Astrologer in Chennai Marina Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n The three ruling houses of Tamil India, the Pandyas, Cheras, and Cholas, fought for supremacy of southern India and Sri Lanka. These dynasties promoted early literature on the Indian subcontinent and built important Hindu temples.<\/span><\/p>\nTamil Nadu is India\u2019s 10<\/span>th<\/span> largest state\u00a0 the homeland of one of humanity\u2019s living classical civilisations. It\u2019s culture,\u00a0 stretching back uninterrupted for two millennia, is very much alive today in the Tamils’ language, dance, poetry and forms of Hinduism.<\/span><\/p>\nThis state is\u00a0 located in the extreme south of the subcontinent\u00a0 bounded by the Indian Ocean to the east and south and by the states of Kerala to the west, Karnataka (formerly Mysore) to the northwest, and Andhra Pradesh,to the north. Enclosed by Tamil Nadu along the north-central coast are the enclaves of <\/span>Pondicherry <\/span>and Karaikal, both of which are part of the\u00a0 Pondicherry\u00a0 Union Territory. The capital is Chennai (formerly Madras)\u00a0 on the coast in the northeastern portion of the state.<\/span><\/p>\nTamil Nadu represents the Tamil speaking area of what was formerly the Madras Presidency of British India. The Tamils are especially proud of their Dravidian language and culture\u00a0 and have notably resisted attempts by the central government to make Hindi an Indo-Ayran language\u00a0 the sole national language.\u00a0 The people speak Tamil and English and few know Hindi. While it has an industrial core in Chennai, the state is essentially agricultural with an\u00a0 area of 50,216 square miles and a\u00a0 population of\u00a0 72,138,958.<\/span><\/p>\nTuesday 21<\/b>st<\/b> November, 2023 ( Murgan Temples in Tamilnadu )<\/b><\/h3>\n The bags were packed and it was just a matter of cleaning my room and getting to the airport. Almost dropped my bag on the down escalator getting to the Elizabeth Line. A very helpful Caribbean lady helped me and the ride was quick and pleasant. <\/span><\/p>\nOn the automated bag drop was asked to wait and an officious Indian lady asked if I had a visa. Then the bag was gone and waited for Len in the caf\u00e9 Nero. We exchanged a few quick words and off I went through security.<\/span><\/p>\nThe gate necessitated a ride on a shuttle bus to another terminal. A young Indian man appeared and took me to where I needed to go. It was as if Krishna had sent someone to ease my path on the journey. The same thing happened on my last trip.<\/span><\/p>\nOn the flight sat next to a pleasant French man who was travelling to Pondicherry where the French were a big number once. His English got better during the flight especially after three small bottles of red wine. <\/span><\/p>\nThe lady next to me spoke a lot about being a Brahmin and a vegetarian and then demolished an English breakfast with great relish. She was fascinated that I was going to visit the temples of Lord Murgan and gave me a big hug before she disembarked.<\/span><\/p>\nWednesday 22<\/b>nd<\/b> November 2023<\/b><\/h3>\n Slept for most of the flight and felt peaceful when I stepped into the warmth of\u00a0 Chennai. Not quite like stepping into an oven but definitely very warm. <\/span><\/p>\nThe young man on immigration asked me if I had come from New Zealand and I told him I had come from the UK on a New Zealand passport as India was not giving e visas to British nationals at the time I applied for the visa. <\/span><\/p>\nHonesty is the best policy. He smiled and said \u201cIt\u2019s okay\u201d. The representative from Memorable India was there with a sign with my name and off we drove to the Hotel Residency.<\/span><\/p>\nSnack Seller Marina Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nChennai : Pic Indian Express<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\nMadras was the shortened name of the fishing village Madraspatnam, where the British East India Company built a fort and factory (trading post) in 1639\u201340. Tamil Nadu officially changed the name of the city to Chennai in 1996. Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. <\/span><\/p>\nThe city is home to Fort St. George, built in 1644 and now a museum showcasing the city\u2019s roots as a British military garrison and East India Company trading outpost, when it was called Madras. From the 17th century, Madras became a city of key importance within the British network of maritime trade routes, exporting locally produced cotton and chintz, as well as many different spices and other cargoes imported from the east. <\/span><\/p>\nSince the late 1990s, software development and electronics manufacturing have made up the bulk of Chennai\u2019s economy. Numerous technology parks, where many foreign companies have offices, are found throughout the city.