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Explore the History through the lens of a Heritage Lover. Heritage Sites, Architecture, & Sculptures. And also, Watch our videos, Subscribe and Share.

Passion for visiting ancient sites and interested to know more about them? Hello, this is Suresh Priyan, and welcome to my channel, "Chithiram Pesuthada", earlier called "CookWithBabyma"

I am interested in exploring ancient places, historical places, temples, monuments and mystic sites. This "Chithiram Pesuthada" channel carries my travel experience and learnings with the site. Every video is a n

ew experience, and this will encourage my audience to visit and experience the feel of our antique sites and the history they carry

Support "Chithiram Pesuthada" by sharing your Healthy feedback and inputs. You can reach me at [email protected]

🏛️ Exploring the tapestry of history through the lens of a Heritage Enthusiast and researcher
🕵️‍♂️ Heritage Sites, Architecture, and Sculptures are my language
🖌️ Join me in unravelling the stories etched in stone and culture
🌍

27/07/2025

Thondur's Sleeping Vishnu: A 1200-Year-Old Rock-Cut Wonder!
ஆயிரம் வருடம் கடந்த விண்ணாம்பாறை விஷ்ணு சிற்பம்!

Ever seen a Vishnu temple carved right on a boulder, lying alone in green fields? Thondur Sayana Perumal is where history rests peacefully on stone!

📍 Directions:
📌 Thondur village, Gingee Taluk, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.
✅ About 18 km from Gingee Fort and ~57 km from Villupuram town.

✨ Highlights not to miss:
✦︎ 8th-century Reclining Vishnu (Ananta Sayana) carved directly on rock
✦︎ Rare Cambodian-style crown reflecting ancient maritime art links
✦︎ Two ancient inscriptions connecting the site to Pallava & Chola kings
✦︎ Peaceful paddy field surroundings — a truly offbeat heritage spot
✦︎ Officially listed by the Archaeological Survey of India

📜 Little history:
Carved by Pallava sculptors in the late 8th century CE and later supported by Chola patrons, the Thondur Sayana Perumal shrine stands as a living testament to Tamil Nadu's rich stone-carving legacy. The rare style crown showcases cultural exchange across the seas, and centuries of local devotion have kept the site alive.

🌾 Why should I visit this site?
If you love quiet places soaked in history, this is a must-see!
Feel history where it happened — away from commercial tourism.

26/07/2025

Unearthing India: Know about the Archaeological Department!

Team Chithiram Pesuthada proudly presents an exclusive Free online session that explores the hidden stories and monumental achievements of the Archaeological Department.

Join us as Dr. D. Dayalan, Ex. The Director of ASI, Government of India, shares rare insights into India's archaeological wonders, conservation efforts, and the living legacy of our past.

📅 Date: Aug 09, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm (1.5 hours)
💻 Session: Google Meet (Online)
🎙️ Speaker: Dr. D. Dayalan
💬 Language: Tamil
📞 For more information: 98415 59338 | 79049 40981
🧾 For Registration: https://bit.ly/asiaug25
Details/link will be shared only with registered participants

Discover how history is unearthed, preserved, and kept alive for generations.

தொல்லியல் துறை பற்றி
நீங்கள் தெரிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டியது என்ன?

இந்திய அரசின் தொல்லியல் ஆய்வுத் துறை முன்னாள் இயக்குநர்
🎙️ Dr. தயாளன் துரைசாமி அவர்களுடன் நேரடியாக உரையாட ஒரு வாய்ப்பு.

📅 தேதி: ஆகஸ்ட் 09, 2025
🕖 நேரம்: மாலை 7:00 – 8:30 (1.5 மணி நேரம்)
💻 அமரம்: இணையம் மூலம்
📞 மேலும் விவரங்களுக்கு: 98415 59338 | 79049 40981
🧾 பதிவு செய்ய: https://bit.ly/asiaug25

விவரங்கள் பதிவுசெய்யப்பட்ட பங்கேற்பாளர்களுடன்
மட்டுமே பகிரப்படும். கட்டணம் இல்லை.

வரலாற்றை எவ்வாறு கண்டறிந்து, பாதுகாத்து, எதிர்கால தலைமுறைகளுக்கு சுருக்கமாக பரிமாறுகிறார்கள் என்பதை அறிய வாருங்கள்!

26/07/2025

Always close to my heart GKC ❤️

25/07/2025

Gangaikonda Cholapuram: The Chola Crown Jewel that Echoes the Ganga!
கங்கை கொண்ட சோழபுரம்: சோழ சாம்ராஜ்யத்தின் மகத்தான மரபு!

