Enchanting apparitions

Drape yourself in the most exclusive hand-picked Shresht sarees and apparel

By Smiti Jain Narayan

Walk into the exclusive saree and Indian apparel store Shresht, conveniently located in the upmarket RS Puram, where every item is hand-picked and sourced from the best regions of India.

Tracing the roots of Shresht, it was started by Bastimalji Mehta, the grandfather of the current generation of the family, who made the momentous move from Rajasthan to Coimbatore in 1936, and worked for four years before starting his own company in 1940 under the name Sha Nagraj Chandanmal for the wholesale of handloom sarees.

In 1964 his son, Vimalchand Mehta joined him and continued the wholesale trade of sarees.

Subsequently the current owners who are now the third generation of this illustrious family business, came on board and continued the family business until 2009, after which they branched out into retail.

2009 was a turning point in the graph of the company, as they ventured into the retail segment under the banner of Shresht for selling the entire range of different sarees from across the country’s various regions.

Shresht specialises in the most exclusive and selectively sourced and manufactured sarees across the spectrum including silks of all varieties, as well as ready-to-wear apparels including salwar-suits, ghaghras, gowns, lehengas, kurtis and more. There are also semistitched and unstitched material sets available.

Beautiful, hand-picked sarees await at Shresht in all types including bandhni, kalamkari, pichwai, Banarasi of different varieties, Kanchipurams, soft silks, uppada, patola, tussars, organza, even cottons, and lots of exquisite designer sarees with a vast collection to choose from. Each and every saree at Shresht is an exclusive piece that is sure to be a head-turner and a stand-out-inthe-crowd, enchanting creation.

It is the complete women’s upmarket store that spells class and elegance for those with an exclusive taste in a wide range of casuals, occasion-wear, wedding wear and formals in the premium Indian apparel segment. For those who are choosy about what they don, Shresht offers the perfect designer selection that is exclusive, classy and it shows in the final look that one gets in a Shresht saree or a Shresht apparel.

The entire stock at Shresht is tastefully selected, and constantly renewed with new additions on a daily basis. Apart from women’s wear of sarees and salwar suits, they also have a lovely collection of traditional pavdais for small girls, as well as Kanjeevaram veshti and shirt sets for men. So if it is a family occasion, then Shresht has it all.

Cherish the exclusive sarees and Indian wear from Shresht, and glow with the confidence of wearing a hand-selected one-in-a-million stand-out apparel item that is elegance and exclusivity personified.

#127, T.V.Swamy Road (West), R.S. Puram, Coimbatore Tel: 0422-2542872 Mob: 73058 48533

Email: shreshtsarees@gmail.com

MUCH TO SEE, SIGHTSEE & SEEK

Dams, waterfalls, landmarks, spiritual & religious shrines…

WithCoimbatore, the sobriquets keep getting added up. From Textile Hub to Engineering Capital, from Retail City to Manchester of India, this hitherto small town is today a dynamic multibusiness city and well on its way to becoming a sprawling metropolis. That’s not all. Kovai is also a travel haven and a great transit point. Check out the waterfalls, dams, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries on the city outskirts for a wonderful outing. Also, not to be missed are the Agricultural University and Crocodile Farm. Happy exploring.

Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Just 90 kms from Coimbatore, this sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 metres in the Western Ghats, near Pollachi. Spread over 958 sq. kms, it has various kinds of exotic species like elephants, gaurs, tigers, panthers, sloth bear, pangolins, black headed orioles, green pigeons and civet cats. The Amaravathy reservoir in the Annamalai range has a large number of crocodiles. There are also many places of scenic beauty such as Karain Shola, Anaikunthi shola, Grass hills, waterfalls, groves, teak forests, estates, dams and reservoirs. Arrangements are available at Topslip to take tourists around the sanctuary on elephant back or by van.

Arulmigu Eachanari Vinayagar

Located 10 kms from Coimbatore on Pollachi Road, it is one of the oldest temples in Coimbatore and dates back to 1500 AD. The Moolavar was meant for Perur Patteshwarar temple and since it got stuck on its way from Madurai, Eachanari became the blessed place. The deity’s height is 6 feet and the width is 3 feet. It is one of the biggest in South India.

