The festival celebrates the union and lives of Lord Sundareeshwarar and Goddess Meenakshi who are the rulers of the kingdom of Madurai. The festival is connected with numerous art and literature forms. The sthala Purana…
A curse for Maa Parvati or a boon…
Significance of Temples Every temple offers a unique experience based on how and why it is consecrated. It is not fantasy or imagination that people's prayers are answered and wishes granted when they visit temples.…
Temple rituals and communities How a weaving community…
Since ancient times, the activities of the temple and the tourism drive the economy of the city and provide livelihood to several people. In the entire town, one feels the presence of the deity and the…
Temple Architecture This series of articles explores the…
Temples act as an anchor in our society bringing together communities for dharma and to connect them to higher principles in life by engaging in deva puja, daana and service such as annadaana, vidyadaana, aarogyadaana,…
Significance of Indian Temples At the Chennakesava temple…
Tenacious effort over generations [Shri Adinarayanan] Namaste. It is a wonderful place that we are in. It is a very significant place with respect to architecture as well as history. We are in the midst…
Dance of the Divine Palanquins: Sapta Vidanga Sthalam…
There was a Chola emperor by name Muchukunda chakravarti. Why was his name Muchukunda chakravarti? Because his face was like a monkey’s. Why was his face like a monkey’s? There is a historical anecdote for…
Kothandaramar Temple at Punnainallur What is so special…
When one visits the Thanjavur belt, one realises the immense work that has gone in consecrating every street possible with temples. Each temple has a unique flavor, purpose, design and caters to different aspects of human endeavour.…
Punnainallur Mariamman Temple: A place of instant happiness…
Few months ago, Adi ji and I happened to visit some amazing temples in Thanjavur. Some of these temples were built by the Cholas and some by Maharastrian kings who ruled the region. When one looks…