Mylapore

Strictly for #Madraslovers, #loveformadras #straighouttamadras #madaboutmadras

It’s never enough writing about Madras and its heritage. This post is one of the firsts in my blog to actually talk about a particular destination, where you end up being a tourist in your own city.

The heady smell of jasmine, the invigorating smell of coffee, the woody smell of rudrakshas coupled with the metal and bronze, the divine fragrance of incense sticks, the fresh smell of roots and vegetables — all rolled into one at North Mada Street, Mylapore. The street’s entrance on the Kapaleeshwar Temple tank’s end from the main road welcomes you with hawkers selling trinkets and flowers. As you walk down, you are spoilt for choice for a variety of different things. Mylapore is one of the locations in Chennai which still unapologetically wears the Old Madras look, thereby rendering richness to the city’s heritage.

North Mada Street is one place which never tires. It’s ever ready to seamlessly adapt to the festivity of the hour. The entire street of people gear up for the occasions without whining. During Navarathri, every inch of the street is filled with dolls for golu. As the season changes and progresses into Margazhi, the street lays out a thorough treat to the senses – both visual and olfactory. There’s the Kolam Festival where the whole stretch turns into a canvas – both residents and tourists begin drawing intricate Rangoli designs. And then there are these hawkers selling Manga Ingi (Ginger Mango), Mahani (Sarasparilla root), beads of stinging green pepper and gooseberry; all well arranged in a single hawker’s vehicle. The mixed fragrances of all the roots and spices put together makes you feel the taste of pickle in your tongue already.

Amidst all the din, the Kapaleeshwar Temple stands tall in the center, with all its grandeur – Siva Siva glowing bright and noticeable from all angles. An unintentional panoramic view of Lord Siva’s name, makes sure your mind is left with the chant – Siva Siva.

Pictures speak a thousand words – so here you go for some visual imagery of our very own Mylapore of Madras.