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• Sri Meenakshi: A Photo Tour of South India’s Most Famous Temple

  In Destinations, Religion / By Chris Chopp / 17 April 2012 / 0 comments

  

  Thousands of temples dotting South India’s landscape vie for the attention of tourists each year. As Taj Mahal is North India’s most famous landmark, Sri Meenakshi Temple of Madurai is known as South India’s must see destination. No temple exemplifies the wonders of Hindu architecture, nor the level of activity pervading every space enclosed within the temple’s high walls as at Sri Meenakshi Temple. Twelve intricately carved colorful gopurams reaching [...]

   

• An Unwelcome Visit to The Rock Cut Temple of Thirupparankundram

  In Destinations, Religion / By Chris Chopp / 31 March 2012 / 3 comments

  

  Whistles, stares and down right unkind gestures were a reality check for me when I visited Thirupparankundram Temple outside Madurai. Situated at a distance of about 8 kms from Madurai city, this temple is set in the midst of Thirupparankundram, a bustling town in Tamil Nadu with few, very very few foreign tourists. The 8th century Hindu temple is more commonly known as the Rock-Cut Temple because it’s inner most shrine [...]

   

• Hinduism 101: Hanuman, The Monkey God

  In Hinduism 101, Religion / By Chris Chopp / 14 February 2012 / 0 comments

  

  Aside from Ganesh, Hanuman is one of the most easily recognizable Hindu gods to travelers of India. He is known as the Monkey God, and his popularity in India is something to behold. Thousands of temples devoted to Hanuman are scattered throughout the country. He is the Hindu deity known for courage, strength and devotion. Followers pray to Hanuman to remove sufferings and also to fulfill wishes. Why the Monkey [...]

   

• Ranganatha Swamy Temple of Srirangapatna

  In Destinations, Religion, Temples / By Chris Chopp / 2 February 2012 / 0 comments

  

  Easily the most popular destination in all of Sriangapatna, the capital of ruler Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, is that of Ranganatha Swamy Temple. It’s single hued gopuram can be seen well in advance of arrival which only builds anticipation among visitors eager to see Lord Vishnu in the form of the famous sleeping statue of Lord Ranganatha. Unfortunately photography is prohibited inside the more than 1000 year [...]

   

• St Patrick’s Church, Bangalore, Karnataka

  In Religion / By Chris Chopp / 23 December 2011 / 0 comments

  

  Travelers to Bangalore will find the doors of St. Patricks Church wide open upon arrival. Guests of all religions are welcome inside the well maintained, strikingly beautiful building which has been a fixture of Bangalore for more than 200 years. St Patrick’s Church which stands today is actually the second incarnation of construction. The original building begun in 1841, and completed in 1844, underwent a 5 year rebuilding  (1894 to [...]

   

• Chennakesava Temple Belur: A Premiere Hoysala Dynasty Monument

  In Destinations, Religion, Temples / By Chris Chopp / 27 November 2011 / 3 comments

  

  The lasting legacy of the Hoysala Dynasty can be found at the magnificent Chennakesava Temple of Belur, Karnataka. This South India religious destination, comprised of several Hindu temples, lies in the heart of Belur and is the major draw to this former Hoysala capital city. Background Chennakesava Temple (Keshava Temple) is said to have been commissioned in 1116 by King Vishnuvardhana in memory of his victory over the neighboring Cholas. [...]