How Loane's Square park in Broadway Chennai got its name?

Section of the Park named after Potti Sri Ramulu, Mayor Chennai Corporation

Loane's Square Park shown in Green Rectangle

Have you ever wondered how the park at the junction between Broadway and Audiappa Naicken Street got its name as 'Loane's Square Park?' There an interesting story behind this park and in naming too.
Popham's Broadway  (named after British politician and solicitor Stephen Popham who was determined to improve the sanitation in the late 18th century), later simply known as Broadway, is the historical thoroughfare of the George Town developed by Colonial Madras Local Administrators. The arterial road running along north to south divides George Town exactly two divisions i.e,  Peddanaickenpet and Muthialpet. Only fewer people will able recognize Popham's Broadway.

During early 18th century there was a growing population and commercial activities in George Town. The need for a market with separate points for vegetables, meat and fish was demanded by public. The Colonial administration chose a vacant site at the junction between  the Broadway and (present) Audiappa Naicken Street in George Town and the land was owned by  Stephen Popham. The market place was constructed and thrown open to public in 1780s. The market place was also named as 'Popham's Market.' The market at Broadway survived for over a century. The market also showed signs of wear and tear and the authorities condemned the site as unsanitary.

There was congestion in Black Town, resulting in dispersion of some of the population to neighbouring areas. The site within people's park near Central Railway station was earmarked for the new market. Soon Col. Sir George Montgomerie John Moore, then President of the Madras Corporation laid the foundation stone for Moore Market in 1898. Designed by RE Ellis in the Indo-Saracenic style in a series of quadrangles enclosing shops, it was constructed by A Subramania Iyer. The market, opened in 1900, was considered as the modern with facilities for vegetables, flowers and meat and the same venue was known for  curios including antiques, art, books and pets.

Popham's market was demolished and the site was converted into a park. The Park was named as 'Loane's Square Park' after Samuel Joshua Loane's, Engineer of the Madras Corporation who was responsible for constructing Moore Market.  Now Loane's Square Park is rechristened  as Sriramulu Naidu Park, named after Potti Sri Ramulu Naidu, former Mayor of Chennai Corporation.

Popham’s was demolished, making way for a park – Loane’s Park, named after Samuel Joshua Loane, Engineer of the Madras Corporation who was responsible for constructing Moore Market. It is now known as Sriramulu Naidu Park, after a former Mayor of the city.

Reference

1. Before the malls, there were the markets XS Real.com February 9, 2012
2. George Town, Chennai, Wikipedia
3. Moore, of Moore Market by V Sriram. Madras Heritage and Carnatic Music. August 17, 2012
4. Stephen Popham, Wikipedia

Coral Merchant Street, George Town, Chennai: 326 years Old History of Jews

Coral Merchant Street, Mannady, George Town (Source: The Hindu September 4, 2013)

Jewish Cemetery (Source: The Hindu September 4, 2013)

Sri Venugopala Krishnaswamy Temple 

Kalahasthi temple (one of five Pancha boodha sthalam equivalents in Chennai representing air)

Coral merchant street , locally known as Pavazhakara Street, is one of the  oldest and historical streets of George Town or Black Town in Chennai, India. The road stretches from north to south and links the Old Jail Road / Basin Bridge Road  in the north and Mannady Street  in the south. This commercial cum residential street is dotted with hardware shops, transport joints, guest houses, lodges, religious places and few historical structure.

Two prominent temples of Coral merchant street: Kalahasthi temple (one of five Pancha boodha sthalam equivalents in Chennai representing air) and Sri Venugopala Krishnaswamy Temple are considered as few of the old temples in Chennai with a history of few hundred years.

There are two choultries built by Nattukottai Nagarathars of Chettinadu: (1). Devakottaiyar Nagara Viduthi, 114,Coral merchant street, and (2). Rangoon Nagara Viduthi, 88,Coral Merchant Street.

History: This Colonial Street has a long history and during seventeenth and eighteenth centuries  it was a synagogue. The Pagadalpet (coral-town)  in the northern part of Muthialpet is named as coral merchant street. A small sized  Portuguese Jews belonging to Paiva or Porto families lived here as a settlement since from 1688 and they chiefly engaged in the export the diamonds of Golconda to London and imported coral beads as well as in raw form their fellow Hebrew merchants in London. From the records it is learned that they were allowed to reside within the Fort St.George and had their cemeteries in Peddanaickenpetta. Also there was an association ‘The Colony of Jewish Traders of Madraspatam' prevailed.  At the turn of 18th century the Colconda diamond trade  dwindled down and the population of the jews reduced gradually and today there is no Jewish presence at this street and could not find neither a synagogue nor the Jewish cemetery.

Nattukottai Chettiars, the community of traders, indigenous bankers and financiers occupied the Coral merchant street during the late 19th-early 20th Century and built typical row type houses with grilled  verandah  with raised platforms ('thinnai') between the front wall and the road. Soon Coral merchant street became the head quarters for the deposit banking trade of nattukottai chettiars.

Reference

1. Coral and diamonds by S Muthiah The Hindu May 16, 2011
2. George Town, Chennai - Wikipedia
3. Lustre dims, legacy stays by Anusha Parthasarathy The Hindu September 4, 2013
4.  The Madras Tercentenary Commemoration Volume. Asian Educational Services, 01-Jan-1994 - Chennai (India) - p.257.

