Latest news with #TheosophicalSociety
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
Chennai In Full Bloom: How To Spend A Perfect Day In Its Botanical Gardens
The capital of Tamil Nadu creates an impression on visitors because its multicultural setup combines busy streets with appetizing cuisine. Urban chaos ruling the city creates within its botanical gardens a place for people to find inner peace. Visitors discover peace at the botanical gardens since their beautiful plant-filled areas create both opportunities to spend time with nature and find peaceful rest. The botanical gardens in Chennai present a system for visitors to spend their time effectively during a complete day at the gardens. National Park creates a space for calm city rest by offering its visitors an early morning solitude. The famous urban natural environment of Chennai known as Guindy National Park marks your first destination on your daily trip. Visitors explore a large 2.7 square kilometer park which contains many plant and animal species throughout the central portion of Chennai. Your morning should begin by walking beneath teak sandalwood and casuarina trees when visiting the park. Spotted deer along with jackals and blackbucks including the spotted deer have no limitations in this park. The fresh atmosphere joins with peaceful surroundings to create a basis for all future activities during your day. Semmozhi Poonga visitors can appreciate a magnificent variety of plant species. Semmozhi Poonga stands as the primary stop although residents name it Tamil Nadu Government Botanical Garden. Semmozhi Poonga began operations in 2010 and utilizes 20 acres within the garden to exhibit natural and imported plant varieties. The garden consists of multiple themes that include both Japanese Garden Butterfly Park along with Fern House where people can see beautiful flower designs and waterfall landscapes. National students with international origins who study traditional Indian herbs need to experience this garden section. Have a seat at any open spot in the grounds which maintain excellent maintenance standards. to Chennai should make Theosophical Society Garden a destination to find its secret treasures. Visitors at Theosophical Society facilities can find peace in the expansive garden area that spans over their grounds. The garden system spread across 260 acres of riverfront land enables visitors to view various tree species and flowering plants throughout a diverse range of plants. The public has access to travel through this facility by walking scenic pathways that blend banyan trees with mango groves and lotus ponds. Among all attractions the centurion banyan tree emerges as the most enchanting element of the garden with its arching network of aerial roots weaving between upper forest branches. Visitors use this site to find relaxation through meditation under serene natural surroundings. a memorable day with family members in the beautiful Campus Greens section of Anna University will be a highlight of your day. After lunch your family and friends can see the extensive Anna University campus grounds as their ideal afternoon destination. The institution functions as a large educational facility which presents picturesque open areas by combining verdant grass lawns with forested brush zones. The picnic basket needs to contain regional traditional foods which include idlis and dosas and filter coffee. Spend your afternoon free period walking through the university campus to observe architectural designs and peaceful natural scenery. A brief period of tranquility at this site allows visitors to prepare for further visitation activities. Beach Park serves as an important location to study diverse marine life in its habitat. Although Elliotts Beach Park functions as a coastal zone rather than botanical garden the visitors still get exclusive chances to study marine organisms. The eco-friendly Besant Nagar park stands out because it successfully unites mangrove forests together with coastal vegetation for ecological protection systems. The facility employs professionals who explain how mangroves help protect shorelines as they support underwater ecosystems. The location provides visitors with the chance to observe crabs and hermit crabs in addition to multiple flying birds. peaceful rest at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust's Green Spaces Spending your night at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT) facilities near Chennai makes for an appropriate activity. MCBT protects reptiles through its organization while maintaining its attractive natural environment which attracts visitors. Tourists may explore the arranged vegetation within the tropical gardens during their visit. Peaceful conditions exist at MCBT as an opposite experience to the physical encounter with reptiles and crocodiles. Visit the facility to gain a better comprehension of reptile environments by joining either educational talks or feeding programs. for a Memorable Experience The following advice will enable you to enjoy Chennai botanical gardens every day. Garden regions extending past stairs require the right footwear selection since comfortable shoes provide necessary support. The key to daily success includes having hydrating drinks and tasty snacks since both items retain hydration and energy levels. One should choose sunscreen-protected lightweight clothes that allow free air flow for outdoor activities. The environment stays pollution-free whenever waste containers get appropriate maintenance while every natural plant and wildlife stay safe. Visitors must look ahead to examine entry hours and payment requirements for every site before starting their journey. The camera serves travelers best since it enables them to keep visual records of plant life details in the beautiful landscapes. Getting professional guidance from the gardens through payment will provide valuable insights into all areas of interest for those willing to spend this amount on their service. Conclusion Visitors who visit the botanical gardens of Chennai benefit through restful mental experiences and educational learning opportunities. A sequence of outstanding attractions at Guindy National Park brings people to view exotic flowers at Semmozhi Poonga followed by more distinctive points of interest between these locations. Every person who visits green sanctuaries can create special memories because the sanctuaries welcome all visitors who pursue natural activities or take photographs or need peace in their lives. You should follow the recommendations to experience Chennai's natural sights based on this itinerary. You are ready to explore botanical treasures which scatter across your path because you have very important items along with appropriate walking footwear.