Agricultural University

One of the best institutions of its kind in south Asia, the Agricultural University was originally established as an agriculture farm in Saidapet, Chennai. The location was moved to Coimbatore in 1907 and the name was changed to Agricultural College, which later became Agricultural University. It is 5 km from the railway station. Tel: 661-1268. Timing: 9am-5pm.

This temple is 40 km from Coimbatore and is known as a pilgrim city and ‘the Banaras of the South’. The Cholas built the Avanashi lingeswarar temple during the 12th century. It is the biggest temple of the district and the minute and well-shaped carvings and sculptures are a joy to watch.

Sree Ayyappan Temple

The holy Ayyappan temple is revered by both the locals and tourists alike. The magnificent temple was constructed in 1976 by the Sri Dharma Sastha Baktha Jana Sabha. It bears striking resemblance to the Ayyappan temple in Sabarimala.

Tel: 252 3027, 5am-11am & 5pm-9pm.

ARULMIGU POONDI VELLIYANGIRIANDAVAR THIRUKOIL – POONDI

Velliyangiri is a beautiful temple situated in one amongst the five hills of historical importance, just 20 kms from Kovai. The five hills symbolically represent the five different faces of Lord Shiva. This is the only temple where Panchalinga can be seen.

Saibaba Temple

This is located in Mettupalayam road in the city known as Sri Naga Sai Temple and is a famous attraction for the believers and followers of Sai Baba. In the year 1939, SN. H.H.B.V. Narasimha Swamji along with Sri A.V. K. Chari and Sri. C. Varadaraja Ayyah and his brother Sri. C.V. Rajan started the Sai movement in Coimbatore and the first institution of Sri Sai Baba in Tamilnadu was established in the city. The Institution was named as Sri Sai Baba was put up for darshan of the devotees. Devotees flock in large numbers to offer their prayers, especially on Sundays and Thursdays-the days deemed auspicious by the followers.

CSI ALL SOULS’ CHURCH

The CSI All Souls church is 138 years old and one of the oldest buildings in Coimbatore. This structure reflects the gothic revival style of architecture with its pointed arches and is characteristic of an Anglican Parish. The building was consecrated for worship on NOVEMBER27, 1872 by Bishop Gell. Reverend Henry Pope was the first resident Chaplin. The walls are of Ashlar masonry and the steeple houses the belfry. A Porch was added at the western end in 1902 in memory of King Edward VII.

Dhyanalinga

The Dhyanalinga Multi-Religious Temple is situated at Vellingiri foothills about 30kms from Coimbatore. Dhyanalinga was consecrated by mystic and yogi Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev after three years of ‘prana prathista’ (process of charging the idol). Measuring 13 feet, 9 inches, Dhyanalingam is assumed to be the largest mercury-based live linga in the world. In its presence, it requires only minutes to make even those unaware of meditation to experience a state of deep meditative trance and feel the divine energy that overflows from this glorious form. The free-spanning dome that enshrines the Dhyanalingam measures 77 inches diameter and is the largest of its kind in the world. It is said that this divine instrument radiates seven different qualities on seven different days of the week by which one can derive various benefits.

Flower Market

Arulmigu Mundhi Vinayagar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple is located in Puliakulam, built in the year 1993. It has the largest Ganesha idol in entire Asia, at 19 feet 10 inches height, 11 feet 10 inches width, weighing 190 tonnes i.e. 1,90,00 kilograms. Lord Mundhi Vinayaka holds the nectar pot in his trunk and is seated on the Maha Padma Lotus flower. The statue was made out of a huge granite rock at Uthukuli. Vinayaka Chathurthi is celebrated here with grand pujas. Tel: 231 3822, 5.30am-1pm & 4pm-9pm.

Coimbatore’s art of garland-making and its garland makers hold a special place in south India. The art has grown to such prominence that it has fuelled a dedicated flower market. The fragrance of lilies, jasmines, roses, lotuses and native flowers like shenbagam are a treat to the factory senses. One can spend hours watching the nimble movement of the flower artists as they tread wreaths, hair adornments and garlands.

