Driver Zarappa, Bidar
Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a beautiful temple city near places to visit in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Chola king Rajendra, I built it. It shows off the grandeur of the Chola building and is famous for the beautiful Brihadeeswarar Temple. The temple has a huge Nandi statue, a tall vimana, and detailed carvings that show how important the Chola dynasty was in history and culture.
Chola King Rajendra built the town to mark the end of the Pala Dynasty and their rule. He and his son, King Rajendra I, wanted to make a city with beautiful buildings, lots of land, and pride. It was the capital of the Chola Empire, which ruled most of Southeast Asia.
The Chola king Rajendra I built the beautiful Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, a great example of Dravidian design. The temple has a huge vimana 55 meters tall and beautiful paintings and sculptures showing how grand it was during the Chola era. Ancient Tamil Nadu has a lot of cultural history and beautiful architecture made by skilled artists.
The Puranas say that as advised by sage Agasthiya, Sri Rama arrived here along with Sita and Lakshmana and consecrated and worshipped the Sivalinga to expiate the sin of Brahmahatya he got by killing Ravana. It is said that Sri Rama fixed an auspicious time for installation and sent Anjaneya to Mount Kailas to bring a Sivalinga. As Anjaneya could not return in time, Sita herself made a Sivalinga of sand and worship was over when Anjaneya returned with a Lingam from far off Mount Kailas.
Anjaneya was enraged and tried in vain to remove the consecrated Sivalinga made of sand. To pacify Anjaneya, Rama also consecrated Anjaneyas Sivalinga (Visvalingam) by the side of Ramalinga and ordered that all the pujas should first be performed for Visvalingam brought by Anjaneya. In this temple, the first pooja is performed for this Lord Visvanathar. As its very name implies, Rameswaram is the holy place of Lord Rameswara, i.e., Eswara consecrated by Sri Rama.
Kanyakumari ('The virgin Girl), referring to Devi Kanya Kumari, officially known as
Kanniya kumari, formerly known as Cape Comorin is a town and municipality
in Kanyakumari district in the state
of Tamil Nadu, India.
It is the southernmost tip of the contiguous Indian subcontinent and the
southernmost city in mainland India, and thus it is informally
referred to as "The Land's End". Kanyakumari town is about 90
kilometres (56 mi) from Thiruvananthapuram and 20 kms south
of Nagercoil, the headquarters of Kanyakumari
district.
Kanyakumari is a popular tourist destination and pilgrimage centre in India. Notable
tourist spots include its unique sunrise and sunset points, the 41-metre (133
ft) Thiruvalluvar Statue, and Vivekananda Rock Memorial off the
coast.
Lying at the tip of peninsular India, the town is bordered on the
west, south, and east by the Laccadive Sea--Triveni Sangam--Bay of
Bengal, Arabian sea and Indian Ocean. It has a coastline of 71.5
kilometres (44.4 mi) stretched along these three sides.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala stands a symbol of timeless spirituality and architectural grandeur.
This ancient 8th century shrine which is a tribute to Lord Padmanabhaswamy (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Historic blend of Kerala-Dravidian architecture with murals, sculptures, and the iconic reclining Vishnu idol.
Located inside the East Fort of the city, it is believed to be the world's richest temple. With an architectural style that's a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles.
The idol of the presiding deity is noted for its composition which has 12008 salagramams, which were brought from Nepal. It is believed to have been taken from the banks of the River Gandhaki.
The Ottakkal Mandapam (Mandapam made of a single stone slab) in front of the sanctum sanctorum is a masterpiece in itself as it is made from a huge single stone block sourced from the Tirumala rock quarry.
The main idol, which is 18 ft long, can be viewed through three different doors. While the head and chest are seen through the first door, the hands can be sighted through the second door and the feet through the third door.
The interiors of the temple are adorned by exquisite paintings and murals, most of which are life sized depictions of Lord Vishnu in the reclining posture, Lord Ganapati, Gaja Lakshmi and Narasimha Swamy (half-lion, half man incarnation of Lord Vishnu).
The flag post of the temple (dhwaja stamba) is covered with gold plated copper sheets and is about 80ft high. The Bali Peeda Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam which are halls embellished with sculptures of various Hindu deities are some of the interesting architectural features of this temple.
The Navagraha Mandapa, is yet another notable feature that captures the attention of all visitors. Here the ceiling displays the navagrahas (the nine planets).
The broad corridor that extends from the eastern side into the sanctum sanctorum is a sight to behold with its 365 and one-quarter granite-stone pillars that are sculptured with exquisite carvings. Below the main entrance, on the eastern side lies the nataka sala (which literally means drama hall).
During the annual ten-day festival at the temple, held during the Malayalam months of Meenam and Thulam, the nataka sala comes alive with Kathakali (Kerala's classical art form) performances.
Considered to be one of the Divya Desams or 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity, Lord Vishnu, is depicted as reclining on Anantha, the hooded Serpent. The works of the Tamil Azhvars (saints) have mentioned the Divya Desams as the holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu.
