Indian Columbus

Porur, a locality in Chennai city, has witnessed significant popularity over the past decade, owing to the city's rapid expansion. Nestled in this area lies an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Ramanatheeswarar, with its roots entwined in the legends of the Ramayana. Let's delve into the depths of this temple in this article. Highlights: God  -  Ramanatheeswarar  Goddess  -  Sivakama Sundari Sthala Vruksha - Amla tree (Nelli/Gooseberry) It is a Guru sthalam and one of Navagraha sthalams of Chennai It is considered as equivalent to Rameswaram It is also called as Uttara Rameswaram Legend: In the era of the Ramayana, as Lord Rama fervently searched for his kidnapped wife, Sita, he passed through what is now known as Porur. Unintentionally, his feet touched the head of a Shiva Linga. Only a portion of the Shiva Linga was visible above the ground, and Rama, in his human form, may have mistaken it for an ordinary stone. ...

There exists a theory held by some individuals that the St. Thomas Mount area in Chennai has no historical connection with St. Thomas himself. According to this perspective, the mount originally housed a Hindu temple and was known as Bhringi Malai, named after a sage who was believed to have resided there. Over time, the name evolved from Bhringi Malai to Parangi Malai and eventually to St. Thomas Mount. It is suggested that the Kasi Vishwanathar Temple, situated on St. Thomas Mount, may have been one of the original temples atop the mount, and it was later relocated, possibly when the mount came under the Church's authority. The current temple is situated in a narrow lane at the base of St. Thomas Mount. This east-facing temple features a modest gopura (entrance tower). Inside the sanctum, you'll find a small Shiv Linga  known as Kasi Vishwanatha. In the Maha mandapa area, there is a south-facing shrine dedicated to Vishalakshi. Upon entering the sanctum, you'll enc...

Nandampakkam, a thriving area within Chennai city, has gained significant popularity in the past decade, largely due to the presence of DLF IT Park and Trade Center. What many are unaware of is that this area, like Tiruvanmiyur, also has ties to the Ramayana, according to legend. Let's delve into the history of an ancient Lord Shiva temple located in Nandampakkam. Situated on Mount Poonamallee High Road, across from the Chennai Trade Center, you'll find the Kodanda Rama temple. Adjacent to this temple lies the Ramalingeswar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.   Legend: During their quest to locate Sita, who had been abducted by Ravana, Lord Rama and Lakshmana traversed through what is now known as Nandampakkam. At that time, a sage named Bhringi resided in a hermitage here. As per his request, the duo stayed here for a day. In Valmiki Ramayana, this location is referred to as Brindaranya, while in Kamba Ramayana, it is called Nandavanam. Over time, Nandavanam has evolved i...

Nandampakkam, a locality within Chennai city, has garnered significant attention in the past decade, thanks to the presence of DLF IT Park and the Trade Center. Yet, few are aware that this area has a history that traces back to the Ramayana. Let's explore an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Rama situated in this locale. Located on Mount Poonamallee High Road, opposite the Chennai Trade Center, the Kodanda Rama temple can be found. Highlights: Depiction of Rama with Sita on his lap Presence of Rama and his three brothers in the sanctum Pattabhisheka posture of Rama and Sita in the sanctum Puranic name - Brindaranya Teerth (Holy water) - Bhringi Teerth Vimana - Nalinaka Vimana Legend: During their quest to locate Sita, who had been abducted by Ravana, Lord Rama and Lakshmana passed through the site now known as Nandampakkam. At that time, the sage Bhringi resided in a hermitage here. At his request,  Rama and Lakshman stayed here for a day. In Valmiki Ra...

Pallavaram, a prominent locality near Chennai, holds a historical secret within its name. Derived from the ancient settlement of Pallavapuram, which dates back to the 7th century CE during the Pallava period, this locality boasts a rich heritage. During this era, the renowned Pallava Emperor, Mahendravarma Pallava I, left his architectural mark on several locations, including Mamallapuram and Trichy. In the early 7th century CE, he oversaw the construction of a cave temple in Pallavapuram, now known as Pallavaram. This cave temple earned the name "Pancha Pandava temple" and featured five cells facing the southern direction, complemented by six imposing pillars at the entrance. It is believed that the three central cells were dedicated to the deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, while all the cells were meticulously carved from a protruding rock formation. Over the years, the cave temple was taken over, and a Dargah now occupies the site, erasing much of its original identi...

Tiruvallikkeni, also known as Triplicane, is a well-known locality in Chennai primarily famous for the Parthasarathy temple. However, nestled amidst its bustling streets, there are several other intriguing temples waiting to be explored. Today, we delve into one such temple that pays homage to the enchanting deity Panduranga. During the Maratha rule in Thanjavur, which spanned approximately 250 years, many Marathi families migrated to the Tamil Nadu region, particularly settling in Triplicane. Here, inspired by their deep reverence for Lord Vithala, an iconic manifestation of Lord Krishna often celebrated in Maharashtra, they sought to construct a temple in His honor. In 1939 CE, on Subardral Street near the Tiruvetteeswaran temple, the Vithala temple came into existence. Despite its Marathi origins, the temple boasts a distinct South Indian architectural style, complete with a modest yet charming gopura. The sanctum within cradles a stunning black granite icon of Lord Vithal Panduran...

Tiruvallikkeni, also known as Triplicane, stands as a renowned locality in Chennai celebrated primarily for the illustrious Parthasarathy temple, revered in the Vaishnava tradition. Yet, nestled amidst its cultural tapestry lies an ancient gem, the Tiruvetteeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, waiting to be unveiled in this article. Highlights: God  -  Tiruvetteeswarar Goddess  -  Shenbagambika Sthala Vruksha - Shenbaga tree Teerth (Holy water) - Shenbaga Teerth The temple is a Devara Vaippu Sthalam It is a Rahu-Ketu parihara sthalam It is considered as equivalent to Kalahasti and Varanasi. Legend: According to one legend, Goddess Lakshmi fervently prayed to Lord Shiva at this very site, seeking His blessings for a union with Lord Vishnu. In another captivating tale, Arjuna, also known as Partha, unknowingly engaged in a combat with Lord Shiva, mistaking Him for a mere hunter. During this intense encounter, Arjuna inadvertently wounded ...