Cholamandal Artist’s village

Cholamandal situated on Muttukadu Road, is the centre for art lovers and patrons of the art. It has galleries for paintings, sculptures and an open air international sculpture park around the complex. Sometimes we get to see artists in work or just walk around witnessing the stones, copper and other metals, transforming itself into beautiful shapes by the handiwork of the sculptors. The predator, The swing are a few to mention which captured my attention. The air conditioned gallery gives a peaceful atmosphere to see the paintings and nothing comes for free, as one has to shell out twenty rupees as entry fee to see their creations. Since it is prohibited to take photographs inside the gallery, here are the pictures of the sculpture park, which is around the complex.

Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar kottum built in memory of Thiruvalluvar, a classical tamil poet is an important landmark in Chennai. It resembles a Temple Chariot, particularly the one in Thiruvarur. Inside the monument, the poet’s verses are inscribed in pillars on the first floor corridors and it has an auditorium where exhibition of crafts from all over India is held very often.

      The large wheels of the Chariot.

Some of the handicraft products displayed in the exhibition held in the auditorium.

          
                                                                                      'Wooden Wonders'

                                                                                        'Men in Metal'

                                                                              'Bucket full of Roses'

                                                                            ‘Charming Coir Lady from Assam'

Sri Ranganathar Temple

Sri Ranganathar temple is located in Devadanam (Devargal visited and worshiped the lord and hence the name )a village, few kilometres from ponneri in Thiruvallur District. The 18 feet long deity is apparently longer than the Ranganathar in Srirangam temple in Trichy. It is a very small temple with a huge statue of the divine being in a state of sayanam or rest, with the goddesses beside his feet. The temple is believed to be centuries old and has been there unknown to even locals for years. Recently the temple was renovated and now adorns a fresh look. Still not many know about this temple and when they do they are in awe at the sight of the Lord. Visit this temple to have a hassle free worship, where one gets to worship god peacefully as close and as long as possible.
          
                                                                                     The front Gopuram

                            
                          
                                                                                             The small feet representing god’s feet inside.

Bygone Culture

Boom Boom Mattukaaran
The Bull and the Mattukaaran traversing the streets of Chennai, stopping by every house, with a drum in hand making the bull dance to the beat, shaking its head and legs answering to the trainers questions and getting to hear nice things from this Mattukaaran is a scene that has become obscure in this century. This pretty looking black bull is called Ramu and I caught him walking with his mattukaaran in a village. ( I don’t think the bull was happy doing this and neither am I )

G.H. (General Hospital)

 The Government General Hospital was started in 1664 by the British East India Company. After a century this state owned hospital building was reconstructed and what stands now is the two majestic towers, one of the best in the state. It is situated opposite to Central Railway Station.

Tidbits

Chennai is seeing a sudden rise of Shopping Complexes. With the increase in population, there is an increasing need for entertainment. There was a time when people used to throng Spencer Plaza like swarming bees, but now huge malls are sprouting every year, that seem to cater to the needs of Chennai consumers.
One such Mall is the Express Avenue at Royapettah, run by The Indian Express group. This extensive Mall spread across acres is allegedly South Asia’s biggest shopping complex. Walk in with a heavy wallet to witness brands that you have never heard before, products that you have never seen, unlimited choice of food that drives you crazy wondering which one to pick, 8 multiplexes with a beautiful dim lit interior to watch your favourite flick, video games for children and walk out with aching feet and maybe aching heart after spending on those expensive brands.

                                                                     It’s Diwali time

                                                                                    Marble wonder

         Laughing Buddha happy in Odyssey 

Ampa Skywalk
A mall with 7 multiplex and Reliance Bazaar, has enough reason to pull crowd. Always packed heavily it is also a new attraction in town.

                                                                      Statue of Sir.Thomas Munroe (Governor of Madras 1820) in Anna Salai

All set for (k)night ride

RIPON BUILDING

This Magnificent White Building was built by Loganatha Mudaliar and named after Lord Ripon, the then Governor- General of British India. The Municipal Corporation of Chennai has been functioning from here since 1913. This edifice is known for its architecture and the clock.

                                The chiming clock is a major tourist attraction

VICTORIA PUBLIC HALL

Named after Queen Victoria, this is an historical edifice built by the British in the year 1882. This building, well known for its architecture is now in a dilapidated condition. The Chennai Corporation has planned to renovate this structure and the work is underway. Hope they restore its lost magnificence.