Last night after dinner, we were driven to the local large temple called Meenakshi Amman Temple. It's name is a local one for Shiva's consort Pavarti. Meen means fish eyes and akshi means control. Last night's ceremony in the temple involved taking the statue of Shiva from his position in the sanctum sanctorum. His statue is carried around in a palanquin around the temple centre. Eventually they stop at the walk way to Meenakshi's bed chamber. He is ceremonially given an ablution of water and lotus flowers. Eventually they bring his statue to a swing where he and Pavarti spend a lovely evening. He is returned to the sanctum santorum the next morning at 4. Before we could enter the temple we had to take off our shoes and socks. We weren't permitted to bring a camera, but we could bring a cell phone. Unfortunately, I didn't know that for the first ceremony. It was fascinating, and the temple is beautiful inside and out.
This morning we didn't have much to do. We had a relaxing breakfast and read a bit. After a time, we decided to take a stroll into a bit of town. Hot and humid, though it was, it was a fascinating walk.
At 3 this afternoon, we go picked up and went to the palace in town. Tirumalai Nayak Palace. It was built by Italians from Venice with Indian and Islamic influences. Quite grand, it was an amazing place for the king. His son, however, was told by his astrologer that the place was a bad omen, and his son tore most of it down. The British used the dance hall in the place as a court, and took the peacock throne to London and put it on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Strange history and sad ending to a once grand place.
After the palace we went back to the Meenakshi Amman Temple for a daytime outside look with cameras. I had my cell phone with me this time.
A little shopping, then we went into the Temple - same no socks and shoes and no cameras - for a ceremony that involved walking an actual elephant and a Nandy (a bull replica) around the center of the temple. There is an actual bull that sometimes walks around, but he wasn't feeling too well.
Back to the hotel for a pizza dinner - eaten to the sounds of a zillion firecrackers and fireworks. Diwali is in full session. Good grief, it's got 3 more days to go. I guess on Friday, they just blow the place up.
This morning we didn't have much to do. We had a relaxing breakfast and read a bit. After a time, we decided to take a stroll into a bit of town. Hot and humid, though it was, it was a fascinating walk.
The cow was on a stroll too
Bicycle truck
Another cow, this one resting on the corner
There are fireworks places all over. During the day, this one just looks like a fireworks stand. At night it's lit up and music is blaring.
Our room guy is another origami towel expert!
The hotel has lights all over it tonight for Diwali, also called the Festival of lights.
At 3 this afternoon, we go picked up and went to the palace in town. Tirumalai Nayak Palace. It was built by Italians from Venice with Indian and Islamic influences. Quite grand, it was an amazing place for the king. His son, however, was told by his astrologer that the place was a bad omen, and his son tore most of it down. The British used the dance hall in the place as a court, and took the peacock throne to London and put it on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Strange history and sad ending to a once grand place.
Main hall of the palace
Detail of facade
Facade of the dance hall, later used by the British as a court. The creatures with the snaggly teeth and muppet ears are called Yoni.
The Dance Hall
View through the columns of the main hall
As we drove from the palace to the temple we passed a night vegetable market. Some people had actual stalls, some just laid their wares on the street
This man was a fortune teller. He had a parrot in the box. The parrot would come out and pick up a card with a god's face on it. That would determine your future. The man himself was completely blind. So it was the bird who was the fortune teller, I guess.
View of temple tower from nearby shop roof
Details
More details
night market on the way back to the hotel
After the palace we went back to the Meenakshi Amman Temple for a daytime outside look with cameras. I had my cell phone with me this time.
A little shopping, then we went into the Temple - same no socks and shoes and no cameras - for a ceremony that involved walking an actual elephant and a Nandy (a bull replica) around the center of the temple. There is an actual bull that sometimes walks around, but he wasn't feeling too well.
Back to the hotel for a pizza dinner - eaten to the sounds of a zillion firecrackers and fireworks. Diwali is in full session. Good grief, it's got 3 more days to go. I guess on Friday, they just blow the place up.
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