Gujarati Shwetambar Murtipujak Jain Mandir
The Gujarati Shwetambar Murtipujak Jain Mandir is credited with being one of the first Jain temples in South India.
Home to three beautifully carved gopurams (gateways) and five doors, the temple built completely in marble is a fine example of glass work.
The structure differs in construction from other buildings as the use of iron has been totally avoided in the temple.
The idol that sits inside the premises is made of quartz. In the central hall, one can see extensive glass work due to which the hall glows with a spectrum of colours.
It is believed that the architects, the stone carvers and the workers who were involved in the construction of the temple were hired from Rajasthan. The deity worshipped in the temple is Lord Parsvanatha, the 23rd tirthankara (saint) of the Jains.
Kapaleeswarar Temple
Believed to be one of the oldest and most revered temples of Chennai, Kapaleeswarar Temple is a shrine of Lord Shiva. In the temple, the wife of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati is worshipped in the incarnation of Goddess Karpagambal. She is believed to be the 'Goddess of the Wish-Yielding Tree'. As a ritual of Friday worship, Goddess Karpagambal is offered a garland made of gold coins called kaasu mala.
A classic example of Dravidian style of architecture, the best known feature of the temple is 37-m-high gopuram (gateway). On entering the temple, one is greeted with the view of a sculpture of a holy saint named Gnanasambandar. There are beautiful bronze carvings of the 63 Shaivate saints and one of the oldest trees of Chennai, Punnai tree, is in the courtyard of the temple.
The temple has a number of interesting features, including vahanas (Sanskrit word for vehicles), bull, adhikaranandi, elephant, bandicoot, peacock, goat, and parrot, along with a golden chariot.
A 10-day long procession is carried out every year during the Aruvathumoovar festival in March-April, which sees hundreds of footfalls.
Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram
The Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram is one of the most popular spots to practice yoga in Chennai. This is one of the foremost institutions for yoga therapy in India. The centre follows the philosophy called yoga for the individual. This approach is called viniyoga and is used to create a tailored programme for individuals. The designed programmes are used to access the core of the problem, uproot it and then treat it. Yoga is not treated as a generalised fitness regime here but as a dedicated course of therapy. If one wants to be a part of the centre, it is done through an interview and a physical assessment test. As a part of the course, the would-be student presents the problems and the experts prescribe asanas and other exercises to cure it. While the student carries out the prescribed exercises, regular meetings are also scheduled with teachers to reassess the problem and instruct the students as and when necessary.
The building of the centre also noteworthy. There are small therapy rooms where the consultant examine the practitioner, who is then guided through steps of meditation. To create a peaceful environment, airy and polish-floored practice area is kept minimalistic.
Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram is recognised by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) as one of the leading yoga institutes in India. It also received the SIRO (Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) recognition awarded by the Department for Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India. Recognised by the Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, the institute is a unique yoga centre as it possesses the ISO 9001:2015 certification. General wellness, yoga therapy, yoga teacher training programs, Vedic chanting, and holistic health are some of the services offered here. It was established by TKV Desikachar in 1976 as a not-for-profit Public Charitable Trust.
San Thomas Basilica
A beautiful Roman catholic cathedral in pristine white, this church has a Portuguese origin, and dates back to the 16th century. It was rebuilt in Neo-Gothic style in 1896 and is said to be the final resting place of St Thomas, the Apostle. A small cross on the tomb wall contains a tiny bone fragment referred to as the ‘Relic of St Thomas’.
An underground tomb chapel is worshipped here and the devout believe that sand from the tomb has miraculous healing powers. A beautiful stained glass window at the basilica portrays the story of St Thomas and the central hall has 14 wooden plaques that depict the stations of the cross.
The cathedral also has a 3-ft-high statue of Virgin Mary believed to have been brought from Portugal in 1543.
