Melissa Kite Melissa Kite

India: Land of faith

Melissa Kite is charmed by the temples and tranquillity of Tamil Nadu

issue 19 November 2011

An everlasting chant wafts from the ancient walls of the temple of Kapaleeshwarar: ‘Om Namasivaya.’ The effect is hypnotic. I wander inside and the chant merges with Vedic folk music as a joyous crowd of worshippers sing in praise of Shiva.

An elderly couple are having a birthday blessing and the Dravidian precincts are a riot of colour, jasmine garlands and spice.

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