There are many places to visit in Madras. These include the Thousand Lights Mosque, the Amaravati Marble Houses, the Kapaleeswarar Temple, and Theosophical Society. These attractions and others are perfect for a weekend or long holiday.
Amaravati marble houses
Amaravati was the site of one of the earliest Buddhist temples in India. It was founded around 200 BC in what is now Andhra Pradesh. It is the oldest known Buddhist monument in the subcontinent. It is best visited by tourists as a part of their trip to Madras.
The site was once the site of a large stupa. Colonel Colin Mackenzie discovered its remains in 1797 and subsequently ordered the excavation of the mound. He then proceeded to ship the remaining panels to the British Museum in London. He called the best-preserved marbles the Elgin Marbles and the most damaged ones the Eliot Marbles, after the Madras Literary Society’s Walter Eliot. The museum now houses the remains of the stupa.
Amaravati is famous for its marble sculptures and buildings. In 1816, Col. Colin Mackenzie made a trip to the town. Then, he made a collection of artifacts from the site. He also excavated the statues of the goddess Amaravati. He also collected many other works of art from the area. The museum exhibits these ancient masterpieces in an impressive way.
Amaravati was also the site of a Buddhist shrine hundreds of years ago. The Great Shrine of Amaravati is a ruined Buddhist monument that dates back to the 3rd Century BCE. During the British colonial period, the British uncovered the sculptures at the site. The British Museum has a collection of these ‘Marbles’. A government museum in Chennai has also acquired a portion of the collection.
The museum has begun promoting the exhibits in a focused way. The museum receives about 1,100 visitors a day. The government also plans to bring college students to talk about the historical significance of the objects displayed there.
Kapaleeswarar Temple
The Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore, Chennai is one of the most sacred temples in Tamil Nadu. It is a renowned place of worship for the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. The temple is a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture and is one of the most revered in the city. Its architectural features include gopurams, vahanas, and a golden chariot. Locals believe that this temple is the home of Lord Shiva, who is worshiped here as the Karpagambal.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme god of Shiva. The temple is surrounded by huge halls with colorful rangolis in the front and back. It was constructed in the seventh century by the Pallava kings. The temple was renovated during the Peshwa era.
After the death of Coonra Vellaiyappa Mudali, the temple was managed by two trustees: Nattu Subbaraya and Kasi Mudali. Kasi Mudali’s son built the pagoda, which is located next to the temple. The temple was able to sustain the pagoda until the end of the nineteenth century, when the city became part of the East India Company’s territory.
In Mylai, you can visit another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built around an old Punni tree. This temple contains a Shiva Lingam that is known as the Swayambhu Lingam. It is also home to a shrine dedicated to the lord’s consort Parvati.
The main building of the temple is over 70 feet high. It features two corridors around the eastern side. The temple was built in three and a half centuries ago. The original Kapaleeswarar Temple in Madras was destroyed by the sea.
Theosophical Society
The Theosophical Society in Madra’s activities are not limited to spiritual teachings. The society also offers a wide variety of events and publications. Members may become members voluntarily or join in a formal capacity. The membership fee is $5. In addition to spiritual guidance, members are also provided with a forum to express their opinions on various public issues.
The Theosophical Society was founded in 1875 by Madame H. P. Blavatsky, who later moved its headquarters to Adyar near Madras. Theosophy is a spiritual philosophy that blends Hindu thought with metaphysics. The Society’s members are devoted to truth, love for all living beings, and active altruism.
There are lodges, Branches, and informal Groups in Australia. National Members of the Theosophical Society are automatically members of the Australian Section. Members can also participate in national events such as workshops and retreats. Members may also visit the Theosophical Society’s library to learn more about its philosophy.
The Theosophical Society in Madra’s campus, located in the outskirts of Madras, is undergoing a major change. The organization has signed a lease with the Shiv Nadar Trust to establish a school on its campus. This trust is part of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, a billionaire IT industrialist.
A famous Theosophist, Charles Webster Leadbeater, believed that a young boy named Krishnamurti would become a world teacher and a vehicle for a messiah. He turned to Annie Besant to be his guardian and later became the head of the Theosophical Society in Madraa. Besant also created an order called the Order of the Star of the East.
Today, the Society has branches around Australia. Public meetings are held regularly where members enquire about a wide range of subjects. These include ethics, modern science, and teachings from various religious traditions. The meetings are open to everyone, and speakers are not obligated to present the views of the Society.
Government Museum Chennai
Located in Egmore, Chennai, the Government Museum Chennai is a huge repository of art and scientific artifacts. The museum also has an interactive children’s museum and zoological and botanical galleries. During the day, it is open to visitors at a nominal charge of Rs15 per person. For school students and teachers in groups, entry fees are waived. Visitors can also use the Museum Theatre, which seats up to 600 people, to view documentary films or historical artworks.
The Government Museum has four main galleries: the Hindu Sculpture Gallery, the Bronze Gallery, the Amravathi Gallery, and the National Art Gallery. There are also three sub-sections devoted to children’s art. The Museum is also classified as a Manscript Conservation Centre as part of the National Mission for Manuscripts.
The South Indian Museum is unique in its collection of metal figures. Its collection includes thousands of metal sculptures and figures. These pieces were crafted by skilled craftsmen in South India. They are also based on accepted canons of aesthetics. Guests can learn more about the artifacts in the museum’s collection.
The Museum is open every day from 9:30 am to 5 pm. It is closed on Fridays and official holidays. It takes one to two hours to tour the museum, and entry fees are 250 INR for Indians and 500 INR for foreigners. Individuals carrying still cameras will need to pay an additional fee of 200 INR.
Besides the museum’s collections, the Government Museum also houses a theatre. This theatre was built in 1896 and is one of the most spectacular buildings in the complex. It was inspired by London’s Globe Theatre. Although it has been renovated several times, it retains its historic aura and is often used for cultural performances.