Poonam's Gujarati Bhojanalaya, Broadway, Chennai for authentic Gujarati food

Pooam's Gujarati Bhojanalaya, Broadway, Chennai

Gujarati Meals (Thali)

Poonam's Gujarati Bhojanalaya, Gijarati Mandal's the vegetarian restaurant, located (near High Court) at Broadway, North Chennai, is serving the Gujarati Thali from 1130 am. The place is certainly not as noisy and cramped as other Gujarati restaurants. However the seating space is limited and during weekdays you may have to wait to get your turn and the parking is difficult here. But during sundays the crowd is less and dining is comfortable.

 The "authentic" Gujarati food at Poonam's Gujarati Bhojanalaya in Chennai is a crowd favorite. Whether you go with family or friends, Poonam's is mostly a favourite place in Chennai for Gujarati food.

The menu consists of Jelibi, dal (lentils), gravy, two vegetarian dishes, Phool Wadi, roti (instead of roti try Thelpa at an extra cost of Rs.4.00 each), rice, rasam (Indian soup), mint chutney, pappad, pickle, salad and green chilly toast. The unlimited - eat as much as you want - meals cost just for Rs 75/- per head. You may like to have srikhand or basundhi or gulab jamun or aam rass (juice of ripe mango) at an additional cost of Rs.15.00 for each. The thalis are full and the dishes are subtly delicious. The plus point is generous and frequent refills with quick service. The Bhojanalaya also offer  Dal Halwa, Dhoklas, Fafda, Khandvi, wide variety of Milk Sweets  and  snacks for the Gujarati food lovers.

Address: 116, Gujarati Mandal, Near High Court, Prakasam Salai, Broadway, Chennai - 600108.

 
Timing: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm

Meals: Lunch, Thaali, Dinner

Cenotaph of Madras Artillery Officer (1821 CE) at Kathipara Junction, Chennai

Lt Col. Sam Dalrymple of Madras Artillery: Cenotaph near Kathipara Junction

Source: The Hindu November 11, 2009

Ancestor Table

While traveling from Tambaram to Chennai, anyone can notice the whitewashed cenotaph with its prominent cupola bearing urn like finial near Kathipara road junction. There is every chance to miss this monument enclosed within the fence, since any one will be concerned only with the heavy traffic scenario. Kathipara's cloverleaf flyover and road junction  are located south of Guindy at the intersection of the Grand Southern Trunk Road (NH 45), Inner Ring Road, Mount Road and the Mount Poonamallee Road.

If you have not glanced this odd structure, just find out next time when you pass through the Kathipara junction. You may find it in between Kathipara junction and Mohite Stadium on Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road, the national highway (NH-45). This piece of land including the cenotaph is maintained by the Indian army. Yes this cenotaph was built in 1821 in memory of Lieutenant Colonel Sam Dalrymple of Madras Artillery. Long back the Regimental center of the Madras artillery was located at the St Thomas Mount Cantonment and there was an Artillery Park wherein the present Mohite Stadium stands now.

'William Dalrymple is a British historian, Indologist and writer, art historian and curator, as well as a prominent broadcaster and critic'. Dalrymple first visited to Delhi in 26 January 1984 and started living in India on and off since 1989. Dalrymple visited to Chennai in November 2009 to promote his books. The Hindu newspaper covered his visit and published the front page story featuring William Dalrymple in the Thursday Metro Plus  supplement. The feature also published the interesting picture of W.Dalrymple at the Cenotaph of Lt.Col. Sam Dalrymple (one of his ancestors). He also recalled in an interview (Times of India) that several generations of his family had grown up in Madras. According to him the Madras Artillery officer died in May 1821 at the age of 49 years and this cenotaph was built by the fellow officers.

It is also a surprise to note that how this structure remains intact after the  cloverleaf flyover occupied much of the surrounding land. There was a move by NHAI to shift the cenotaph to the St Thomas Mount Cantonment adjacent to its present location as part of the flyover construction and this was also approved by the Ministry of Defence and even the military officials inspected to evaluate the strength of the structure and its ability to withstand the shift.

As the revised deadline of the flyover completion date forced the NHAI to drop the shifting plan and opted to give a face lift to the cenotaph. 

Reference:

1. Dalrymple's Madras Connection by Karthik Bhatt. Madras Vignettes 11th November 2009
2. In pursuit of the past By Parvathi Nayar The Hindu November 11, 2009
3. The South Indian connection by S.Muthiah  The Hindu Jan 13, 2003

LIC's United India Building: Historical Landmark at Anna Salai

United India Building (old) situated behind LIC Building at 102, Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 002, India (1)

United India Building (old) situated behind LIC Building at 102, Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 002, India (2)

United India Building (old) situated behind LIC Building at 102, Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 002, India (3)

The LIC Building, a landmark in Anna Salai, houses the Zonal and Madras Divisional Office of LIC , comprise 13 storeys above ground and the basement and sub-basement below the ground. The colonial bungalow standing behind this LIC Building still remains with its heritage and history. The high ceiling structure has tall columns at the front, wide wooden paneling and ornate with stained glasses.

The entire premises measuring about 100 grounds was owned by Garratt, the tailoring firm. In 1883 the entire part and parcel of the land was sold to Lodge of Perfect Unanimity for Rs. 18,000. The Later in 1888, the Lodge sold a portion of the land measuring around 45 grounds and on this land Madras Publishing House was built. Lodge constructed the first floor to hold regular meetings in 1890. In 1905, the remaining 55 grounds were also sold to the District Grand Lodge (Apex body of Freemasonry) for Rs. 80,000. The Freemasons was shifted to its present premises in Egmore in 1916. At the same time the entire premises was sold to Kushaldoss Chaturbhujadoss, a Gujarati business personality for Rs.97,000. The old bungalow was rented to two tenants.  The first tenant was C Radhakrishna Chetty, who founded the Pioneer Laundry  in 1918. The second tenant was Murray & Co, premier auctioneers (established by two brothers Vedantam and Rajam in 1927) who occupied the premises in 1929. Later Kushaldoss Chaturbhujadoss sold it to United Insurance. The auctioneers has now shifted to 4, Norton Road, in Mandaveli. Now Pioneer Laundry remains there and the LIC has rented it out to the laundry people.

