Indian Columbus

About 13 kilometers from Tirunelveli lies the heritage-rich village of Krishnapuram , renowned for its grand Venkatachalapati Temple . Local tradition believes that this 16th-century temple serves as an alternative for those unable to visit Tirupati. However, Krishnapuram offers more than spiritual solace—it is a living museum of Nayaka-period art. While many temple articles begin with the presiding deity or sthala purana, the true calling card of Krishnapuram is its life-sized sculptures , carved with unmatched finesse. With photography prohibited inside the temple, witnessing these works in person becomes an unforgettable experience. This is the eighth article in my ongoing series on the temple. The first six focused on the six sculpted pillars of the Veerappa Nayakka Mandapa . In the seventh article, I introduced the two northern-facing pillars at the eastern end of the Mukha Mandapa . This episode begins with the third pillar from the east , which also faces north. Third Pilla...

Tucked within the serene expanse of Bharati Park , surrounded by well-manicured lawns, blooming flowers, and tall swaying palms, stands a striking ivory-white monument — Aayi Mandapam . Located just a few minutes’ walk from the Promenade in what is now known as White Town , this elegant structure might easily be mistaken for a colonial arched gateway at first glance. But beyond its European-style architecture lies a powerful story of sacrifice, resilience, and unexpected legacy. Who Was Aayi? Aayi was not royalty, nor a noblewoman. She was a courtesan from the 16th century. The legend goes that during one of his visits to the region, the Vijayanagara King Krishnadeva Raya mistook her well-lit and ornate home for a temple and stopped to offer prayers. Upon realizing his error, he felt deeply humiliated. Enraged, he ordered that the house be demolished. Faced with shame and heartbreak, Aayi pleaded for a chance to make amends. She offered to tear down her own home and requested permi...

In the heart of Puducherry, just opposite Bharati Park, stands a statue that often catches the eye of visitors. It is the life-size figure of Édouard Goubert , a man whose contributions to the city’s history were both complex and significant. The avenue leading to the beach also bears his name — Goubert Avenue — a tribute to a leader who played a crucial role during a turning point in Puducherry’s political journey. Early Life and Education Édouard Goubert was born in Pondicherry on 29 July 1894 to a French father and a Franco-Indian mother. He grew up in a world where French culture and Tamil heritage coexisted, a blend that would later shape his political vision. Goubert pursued his early education in French Indochina and went on to study law in France , equipping himself with both European academic credentials and a deep understanding of colonial governance. Political Career and Ideological Shift In the early days of his political life, Goubert was a staunch supporter of Fren...

Puducherry, with its rich blend of Tamil roots and French flair, has long stood out as a cultural mosaic. A visit to the Puducherry Museum , located near Bharathi Park and the Governor’s residence, offers a deep and fascinating look at this unique heritage. Established in 1983, the museum serves as a gateway to understanding the city’s layered past — from ancient geological formations to the colonial grandeur of French India. French India Gallery – A Glimpse into Colonial Elegance As you enter the museum, you’re greeted by the French India Gallery , which is arranged in segments that recreate the refined interiors of colonial office rooms, complete with vintage furniture and décor. In the central section is a replica of a chair once used by Governor Dupleix, a name deeply intertwined with the city’s colonial history. Among the striking displays is a hand-operated Gutenberg-style printing press , once used in the Imprimerie du Gouvernement . Next to it are journals and books printed ...

About 13 kilometers from Tirunelveli lies the historically rich village of Krishnapuram , home to an exquisite temple dedicated to Venkatachalapati . Tradition holds that those unable to undertake the pilgrimage to the famed Tirupati temple can offer their prayers here instead, at this 16th-century shrine. While most temple narratives begin with the presiding deity, the architectural layout, and associated legends, Krishnapuram calls for a different approach. The true marvel of this site lies in its magnificent, life-sized sculptures from the Nayaka period —masterpieces so vivid and refined that one could return time and again, each visit revealing new layers of artistic brilliance. With photography strictly prohibited inside, viewing these works in person becomes all the more special. Since my focus is on these awe-inspiring sculptures, I’m deliberately departing from the usual order and beginning this article with them—before exploring the rest of the temple's elements. Just b...

Located on the bustling South Boulevard of Puducherry, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus stands as a striking example of Gothic architecture with an oriental touch. This century-old church is not just a place of worship but also a remarkable symbol of history, art, and devotion. Step inside, and you're greeted by vibrant stained glass panels , depicting scenes from the life of Christ and various saints of the Catholic Church. The basilica’s architectural grandeur, spiritual significance, and intricate craftsmanship make it one of Puducherry’s most visited landmarks. For the benefit of beginners:  Gothic architecture originated in Europe during the High and Late Middle Ages (12th to 16th centuries) and is especially associated with churches and cathedrals. Its key features include:  Pointed arches (instead of rounded Romanesque ones), Tall spires and towers,  Large stained glass windows , often with Biblical scenes and Intricate carvings and sculptures...

About 13 kilometers from Tirunelveli lies the historically significant village of Krishnapuram , home to a splendid temple dedicated to Venkatachalapati . Tradition holds that those unable to make the pilgrimage to the famed Tirupati temple may offer their prayers here instead, at this 16th-century shrine. While most temple narratives begin with the presiding deity, the architectural layout, and associated legends, Krishnapuram demands a different approach. The true marvel here lies in its breathtaking, life-sized sculptures from the Nayaka period —works of art so refined and vivid in execution that one could return for days or even weeks, each time uncovering new layers of detail and beauty. With photography prohibited inside, experiencing these masterpieces in person becomes even more precious. As my primary focus is on these extraordinary sculptures, I’m deviating from convention by beginning with them—before exploring other aspects of the temple. Just past the entrance gopuram,...

About 13 km from Tirunelveli lies Krishnapuram , a historically significant village home to a magnificent temple dedicated to Venkatachalapati . According to tradition, those unable to visit the famous Tirupati temple can offer their prayers here at this 16th-century shrine. Typically, descriptions of temples begin with details of the deity, architecture, history, and legends before delving into the sculptures. However, the true highlight of this temple is its breathtaking, life-sized sculptures from the Nayaka period. Their craftsmanship is extraordinary—so detailed and lifelike that one could spend an entire month revisiting the temple just to admire them. With photography prohibited, experiencing them in person becomes even more special. Since my primary focus is on these sculptures, I will break from convention and begin with them before covering other aspects of the temple. Upon entering through the gopuram, to the right (on the northern side), stands the imposing Veerappa Naya...

 About 13 km from Tirunelveli lies Krishnapuram, a historically significant village home to a magnificent temple dedicated to Venkatachalapati. Tradition holds that those unable to visit the famous Tirupati temple can offer their prayers here at this 16th-century shrine. Typically, temple descriptions begin with details of the deity, architecture, history, and legends before touching upon sculptures. However, the true highlight of this temple is its breathtaking, life-sized sculptures from the Nayaka period. Their craftsmanship is extraordinary—so detailed and lifelike that one could spend an entire month revisiting the temple just to admire them. With photography prohibited, experiencing them in person becomes even more special. Since my primary focus is on these sculptures, I will break from convention and begin with them before covering other aspects of the temple. Upon entering through the gopuram, to the right (on the northern side), stands the imposing Veerappa Nayakka Man...