Tuesday, October 27, 2009

MONDIPALAYAM

This village is accessible through Annur-Kanurpudur bus route. Avinashi is the nearby railway station. The place is about 50 Kms. from Coimbatore on the Avinashi-Mettuppalayam road.
Arulmigu Sri Venkatesa Perumal Thirukoil (Melathiruppathi)
This temple is counted among the noted vishnu temples of Kongunadu.
Story - 'Kondamanaicker' clan lived in Mondipalayam. The form was first discovered by one such Kondamanaicker a few hundred years ago. The devotee once cited his cow shedding it's milk on a sand-dune. Induced by curiosity, he dug it, when manifested the image with Conch (Sanguchakkram) and Disc (Chakkram) as well as Saligram and Chikandi (weapon). Inspired by the divine revolution he ordered a temple to be built up for Shree Venketachalapathi enshrining the form.
Temple - The uniqueness of this temple is that the Image of the Lord is flat on the four sides and conical in the center. Thus, Lord Vishnu is seen in the general form of a lingam, a type of worship that is unique to Kongu naadu.
Shrines of Shri Andal, Alwars, Venugopalar, Chakrattazhwar are also seen here. Outside the paramapadam seen sitting are Vaikuntha Narayanan and Lakshmi and near by is the Kalyana mandapam.
Prayers - Devotees who have taken vows to make offering to the lord of the seven hills can fulfil them in Mondipalayam, in the event of their inability to go to thirupathi.
The balipeedam of this temple is believed to have extraordinary powers. People possessed by evil spirits, ghosts etc come here to stay and worship and to get rid of their ailments.
During the Purattasi festival, devotees throng the temple in large numbers. Garuda Sevai is held on this occasion when the Utsava murthi goes around in a possession while mounted on the Garudan. This possession is known as Meravanai. On the 3rd Saturday of the Purattasi month, Annadanam (poor feeding) is held.
The other auspicious occassions in the Temple are Tamil New Year, Vaikunda Ekadheshi, Deepavali, Karthigai Deepam, English New Year, Pongal, Thai Punar Poosam, etc.
Timings - 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

