Indian Columbus

India is a paradise for travellers, offering a diverse array of tourist destinations, including many scenic hill stations. From the snow-capped charm of Manali and Shimla to the lush greenery of Munnar, Ooty, Darjeeling, Nainital, and Gulmarg—the list is extensive. Tamil Nadu, the southern state of India, is primarily known for its temples and spiritual sites. However, it is also home to a few picturesque hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Yercaud. Among these, there is a lesser-known gem tucked away close to Chennai—the hill station of Yelagiri . Yelagiri is one of the few budget-friendly hill stations in India. It’s not commercialized or crowded, making it an ideal weekend escape for those seeking peace and quiet. With limited sightseeing spots, Yelagiri is more about unwinding than checking off tourist attractions. Situated roughly 240 km from Chennai and 160 km from Bangalore, Yelagiri sits conveniently along the Chennai–Bangalore route. The nearest railway station is Jolar...

On the Chennai-Bangalore highway, near the historic temple city of Kanchipuram, lies a charming town called Kaveripakkam. Within its Konda Puram area stands an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as the Pancha Lingeswarar Temple , named after the five Shiv Lingas enshrined here. The Legend According to legend, Goddess Kamakshi installed five Shiv Lingas in this temple, each representing one of the Pancha Bhootas (the five elements): earth, water, fire, air, and sky. This act of devotion was performed before she undertook penance at Kanchipuram. Temple Layout The temple features five shrines , each housing one of the sacred Shiv Lingas. In addition, there are two shrines dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi , offering devotees a serene space to connect with the divine. Other noteworthy shrines include: Ganesha , the remover of obstacles. Shanmukha (Murugan) flanked by his consorts, Valli and Devasena . The temple walls are adorned with niche sculptures, including two depictions of...

The fort city of Vellore in Tamil Nadu is renowned for its massive fort, and within its imposing walls lies the stunning Jalagandeswarar Temple. In my earlier post, I shared the fascinating legend and history of this temple. Now, let’s take a closer look at its awe-inspiring architecture, intricate sculptures, and splendid icons. The Jalagandeswarar Temple features a majestic seven-tiered gopuram (tower) that stands tall alongside the fort’s long, fortress-like walls. Entering through this grand tower, you are greeted by the Kalyana Mandapam (wedding hall), a masterpiece of 16th-century artistry, and a smaller three-tiered gopuram inside. The Kalyana Mandapam is the temple’s crown jewel, with breathtaking sculptures, intricately carved pillars, and ornamental ceilings. At the mandap’s entrance, six massive pillars feature dynamic carvings of soldiers mounted on horses battling cheetahs—each one unique in design. Inside, the mandap houses 24 intricately sculpted pillars , each divid...

For most South Indians, the name "Vellore" brings to mind two iconic landmarks: the Vellore Jail and the Vellore Fort. Among these, the Vellore Fort stands out as one of South India's most remarkable structures. Unlike other regions in India, South India has relatively few forts, making the Vellore Fort, one of the largest in the region, a rare and significant attraction. Conveniently located on the Chennai-Bangalore route, it is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Within the massive walls of the Vellore Fort lies an array of structures, including government buildings, a museum, a church, and a mosque. However, the most prominent and revered structure is the Jalagandeswarar Temple , a stunning example of South Indian temple architecture. Interestingly, the fort owes its existence to this temple, as it was built to safeguard the sacred site. According to legend, the site of the temple was once an island surrounded by a lake, with a snake hole housing a Shiv Linga pro...

Vellore, a small city near Chennai in South India, is best known for its iconic Vellore Fort. Unlike most parts of South India, where forts and palaces are a rarity, the Vellore Fort stands out as one of the largest and most impressive. This sprawling structure is home to a variety of historical and cultural landmarks, including government buildings, a church, a small mosque, and the magnificent Jalagandeswarar Temple. Adding to its charm is a well-maintained Government Museum situated within the fort premises. TThe Government Museum inside Vellore Fort is compact yet rich in heritage. Even before entering the museum building, visitors can explore an array of sculptures from different historical periods displayed outside. These include unique artifacts like hero stones, sati stones, stone pillars, and even gunpowder flasks, each narrating stories from eras ranging from the pre-Christian period to the 18th century AD. Despite its modest size, the museum is thoughtfully organized into ...

