I was in Chennai for two days and returned yesterday – hence the slightly delayed Sunday In My City post – but I am cool because I know that even though it is Monday morning for me, half the world is still enjoying Sunday – and Christmas – so Merry Christmas to everyone!
Here are some photos from my trip! Although we went to see family, we did manage a quick trip to the Childrens’ National Park and the Snake Park nearby, because it has some sweet memories for me. (Please ignore the date stamps on the photos – something wrong with my camera, and I am figuring out how to fix it. No, its not the battery.)
Click photo for original size – will open in a new window. Enjoy!
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| This depicts Vasudev, carrying Lord Krishna to safety. Did you know that the story of Jesus Christ has many similarities to Lord Krishna’s? |
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| I saw a big group of these with their heads buried in their feathers. Couldn’t get the whole gang together though, so I made do with just two! They looked adorable! |
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| I can’t seem to get enough of these dudes. Night Herons. There were hundreds of them, just standing around on all surfaces. Guindy Children’s National Park |
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| This cute sculpture is from the caves in Mahabalipuram, near Chennai |
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| The wall decor outside the Guindy Snake Park, Chennai. Ancient sculptures, beautifully maintained. |
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| Near the crocodiles enclosure at the Snake Park. This is the snake god. 🙂 Only In India! We have a God for everything, and I love it! |
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| What would my Sunday be without a photo of a Goddess! We went to visit a temple Vidur wanted to see – only to find that they were renovating it and the statues of the Goddesses (there are four deities in this temple) were in a temporary enclosure until the temple is fully built. Then, after a ceremony, the temple will be declared open again. We were not allow to take photos of the sanctum sanctorum. But every temple has one beautifully decorated statue of the deity, which is the one that is taken around in a procession and so forth. This photo is of that statue. The deity is “Kolavizhi Amman” a.k.a Chocolate Amman (Amman = Mother Goddess). They offer huge packs of chocolates and then, after the “pooja” they distribute the chocolates 🙂 Nice eh? By the way – all precious jewelry on the Goddess. |
And now, let us go visit the beautiful Christmas tree at Unknown Mami’s and thence to other cities – all without a passport, visa or tickets!
I wish everyone a fabulous Christmas and a grand New Year. May the coming months be everything you wish for!
Vidya Sury
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Cheers!
Vidya
12 comments
I was just sitting here with my nice glass of merlot, cruising the blogs and hoping someone would write something besides Christmas stuff….and you did! Yeahhhhh. I love the photos. What an interesting place that must be. And you know so much about all the wonderful little details. You’re the perfect tour guide, Vidya! Thank you. Glad to see you back. XOXOs
Now, Terri, you know you MUST visit 😀 Hugs!
nice shots
Poetic Photos
Thanks, Jidhu
The pics of the birds were really adorable. And is Krishna holding the finger of Vasudeva in the sculpture?
Vidya, you sure do make a lovely post. I like the way your word things.
Yes, Zephyr, Krishna is holding Vasudeva’s finger. Isn’t it sweet?
Thanks, Keetha.
Wonderful post, precious like the Goddess’ jewelry. Have a lovely end of the year.
Thank you, Unknown Mami. May you have a great 2012 too. And extra thanks for hosting this lovely “Sundays in my city”
–Vidya,
How old are the caves w/ the engravings? Fabulous. Thost 2 monkeys look as though they are grooming one another…
SO many Gods to choose from, Oh, My!
I love your Sundays, My Sweet. 🙂 X
Hi Kim! The caves were sculpted in the 7th century – and yes, the monkeys are grooming each other. The place is full of beautiful sculptures and the next time I go there, I am hoping to get more pictures. And yes, we do have lots of Gods 😀 Thanks for dropping by! Hugs, Vidya