Madurai Chithirai Festival or Chithirai Thiruvizha at Kallazhagar Ethir Sevai Part Two

Lord Kallazhagar's Long Procession From Alagar Koil to Madurai

!4th Day: Kallazhagar (Ethir-sevai) Enter into Vaigai River at Madurai

The main events of the Chithirai festival or Chithirai Brahmotsavam observed by Arulmigu Sundaraja Perumal Temple, Alagarkoil is Ethirsevai. As explained in part one of the posts Lord Kallazhagar (Lord Vishnu) takes out long procession to Madurai to attend his sister Sri Meenakshi’s marriage with Lord Sundareswarar. As a brother he carries lot of gifts (the formal seer varisai) to his sister Sri Meenakshi.

Lord Kallazhagar’s Procession to Madurai

The Lord’s well decorated palanquin will leavehis temple on the tenth day of Chithirai Thiruvizha (festival) amidst the ritualistic music and dance performed by devotees. The procession passed through the villages such as Thenur, Poikaraipatti, Kallandri, Appan Thirupathi and will reach Moondrumavadi Village on the eleventh day at about 06.a.m. Thereafter the procession continued and reached the conventional halting places (Mandagapadi) like Mariamman Temple, Pudur (around 09.00 a.m), Mariamman Temple, Reserve Line (around 10.30 a.m), Ambalakarar Mandapam, Outpost (around 05.20 p.m), Prasanna Ventachalapathy Temple, Tallakulam (around 09.30 p.m), and Karuppanaswamy temple (around 02.30 a.m). Thousands and thousands of devotees gathered all along the en route to welcome the Lord and worshiped the lord with aarthi.

Mandooga Maharishi

At Thenur village the Lord is relieved the curse of sage Mandoogar (Maharishi) also known as Suthapas. The sage was cursed sage Durvasar to become frog. The mandooga means frog. The sage observed penance and appealed the Lord to relieve his curse. The lord was graceful and relieved his curse. The villagers at Thenur will enact this event every year during the procession.

Sri Andal’s Garland

At Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple, Tallakulam, the Lord will receive and wears the garland forwarded by Sri Andal Temple, Srivillipuththur (located at Virudhunagar district, South Tamil Nadu). The poet / saint Sri Andal (‘Soodithantha sudarkodi’ or ‘Kothai Nachiyar) is one of the 12 azhvars. Lord Vishnu accepted her as his consort and married her.

Lord kallazhagar on Golden Horse at River Vaigai

The entry of the Lord to Madurai will be considered as good sign. On fourteenth day of the festival, the Lord will be assumed as Lord Sundararaja Perumal and will be mounted on a beautiful golden horse. The Lord’s entry into the holy river Vaigai will takes place in   between in the early morning around 6 a.m. to 9.00 a.m.

The Lord will eagerly make an entry in the holy river Vaigai, wherein he will be informed about the celestial marriage between Lord Sundareswarar and goddess Meenakshi by Veeraraghava Perumal. Soon the Lord gets angry and decides to get back to his abode back. In the meantime he accepts the invitation extended by his woman devotee (the woman comes from the Islamic faith / family) and visits her place.

The color of the silk robe adorned by the Lord is the most significant one. There are lot of beliefs on the color. Green color signifies food production from agriculture. White, yellow and even red colors are also considered as auspicious.

Mohana Avatar / Flower Palanquin

On the fifteenth day, there will be Mohana Avatar in the morning and in the night the Lord will appear in Pushpa Pallakku (flower palanquin).

Return Back to Alagarkoil

When the Lord returns to his temple, his consort goddess Mahalakshmi will get angry with her spouse for the visit paid to the Muslim devotee and prevents him at the door step. The Lord will be waiting at the door step for days together. Later he will enter into the temple and unites with his consort.

Sri Kallazhagar temple, Alagar Kovil Devasthanam, Madurai – 625 001 Tirumaaliruncholai  Divya Desam 102 Pandya Naadu·       

•    Prime Deity: Azhagar, Malalangarar, Maalirunsolai Nambi.
•    Consort (Thaayar): Sundaravalli ·       
•    Tower (Vimaanam): Somasundara Vimanam ·       
•    Posture : Perumal at this Divya Desam is in Nindra thirukkolam (Standing Posture) ·       
•    Direction Facing: Facing East Direction ·       
•    Holy Water (Theertham): Noopura Gangai or Silambaaru, Hanuman theertam, Garuda theertham. ·   
•    Timings: Morning 5.00 – Afternoon 12.30 and Evening 4.00 – Night 8.30 ·       
•    Festivals: Chithirai Festival, Vasanthotsavam – Tamil month Vaikasi, Brahmotsavam Tamil month Aadi (car festival), Gajendra Moksham – Tamil month Maasi, Celestial wedding – Tamil month Panguni ·       
•    Hymns (Pasuram) Mangalasasanam performed by: Periyalsar, Andal, Tirumangaialwar, Bhootattalwar,Peyalwar, Nammalwar – 128 verses

Reference:

1. Alagar Koyil Wikipedia
2. Alagar Kovil (Temple Website)
3. Thousands take part in `ethir sevai' The Hindu May 04, 2004
   

Youtube

Alagar Kovil Madurai by Hanuman Templetours

Kallazhakar Purappadu Madurai by SK Karthick

Kallazhagar Procession: 3rd Halt (Mandagapadi) at Narasingampatti Amabalakarar Mantapam

Kallazhagar Ethirsevai at Vaigai River, Madurai

Kallazhagar Muthangi Sevai by AC Vignesh·

Madurai Chithirai Festival or Chithirai Thiruvizha at Meenakshi Amman Temple Part One

Aerial View of Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai (Wikimedia Commons)

10th Day: Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Celestial Wedding

11th Day: Therottam Early Morning (Ratha Utsavam, Chariot, Car Festival) (Wikimedia Commons)

The Chithirai Festival or Chithirai Thiruvizha or Chithirai Brahmotsavam of Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India is considered as the most significant festival celebrated at the temple capital in a grand splendor. The southern districts of Tamil Nadu attach much importance to this festival.

