Indian Columbus

This is the fourth article in my series on the Kanheri Caves. In the first installment, I provided an overview of these caves, and in the second article, I covered Cave No. 1. Adjacent to Cave No. 1 on the north side is Cave No. 2. Unlike the first cave, this one is a significant west-facing excavation consisting of a vihara and three stupas. The three stupas are housed in separate chambers distinct from the vihara, making them appear as detached chaityas. I covered the first stupa of this cave in my third article. Let me continue with the remaining parts of Cave No. 2 in this article. (For the benefit of beginners: a stupa is a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics, typically the remains of Buddhist monks, used as a place of meditation. A chaitya is a place of worship, and a vihara is a dwelling place for monks.) The second stupa from the viewer's right, is incomplete. It's uncertain whether it was left unfinished or did not survive the toll of time. The thir...

River Wonders, part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore, is Asia's first and only river-themed wildlife park. This unique park features over 11,000 animals from 260 species, showcasing a variety of river habitats from around the world. Visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of these ecosystems through several distinct zones, each offering a glimpse into the life that thrives along the world's iconic rivers. One of the main attractions at River Wonders is the Amazon Flooded Forest, home to the world’s largest freshwater aquarium. This exhibit replicates the seasonal flooding of the Amazon rainforest, where trees are submerged under ten meters of water. Visitors can observe fascinating aquatic life such as the manatees, arapaimas, and giant river otters. The giant river otters, in particular, are a highlight as they are displayed for the first time in Asia, providing a rare opportunity to witness these social and playful creatures up close. The Giant Panda Forest ...

Puducherry, a picturesque coastal town with a blend of French and Indian cultures, is home to many notable landmarks. One such prominent landmark is the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on Promenade Beach. Standing at 13 feet tall, this statue is said to be the third tallest Gandhi statue in Asia. Created by the renowned artist Roy Choudhary, who studied at the Government College of Art and Crafts in Chennai, the statue was unveiled on January 26, 1965. The statue is surrounded by eight beautiful carved pillars that were brought from the historic Gingee Fort, located about 70 kilometers from Puducherry. These pillars add a unique architectural charm to the site, making it a significant historical and cultural landmark in the town. Construction of the statue took almost a year, and since its inauguration, it has become a key attraction in Puducherry. The Gandhi Thidal, located opposite the statue, is a ground where numerous cultural activities, events, and music functions are held throughout th...

I have been delving into the intricate details of the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli through a series of posts. Previously, I explored the eastern and southern external prakaras in great detail. Now, let’s turn our attention to the remaining two outer prakaras surrounding the main shrine of Nellaiyappar. The west outer prakara spans 295 feet in length and 40 feet in width. It prominently features a colossal sculpture of Ganesha  facing the western entrance and Gopuram. At the top of the shrine , there is a large-sized colorful and intricately detailed stucco depiction of  Ganesha, adding to the grandeur. The Ganesha image is surrounded by vibrant decorations, typical of South Indian temple architecture, and is framed by elaborate carvings and pillars.Additionally, this prakara houses the east-facing Vishwanatha sub-shrine and the south-facing Visalakshi sub-shrine. In the northwestern corner, the Vayu Lingam sub-shrine is situated. The north outer prakara,...

Anyone familiar with Chennai will likely think of the Kapaleeswara Temple when the city is mentioned. Equally iconic is the Mylapore tank, the temple's adjoining reservoir. Unfortunately, the tank complex is usually locked, preventing visitors from strolling around its perimeter. In a previous article, I discussed a 1000-year-old Jyestha icon located on the tank's banks. Today, I bring attention to another lesser-known heritage structure within this complex. Situated at the northwest corner of the temple tank is a small, historical pavilion. This edifice was constructed to commemorate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. It features a flat roof and is built on a triangular base, topped with an urn. The pavilion is supported by three cusped arches resting on round pillars with lotus capitals. Originally, the center of this pavilion contained a water font, which has since dried up. Inscribed in Tamil on one side of the roof is "Pe Subramania Iyer Dharmam," while the op...

Located in the lush hills of Munnar, Mattupetty Dam is a marvel of engineering and a serene tourist destination. This concrete gravity dam, built in 1953, was initially constructed to generate hydroelectric power. It now serves as a beloved spot for both locals and tourists, providing water for irrigation and supporting local wildlife. The dam holds back the pristine waters of Mattupetty Lake, a picturesque reservoir that remains full year-round. The lake and surrounding areas offer breathtaking views and a tranquil environment, making it an ideal spot for picnics and nature walks. The dam itself stretches 237.75 meters and stands 85.34 meters high, showcasing impressive architectural prowess. Visitors can engage in various water-based activities at Mattupetty Lake. Boating is a popular pastime, with options ranging from ordinary boat rides to thrilling speedboat adventures. For those preferring a leisurely experience, big boat rides accommodating up to 20 people are available. Additio...

This is the third article in my series on the Kanheri Caves. In the first installment, I provided an overview of these caves. I wrote about Cave No. 1 in my second article. I am covering Cave No. 2 in this article. Right next to Cave No. 1 on north side, the Cave No. 2 is located. Unlike the first cave, is a significant excavation facing west, consisting of a vihara and three stupas. The three stupas are housed in separate chambers distinct from the vihara, making them appear as detached chaityas. Evidence suggests a large wooden roof once covered the stupas and vihara, as indicated by mortise holes on the front façade. (For the benefit of beginners: a stupa is a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics, typically the remains of Buddhist monks, used as a place of meditation. A chaitya is a place of worship, and a vihara is a dwelling place for monks.) The first stupa on the viewer's right is remarkably well-preserved, with its harmika still attached to the original r...

