple, Lord Rama is worshipped as Vijayaraghava Perumal , appearing in a unique form alongside his two consorts. While Krishna and Rama are the most celebrated incarnations of Vishnu, there are far fewer temples dedicated to Rama compared to Krishna. This temple stands out because Rama is depicted in a Vishnu-like form , flanked by Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. According to the temple’s legend, Jatayu , the eagle king, fought valiantly against Ravana to prevent the abduction of Sita. However, he was overpowered, lost his wings, and fell to the ground. As Rama searched for Sita, he found the wounded Jatayu at this very site. Before dying, Jatayu informed Rama about Sita’s abduction, and in gratitude, Rama performed the last rites for him , granting him salvation (moks...

Tiruparkadal, a small village along the Chennai-Bangalore highway near Kanchipuram, is revered by devotees as the equivalent of the 107th Divya Desam. The village is home to two adjacent Vishnu temples, with a large temple tank situated outside. The first temple, Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, features a rare depiction of Vishnu standing atop a Shiva Linga. The second temple is dedicated to Ranganatha, where Vishnu is enshrined in a reclining posture. A unique aspect of the Ranganatha temple is its presiding deity, crafted from the sacred Atti (fig) tree. This gives the icon a distinct and captivating appearance. Within the sanctum, Lord Ranganatha reclines on Adi Sesha, the five-hooded serpent, accompanied by Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi, and Brahma—all carved from the same Atti wood. The temple has a few additional shrines, including those for Hanuman, Garuda, and the Alwars. The icon of Goddess Ranganayaki, also made of Atti wood, is particularly striking. While the sculptures of God...

India, a land where every village has at least one temple, is home to thousands of shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. While some temples house both deities, a rare temple in South India stands out—one where Lord Vishnu is seen standing on a Shiva Linga. Tiruparkadal, a small village near Kaveripakkam junction close to Kanchipuram, is surrounded by lush green paddy fields and lies along the Chennai-Bangalore highway. This village is home to two significant Vishnu temples, located adjacent to each other. Among them, the Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple is unique, as it enshrines Lord Vishnu atop a Shiva Linga.    According to legend, Sage Pundarika Maharishi, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, once visited the nearby Ranganatha temple. As he passed by this temple, he noticed a Nandi at the entrance and assumed it was a Shiva temple. Choosing to skip it, he moved on. However, an old man appeared before him and revealed that the temple was actually dedicated to ...

On the Chennai-Bangalore highway, near the historic temple city of Kanchipuram, lies a charming town called Kaveripakkam. Within its Konda Puram area stands an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as the Pancha Lingeswarar Temple , named after the five Shiv Lingas enshrined here. The Legend According to legend, Goddess Kamakshi installed five Shiv Lingas in this temple, each representing one of the Pancha Bhootas (the five elements): earth, water, fire, air, and sky. This act of devotion was performed before she undertook penance at Kanchipuram. Temple Layout The temple features five shrines , each housing one of the sacred Shiv Lingas. In addition, there are two shrines dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi , offering devotees a serene space to connect with the divine. Other noteworthy shrines include: Ganesha , the remover of obstacles. Shanmukha (Murugan) flanked by his consorts, Valli and Devasena . The temple walls are adorned with niche sculptures, including two depictions of...

The fort city of Vellore in Tamil Nadu is renowned for its massive fort, and within its imposing walls lies the stunning Jalagandeswarar Temple. In my earlier post, I shared the fascinating legend and history of this temple. Now, let’s take a closer look at its awe-inspiring architecture, intricate sculptures, and splendid icons. The Jalagandeswarar Temple features a majestic seven-tiered gopuram (tower) that stands tall alongside the fort’s long, fortress-like walls. Entering through this grand tower, you are greeted by the Kalyana Mandapam (wedding hall), a masterpiece of 16th-century artistry, and a smaller three-tiered gopuram inside. The Kalyana Mandapam is the temple’s crown jewel, with breathtaking sculptures, intricately carved pillars, and ornamental ceilings. At the mandap’s entrance, six massive pillars feature dynamic carvings of soldiers mounted on horses battling cheetahs—each one unique in design. Inside, the mandap houses 24 intricately sculpted pillars , each divid...

For most South Indians, the name "Vellore" brings to mind two iconic landmarks: the Vellore Jail and the Vellore Fort. Among these, the Vellore Fort stands out as one of South India's most remarkable structures. Unlike other regions in India, South India has relatively few forts, making the Vellore Fort, one of the largest in the region, a rare and significant attraction. Conveniently located on the Chennai-Bangalore route, it is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Within the massive walls of the Vellore Fort lies an array of structures, including government buildings, a museum, a church, and a mosque. However, the most prominent and revered structure is the Jalagandeswarar Temple , a stunning example of South Indian temple architecture. Interestingly, the fort owes its existence to this temple, as it was built to safeguard the sacred site. According to legend, the site of the temple was once an island surrounded by a lake, with a snake hole housing a Shiv Linga pro...

