Adhiyogi -Isha Center, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu

The Adiyogi statue is a 112 ft tall, 147 ft long and 82 ft wide steel statue of Shiva at Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. This is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the "Largest Bust Sculpture” in the world. It is designed by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Isha founder and weighs around 500 tonnes. There is a Nandi in front of the statue. 

The height depicts the 112 ways to attain moksha mentioned in yogic culture and also the 112 chakras in our human body. 

The face of the statue is neither of a temple nor a deity but an inspiration in pursuit of the divine. One doesn't have to look for divine elsewhere but it is within us to experience in 112 dimensions of life- says Sadhguru on the purpose of erecting this massive statue. He adds that the idea was not to build a monument but to galvanize the force for transformation.

Dyanalinga and Isha Center is about 2-3km from this towering statue. Though there are trees on both sides they do not give much shade to walk during the day. However, one can use the battery cars or take a ride on a bullock cart which is ticketed. There are rows of kiosks selling organic health drinks, eats, puja materials and souvenirs on the way. 

During weekends and on auspicious days a 3D laser light show, Adhiyogi Divya Dharshan is held, narrating the story of Adhiyogi (the first yogi). It is a 14 min light and sound show that tells about how the science of yoga was passed on to humans. 

Adhiyogi statue is worth a visit and is entry free with ample car park. It can be reached by road from the nearest city Coimbatore, Tamilnadu (30km). The Indian ministry of Tourism has included the statue in its Incredible India Campaign. Photography is allowed here and till the entrance of Isha Center. 

Thiruvaiyaru, Tamilnadu

Aiyarappar temple at Thiruvaiyaru, Tamilnadu is devoted to lord Shiva and is incarnated by the hymns of Thevaram and is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam. Thiruvaiyaru gets its name (Thiru - sacred, Aai - five, Aaru - river)  five river from, Arusallaru, Vennaaru, Vettaru, Kadamuttayaru and Kaveriaaru that run around this temple town. 

This Shivasthalam is one of the six most sacred places on river Kaveri (Cauvery) and is considered equivalent to the temple at Varanasi. 

It is also one among the saptha sthalams associated with the marriage of Nandi the foremost attenadant of Lord Shiva. It is said that every year during April/May, the lord's idol sits on a glass palanquin and goes around the six temples at the villages around starting from Thiruvaiyaru. 

The most renowned aspect apart from the mythological importance of Thiruvaiyaru is the Thyagaraja Aradhana festival. Saint Thyagaraja (the trinity of Carnatic music) composed most of his greatest Keerthana sitting in a one room house near this temple. The Country's greatest Carnatic music festival is performed annually here near his samadhi which is on the banks of river Kaveri. 

Thyagaraja Aradhana is held during the month of January, when most of the eminent musicians come together to perform the Keerthans and thousands of ardent Carnatic fans assemble to watch the fest. 

Thiruvayairu is about 16km from Thanjavur and is well connected by road. 

The temple is open between 6.00am to 11.00am and 4.00pm to 8.30pm. 

Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana

Charminar the cultural and historical  landmark and the city symbol of Hyderabad, Telangana was built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 AD. This imposing structure was erected to commemorate the founding of Hyderabad and the end of the epidemic -  Cholera, which ravaged the city during the 16th century due to the water shortage.

The gargantuan four-column, is 56m-high and has four arches facing the cardinal points, with minarets atop each column (hence the name Charminar, 'four minarets'). It is also known as the ‘Arc de Triomphe of the East’, and comes under the Archeological Survey of India

The Charminar is the heartbeat of old Hyderabad and is the main bazaar area, also known as Charminar. For a first timer the tour to Nizam land is not complete without a visit to this place. 

The labyrinth of lanes crowded with shops, stalls, markets and shoppers make this place buzzing with traffic and life. 

The  Laad Bazaar, which surround this elegant architectural structure brims with mouth-watering delicacies, authentic street food, colorful lacquer bangles, shining pearls, excellent jewelry and many more things to take home. 

The visitors are allowed to climb upto the 1st floor of Charminar for a view of the district. The 2nd floor, is Hyderabad’s oldest mosque, and the upper columns, are not open to the public. It is said that there is a tunnel leading to Golconda fort from here, but it's yet to be traced. This structure is illuminated every evening from 7pm to 9pm and is worth a sight. 

Timings: 09:30 am to 05:30 pm on all days of the week

Entry fee: INR 5 for Indian Tourists; INR 100 for foreign tourists

City of Hyderabad is well connected by road, rail and air. 

The Thousand Pillar Temple, Warangal, Telangana

At a distance of 6 Kms from Warangal Railway Station (in Hanmakonda), Telangana, stands the Thousand Pillar Temple which is one of an exemplary architecture of the Kakatiya dynasty.

Rudra Deva built this temple in 1163 AD in the style of a star shape, and named the temple after him as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has separate shrines for Lord Surya & Lord Vishnu in the temple. A giant Nandi (bull) is seen on the platform connecting the shrines. The exterior wall of the temple, the ceiling slabs and the four central pillars of the mandap are decorated with carved sculptures. Poojas are still performed here.

The actual thousand pillar hall situated behind Nandi in the temple complex is currently being renovated by the archelogical department and is closed for visitors.

The temple is located between Warangal and Hanmakonda Chowrasta, very close to the main road and is a must see when visiting Warangal. 

Berijam Lake, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Located about 23 km away from the Kodai bus stand, Berijam Lake is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kodaikanal.

This is a hidden gem in the otherwise busy Kodaikanal hill station of Tamilnadu.

This lake is created by a dam with sluice outlets and is part of the watershed development project. It is the main source of water to the nearby Periakullam town. 

