Indian Columbus

Krishna, a name that resonates with the color black in Sanskrit, embodies charm and allure. His divine form, adorned in the captivating hue, playing the flute, captivates the hearts of the Gopikas. Standing beside him on the altar is Radha, the foremost among the Gopikas, deeply enamored by Krishna's enchanting melodies. Flanking this divine couple are Lalita and Vishaka, two prominent Gopikas among eight companions (Ashta Gopis), equally drawn to the irresistible charm of Krishna. This sacred depiction forms the heart of the Radha Parthasarathi temple, fondly known as the ISKCON temple, nestled in the serene surroundings of East of Kailash in Delhi. Not only do the Gopikas surrender themselves to the Lord of the most beautiful things, namely Krishna, but even his devotees find solace and devotion in his divine presence. Another shrine depicts Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda joyfully dancing and singing Keertans of Krishna. Their exuberance and devotion are palpable in the intr...

Continuing our captivating exploration of the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, we now direct our attention towards the east-side frontside mandapa. Here, positioned at the entrance to the heart of the Nellaiyappar temple, we encounter two pairs of more awe-inspiring sculptures that beckon us into their stories. Moving from the sculpture of the formidable Pagadai Raja on the southern side that was covered in my earlier post, we now delve into the next masterpiece located to the true left side of the warrior. Our gaze falls upon the depiction of the valiant Veerabhadra. This mighty warrior is a sight to behold, wielding a massive sword in his right hand, poised to strike. His left arm holds a shield, raised in a defensive stance, while his body twists and turns in a dynamic posture reminiscent of the cosmic dance of Nataraja. Veerabhadra's fierce eyes and rugged beard convey an aura of ferocity, while the intricate detailing of his muscular physique, with each pac...

Hazrat Dastagir Sahib Dargah, nestled along the modern-day Dr. Natesan Road in Mylapore locality in Chennai, holds a tale of mystical origins. Hailing from a Turkish lineage, Hazrat Dastagir Sahib was a scion of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, where he first drew breath. After traversing the length and breadth of the country, he found his resting place in Chennai. In an eerie premonition, he foretold his own passing, instructing his disciples not to perform the customary funeral prayers led by an Imam. Legend has it that, upon his passing in 1752, Hazrat Dastagir Sahib appeared in ethereal form to conduct his own funeral rites, a sight witnessed by awe-struck devotees. In 1789, the Nawab of Arcot commemorated his memory by erecting a magnificent dargah atop his sacred burial ground. Amongst the devotees who frequent this revered site, the renowned Indian cine music director, A R Rahman, finds solace in prayer. A peculiar charm of the dargah is the presence of numerous cats and kitte...

Bangalore, once famed for its pleasant weather, now grapples with notorious traffic jams. Often hailed as the Silicon Valley of India, this city was once a haven of lush gardens and expansive parks. This article sheds light on a lesser-known gem, the Shri Jagannath Temple, whose annual car festival draws over 15,000 devotees. Located in the Agara locality, this temple was erected by the Orissan community, offering a local abode for worshipping Lord Jagannath of Puri. Perched atop a modest hillock, the temple stands as a testament to Kalinga temple architecture. Resembling the revered Puri Jagannath Temple, the sanctum of this shrine also houses the divine trio—Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balabhadra. Carved from sacred neem logs, known as daru, the deities rest upon a resplendent platform called Ratnabedi. Alongside them, the sanctum hosts Sudarshana Chakra, Madanmohan, Sridevi, and Vishwadhatri. Interestingly, the trio's iconography presents only their faces, devoid of arms or torsos....

In India, the renowned Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala Tirupati is a household name. The temple's administrative body has overseen the construction of numerous Venkateswara temples throughout the country. Among these sacred places stands a magnificent temple dedicated to Tirupati Balaji in the capital city of Delhi. This meticulously maintained temple occupies approximately one acre of land allocated by the Government of India. The temple structure stands tall, a three-story edifice offering spiritual solace to its devotees. The ground floor houses the sanctum sanctorum, where the imposing image of Venkateswara stands majestically, flanked by Alarmelu Mangai (Alamelu) and Andal on either side. Ascending to the first floor, one finds a Music and Dance room, while the second floor hosts a serene Meditation Hall (Dhyana Mandir). This temple, a place of tranquility and devotion, was inaugurated in 2013. Conveniently located within walking distance from the popular Birla Mandir, it serv...

Continuing our enchanting journey through the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, we now venture towards the west side of the east-side frontside mandapa. Positioned at the entrance to the core of the Nellaiyappar temple, which houses the sanctum and two prakaras, we encounter two pairs of magnificent sculptures on either side. On the southern side of the entrance, our eyes are drawn to the first sculpture—an imposing warrior figure. This brave warrior, known as Pagadai Raja, embodies strength and valor. His countenance is fierce, with a large drooping moustache framing his determined face. Adorned in ornate headgear and intricate ornaments, his exposed thighs speak of his power and prowess. The detailing on his body, with its realistic musculature and dynamic stance, is a testament to the sculptor's skill. In his right arm, Pagadai Raja holds a Vanga, a musical instrument shaped like a clarinet. However, this Vanga is unique, with a large funnel-shaped end that pr...

The arch gateway, often unnoticed amid the bustle of Triplicane High Road, conceals a fascinating history. Cloaked in pale green and marked 'Azeempet,' it once served as the entrance to the palace of a formidable political figure—a fact that might surprise many. Let's delve into the annals of history to uncover more about this intriguing place. In 1692, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb bestowed the title of Subahdar (Governor) of the Carnatic upon Zulfiqar Khan, with Arcot as the seat of his authority, recognizing Khan's triumph over the Marathas. With the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Carnatic Subah forged its independence, evolving into the Carnatic Sultanate, reigning over an expansive territory south of the Krishna River. Assuming rulership in 1749, Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah allied with the British during the Carnatic Wars and later shifted the capital from Arcot to Chepauk. The tides of English and French influence, coupled with their colonial conflicts, profoundly im...