Sri Meenakshi Amman

The first day of the festival commences with Dwajarohanam or the conventional hoisting of the temple flag. Thousands of devotees witness / participate in the specific pooja performed after flag hoisting. The festival comes to a conclusion on the full moon day of the Tamil month Chithirai (April 14 - May 15). Therefore the festival is named as Chithirai festival. The main event of Sri Kallazhagar (Lord Vishnu) Darshan  at Vaigai river takes place on the full moon day of the Tamil month Chithirai or Chithra Pournami.

Legend

The Pandiya King Kulasekhara Pandiyan established his Pandiya country and founded Madurai. King Malayadwaja Pandiyan is his successor. The royal couple King Malayadwaja Pandiyan and Queen Kanchanamala did not have children. They prayed and appealed Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva made goddess Parvati to incarnate herself as Meenakshi. Goddess Meenakshi miraculously appeared as a child at the sacrificial altar.

The child was named as Tataatakai. The child was found with three breasts. The King  got worried and prayed Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva with his divine prophecy consoled the King and told that the third breast will disappear at the mere sight of her would be bridegroom / prince.

Tataatakai became a grown up girl and as a valorous princess of Pandiya Kingdom. She was also called as Meenakshi since eyes resembled the shape of the fish. The princess proceeded on Dig-Vijaya (waging war across the length and breadth of the entire countries). She reached Mount Kailas, the abode of Lord Shiva. She was fortunate enough to have Lord Shiva’s grace and at the sight of Lord Shiva her third breast disappeared. She also blushed on seeing Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva promised her that he would come to Madurai and get her married. After this Princess Meenakshi returned to Madurai.

Lord Shiva (Lord Sundareswarar), descended down to Madurai with the purpose of marrying his consort goddess Parvati (Princess Meenakshi). Lord Vishnu (Lord Kallazhagar) also descended down to Alagarkoil in order to get his sister married to Lord Sundareswarar.

Importance of Celestial Marriage

This Chithirai festival was started by King Thirumalai Nayak (Nayakar Ruler circa 1623 to 1659) with an intention to unite four (Saivism, Vaishnavism, Saktham, Skandam) of the six-important faiths or Hindu religious sects (Shanmatha) i.e. Saivism (Lord Shiva), Vaishnavism (Lord Vishnu), Saktham (Goddesses), Souram (Lord Surya or Sun God), Ganapathyam (Lord Ganapathy) and Skandam (Lord Subramanya). The celestial wedding anniversary of Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Somasundareswarar (Lord Siva) is an important occasion of this festival. Lord Subramanya, (Thirupparankunram Devasthanam – near Madurai), the younger child of Lord Siva, participates in this festival.

14th Day: Sri Kallazhagar at Vaigai River

Lord Kallazhagar  of Sundararaja Perumal Temple at Alagarkoil (located 21 km from Madurai), the brother of goddess Meenakshi, takes a long procession Madurai to participate in his sister’s marriage. Before he reaches Madurai, the celestial marriage takes place in the absence of Lord Kallazhagar. Therefore he gets angry and enters in to the holy river Vaigai. Afterwards the Lord bestows his grace to the devotees at various places at Madurai. Thereafter the Lord returns to Alagarkoil.

The Seventeen days Chithirai Festival Program is shown below:

Venue: Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple, Madurai
First Day - Flag hosting and Start of the Festival -  Karpaga Vriksha, Simha Vahanam (Vehicle)
Second Day – Bootha Vahana (Vehicle), Anna Vahanam (Vehicle)
Third Day  – Kailasa Parvadham, Kamadhenu Vahanam (Vehicle)
Fourth Day –  Golden Palanquin (Thanga Pallakku)
Fifth Day - Vedar Pari Leelai - Golden Horse (Thanga Guthirai) Vahanam (Vehicle)
Sixth Day - Saiva Samaya Sthabitha Varalatru Leelai -
Seventh Day - Nantheekeshwarar, Yaali Vahanam (Vehicle)
Eighth Day -  Goddess Sree Meenakshi Pattabhishekam (Coronation) Evening - Velli Simhasana Ula
Nineth Day - Sree Meenakshi Digvijayam - Indra Vimana Ula
Tenth Day - Sree Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Thirukalyanam (Celestial Wedding) Forenoon - Yaanai Vahanam (Elephant Vehicle), Pushpa Pallakku (Flower Palanquin)
Eleventh Day - Thiru Ther - Therottam Early Morning (Ratha Utsavam, Chariot, Car Festival) - Sapthavarna Chapram (Trolley)
Twelfth Day - Theerthavari, Festival Ending at Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai; Rishaba Vahanam (Bull Vehicle)
Venue: Lord Kallazhagar  of Sundararaja Perumal Temple at Alagarkoil (located 21 km from Madurai).
Twelfth Day - At Arumigu Kallazhagar Thirukoil, Alagarkoil - Velli Virutchaba Sevai Kallazhagar (Kallazhagar)
Venue: En route Madurai - Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple in Tallakulam
Thirteenth Day - Sri Kallazhagar Thallakulathil Edhir Sevai
Venue - At  the North Bank of Vaigai River - under Albert Victor Bridge
Fourteenth Day -  Sri Kallazhagar Vaigai Aatril Ezhuntharural (Presence of Sri Kallazhagar at Vaigai river) - 1000 Pon Chapram (trolley) - Night Saithyobacharam at Vandiyur village
Venue - Thenur Mandapam - Tenur Village near Madurai & Ramarayar Mandapam, Northern part of river Vaigai
Fifteenth Day - Sri Kallazhagar Vandiyur Thenur Mandapam - Sesha Vahanam (Vehicle) in Morning - Garuda Vahanam (Vehicle) in the afternoon - Moksham for Manduga Maharishi - Dasavathara Katchi at Ramarayar Mandapam in Night
Sixteenth Day - Morning Mohanaavatharam - Night Kallazhagar Thirukollam in Pushpa Pallakku (Flower Palaquin) at Mysore Mandapam, Northern part of river Vaigai
Seventeenth Day -  Sri Kallazhagar Thirumalai Eluntharural (Returning back to Arumigu Kallazhagar Thirukoil, Alagarkoil).

