Blogs from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India, Asia

I'm writing this entry as the sun slowly sets over Thanjavur on our last night in India. The locals are all engaged in a frantic rush of activity in anticipation for the upcoming three day harvest festival known as Pongol. People are stocking up on vast swathes of sugar cane and rice, paints are being bought to decorate one's doorstep and cows are being washed down and having their horns painted in all sorts of vibrant colours. Having been on the move and engaging in various activities pretty well non-stop up until now, we were all quite looking forward to the opportunity of doing very little and recharging the proverbial batteries. Thus, we slowly made our way south from Cochi to spend a couple of relaxing days cruising the backwater canals of Kerala and doing exactly ... read more

The main reason I came to India was to travel to Tamil Nadu, India’s southernmost state, to see its temples. I’ve enjoyed the three temple towns I’ve visited – Madurai, Trichy, and Thanjavur – more than Bangalore and Mysore. Partly it’s me; I have adjusted to India. But partly the towns are more manageable and the sights are better. Tamil Nadu is a great place to visit. Tamil Nadu was never conquered by Muslims, in contrast to most of India. It therefore maintained a uniquely vibrant Hindu culture. My guidebook says that Tamil Nadu is one of the few places on earth where a classical culture has survived into the present. Ancient Greek chroniclers wrote about Tamil towns and temples, and their descriptions of religious life largely ring true today. While that may be guidebook hyperbole, ... read more

Après avoir passé quatre heures dans un autobus gouvernementale sans air conditionné… nous étions finalement rendu à Thanjavur. Après s’être trouvé un hôtel à notre goûts, mangé un bon repas et avoir pris une bonne douche froide, nous étions encore une fois parti pour visiter un temple impressionnant qui se nomme Brihadishwara Temple. Ce temple était différent de celui que nous avions visité à Chidambaram. Il n’avait pas quatre entrées principales comme la plupart des autres temples dans le Tamil Nadu, les figurines en pierres n’était pas peinturés mais quand mêmes très belles. Le temple principal qui se trouvait au centre du site, s’élevait jusqu'à 66 mètres. Nous y avons passé toute l’après-midi ainsi que la soirée à examiner les temples, les sculptures et les gens qui s’y promenaient. Nous avons eu la chance de voir ... read more

Over the past 3 days we have travelled through towns and cities of South India and seen the most spectacular Hindu temples. Their age, character and beauty is breathtaking. Hopefully the pictures will give you some idea of their splendour.... read more