Celebrating Chennai.. St Mary's church

It is only fitting that I resume this series today.. Why? Today marks the 375th birthday of Madras aka Chennai. This image I share was taken during the last weekend walk inside Fort St George.

It was taken at St Mary's Church which is located within the Fort's campus. 

The church was built back in 1680 mainly because those who lived inside the fort needed a place of worship. Earlier prayers were held in a random hall in the place. Only on March 25, 1678 did Governor Streynsham Master order work to commence on this church. Apparently it was Our Lady’s Day, which is the reason for the name- St Mary’s Church. 

The church is 80 feet long, 50 feet broad and has 3 aisles that are constructed entirely with  brick and stone.

Some interesting facts about the church: There are 104 tombstones, the oldest is that of Lord Pigot from 1777.  The original cemetry is where the  High Court stands today.  During the time when the French tok over the city, many of the slabs were brought over to the church and are found on the floor around the main chapel.  In 1782 when Hyder Ali invaded Madras, these very slabs were used to mount the guns around the Fort.  

Even today, prayers and worship happens in this church, though entry is restricted. We were not allowed to enter the premise, not even a few steps inside the gate, so here is an image of the entrance to the Church. 

 More to come in next post...............

Celebrating Chennai..Wordless Wednesday... Life

Putting this post a day early. Why? Because it seems apt for the Wordless Wednesday theme from Chennai Bloggers Club.

This photograph was taken during the Chindatripet Photowalk..

Celebrating Chennai... The waves

As the year draws to an end, let me leave you with this beautiful image from the city i call home- Chennai...

Me: What is the one place you want to go to when you come to Chennai/Madras?
Cousin [over the phone from Delhi]- The Beach

I rest my case!!

When she was here, one morning we all rose early[5am] and drove down to the beach, not just any beach, but The Marina Beach... Spent about 2hours walking along the shore, while some played in the water a bit before joining us... What a fun morning that was! And this is almost a routine everytime she visits home :D

Did you know that the Marina beach is the longest in the country? yes, it stretches for over 14kms.... and one has easy access to the water as well, unlike in other places where you cannot get your feet wet :)

These were fishing boats resting before the trip into the ocean. There were a few fishermen sorting out the fishing nets nearby. They had done one round of fishing early in the morning [3-4am] and will go again in a while... What a life!!

Happy New year! see you on the other side

Celebrating Chennai.. Valluvar Kottam

Dedicated to the famous poet Thiruvalluvar, the Valluvar Kottam [ a moument] was constructed in 1976. All the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural which include 1330 verses are inscribed on bas-relief in the front hall corridors.

The construction of Valluvar Kottam is like a temple chariot, and it is a replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. The hall near the chariot can hold upto 4000 people and is today a location where quite a few fairs and exhibitions are held. 

Celebrating Chennai.. Ride or Repair

Clicked this image during the Chindatripet walk... Wondered if the auto was waiting for its driver or for the doors to open to be repaired...

Celebrating Chennai.... History in stone

Whilst i enjoy the winters in Delhi, roaming through the streets, engulfed by history, i share with you something from Chennai's history.... A man almost forgotten...

Kamarajar, the Chief Minister, the man who spread the value of Education [inspite of being uneducated]. He introduced millions of people to books, and also brought in the mid day meal system to motivate children to go to school. He was also awarded the Bharat Ratna [India's highest civilian honour] posthumously in 1976...

Even today, we remember him, for all that he did for the people! The Kamaraj Domestic Terminal in madras Airport is named after him, and so are several other buildings and roads...


This statue stands tall in the Marina Beach, amongst several others, each of whom have left their mark behind!!

Celebrating Chennai..Ashtalakshmi Temple

Thanks to a friend i found in the blogsville-V, i discovered this treasured temple in Besant Nagar in the city i call home. Am talking about the Ashtalakshmi temple situated in the shores of the Bay of Bengal, at the long stretch of Elliots Beach, beyond the Velankanni Church

The architecture at this temple is very unique. The Goddesses and deities are across four levels, the top most opening out to the ocean. As the name states, the Ashtalakshmi temple is home to Eight avatars of Lakshmi.

