In the realm of India's wax museums, both grand and modest, one stands out as a pioneer in its league. Enter the enchanting world of Mother's Wax Museum (MWM), nestled in the heart of New Town, Kolkata. Established in November 2014, MWM proudly holds the title of India's first full-fledged wax museum, inspired by the iconic Madame Tussauds. Named in honor of the beloved Mother Teresa, this museum began its journey with a modest collection of 19 wax statues. However, with each passing day, it has bloomed into a treasure trove, now boasting over 100 lifelike sculptures. What sets MWM apart is ..read more

In the heart of New Delhi rises the majestic 42-meter-high India Gate, positioned at the convergence of crossroads. This iconic structure stands as a solemn tribute to the 74,187 Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for the British Army during World War I. It also honors the memory of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the Afghan war of 1919 along the Northwestern Frontier. Designed by Edwin Lutyens and inaugurated in 1931, India Gate's foundation stone was laid by the Duke of Connaught, in 1921. Originally known as the All-India War Memori ..read more

Continuing our enthralling journey through the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, we now turn our gaze towards the east-side frontside mandapa. Positioned at the gateway to the sanctum of Nellaiyappar, we are greeted by two pairs of captivating sculptures that weave tales of ancient legends and heroic deeds. Having explored the sculptures of Pagadai Raja and Veerabhadra on the southern side entrance in previous articles, let us now delve into the narratives depicted on the northern side of the main entrance, leading to the sanctum and two prakaras. Our eyes are drawn to the m ..read more

Chetpet Eco Park offers an array of delights for all who visit its serene grounds. Spanning 16 acres, with a picturesque 9-acre lake, this oasis is under the care of the Department of Fisheries, formally inaugurated in February 2016. Delving into its history, we find that the roots of this park trace back to the early 1900s, when Sir Frederick Nicholson and Sir Alfred Chatterton envisioned industrialization for the Madras Presidency. Nicholson championed fisheries, leading to the eventual stewardship of Chetpet lake by the Fisheries Department in the 1930s. The journey towards the park's ec ..read more

Krishna, a name that resonates with the color black in Sanskrit, embodies charm and allure. His divine form, adorned in the captivating hue, playing the flute, captivates the hearts of the Gopikas. Standing beside him on the altar is Radha, the foremost among the Gopikas, deeply enamored by Krishna's enchanting melodies. Flanking this divine couple are Lalita and Vishaka, two prominent Gopikas among eight companions (Ashta Gopis), equally drawn to the irresistible charm of Krishna. This sacred depiction forms the heart of the Radha Parthasarathi temple, fondly known as the ISKCON temple, nestl ..read more

Continuing our captivating exploration of the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, we now direct our attention towards the west side of the east-side frontside mandapa. Here, positioned at the entrance to the heart of the Nellaiyappar temple, we encounter two pairs of more awe-inspiring sculptures that beckon us into their stories. Moving from the sculpture of the formidable Pagadai Raja on the southern side that was covered in my earlier post, we now delve into the next masterpiece located to the true left side of the warrior. Our gaze falls upon the depiction of the valiant V ..read more

Hazrat Dastagir Sahib Dargah, nestled along the modern-day Dr. Natesan Road in Mylapore locality in Chennai, holds a tale of mystical origins. Hailing from a Turkish lineage, Hazrat Dastagir Sahib was a scion of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, where he first drew breath. After traversing the length and breadth of the country, he found his resting place in Chennai. In an eerie premonition, he foretold his own passing, instructing his disciples not to perform the customary funeral prayers led by an Imam. Legend has it that, upon his passing in 1752, Hazrat Dastagir Sahib appeared in ethereal ..read more

Bangalore, once famed for its pleasant weather, now grapples with notorious traffic jams. Often hailed as the Silicon Valley of India, this city was once a haven of lush gardens and expansive parks. This article sheds light on a lesser-known gem, the Shri Jagannath Temple, whose annual car festival draws over 15,000 devotees. Located in the Agara locality, this temple was erected by the Orissan community, offering a local abode for worshipping Lord Jagannath of Puri. Perched atop a modest hillock, the temple stands as a testament to Kalinga temple architecture. Resembling the revered Puri J ..read more

In India, the renowned Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala Tirupati is a household name. The temple's administrative body has overseen the construction of numerous Venkateswara temples throughout the country. Among these sacred places stands a magnificent temple dedicated to Tirupati Balaji in the capital city of Delhi. This meticulously maintained temple occupies approximately one acre of land allocated by the Government of India. The temple structure stands tall, a three-story edifice offering spiritual solace to its devotees. The ground floor houses the sanctum sanctorum, where the imposing ..read more

Continuing our enchanting journey through the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, we now venture towards the west side of the east-side frontside mandapa. Positioned at the entrance to the core of the Nellaiyappar temple, which houses the sanctum and two prakaras, we encounter two pairs of magnificent sculptures on either side. On the southern side of the entrance, our eyes are drawn to the first sculpture—an imposing warrior figure. This brave warrior, known as Pagadai Raja, embodies strength and valor. His countenance is fierce, with a large drooping moustache framing his de ..read more