<\/span><\/p>\n Other major industries include the manufacture of automobiles, rubber, fertilizer, leather, iron ore, and cotton textiles. Wheat, machinery, iron and steel, and raw cotton are imported. There is an oil refinery in Chennai. Services, especially finance and tourism, are also significant. <\/span><\/p>\nThe Indian Bank and Indian Overseas Bank, both\u00a0 administered by the Ministry of Finance, are headquartered in Chennai. Hotels, luxury resorts, restaurants, marinas, and parks line Marina Beach, the coastline abutting Chennai city.<\/span><\/p>\n The municipal government\u00a0 called Chennai Corporation, was established in 1688 and is the oldest surviving municipal governing body in India. Chennai Corporation is governed by a council, elected to five-year terms. The mayor is elected from among the councillors.<\/span><\/p>\nA message of welcome from Tamil Nadu.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n <\/p>\n
Om telephoned\u00a0 asking how things were. \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful,\u201d I said looking out of the car window at the lush palm trees and roadside vegetation. Had a sleep in the palatial hotel until 1pm and then met Om and Siddharth in the lobby. \u201cNice to see you again,\u201d Om said and we started our tour. He\u00a0 introduced Simon\u00a0 the driver a Christian.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cLet it go, be simple, create a space for God,\u201d Om advised as we drove past the colourful\u00a0 murals on stone walls\u00a0 to the sea. The sea\u00a0 is a God in Hinduism Shirudasau Vishnu is one of the aspects of God.\u00a0 We drove past the Vivikenanda Cultural Centre to the vast Marina Beach\u00a0 where I was welcomed by two young men with their horses ready to take me for an unwelcome gallop. There was a cool breeze and the heat was not oppressive, thank God. A dignified lady was selling fruits. A picture was fine after the purchase.<\/span><\/p>\nAn astrologer with a green parrot sat on the sand. The parrot was let out of the cage and pulled a card out for me. The astrologer, a young man who came from a family of astrologers said I had recently sold property and recovered from a health problem. He was 100 percent right. <\/span><\/p>\nThe cataract operation was over and my mother\u2019s property in New Zealand had been sold. He also said I would live until 89 and my death would be an easy one. Now I would be fine in the material world even though people had taken advantage of me in the past.<\/span><\/p>\nFort St George was an impressive structure built for the British regiment. It\u2019s life continued as a large museum which housed anything and everything from the colonial days: statues of British governors including Lord Cornwallis and Lord Willingdon, porcelain, swords, manakins in army uniforms and a variety of paintings. The oldest surviving English church outside England was built in the fort in 1680.<\/span><\/p>\nSwamimalai Temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nLord Murgan Temple in Tamilnadu<\/h3>\n Murgan, also known as Kartikeya is the son of Lord Shiva and the Goddess Pavathi. His brother is the infamous deity, Ganesha. Murgan is popularly worshipped in Southern India, especially in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu. He is often referred to as Tamil Kadavul, which means The Lord of the Tamil people. Although this sect is primarily located in the Tamil region, there are also members in Sri Lanka and Malaysia. <\/span><\/p>\nThe handsome Kartikeya is the commander of the army of Devas (Indian deities) and\u00a0 is represented with six heads, enabling him to see in all directions at once. This means he can see any oncoming attack of war. He also has 12 hands and rides a peacock.<\/span><\/p>\nNewlyweds Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi lived together at Mount Gandhamadana. As they were enjoying their intimacy, a drop of Shiva\u2019s fluid fell to the ground. Heat began to emerge from it, and it was so hot it seemed possible that it could engulf the whole world in flame. Agni (the fire god) disguised himself as a beggar, wandered in on the couple and devoured the spilled fluid in an effort to save the world.<\/span><\/p>\nNaturally, Parvathi was mortified and insulted at the intrusion. She cursed Agni; and said: \u201cYou are going to get a terrible inflammation on your body from consuming that fluid, and from this day on you will be an omnivore, and eat unclean things.\u201d Agni promptly developed unbearable inflammation all over his body.