Indian Columbus

In the heart of French White Town of Puducherry lies a hidden gem, a testament to centuries of history and the enduring legacy of the Capuchin order: the Cimetière des Capucins, or Capuchins Cemetery . This sacred ground, dating back to 1726, holds within its colorful confines the stories of Pondicherry's past, etched in stone and memory. Step through the gates of this ancient cemetery, and you'll find yourself surrounded by the echoes of bygone eras. Here lie the final resting places of notable figures from the 18th century, their graves adorned with weathered tombstones that whisper tales of days long past. Among the silent sentinels of the cemetery stand the graves of Governor Prosper de Chermont, Vice Governor Simon Lagrenée de Mézière, and even a 17th-century soldier named Jacques Lhyuer. Each tombstone bears witness to the passage of centuries and the stories of those who once walked the streets of Pondicherry. As you wander through the rows of graves, you'll come acr

Venturing into Connaught Place, fondly known as CP, is like stepping into the beating heart of New Delhi. With its bustling streets, vibrant atmosphere, and rich history, CP stands as a testament to the city's dynamic spirit and enduring charm. But behind the bustling streets and bustling markets lies a tale as intriguing as it is enchanting. Once, it was said that venturing into this site, which was a ridge, after sunset was not safe, and it was frequented only by those seeking solace or adventure. Yet, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, a different scene unfolded as people flocked to an ancient Hanuman temple, seeking blessings and solace amidst the chaos of urban life. In those days, it was a far cry from the bustling metropolis it is today. Instead, it was a haven for partridge hunters and solitude seekers, its winding alleys and hidden corners shrouded in mystery and intrigue. But just as the fate of its people evolved, so too did the destiny of this storied site. Today, Connaught Pla

Continuing our exploration of the magnificent Kantimati Nellaiyappar temple in Tirunelveli, let's delve deeper into the remarkable features of the outermost eastern prakara around Nellaiyappar shrine. Stretching across 295 feet in length and 40 feet in width, the third outer eastern prakara of the Nellaiyappar shrine extends into a grand mandapa crafted by Sivanthiappa Naicker in 1654 CE. Naicker was serving under the the famous Tirumalai Naicker. This mandapa, adorned with intricate sculptures, stands as a testament to artistic excellence. I have already covered in detail about all captivating large sculptures in this part of temple in my earlier posts. I will cover all the remaining features of this eastern part of Nellaiyappar shrine in this article. Dominating the space is a massive white Nandi, known as Maakkaalai, sculpted from limestone, facing the main shrine of Nellaiyappar.Adjacent to the Nandi, we find the imposing dwajastambha (flag staff) and bali peetha. The flag staf