"Did you know? Over a thousand years ago, a victorious Chola emperor brought sacred Ganga water to Tamil Nadu—and built an entire capital city in its honour!"

📍 Directions/Location:
Located about 280 km south of Chennai in Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu.
Easiest access: by road from Kumbakonam (35 km) or Chidambaram (40 km).
Google Maps: Search Gangaikonda Cholapuram Brihadeeswarar Temple.

✨ Highlights not to miss:
✦ The grand Vimana (tower) – though shorter than Thanjavur Big Temple, it's broader and more gracefully curved.
✦ The colossal Nandi (bull) statue, carved from a single stone, is about 13 feet tall.
✦ The beautifully sculpted Lion well (Simhakeni) is a unique feature.
✦ Exquisite bronze and stone sculptures of deities like Ardhanareeswara, Chandikeshwara, and dancing Ganesha.
✦ Sub-shrines and detailed frescoes that survived centuries.

🏛 Architectural Wonder:
✦ Built around 1025 CE by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his successful northern expedition up to the Ganga.
✦ Blends grandeur with grace: a 9‑storey Vimana (about 182 feet) with gentle curves, unlike the vertical rise of Thanjavur's Big Temple.
✦ Masterful stone engineering, particularly the use of the hollow garbhagriha technique, allows light to filter in subtly.
✦ Famed for its intricate sculptures, from dynamic dancing figures to delicate deities and guardians.

📜 Little history:
✦ After leading an epic military expedition that reached as far as the Ganges River, Rajendra Chola I founded a new capital: Gangaikonda Cholapuram, literally "the city of the Chola who conquered the Ganga."
✦ The temple stood at the centre of this imperial city, symbolising Chola power and devotion.
✦ Although the city itself has faded, the temple—recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site—remains a glorious testament to the Cholas' vision and artistry.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram isn't just a temple—it's where a king's triumph was transformed into timeless stone, where art, history, and devotion converge. Visit to feel the pride of the Cholas, admire majestic sculptures, and walk through a living chapter of Tamil heritage.

22/07/2025

Ennayiram’s Narasimha Legacy: A Chola-Era Shrine of Rare Grace and History!
எண்ணாயிரம்: கல்வியும் கலையும் செழித்த சோழ புனித நிலம்!

✅ Ice Breaker:
✦︎ Ever seen a temple where Lord Narasimha carries Goddess Lakshmi on His lap?
✦︎ Ennayiram's temple features this rare icon: Sri Azhagiya Lakshmi Narasingar.
✦︎ Village name "Ennayiram" means "eight thousand" – tied to a legend of 8,000 Jain monks converting to Vaishnavism.

✅ Historical Events:
✦︎ Saint Ramanuja is said to have visited and converted 8,000 Jain monks here.
✦︎ Village name commemorates this (Ennai-iram = eight thousand).
✦︎ Poet Kalamegam, famed Tamil satirist, is said to be born in Ennayiram.
✦︎ Tradition: Four Shiva temples surround this Vishnu shrine, forming a Pancha Sthalam setup.

✅ Background about the Site & Location:
✦︎ Located in Ennayiram village, 22 km from Villupuram town, near Gingee.
✦︎ Temple dates back to Rajaraja Chola I's reign (985–1014 CE).
✦︎ Managed today by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
✦︎ Village historically known as Rajaraja-chaturvedimangalam, a Brahmin settlement (brahmadeyam).

✅ Historical Evidence & Details:
✦︎ Inscriptions date from the Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola periods.
✦︎ Chola inscription (1023 CE): Grants land for a Vedic school and hostel. Mentions teaching Vedas, Mimamsa, Vyakarana, and Vedanta.
✦︎ 45 veli of land (~240 acres) donated for temple upkeep and rituals.
✦︎ Records show continued importance during the Vijayanagar period as well.

A hidden gem in Tamil Nadu, this small temple showcases Chola art and inscriptions, featuring a unique Narasimha form and Ramanuja legends. It's a serene spot that beautifully combines history and spirituality.

21/07/2025

Unearthing India: Know about the Archaeological Department

Team Chithiram Pesuthada proudly presents an exclusive Free online session that explores the hidden stories and monumental achievements of the Archaeological Department.

Join us as Dr. D. Dayalan, Ex. The Director of ASI, Government of India, shares rare insights into India's archaeological wonders, conservation efforts, and the living legacy of our past.

📅 Date: Aug 09, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm (1.5 hours)
💻 Session: Google Meet (Online)
🎙️ Speaker: Dr. D. Dayalan
📞 For more information: 98415 59338 | 79049 40981
🧾 For Registration: https://bit.ly/asiaug25

Discover how history is unearthed, preserved, and kept alive for generations.

