Indian Columbus

Pala Venkatramana Swamy Gopuram and the Silent Tank of Penukonda Remnants of a Temple Town’s Golden Past Penukonda, once the second capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire, is a layered palimpsest of history, faith, and forgotten glory. Amidst its crumbling ramparts and scattered shrines, two starkly contrasting yet equally evocative structures stand out,  a towering 4-tiered gopuram , the last surviving witness of the Pala Venkatramana Swamy Temple , and the massive granite water tank  that served the town's sacred and secular needs. The Tower Without a Temple The gopuram, built in the characteristic Vijayanagara style , rises elegantly with its four diminishing tiers, each defined by ornate pilasters, miniature shrines, and decorative moldings. Though the temple it once crowned no longer survives, the gopuram remains stoic its weathered stucco work and granitic base telling tales of devotional fervor and royal, patronage. This imposing gateway structure likely dates ba...

Vadakkupattu Lake, also known as Medavakkam Periya Eri, spans approximately 200 acres, with a bund stretching around 1.7 km. Once much larger, the lake has shrunk over time due to encroachments. Since Medavakkam has another smaller lake, this one is referred to as Periya Eri , meaning "Big Lake." Despite urban pressures, recent initiatives have focused on cleaning the lake and improving its surroundings. Encouragingly, efforts are underway to restore the lake, with plans to enhance the bund area by developing parks and green spaces. These measures aim to preserve the waterbody while providing a better environment for local residents. With continued conservation efforts, there is hope that Vadakkupattu Lake will regain its former prominence as a vital ecological and recreational space. Happy travelling. Note:  As per a report, there were about 650+ waterbodies in the Chennai region till the 1980s. Today, only a fraction of them exist. Most of those surviving waterbodies hardly...

I have been extensively documenting the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, focusing on its intricate architecture, layout, iconography, deities, inscriptions, festivals and other notable aspects. In this episode, I will provide list of holy waterbodies. Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar temple has 32 teerthams (holy waterbodies). Only 13 of them are located within the temple premises. Few of them are river ghats and ponds; the rest are holy wells. 1)  Sindhu Poondurai Teertham : Located about 3 kms from the temple; it's a bath ghat of Tampraparani; it's part of current Junction locality. Read my article  here . 2)  Pottramarai Teertham : Found in the northeast corner within the Kantimati Ammai Temple complex. Shiva is manifested as holy water here. Read my article about this waterbody  here . 3)  Kari Uru Mariya Teertham : Situated in the western prakara (circumambulatory corridor) of Kantimati shrine. Click  here  to know more about the ...

Kundala Dam, also known as Setuparvatipuram Dam, is a prominent masonry gravity dam situated on the Muthirapuzha River. Located about 20 km from Munnar, this dam is part of the Pallivasal Hydroelectric Project, Kerala's first hydroelectric venture. Notably, Kundala Dam is considered Asia's first arch dam, standing at a height of 154 feetand extending 851.0 feet in length. A major tourist attraction near Munnar, Kundala Dam is en route to Top Station. The dam and the surrounding Western Ghats mountain range offer a picturesque setting, enhanced by the Cherry Blossom trees that bloom twice a year. Visitors might also witness the rare and vibrant purple Neela Kurunji flowers, which blossom once every 12 years, covering the hills in a stunning display. Adjacent to the dam is Kundala Lake, which provides an unforgettable experience for tourists. Visitors can explore the lake on pedal boats, rowboats, or even rent Kashmiri shikara boats to enjoy the serene views and tranquil waters. ...

Anyone familiar with Chennai will likely think of the Kapaleeswara Temple when the city is mentioned. Equally iconic is the Mylapore tank, the temple's adjoining reservoir. Unfortunately, the tank complex is usually locked, preventing visitors from strolling around its perimeter. In a previous article, I discussed a 1000-year-old Jyestha icon located on the tank's banks. Today, I bring attention to another lesser-known heritage structure within this complex. Situated at the northwest corner of the temple tank is a small, historical pavilion. This edifice was constructed to commemorate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. It features a flat roof and is built on a triangular base, topped with an urn. The pavilion is supported by three cusped arches resting on round pillars with lotus capitals. Originally, the center of this pavilion contained a water font, which has since dried up. Inscribed in Tamil on one side of the roof is "Pe Subramania Iyer Dharmam," while the op...

