Madras-a-patnam

It was in my 2^nd class when I last visited Madras J. As of now, I cannot recollect anything except for that blistering sun hitting hard, hospitalising me for a day or two. Now, stepping into this land of summer again, I am more startled than excited. However, I was jaunting all by myself, striding the tracks of Kachiguda – Egmore Express, which was showcasing the scenic beauties nearby Chennai. I tried to spell, in fact all of the stations that we were passing by, but, was successful only with – “Chennai Beach” at the first go.  Nungambakkam, Chengalpattanam, Velecherry, are a few easier ones, Ignore the rest :p

Then, entered the IIT M campus for accommodation. It‘s the land of Monkeys, Deer, a few guys and a very few girls (Non-males, they are called. Darn, That’s very bad). Done with the nominal registration, I thereby, officially started my exploration @ city. These are a few places I could cherish being there.

Marina Beach: Give me a thousand crore rupees, I would still not give this up. This serene sea is with infinite vendors literally forcing you to buy something, while you try enjoying those dynamic waves. Yet, you will be blown away the sea’s potency to appease your soul amidst disturbances. I used to wonder, why, Film maker Mani Ratnam is so fascinated about this sea for he never forgets to show the sea- relevant frames in his flicks. Now, I get it.

Express Avenue: Another bombasting shopping mall, as you generally find in any metro. What made this special to me is, in it, I saw a flick in the language, which I always hated ( Coz, I donno tamil, Ennada :p ) I don’t even remember its name, for it being too long. But, I could at least appreciate what was the plot, if not for the word - to - word translation.

Parthasarathi Temple: Pocketing a history of 1000 years, and idols of many gods, this temple stands as a historical and political veneration, in the land of temples.

Vivekandar Illam: Substantiated hub of Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts and inferences, is this once upon – a- time’s Ice house. With a deep history, and a philosophy at a greater depth, it simplified many complex doubts of my immature brain. Vivekananda’s personified audio and video visuals added to the exquisite serenity and the asute insight behind it. Loved that 2:30 hours spent there.

And yes, the local transport, the sambhar savour ( yes, with the filter coffee ),  the scenic coconut trees add to the list. The thing I loved about Madras, which I dint notice in any of these metros – Hyd, Mum, Bnglr ~ CULTURE. Despite the fast busy lives, the traditional social outlook was pleasing. I found atleast 10 women with white flowers, almost everywhere, neatly decorated in their plaits, propagating the fragrance all around. With a hope that this culture will flourish forever, I was striding back the railway tracks, into a mundane routine again.

Chennai, Thanks for branding three most important days of my life. Your raging heat would be warm in my heart forever and ever.