Indian Columbus

In India, the renowned Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala Tirupati is a household name. The temple's administrative body has overseen the construction of numerous Venkateswara temples throughout the country. Among these sacred places stands a magnificent temple dedicated to Tirupati Balaji in the capital city of Delhi. This meticulously maintained temple occupies approximately one acre of land allocated by the Government of India. The temple structure stands tall, a three-story edifice offering spiritual solace to its devotees. The ground floor houses the sanctum sanctorum, where the imposing image of Venkateswara stands majestically, flanked by Alarmelu Mangai (Alamelu) and Andal on either side. Ascending to the first floor, one finds a Music and Dance room, while the second floor hosts a serene Meditation Hall (Dhyana Mandir). This temple, a place of tranquility and devotion, was inaugurated in 2013. Conveniently located within walking distance from the popular Birla Mandir, it serv...

Continuing our enchanting journey through the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, we now venture towards the west side of the east-side frontside mandapa. Positioned at the entrance to the core of the Nellaiyappar temple, which houses the sanctum and two prakaras, we encounter two pairs of magnificent sculptures on either side. On the southern side of the entrance, our eyes are drawn to the first sculpture—an imposing warrior figure. This brave warrior, known as Pagadai Raja, embodies strength and valor. His countenance is fierce, with a large drooping moustache framing his determined face. Adorned in ornate headgear and intricate ornaments, his exposed thighs speak of his power and prowess. The detailing on his body, with its realistic musculature and dynamic stance, is a testament to the sculptor's skill. In his right arm, Pagadai Raja holds a Vanga, a musical instrument shaped like a clarinet. However, this Vanga is unique, with a large funnel-shaped end that pr...

The arch gateway, often unnoticed amid the bustle of Triplicane High Road, conceals a fascinating history. Cloaked in pale green and marked 'Azeempet,' it once served as the entrance to the palace of a formidable political figure—a fact that might surprise many. Let's delve into the annals of history to uncover more about this intriguing place. In 1692, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb bestowed the title of Subahdar (Governor) of the Carnatic upon Zulfiqar Khan, with Arcot as the seat of his authority, recognizing Khan's triumph over the Marathas. With the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Carnatic Subah forged its independence, evolving into the Carnatic Sultanate, reigning over an expansive territory south of the Krishna River. Assuming rulership in 1749, Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah allied with the British during the Carnatic Wars and later shifted the capital from Arcot to Chepauk. The tides of English and French influence, coupled with their colonial conflicts, profoundly im...

Nestled amidst the vivacious city yet cocooned from its hustle and bustle, this site emerges as a distinctive and enchanting sanctuary. A mere glimpse of the iconic HITEC city structure, situated approximately 14 kilometers away in Madhapur, Hyderabad, unveils its magnetic charm. Welcoming guests through a majestic gateway adorned with monumental terra-cotta horses, this haven radiates a festive aura—it is none other than Shilparamam. Sprawling across an impressive 50 acres, Shilparamam stands as Hyderabad's nucleus of arts, crafts, and culture, honoring India's opulent cultural heritage. Endorsed by a multitude of delighted visitors, it has earned global recognition as a paramount traditional and cultural haven. Inaugurated in 1995 CE by Shri N.T. Rama Rao, the erstwhile Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shilparamam is a testament to the vivacity of India's glorious past. At its core, Shilparamam strives to rejuvenate and exalt India's illustrious history. Nestled amid...

The Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Delhi stands as the first Birla temple, a testament to the family's legacy across North India. In a previous post, I delved into the intricate details of this temple's grandeur. Yet, adjoining this iconic structure is another temple, one devoted to Buddha. Though no longer widely recognized as a Birla temple, it can also be technically considered as one of the First Birla Mandirs across the nation. This Buddhist Temple was granted its land by the British Viceroy of India, a gift entrusted to the Maha Bodhi Society. The entire construction cost was generously covered by Raja Seth Jugal Kishore Birla. In 1931, the foundation stone was laid by K. Yonewaza, the Japanese Consul General in India. Thus, the first Buddhist Temple of Delhi came into being, graced by the auspicious presence of Mahatma Gandhi at its reverential opening in 1939, alongside the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Since its inception, the Buddha Vihara has remained a venerable center of Budd...

Nestled within the bustling streets of Tiruvallikeni (Triplicane), amidst the ordinary facade of a nondescript building adorned with dull-colored paint, lies a hidden gem with a rich history—the Muhammadan Public Library. Established by the esteemed Nawab Ghulam Mohammed Ghouse Khan Bahadur, the last Nawab of the Carnatic, this unassuming building housed a thriving hub of knowledge and literature. Nawab Ghulam Mohammed, known for his patronage of arts, envisioned a space that would promote the languages of Urdu, Persian, Arabic, and English, alongside subjects ranging from science to history and mathematics. In 1850, under the Nawab's patronage, the Muhammadan Public Library embarked on a mission to bring modern education to the masses of the Carnatic region. During this period, the British wielded considerable influence, although the Nawab retained some autonomy within the bounds of their agreement. A pivotal figure in the library's establishment was Lord Edward Balfour, the B...

This article continues the captivating journey through the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, immersing ourselves in the mesmerizing sculptures that adorn the pillars of the east-side frontside mandapa. These sculptures, renowned for their artistic finesse and exquisite beauty, are windows into the rich cultural tapestry of the temple. In our previous explorations, we marveled at the first larger-than-life sculpture, a depiction of a tall, graceful native lady (Kurathi) with her unique features etched in stone. Following that, we delved into the regal presence of a well-built royal warrior, standing proudly with his bow and arrow. Now, let us shift our gaze to the third sculpture, gracefully positioned to the true left side of the warrior's imposing figure. This striking sculpture embodies the spirit of dance, portraying a female dancer of noble stature. Crowned with a semi-circular ornamental headpiece, she shines with a pair of sizable circular earrings framing ...

"People from all castes should be allowed to enter the temple." With this condition, Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the iconic Birla Temple on 18th March 1939, also known as the Lakshmi Narayana Temple. Situated in Delhi, this temple holds significant historical and religious importance, representing the ethos of inclusivity. Spread across 7.5 acres, the Birla Temple is the very first temple among the series of temples constructed by the renowned Birla family across North India. Initiated by industrialist and philanthropist Baldeo Das Birla, along with his son Jugal Kishore Birla, the foundation stone was laid on 26th March 1933. The temple's architecture was guided by eminent scholar Pandit Vishwanath Shastri and architect Sri Chandra Chatterjee, a leading figure of the "Modern Indian Architecture Movement." Embracing the Nagara style of temple architecture, its towering shikhara of the sanctum sanctorum rises approximately 160 feet high. Facing eastward on a raise...

The San Thome Cathedral Basilica, also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Thomas, is a Roman Catholic Minor Basilica located in Santhome, Chennai. This iconic basilica holds a significant place in history, being one of only three known churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus. The other two such churches are St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain. The story of St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus, in the region of Madras (now Chennai) is one of deep historical and religious significance. Roman Catholic tradition holds that St. Thomas arrived in this area soon after the crucifixion of Jesus and commenced his preaching in Mylapore. However, faced with resistance, he eventually moved to a hill south of the city, which later became known as St. Thomas Mount. Legend has it that as St. Thomas journeyed daily to Mylapore, he left behind a trail of churches wherever he rested. The magnificent San T...