Located in the lush hills of Munnar, Mattupetty Dam is a marvel of engineering and a serene tourist destination. This concrete gravity dam, built in 1953, was initially constructed to generate hydroelectric power. It now serves as a beloved spot for both locals and tourists, providing water for irrigation and supporting local wildlife. The dam holds back the pristine waters of Mattupetty Lake, a picturesque reservoir that remains full year-round. The lake and surrounding areas offer breathtaking views and a tranquil environment, making it an ideal spot for picnics and nature walks. The dam itself stretches 237.75 meters and stands 85.34 meters high, showcasing impressive architectural prowess. Visitors can engage in various water-based activities at Mattupetty Lake. Boating is a popular pastime, with options ranging from ordinary boat rides to thrilling speedboat adventures. For those preferring a leisurely experience, big boat rides accommodating up to 20 people are available. Additio...

Among the renowned landmarks of Chennai, the Kapaleeswara Temple in Mylapore stands out not only for its religious significance but also for its historical and cultural heritage. Even if you haven't visited the temple, as a resident of Chennai, this iconic structure is undoubtedly familiar. On the west banks of the equally famous temple tank (popularly known as Mylapore Tank) lies a sculpture that predates the Kapaleeswara Temple by centuries. This is the ancient Pallava-era sculpture of Jyestha Devi. According to Hindu Puranas, Jyestha Devi is the elder sister of Lakshmi, the deity of wealth worshipped in numerous temples. However, unlike Lakshmi, Jyestha Devi is not found in Vishnu temples and is often absent from even her sister's abodes. Barring a few temples in the Trichy-Tanjore region, typically, she is found outside Shiva temples or in neglected corners within the temple premises. Ancient Tamil poet Tiru Valluvar stated that wealth is essential in this world—a statement...

Nestled within the heart of Chennai lies a serene oasis awaiting discovery - Chetpet Lake. Spanning 9 acres of picturesque tranquility, this pristine body of water is the crown jewel of Chetpet Eco Park. Chetpet Lake offers visitors a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling cityscape. Chetpet Lake's rich history dates back to the early 20th century when visionaries like Sir Frederick Nicholson and Sir Alfred Chatterton laid the groundwork for its development. Initially envisioned as part of an industrialization plan for the Madras Presidency, the lake eventually came under the stewardship of the Fisheries Department in the 1930s. Over the years, efforts towards eco-restoration have transformed Chetpet Lake into a thriving ecosystem, with Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's announcement of a ₹42 crore project in April 2013 marking a significant milestone in its conservation journey. As visitors approach the shores of Chetpet Lake, they are greeted by a sense of calmness and serenity. The...

Chetpet Eco Park offers an array of delights for all who visit its serene grounds. Spanning 16 acres, with a picturesque 9-acre lake, this oasis is under the care of the Department of Fisheries, formally inaugurated in February 2016. Delving into its history, we find that the roots of this park trace back to the early 1900s, when Sir Frederick Nicholson and Sir Alfred Chatterton envisioned industrialization for the Madras Presidency. Nicholson championed fisheries, leading to the eventual stewardship of Chetpet lake by the Fisheries Department in the 1930s. The journey towards the park's eco-restoration began in the early 2000s, gaining momentum after Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's announcement in April 2013, earmarking ₹42 crore for the project. Today, the lake, with a current depth of 13 feet, owes its replenishment to a tertiary sewage treatment plant, releasing 20,000 litres of treated water daily. As visitors meander along the pathways, they are greeted by a verdant landsca...

Experience the New Kolkata - a vibrant city pulsating with energy and life, embodied in the remarkable Eco Park. Nestled across 480 acres of land and the adjoining waterbody in New Town, this park emerged as a beacon of eco-consciousness on 29th December 2012, marking a new era of recreation and adventure in the Eastern region of India. Eco Park welcomes morning walkers, offering a refreshing start to the day amidst its lush greenery and tranquil ambience. Here, visitors discover a world of unique experiences, starting with the one-of-a-kind duo-cycles where both riders pedal together, creating moments of joy and laughter. For those seeking an eco-friendly adventure, cycling through the park's pathways with friends or family is an unparalleled experience. Inhale the crisp, fresh air as you pedal past picturesque landscapes, immersing yourself in the serene surroundings. Hop aboard the mini blue toy train that traverses the park's pathways, offering enchanting views of the lake ...