Santaana Lakshmi (bestower of offspring)
Vijayalakshmi (bestower of success),
Vidya Lakshmi (associated with learning & wisdom)
Gaja Laskhmi (bestower of overall prosperity)
Dhanalakshmi (Goddess of wealth)
On the ground floor is the main shrine for Aadhi Lakshmi,
Dhaanya Lakshmi (Goddess of food)
Dhairiya Lakshmi's (the Goddess of courage, strength & power)
 

There are narrow flight of stairs leading from one level to the other and it is almost like an adventure making the way to the top.... I was excited and eager to see what was in the next level...

Celebrating Chennai.. Spot it if you can

I carry my camera with me all the time. I dont have a DSLR, mine is a compact Sony Cybershot and am quite happy with it.. Duh, why am I telling you this now? I dont know!! So, couple of weeks back when i was heading out, I took the flyover on Usman Road and voila, what did i spot there, this amazing piece atop this ginormous building..

Here is the piece that caught my eye.. Let us see if you can guess where it is....

 

For those who are impatient, you can scroll down to see where i spotted this..

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It is the Pothees Building on Usman Road :-)  Did you know?  Have you seen it?

 

Unable to spot it? Well, look straight above the giant P, in that little shelf sits the Kamadhenu piece..

Celebrating Chennai.. The ITC Grand Chola

 

This is the new landmark of Chennai.. Identify it? Have you been here? Seen it? Driven past it? Well, if you are still lost, then it is about time you drove out towards Guindy... Stop near the SPIC building and look across the road at this grand building. It is the ITC Grand Chola, that stands tall, oozing with majestic and grandeur. 

I got an opportunity to visit and explore the place, enjoy their hospitality and spend almost an entire afternoon here thanks to Indiblogger. You can read about it here

Spread across 8 acres with over 600 rooms, the hotel redefines luxury and hospitality. There are a few chunks which are being built as i type this, a few additional features being incorporated, but it is sure to be one of a kind.... 

Celebrating Chennai.. Fort St George

Let us take a walk through history, a place that is quite the landmark- Fort St George... Established in 1653, it continues to remain an evidence to what happened eons ago and a reflection of the rich culture that is part of this beautiful city, Chennai. 

As you cross the small bridge, the first building on the right that greets you is the "Fort museum". Two floors showcasing objects that were used back in 1802, you will see everything from fine prints,a scale model of the fort and quite a collection of military memorabilia. Walking through the rooms, you will be engulfed in history and the time that was..

Celebrating Chennai, Post box

I love writing Letters, sending Greeting cards... Not only that but my postal cards and letters will have stickers, perfume, colour and be lively. I dont know where i got this trait from, probably my uncles - Still remember how they used to send me postcards from wherever they had gone, and i still have most of them. Even today, my uncle in USA sends New year greeting cards to all of us!

I love visiting the post office, picking up stamp, spending a few minutes analysing the stamp, struggling with my gluestick, wallet, phone, and what not as i seal the envelope and drop it in the box... 

I wonder how many people write, send each other notes. I was talking to a friend of mine who's sending a parcel to a loved one who is now across the ocean, and she mentioned that the person carrying it insisted on her sending a note along with it. :-) Teased my friend for being a silly non romantic for wanting to put a post it on the parcel, but she instead said - Nyaah, it was cos I was sending through someone that i dint attach a note... 

I still write letters and greeting cards for friends and family. Now with the newfound interest and membership on Postcrossing, am back to sending and receiving postcards to and from across the world.. It is good fun and am amazed at the number of people who've signed on seeing my updates and pictures :)

This is a post box that stood outside Hotel Dasaprakash on PH Road.. Wonder if it is still there..

