Ride to Vellore

Starting at 2PM from Bangalore via Electronic city, Hosur, Ambur to Vellore. Awesome road condition because of Chennai –Bangalore Highway which our riders enjoyed biking and I too enjoyed as pillion as usual!! A complete rest with SAND PIPERS made more energetic for the next day. Must say Chennai has only 3 seasons Hot, Hotter, Hottest!!

View on the Way

The fort city of Tamil Nadu, Vellore is one that boasts of a rich history and has witnessed the rise and fall of several important dynasties such as the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Rashtrakutaas, the Sambuvarayars, the Marathas, even the Nawabs! Some such attractions include the Golden temple,Vellore Fort, Jalakanteswarar Temple. Vellore a city is on the banks of the Palar River, one that at first glance can surely have all wondering why it means a ‘City of Spears’!

Sathiya

The Jalakanteshwara Temple is the other marvel of the Vellore Fort. Built by the Vijayanagar king in 1550 A.D. the Jalakanteshwara Temple is nothing short of an architectural wonder! Complete with exquisite carvings on its gopuram (tower). It is said the reason why the temple is named Jalakandeswar “Lord Siva residing in the water” is because the temple is situated below the temple moat.

Vellore Fort Map

 However on going through its glorious history, one finds that this beautiful city known for its stunning Dravidian architecture has been witness to many wars and battles and has even often been described as … the strongest fortress in the Carnatic War!.

:)

The vellore golden temple is the Mahalakshmi temple called ‘Sripuram Golden Temple’…something that will definitely catch your eye!!!  Made out of more than a tonne of pure gold it is the only temple in the world that is fully covered with gold. Located around 6 km from Vellore, the temple structure is known for engravings, and while the deity of Mahalakshmi is caved of granite stone, it is covered with gold ornaments! Importantly more than the mahalakshmi photos we could see swamiji photos all around which is nothing but self advertisement!! We had taken tickets of VIP darshana which costed 250/- per head.

Jalakanteshwara Temple

Had a peaceful and blessed darshana as we had given nearly 20 min in front of Goddess. Had good lunch in temple as it was 12.30PM and started way back to Bangalore. Reached Bangalore around 7.30PM as expected.