Indian Columbus

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,...

This article highlights a lesser-known temple in Puducherry – the Vasavi Kannika Parameswari Temple. What makes this temple unique is its architectural blend of traditional Dravidian style with elements of French colonial design. According to legend, during the 11th century CE, a powerful Chalukya king named Vishnuvardhana ruled over Andhra. Under his reign lived a respected Vaishya merchant named Kusuma Sreshti in Penugonda. Known for his wisdom, he was treated by the king almost like a chieftain. Despite his success, he and his wife remained childless for many years. They prayed to Lord Virupaksha and were eventually blessed with a son named Virupaksha and a daughter named Vasavi. Vasavi grew up to be a beautiful and devout young woman. Her charm caught the attention of the king, who wished to marry her. Although her parents opposed the match, they could not stop the king. On the day of the proposed wedding, Vasavi, along with her parents and leaders of 102 gotras from the communit...

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...

Located on Mission Street, this grand temple, with its towering five-tiered Raja Gopuram, is locally known as Chetti Kovil. Built in the second half of the 19th century by the Chettiar community (Arya Vyasa Sangam), this temple is unique as it enshrines both Shiva and Vishnu within the same complex. Kalatheeswarar, the presiding deity, is worshipped in the form of a Shiva Linga, enshrined in an east-facing sanctum. In the Ardha Mandapa, a Nandi faces him, while the outer corridor features a flagstaff, bali peetha, and Nandi Mandapa, all aligned towards the sanctum. The Antarala (the space between the sanctum and the Ardha Mandapa) houses a metal image of the Goddess along with Ganesha.  The Goddess of the temple, Gnanambikai, resides in a south-facing shrine within the Maha Mandapa, with a separate Nandi placed in front of her shrine. Ganesha is placed at the entrance of her shrine. The Koshta murtis (niche deities) of Kalatheeswarar include Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, Bra...

 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...

Bala Ganapati with eight arms, the blue-colored Bhakti Ganapati, the sixteen-armed Veera Ganapati, Shakti Ganapati with his consort seated on his left lap, the three-headed Dvija Ganapati,  Uchchistha  Ganapati holding a lotus, the five-headed Heramba Ganapati seated on a lion—these are among the 32 different forms of Ganapati represented in this temple. Additionally, the temple features depictions of Ganeshas from various shrines across India and even from around the world, representations of the months, nakshatras (stars), and rasis (zodiac signs), as well as various stories related to Ganesha, including his wedding with Siddhi and Buddhi, his birth, and his battles against the Asuras. The temple walls are adorned with vibrant frescoes and stucco carvings, making it the most famous temple in Puducherry —the Manakula Vinayakar Temple . The east-facing temple, with its grand Raja Gopuram at the entrance, enshrines Ganapati in a seated posture with four arms. In his upper hand...

About 13 km from Tirunelveli lies Krishnapuram, a historically significant village home to a magnificent temple dedicated to Venkatachalapati. Traditionally, it is believed that those unable to visit the famous Tirupati temple can offer their prayers here at this 16th-century shrine. While most temple accounts begin with the deity, architecture, history, and legends before discussing sculptures, the true highlight of this temple is its breathtaking, life-sized sculptures from the Nayaka period. These sculptures are so remarkably detailed and lifelike that one could spend an entire month revisiting the temple just to admire them. Their craftsmanship is beyond words, and with photography not permitted, experiencing them in person becomes even more special. Since my primary focus is on these sculptures, I will depart 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 imposin...