<\/span><\/p>\n In his desperation, he asked Lord Shiva what he could do to rid himself of this awful curse. Shiva informed him that once the vital fluid was transferred to a woman, he would be relieved of his ailment.Agni hid out in a deserted place, uncomfortably awaiting a suitable woman.<\/span><\/p>\nLord Murgan temple in Palani<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAlong came the six Kritikas. He transferred the fluid into all of their wombs, and all six women became pregnant. When their husbands found out, they were cursed, turned into stars and sent to the sky to form a constellation. Before they were transformed, however, each of them aborted their foetuses on a mountain in the Himalayas. The river Ganga carried the foetuses to a secluded place covered in reeds. <\/span><\/p>\nAfter a while, Lord Murgan was born from the reeds with six heads, since he had six mothers.The gods were rejoicing at the birth of this fantastic child. Parvathi collected the baby and asked Lord Shiva to let her keep the child as her own. Murgan grew to be a handsome and honourable man and\u00a0 became the commander of the Devas and a great slayer of demons.<\/span><\/p>\nLord Shiva, the father of Murgan, is the most powerful deity in the Hindu pantheon. He is a complex god, unique and supreme. For this reason, his shrine stands separately from the other gods in most temples.Parvathi is the representation of the furious power of the male gods, and the personification of the divine energy of Lord Shiva. She is a destroyer of evil and a protector of the righteous. <\/span><\/p>\nThe esteemed brother of Murgan is Ganesha. He has an elephant trunk and ears, and is one of the five prime Hindu deities along with his parents. He prevails over success, destroys evil and is a remover of obstacles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAccording to the legend, Murgan had two wives, Valli and Devasena. Valli stands for the power of will, and Devasena, the power of actions. Murgan represents the power of wisdom. Ironically, prior to marrying two wives, Muugan was known as Kumaraswami, which means bachelor godHe\u00a0 rides a peacock\u00a0 the national bird of India. It symbolizes the destruction of harmful habits and control over sexual desires. The peacock is often depicted gripping its feet around a serpent the symbol of ego and desire.<\/span><\/p>\nHindu wedding<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe divine spear (Vel) represents Murgan\u2019s far reaching protection of the people. Often, Murgan is depicted holding other weapons, and each is a pointer toward a better way of life. His six heads correspond to the six attainments (siddhis) yogis aspire to along their spiritual path to enlightenment.<\/span><\/p>\nSeveral Hindu festivals are dedicated to Murgan.\u00a0 Thaipusam is celebrated in the Tamil\u00a0 community during the month of Thai, which corresponds to a time in January or February depending on the year. The festival is a celebration and remembrance of when Parvati gave Murugan the divine spear with which he slayed evil demons. <\/span> – Mythology net<\/span><\/i><\/p>\nThe tour was focused on the abodes of Lord Murgan and the first abode was the temple of Kapalaeeshwarar. It was an amazing structure just like the one I had seen in pictures. Majestically set in the Mylapore region of Chennai\u00a0 the Shiva Lingam in the temple is Swayambulingam, which means it is self-manifested.<\/span><\/p>\nThe temple is also known as Vedapuri as the four Vedas are worshipped in\u00a0 this auspicious place.\u00a0 The word \u2018Kapaleeswarar\u2019 is a combination of two words Kapalam which means \u201chead” and eswarar which means \u201cLord Shiva\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\nThe awe-inspiring architecture of the temple is a source of wonder. Visitors\u00a0 enter the sacred shrine through an imposing 37-metre high multi coloured tower or gopuram. The gopurams on the east and the west are adorned with numerous beautiful mythological figures.<\/span><\/p>\nKamakshi Amman Temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPilgrims visiting the temple also worship Lord Shiva\u2019s consort Parvati who appears in the form of Karpagambal. An image of a lion is located in front of the Goddess Karpagambal. An idol of the revered saint Gnanasambandar can be seen at the entrance of the temple. Other noteworthy sights\u00a0 include the bronze carvings of 63 Saivite saints or the Nayanars.<\/span><\/p>\nThe temple also houses the sacred Punnai tree which is believed to be one of the oldest trees of Chennai.