Indian Columbus

Sirupuliyur is a village located near Mayiladuthurai town in the Tamil Nadu state of India. This village is home to a significant Vishnu temple known as the Kripa Samudra Perumal Temple, which boasts a beautifully meaningful name. It is revered as the 24th Divya Desam in the Chola region. Let's delve into the details of this temple in this article. Highlights: Tirumangai Alwar  has composed verses about this sacred site. It is considered as the   24th Divya Desam temple . It is located in the Chola region. Along with Vishnu, Kanva Rishi and Vyagrapada are found in the main shrine. The smallest icon of Vishnu in the reclining posture is found in this temple. The temple is named after the Utsava deity instead of the presiding stone image. God  - Sthalasayana Perumal;  Utsava deity - Kripa Samudra Perumal or Arul Maak Kadal Perumal Goddess  -  Tirumaa Magal ; Utsava deity - Dayanayaki Teerth  (holy water) -  Manasa Pushkarani  Sthala Vruksha  (holy tree) -  Vilva Vi

Uppiliappan Koil is a charming village situated near Kumbakonam in the Tamil Nadu region of India. This village is home to a prominent Vishnu temple known as Oppiliappan Temple, marking the 13th Divya Desam temple within the Chola region. In this article, we will delve into the details of this sacred temple. Highlights: Tirumangai Alwar, Nammalwar and Peyalwar  have composed hymns about this site in their verses. Notably, prasad offered within this temple is devoid of salt. Oppiliappan temple is also called as Tiru Vinnagaram It is considered as the   13th Divya Desam temple . It is located in the Chola region. God  -  Oppiliappan or Uppiliappan ; Utsava deity - Ponnappan Goddess  -  Bhoomi Devi Teerth  (holy water) -  Ahotra Pushkarani Sthala Vruksha  (holy tree) -  Patali Vimana  -  Suddhananda Vimana Legend: Bhoomi Devi Bhoomi Devi was reborn as the daughter of Markandeya Rishi in this very location. Lord Vishnu, in the guise of an old man, sought her

Tirupullam Boothangudi is a village located near Kumbakonam town in the Tamil Nadu state of India. The village is home to a significant Vishnu temple known as Valvil Raman Temple. This temple is considered the 10th Divya Desam in the Chola region. Let's delve into the details of this temple in the following article. Highlights: Tirumangai Alwar  has composed hymns about this site in his verses. It is considered as the   10th Divya Desam temple . It is located in the Chola region. It is considered as a Budha Parihara Sthalam Rama is found in the reclining posture. The utsav image of Rama has four arms and he is holding conch and discus. God  - Valvil Raman Goddess  -  Potramaraiyal ; Utsav deity - Hemambujavalli Teerth  (holy water) -  Jatayu Teerth or Kruthra Teerth  Sthala Vruksha  (holy tree) -  Punnai Vimana  -  Shobana Vimana Legend: According to the legend, Lord Rama performed the last rites for the giant eagle Jatayu in Tirupullam Boothangudi. T

Aadhanoor, a serene village near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, cradles the revered Andalakkum Aiyan Temple, hailed as the 11th Divya Desam in the Chola region. Let's delve into the sacred expanse of this temple, where history, legends, and spirituality converge. Highlights: Tirumangai Alwar  has sung about this site in his verses. It is considered as the   11th Divya Desam temple . It is located in the Chola region. It is also called Bhargava Kshetram God  -  Andalakkum Aiyan ; Utsava deity - Ranganatha Goddess  -  Kamalavasini or Bhargavi ; Utsava deity - Ranganayaki Teerth  (holy water) -  Surya Teerth Sthala Vruksha  (holy tree) -  Patali Vimana  -  Pranava Vimana Legend: Numerous captivating legends grace the temple's history. Kamadhenu The name Aadhanoor stems from the Tamil word 'Aa,' meaning cow, as the divine Kamadhenu performed penance on this sacred site. Tirumangai Alwar According to the legend, Tirumangai Alwar, a devoted foll

Nestled on the enchanting banks of the Ganges in the sacred city of Haridwar, Anand Bhairava Temple stands as a venerable testament to ancient Hindu spirituality. Haridwar, renowned as one of the seven holiest sites for Hindus, boasts a rich tapestry of sacred places and temples, and Anand Bhairava Temple emerges as a revered jewel in this divine landscape. Positioned in close proximity to the popular Maya Devi temple, Anand Bhairava Temple holds the distinction of being one of the oldest in Haridwar. Despite its modest size, the temple's structure emanates a sense of renewal and freshness. Within its sanctum, the divine presence of Bhairava manifests in the form of a Linga, intricately sculpted with eyes, nose, and a distinguished mustache. Adjacent to this sacred Linga, a formless red-colored icon further enhances the spiritual ambiance. The temple encompasses three additional sub-shrines, each adding to its religious significance. One sub-shrine is dedicated to Dattatreya,

Nestled approximately 16 kilometers from Tambaram, Ottiyampakkam is a quaint village with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Just a kilometer away from the Ottiyampakkam bus stand and Otteeshwarar temple, you'll find the enchanting Ottiyampakkam quarry lake tucked away in the heart of the village. This picturesque, deep freshwater lake was formed as a result of quarry activities, and its beauty is particularly captivating, especially during the rainy season. Despite being relatively unknown, Ottiyampakkam quarry lake is a scenic and refreshing haven in the vicinity of Chennai. In the year 2014 CE, the lake served as the venue for a swimming competition during the Triathlon event, attracting participants from various regions. Occasionally, a few Chennai-based trekkers also venture to this serene site, adding to its allure as a hidden gem worth exploring. Happy travelling.  Note:  As per a report, there were about 650+ waterbodies in Chennai region till 1980s. To

This article is about a Shiva temple where Vishnu is enshrined in a separate shrine.  "What is the big deal?" - I can hear what you think. :-) Well! Let me try putting it this way...you can find Buddha also in this Shiva temple.  Not surprised yet?  Fine.....let me make a last attempt. This is perhaps the only Hindu temple on the globe that enshrines Jesus Christ! Yes, you read it correctly! Jesus Christ is worshiped as a deity. Daily food offering called "naivedyam" is made to him. The name of the temple is Pasupatheeswarar . It is located in Velichai village. The distance is around 3 km from the famous  Anjaneya temple  in Vandalur-Kelambakkm Roam in Pudupakkam. The route from Kelampakkam-Vandalur High Road to this temple is secluded, and except for 2-3 factories, nothing else is found. Public transport is unavailable, and the villagers reside a little away from the temple. Due to these reasons, the temple remains little known.  History: Pasupathee