Indian Columbus

 About 13 km from Tirunelveli lies Krishnapuram, a historically significant village home to a magnificent temple dedicated to Venkatachalapati. Tradition holds that those unable to visit the famous Tirupati temple can offer their prayers here at this 16th-century shrine. Typically, temple descriptions begin with details of the deity, architecture, history, and legends before touching upon sculptures. However, the true highlight of this temple is its breathtaking, life-sized sculptures from the Nayaka period. Their craftsmanship is extraordinary—so detailed and lifelike that one could spend an entire month revisiting the temple just to admire them. With photography prohibited, experiencing them in person becomes even more special. Since my primary focus is on these sculptures, I will break from convention and begin with them before covering other aspects of the temple. Upon entering through the gopuram, to the right (on the northern side), stands the imposing Veerappa Nayakka Man...

Bala Ganapati with eight arms, the blue-colored Bhakti Ganapati, the sixteen-armed Veera Ganapati, Shakti Ganapati with his consort seated on his left lap, the three-headed Dvija Ganapati,  Uchchistha  Ganapati holding a lotus, the five-headed Heramba Ganapati seated on a lion—these are among the 32 different forms of Ganapati represented in this temple. Additionally, the temple features depictions of Ganeshas from various shrines across India and even from around the world, representations of the months, nakshatras (stars), and rasis (zodiac signs), as well as various stories related to Ganesha, including his wedding with Siddhi and Buddhi, his birth, and his battles against the Asuras. The temple walls are adorned with vibrant frescoes and stucco carvings, making it the most famous temple in Puducherry —the Manakula Vinayakar Temple . The east-facing temple, with its grand Raja Gopuram at the entrance, enshrines Ganapati in a seated posture with four arms. In his upper hand...

About 13 km from Tirunelveli lies Krishnapuram, a historically significant village home to a magnificent temple dedicated to Venkatachalapati. Traditionally, it is believed that those unable to visit the famous Tirupati temple can offer their prayers here at this 16th-century shrine. While most temple accounts begin with the deity, architecture, history, and legends before discussing sculptures, the true highlight of this temple is its breathtaking, life-sized sculptures from the Nayaka period. These sculptures are so remarkably detailed and lifelike that one could spend an entire month revisiting the temple just to admire them. Their craftsmanship is beyond words, and with photography not permitted, experiencing them in person becomes even more special. Since my primary focus is on these sculptures, I will depart from convention and begin with them before covering other aspects of the temple. Upon entering through the gopuram, to the right (on the northern side), stands the imposin...

Look up, and you'll see the temple’s ceilings bursting with colors and stories! These modern-era paintings aren’t just beautiful—they’re a visual encyclopedia. Curious about the Puranas? You’ll find them illustrated right above you. Want to understand the 108 karanas of Nataraja’s dance? They're all here. Interested in the lives of the 63 Nayanmars? Or eager to explore the 64 forms of Shiva? Maybe you’d like to take a visual journey through the six abodes of Subramanya or discover the many forms of Ganesha? Everywhere you turn, the temple’s ceilings and upper walls bring these themes to life—hundreds of breathtaking paintings and vibrant stucco images ensuring you don’t just visit this temple, but experience it. When you think of Puducherry, images of a quaint French town, colonial-era architecture, the serene Aurobindo Ashram, the scenic beach road, and stunning sunrises over the sea likely come to mind. However, beyond its colonial charm, Puducherry has a deep-rooted spiritu...

About 13 km from Tirunelveli lies Krishnapuram , a historically significant village home to a magnificent temple dedicated to Venkatachalapati . Traditionally, it is believed that those unable to visit the famous Tirupati temple can instead offer their prayers here at this 16th-century shrine. While it is customary to first discuss the temple’s deity, architecture, history, and legends before delving into its sculptures, the true highlight of this grand structure is its breathtaking, life-sized sculptures from the Nayaka period. These sculptures are so astonishingly lifelike and intricate that one could spend an entire month revisiting the temple just to admire their beauty. Words cannot do justice to their craftsmanship. Since photography is not permitted, experiencing them in person becomes even more special. As my primary focus is to provide a detailed account of these sculptures, I will depart from tradition and begin with them before covering other aspects of the temple. Upon e...

The Government Botanical Garden in Munnar is a haven for nature lovers, featuring a diverse collection of exotic and native plants. Situated amidst the stunning landscapes of the Western Ghats, the garden showcases well-manicured flower beds, rare plant species, and medicinal herbs. It serves as an excellent spot for educational visits, offering insights into the rich biodiversity of the region. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along its serene pathways, surrounded by vibrant blooms and lush greenery. The garden also plays a vital role in conservation, preserving endemic species unique to Munnar’s ecosystem. It is an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts, botany students, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. Whether you are a casual visitor or a plant enthusiast, the Botanical Garden of Munnar offers a refreshing experience, blending scenic beauty with environmental awareness. Happy travelling.

