Being a sociologist by profession, I had a knowledge about the Theosophical Society that spread all over the world. But I got the indepth knowledge by visiting the Theosophical Society in Chennai.

About Theosophical society
The Theosophical Society, founded in 1875, is a worldwide body whose primary object is Universal Brotherhood based on the realization that life, and all its diverse forms, human and non-human, is indivisibly One. The Society imposes no belief on its members, who are united by a common search for Truth and desire to learn the meaning and purpose of existence by engaging themselves in study, reflection, purity of life and loving service.

Theosophy is the wisdom underlying all religions when they are stripped of accretions and superstitions. It offers a philosophy which renders life intelligible and demonstrates that justice and love guide the cosmos. Its teachings aid the unfoldment of the latent spiritual nature in the human being, without dependence or fear.

Background
In 1875 Madame H.P. Blavatsky and Col. Olcott formed a society with an aim to comparatively study religion, philosophy and science. The society was initially located in the U.S.A but later it was shifted to Adyar. The huge Banyan tree with a span of 40,000 sq. ft serves as the place where the discourses are given. This place has got shrines of almost all faiths and a 95 years old library with a rare collection of books and manuscripts many of which are written on palm leaves and parchments. The society received a huge impetus under Annie Besant, a foreigner, who wanted to revive Hindu culture and values back to India.

The Large green Ground
Chennai is the headquarters for the 'theosophical society'. It is located along the river Adyar. The society is a gated park open only a few hours in the morning and in the evening. It is full of forests, with nice buildings, a Hindu Temple, and a Jain temple. There is also a church and Buddhist temple on the premises. However, it is most known for having the largest banyan tree in the world. People do live in private residents inside the campus; there is a post office and a bookstore with very nice books on philosophy. Lying on the banks of the Adyar river is the international headquarters of the Theosophical Society. Well known for its Indological Research Centre, the Society is now set in picturesque environs. The world Headquarters of the spiritual society found by, was originally formed in USA. In 1886 Adayar was chosen as the headquarters of this spiritual movement. The famous library here is a priceless storehouse of rare manuscripts and books of all faiths. There are shrines to all faiths in its grounds, of which the Buddhist one is particularly attractive.