Indian Columbus

In the tranquil town of Tirunelveli, a Goddess by the name of "Perattruch Selvi" graces the hearts of its inhabitants. Loosely translated, her name means "The Goddess of the Great River." However, people often refer to her affectionately as Peratthu Selvi or simply Perachchi. Nestled in the Vannarapettai locality, along the banks of the Palayankuttaththurai Ghat on the Tamraparani River, stands a humble yet powerful temple dedicated to this revered Goddess. This Goddess, adorned with eight divine arms, gazes serenely towards the northern horizon, earning her the endearing name of Shanta Swarapoo Kali. Legend has it that in times long past, a devoted soul, though lacking in material wealth, held a deep reverence for Goddess. Driven by his unwavering faith, he aspired to construct a dedicated temple for Amman but found himself bereft of the means to do so. Undeterred, he resolved to at least consecrate an image of Amman. One fateful night, a divine vision graced his s...

Let's journey back to the 1800s when Tirunelveli, a bustling town, faced its share of challenges. It was a time when anti-social activities, theft, and even gruesome murders were all too common. However, it's important to clarify that these issues were primarily concentrated around the boat stands rather than affecting the entire city. Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai, the twin cities linked by the winding Tamraparani River, experienced both the advantages and disadvantages of this vital waterway. The Tamraparani was a unique feature in the region, being the only perennial river. It served as a crucial lifeline for the people while also presenting its fair share of challenges. To traverse the Tamraparani, the folks of Tirunelveli had to rely on boats, a time-consuming and costly affair. Brave souls would often venture into the river's currents, risking their lives to cross. The result was long queues and, unfortunately, opportunities for anti-social activities to rear their ug...

The Tirunelveli District Science Center, situated in the Kokirakulam area, operates under the National Council of Science Museums, which falls under the purview of the Indian Ministry of Culture. This center first opened its doors to the public on the 27th of February, 1987, with an initial exhibition gallery showcasing "Treasures from the Ocean" and a Science Park. The inauguration was graced by P.V. Narasimha Rao, then the Minister of Human Resource Development. In a short span, this center gained popularity as one of the most frequented establishments within the NCSM network, thanks to the enthusiastic support of the local community. Its primary objective is to popularize science and technology among the public and complement science education in schools and colleges, instilling a passion for scientific inquiry among students. Today, the center boasts four captivating galleries dedicated to "Fun Science," "Popular Science," "Electronics," and ...

The Oosi Gopuram, a renowned landmark in Tirunelveli and Palayankottai, holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Nestled in the neighborhood of Murugankurichi, which connects the two towns, this distinctive spire crowns the Holy Trinity Church and boasts a fascinating history. The story of the Oosi Gopuram begins with the arrival of Charles Theophilus Ewald Rhenius, a German-born missionary associated with the Church Mission Society (CMS), in India. Rhenius, the first CMS missionary to set foot in India, landed in Madras in 1814. After dedicating several years to missionary work in Madras, he reached Tirunelveli on July 7, 1820. His tireless efforts in the Tirunelveli district earned him the moniker "Apostle of Tirunelveli." During one of his journeys through Tirunelveli in 1822, Rhenius was struck by the grandeur of the Nellaiyappar temple. Inspired by what he witnessed, he resolved to construct a colossal church that would beckon people towards Christianity. In a rema...

Teppakulam, the sacred tank associated with the Nellaiyappar temple, is situated approximately 400 meters from the temple's main entrance. This tank has remained a revered landmark for countless centuries, to the extent that the surrounding locality has adopted the name "Teppakulam." A street originally designated as Teppakulam Street (now known as Satyamurti Street) terminates at this tank. One of the most celebrated events at this location is the Teppam Poosam festival, a grand and festive occasion. On the eastern bank of this tank, there stands a temple dedicated to Meenakshi Sundareswarar. Nearby, you will find Thayammai Girls School, which, despite its modest size, holds historical significance. Established in 1909, it was one of the few schools that provided education to the women of Tirunelveli town during its early days. While Valampuri Vinayaka is a well-known deity, there is also a Goddess known as Valampuri Amman. Her temple, though small in scale, can be found...