With its refreshing setting and lush greenery around, the lake makes an amazing picnic spot. The winding hill roads that make the journey to the lake interestingly has some amazing view of the hills.

Reaching the lake is not difficult as it is connected by a well-tarred road.  However, one requires a forest pass for entering the area which can be got from the District Forest Office. Or if traveling by car one can reach the entry early and register, as only a limited number of vehicles are allowed per day.

Those interested in fishing can indulge after seeking permission from the Fisheries Department. There is also a 100 year old -story brick building in Berijam which makes an interesting sightseeing point.

The lake is rich in flora and fauna. One can just sit on the shores of the lake and drench in the calmness of the lapping waters and the chirping sounds of the birds.

Kodaikanal is well connected by road and the nearest railway station is Kodai road and Madurai the nearest airport. 

Brihadeeshwarar Temple, Tamilnadu

The Brihadeeshwarar temple celebrated its 1000th year in 2010 and is one of the greatest temple built during the Chola period. Raja Raja Chozhan constructed this grandeur in Thanjavur on the basin of river Kaveri, Tamilnadu. The temple is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples”.

It is said that the Brihadeeshwarar Temple was erected in only seven years and is an architectural marvel. The temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added during the 16th century. The vimanam (temple tower) is 216 ft (66 m) high and is the tallest in the world. The Kumbam (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock and weighs around 80 tons.

The Nandi (sacred bull) stands tall, and is carved out of a single rock measuring about 16 ft (4.9 m) long and 13 ft (4.0 m) high at the entrance. The entire temple structure is made out of granite. This temple is one of the most visited tourist attractions of Tamil Nadu. 

Recently we happened to meet the 13th desendant of the Thanjavur Maratha family, the senior Prince of Thanjavur, Marathas, Mr Babaji Rajah Bhonsle. The Marathas were the last of the empire which ruled Thanjavur over throwing the Nayaks who had succeeded the Pandavas and Cholas. Later like the rest of the country, the British took over this land. But the family continued and still lives in the palace. A large part of the Aranmanai, has now been taken over by the government for restoration and as tourist attractions.

During a short conversation with Mr. Bhonsle, he explained that as a Senior Prince of the Thanjavur Royal family, he is glad that he is able to continue the traditions of his forefathers, the Thanjavur Marathas who were well known for their architecture, temples, art and culture. He now acts as a connect between the people and the government in solving the issues of the land. 

He is also a trustee of 88 temples and continues what his forefathers did, just in a different way. Though they still maintain relations with the other royal families in the country and meet during weddings and other social occasions (which is the only time they wear the royal attire), they mainly work together on social causes. This is especially of programs that protect the art and culture of the country, like the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage(INTACH). Apart from that, he is also involved in the upkeep and functioning of many art galleries and libraries.

A very interesting chat we had and his passion towards conserving the rich heritage of the south indian temples and it's artifacts is overwhelming.. may his tribe live long for many more generations to come... 

The Chettiar weddings and traditions

A pre pandemic wedding of a friend took us to the quaint lands of O Siruvayal, on the outskirts of Karaikudi in Chettinad district. The wedding and feast is always a grand one in the Chettiar community. The wedding is mostly performed in their ancestral mansions which is large enough to house three generations. The athangudi tiles laid in these homes are another artifacts unique to this region.

Apart from these the clan and community culture of the Chettiars is worth mentioning which not many are aware.

Chettinad falls within the Sivagangai and Pudukottai districts in the south of Tamilnadu. This is the abode of the Nagarathar (also known as Chettiars) community who are ardent Vishnu worshipers. They built many temples including 9 major clan temples around this region. More than 90 plus settlement are associated with these temples. Every temple has its own set of rules and as religious activities play a big role, the  town planning and the community living has its own unique culture too. One interesting fact is, that people belonging to the same temple are looked upon as siblings; hence marriage is only among people belonging to different temple clans. 

It is also stressed that marrying from other castes are forbidden. Moreover the clans outcasts the family if done so. It's also surprising to note that the younger generation too do not oppose this and whole-heartedly accept and follow the traditions and customs of the Chettiar community.

Will surprise many ... Believe it or not!! ... 

Getting to Chettinad is easy as the main city of Karaikudi is well-connected by good roads and railways. The nearest airport is just around 60km away in neighboring Trichy. 

   

Fundera, Yelagiri , Tamil Nadu (Travelogue)

As we walk into the Fundera .. one can only remember the quote 

" You are never too old to be young" 

and the old nursery rhyme "old McDonald had a farm"..  starts ringing in our mind..  

A venture run by Mr Vishak and his wife on a sprawling farm at the Yelagiri hills in Tamilnadu with its neat little pathways take us to a long lost fantasy land.... 

 

The land where fluffy white ducks walk lazily around us and the hens and chicks welcome us into its coop to be petted.

And where we see ... the bunnies hop happily onto our feet and the guinea piggies keep chomping on the leaves... 

Then there's a cute donkey, nudging close to the fence and poses for a picture with us..

As we turn right we see the ostriches  racing around their huge fenced space and don't wish to come near ... 

Hearing the mooing sound we move towards the cows and calves and that's when we see an enclosed aviary, with a various chirping sounds.. 

The birds from far and wide are housed here. Big and small, brightly coloured oblivious to the strangers they peck into our palms for food..  perching magestically on our hands and shoulders.

A wonderful place to visit while spending a leisure trip at the otherwise laid back town of Yelagiri.

(Yelagiri is a small hill station situated off the Vanniyambadi - Thirupattur road. It's altitude is around 1,100 meters above sea level and is spread around 30 kms sqared. There are few gardens, parks and temples around where one can spend a weekend. Eatouts are few and the tourist mostly need to depend on the resort restaurant.)