Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
( www.chennaimath.org ; 31 RK Mutt Rd; Universal Temple 5-11.45am & 3.30-9pm, evening prayers 6.30-7.30pm)
The tranquil, leafy grounds of the Ramakrishna Math are a world away from the chaos
and crazy rickshaw drivers outside. Monks glide around and there's a reverential feel here.
The Math is a monastic order following the teachings of the 19th-century sage Sri Ra-
makrishna, who preached the essential unity of all religions. The Universal Temple here is
a handsome modern building incorporating architectural elements from several different
religions. It's open to all, to participate in worship or pray or meditate in silence.
Theosophical Society
( www.ts-adyar.org ; south end of Thiru Vi Ka Bridge, Adyar; admission free; grounds 8.30-10am & 2-4pm Mon-
Sat) Between the Adyar River and the coast, the 100-hectare grounds of the Theosophical
Society provide a green and peaceful retreat from the city. A lovely spot just to wander,
they contain a church, mosque, Buddhist shrine and Hindu temple as well as a huge vari-
ety of native and introduced trees. The Adyar Library (1yr reader's card ?50 (deposit ?250);
9am-5pm Tue-Sun) here has an immense collection of books on religion and philosophy, some
of which are on display, from 1000-year-old Buddhist scrolls to intricate, handmade 19th-
century Bibles.
GARDEN
St Thomas Mount
(Parangi Malai; off Lawrence Rd) The reputed site of St Thomas' martyrdom rises in the southw-
est of the city, 2.5km north of St Thomas Mount train station. The St Thomas Shrine, built
by the Portuguese in 1523, contains what are supposed to be a fragment of Thomas' bone
and a cross he carved; the views across the city are wonderful.
SACRED SITE
Courses
International Institute of Tamil Studies
( 22542781; www.ulakaththamizh.org ; CIT Campus, 2nd Main Rd, Tharamani) Runs intensive three-
month and six-month courses in Tamil.
LANGUAGE
Kalakshetra Foundation
( 24524057; www.kalakshetra.net ; Muthulakshmi St, Thiruvanmiyur) The crafts centre here offers one-
or two-month courses in the old art of Kalamkari - hand-painting of textiles using veget-
TEXTILE PAINTING
 
 
 
 
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