In the heart of Tirunelveli, a truly distinctive temple unveils the rare form of Lord Shiva—Sadashiva Murti. While most Shiva temples enshrine the Linga form of the deity, this sacred abode presents the supreme manifestation of Shiva, also known as Pancha Brahma Murti. At the core of this unique temple, you'll encounter Sadashiva Murti, resplendent in his standing posture. This divine manifestation boasts five faces, each representing a different aspect of Shiva—Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Tatpurusha, Aghora, and Ishana. Adorned with ten arms, the deity wields an array of potent weapons. To his left stands his divine consort, Manonmani, an ethereal presence adding to the temple's mystical aura. Guarding the entrance to the shrine, images of Ganesha and Subramanya-Valli-Devasena stand sentinel, ensuring the sanctity of the sacred space. Nandi, the faithful bull and vahana of Lord Shiva, faces the resplendent Sadashiva, ever ready to convey the devotees' prayers. Circling the shrine...

Tirunelveli, often celebrated for its grandeur and cultural heritage, is not just a city of history but also a city of temples. Amidst the renowned temples like Nellaiyappar Temple that grace this region, there exists a hidden gem, a temple of unparalleled uniqueness, which we shall explore in this article. Tirugnanasambandhar, the revered child prodigy and poet-saint of the 7th century, shares a profound connection with Tirunelveli. His lyrical devotion to Nellaiyappar, the deity of Tirunelveli, finds expression in eleven hymns that form a part of the Devaram. Tirunelveli is blessed with several temples associated with this illustrious saint, but one stands out as particularly exceptional. Legend has it that as Sambandhar journeyed from Tirunelveli to Courtallam to compose hymns for Courtalanathar, he rested for a few days by the tranquil banks of the Kamba River. Today, this sacred spot has transformed into a temple, erected in the 13th century by Maravarman Sundara Pandya II. While ...

In the realm of divine manifestations, few deities hold a place as cherished and revered as Lord Ayyappan, the beloved deity of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Yet, the rich tapestry of Hindu Puranas reveals a profound secret: Ayyappan is, in essence, the earthly incarnation of Dharma Shasta. Just as Lord Vishnu descends as Rama or Krishna, Dharma Shasta assumes the earthly form of Lord Ayyappan, known as the "Bachelor God." In contemporary times, shrines dedicated to Lord Ayyappan have sprouted across the land, drawing devotees with unwavering faith. However, in the  Tirunelveli region, lies many ancient temples dedicated to the original Dharma Shasta, adorned by his divine consorts. This article unveils the sacred aura of one such temples of Shasta. Once a nondescript and overlooked alley, Chekkadi, or mudukkadi, remained cloaked in obscurity until the 1990s. This narrow lane, nestled between Amman Sannadhi Street and Kallathi Street in Tirunelveli Town, conceals an ancient temp...

Nestled in the heart of Chennai, amid the bustling urban landscape, lies a serene and spiritually charged sanctuary – the Ramakrishna Math. This sacred institution, deeply rooted in history and devotion, beckons seekers of truth and inner peace to explore its hallowed halls and tranquil surroundings. Join me on a journey through time and spirituality as I uncover the rich history and architectural marvels of the Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. A Divine Beginning The Math owes its existence to the profound connection between Swami Vivekananda and his disciples in the city. Swami Vivekananda, after his historic appearance at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, returned to a grand reception in Chennai in 1897. It was during this period that he stayed at the Ice House, now known as Vivekanandar Illam, for nine days. Overwhelmed by the devotion of his disciples, Vivekananda agreed to their request to establish a permanent center in Chennai. He entrusted this noble task to his brother discipl...

When you think of renowned Ganesha temples, places like Mumbai's Siddhi Vinayak temple, Puducherry's Manakkula Vinayaka, or Trichy's Uchchi Pillayar temple might come to mind. When contemplating ancient Ganesha sculptures, Pillayarpatti Ganesha and various cave shrines might be on your list. If you're picturing colossal Ganesha sculptures, Munthi Vinayaka in Coimbatore or the one in Thailand's Ganesh International Park might stand out. However, have you ever pondered which temple dedicated to Ganesha is the largest in terms of size? If you guessed Pillayarpatti, you're mistaken. Technically, it's a Shiva temple where Ganesha has gained immense popularity. The largest Ganesha temple is located in Tirunelveli, and this article will delve into its magnificence. Ganesha is inseparable from the religious landscape. He can be found in Shiva, Shakti, and Subramanya temples, and even in a few Vishnu and Grama Devta shrines. India, and even places beyond its borders,...