BBC News
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Cottingley Fairies fetch £2,600 at Louth auction rooms
The previous owner of the world-famous Cottingley Fairies photographs said he was "amazed" to see them sell for more than £2, pictures, taken by Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright between 1917 and 1920, apparently depicted the cousins surrounded by magical creatures in a garden in of the five photos went under the hammer in Louth, Lincolnshire, on Tuesday after they were saved by David Whittaker, the son of Frances's best friend Mary Anderson, who had given her a set when they were at school."I'm very pleased that there is now another custodian and they aren't just sitting in a drawer in our house," Mr Whittaker said. Mr Whittaker said his mother had "spent her life believing in fairies" but wanted to throw them out when Elsie confessed in 1983 that they were fake and made out of paper cut-outs and single lot, which sold for £2,600 within two minutes at John Taylors, included two photographs in original wallets, a photo of Mary and Frances on an outing in the early 1920s, and an archive of other material.A spokesperson for the auction rooms said the outcome had "almost doubled pre-sale expectations" and had been snapped up by a collector based in London."The interest in it has been absolutely phenomenal," they said. The pictures became a worldwide sensation when Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle published them in 1920, believing them to be had been examined by experts and one of them was commissioned by Bradford's Theosophical Society to produce a number of prints to be passed a set to Mary, who "totally believed" they were genuine, said Mr Whittaker. Mr Whittaker said: "My immediate reaction is I'm amazed someone would be prepared to pay so much."He said his mother would have been "very shocked that she had something so valuable".He added: "She would be in two minds as to whether in actual fact these kind of things should carry on when she was convinced in the end it was all a hoax."Despite that, Mr Whittaker said there were people who "still believe in these creatures of the spirit world" and he was sure they would "thoroughly enjoy looking at these pictures". Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
New Indian Express
13-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
A legacy of inner light
What is Theosophy? The word 'theosophy'means 'divine wisdom'. Not a religion but a spiritual philosophy, it rests on three core tenets: The unity of all life: The universe is an interconnected whole, expressing a single divine reality. Reincarnation and karma: The soul evolves through successive lives, shaped by the consequences of its actions. Inner awakening: True knowledge arises from personal spiritual experience rather than dogma or blind belief. Blavatsky asserted that all great religions stemmed from a primordial wisdom tradition. Over time, she argued, this truth was fragmented and obscured. Theosophy, she claimed, sought to revive that lost synthesis, drawing from Hindu, Buddhistand Western esoteric sources. A Turn Eastward In 1882, the Theosophical Society established its international headquarters in Adyar, near Madras (now Chennai). This marked a profound shift—from theoretical studies in the West to a deeper engagement with Eastern spiritual life. Blavatsky's influential books—Isis Unveiled (1877) and The Secret Doctrine (1888)—offered sweeping cosmological visions, references to lost civilisations like Atlantis, and the idea of enlightened beings known as the Mahatmas or Masters of Wisdom, who, she claimed, had guided humanity's evolution from behind the scenes.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Indian jackal spotted for 1st time at Pallikaranai marsh
Chennai: Bird watchers at Pallikaranai marshland were surprised last week when they spotted an Indian jackal, marking the first-ever recorded sighting of the species in core areas of the wetland. Chennai district forest officer V A Saravanan confirmed the sighting and said jackals are known to adapt well and coexist alongside human settlements. Wildlife experts previously recorded jackals in several parts of Chennai, including the islands behind Theosophical Society, Blue Cross Road, Besant Nagar, Guindy National Park, and Nanmangalam Reserve Forest. With this sighting, Pallikaranai marshland now joins the list as a habitat for the elusive species. Conservationist K V R K Thirunaranan, who has been monitoring the marsh's fauna for years, said, "This is a positive sign of improving biodiversity." Another key factor contributing to the presence of jackals here is the abundance of food. The marsh provides ample prey, including fish and crabs. Notably, jackals have been observed feeding on African catfish, an invasive species. Their predation helps control the population of this invasive fish, contributing to ecological balance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The arrival of the jackal signals the marshland's growing role as a sanctuary for urban wildlife and adds urgency to the call for its protection. As urban sprawl threatens green spaces, sightings such as this highlight the ecological significance of wetlands and the complex interdependence of species that inhabit them, say experts. While jackals are primarily nocturnal hunters, they may become active during the day when females feed their newborns. G Kamaraj, a biologist from Vandalur Zoo, said jackals were once found in large numbers, especially in rural areas where paddy fields were abundant. They play an important role in the ecological food chain by controlling the rodent population, which forms a significant part of their diet. This, in turn, helps farmers reduce crop loss. Even today, their wailing howls can be heard in the countryside — a reminder of their quiet presence near human habitations.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Forest officials identify 104 heritage trees for spl protection
Chennai: Forest officials in Chennai launched an initiative to identify and protect rare and endangered trees by officially designating them as 'heritage trees' in recognition of their ecological, cultural, historical, and aesthetic value. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Tamil Nadu forest secretary Supriya Sahu said these heritage trees will receive special protection to ensure their survival and to highlight their role within the urban ecosystem. Spread across different parts of the city, these trees include the iconic Adyar Banyan Tree—estimated to be over 450 years old—which stands as a living symbol of Chennai's natural and cultural history. To carry out the initiative, the Chennai forest division collaborated with botany professor D Narasimhan and the environmental NGO Nizhal Trust to identify suitable trees across the district. A special team, formed under the supervision of district forest officer V A Saravanan, conducted extensive fieldwork and identified 104 trees that qualify as heritage trees. These were chosen not only for their age but also for their historical associations, ecological value, and relevance to community life. Among the notable examples is an African Baobab tree located on a school campus in Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar district, believed to be planted by Arab travellers more than a century ago. Another Baobab tree stands inside the Theosophical Society campus in Chennai, reflecting the diverse origins of heritage trees in Tamil Nadu. While the current phase covers Chennai, the initiative is expected to expand to other districts. By documenting and conserving these botanical landmarks, the forest department aims to foster environmental awareness and ensure that future generations stay connected to their natural heritage.
