Tag Archives: Shiva

Visit of the temple of Kapaleeswarar in Chennai.

The temple of Kapaleeswarar in Mylapore, from the Pallava era (8th century), was rebuilt by the Vijayanagara kings. The tower at the entrance of the temple or “Gopura” was erected in accordance with the architectural features of the Dravidian style: a pyramidal portico decorated with polychrome statues drawn from the Hindu mythology.

It refers to the story when Shiva got angry because of the disrespectful behaviour of Brahma towards his daughter Sarasvati, and cut off one of his five heads (cf. Matsyara-Purâna III, 32 and Bhâvagata-Purâna III).

Among the magnificent bronze sculptures are the 63 shivaist Saints, named Nayanmars.

It is worth noting under an old tree, Punnai, the sanctuary devoted to the goddess Parvathi in the form of a peacock, venerating Shiva. The name of Mylapore originated from this legend. “Mayil” which in Tamil means peacock and “ore” town.

Next to the temple, offerings (garlands of flowers, coconuts, incense and perfumes are on sale.

The religious festival of Arubathumoovar takes place every year in March-April at Mylapore. It lasts several days. There is a procession of a statue of Shiva around a sacred pool, mounted on a huge char (12 meters high), called Ratha, drawn by about a hundred Indian pilgrims in ecstasy.

Opening hours Phone
5 am to 11 am
4 pm to 21.30 pm
24 94 16 70

 

The National Art Gallery in Chennai is a “must”.

The Government Museum, the National Art Gallery and the Connemara Library :

If there is one place to visit in Chennai, it is the National Art Gallery. It is a treat for amateurs of art, paintings and sculpture.

To day, the same site accommodates the Government Museum, the National Art Gallery and the Connemara Public Library.

The Government Museum was built in 1851. It houses an exceptional collection of bronzes from South India, ancient and modern, among them the superb statues of Shiva Nataraja, Parvathi, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman.

 

There are also sections dedicated to geology and anthropology, not very interesting

In the Amravati gallery, several rare marble sculptures dating back to the second century (CE) are exhibited. They show important events of Gautama Buddha’s his life. The sculptures were discovered during excavations on the site of Buddhist ruins in Amravati. Bronzes from the 10th to the 13th centuries and popular crafts from the 11th and 12th centuries are also to be found there.

In the National Art Gallery some magnificent paintings dating back to the 16th and 17th century from Rajasthan during the Mogul period are exhibited, along with Deccan art of the 18th century.

Entrance fees Opening time Closed on Telephone
Adult 15,00 INR 9h30 till 17h30 Friday 28193238
Child 10,00 INR