Indian Columbus

Melpadi  is a historically significant town. It is around 130 km from Chennai and around 22 km from Arcot in the Tamil Nadu state of India. This article focuses on the Chola period temples of the town as well as its historical connection. During the Chola period, the town was called Rajasrayapuram (named after the surname of Raja Raja Chola I). In 959 CE, the  Rashtrakuta King Krishna III  encamped in this town (per the Karhad plates). This town acted as a garrison to guard the Chola lands from the attack of the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas. There are two Chola period temples in this town, Somanatheswara temple and Choleswara temple. Somanatheswara temple is more prominent in size and has many interesting architectural features. Cholesvara temple is a Pallipadai temple. Somanatheswara Temple Somanatheswara  temple is the main attraction of Melpadi. It is a vast temple complex. As per the inscription found in this temple which belongs to the period of  ...

Manimangalam, a quaint locality nestled near Tambaram in the Tamil Nadu state of India, is a historical gem. It witnessed the grand battle between Chalukya King Pulikesi and Pallava King Narasimha Pallava in the 7th century CE. This locality also boasts a collection of ancient temples, including the exquisite Raja Gopala Swami Temple, which we shall explore in this article. Highlights: God  -  Raja Gopala Swami   Goddess  - Chenkamala Valli 1000 years old Chola period temple Inscriptions of 11th century and 12th century CE are found in the temple Five niche (Koshta) images  on the exterior walls of sanctum similar to typical Shiva temple, which is unique for a Vishnu temple Ganesha and Durga as Koshta icons in a Vishnu temple The presiding deity holds conch instead of discus on his upper right arm More than 7 feet tall gigantic image of Raja Gopala Swami  If you reside in the vicinity of Chennai and have not yet had the privileg...

Site Name:  Patan Site Type:  Historical, Monuments Location:    Gujarat state, India Highlights:   The popular Rani Ni Nav is located here Nearest Railway Station:   Patan Nearest Airport:  Ahmedabad, at a distance of 110 kms How to reach:  Well connected by road from  Ahmedabad Hotel:  Very limited options Restaurants:  Very limited options Patan  is a historical place located at a distance of about 110 kms from Ahmedabad in Gujarat state of India. Let me briefly talk about Patan in this article. As I visited the place many years ago, I do not have digital photographs of the site. Also, I am unable to provide detailed description of the city. Hence, this article from mine will be unusually brief. History: Patan is a historical town. It was founded by Vanraj Chavda, the most prominent King of the Chavda dynasty in 745 CE. He named the city as Anhilwad Patan after his Prime Minister Anhil.  ...

Site Name:  Brahmadesham Temple Site Type:  Hindu temple Location:  Brahmadesam village, near Ambasamudram, near Tirunelveli city, Tamil Nadu state, India Highlights:  A 1000 years old massive temple with many sculptural and architectural marvels  Nearest Railway Station:  Ambasamudram Nearest Airport:  Tirunelveli How to reach:  Well connected by road from Ambasamudram; public transportation is unreliable. Hotel:  Few options in Ambasamduram and no option in this village; more options in the nearby city Tirunelveli Restaurants:  Only a few options in the nearby Ambasamudram town Ambasamudram  is a picturesque town located on the banks of the beautiful Tamraparni river and on the foothills of the Western Ghats. The town is known for scenic spots and temples.  Brahmadesham  is a small village located around 4 km from Ambasamudram. The village has a majestic temple with numerous sculptures and a stunning tower. Let us...