கல்லில் எழுதிய காவியம் – காலத்தை கடக்கும் கலைப் பயணம்!

இந்திய அரசின் தொல்லியல் ஆய்வுத் துறை முன்னாள் இயக்குநர்
🎙️ Dr. தயாளன் துரைசாமி அவர்களுடன் நேரடியாக உரையாட ஒரு வாய்ப்பு.

📅 தேதி: ஆகஸ்ட் 09, 2025
🕖 நேரம்: மாலை 7:00 – 8:30 (1.5 மணி நேரம்)
💻 அமரம்: இணையம் மூலம்
📞 மேலும் விவரங்களுக்கு: 98415 59338 | 79049 40981
🧾 பதிவு செய்ய: https://bit.ly/asiaug25

வரலாற்றை எவ்வாறு கண்டறிந்து, பாதுகாத்து, எதிர்கால தலைமுறைகளுக்கு சுருக்கமாக பரிமாறுகிறார்கள் என்பதை அறிய வாருங்கள்!

19/07/2025

Ancient Hero Stone Unearthed!
நான்காம் நுாற்றாண்டு நடுகல், திருவண்ணாமலையில்?

Near Sathanur (Tiruvannamalai), a rare stone inscription dating back to the 4th century BC has been discovered.

It commemorates Vinnan, son of Kannanthaikan from Karungali Nallur, who fell heroically in the battle of Vetchi.

Written in early Tamil script, it reveals Tamil Nadu’s rich and heroic tradition, as well as its ancient writing.

History lovers urge that it should be preserved under government protection! 🌿✨

Hariharan and Tamilselvan from Mallikapuram, along with S. Balamurugan, C. Palaniswami, Sridhar (Thandarambattu), and M. Raja (Chittingur) from the Tiruvannamalai District Historical Research Centre, examined this midstone inscription.

18/07/2025

Hidden Majesty in Stone: Dalavanur’s Satrumalla Cave Temple!
சத்ருமல்லா – பல்லவ மன்னனின் மறைந்த குகை வழிபாட்டிடம்

Nestled in a quiet hill at Dalavanur (near Gingee, Tamil Nadu) lies a forgotten marvel of early Pallava architecture.
Carved in the 7th century by Mahendravarman I, also known as Satrumalla (“foe-slayer”), this cave temple dedicated to Shiva showcases:

✅ A striking double makara-torana (dragon arch) above the entrance
✅ Graceful stone guardians (dvarapalas)
✅ Pillars decorated with lotus medallions
✅ A rare side-facing sanctum instead of the usual back wall
✅ Ancient inscriptions in Sanskrit and Tamil, naming the king himself

While modest in size, it tells a grand story of kingship, art, and devotion. Far from crowds, this quiet spot connects us directly to the origins of South Indian rock-cut temples.

🕰️ Built ~7th century CE | Location: Dalavanur, Villupuram district
📜 Protected by Archaeological Survey of India

Come and explore this hidden treasure with us!

14/07/2025

Begur Panchalingeshwara: Where Bengaluru's Ancient Heart Still Beats!
பேகூர் பஞ்சலிங்கேஸ்வரர் கோவில்: பெங்களூரின் வரலாற்றுச் செல்வம்!

Tracing Bengaluru's Earliest Footprint at Begur!

❓ Icebreaker:
Did you know? The oldest known inscription mentioning "Bengaluru" was discovered right here—etched over a thousand years ago!

📍 Location:
Located in Begur, about 14 km south of Bengaluru city centre (near Hosur Road and Bommanahalli). It's easily accessible via Begur Main Road and just a short detour from Bannerghatta Road.

🌿 Highlights not to miss:
✅ The Pancha Lingas (five Shiva Lingas) in five sanctums
✅ The famed Begur inscription from c. 9th–10th century CE mentioning “Bengaluru”
✅ Intricately carved Dwarapalakas (guardian deities) and stone pillars

🏛 Architecture wonder:
The temple, built in a mix of Dravidian style with the original granite structure from the Western Ganga dynasty (9th–10th century CE), features later Chola additions like detailed shikhara and ornate carvings. It uniquely houses five symmetrically aligned sanctums, symbolizing Shiva in his fivefold form.

📜 Little history:
The Nagareshwara and Nageshwara Swamy temples were built in the 8th century CE by the Western Ganga Kings Nitimarga I and Ereyappa Nitimarga II, with later expansions and additions by Chola kings.

Discover the Panchalingeshwara temple in Begur, a living spiritual landmark that showcases the early history of Bengaluru.

