Places of Worship

Residents of Chennai have been graciously inviting me to visit temples and churches with them. I enjoy going for a number of reasons. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the culture and beliefs of the many different people who live here, and friends have patiently taken the time to explain things to me, and answer my questions. Artistically, I find that places of worship here are among the most interesting works of architecture in Chennai, and they provide encouragement to various visual and performing arts. Another thing I really like about them is their atmosphere of peace and calm. Chennai is a busy, happening place - traffic is heavy, construction of buildings and infrastructure is everywhere, its information technology, outsourcing and manufacturing economies are thriving, and the city is welcoming people from all over India and the world to help build it. It's exciting, but sometimes it feels good to shift gears and spend time in a quiet place.

There aren't many pictures for this posting, mostly exterior shots. I tend to put the camera away to avoid disturbing people who are praying.

This is a photo from the Vailankanni Annai Shrine. It is known as the "Lourdes of the East" and is a pilgrimage site for those seeking health. Part of their tradition is to dress statues of the Virgin Mary in saris, a traditional Indian dress. The small cribs you see hanging from string are offerings from couples praying for fertility. For a Canadian connection, click the link above and turn on your audio. You'll hear Rufus Wainwright singing his cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." Not all the words of course, just the chorus. If you want to hear all the words, try here.


The Kapaleeswarar Temple is dedicated to Shiva, and is considered one of the most sacred sites for Hindus in South India. It is in the Mylapore district of Chennai. According to the Times City Guide Chennai "Shiva's consort Parvati was distracted by a peacock and did not hear him. Annoyed, Shiva turned her into a peahen and sent her to earth. It is believed that the peahen arrived at this temple and performed "tapas" (penance) and was eventually accepted again by Shiva. It is from this legend that Mylapore derived its name, "mayil" meaning peacock and "oor" meaning town."



This Jain temple is also in the Mylapore district. Unfortunately, I don't have the name or more information about it yet.


This is the Santhome Basilica, or the St. Thomas Basilica, where he is reputed to be buried. It was orignally built by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century, and rebuilt by the British in 1893. It is another pilgrimage site for Christians in India.