Celebrating Chennai... Casino Theater

There are so many buildings that were part of my mom's life as they were growing up. One of those is Casino theater in Mount road... There were not one but 3 theaters along that single stretch of road- Casino., Gaiety and Chitra... Alas, today only Casino remains, the other two have been brought down and Chitra has become a factory while Gaiety is being transformed into a mall.. 

 

One of the early photowalks i attended began right here, and we were back here once again during a walk featured as part of the Chennai heritage... And again during the most recent Chindatripet Photowalk, i bid adieu to the group here... 

Have you seen any movies here? heard of any stories? Do share!!

Celebrating Chennai- Fresh catch

It was quite early in the morning and as we walked along Chindatripet, the stench of freshly caught fish hung in the air wherever we went. The lanes we turned into, the shops we visited, the temples we walked into, the smell followed us. 

As i looked around, i noticed the fish market was just a hop away, bustling with activity. Vans were going in and some were pulling out, vendors were walking out with baskets filled with different kinds of fish; some had already pulled out plastic sheets on the pavement and were sorting through the loot that would earn them their daily bread and butter, well, more like rice and sambar maybe.. And then, there was this guy standing near a bicycle, holding a fish that was nearly as tall as him. He stood grinning and beckoned us to come click. 

"Ithu innikku thaan pudichathu.... ithavida perisellam naan pathirukein"[this was caught today, and i have seen bigger ones] he boasted.

Hope he got a good price for the fish and his family enjoyed their sunday meals...

Celebrating Chennai... Waiting..

Hi

Just realised I had quite a few images taken around the city I call home- Chennai. Decided to start a series on the blog titled "Celebrating Chennai". Shall share a picture every Thursday!! :-)

Look fwd to comments and inputs!! 

Here is the 1st photograph. This was taken during the recent Photowalk around Chindatripet, near Egmore.. I had attended the Roof top Film fest and so had not got a second's rest, but managed to attend the photowalk, well, atleast 80% of it. 

As we walked along the narrow lanes in Chindatripet, there were so many houses tucked away amidst the shops and street hawker stalls. Many of them am sure were more than a few decade old, and some had a grill door that hid the main entrance and the house. This one particular house had a huge arch entrance, with a platform of sorts on both sides where people could sit on when waiting for a resident to come meet them. On this, i spotted an elderly lady sitting, staring into empty space. I looked at her, asked if i could take a photograph of her sitting there. She smiled [quite a sad smile] and said "Yes, eduthukko"  

When i asked her if she was generally hanging out on a sunday morning, she said she was waiting for her daughter in law to call her when her customary 2nd cup of coffee was ready... If i am inside, the children keep coming to me asking me to tell them stories, she does not like that you see.... Sigh.. felt bad... Just as i was grasping for words, i heard a voice come from within and the old lady slowly made her way to enjoy her cup of coffee.. 

Happy Birthday Chennai...

Just like we celebrate our Birthdays, I firmly believe the City we call home also deserves one. Today is my home town, birth place Madras/Chennai’s 372^nd Birthday.

The month of August begins and the excitement mounts. I look forward to the line-up of events dedicated to Madras Day. Infact, it was only few years ago that I discovered Chennai was born on 22^nd August, 1639.

The Chariot in DakhinChitra

The Marina Beach

There are Photowalks to explore various hidden treasures in the lanes scatted around the city; and there are talks where we get to learn about the rich history, culture and art embed within.  The events are quite a treat for those who have been living here and others who are keen on learning more about this city.  A chance for us to enjoy the architecture from the years gone by, visit monuments, buildings, parks and galleries filled with information and pictures related to Chennai and of course to create our own memories..

The Santhome Church

Earlier, Chennai was where I spent my school holidays in, among family and friends, But now, it is my Home, where i know I belong! Even though I’ve been living here for over a decade, there are so many places I’ve not visited, explored or even heard of. Hmm, about time I rectified this, what say?!

