Bungalow Gori ~ Thiruvallikkeni Thavana Uthsavam 2023

There are different types of architecture – Temple Gopurams are most ornate and can be viewed from long distance. ‘Gopura darsanam – koti punniyam’ !!

 

There are structures called minaret .. – a tall thin tower atop the building structure. In architecture, a turret  is a small tower that projects vertically from the wall of a building such as a medieval castle. Turrets were used to provide a projecting defensive position allowing covering fire to the adjacent wall in the days of military fortification. As their military use faded, turrets were used for decorative purposes, as in the Scottish baronial style. A turret can have a circular top with crenellations, a pointed roof, or other kind of apex. It might contain a staircase if it projects higher than the building.    

Visitors to Chennai should not miss to see the grandeur of the stately building complex in which Madras High Court is located.  Read that the  Supreme Court of Madras was situated in a building opposite Beach railway station.  In July 1892, Court moved to the present building,  inaugurated by the then  Madras Governor, Beilby Lawley.  

Chennai, houses more than 2000 heritage building, some of them are around 200 years and more old, many of them are in dilapidated  condition and slowly vanishing.  In the bustling mada veethis of Thiruvallikkeni divyadesam, which has apartments built wall to wall – lies this structure, now looking new but carrying tales of centuries.  Often there are references to   Indo-saracenic architecture, a  "stylistic hybrid"  architecture, combining traditional indian architectural elements, like scalloped arches and onion domes, with traditional british architecture.

 

Not sure whether it would fall under such classification, and seemingly this building is not a heritage building – called bungalow, this one has undergone some structural changes over the years………. earlier it had two ‘goris’ [minars] ~ one can reach the top of the minars through the steps provided one is not afraid of bats.  

The reference is of course to Thavana Uthsava bungalow at Thulasingaperumal Koil Street, Triplicane, where Emperuman visits,  Has Thirumanjanam and stays .. .. here are couple of photos of the structure and inside purappadu of Sri Parthasarathi Emperuman this evening being day 2 of Thavana uthsavam 2023

 
adiyen  Srinivasa dhasan
Mamandur Veeravalli Srinivasan Sampathkumar
28.2.2023