Highlights of the Festival

1. In the year 2011 the temple authorizes have made a gold ‘Rishaba Vahanam (Bull vehicle)  at a cost of Rs. 90 lakh with over 3.5 kilograms of gold. The procession on Bull vehicles will takes place on the 12th Day of the Festivals.
2. The coronation (‘pattabhishekam’) of Goddess Meenakshi will be performed on the eighth day
3. Celestial marriage is a colorful festival. The idols go on procession. You can witness colorful umbrellas and multi-colored huge fans. The hymns of Thevaram will be sung by temple staff.
4. The celestial wedding will take place at the temple premises – the wedding hall (‘Tirukkalyana Mandapam’) at the junction of West-North Adi streets on the 10th day of the festival.
5. You will see thousands of devotees assemble at the hall to view the beautifully decorated idols of Lord Sundareswarar and goddess Meenakshi and to witness the Thirukkalyanam rituals.
6. There will be two temple priests assuming the role of Lord Sundereswarar and goddess Meenakshi. Both of them will put flower garland to the idols and exchange them thrice. There will also be tying of mangalsutra
7. The Religious Endowment Trust will arrange and offer the wedding feast to 50,000 devotees after the wedding.
8. The devotees were given Prasadam which included Mangalsutra.
9. It is believed that the celestial couple is ruling Madurai.

Car Festival

The eleventh of the festival will be the car festival. There will be huge procession all over the four main roads of Madurai (Four Masi Streets). Lord Sundareswarar and goddess Meenakshi will go on procession in a well decorated huge wooden car with large wheels. The car will be pulled by devotees using thicker ropes. People will throng at their front courtyard of the houses or at every corner of the streets to have the glimpse of the prime deities.

Nb: Masi is the 11th month according to Tamil Calendar.

Reference

1. Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Thirukkovil (Website)
   
2. Chithirai Thiruvizha, Wikipedia
3. Meenakshi Amman temple, Wikipedia 

You Tube

Meenakshi Amman Temple - Madhurai - South India - Tamil Nadu - A place to visit By KVN Vasu

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple (திருஆலவாய்) Madurai by Ramamurthy

Madurai Meenakshi Thiru Kalyanam

Chithirai Peruvizha - Madurai Car Festival - Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple Therottam by RED PIX

Kaidi Kitchen (Restaurant), Mylapore, Chennai: Enjoy Multi-cuisine Veg. Food behind Prison Cell

Facade of the restaurant is appearing like the gate of the prison

Ambiance: Eight air-conditioned Prison Cells. Waiters in Jailer / Convict Uniforms

Prison Cells (Dining Rooms)

Kaidi Kitchen  is a first prison theme based Multi-Cuisine Vegetarian Restaurant in Mylapore, Chennai. You may be surprised to name the restaurant with the term 'Kaidi.' No one would prefer to dine in a prison cell. Yet these prison cells (dining rooms in Kaidi vegetarian restaurant) are arresting the Chennai food lovers with their  Chinese, Italian, Lebanese, Mexican, North Indian and Thai Cuisines. Of course no chance for south Indian dishes like idly, pongal, poori and dosas.

Hand-cuffs suspended. Brick walls

The facade of the restaurant is appearing like the gate of the prison.  The fully air conditioned 8000 sq.feet restaurant resembles like prison with eight prison cells incorporating revolving lights; hand-cuff suspended atop the ‘cells’ and toy guns displayed on the walls.  The earnest waiters are wearing the uniforms of jailers or convicts. They appear before the discerning customers with 30 page menu booklet (looking like encyclopedia) and take orders.

Guns Dispalyed on the wall

In addition there is a huge banquet hall in the basement with a capacity for 200 people to dine at any given time.

People choose to frequent this place during week ends; preferably on Saturday nights. Of course it is very difficult to reserve a prison cell on week ends and the plan of action will be strictly on the basis of  ‘first come, first get arrested’ policy. When the prison gate opens around 07.00 pm, the prison cells are packed every week end night. 

After its promising achievements in Kolkata, Rohit Ojha was inspired with confidence to replicate its franchised outlet in Chennai. There are scope for replicating similar franchised outlets in Gujarat, Hyderabad and New Delhi. The restaurant is targeting all sections of the food lovers including the youth and family circles and there is encouraging response.

