Indian Columbus

About 13 kilometers from Tirunelveli lies the historically resonant village of  Krishnapuram , home to the awe-inspiring  Venkatachalapati Temple . For those unable to journey to Tirupati, this 16th-century shrine offers a sacred alternative. But beyond spiritual fulfilment, Krishnapuram offers a breathtaking artistic experience—a sculptural gallery carved in stone, unmatched in narrative and finesse. Unlike typical temple narratives that begin with the presiding deity or architectural layout, Krishnapuram demands a different approach. Here, it is the sculptural brilliance of the  Nayaka period  that commands attention. With photography strictly prohibited inside, every visit becomes a fresh discovery. This is the  11th article  in my series. The first six episodes detailed the remarkable pillars of the  Veerappa Nayakka Mandapa , while the seventh through ninth episodes explored the  north-facing row of the Mukha Mandapa . In the previous episode...