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe lights in front of the altar beckoned but a sign that non Hindus could not enter dashed my hopes of getting close to the sacred flames. Tried talking to the security guard and telling him that I was a devotee of Hanuman and that the message of Krishna was not just for the Hindus but for all of humanity. He seemed to agree but didn\u2019t manage to get into the temple. The only way you can get in, according to the guard, was to bring a letter saying I was a convert to Hinduism.<\/span><\/p>\nBack at the hotel wrote an email to <\/span>Acharya Bankim Gossai head of the <\/span>Maha Lakshmi Vidya Bhavan<\/span> in Honor Oak Park south east London:<\/span><\/p>\nFrench architecture in Pondicherry<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nNamaste Ji,<\/span><\/h3>\nI hope this message finds you well. Arrived in Chennai and started the temple tour. India is a really magical place and the city is really beautiful\u00a0 Also the beach.<\/span><\/p>\nSadly there is a problem with the temples. They do not allow non Hindus inside. There are big red signs in some temples\u00a0 and there is a guard outside not so\u00a0 politely telling foreigners to stay in the courtyard.<\/span><\/p>\nI am totally gob smacked by this – it never happened in the north. I tried\u00a0 totell the guard that I lovethe Hindu religion, I attend pujas in London and consider myself a devotee of Hanuman. He said the only way to gain entry\u00a0 is to bring a letter saying I am a convert to Hinduism<\/span><\/p>\nTo be quite honest I do not like labels. Why put yourself in a box and then try to fit the shape of that box? I am learning about Hinduism and it is a philosophy and way of life that resonated with me. Does that make me a Hindu? From my understanding Hinduism is a spiritual journey to enable you to be the best possible person you can be. <\/span><\/p>\nThis comes through daily effort and meditation and study. It is something that you experience more and more. The journey is between you and God and your relationship with the supreme being.<\/span><\/p>\nIt really hurts me to see these signs at the entrance to the temple. The message of Krishna and the Gita is a message for all humanity just like the messages of all the great masters.<\/span><\/p>\nIn a temple in London I read the following: there is only one religion, the religion of love there is only one race the human race, there is only one law, the law of karma.<\/span><\/p>\nSo what to do now?\u00a0 The tour is a tour of the temples of Lord Murgan. I am not there to<\/strong><\/p>\ntake photos like a tourist, post\u00a0 on face book and mark south India off the bucket list. Really want to see and experience the beauty and inspiration of these temples and sit quietly and be at peace there.<\/span><\/p>\nIf you think it\u2019s appropriate could you write a letter which might help in English and Tamil.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nOr what is your advise about what to do in this situation?<\/strong><\/p>\nGosai really rose to the occasion and did me proud.\u00a0 On my email the next day was the following letter. It didn\u2019t get me into the temples. The letter, according to the bureaucrats, had to come from a temple in South India. How do they expect me to get a letter from such a temple when I have just arrived from London only God knows.<\/span><\/p>\nPilgrims waiting to enter a temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\u00a0TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nDear Sir\/Madam Karen Dabrowska is a member, devotee, sevak, and attendant of Maha Lakshmi Vidya Bhavan in London UK.\u00a0 As a practising Hindu, she fulfils her devotion, loyalty, and duty to Sanatan Dharma.\u00a0 She is loved and well respected in our Hindu Community in London and the United Kingdom at large for her dedication and love for Sanatan Dharma and her Eshta Sri Hanumanji.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHer accomplishments as a journalist have also allowed her to serve our community by spreading knowledge, awareness, and her love for Hinduism across the UK and the world. It has come to our attention that her yatra to India is marred by restrictions when it comes to her entering temples in the South.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIt is our humble appeal to the authorities and management of these temples\u00a0 that banning entry by non-Hindus is not right and proper in the Hindu world, and therefore, you should open the gates of Sanatan Dharma and ALL temples to everyone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nKaren is an exceptional individual whose thirst and desire to learn and appreciate this way of life is growing with a desire to spread the tenets of Hinduism and gain a better understanding, like us all, of our temples and ways of worshipping.