The sprawling meteropolis of Chennai is one
of the rapidly growing and changing cities of India. Truly representative of the global
spurt in technology and communication, Chennai boasts of a technology savvy population in
the heart of the once conservative basiton.
Faced with issues dealt by all major world cities of its size, Chennai is gearing
itself to deal with its rapidly expanding human and vehicular population with a scheme of
'mini subways' and other means..
To 'get away' from this modern city, you do not have to go too far, for Chennai
is also a classic example of the peaceful coexistence of the ancient with the modern.
The best illustration of this co-existence is the presence of four very ancient temples
in and around Chennai. All four of these temples have been visited and glorified by the
revered saint poets of the 1st millennium CE and have been patronized by
the great Chola rulers of the early portion of the 2nd millennium CE.
All four of these temples are at least 1200 years old, and the
neigborhoods that they are located in are still known by their original names. Again, all
of these temples are rich in legend, mythology, sculptural grandeur and a hoary tradition
of festivals that attract thousands.
On the occasion of Pongal 2000, Templenet is proud to highlight four ancient temples of
Chennai. |
Kapaleeswarar Temple at Mylapore |
Did you know that the Kapaleeswarar
temple is an ancient shrine glorified by the tamil hymns of
Tirugnanasambandar in the 7th century CE? Both Mylapore and Tirumayilai are ancient
Tamil names. Visit this landmark of Chennai - a
temple known for its vast tower studded with stucco images, a huge temple tank - the site
of the float festival in January.
|
Parthasarathy Temple at Tiruvallikkeni |
The Parthasarathy temple
which attracts huge crowds during Vaikuntha Ekadasi, has been glorified by the hymns of
the Alwar saints of the 7th -9th centuries. Tiruvallikkeni is considered equivalent to
Tirupati. Experience its traditions, festivals
and ambience.
|
Marundeeswarar Temple at Tiruvanmyur |
The vast temple complex as you leave the city, when you drive south
of Chennai along the coast is this 1300 year old temple. Tyagaraja - the Somaskanda
manifestation of Shiva is enshrined in this southern suburb of Tiruvanmyur
as well as in the northern fringe of Chennai at Tiruvotriyur. Browse through its interesting traditions and festivals
here.
|
Tyagarajar Temple at Tiruvotriyur |
| Sundaramurthy Nayanar of the 9th century CE was closely associated with
this vast temple, located in the Northern fringe of Chennai. Interesting dance traditions
are associated with Tyagaraja of Tiruvotriyur. Experience the richness of the collossal entrance tower, the
ambience of this vast temple patronized by the Chola kings of the 12th century, and the
colorful festival traditions. |
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