ROAD LESS TAKEN

My childhood was not a bed of roses, but I was fortunate enough to have it filled with experiences that are completely got lost today. Born into a lower middle class family in a quaint village of Southern Tamil Nadu, I was raised in a devout Roman Catholic family. Truly, back then I never knew, what connection we had with Romans to be called Roman Catholic Christians. Though my parents were not orthodox Christians, it was impossible for me to skip regular prayers and masses at the church. Moreover, the priest clad in white cassock would show up at the school to seek his vengeance for not listening to his boring sermons on Sundays. Strict discipline was emphasized right from the childhood. Nuns would do a regular check up on our teeth and if a tinge of yellow stain appears, we would have to pick up brick powder and brush our teeth. Their reprimands then sounded like a screaming monster, but they have definitely redefined my life. Uninvaded by machines, those days were entwined wit...

With poor sanitation and unkempt roads, Kanchipuram may not be an ideal place to seek entertainment. But, what attracts everyone to this historic age old city is for its numerous temples steeped in intricate stone carvings and artistic beauty and above all to obtain spiritual serenity. Ruled by Pallavas, Cholas and Vijayanagara Empire at different periods, the city’s temples stand as the monument to their unparallel interest in arts and spirituality. A day may not be enough to cover up all the temples, but you are sure to be spellbound by the sheer genius of ancient artisans from few temples itself.   Kamakshi Amman Temple Pillars at Ekambareswar Temple Ekambareswar temple tower gleaming against the azure sky Almost, every temple has a square shaped tank with a Mandapam at the centre. Built with spectacular steps on all sides, the tanks are examples of ancient engineering that served the people during dry season. Water reservoir in Varadharaja Per...