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nOn behalf of our temple members as well as all the members of the Hindu community which Karen is connected with, in the United Kingdom, we appeal for your leniency and cooperation to facilitate access to your temples by this humble devotee on her Bharat Yatra. Please be reminded that the children of India are vastly dispersed in many countries of the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nYours in Dharma\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAcharya Bankim Gossai\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n(Spiritual Head – Maha Lakshmi Vidya Bhavan, London)<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
23<\/b>rd<\/b> November 2023 – Thursday<\/b><\/p>\n
Chennai to Pondicherry<\/b><\/p>\n
Thiruthani Temple in Kanchipuram, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mahabalipuram UNESCO World Heritage site.<\/b><\/p>\n
We are on the road by 6am It is a long drive and Simon was very worried I would not get up in time. Everything was packed the night before and he was a bit late.\u00a0 The first temple today was Thiruthani in Kanchipuram. Forgot to take the packed breakfast which the hotel prepared for me but the coconut water\u00a0 bought along the road side more than compensated for this. The top of the\u00a0 coconut fresh off the tree was sliced and a straw provided. The water could then be easily sipped.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIt was interesting reading about the temple with 365 steps for the 365 days of the year. Was looking forward to climbing the steps but it was not to be. Simon parked the car by the temple entrance and the steps could be contemplated but not climbed.<\/span><\/p>\nLighting candles for loved ones<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Thiruthani MurganTemple one of the six abodes of Lord Murgan is\u00a0 in the Dravidian style of architecture.\u00a0 Its\u00a0 365 steps\u00a0 represent 365 days of the year. It <\/span>crowns a single rock 700 feet above sea level\u00a0 situated amidst a range of hills which showcase a dramatic panoramic view.<\/span><\/p>\n T<\/span>he stories associated with the temple are as bewildering as the temple itself.\u00a0 One legend states that\u00a0 Murugan chose to rest atop the hill to calm himself down in the aftermath of the battle with the demon king Surapadman which resulted in latter\u2019s demise. <\/span><\/p>\nAnother legend states that Indira, the lord of heaven, gave a nod to the marriage between his daughter Devayani and Murgan and as a gift, handed him over his elephant Airavata. Gradually Indra began to notice his wealth decline days after Airavata left.\u00a0 Murgan offered to return the elephant but was respectfully declined by Indira who instead insisted that the elephant should face his direction. All the images of the elephants in the temple have been facing east to this day.<\/span>To get into a temple a letter stating I am a convert to Hinduism was\u00a0 necessary. Their words. .Never regarded myself as a convert to Hinduism which I see as a journey rather than an event. There were important dates\u00a0 and times on this journey: the reading of Autobiography of a Yogi<\/span><\/i>, the visit to Baba Ji\u2019s cave in Ranikent, the discovery of the Vashishtha cave near Rishikesh. An amazing\u00a0 journey of discovery.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Kamakshi Amman Temple represents an important gem from the past. Set in the midst of Kanchipuram, also known as the City of Temples, this place of worship is home to the divine Goddess Kamakshi, who is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, the Hindu goddess of love, fertility and strength.<\/p>\nThiruthani Murgan Temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Kamakshi Amman temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas,\u00a0 sacred shrines built around the falling body parts of the corpse of Goddess Sati\u00a0 which fell from heaven. It is believed her\u00a0 naval fell at this site, thus making it a holy abode.\u00a0 Shaktism is based on a Hindu tradition focused on worshipping Sati.<\/p>\n
In the name Kamakshi, the letter ‘Ka’ represents Saraswati (the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom), ‘ma’ represents Lakshmi (the Goddess of wealth and prosperity), while ‘akshi’ refers to gracious eyes. Together, these three Hindu goddesses or devis form the holy trinity of the female transcendental energy of the universe.<\/p>\n
