Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Srivilliputtur

A few pics from Srivilliputtur Vadabadrasayee temple and Andal temple.
I happened to visit the place a couple of weeks back.
An interesting detail about the temple `gopuram.' This is the gopuram that is featured on the official State Government emblem/seal.
Wonder why this particular temple tower was chosen - I have not been able to get the details yet.




A corridor at the temple. Vishnu is in the form of Vadabadrasayee, a representation of which can be seen in the painting at the left hand top corner of the frame.


The following two pics were taken at the Andal temple. The inside was poorly lit and I managed to get a few pics.




Tuesday, June 12, 2007

SEEDS AND FLOWERS - from USA, soon in India

Krea, a nonprofit, theatre group from the Bay Area, USA, plans to tour India in July.
They will stage an English play, Seeds and Flowers, in Chennai (July 7), Bangalore (July 12) and Mumbai (July14).
Check out their blog for more details - http://blog.seedsandflowers.net/. The proceeds of the play go to support other nonprofit organisations.

BEST OF LUCK KREA

Thursday, June 07, 2007

Kapaleeswarar Chariot

Two images - a close of the Kapaleeswarar Temple chariot. I liked the way the evening light brought out the colours. The second a black and white version converted digitally.





Two pics of the Kapaleeswarar Temple Chariot - in colour and Black & White
- digital conversion of the colour pic. It was just a few days after the temple festival. The chariot was at rest, awaiting the next year's festival.
I liked the colours brightened by the evening light and the two kids playing among the idols provided a bit of relief...

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Stamp of Chennai - 10

A.M.M. Murugappa Chettiar - a member of a family with a history that can be traced back more than a century and a family whose links contributed to one of the most famous and well known names in the City - Parry's Corner.
India Post released a stamp of A.M.M. Murugappa Chettiar in October 2005 to commemorate his centenary.
From the information sheet published on the occassion: Son of Dewan Bahadur A.M. Murugappa Chettiar (the founder of the Murugappa Group, which is now headed by the fourth generation), A.M.M. Murugappa Chettiar was born on January 22, 1902 at Pallathur in Ramnad District, Tamil Nadu. His vision resulted in teh establishement of the well known Tube Investments India Ltd in collaboration with the famous British Group, Tube Investments Ltd, Birmingham. Along with other companies in the group such as TI Metal Sections, Wright Saddles of India, TI Diamond Chain Ltd and TI Miller Ltd the group produced world famous brands of cycles -- Hercules, Phillips and BSA.
He was also responsible for developing Carborundum Universal in collaboration with the Carborundum Company, UK.
He set up a charitable trust, A.M.M. Charities, now A.M.M. Foundation which established A.M.M. Hospital, Murugappa Chettiar Memorial Polytechnic, Sir Ramaswami Mudaliar Higher Secondary School, Vellayan Chettiar Higher Secondary School, and Sir Ivan Stedford Hospital...





Here is an extract of the history of Dare House, the headquarters of the Murugappa Group, from the Group's Website.
"History of Dare House
The foundation of Dare House was laid in 1938 but the need for the building was felt as early as 1915. The existing building was inadequate spacewise for Parrys and architecturally better looking buildings were coming up in the vicinity. This contrast it was felt was not good for business. However the London office did not share similar views. Due to pressing demand for space the tenants in the lawyers block were turned out in 1919 but this did not help much and the need for a a new building become imperative. William Wright, the then chairman wrote to the London office that Parry's dingy approach and entrance would not fail to give the impression that the firm was out of date. Finally in 1938 the requisite money was mobilized for the new building and the foundation stone of Dare House was laid. With Parrys expanding year after year, Parry House was built behind Dare House and Parry Annexe came up in Moore Street.
Dare House is today one of the finest landmarks in Parrys rooted in a rich heritage and housing one of the futuristic conglomerates in the country - Murugappa Group."

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Healing sands?

Do you believe Chennai's beach sands have healing properties. Many do... and not just the morning walkers. People in the local areas with children suffering from nervous or muscle disorders believe the sands can heal. They bury the kids hip-deep in the sand and pour water around them to pack the sand tight. A session seems to last for about 15-20 minutes. This is supposed to help strengthen the bones and muscles.
I don't know if it cures the kids but they certainly seem to enjoy it.