In fact, Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala is named after the presiding deity of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, who is also known as Anantha (one who reclines on the Serpent Anantha). 'Thiruvananthapuram' translates to the Land of Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy.
It is also believed that the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located at a place considered to be one among the seven Parasurama Kshetras. There are also references to the temple in ancient texts like the Puranas, viz. the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. The holy tank that stands close to the temple is called Padma Theertham, meaning the 'lotus spring.'
It was Marthanda Varma one of the most renowned erstwhile rulers of Travancore who did major renovations to the temple which gave it its present-day structure and form. It was he who introduced the Bhadra Deepam and Murajapam festivals in the temple. Every six years the Murajapam (which literally means continuous chanting of prayers) festival, is still conducted in the temple.
It was in 1750 that the kingdom of Travancore was dedicated to Lord Padmanabha by the then king Marthanda Varma. He vowed that the royal family will rule the State on behalf of the Lord and he and his descendants would serve the kingdom as Padmanabha Dasa or the Servant of Lord Padmanabha. Ever since the name of every Travancore king was preceded by the title Padmanabha Dasa. All donations offered by the kingdom of Travancore to Padmanabhaswamy were known as Thripadidanam. Even today the shrine is run by a trust headed by the erstwhile royal family of Travancore.
The hallowed halls and sacred precincts of this magnificent temple have captivated devotees and visitors alike for centuries. Even today the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a testament to the rich legacy of the land.
Key Details of the 2025 Gold Incident
- Missing
Items: Gold rods, intended for
soldering panels on the sanctum sanctorum door between May 7 and May 10,
2025, disappeared.
- Investigation: Police
suspect insider involvement due to, among other issues, non-functional
CCTV cameras.
- Recovery: Roughly
80 grams of the stolen gold was found buried in the temple sand.
- Current
Status: A judicial magistrate approved
polygraph tests for six employees suspected to be involved, with the
investigation ongoing as of November 2025.
Background Context
- Management
Dispute: In 2020, the Supreme Court
upheld the Travancore Royal Family's right to manage the temple,
overturning a 2011 High Court decision.
- Treasury
Findings: The temple gained immense
attention due to the discovery of vast, ancient treasures across six
underground vaults.
- Security
Concerns: The 2025 incident highlights
ongoing security vulnerabilities, similar to a previous 2024 incident
involving a missing antique brass vessel
- "Nagabandham" Myth: Vault B (Kallara B) is the only chamber that was not opened during the 2011 inspection. It is believed to be sealed with a "Nagabandham" (serpent lock) by ancient yogis and can only be opened by a specialized Garuda mantra chant.
The Travancore Royal
Family is a historic Hindu dynasty, descending from the Cheras, that ruled
the southern Indian kingdom of Travancore (Venad) until 1949, with its seat at
Trivandrum, Kerala. Following the 1949 merger with India and the 1971 privy
purse abolition, they remain prominent as titular heads, with Sree Moolam
Thirunal Rama Varma currently acting as the head of the family.
Travancore Royal Family:
Title & Succession: The
head is known as the Sree Padmanabhadasa (Servant of Lord
Padmanabha), ruling in the name of the family deity. The family follows a
matrilineal system (Marumakkathayam).
Last Ruling Maharaja: Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma was
the last ruling King, reigning until 1949 and passing away in 1991.
Current Head: Sree Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma (born
1949), son of the last Maharani, Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi, is the current
titular Maharaja.
Current Titular Maharani: Bharani Thirunal Rukmini Bayi (Rukmini
Varma) is the senior female member of the family.
Residence: The royal
family resides in and manages affairs from the Kowdiar Palace in
Thiruvananthapuram, which was built in 1934.
Two Branches: The
family is divided into two branches descending from the senior and junior
Maharanis of the early 20th century, with the junior branch (Kowdiar) currently
holding the title of Maharaja.
Role Today: While
they no longer hold political power, they retain immense social, cultural, and
religious significance in Kerala, particularly regarding the administration of
the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Guruvayur Temple in Kerala
Sacred Krishna temple, famed for its golden flagstaff,
light pillars, and rich history, often called the Dwaraka of the South.
Considered to be one of the oldest and most revered
temples in India Guruvayur Temple in Kerala is also widely renowned as the
Dwaraka of the South (Dwaraka is Lord Krishna's place of birth). Located in the
cultural capital of the state, Thrissur, the main deity here is Lord
Krishna.
Constructed in the traditional Kerala style of architecture, the temple is in
itself a sight to behold. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum adorned with
ancient murals from the 17th century evoke much awe amid visitors as do the
structures like the Balikkal (sacrificial stone), Deepastambam (pillar of
lights) and most importantly, the Nalambalam (temple structure surrounding
sanctum sanctorum). One of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in the
entire nation, it is believed that the central shrine of the temple was
reconstructed in the year 1638 C.E. The history of the place is beautifully and
artistically depicted in the architectural style and every individual element
inside the temple.
