Indian Columbus

I have been extensively documenting the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, delving into its remarkable architecture, layout, iconography, deities, inscriptions, festivals, waterbodies, and other notable aspects. In this concluding episode, I will outline key construction milestones and significant additions to the temple over the centuries. Photo Courtesy - Vijay Bhat The temple, believed to have originated in the early Pandya period, has evolved through contributions from various dynasties, patrons, and devotees. Below is a chronological list of notable structures and features, supported by historical records where available: The original temple is believed to have been constructed in the 6th century CE or earlier. Mukkurini Vinayaka near the southern Dwarapala in the Maha Mandapa of the Nellaiyappar shrine dates to the Chola period (11th century CE). Nellai Govindan, as per some records, belongs to the Rajendra Chola period (11th century CE), though this date is deb...

In the realm of divine manifestations, few deities hold a place as cherished and revered as Lord Ayyappan, the beloved deity of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Yet, the rich tapestry of Hindu Puranas reveals a profound secret: Ayyappan is, in essence, the earthly incarnation of Dharma Shasta. Just as Lord Vishnu descends as Rama or Krishna, Dharma Shasta assumes the earthly form of Lord Ayyappan, known as the "Bachelor God." In contemporary times, shrines dedicated to Lord Ayyappan have sprouted across the land, drawing devotees with unwavering faith. However, in the  Tirunelveli region, lies many ancient temples dedicated to the original Dharma Shasta, adorned by his divine consorts. This article unveils the sacred aura of one such temples of Shasta. Once a nondescript and overlooked alley, Chekkadi, or mudukkadi, remained cloaked in obscurity until the 1990s. This narrow lane, nestled between Amman Sannadhi Street and Kallathi Street in Tirunelveli Town, conceals an ancient temp...

When you think of renowned Ganesha temples, places like Mumbai's Siddhi Vinayak temple, Puducherry's Manakkula Vinayaka, or Trichy's Uchchi Pillayar temple might come to mind. When contemplating ancient Ganesha sculptures, Pillayarpatti Ganesha and various cave shrines might be on your list. If you're picturing colossal Ganesha sculptures, Munthi Vinayaka in Coimbatore or the one in Thailand's Ganesh International Park might stand out. However, have you ever pondered which temple dedicated to Ganesha is the largest in terms of size? If you guessed Pillayarpatti, you're mistaken. Technically, it's a Shiva temple where Ganesha has gained immense popularity. The largest Ganesha temple is located in Tirunelveli, and this article will delve into its magnificence. Ganesha is inseparable from the religious landscape. He can be found in Shiva, Shakti, and Subramanya temples, and even in a few Vishnu and Grama Devta shrines. India, and even places beyond its borders,...

Are you familiar with the holy site of Veera Raghavapuram in Tirunelveli? This is where the fascinating story of Raghava as a King who protected the land from enemy invaders took place. The legend goes that Krishna Varma, a King from the Lunar dynasty, was ruling the region by the river Tamraparani. He was a devoted king who spent all his resources on building and renovating temples, but he neglected to create a strong military base for his kingdom. When an army from Karnataka invaded his land, the King was at a loss as to how to defend his territory without a trained army. Seeking refuge, he turned to the bronze icon of Varadaraja (Vishnu) in the Pooja room of his palace. Taking the form of the King, Vishnu fought the battle and saved the land. He also appeared to the King as a brave warrior named Veera Raghava. Grateful for the protection, the King built a temple in honor of Veera Raghava Perumal and placed the bronze image of Varadaraja inside. The temple now has Veera Raghava as th...

When you hear about  Madurai , you would automatically think about Meenakshi. Meenakshi has been a synonym for the historic city for hundreds of years.  Meenakshi Sundareswara Temple  - do we have anyone in this nation (India) who has not heard about this gigantic temple? Else, do we have any visitor who was not carried away by its extraordinary beauty? This temple is one of the largest and famous temples in the entire nation. It is the pride of Tamil Nadu. Due to this temple, the whole city, Madurai, is referred to as the  Temple City of India . I know it is not easy to pen down about the glory of such a magnificent temple. That's why I took about one year to write this article. It was like a penance; I visited the temple multiple times. I always have my camera and mobile phone to capture details and take notes. But, they are not allowed in this temple. I stood in front of every hall and tower for many hours patiently to note down the details on architecture and...