Nestled in the Mandai Rainforest, the Singapore Zoo spans 26 hectares and is home to over 2,800 animals from 300 species. Renowned for its open-concept design, the zoo offers visitors a unique chance to observe animals in spacious, naturalistic habitats. Opened on June 27, 1973, the Singapore Zoo began with 270 animals across 72 species. It has since evolved into a premier wildlife park, drawing nearly 2 million visitors annually. The zoo is operated by the Mandai Wildlife Group, which also manages the Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and the forthcoming Rainforest Wild Park. Major Attractions: The Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia - Featuring Hamadryas baboons, Nubian ibexes, and banded mongooses, this exhibit replicates the geological and cultural landscape of Ethiopia. Rainforest Kidzworld -A family-friendly zone with water play areas, animal-themed rides, and interactive exhibits for children. Free-Ranging Orangutan Island - Visitors can watch orangutans swing above them, a ...

Puducherry, with its blend of French and Indian cultures, is home to the French War Memorial, a poignant reminder of the region's historical ties to France. Situated on Goubert Avenue, opposite the Gandhi statue, the memorial is dedicated to the residents of French India who lost their lives during World War I (1914-1918). This solemn structure, erected in 1937 and inaugurated on April 3, 1938, by Governor Crocicchia, stands as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of these soldiers. Designed by architect Delafon, the memorial features a statue of a soldier resting on a rifle, surrounded by four stark white columns, inscribed with French inscription “Aux combattants des Indes Françaises morts pour la Patrie, 1914–1918.” It means "To the fighters of French India who died for the Fatherland". The monument also includes a bronze bas-relief depicting the arrival of Governor-General Dupleix in 1742. The bronze plaques on the memorial bear the names of those who perished, and...

Continuing my series on the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, today let's explore the remarkable Arumukha Nayinar shrine. This shrine, located on the southern outer prakara of the Nellaiyappar sanctum, is more like a separate temple in itself. Arumukha Nayinar, another name for Shanmukha (Murugan with six heads), is the central deity of this shrine. The deity here is depicted with six heads and twelve arms, each holding various weapons, and is flanked by his consorts Valli and Devasena. The entire sculpture, including the deity seated on a peacock with a Tiruvasi (halo) around his upper body, is carved from a single stone. This stunning sculpture showcases Murugan’s beauty in a way that is hard to describe and is unique to this temple—allowing devotees to see all six heads of Murugan as they walk around the inner prakara. Vadamalaiyappa Pillai, the Viceroy of Tirunelveli under the Madurai Nayakas, was a devout follower of Lord Subramanya. He significantly contrib...

Among the renowned landmarks of Chennai, the Kapaleeswara Temple in Mylapore stands out not only for its religious significance but also for its historical and cultural heritage. Even if you haven't visited the temple, as a resident of Chennai, this iconic structure is undoubtedly familiar. On the west banks of the equally famous temple tank (popularly known as Mylapore Tank) lies a sculpture that predates the Kapaleeswara Temple by centuries. This is the ancient Pallava-era sculpture of Jyestha Devi. According to Hindu Puranas, Jyestha Devi is the elder sister of Lakshmi, the deity of wealth worshipped in numerous temples. However, unlike Lakshmi, Jyestha Devi is not found in Vishnu temples and is often absent from even her sister's abodes. Barring a few temples in the Trichy-Tanjore region, typically, she is found outside Shiva temples or in neglected corners within the temple premises. Ancient Tamil poet Tiru Valluvar stated that wealth is essential in this world—a statement...

Located amidst the lush hills of Munnar, the Carmelagiri Elephant Park offers visitors a unique and captivating experience with its majestic elephants. If you're planning a trip to Munnar, this park is a must-visit destination that promises both excitement and tranquility. Carmelagiri Elephant Park is a haven for elephant enthusiasts. Situated in the heart of Munnar, the park provides an immersive experience where visitors can interact with these gentle giants. The park offers a variety of activities designed to give you a closer look at the lives of elephants and their habitat. One of the main attractions at Carmelagiri is the elephant ride. Visitors can enjoy a serene ride through the lush green surroundings, offering an unparalleled vantage point to appreciate Munnar's natural beauty. The rides are conducted under the supervision of trained mahouts, ensuring both safety and an educational experience about these magnificent creatures. Another engaging activity is feeding the ...

This is the second article in my series on the Kanheri Caves. In the first installment, I provided an overview of these caves. From this article onward, I will start discussing the individual caves, beginning with Cave No. 1. The west-facing Cave No. 1 is an unfinished Vihara (for the starters, let us call this a Buddhist monastery). Initially, it was likely intended to be a two-story structure, but construction was abandoned halfway probably due to defects in the rock. As a result, there is no sculpture within the cave. There are only two pillars standing outside supporting the huge beam. The pillars resemble those at the most popular Elephanta Caves with their cushion capitals. The inner hall remains incomplete, with blocks left in place where pillars were intended. Since the pillars are the main feature of this Vihara, let me describe their style: The pillar has a solid, robust base that is slightly wider than the shaft, providing a stable foundation. The base transitions smoothly i...