Indian Columbus

  A must-see for every New York visitor is the iconic Statue of Liberty, a celebrated tourist attraction. This colossal verdant copper statue, a generous gift from the French, stands tall as a symbol of freedom. Crafted in 1886 by the renowned French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the statue portrays Libertas, the Roman Goddess, holding a torch and a tablet. Accessible by boat, it resides on Liberty Island in the heart of New York Harbor. The short yet delightful 20-minute ferry ride is as memorable as the island visit itself. Given the abundance of resources online and offline that delve into its history and significance, I'll keep this description brief. Happy travelling.

Puducherry, commonly known as Pondicherry, is a charming city nestled within the Puducherry Union Territory, not far from Chennai in India. The beach, situated in the city's historic French quarter, stands as a prominent tourist attraction. This rocky shoreline boasts little sand but offers a well-maintained beach road, with numerous historic buildings lining the opposite side. The Gandhi statue along the beach road serves as a significant landmark for the city. In the evenings, motor vehicles are prohibited, creating a peaceful atmosphere where people can leisurely enjoy their evenings. On weekends, a visit to this beach may even treat you to a police parade. Happy travelling.

Sri Ahobila Math, a Vaishnava monastery with roots dating back to the 15th century CE, is a prominent institution situated in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh, India, with branches spanning the nation. Today, let's explore one of these Ahobila Math centers located in Tambaram, near the bustling city of Chennai. In keeping with the tradition of Ahobila Math, this institution houses a revered Narasimha temple. Within the temple's sanctum, you'll encounter a magnificent Murti of Narasimha, seated alongside his consort Lakshmi, gently cradling her on the five-hooded Adi Sesha. This temple, unique in its simplicity, primarily consists of the central shrine. While it features a small prakara and a vimana, you won't find the towering gopuram or flagstaff typically seen in more elaborate temples. For those seeking a deeper connection, the sanctum also houses the utsav images of Narasimha, famously known as Prahalada Varada, along with his two consorts, Lakshmi and Varaha. Additional...

In the vibrant city of Chennai, there's a new hotspot to explore – the Grand Mall. Situated in the bustling heart of Velachery, it's quickly become one of the city's most happening destinations. The Grand Mall offers a diverse shopping experience, featuring a wide array of stores, from international and domestic retail brands to sports shops, electronics outlets, home furnishing stores, and even stylish dining cafes and restaurants. With a sprawling expanse of 350,000 square feet, it's a shopaholic's paradise. You'll find some well-known names here, including Shoppers Stop, Croma, and the delightful Barbeque Nation. And to add to the excitement, the recent addition of the PVR multiplex cinema has turned this mall into an all-in-one entertainment destination. What's more, the Velachery MRTS station is just a short walk away, making the Grand Mall easily accessible. So, if you're looking for a memorable day out, make sure to visit this thriving hub in...

Chennai, the gateway to South India, has a fantastic new hangout spot – Forum Vijaya Mall. This vibrant destination stands as one of the city's largest shopping malls, offering an array of experiences. Forum Vijaya Mall is a captivating place that hosts a wide range of stores. Whether you're into international and domestic retail brands, sports gear, electronics, or home furnishing, this mall has you covered. Additionally, there are delightful cafes and restaurants for those looking to savor some fine dining. With a sprawling area of 636,000 square feet, it's a shopping haven where you'll find famous establishments like Ibaco, Viveks, RmKV, and West Side. Moreover, it boasts Chennai's multiplex cinema hall and one of the city's rare IMAX theaters, Palazzo. The mall's Fun Zone is a bustling hub for kids to enjoy. Forum Vijaya Mall has quickly become a must-visit place in the city. What's more, its proximity to the recently inaugurated Vadapalani Metro S...