TIRUVANCHIYAM

Tiruvanchiyam is located in the Kaveri river basin, 10 km west of Nannilam (railway station) and 18 km northwest of Tiruvarur. Kondeeswaram is located at about 7 km east of Tiruvanchiyam. It is about 14 kms from Kumbhakonam. It is 1 km from the place Achutamangalam, a place on the Kumbhakonam-Nannilam road.
Vanchinathar temple
This Shivastalam is a vast temple and a muktistalam (land of attainment of salvation). It is considered to be the 70th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. It is ranked 1/16 times above Kashi. References are seen in the Puranas in which Lord Shiva has told Parvati that he is very fond of this place.
Legend - Goddess Ganga is said to have bathed in the Gupta Ganga theertham here to rid herself of the blemishes of those bathing in the Ganges. So, Srivanchiyam is considered to be holier than Varanasi (Kasi).
Mahalakshmi is said to have prayed to Shiva and united with Mahavishnu here. Mahalakshmi's 'Vaanchai' (yearning) for Vishnu, and the fact that her prayers were answered here imparted the name Tiruvanchiyam to the place and Shri Vanchinathar to Lord Shiva. There is also a story that Lord Vishnu prayed to Lord Shiva to get united with Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Suriyan (Sun) had prayed Lord Shiva here to get rid of his sins and get back to his shining best during Karthigai (Nov-Dec).
Yama has worshipped Lord Shiva at this shrine to rid himself of the Brahma hatya dosham which he incurred while performing his duties of taking the life of all living things. Lord Shiva blessed him that people living and worshipping at this place will not have the fear of Yama.
Brahma, Parasarar, Atri, Indra have also worshipped the Lord Shiva at this shrine.
The temple is said to have withstood the period of great deluge and hence considered very sacred.
All three of the Tevaram saints have sung praises of this shrine. Appar is said to have visited this temple with Sambandar. Manikkavacakar also sings of the miracle of a Naga kannika (Snake princess) who worshipped Shiva and became one with Him as Ammai Appan.
Temple - This temple with 3 prakarams and several gopurams and vimanams occupies an area of about 3 acres. The main Raja gopuram is five layered and 200 feet high. The original stone structure of the temple dates back to the period of Kulottonga Chola I (1075-1120). Renovation of the entire temple and the building of the shrine to Mangalanayaki took place during the rule of Rajaraja Chola II (1146-1172 CE).
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva known as Vanchinathan. The Shivalinga here is "swayambhu" and it faces on both the directions East and West. Hence pujas are conducted on both the sides of Shivalingam. This Shiva linga is considered to be the most ancient one out of the 64 other swayambhu lingas all around the world. Lord Shiva is known as Vanchilingeswarar or Vanchinathar. Utsava murthy is Natarajar.
There are 2 separate shrines to Dakshinamurthy here. There is also a shrine to Yama towards the south-east side of the outer prakaram.
Lord Shiva's consort is known here as Mangalambika or Vazha vandha Nayaki. This shrine is in the second prakaram.
One of the rare deities in Tiruvanchiyam is Yoga Bhairavar. Next to it is the Rahu-Ketu shrine, in a single form and known as "Chanda Rahu".
There is Vinayagar known as "Vennai Pillayar". Butter is applied to this Vinayagar and then consumed, to get rid of stomachaches. Mahishasuramardhini at this temple, seen standing while riding a lion, is worshipped to get rid of all evils.
There are also shrines for Murugan, Kalaimagal, Shaniswarar and Tirumagal (Mahalakshmi) Idols of the 63 Nayanmars are seen on the south prakaram.
This shrine is considered to be on par with Benares along with 5 other shrines along the course of the river Kaveri, the five being Tiruvidaimarudur, Tiruvenkaadu, Mayilaaduthurai, Tiruvaiyaru and Vedaranyam. Shivalingams corresponding to these shrines - Mahalingeswarar, Aghoreswarar, Mayuranathar, Panchanadeeswarar and Vedaranyeswarar are located in this shrine.
The Chandana Maram (sandalwood tree) is the stalavriksham and imparts the name Chandanaranyam to the shrine.
The temple tank Muni Thirtam or Gupta Ganga thirtham is a huge pond surrounded by tall coconut trees.
There are 3 more thirthams in this temple viz Chakra Thirtham, Lakshmi thirtham and Naga thirtham. These three are found in front of the shrines of Chakarathazhwar, Goddess Lakshmi and Adhisheshan respectively.
Prayers and Festivals - Mother Ganga is believed to secretly reside here in the Muni Thirtham 999 parts out of 1000. The remaining 1 part she resides in Kashi. Hence, the power of Mother Ganga here is much more than at Kashi.
A dip in the Gupta Ganga Thirtham on Sundays in the Tamil month of Karthigai is considered sacred and is said to wash away all sins. During these days Lord Shiva and Parvati are taken around the temple in a procession and give darshan to the devotees on the eastern bank of the Thirtham.
The accepted custom is that after taking a dip in the Gupta Ganga, one has to worship Lord Yama first before going to worship the other deities.
It is believed that if one takes bathe in the Lakshmi Thirtham on Fridays in the Tamil month of Avani, he will be reunited with the lost members of the family, by taking bathe in the Naga thirtham on the Thiruvonam star days in the month of Vaigasi one is rid of Naga dosham and taking bathe in the charka thirtham the next day after observing Ekadasi vratam in the month of Avani, one is rid of Brahmahatya dosham.
Six worship services are offered each day.
The annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of Kartikai. Aadi Pooram, Navaratri and Sundays in the month of Kartikai are also considered special.
Shiva is taken in procession on the Yama mount on the Bharani asterism in the month of Maasi. Pujas are performed to Vanchinathan using sandalwood leaves.
Pujas are performed to Yoga Bhairavar using "Vanni" leaves. It is believed that one gets cured of nervous disorders and diseases if he consumes daily, the powder made from vanni leaves that are used for puja. Yoga Bhairavar is worshipped here to get rid of all evils directed towards a person. Pujas using "red arali" flowers for 6 Krishnapaksha ashtami days (eighth day of waning moon) are performed to beget children. Special prayers on Amavasya days (new moon days) offering Curd Rice, Coconut Rice and Honey helps one to be victorious in all his deeds and to gain profits in business. To get married soon, pujas are performed during Rahu Kaalam on Sundays offering vada made of lentils and ghee.
When abhisekaham is done to the Rahu-Ketu with milk, the milk is seen to change into blue colour. Devotees also worship Rahu-Ketu here for removing obstacles to marriage and also for getting relief from nerve related diseases.
Special pooja for Goddess Mahishasuramardini here involes worshipping her with 108 lotus flowers during Rahu kalam.
Srivanchiyam is a lesser-known parihara sthalam for Kethu and Kalasarpa dosham. Pariharam for Rahu is also done here.
It is believed that Yama will not trouble the people who die at this place and that whoever dies here his right ear will always be to the top in to which Lord Shiva chants his panchakshara mantram. For those living in this place, it is believed that their account of punya karmas (good deeds) will always keep increasing.
Unlike those who die in Kashi, it is believed that for those who die here, they will get Mukti as well as they are spared from punishment of Bhairavar.