12/07/2025

Gingee Fort Shines on the Global Map!
உலக பாரம்பரிய பட்டியலில் செஞ்சிக்கோட்டை!

As of July 11, 2025, Gingee Fort in Villupuram, famously called the 'Troy of the East', is officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Maratha Military Landscapes!

Built in the 12th century by the Konar dynasty, Gingee Fort has stood the test of time — ruled by Vijayanagar Nayaks, Marathas, Mughals, French & British — and admired for its majestic Kalyana Mahal, temples, mosques & defensive brilliance.

📍 Sites not to miss at Gingee Fort:
Kalyana Mahal, Venkataramana Temple, Sadathtulla Mosque, Stepped Well & Elephant Tank, Durbar Hall & Granary, Krishnagiri, Rajagiri & Chandragiri hill forts.

Come, explore the timeless glory of Gingee Fort with us! 🌿🏯✨

06/07/2025

Delhi's Rust‑Proof Marvel — The Iron Pillar!
துருப்பிடிக்க மறுக்கும் 1600 ஆண்டுகள் பழமையான இரும்புத் தூண் — அழியாத அதிசயம்!

❓ Icebreaker
Imagine a seven‑metre iron column standing strong for over 1,600 years, untouched by rust—right in the heart of Delhi!

🔍 Location
Nestled within the Qutb Minar complex in Mehrauli, the Iron Pillar stands next to the Quwwat‑ul‑Islām Mosque, about 15 km from New Delhi Railway Station.

✨Highlights Not to Miss
✦ Remarkable rust resistance — it's remained corrosion-free for centuries.
✦ Ancient Sanskrit inscription — carved in Gupta script praising King Chandra (likely Chandragupta II)
✦ Historic "bell" capital — a classic Gupta-period fluted amalaka, possibly topped by a Garuda statue
✦ Science in stone — phosphorus-rich iron formed a self-protective layer that prevents rust
✦ Unsolved mysteries — its original location (Udayagiri or Mathura?) and precise manufacturing method remain debated.

🛠 Why It Doesn't Rust
✦ Phosphorus-packed iron, aided by ancient forge-welding (98% purity), formed a thin protective film of crystalline iron hydrogen phosphate hydrate.
✦ Delhi's modest humidity (under 70%) also helps reduce corrosion.

🏛 Architectural Wonder
✦ A single wrought‑iron shaft, 7.21 m tall (plus 1.12 m underground), widest at the base (≈42 cm) and tapering to ≤30 cm at the top, weighing over 6 tonnes
✦ Crafted by forge‑welding large lumps of iron into a flawless column—excellent engineering for its time

📜 Little History
✦ Erected c. 402 CE by King Chandragupta II as a Vishnu standard (Vishnudhvaja) at a site called "Vishnupada," likely Udayagiri
✦ Relocated in the 11th century by the Tomara king Anangpal to Delhi—confirmed by an inscription dated Samvat 1109 (~1052 CE)
✦ Now stands beside Delhi's oldest mosque, Quwwat‑ul‑Islām, built by Qutb‑ud‑din Aibak in the late 12th century.
✦ The pillar shows a cannonball dent—believed fired by invader Nadir Shah in 1739—but it miraculously survived.

Iron Pillar, Delhi, Chithiram Pesuthada, Suresh Priyan, Gupta architecture, corrosion resistance, Chandragupta II, Vishnudhvaja

03/07/2025

பதாவளி — மறைந்த கோவில், பேசும் சிற்பங்கள்!
Garhi Padhavali – The Divine Dance of Deities

Ever seen a temple where every inch tells a story of divine drama?

📍Location:
Garhi Padhavali, Morena district, Madhya Pradesh – about 40 km from Gwalior.

🌟 Highlights Not to Miss:
✦ An incredible 10th-century temple platform adorned with some of the most expressive sculptures in Central India.
✦ Intricately carved panels feature Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna Leela, Ashta-Dikpalas, Navagrahas, and even rare Ta***ic deities.
✦ Erotic imagery, war scenes, music, dance – all coexist on a single canvas of stone.

🏛️ Architectural Wonder:
✦ Though only the temple jagati (platform) and entrance remain, they're exquisitely detailed.
✦ The Gateway Arch stands atop a reused, fort-like structure — hence the name Garhi (fort).
✦ The carvings are believed to surpass even Khajuraho in narrative intensity.

📜 Little History:
✦ Once part of a larger temple complex, possibly built by Kachchhapaghata rulers in the 10th Century.
✦ Later converted into a small fortress during medieval times.
✦ Locally believed to be a site where gods came to play, hence the unique vibrancy.

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