Shenbakkam, a picturesque village near Vellore on the Chennai-Bangalore route in South India, is renowned for its unique temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Here, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as Selva Vinayakar, and the temple is home to 11 icons of Ganesha. However, what sets this temple apart is not the number of icons but their distinctiveness. Unlike traditional representations of Ganesha, these icons are formless and shapeless, believed to be Swayambu —naturally formed. None of them has a defined shape, making this temple truly extraordinary. The village was originally known as Shenbagavanam , named after the abundance of Shenbaga trees in the area. Over time, the name evolved into Shenbakkam. According to legend, Adi Shankara, during his visit to the nearby Virinjipuram Margabandeswarar Temple, installed a Sri Chakra at this site, although it is not present in the current temple. Another story tells of a Marathi minister named Thukoji, whose chariot axle broke at this spot, causi...

In South India, temples of grandeur are a common sight, but forts and palaces are rare treasures. Among the few that exist, Vellore Fort stands out as one of the largest and most remarkable. Located in Vellore city, near Chennai—the gateway to South India—this historic fort holds a significant place in the region’s history. Vellore Fort was constructed in 1566 CE by Chinna Bommi Nayak and Thimma Reddy Nayak, who served as chieftains under Sadasiva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire. During the Vijayanagara reign, the fort rose to prominence, and Vellore even became the empire’s capital for a time. The fort played a pivotal role as a military base in several battles. Over the centuries, it changed hands multiple times—captured first by the Bijapur Sultan in 1656 CE, followed by the Marathas, the Mughals, and eventually the British. It was also briefly under Hyder Ali’s control. Notably, Vellore Fort was the site of the first significant rebellion against British rule in 1806 CE. Indian...

Virinchipuram, a quaint village nestled near Chennai in South India, is home to the captivating Margabandeswarar temple, a true architectural gem. This serene sanctuary can be reached via the Chennai-Bangalore Highway, a mere 10 kilometers from Vellore city. The temple boasts a renowned attraction known as Simha Tank or Simha Teerth, graced by a lion-faced sculpture at its entrance. This tank holds immense popularity, particularly during the last Saturdays of Karthigai in the Tamil calendar. Thousands of devoted women come here to bathe and spend the night in the temple mandaps clad in wet clothes, believing that if the deity appears in their dreams, their wishes will be granted. The temple's eastern tower stands as a magnificent testament to its architectural grandeur, complemented by towers facing various directions. The true highlight of this spiritual haven lies in its two Kalyana Mandapas (halls) flanking the outer corridor. These mandaps are adorned with exquisitely craf...

Ratnagiri, a quaint village near Vellore on the route connecting Chennai and Bangalore in South India, has garnered fame due to its hilltop Murugan temple. Having explored the vicinity of Chennai extensively, I can confidently say that this temple's pristine cleanliness sets it apart. Given that the 14th-century saint Arunagiri praised the Ratnagiri Bala Murugan temple in his verses, it's safe to assume the temple's age to be around 600 years. However, its condition was far from satisfactory. In 1968, a devout individual who visited the temple was so moved by its dilapidated state that he renounced worldly life to become a saint. He dedicated himself to the upliftment of the temple. Thanks to his selfless efforts and unwavering devotion, the temple underwent reconstruction and stands today as a magnificent structure. The saint who sacrificed his life for this noble cause was Bala Murugan Adimai. Perched atop a small hill, Ratnagiri Bala Murugan temple used to be accessib...

Golden temple:  The term 'Golden Temple' in India referred to only the Sikh Golden Temple at Amritsar in Punjab. However, in the past 4-5 years, another temple in South India has also been referred to as the golden temple. The golden temple of Sri Narayani at Sripuram near Vellore town, located at a distance of around 150 km from  Chennai , has become a very popular Hindu temple in recent years. It is a private temple built by a trust run by a person who claims himself as 'Narayani' or 'Shakti Amma'. Thousands of devotees consider him their God or Guru. The presiding deity of the temple is Maha Lakshmi. The sanctum has the beautiful golden image of Lakshi or Narayani in the sitting posture. The icon is stunning, always decorated, and looks bright and attractive. The entire sanctum, the pillars surrounding the shrine, the roof, and the tower are all made of gold plates. It is estimated to be 1500 kgs of gold.  The entire temple structure is spread across 20 ac...