Kapeleeswarer Temple


This ancient Hindu temple in the Mylapore community within Chennai is a vibrant center of culture.  This site will give you an overview of the area around the temple: 


http://indianbazaars.blogspot.com/2010/07/mylapore-temple-bazaar-chennai.html

Gopuram

Detail of Gopuram

 Ganesha shrine.  Note the rats on the corners of the roof - the rat is Ganesha's vehicle.  See the link for the story.

Parvati as Myil, the peahen (well, she appears to have a peacock tail here).  Shiva is represented by the pillar on the altar ("lingam" - look that one up yourself) in front of her.

Temple cows

The second half of our tour took us to San Thome, the Basilica founded over the remains of St. Thomas, who was killed just outside Chennai, according to legend.  Here's the Bailica's own web site, with a story about the relics. 

Virgin Mary & Jesus.  They are clothed, as is the tradition with idols of Hindu deities.