The Temple at Triplicane

We started with an 8th century temple in a very old section of the city, just blocks from the Bay of Bengal. Elaborately carved pillars show their age, and support more recent (lighter colored) stonework capping off the structure. The temple is dedicated to two separate gods -- Krishna and Narasimha -- and each has a dedicated entrance.

The ambiance inside was very quiet, reverent, and worshippers were just starting to arrive for their after work prayers, carrying flowers, in all manner of dress from traditional to Western. The priest was in attendance, sitting on some steps in case anyone wanted to talk.The place felt sacred such that I, as a non-believer, was uncomfortable taking photos in such a holy place. Saj and I chose not to go into the chambers that actually held the gods.

Heading back to the car we were surrounded -- ok, we weren't surrounded but it felt like it -- by poor people, selling trinkets or flowers. "Madam. Madam. Madam." My guides and all 'tourist tips' literature in the hotels state that visitors shouldn't encourage or reward begging, but it breaks my heart to be this close to people who are so obviously poor and in need and not to try to help them somehow. It overwhelms the senses.

I got into our cab as unobtrusively as possible, and we drove away past the cows and the dogs, in air conditioned comfort.