Monday, October 26, 2009

KURAKKUTTALI

The place is about 15 kms from Tiruppur near Sarkar Periyapalaym on the Uthukuli Road. In earlier times this place was alternately known as Mukundapuri, Mukundai, Mukundai, Mukundanpuripattanam etc.
Shiva temple
Legend – Sugriva, the monkey king, and Lord Hanuman are said to have created the shivalingam here and worshipped it, to get rid of the sin of killing Ravana with Lord Ram. So, the Shiva is also known as Sugrivaraswami. Also, close by is the place Hanuman palli.
Temple – The temple is said to be over 2300 years old. It is made in the Chola style of architecture with the typical features like Kumbha Panjaram, shrines all around and straight rows.
The sthala vruksham is the Mango tree.
A well and a pond are seen in the North east. To the north of the temple is the Nallar river and to the south the Noyyal river or Kanchi Mahanadi, which make this place green and fertile.
The shadow of the top Kalasam does not fall on the ground. The lower 15 feet are built with stone. Thereafter till the top Kalasam it is made of red bricks mixed with calcium carbonate.
Lord Shiva sits inside a square sanctum. The engravings on the stones refer to him as Aludaiya Pillai. He is also called Meelakeesan.
There are two Nandi idols in front of the Mahamandapam. Near it is the Kodi maram (flag staff). Both ears of one of the Nandis is seen to cut, behind which lies a story (1).
The Ambigai sits facing east with four hands. She is seen holding flowers in the two hands on the back. The front right hand is in Abhaya Mudra and the front left hand is in Varada Mudra.
In the south side sits the east facing Niruthi Pillaiyar or Vaduka Pillaiyar. Around this shrine, the idols of Murugan is seen along with others like Chandikeswarar, Bhairavar, Vinayagar, Hanuman, Sapta matas, Durgai, Suryan, etc. Thus there are 2 idols in the front of the Pillaiyar, 5 to his left, 1 each to his right and back.
The other deities who may be worshipped include Dakshinamurthy, Natarajar and Shivagami Ammai.
There are two idols of Durgai here. One is in the shrine on the east side of the temple and the other is in front of the shrine of Lord Murugan.
Story 1 – Nandikeswarar used to feed on the fields around the temple. Once, an angry farmer cut off both his ears. Thereafter, the Nandi sat down in front of the temple as an idol. Due to this, the family of the person who cut off both the ears of the Nandi, was affected. All children in the family were born deaf. To atone for their mistake, the family got another idol of Nandi with both ears made, and it was placed near the original idol. Both the Nandis are now worshipped, specially during Pradosham days.
Prayers – Red chilly is specially offered to the Lord Shiva, particularly during Tiruvadirai. It is believed that eating this chilly prasadam along with food for eight days rids one from skin eruptions.
During Uttarayanam and Dakshinayanam days, we can witness the rays of the sun falling on Lord Shiva inside the sanctum.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

