Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus or Basilica of Good Jesus (Portuguese: Basílica do Bom Jesus) is located in Goa, India is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church is located in Old Goa, which was the capital of Goa in the early days of Portuguese rule, about 10 km from the new city of Panjim.

Construction work on the church began in 1594 and was consecrated in May of 1605 by Archbishop, Dom Fr. Aleixo de Menezes. It contains the body of St. Francis Xavier; a very close friend of St. Ignatius Loyola with whom he founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Francis Xavier died on the Sancian island while enroute to Continental China (December 2, 1552).

                                                    

The body of Francis Xavier was first taken to Malacca and two years later shipped back to Goa. It is said that the saint's body was as fresh as the day it was buried. The remains of the saint still attract a huge number of devotees (Christian and non-Christian alike) from all over the world, especially during the public viewing of his body every ten years (last held in 2004). The saint is said to have miraculous powers of healing, and pilgrims come from all over the country.

Some shorts inside the church

Faces - Saidapet Slums

On the banks of Saidapet Cooum (Adyar River),Chennai. We have a colony of families living. Every year, we can see this place flood with rain water, when the rains are happy showering more water to the city.

But what ever happens they are bound to stay here as the vote bank for all ruling political parties.Living along storm water drains and the Cooum, slum dwellers in Saidapet covet the security of permanent shelters. They are not strangers to fake smiles and false poll promises, but a fresh election is another hope for a steady roof over their heads. The politicians know that well.

Following are some of the faces of Saidapet;

There are manny social work people who spend there time here in the slums to bring some joy in there faces, but in this world - it is the survival of the fittest. Many social orgs work with the govt or spend there money to have the slum rebuilt, raising its plinth level, and improving flood-prevention facilities. This is one of the place in Chennai which is prone to fire accident. Many of the NGO's work for the welfare of the children growing here.

The above pictures are the outcome of the workshop conducted at 'ambitions4 photography academy on news and documentary photography by the world renowned photographer, Ms.Sucheta Das from Kolkatha. (www.suchetadas.com)

Periyapalayam Temple

{My appologise for this post - I had taken my canon 50mm block lens during my visit and I did not take my wide angle with me, hence most of my shorts are close up's}
The Bhavani amman temple is possibly the most popular one in this region and a section of the people come here every year during the Adi/Avani Tamil month. They offer prayers in different forms like head shaving, going with just neem leaves around, lifting the pot with fire, Angapradhakshana, coconut rolling etc.,.

People come in lorries, tractors, vans and carts with full equipments including gas cylinders for cooking, stay here and do their rituals. 

It will take about 2 hours for the dharshan in the 25 Rs special entrance itself (during important days) but we went in by 100 Rs ticket & the dharshan of the beautiful Bhavani amman was un forgetable.
Presently, they are building a huge mandapam around the temple and the temple authorities are spending a lot of money. The authorities could have done a lot more to make the environment better for the devotees for the huge fund they might be receiving. The place is largely un-clean, Not even a good car parking was available but the temple authorities have tendered it out and they collect money for the same (Rs 10 per car). Also, the head shaving location maintained by the temple authorities was very much in bad shape, hence I would suggest you carry your blade, if possible water to take bath (incase of small kids, we took our water for my sisters son). See that you hire the right person, they charge about 30 Rs per head shaving + govt coupon should be taken.

We do have options to do small time shopping outside the temple.

Tie this in your house to bring good luck - new thing in town

Tie this in your house to avoid bad luck - new thing in town

Perfect gift for kids

For more details "Click Here - Temple Website"