The temple stands facing the East with a Gopuram (tower) each on the East and
the West. While the one on the East is called the Kizhakkenada, the one on the
west is called the Padinjarenada. The pillars of light called the
'Deepasthambam' are located in the front and East side of the Nalambalam, a
square shaped column. The Deeepasthambam on the eastern side stands 24 feet
high and has thirteen circular receptacles. When completely lit up, it is a
magnificent sight to behold. The Dwajasthamba, a 70ft tall flag staff which is
fully covered in gold is yet another famous sight at the temple. The idol of
Lord Krishna is placed inside the Garbhagriha which is located inside the
inside the square shaped Sreeekovil. The Sreekovil also has two stairs and
three other rooms as well. Inside the temple, one can also see the images of
Lord Ayyappa, Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy and Ganapathy.
The Thulabharam is one of the most popular offerings at Guruvayur Temple. In
this ritual, devotees are weighed against jaggery, coconuts, sugar or bananas
on a giant set of scales. This quantity is then given to the Lord as an
offering. The temple is also one among the most popular wedding destinations in
the state.
The annual festival of the temple falls during Feb-March and is celebrated with
much pomp and frolic but this is not the only prominent festival here. Other
celebrations like the Guruvayur Ekadasi, Ashtamirohini, Vaishakam etc. are amid
the other popular festivals at this temple.
The one festival that evokes curiosity though is the Guruvayur Aanayottam (elephant
race). The festival is just as incredible as it sounds. The largest land mammal
on earth is put up against each other in a race.
The practice is said to have started back in the times of the ancient Zamorin
and King of Cochin. To this day, every year, these massive animals race head to
head. It is this Aanayottam ritual that marks the start of the annual Guruvayur
festival. The winner of the elephant race is the one that gets chosen to carry
the Thidambu (the replica of the idol of Guruvayoorappan) for the rest of the
festivals and special occasions of the year.
The Guruvayur Ekadasi festival is yet another auspicious time at the temple
that draws people from far and wide. Ekadasi or the 11th day of the lunar
fortnight is considered important for Hindus. The month long Ekadasi festival
at the temple has several important rituals that are conducted. The most
important among them is the udayastamana pooja (dawn-to-dusk pooja) and the
Carnatic music festival conducted over 11 days. This festival is conducted as a
tribute to the legendary Carnatic musician- Chembai Vaidyanatha
Bhagavatar.
Temple Timings: Open 03:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. & 04:30 P.M. -
09:15 P.M.
Punnathurkotta Guruvayoor - Anakotta (Elephant Fort)
Once the property of Punnathur Rajas, Punnathurkotta is now allocated for elephants. These 11 acres of land is now home to more than 60 elephants. Punnathur fort was purchased by the Guruvayur Devaswom Board in 1975 to house all the elephants of the temple in comfortable surroundings. Here, one can see majestic tuskers of different ages and sizes grazing in a lushly green garden.
All the jumbos seen here are the offerings made by
devotees to lord Krishna. This fort complex consists of a 500-year-old palace
constructed by the erstwhile local rulers. The palace was constructed according
to the traditional Kerala style architecture known as ‘Nalukettu’, a style
shaped by the climatic and geographical factors of the state. Nalukettu is a
traditional rectangular style building with sloping roof, wooden carvings and a
central courtyard opened to the sky.
Those who visit Punnathur Kotta can also witness mahouts bathing and massaging the elephants with small stones and coconut husks. It is a pleasure to watch these elephants enjoying their elaborate bath.
Jatayu Earth's Center
Jatayu Earth's Center, also known as Jatayu Nature Park is a national park and tourism centre at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district of Kerala, India.
It stands at an altitude of 350 m above mean sea level. To get to the top, there is a cable car, and it is the only cable car in Kerala.
Jatayu Earth's Center, also known as Jatayu Nature
Park or Jatayu Rock, is a unique destination located in Chadayamangalam,
Kerala.
Spanning 65 acres, this remarkable attraction
seamlessly integrates mythology, adventure, and eco-tourism. It is named after
Jatayu, the noble bird from the Indian epic Ramayana, who is believed to have
valiantly attempted to rescue Sita from Ravana.
According to legend, Jatayu was gravely wounded during
the battle and fell to the rocks of Chadayamangalam, making this location
deeply significant in Indian mythology.
The centerpiece of the park is the world's largest bird sculpture, designed by
sculptor Rajiv Anchal. Measuring 200 feet in length, 150 feet in width, and 70
feet in height, the colossal structure stands as a tribute to Jatayu's bravery
and sacrifice.
Inside the sculpture, visitors can explore a museum
and an audio-visual gallery narrating the story of Jatayu. From the top of the
sculpture, breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys
offer a visual treat for visitors.
The Isha Foundation is a non profit spiritual organisation founded by Sadhguru alias Jagadish Vasudev in 1992 near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, It hosts the Isha Yoga Centre, which offers yoga programs under the name Isha Yoga. The foundation is run "almost entirely" by volunteers. According to Sadhguru, the word isha means "the formless divine".
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