The Ashtalakshmi Temple

I have been eyeing the Madras Day agenda almost daily, wondering what all I can be a part of and there are a few that have caught my attention, which have been jotted down in my Calendar.  I am definitely looking forward to the TALK: Lesser known temples of Chennai by Chitra Madhavan on 23^rd August evening [Tuesday] and the HERITAGE WALK : Meandering down Mint Street on 28^th August morning [Sunday] amongst the lot.  Oh gosh, how can I forget to mention the NATURE WALK inside the IIT Madras Campus on 27^th August morning [Saturday]?!

What are the events you are attending? Here is the link for The Madras Day Events

Let the celebrations begin!

This post was published on CLAY

Skywatch friday- Magic in the air

A swish here

and a swish there

The Gods seem to be playing

Maybe they are also caught up on the Harry Potter fever!!! :D

I captured this shot one afternoon while heading back home after finishing up a few errands... Taken on my Blackberry Curve 8520 from a moving auto.. :) 

For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday

Skywatch Friday -- St Stephen's Church, Ooty

Was taking a break from work and glancing through my photo albums when i stumbled upon the one titled "Ooty". Its been 2years since my last visit and i sure hope i get the chance to revisit the hill station. 

Back in school when i had visited Ooty 1st time, the toy train had us all in squeals, laughing and cheering on.. And later, when we visited Ooty during my MBA days for a holiday + workshop, we were enjoying the sights and scenes that came along with us. We were 4 close friends who wandered the town, took off on our own looking for hidden treasures, got into trouble for being late to the workshop sessions, but at the end we had FUN! 

The most recent trip was just me.. I travelled by Bus both ways, a good 12hour journey made easy thanks to music, book and decent company... 

Many who visit Ooty only know of the usual tourist spots.. But during my last trip, while i aimlessly roamed the winding path, i stumbled upon this magnificent church. Asked the cab to pull over and decided to explore a bit...

St Stephen's Church

 The Church is a Gothic church and is one of the best known colonial structures in Ooty.  The church was apparently constructed and carved totally from wood. The interiors are beautiful and it was cooler than outside..probably because of the wood. Stories around the Church say that the wood was brought from Tipu Sultan's palace and was transported to Ooty through elephants.

The Stained glass images were beyond beautiful.. Words dont do justice...

There is also a life size portrait of the Last Supper near the doorway...

Info from the net:

The pulpit is on the left of the chancel and attached to it is a small flight of steps. A pleasant surprise awaits one in the attic of the third tier of the church. Here, instead of the big metallic bell, one comes across novel but antique hammer like structures (four in number) tied on to inverted "V" Shaped planks, with ropes. There are four thick iron bars on the Eastern as well as the Western side screwed on to thick wooden beams and they hang from above at different heights in a slanting fashion, and face each other. There are pulleys attached with solid wires, which operate the hammers, and which reach the ground floor through the gaps in between the planks on the floor. The entire structure is housed on a tall, sturdy stool, which is open on all the fourth sides. When the wires are pulled from the floor, a rhythmic musical sound is produced..  [Source: http://www.tamilnadu-tourism.com/tamil-nadu-temples/st-stephens-church.html]

I walked around the campus, taking in the beautiful architecture when suddenly the security guard came over and asked me to leave as it was closing time....

For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday

Project 365- Day 12 - Remembering

Chennai Marina beach has quite a few interesting monuments along the way... The other day, when we were on the Photowalk, i was wandering around the beach, till i reached this beautiful memorial.. It had been ages since i had been to this part of the beach.... 

The MGR Memorial was so grand, large and beautiful, i just had to click a shot of it.... 

Project 365- Day 5 - Row of bricks

We were going for a movie at INOX in Chennai City center.. I was waiting outside for my friends to land when this structure on the wall in front of me caught my eye.. Whipped out my Blackberry and clicked a shot... Simply love the rich colours and the smart designs, almost looks real ...

[Wordless Wednesday] Dark beauty

Look what i found to share for Wordless wednesday today.... :- )