Indian Columbus

Located inside the peaceful campus of Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Vidya Mandir at Rajkilpakkam near Tambaram, the Maha Swami Mandapam stands as a sacred and thoughtfully curated space dedicated to His Holiness Pujyasri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal , the 68th Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, revered widely as the Maha Periyava or Maha Swami . This two-storeyed mandapam is not just a static display, but an experiential tribute to one of the most spiritually towering personalities of 20th-century India. It invites visitors to relive moments from the life of the sage, his simplicity, intellect, devotion, and untiring yatra across the country on foot. Lifelike Wax Statues in Reverent Silence What makes this mandapam unique is the presence of multiple life-sized wax statues of Maha Swami , each capturing him in a different posture, deeply immersed in japa, blessing devotees with a gentle smile, reading scriptures, or simply seated in meditative stillness. The detailing ...

In a quiet corner of Rajkilpakkam, near Tambaram, a graceful tribute to one of India’s greatest cultural icons has taken form. A permanent gallery dedicated to Bharat Ratna Dr. Smt. M. S. Subbulakshmi has been inaugurated at Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Vidya Mandir , honouring her profound contributions to Carnatic music, devotional traditions, and her spiritual connection with the Kanchi Mutt. At the heart of the gallery stands a lifelike wax statue of M.S., captured in a poised moment of divinity and calm, her serene gaze and iconic saree evoking memories of countless soul-stirring renditions. Surrounding her are rare photographs from her life and times , offering a quiet visual biography: M.S. with revered institutions, world dignitaries, spiritual leaders, fellow musicians, and her family. Some of the most touching images depict her reverence to the Acharyas of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, highlighting a bond that transcended music. One of the highlights of the gallery is a display of ...

On 21st September 2025, a unique heritage installation was inaugurated inside the campus of Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Vidya Mandir at Rajkilpakkam. Named Divya Desam , this newly unveiled exhibition hall pays homage not only to the Divya Desams of Vaishnavite tradition but also embraces the six major schools of Hindu worship - Shaivam, Vaishnavam, Shaktam, Ganapatyam, Kaumaram and Sauram. The event was graced by the presence of Pujyasri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and Pujyasri Satya Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. Supported by the Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Trust , this immersive space aims to nurture spiritual awareness and preserve India’s profound religious diversity through visual storytelling and thematic installations. Divya Desam - Rajkilpakkam Exploring the Exhibition The entrance to the exhibition gently transitions visitors from the mundane to the sacred. As you step in, you’re welcomed by an elegantly lit corridor themed “Vaishnava...

In a heartfelt tribute to India’s highest military heroes, the Param Vir Chakra Garden was recently inaugurated at the Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Vidya Mandir campus in Rajkilpakkam , Chennai. This solemn and beautifully landscaped memorial honours the valor and sacrifice of the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees, a rare and elite group of bravehearts who displayed exceptional gallantry in the face of the enemy. Param Vir Chakra Garden 📍 Location The garden is situated within the campus of Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Vidya Mandir , under the aegis of the Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Trust , in Rajkilpakkam, Chennai suburbs. 🎖️ About the Param Vir Chakra The Param Vir Chakra is India's highest military decoration , awarded for “most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy” during wartime. It is the Indian equivalent of the Victoria Cross (UK) and the Medal of Honor (USA) . Designed by Savitri Khanolkar , a Swiss-born Indian, the medal symbolizes the spirit of selfless sacrifice in serv...

At the heart of the Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Vidya Mandir school campus in Rajkilpakkam locality of Chennai stands a solemn and inspiring bust of Baji Rout , a name that deserves to be remembered by every Indian. His statue, sculpted with a youthful yet defiant expression, reminds every passerby that courage knows no age. Born on 5 October 1926 in Nilakanthapur , in the princely state of Dhenkanal (now in Odisha), Baji Rout was the youngest son of Hari Rout and Rania Devi . Orphaned of his father at a young age, Baji was raised in poverty. His mother earned a living by grinding and husking paddy. With two elder brothers barely making ends meet, formal education was never an option for Baji. Yet, what he lacked in resources, he made up for in patriotism. At just 12 years old , Baji joined the Banar Sena (Monkey Brigade) of the Prajamandal movement , a grassroots resistance group fighting against the repressive princely rule allied with British interests. His role was simple yet danger...

Lepakshi, a serene village in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district, holds within its bounds layers of mythology, artistry, and emotion. Known for its famed Veerabhadra Temple and exquisite Vijayanagara architecture, Lepakshi also bears witness to one of the most poignant moments from the Ramayana, through a monumental sculpture of the valiant bird, Jatayu. The Legend Behind the Rock According to the Ramayana, Jatayu, the mighty vulture-king and a devout friend of Rama's father Dasharatha, confronted Ravana as he abducted Sita in his flying chariot. Jatayu fought valiantly to rescue Sita, but was fatally wounded and fell to the ground. It was at this spot,now called Lepakshi , that Rama and Lakshmana later found the dying Jatayu, who recounted the incident before passing away. Moved by his loyalty and sacrifice, Rama granted him moksha (liberation). Interestingly, the name Lepakshi is believed to have originated from Rama’s compassionate words to the fallen bird: “Le Pakshi” ...

