Indian Columbus

Manimangalam, a quaint locality nestled near Tambaram, a suburb of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India, holds within its bounds a rich tapestry of history. In the 7th century CE, this serene hamlet witnessed the legendary clash between the Chalukya King Pulikesin and the Pallava King Narasimha Pallava, etching its name into the annals of time. Amongst the few ancient temples that adorn this historical site, the Dharmeswarar Temple stands as a magnificent relic, beckoning us to delve into its ancient splendor. History: Hailing from the illustrious Chola period, the Dharmeswarar Temple is believed to be the architectural creation of the esteemed Kulotunga Chola. Temple Layout: Facing the east, this temple, meticulously preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), exudes a sense of sacred serenity. A majestic peepul tree graces the temple entrance, casting a tranquil aura over the village-like locality. Standing sans the towering presence of a Raja gopuram, the templ...

Manimangalam, a quaint locality nestled near Tambaram, a suburb of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India, holds within its boundaries a rich tapestry of history. It is the very site where the epic battle between the Chalukya King Pulikesin and the Pallava King Narasimha Pallava unfolded in the 7th century CE. Amidst this historical backdrop, several ancient temples stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. Today, we embark on a journey to discover the marvels of one such ancient temple in this locality — the Kailasanathar Temple. History: Steeped in the grandeur of Chola architecture, the Kailasanathar Temple stands as a testament to the artistry and devotion of its builders. Temple Layout: Approaching the east-facing temple, one is greeted by a vision of renewed splendor. Extensively renovated, the temple gleams anew, with the granite sanctum sanctorum housing the presiding deity, Shiva Linga, known as Kailasanathar. A majestic tower, or Raja Gopuram, might be absent, ye...

Kamarpukur, nestled in the serene landscapes of Hooghly in Kolkata, India, is a village of tranquil beauty. It holds a special place in history as the birthplace of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the revered sage whose teachings inspired Swami Vivekananda, the great Hindu reformer. Let's delve into some of the significant sites within Kamarpukur. Birth Place Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa came into this world on 18th February 1836 CE, and the very spot of his birth has been transformed into a sacred temple. Here, a marble image of Sri Ramakrishna stands in quiet reverence. Yogi's Shiva Temple Located near the entrance of the expansive complex housing Ramakrishna's birthplace, the Yogi's Shiva Temple holds a special significance. It is believed to be the site where Sri Ramakrishna's mother witnessed a divine vision, a blessing that foretold the birth of her illustrious son. Sri Ramakrishna's Living Room Within the same complex, the room that once cr...

Joyrambati, a serene and picturesque village nestled near Bishnupur in the Kolkata state of India, holds the sacred legacy of Sri Sharada Devi, the revered wife of the great sage Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Let us embark on a journey to explore some of the significant sites in Joyrambati. Sri Matri Mandir It was on the 22nd of December 1853 CE that Sri Sharada Devi came into this world in Joyrambati village. Today, the very place of her birth has been transformed into a divine sanctuary known as Sri Matri Mandir. Within its sanctified walls rests a marble icon of the Holy Mother, radiating her eternal grace and compassion. Puratan Bari Nestled within the expansive complex surrounding the Matri Mandir lies Puratan Bari, a place of deep significance. This is where Sri Sharada Devi spent her days, amidst the tranquil surroundings. Inside, a photograph of Sharada Devi graces the walls, evoking a sense of her divine presence and timeless teachings. Nutan Bari As the number of dev...

Bishnupur, a town nestled in the Bankura district of West Bengal, India, is renowned for its 17th and 18th-century Terracotta temples and exquisite Balucheri sarees. Among the myriad temples that grace this land, dedicated to the beloved Lord Krishna, stands the unique Malleswar Temple, a homage to Lord Shiva. History: Once known as the Mallabhum region, Bishnupur thrived as the heart of the Malla dynasty. Unfazed by the tumultuous waves of Muslim and Mughal invasions, this region flourished under the reign of King Bir Hambir.  He introduced the worship of Madan Mohan (Lord Krishna).  It was during his era, and that of King Bir Singha, that the exquisite brick temples of Bishnupur began to grace the skyline. Stone was in short supply in Bengal. Probably, this lead to an alternative in the name of elaborately decorated terracotta temples. The Malla Kings built many such terracotta temples in the 17th and 18th centuries CE in Bishnupur.  Standing as an ...

Nestled within the serene town of Bishnupur in West Bengal, lies the enchanting Madan Mohan Temple—a testament to the region's rich history and architectural prowess. Located approximately 160 km from the bustling capital city of Kolkata, Bishnupur is renowned for its exquisite 17th and 18th-century Terracotta temples and the famed Balucheri sarees. History: Once known as the Mallabhum region, Bishnupur thrived under the rule of the illustrious Malla dynasty for centuries. Shielded from the tumultuous tides of Muslim or Mughal invasions, this kingdom flourished under the visionary leadership of Adi Malla, its founding patriarch. The golden era of Bishnupur dawned during the reign of King Bir Hambir, a time marked by the introduction of the worship of Madan Mohan, an endearing form of Lord Krishna. It was during his rule, and that of King Bir Singha, that the town witnessed the construction of magnificent brick temples, each a testament to the region's architectural sp...

Bishnupur, nestled in West Bengal's Bankura district, holds a significant place in India's cultural tapestry. Situated approximately 160 kilometers from Kolkata, this town is renowned for its 17th and 18th-century Terracotta temples and exquisite balucheri sarees. In this article, we delve into the architectural marvel of Lalji Temple, an Eka Ratna temple, located amidst the historic splendor of Bishnupur. History: The region around Bishnupur, known as Mallabhum in ancient times, flourished under the rule of the Malla dynasty. Unaffected by the Muslim or Mughal invasions, this area thrived under the leadership of Adi Malla, the dynasty's founder. Bishnupur rose to prominence during the reign of King Bir Hambir, who introduced the worship of Madan Mohan (Lord Krishna). Under his rule and that of King Bir Singha, the town saw the construction of magnificent brick temples. With stone in short supply, the Malla Kings turned to elaborately decorated terracotta temples...