Let me tell you about my two days exploring this vibrant city. We started our journey at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. Known for its intricate Dravidian architecture, the temple boasts majestic towers, beautiful carvings, and peaceful courtyards, amidst the city's hustle.
I watched locals immersed in prayer, a testament to South India's deep spirituality. Though not deeply religious myself, I followed our tour group with curiosity, absorbing the temple's atmosphere before moving on.
Instant Recognition: Malaysians in South
India
South Indians have a knack for spotting Malaysians right away, often asking or exclaiming "Malaysia?" upon meeting. Despite initial appearances, interactions with locals often reveal their warmth and friendliness. Conversations at temples uncovered that many visitors travelled long distances for their visits, some experiencing these temples for the first time. One humorous encounter involved a local lady questioning the necessity of visiting a Murugan temple in Chennai when Malaysia’s Batu Caves' Murugan is equally renowned in India.
Temples in South India: A Cultural Shock
Visiting temples in South India feels like
navigating a battlefield due to the immense crowds. Compared to Malaysia's more
orderly atmosphere, the temple experience here can be chaotic, with pushing,
shoving, and queue-cutting the norm. Shockingly, even elderly and seemingly
frail individuals navigate these crowds with surprising vigor, highlighting how
their integral role in temple activities.
Temple Practices: Commercialization and
Devotion
Despite India's large Hindu population and
emphasis on Hinduism's teachings, temple practices often involve transactions.
Devotees can pay for queue-jumping privileges or expedited services,
highlighting a stark reality within Hinduism's spiritual spaces. Additionally,
individuals adorned in orange or yellow attire with sacred markings may offer
prayers for a fee, raising questions about the commercial aspects of religious
practices. However, the Malaysian Indians I was with placed their trust in
these practices.
Photographing
in Temples
There are restrictions in some temples where you are not even allowed to bring your camera or phone inside. In others, there are designated areas with or without restrictions. Even in temples where photography and videos are permitted, it's nearly impossible due to the sheer number of people and the constant pushing and shoving. I wouldn't dare take out my phone, as anything could happen in such situations.
Dress Code Expectations
Modern dressing
is generally not welcomed in South India. Wearing contemporary outfits can
attract stares from everyone, except in malls where staff are more accustomed
to it. Traditional clothing is expected everywhere else, especially in temples.
Shopping Craze: Malaysian Indians in South
India
Shopping becomes a passion for Malaysian Indians visiting South India, with every shop, mall, and roadside stall capturing their attention. The focus on shopping, especially for sarees and budget street clothes, overshadows other factors like bulk-imported goods being cheaper. Some prioritize shopping over sightseeing, staying out until late hours even after hotel check-ins, which left me puzzled.
Culinary Adventures: South Indian Cuisine
South Indian cuisine dominates the food experience, predominantly vegetarian throughout the day, including hotel buffet breakfasts devoid of eggs. Surprisingly, the Malaysian Indian group I traveled with adopted a vegetarian diet during the tour, citing temple visits as the reason - a cultural adjustment that raised eyebrows.
Washroom Woes: Hygiene Challenges in South India
Throughout our travels in South India,
aside from hotels and malls, the state of washrooms left much to be desired.
Often lacking water, pails, adequate lighting, and sometimes even functioning
locks, these facilities were frequently unpleasant and smelly. In moments of
urgency, one had to manage with these conditions by closing their eyes and
holding their breath.
Cultural Norms: Public Peeing in South
India
A common sight in South India was men
freely peeing in public spaces. This casual approach to relieving themselves
often included visible displays, which, while accepted locally, could overwhelm
with strong odors in some areas.
Did I miss out on anything? Perhaps you would like to add?