Pallikkaranai, a bustling locality in Chennai, has gained prominence in recent years, primarily due to the presence of neighboring IT companies. Yet, amid the daily rush along the main road connecting Velachery to OMR or Tambaram, many may not realize that an ancient treasure lies along this path – the Adipureeswarar Temple. Although well-known to locals, this temple remains a hidden gem to those residing outside the Pallikkaranai area. In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating history and legends of this remarkable temple. Highlights: God  -  Adipureeswarar Goddess  -  Shanta Nayaki Sthala Vruksha - Bilva The temple was renovated during the period of Krishnadeva Raya  It is a Rahu-Ketu parihara sthalam It is considered as equivalent to Kalahasti Legend: According to legend, the sage Vyagrapada sought a place with abundant Bilva trees to perform a sacred puja to Lord Shiva. To fulfill his wish, Shiva granted him the legs of a tiger...

Somangalam, a charming locale near Tambaram in Tamil Nadu, boasts an ancient Chola temple dedicated to Somnath Ishwar. Join us in discovering the exquisite architecture and spiritual significance of this temple. Highlights: God  -  Somnath Ishwar Goddess  -  Kamakshi Sthala Vruksha (Sacred Tree) - Sara Kondrai (yellow laburnum) Sthala Teerth (Holy Tank) - Soma Teerth One of Navagraha Sthalams in Chennai Soma (Chandra) Sthalam Ancient Chola period Gaja prshtha temple Koshta idols such as Dakshinamurti, Vishnu and Brahma are found along with their vahanas Nandi is facing its backside to Shiva The stone image as well as the utsav image of Skanda is in the form of Brahma Shasta The unique Chatura Tandav posture of Nataraj Legend: According to one legend, Chandra  sought refuge at this site after being cursed by his father-in-law, Daksha. He bathed in the temple tank and prayed to Lord Shiva, relieving himself of the curse. Thus, Lord Shi...

Manimangalam, a quaint locality nestled near Tambaram in the Tamil Nadu state of India, is a historical gem. It witnessed the grand battle between Chalukya King Pulikesi and Pallava King Narasimha Pallava in the 7th century CE. This locality also boasts a collection of ancient temples, including the exquisite Raja Gopala Swami Temple, which we shall explore in this article. Highlights: God  -  Raja Gopala Swami   Goddess  - Chenkamala Valli 1000 years old Chola period temple Inscriptions of 11th century and 12th century CE are found in the temple Five niche (Koshta) images  on the exterior walls of sanctum similar to typical Shiva temple, which is unique for a Vishnu temple Ganesha and Durga as Koshta icons in a Vishnu temple The presiding deity holds conch instead of discus on his upper right arm More than 7 feet tall gigantic image of Raja Gopala Swami  If you reside in the vicinity of Chennai and have not yet had the privileg...

Mention Chennai, and the conversation inevitably turns to the Cooum River, a waterway that meanders through the heart of the city. Unfortunately, this once-pristine river now embodies an open sewage system, a stark reminder of the collective missteps taken by the residents of Chennai over the years. 'Cooum' has regrettably become synonymous with stench, although the blame falls not on the river itself but on those residing along its banks, who transformed it into a sewer. Let's delve briefly into the river's origins. In contrast to the citizens of Chennai, those on the outskirts of North Chennai and the Tiruvallur district have, comparatively, managed to preserve the river's cleanliness—albeit, whenever water flows through it, an increasingly rare occurrence in recent years. Cooum was once considered a sacred river, much like its counterparts across the land. Many ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva grace its banks. The river Kosasthalaiyar originates i...

Tiruvur (also spelled as Thiruvur) is a charming village nestled approximately 40 kilometers from Chennai. Its closest well-known neighbor, Tiruvallur, lies about 12 kilometers away. What makes Tiruvur unique is its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Shringandeeswarar, a deity with a fascinating history. Highlights: God  -  Shringandeeswarar  Goddess  -  Utpalambal Shiv Linga installed by the sage Rishya Shringa Legend: The temple has an enchanting legend associated with it. It is believed that the sage Rishya Shringa, who possessed deer-like horns, consecrated the Shiv Linga within the temple. Thus, the deity came to be known as Shringandeeswarar. It's worth noting that the name is often misspelled as Singandeeswarar, even by temple authorities. History: Historical accounts suggest that the temple's origins trace back to the Chola period. It underwent renovations during the Vijayanagara period, bea...