Indian Columbus

Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, Mallai, or Mahabs, carries different names based on personal preferences and traditions. This heritage-rich town boasts over 30 remarkable monuments, ranging from monumental relief panels and rock-cut shrines to cave temples and structural temples. It served as a creative playground for Pallava sculptors in the 7th and 8th centuries, showcasing many of the finest masterpieces of sculpture.  A trip to Tamil Nadu feels incomplete without experiencing the splendor of Mallai. However, this article moves beyond the artistic grandeur of Mallai’s monuments to highlight a sacred site—the Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple. The temple features numerous intricate bas-relief carvings that often go unnoticed. Sthala Sayana Perumal is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples revered by the Alwars. In this article, I will delve into every aspect of this revered shrine, including its legends, history, layout, architecture, and sculptures. Introduction Mama...

Neervannan, Neermalai and Anima Malar Mangai - beautiful Tamil names! Not only these names, but even the site associated with them is such a picturesque place. It's a lovely hill surrounded by water bodies amidst the congested and highly populated locality. Do I highlight the religious importance of the site? Do I need to talk about the historical glory? Else, should I write about the mesmerizing hymns by Alwars? Where do I start and where do I end? The place, Murtis, surroundings, sculptures, hymns and everything else related to the holy site are incredibly amazing. Yes, this article intends to cover each and everything about the Tiruneermalai Neervanna Perumal Temple . (Note: I have been visiting the temple since my childhood. I have curated a heritage trip to this site. I have written about this temple in my blog many years ago. However, I did not feel accomplished. I felt I should write an extremely long article that covers all aspects entirely. Hence, I spent more than two mo...