Anaiyirangal, located 22 km from Munnar, is a picturesque destination surrounded by lush tea plantations and dense forests. The highlight is the Anaiyirangal Dam, a significant earthen dam built in the 1960s. The area is known for its scenic boat rides and frequent elephant sightings, as the name suggests—"Anai" (elephant) and "Irankal" (coming down). Visitors can explore tea estates, rocky landscapes, and nearby attractions like Power House Waterfalls. The serene environment makes it a perfect retreat for nature lovers. Happy travelling.

Periyakanal Waterfalls, situated about 10 kilometers from Munnar on the Munnar-Thekkady route, is a scenic natural attraction. The waterfall tumbles down a rocky cliff, surrounded by sprawling Tata tea plantations, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting. The best time to visit is between September and March, when the post-monsoon rains enhance the water flow, and the landscape is at its greenest. With its serene ambiance and breathtaking surroundings, the falls provide a perfect escape from daily life. Whether you enjoy photography, nature walks, or simply relaxing in a peaceful environment, this spot promises a memorable experience. Happy travelling.

When you hear the name Puducherry , images of a charming French town, colonial-era buildings, the serene Aurobindo Ashram, the pristine beach road, and breathtaking sunrises over the sea likely come to mind. However, Puducherry has a deep-rooted religious side as well. One of its significant yet lesser-known landmarks is the Varadaraja Perumal Temple , a massive shrine spread across one acre in the old town. This article delves into the history, architecture, and unique features of this temple. While many temples in South India are known for their grand architecture or intricate sculptures, the Varadaraja Temple stands out for its wall paintings . These artworks, numbering in the hundreds, are from the 20th and 21st centuries and add a vibrant, contemporary touch to the temple’s ambiance. Their sheer volume and aesthetic appeal make them a key highlight of the site. Determining the exact age of the temple is challenging due to the absence of inscriptions. Architecturally, the temple f...

Located about 13 km from Tirunelveli, Krishnapuram is a small yet historically significant village. It is home to a grand temple dedicated to Venkatachalapati. Traditionally, it is believed that those unable to visit the famous Tirupati temple can instead worship here at this 16th-century shrine. While it is customary to discuss the temple's presiding deity, architecture, layout, history, and legends before delving into specific sculptures, the true highlight of this colossal temple is its breathtaking, life-sized sculptures from the Nayaka period. These sculptures are so remarkably realistic and intricate that one could spend an entire month revisiting the temple just to admire their beauty. Words cannot do justice to their craftsmanship. Unfortunately, photography is not permitted, which makes experiencing them in person even more special. Since my primary objective is to provide a detailed account of these sculptures, I will depart from tradition by focusing on them first, bef...

Shri M.A. Muthiah Chettiar (1905–1984) holds a distinguished place in Chennai’s history as the first elected Mayor of Madras, a role that cemented his legacy in the city’s civic administration. Born into the renowned Nattukottai Nagarathar community, he expanded his family’s business empire, particularly in banking. His leadership extended beyond commerce, as he took on key public roles, serving as Mayor in 1933 and 1934, where he played a crucial part in shaping municipal governance. He later became the Minister of Excise and Education in the Madras Presidency (1936–37) and served as President of the South Indian Chamber of Commerce in 1941. A passionate supporter of education, he continued his family's philanthropic legacy by contributing to institutions like Annamalai University. Muthiah Chettiar held the hereditary title of Kumar-rajah from 1929 to 1948 and later became the Rajah of Chettinad, a title he held until his passing in 1984. His father, Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar, ...

Central Park, the green heart of New York City, is home to numerous sculptures, each with its own story. Among them stands a grand tribute to one of the greatest playwrights of all time—William Shakespeare. This bronze statue, mounted on a granite pedestal, was dedicated on April 23, 1864, marking the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth. In 1864, a group of actors and theatre managers, including the renowned Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth, sought permission from Central Park’s Board of Commissioners to erect a statue in honor of the Bard. The chosen location was at the south end of the Mall, between two elms. However, due to the ongoing Civil War, the project was delayed. It was only in 1866 that a competition was held, and the sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward was selected to create the statue. (For the benefit of beginners -  The Mall in Central Park refers to a wide, straight pathway lined with large American elm trees. It is one of the park’s main promenades, designed for...