The 0.75-acre waterbody in Jeyachandran Nagar is not officially designated as a lake, yet locals refer to it as Jeyachandran Lake. This area, once an unknown extension of the Pallikkaranai village, has now transformed into a posh residential locality. Recently renovated, a park now surrounds the waterbody, making it a favored walking spot for residents. Happy travelling. Note:  As per a report, there were about 650+ waterbodies in the Chennai region till the 1980s. Today, only a fraction of them exist. Most of those surviving waterbodies hardly have water, and even some of them that have water had been poorly shrunk. In Chennai, there are tank roads without tanks nearby and lake-view roads without any lake in the vicinity. There is a high possibility that even the few water bodies we have today might vanish soon. I thought of visiting the currently surviving waterbodies of Chennai and its suburbs and write about them in my blog as a series.

Teppakulam, the sacred tank associated with the Nellaiyappar temple, is situated approximately 400 meters from the temple's main entrance. This tank has remained a revered landmark for countless centuries, to the extent that the surrounding locality has adopted the name "Teppakulam." A street originally designated as Teppakulam Street (now known as Satyamurti Street) terminates at this tank. One of the most celebrated events at this location is the Teppam Poosam festival, a grand and festive occasion. On the eastern bank of this tank, there stands a temple dedicated to Meenakshi Sundareswarar. Nearby, you will find Thayammai Girls School, which, despite its modest size, holds historical significance. Established in 1909, it was one of the few schools that provided education to the women of Tirunelveli town during its early days. While Valampuri Vinayaka is a well-known deity, there is also a Goddess known as Valampuri Amman. Her temple, though small in scale, can be found...

The Prasanna Venkatesa Narasimha Perumal temple in Saidapet boasts a large, well-maintained holy pond.  According to legends, the temple was originally dedicated to Rama, and the place was known as Raghunathapuram. The stone image and the metal icon of the presiding deity were discovered later and added to the original Rama temple. The holy pond adjacent to it is still referred to as Raghu Teertha. Happy travelling! Note:  As per a report, there were about 650+ waterbodies in the Chennai region till the 1980s. Today, only a fraction of them exist. Most of those surviving waterbodies hardly have water, and even some of them that have water had been poorly shrunk. In Chennai, there are tank roads without tanks nearby and lake-view roads without any lake in the vicinity. There is a high possibility that even the few water bodies we have today might vanish soon. I thought of visiting the currently surviving waterbodies of Chennai and its suburbs and write about them in my blog as ...

The Karaneeswara temple in Saidapet boasts a large, well-maintained holy pond. Legend has it that the sage Vasishtha was given the divine cow Kamadhenu by Indra for religious rituals. However, when the cow caused trouble, the sage cursed it, and it turned wild. To absolve Kamadhenu's sin, Indra created a new pasture of land, established a Shiva Linga, and built a holy tank. Indra would perform daily poojas by dipping into the tank, and Shiva appeared to him, forgiving Kamadhenu's transgressions. The name "Karaneeswara" comes from the Tamil word "Kaar," meaning cloud, and the fact that Indra, the Lord of clouds and sky, installed the Shiva Linga. The tank is called Gopati Saras, with "Go" referring to Kamadhenu. Happy travelling! Note:  As per a report, there were about 650+ waterbodies in the Chennai region till the 1980s. Today, only a fraction of them exist. Most of those surviving waterbodies hardly have water, and even some of them that have wa...

Nestled between the evergreen forests, the mesmerizing freshwater lake Pookode Lake near Kalpetta is an important tourist spot in Wayanad. Surrounded by the Western Ghats, this spectacular waterbody allures every traveler of Wayanad. It is a perfect picnic spot with varieties of attractions. Bird watching, aquarium, children's park, boating, and merely walking around the lake and enjoying the mountain views have endless opportunities to enthrall the visitors.  Happy travelling.

Well-laid vast garden - adventure sports like trampolining and gyroscopes - South India's longest two-way 600+ meter zip line connecting the park with the nearby hill - one of the biggest earth dams in entire India - picturesque Karapuzha river - breathtaking views of hills around - what more we need - it's heaven located in the God's own country. Its name is Karapuzha Dam - a perfect holiday destination for spending time with family and friends.  An additional bit of interesting info...The dam's construction started in 1977 and was completed after two and half decades in 2004.  Happy travelling. Visit my site,  krishnakumartk.com , to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written.