Vellore, a small city near Chennai in South India, is best known for its iconic Vellore Fort. Unlike most parts of South India, where forts and palaces are a rarity, the Vellore Fort stands out as one of the largest and most impressive. This sprawling structure is home to a variety of historical and cultural landmarks, including government buildings, a church, a small mosque, and the magnificent Jalagandeswarar Temple. Adding to its charm is a well-maintained Government Museum situated within the fort premises. TThe Government Museum inside Vellore Fort is compact yet rich in heritage. Even before entering the museum building, visitors can explore an array of sculptures from different historical periods displayed outside. These include unique artifacts like hero stones, sati stones, stone pillars, and even gunpowder flasks, each narrating stories from eras ranging from the pre-Christian period to the 18th century AD. Despite its modest size, the museum is thoughtfully organized into ...

Shenbakkam, a picturesque village near Vellore on the Chennai-Bangalore route in South India, is renowned for its unique temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Here, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as Selva Vinayakar, and the temple is home to 11 icons of Ganesha. However, what sets this temple apart is not the number of icons but their distinctiveness. Unlike traditional representations of Ganesha, these icons are formless and shapeless, believed to be Swayambu —naturally formed. None of them has a defined shape, making this temple truly extraordinary. The village was originally known as Shenbagavanam , named after the abundance of Shenbaga trees in the area. Over time, the name evolved into Shenbakkam. According to legend, Adi Shankara, during his visit to the nearby Virinjipuram Margabandeswarar Temple, installed a Sri Chakra at this site, although it is not present in the current temple. Another story tells of a Marathi minister named Thukoji, whose chariot axle broke at this spot, causi...

In South India, temples of grandeur are a common sight, but forts and palaces are rare treasures. Among the few that exist, Vellore Fort stands out as one of the largest and most remarkable. Located in Vellore city, near Chennai—the gateway to South India—this historic fort holds a significant place in the region’s history. Vellore Fort was constructed in 1566 CE by Chinna Bommi Nayak and Thimma Reddy Nayak, who served as chieftains under Sadasiva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire. During the Vijayanagara reign, the fort rose to prominence, and Vellore even became the empire’s capital for a time. The fort played a pivotal role as a military base in several battles. Over the centuries, it changed hands multiple times—captured first by the Bijapur Sultan in 1656 CE, followed by the Marathas, the Mughals, and eventually the British. It was also briefly under Hyder Ali’s control. Notably, Vellore Fort was the site of the first significant rebellion against British rule in 1806 CE. Indian...

Virinchipuram, a quaint village nestled near Chennai in South India, is home to the captivating Margabandeswarar temple, a true architectural gem. This serene sanctuary can be reached via the Chennai-Bangalore Highway, a mere 10 kilometers from Vellore city. The temple boasts a renowned attraction known as Simha Tank or Simha Teerth, graced by a lion-faced sculpture at its entrance. This tank holds immense popularity, particularly during the last Saturdays of Karthigai in the Tamil calendar. Thousands of devoted women come here to bathe and spend the night in the temple mandaps clad in wet clothes, believing that if the deity appears in their dreams, their wishes will be granted. The temple's eastern tower stands as a magnificent testament to its architectural grandeur, complemented by towers facing various directions. The true highlight of this spiritual haven lies in its two Kalyana Mandapas (halls) flanking the outer corridor. These mandaps are adorned with exquisitely craf...

Ratnagiri, a quaint village near Vellore on the route connecting Chennai and Bangalore in South India, has garnered fame due to its hilltop Murugan temple. Having explored the vicinity of Chennai extensively, I can confidently say that this temple's pristine cleanliness sets it apart. Given that the 14th-century saint Arunagiri praised the Ratnagiri Bala Murugan temple in his verses, it's safe to assume the temple's age to be around 600 years. However, its condition was far from satisfactory. In 1968, a devout individual who visited the temple was so moved by its dilapidated state that he renounced worldly life to become a saint. He dedicated himself to the upliftment of the temple. Thanks to his selfless efforts and unwavering devotion, the temple underwent reconstruction and stands today as a magnificent structure. The saint who sacrificed his life for this noble cause was Bala Murugan Adimai. Perched atop a small hill, Ratnagiri Bala Murugan temple used to be accessib...