Located near the Karnataka–Andhra Pradesh border, the quiet village of Vidurashwatha in Chikkaballapur district is best known today for its serene temple dedicated to Santhana Nagendra Swamy and its annual jatre . But nestled behind the temple is a memorial that tells a story few remember; a tale of sacrifice, resistance, and tragic bloodshed. It is no exaggeration that Vidurashwatha stands as the Jallianwala Bagh of the South , a phrase that echoes the grief and glory of a largely forgotten chapter in India’s freedom movement. The Flag That Stirred a Nation On 25th April 1938 , as India’s fight for independence surged across the subcontinent, Vidurashwatha became the site of a bold act of defiance. Inspired by the Shivapura Satyagraha , a group of leaders from the Indian National Congress and villagers from Hindupur , Gauribidanur , and nearby areas decided to hoist the national flag at Vidurashwatha. The act was simple but significant: they would raise the Swaraj flag despite t...

Vidurashwatha is a quiet village situated near the Karnataka–Andhra Pradesh border, just 5 kilometers from Gauribidanur in Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka. Though small in size, the place holds enormous religious and historical importance. It is home to the Vidurashwatha Temple, a sacred site dedicated to Santhana Nagendra Swamy , and is regarded as a significant Parihara Sthalam for resolving all forms of Naga Dosha . The Legend of Vidura and the Ashwatha Tree As the name suggests, Vidurashwatha is linked to the sage-like courtier Vidura , a key figure in the Mahabharata. After the devastation of the Kurukshetra war, Vidura sought spiritual salvation and approached Sri Krishna for guidance. Krishna advised him to undertake a pilgrimage. Eventually, Vidura reached the hermitage of Maitreya Maharishi , located at this very spot. While performing his Sandhyavandana in the nearby river, Vidura came across a small Ashwatha (banyan) sapling. As per the rishi’s advice, Vidura worship...

Located between the ancient ramparts of Penukonda Fort, Gagan Mahal stands as a unique architectural specimen that blends Indo-Islamic aesthetics with the cultural imprint of the Vijayanagara Empire. This historical palace, believed to have served as a summer residence for Vijayanagara rulers, showcases the imperial elegance of an era that once extended its influence across the Deccan. A Glimpse into the Past Penukonda, once the second capital of the Vijayanagara Empire after Hampi, flourished under the rule of kings such as Achyuta Deva Raya and Sadasiva Raya. The Gagan Mahal, literally translating to "Sky Palace," played an important role in housing royalty and hosting courtly activities. The palace dates back to the Vijayanagara period (1575 CE) and was once flanked by structures such as Rani Mahal, Siva Mukteswara and Basaveswara Temples, all situated within the fortified area. Architectural Details The palace consists of two levels: an upper floor and a ground floor...

Near the Sunrise Viewpoint within the fort precincts of Penukonda stands a striking and monumental form of Shiva . Positioned against a dramatic natural backdrop of rugged hills and cloudy skies, this contemporary representation serves as a visual and spiritual anchor for the region, an area once resonating with the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. The seated form of Shiva , rendered in soothing bluish-grey tones, is seen in a meditative posture, legs crossed in yogasana, arms resting on the knees, fingers gently curved in dhyana mudra. Calm and commanding, the expression reflects stillness, balance, and inward focus. A towering Trishula rises beside the image, reinforcing the iconography associated with the deity. While clearly a recent addition, the structure maintains spiritual continuity with the sacred geography of Penukonda, a town marked by its shrines, stepped tanks and mandapas. From the Sunrise Point, panoramic views of the Penukonda plains unfold, with the layered cl...

Located within the fortified landscape of Penukonda, a historic town that once served as a capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, stands the lesser-known yet striking Yogi Rama Swamy Temple . Often overshadowed by its neighbor, the Kasi Viswanatha Temple, this shrine deserves equal recognition for its architectural grace, sculptural wealth, and devotional ambiance. The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 1500s, during the zenith of Vijayanagara rule. In fact, it is located so close to the Kasi Viswanatha shrine that both can be viewed as twin temples , possibly built as part of the same sacred precinct or royal complex. Yogi Rama Swamy Temple of Penukonda Architectural Highlights The entrance to the Yogi Rama Swamy Temple is simple, marked by a mukhya dwara , a main gateway that intriguingly lacks a gopuram. This has led some to speculate that a gopuram was originally planned but never completed. Despite the absence of a tower, the gateway itself holds artistic surprises...