Om and Sidharth lit candles: for Anju and for Thushita. I lit one for Raghav who asked me to pray to all the gods I know for success in his\u00a0 Ayurvedic business and for Len and visualized the\u00a0 faces of the friends in London and sent them blessings. We were\u00a0 also treated to a brief glimpse of a Hindu wedding and then off we went to Mahabalipuram\u00a0 a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rock cut temples and sculptures.<\/p>\n
The beach town of Mamallapuram (or Mahabalipuram), located about 60 kilometres south of Chennai, has long been a famous tourist destination, and its global appeal has grown since UNESCO designated the ancient complex of monuments a World Heritage site in 1984.<\/p>\n
Mahabalipuram (or Mamallapuram), located along southeastern India\u2019s Coromandel Coast, was a celebrated port city of the Pallavas. The group of monuments there consists of rock-cut cave temples, monolithic temples, bas-relief sculptures, and structural temples as well as the excavated remains of temples. The Pallava dynasty, which ruled this area between 6th and 9th centuries CE, created these majestic edifices.<\/span><\/p>\nMe With Driver<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram occupies a distinct position in classical Indian architecture. These majestic edifices mark the high quality of craftsmanship in the region during 6th century CE. The natural landscape was utilized in carving out these structures, thereby making the ability of the Pallava craftsmen universally known. The monuments may be subdivided into five categories:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe mandapas (rock-cut caves): During the time of Narasimhavarman-I Mamalla, new innovations were introduced in the rock medium in the form of cave temples. Notable examples of the cave temple are Konerimandapa, Mahishmardhini cave, and Varahamandapa. <\/span><\/p>\nThese rock-cut caves are richly embellished with sculptural representations known for their natural grace and suppleness. Noteworthy among them are Mahishamardhini, Bhuvaraha, Gajalakshmi, Tirivikrama, and Durga.<\/span><\/p>\nThe rathas (monolithic temples): The monolithic temples are locally called \u201cratha\u201d (chariot), as they resemble the processional chariots of a temple. These five monolithic temples are each hewn out of a huge boulder. They display the full form and features of the contemporary temple form and show variations both in ground plan and elevation. They are richly carved with artistic motifs and wall panels depicting many Hindu divinities and royal portraits.<\/span><\/p>\nThe rock reliefs: The sculptural bas reliefs are another very important class of masterly creations created during Mamalla\u2019s reign. There are four such reliefs at Mamallapuram, the most noteworthy among them being the Arjuna\u2019s Penance and Govardhanadhari.<\/span><\/p>\nThe temples: King Rajasimha introduced structural architecture on a grand scale. The earliest and most modest is the Mukundanayananar temple, followed by the Olakkanesvara temple, perched on a rock near the lighthouse. The tempo of structural edifices culminated in the creation of the famous Shore temple, having the most finite layout of a Dravidavimana, majestically fringing the sea.<\/span><\/p>\nMurgan Temples in Tamilnadu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFriday 24<\/b>th<\/b> November<\/b><\/h3>\n Pondicherry to Kumbakonam<\/b><\/p>\n
Pondicherry is a place that looks a lot better in pictures than in reality.\u00a0 It was\u00a0 a French colonial settlement in India until 1954 and\u00a0 is now a Union Territory town bounded by the south eastern Tamil Nadu state. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-coloured colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial. It is known for its quaint colonial buildings, beautiful promenades, unspoilt beaches and many temples.<\/span><\/p>\nThe French Quarter<\/b><\/p>\n
A portion of France still exists in India in the French Quarter in Pondicherry, which has a history of being acquired and colonised by the French East India Company to set up a trading centre. Pondicherry had been passed on to multiple colonial powers of Dutch, Portuguese, English, but predominantly French. <\/span><\/p>\nEven now there’s a huge French influence in the French Colony of Pondicherry, now a Union Territory of India. When Pondicherry was handed over to India, the residents were given an option to maintain their French passports. The residents\u00a0(Indians and non-Indians originally)\u00a0in Pondicherry are French citizens, the streets have retained their French names, the residents speak French, there are restaurants and cafes serving French food with menus in the French language and\u00a0 the villas in French architectural styles prevail.