Powai Lake

One evening in Mumbai, a 2 hour traffic jam drove me to take these photographs. Eventually I had to get off the bus, because I couldn’t wait any longer and I’d missed my movie already.

Corrupt Politicians: Quit India

Graffiti photographed on Mumbai streets. It’s temporary, drawn only in chalk, but the message is clear. As far as I know, even when it’s erased it always makes a comeback.

It says: “World corruption champion 2008 Politicians US$ 1456 Billion in Swiss Bank Secret Account.” Here’s another voltage box with similar stuff written on it:

“Corrupt Politicians Quit India” – I saw this slogan all over this street and the surrounding areas.

Once I started noticing the hand written slogans, I saw them everywhere :P

Sleeping Baby

A baby sleeps on Mumbai streets, quiet, unattended and neglected.

The Department of Art and Culture

“Should not stand at the entrance of department;” the sign said. I was hooked, so I entered to find out which government department this was.

“Dont stand and hinder the passers who are coming to the department” says the sign in the deserted corridor.

I finally discover it’s the department of Art and Culture. This is on Beach Road, and very hidden away. Check out the anti-bribery Notice below.

I found one person working in a small office at the back. Looks like he is taking account of the handicrafts etc. that are sold from here.

Right at the back I found a larger building, but wasn’t sure if I was still in the Dept. of Art and Culture :)

Harishchandragad Trek

There are a lot of weekend trips you can do from Mumbai, and one of them is Harishchandragad in the Western Ghaats. You have to camp out in ancient caves midway before continuing the trek to the top. It’s beautiful but tiring, especially for someone like me who doesn’t trek too often :)

On the way to the starting point we stopped by a lake:

The view as we just begin the 2 to 3 hour trek to the base.

A small temple at the first point at the base. Several other trekers were already camped here, and we got chai and misal, absolutely yummy after the trek, and a relief from the freezing cold. We are now more than 4000 ft. above sea level.

The main temple looks like its still in use for worship, but completely forgotten by the government or any authority responsible for maintaining it. Why am I not surprised?

We camped out in ancient caves that were carved out of the rock face. We went with an organized trekking group which arranged for our food and shelter. But if you’re planning the trip on your own, you can also rent a tent once you reach the point for about 150 Rs. Do not camp here without a tent or cave because it is absolutely freezing and windy once the sun goes down.

One of the views from the second day:

Near the top:

An ancient shiv ling at the top of the ghaat:

Chidambaram Temple

The ancient temple was built around the 5th century, although it was frequently renovated from then on. It’s spread across 40 acres, and you can spend more than two hours exploring the spaces within it.

“In Hindu literature, Chidambaram is one of the five holiest Shiva temples, each representing one of the five natural elements; Chidambaram is space. The other four temples in this category are: Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (water), Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth), Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire) and Kalahasti Nathar (wind).” - Read entire Wiki

Women at the temple entrance:

Keep your shoes here:

One of the gates:

One of the several beggars that spend their days within the temple walls:

An old man takes a nap:

No photography is allowed in several parts of the temple, especially the interiors of the temple where all the deities are kept and worshipped. So most of the photographs are of the exteriors. Below is a stone carving detail. Note the scribbled chalk marks on the walls. It was sad to see that the temple was dirty, at some places graffiti covered ancient artwork, and even the recent renovation looked ugly. They used patches of cement is some places :(

Beautiful temple floor detail.

One of the ancient water bodies is shown below. The water comes from 8 underground wells below the surface. People bathe here by the steps, but its dangerous to go further in because of the underground water currents. You can also feed the frenzied fish, which is quite fun.

Another temple gate:

Detail:

An ancient wishing well inside the temple. The triangular grooves on the sides look like steps that would help you climb down the well.

One part of the temple had been completely demolished! We had no idea why, and one of my friends who acted as our guide and is a local from Chidambaram said that this used to be a very beautiful structure. She had no idea what happened, since it was untouched just one year back. It’s really sad to see that nothing is being maintained well here.

Souvenir shop outside the temple, selling statues of Natraj, the main deity at Chidambaram.

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