Kaidi Kitchen is at 20/3, Bishop Wallers Avenue, Mylapore, Chennai. Contact for Information: 42009701 or 4200 9702.

Curzon and Company: Colonial Furniture Shop at Mount Road, Madras

Curzon & Co Colonial Furniture Shop @ Mount Road - Ellis Road Intersection

Mr. Chimato Seshachalam the son of Alavandar

George Nathaniel Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston, KG, GCSI, GCIE, PC (6 Jan 1899 – 18 Nov 1905)

Curzon & Co, the  116 year old furniture dealers and carpenters, is housed in a characteristic  two-story colonial style building at  No 137, Opposite MLA Hostel Near Anna Statue, Wallajah Road, Mount Road, Chennai - 600002. The shop was inaugurated in 1898 by Chimato Alavandar Chetty when Lord George Nathaniel Curzon, the 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston, the Viceroy of India visited Madras. This event could have prompted Alavandar Chetty to name the shop in honour of Lord George Nathaniel Curzon. To keep pace with time the family partnership business is managed at present by the members of the fourth generation.  

George Nathaniel Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston, KG, GCSI, GCIE, PC (11 January 1859 – 20 March 1925),

One can easily findout this oldest surviving furniture shop and the unique signboard, 'Curzon' at the interection of Wallajah Road and Ellis Road. This  imposing colonial style building, with grand front entrances, tall columns, high ceilings, arches, houses the antique rosewood rolltop desks, colonial sofas, huge size rosewood cots and many more teak furniture items.

Mr. Chimato Seshachalam the son of Alavandar was only six years when his father expired. With the support of his maternal family he graduated law and even served in the chambers of V. Krishnaswami Ayyar. Since the family persuaded his presence in the family business, he associated himself in this business. His initiative in specialising in library furniture with the guidance of Dr S. R. Ranganathan, the father of Indian library science, brought name and fame. The Curzon's library furnitures are still in use at Madras University Library, Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Madras Medical College, Bishop Heber College (Trichy), Madras Institute of Development Studies, and Pachaiyappa's College. The furniture are also in use at Raj Bhavan, Chennai, government offices in Kurnool and at few residences of people like M.S. Subbalakshmi.

Mr.C.Seshachalam,  popularly known as ‘Curzon Chettiar', established the first saw mill in 1935 in Guindy and brought innovation in his carpentary workshop through mechanized planing, cutting of wood and furniture assembling. Curzons was able to withstand the competition with Spencers and Wrenn Bennett.

Now the legendary furniture showroom has reached its centenary year in 1998 and today most of what remains is Curzon & Co's rich history. 

Reference:   

1. Once, viceregal furniture by S.Muthiah. Chennai. The Hindu Jun 13, 2005
2. Survivors of time: Of time and tables Asha Sridhar Anusha Parthasarathy The Hindu  August 23, 2011

Puri Jagannath Temple, Kanathur, ECR, Chennai

Puri Jagannath Temple, Kanathur, ECR, Near Chennai (Source: JayaJagannath Blog)

Puri Jagannath Temple, Kanathur, ECR, Near Chennai (Wikimedia Commons)

Prime Deities: Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra at Kanathur Chennai

 Jagannath Temple Puri, Odisha (Wikimedia Commons)

Rath Yatra at Jagannath Temple Puri, Odisha (Wikimedia Commons)

Puri Jagannath Temple, located at Reddy Kuppam Road, Kannathur, on East Coast Road  close to the popular Mayajal sports complex, Chennai. The temple, built in Nagara style of architecture reminiscent of the original Jagannath Temple in Puri Odisha founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu and his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. However it is not the total hundred per cent replica of Puri Jagannath Temple, Odisha. The temple complex has minor shrines dedicated to associate deities (parivara devatas) like Kasi Vishwanath (form of Lord Shiva), Kanchi Ganesha, Yoganarasimha, Mother Basil (Tulsi or Tulasi), Devi Gajalakshmi, Devi Vimala, and Navagrahas (Nine planets appear in human form). Similar to Odisha Puri Jagannath Temple, the deities are carved from neem wood. The Nagara style temple vimanam sculpted from black granite stone brought from Kanchipuram and the prayer hall or maha-mandapam flooring made from Rajasthan white marble. There is an imposing ornate Garuda Pillar or dhwaja sthambha before the sanctum. The Stairs with a decorated baluster lead to the elevated sanctum. They have recreated the 'Pata Chitra' paintings (from Odhisa temple) depicting Lord Vishnu's ten incarnations (Dasavatar) on the walls and ceilings. The temple was consecrated on 26 January 2001. Built near the seashore, the temple is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal. The temple complex is landscaped with lush green lawn and the flowering garden. As in Puri, Odhisa, the priests personally collect flowers for puja rituals.

Ancient days Jagannath Temple at Puri in Odisha was existing as the only original shrine. Over a period of time number of princely states constructed the replica of Jagannath temple at their capital towns. Now Jagannath devotees voluntarily assumed the responsibility of recreating Puri Jagannath temples at various places. Puri Jagannath Temple at Kanathur is one such effort.

If you have not visited the Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha, you can make it a point to have darshan of Puri Jagannath at Kanathur. Rath yatra is the annual festival of this temple and celebrated on the same day as in Puri. They have built the stainless steel rath for this purpose. You will feel the spiritual atmosphere and the whole time spend in the temple will be pure, calming and rejuvenating. The prasadam or anna dhanam is divine. The temple also arranges cultural events like  dance performance of the Odysey dance (classical dance form of Odisha).