Infant Jesus Church

Kovaipudur or rather Kuniamuthur and areas South and West of Palghat Road was earlier attached to the Cathedral parish. Bishop Visuwaram was searching for a suitable site on the National Highway of this area, but he died before it was realised. It was attached to Madukkarai Parish and since NOVEMBER1976, a Sunday mass is being conducted for the Special Protection Force. With civilian housing colonies mushrooming all over, a site was bought by the Diocese, with the picturesque back-drop of Vellingiri hills to the west. Kovai Pudur Tel: 260-7157.

Forest College Museum

Spread over 66 hectares, the Southern forest ranger’s college is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the country. Situated 3.5 kms from the Coimbatore Railway Station, it is worth a visit to see Museum of Natural History which is housed within the College campus. The museum and the neighbouring Botanical Garden have nearly 300 species of rare and endangered plants. Apart from plants, the museum also has an interesting collection of different minerals, rocks, pests, snakes, insects and fungal diseases that afflict plants and trees.

GD NAIDU MUSEUM

Avinashi Road, Gopala Puram Tel: 222-2548

KOVAI KUTRALAM FALLS

Located in Siruvani, about 37 km from Coimbatore, these scenic waterfalls are in the heart of a dense jungle. Which is why visitors are not permitted after 5pm. A good place to watch birds and wildlife within the area. As very few buses are available, it is best to plan in advance if you want to enjoy the panoramic view out here.

KASTHURI SREENIVASAN TRUST ART

GALLERY AND TEXTILE MUSEUM

Avinashi Road, Tel: 257-4110

The museum show cases types of handlooms from various parts of India as well as sketches of various types of handlooms used by American Indians, history of costumes in India from the time of Mohenjo-Daro down to the 19th century is depicted in the form of pictures, antique sarees, other textiles and artifacts, whorl wheels of Egypt and the spinning wheels of Mohenjo-Daro the growth and development of spinning and weaving is exhibited through charts, models and actual machines in a few cases and the development of the early stages of the Industrial Revolution are exhibited in their logical sequence.

The museum showcases engineering products and other interesting curious items. Many of them were invented by GD Naidu himself. His collection of razors, electric shavers, gas lighters and photo flashes are lined up at the museum. A variety of pens, postcards, cameras and binoculars fill another side. Working models, drawings and charts give us details and also let us practically examine them.

UKKADAM PERIAKUKULAM LAKE & BOAT RIDE

The Ukkadam Periyakulam/“I love Kovai” makeover was included in the Smart City plan powered by the Government of India and inaugurated virtually by CM Edappadi Palanisamy in June month of 2020. One of the recently renovated places which attracted people all over TamilNadu which is located in Ukkadam. You can experience the colorful lights which makes the place more beautiful during nighttime. The lake is a paradise for bird lovers. Boat rides begin at Valankulam and Ukkadam Big Tank in Coimbatore on Sep 3’2022. There are cycling,peddling boats and motor/speed boats available. Timing: 5am-8am and 3pm7pm. Entry: Adults Rs 250, Kids Rs 200.

Perur Patteeswarar Swamy Temple

Perur Patteeswara Swamy temple is the most popular temple in the city. Built by the King Karikala Cholan, this temple is situated 7 kms west of Coimbatore near river Noyyal, called ‘Kanchi Manadi’ by the locals. The presiding deity is Shiva and the ‘Swayambu Lingam’ is the idol worshipped here. This sanctum is the joint effort of the Chola, Hoysala and Vijayanagara rulers during their reign. The greatest attraction is the ‘Kanaka Saba’ or the golden hall which is adorned by a gold-plated statue of Nataraja bestowing blessings upon the two sagesGowmuni and Pattimuni. The gopurams and pillars of the hall are exquisitely carved out sculptures highlighting Dravidian architecture.

Festivals

The Mariamman festivals, at the city’s numerous Amman temples, is a major event in Kovai in the summer. This is one of the most popular festivals celebrated along with Koniamman temple car festival. Car festivals at the Karamadai temple and the famous Avinashi temple attract a large attendance. Traditional Hindu festivals like Pongal, Deepavali are major events. Ayudha pooja is an important festival. All commercial establishments are cleaned and painted (machines and vehicles are washed), concluding with a pooja.