<\/span><\/p>\n Pondicherry is planned according to the French grid structure and has perpendicular streets. The French Quarter lies on one side of the canal that separates the town from the Indian Quarter. The Heritage Walk in the French Quarter of Pondicherry is through the primary four streets: Rue Duman, Rue Romain Rolland, Rue Suffren and Rue La Bourdonnais.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWe started with a walk along the beach. Om and Sidharth said a prayer to the sea while I gave a charming young man selling very very pink candy a few rupees. The boy was respectful and did\u00a0 not ask for money.\u00a0 Simon wanted to show me the light house but Om asked why the lighthouse. <\/span><\/p>\nThere seemed to be some disagreement between them and Simon said he was responsible for the tour. I explained to him that we do not have to follow the programme exactly and I would like to have a good look at a few things rather than keep to the full programme exactly. Simon was looking at Om as a tour guide rather than a person on the tour and I could sense his unease.<\/span><\/p>\nCoconut seller<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWe drove on to the <\/span>Sri Aurobindo Ashram. <\/b>Sri Aurobindo (pictured below) was an Indian philosopher, yogi, maharishi, poet, and Indian nationalist. He was also a journalist, editing newspapers such as Vande Mataram.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Ashram is located in the eastern part of Pondicherry.\u00a0 Ashram residents live and work in a number of buildings spread throughout the area. The focus of community life is the Ashram main building, usually called simply “the Ashram”, which consists of an interconnected block of houses, including those in which Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lived for most of their lives. <\/span><\/p>\nAt its centre, in a tree-shaded courtyard, lies the Samadhi, a white marble shrine where their bodies are laid to rest.<\/span> The Ashram provides its members with what they need for a healthy life. Various departments look after the basic requirements of food, clothing and shelter, as well as medical care. <\/span><\/p>\nThere are also libraries for study and facilities for a variety of cultural pursuits including music, dance, theatre, and the arts. Residents\u00a0 regularly participate in physical education activities such as sports, asanas, strength training, and swimming. The Ashram is administered by the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, a public charitable trust formed by the Mother in 1955. This trust is managed by a board of five trustees.<\/span> The term ashram is perhaps a misnomer. It is more of a small community set in the idyllic countryside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0The coconut water was a joy as we walked from the car park to the dome which we could not get close to unless we booked two days in advance. Om in his monk-like attire was respected by the tourists who spoke to him as if he was a spiritual\u00a0 authority. There was some discussion about entry to the dome and the necessity to book. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>We took a bus back to the car park. The sweat was starting to pour down my body and the walk was something I could only manage once.<\/span><\/p>\n
![\"South](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/South-India-Murgan-Temples-in-Tamilnadu-370x285.png\")
![\"Astrologer](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Astrolger-in-Chennai-770x515.jpg\")
![\"Snack](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Snack-Seller-Marina-Beach.jpg\")
![\"A](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/A-message-of-welcome-from-Tamil-Nadu.jpg\")
![\"Swamimalai](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Swamimalai-Temple-770x515.png\")
![\"Lord](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Lord-Murgan-temple-in-Palani.jpg\")
![\"Hindu](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Hindu-wedding.jpg\")
![\"Kamakshi](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Kamakshi-Amman-Temple-770x515.jpg\")
![\"French](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/French-architecture-in-Pondicherry.jpg\")
![\"Pilgrims](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Pilgrims-waiting-to-enter-a-temple.jpg\")
![\"Lighting](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Lighting-candles-for-loved-ones.jpg\")
![\"Thiruthani](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Thiruthani-Murgan-Temple.jpg\")
![\"Me](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Me-With-Driver.jpg\")
![\"Murgan](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Murgan-Temples-in-Tamilnadu.jpg\")
![\"Coconut](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Coconut-seller.jpg\")