The sevakas (priests) from Odisha perform Sevas (Pujas) here: (1) Daily niti  (daily seva-puja or daily ritual services), (2) Occasional niti (specific occasions like Ekadasi, Sankranti, Amavasya, Grahana (eclipse), Nakshatra or any other periodical rituals ) and (3) festival niti (festivals like Jhulana yatra, Rath yatra, Snana yatra, Chandana yatra). Niti in Odisha language means policy or principle or procedure. The ambiance is perfect and all the puja rituals will be mesmerizing, injecting power vibes and its quite easy to lose track of time here.

Location:

The Jagannath Temple is located in Reddy Kuppam Road, Kanathur, Chennai. The temple around 400 meters away from the main road (ECR Road) and comes after the Mayajal (a recreation center on the East Coast Road) bus stop.

Timings: 6.30AM to 12.30AM and 3.30Pm to 7.30PM

YouTube
Puri Jagannath Temple - Lord Krishna Temple - At Chennai - A must visit temple by KVN Vasu 

Puri Jagannath Temple Aerial View HD Full by OdishaForum

Annual Car Festival of Lord Jagannath - LIVE from Puri - 10 July 2013 by Doordarshan National

Covelong Beach: Secluded Coromandel Coast Beach Near Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Taj Fisherman's Cove (View 1)

Taj Fisherman's Cove (View 2)

Sectional view (1) Public Beach at Covelong

Sectional view (2) Public Beach at Covelong

Covelong Dargah of Syedna Hazrat Tamim bin Ahmed Ansari Razi Allathu Thala Anthu, a Sufi Saint

Covelong (Kovalam) Beach Is the very clear and clean beach with the breathtakingly beautiful and tranquil ambiance and a popular destination among beach lovers. It is located 40 kilometres south of Chennai on the East Coast Road (scenic coast of Coromandel) en route to Mahabalipuram.  This less crowded and secluded beach, with radiating sun, deep blue sea and calm waters,  lovely white glistening sand, swaying palms and scenic views,  is the perfect hot spot  to relax and unwind.  Pack a picnic  and head off to Covelong and you will experience as if visiting a faraway fairytale land with a plethora of water sport activities like wind Surfing, water surfing and swimming. The enchanting beach also lies in proximity to Mahabalipuram and Crocodile Farm. There is a canal running parallel to the Bay of Bengal divides the beach from main-land.

Covelong, a  picturesque fishing village in the Coromandel coast , was developed in 1746 as the port by the Nawab of Carnatic, Saadat Ali for political and strategic purpose and soon it became the primary port. The French East India Company captured this port in 1746 and the French navy under the French General Laboudonnais  anchored till 1746. Lord Clive defeated the French in Carnatic war and the fort captured and promptly destroyed by British East India Company to prevent further French attacks in future.

A fort was built in Covelong by Dutch East India Company and the fort site has been converted into  Taj Fisherman's Cove, often regarded one among the top private luxury beach resort. The ancient Catholic Church is a must visit place on the beach. Also there is a dargah of Syedna Hazrat Tamim bin Ahmed Ansari Razi Allathu Thala Anthu, a Sufi Muslim saint.

Once you enter here,  you will learn the history and  vast array of geographic features; placidity and your body and mind positively charged with enthusiasm and energy and you may not willing to leave.

Location :

Located on the ECR Chennai Mahabalipuram State Highway.

Best Season:

Best time to visit Covelong beach is the months of November to February.

How to Get There - By Road:

The Covelong Beach is easily reachable by excellent road network that connects the town with the nearby cities. Buses and taxies are the most popular way of reaching Covelong beach from Chennai and other nearby cities.

Fourbeck Bridge at Anna Salai Nandanam: Bridges of Colonial Madras

'Mambalam Odaipalam' ("Bridge over the Brook at Mamelon”. )

Enamel Sign Board of the Arcaeological Survey of India (1)

Enamel Sign Board of the Arcaeological Survey of India (2)

Four-sided commemorative pedestal memorialize the history behind the Fourbeck bridge (English)

Four-sided commemorative pedestal memorialize the history behind the Fourbeck bridge (English / Persian)

Four-sided commemorative pedestal memorialize the history behind the Fourbeck bridge (Larin)

Four-sided commemorative pedestal memorialize the history behind the Fourbeck bridge (Tamil)

Madras City Map 1893 Showing the Tank

I am sure many of you might have crossed Jones Road - Anna Salai (erstwhile Mount Road) intersection lying between  Nandanam and Saidapet. But how many of you have ever noticed the  four-sided commemorative pedestal and enamel sign board.

Well the pedestal, in a fenced enclosure measuring about 26 sq.metre, is  located at the State Highways Department’s workshop premises in West CIT Nagar i.e,  just opposite the Nandanam Veterinary polyclinic and adjacent to MC Raja Hostel for men. This monument comes under the care of the Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology since 2003.

The four-sided commemorative pedestal memorialize the history behind the Fourbeck bridge in English, Latin, Persian and Tamil, on its four sides. Strange! Find out more about the history of Fourbeck Bridge.

In English, it reads: “This bridge, erected as a public benefit from a legacy bestowed by Mr Adrian Fourbeck, a merchant of Madras, is a monument useful as lasting of the good citizen’s munificent liberality. It was erected by his executors T Pelling, De Freies, P Bodkin from the plan and under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel Pat Ross, Chief Engineer, in the year of our Lord 1786. Major General Sir Arch D Campbell, the Governor of Fort St George.”