Situated close to Chennai, Tiruninravur, a quaint village, holds a unique temple that mirrors the visionary creation of a devout heart. This temple, named the Hridayaleeswarar Temple, echoes the devout journey of its originator. Within Tiruninravur, two ancient temples grace its grounds. One of these venerable structures is devoted to Lord Shiva, hailed as Hridayaleeswarar in this sacred space. Rooted in the Bhakti movement of Tamil Nadu, the tapestry of Lord Shiva's devotees is woven with 63 distinguished individuals known as Nayanmars. Among them, Poosalar emerges as a notable figure. Despite his humble circumstances, residing in Tiruninravur, Poosalar nurtured a fervent desire to erect a temple for Lord Shiva. However, the means eluded him. Thus, he embarked on a gradual visualization, erecting the temple brick by brick within his own heart. Ultimately, he accomplished the temple's entirety within his spiritual confines and designated a day for its consecration. Serendipit...

Nazarath Pettai, a quaint village nestled close to Poonamallee, itself situated near Chennai – the gateway to South India – harbors a plethora of ancient temples, echoing the rich spiritual heritage of the region. Among these hallowed sites is the venerable Harita Vaarana Perumal Temple, also known as the Pachchai Varna Perumal Temple. According to a cherished legend, Lord Krishna once assumed the form of a verdant elephant, originating from a yagna conducted by Yudhistra, with the intention of safeguarding him from malevolent Rakshasas. An alternative rendition of this tale recounts Yudhistra's fabrication of the demise of the elephant Ashwattama during the Mahabharata battle, leading to his Guru, Drona's, emotional turmoil and subsequent downfall at the hands of Dhrishtadyumna. In penance for this act, Yudhistra, guided by sage Narada, performed a yagna at this sacred site. It was during this rite that Lord Krishna manifested in the form of a green elephant. The temple...

Poonamallee, a renowned locale situated approximately 25 kilometers away from Chennai, the gateway to South India, bears historical significance. The original name of Poonamallee was Poovirundavalli. Within Poonamallee, two ancient temples hold prominence: one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other to Lord Shiva. The Shiva temple in Poonamallee is known as the Vaidheeswaran temple. Another well-known temple named Vaidheeswaran is located near Kumbakonam in central Tamil Nadu. Consequently, the Vaidheeswaran temple in Poonamallee is also referred to as the 'Uttara Vaidheeswararn' temple, with "Uttara" signifying "Northern." Similar to the southern Vaidheeswarar temple, this northern counterpart is revered as the Navagraha Sthalam for Angaraka (Sevvai), which corresponds to the planet Mars. (Navagraha denotes the nine celestial bodies.) (For those unfamiliar with Navagraha sthalams, there are nine temples near Kumbakonam in Central Tamil Nadu, India, dedica...

Poonamallee, a quaint township in close proximity to Chennai, one of India's four metropolitan cities, boasts a pair of ancient temples – one dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other to Lord Vishnu, known as the Varadarajar Temple. Originally known as "Poovirundavalli" or "Pushpavalli," which translates to "abode of Jasmine flowers," Poonamallee holds historical significance as the birthplace of Tirukatchi Nambi, a revered devotee of Lord Vishnu. Consequently, the 10th-century Varadarajar Temple is also referred to as the Tirukatchi Nambi Temple. A local belief suggests that Goddess Lakshmi manifested from a jasmine flower to Tirukatchi Nambi at this site. Situated in close proximity to the Poonamallee bus stand, the temple enshrines Varadarajar as its principal deity and Pushpavalli as its Goddess. A striking tower graces the temple's exterior, complemented by a flagstaff opposite the sanctum. The sanctum houses an image of Tirukatchi Nambi seated in...

Thiruverkadu, a renowned religious destination near Chennai, the gateway to South India, stands as a beacon for Hindu devotees. This sacred place, alongside Mangadu, draws the faithful in significant numbers. While Thiruverkadu's fame primarily stems from the Mari Amman temple, it's important to note the presence of an ancient Lord Shiva temple in the vicinity that often remains overlooked. Despite the magnetic pull of the Mari Amman temple, the Shiva temple of Thiruverkadu receives scant attention from the same devotees. Nestled approximately 1 kilometer away from the prominent Mari Amman temple in Thiruverkadu, lies the Shiva temple known as Veda Pureeswarar. This article delves into the intricacies of this temple. Highlights: Sambandhar  has revered the temple in his verses in Devaram. God  -  Vedapureeswarar or Validayanathar Goddess  -  Balambikai or Verkanni Teerth  (Holy water) -  Velayudha Teerth Sthala Vruksha  (...