'Long Tank' was a huge curved water body lying parallel to the western edge of the Mount Road commencing from Nungambakkam High Road and extending up to Saidapet. Now no traces of this lake could be found. The surplus water from this lake was channelized through the brook (canal) via Mount Road. 'Mambalam Odaipalam' was the small temporary bridge standing on this canal. In 1772 there was  an offer from Andrew Ross, the free merchant to raise the permanent "Bridge over the Brook at Mamelon”.

In 1786, the 'Brook Bridge,' a permanent structure, was constructed by Thomas Pelling, De Fries and P Bodkin. These three Europeans executed the will of Adrian Fourbeck, an affluent business man from Madras. Lt.Col. Patrick Ross, the chief engineer of Madras gave direction to the construction.
Who was Adrian Fourbeck? Adrian Fourbeck was serving as a member of the  Gunroom Crew in Fort St George and in 1740 this kind hearted European was discharged on a disability pension of Pagodas 1-14-0. Later he became an affluent merchant through partnership with Samuel Troutback. Fourbeck expired in 1783 and left a will comprising 'terms' for the construction of the bridge. The bridge was named after Fourbeck bridge to commemorate philanthropic contribution of Adrian Fourbeck.

Reference

1. The Fourbeck Bridge by S.Muthiah The Hindu Chennai Jan 07, 2008
2. The sole reminder of long-lost bridge from yore by  V Gangadharan The New Indian Express   May 19, 2011 

Karnataka (Chikmagalur) Ornate Mansion: Reconstructed at Craft Village, Dakshinachitra, ECR Chennai

Karnataka House Architecture(Chikmagalur) at Craft Village, Dakshinachitra, ECR, Chennai

Dakshinachitra, “a living museum of art, architecture, crafts, and performing arts of South India” is constructed in 10 acres of land and located on the East Coast Road in Muttukadu i.e., 21 km south of Chennai. Created by the Chennai Crafts Foundation, Dakshinachitra is a work in progress Craft Village.

Dakshinachitra houses carefully recreated and showcases heritage structures, traditions and culture from the four southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is also a hub for performing arts, a retreat for artists, a learning center for students, an exhibition space, a place to visit for the culturally inclined tourist. 

I have captured this reconstructed heritage house from Karnataka and the heritage structure (Chikmagalur).

Address: East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chingulpet District – 600 118. Landmark: next to MGM Dizee World;  Phone: 044 27472603 / 044 27472783
Visiting Hours: 10 am to 6pm Weekly Holiday: Tuesday (open on all national holidays except on Diwali Day).

How to Get There?: Dakshinachitra located on the scenic East Coast Road in Chennai. Access from Chennai: 21 kms South of Chennai on ECR or Access from Mahabalipuram: 25km on ECR.

By Road: City Bus Route Nos: 19, PP19, PP49 or Taxi

Thematic Statue: Music Troupe - two danseuses and Drummer (panchamuga vadhyam) - Chennai Statues

Thematic Statue: Music Troupe - two danseuses and Drummer (panchamuga vadhyam) (1)

Thematic Statue: Music Troupe - two danseuses and Drummer (panchamuga vadhyam) (2)

Thematic Statue: Music Troupe - two danseuses and Drummer (panchamuga vadhyam) (3)

Thematic Statue: Music Troupe - two danseuses and Drummer (panchamuga vadhyam) (4)

Thematic Statue: Music Troupe - two danseuses and Drummer (panchamuga vadhyam) (5)

Source: Government Museum Chennai

Source: India’s Musical Instruments of yore

As a part Chennai beautification drive, the Chennai Corporation has made initiatives through  the students of Government College of Arts and Crafts, Egmore, Chennai and they have designed four thematic sculptures. These four thematic statues were erected at four different vantage points of the city.

1. Theme: Bull and elephant, the symbol of Sangam age: Venue: Near Light House, Marina beach, Chennai.
2. Theme: statue of a boat: Venue: Installed inside the Dr. Annie Besant Park at Ice House which faces the Marina Beach, Chennai.
3. Theme: Sculptures of birds:  Venue: Erected at the intersection of South Canal Bank Road and Santhome High Road, Chennai
4. Theme: Music troupe: Venue: Erected at the intersections at Ramakrishna Mutt Road-Broadies Castle Road and Kamarajar Salai-Link Road (near to corporation play ground and opposite to Government Music College Adyar), Chennai.

This post is about the 'Music Troupe,' the fourth theme. The thematic sculpture is depicting the music troupe comprising two danseuses and the male drum beater.

The statue of two danseuses exhibit graceful facial expressions with their  emotive eyes, hands elaborating 'mudras' (gestural expressions by the hand palm and fingers) and the legs showing fine  adavus with firm footwork. The hair style, ornaments and the costume of the danseuses were sculpted with punctilious care. 

The drummer use both of his hands to beat the panchamuga vadhyam, a drum (the percussion instrument) with metal base (copper or brass metal)  and with five faces (mukha), named after the faces of Lord Siva: Sadyojatam, Isanam, Tatpurusham, Aghoram and Vamadevam. It is learned that this instrument originated in 12th century during Chola rule and the ancient instrument is also called in Tamil as 'Kudamuzha', 'Kudapanchamuki.' Please note that the central face of the drum shows larger diameter than the other four peripheral faces. Each face produce its own unique sound and five different sound produced are musically related. The rare musical instrument  is in use in prominent temples like Thiruvarur and Thiruthuraipoondi temples. I presume that the instrument at Thiruvarur temple is used in this 'Music Troupe' as model. The well trained drummer, with adequate skill  and knowledge in music was employed as temple staff and he was playing it during pooja timings and during processions.

In the World Tamil Conference 2010 Coimbatore Semmozhi Manadu there was a display of Panchmukavadhya and it was weighing about 1  1/2 ton.