KUMARAN KUNDRU

This place is about 10 kms from Mettuppalayam (which is about 40 kms to the north of Coimbatore) on the Mettuppalayam-Annur road.
Shri Kalyana Subramanya Swami Temple
The temple is on the top of the small hillock 100 feet high, which is flat at the top. It is believed that the Lord Subramanya (Kumaran) is in the form of the hillock. The area surrounding the hillock is very green and pleasing to the eyes.
History – More than 100 years ago, this hillock was a barren place covered with small wild plants and shrubs. Only the herders used to go up this hill along with their goats for feeding them. Once, these boys found an idol under the bushes which had the legs, head and body portions broken. When the broken pieces were joined, they saw a beautiful idol of Lord Subramanya. After clearing the bushes, the said idol was installed and a small temple constructed where the locals started their worship. However, the idol got further damaged. When the locals were discussing their options in the matter, a blind stranger approached them and told them that worshipping the single Murugan had led to this. He also told them to install the Lord as Kalyan Subramanya Swami along with his escorts, Valli and Devayanai. The temple was constructed accordingly.
Temple – Before starting to climb the hill, we can at the base on the left, the idol of Pulippani Munivar riding a tiger. The idol is very beautiful.
On climbing 20 steps, the shrines of Idumban and Kadamban are seen on both sides.
At the entrance of the temple, shrines of Arunagirinathar and Veerabahu are seen on both sides.
The Vimanam of this small temple is very colorfully made with many beautifully sculptures.
On the Vimanam on the right side, dolls of Kuravan and Kuratti are seen. Kuravan is seen holding a small transistor near his ear and hearing to the music, which is very unique.
The shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Sivakami are located behind the temple.
Two large mandaps have been constructed in the front, to enable the devotees who wish to stay and pray.
Prayers & Festivals – Every year during the new year in the month of Chitrai, one can witness the rays of the rising son bathe the Lord completely. The day before, many religious rituals, bhajans, nama japam, etc is done by the devotees in large numbers.
Persons with physical and mental illness come here to participate in the poojas & rituals during all the three times during the day, as they believe that they will be cured of their illness.
The annual car festival is held on Tai poosam day. The next day is celebrated as Pari Vettai when poor feeding is done on a large scale.
Every Ammavasai special poojas are held for Lord Murugan.
Chitra Pournami, Soora Samharam, Karthigai Deepam and Panguni Utram are also celebrated. Tiru Kalyana Utsavam is held the day after Soora Samharam.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

SARKARSAMAKULAM

This village, also known as Koil palayam, is about 20 kms from Coimbatore towards Satyamangalam on the Annur Road. In earlier times, the village was also known as Kavayamuttur or Kavaiyan Puttur. This lies on the northern bank of the seasonal Kaushika River, which originates from the Kurudi Mountains in the Western Ghats.
Kalakaleswarar Temple
This temple is said to be over 900-years-old.
Legend 1 – It is said that the presiding deity of this temple - Sivalinga - was installed by Yamadharmaraja (God of death) himself to appease Lord Shiva. Yama had invited Shiva’s wrath when he tried to take away the life of Markandeya, a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. Yama is said to have made this Shiva lingam by mixing sand and river water froth. Lord Yama was able to mollify the anger of the Lord Shiva with his worship. Hence, Yamadharmaraja, promises long life to those devotees who worship Shiva here.
Legend 2 - It is also believed that Kausika, also known as Viswamitra Maharishi had conducted a ‘yagya’ at the temple after taking a dip in the sacred Kausika river. The platform where the ‘yagya’ is believed to have taken place is still seen. Therefore, this place is also known as Kausikapuri
Temple - The temple has an historical significance because it was built by the Chola King Karikala Chola in the 12th Century. Like any other Chola temple, it is also a treasure of stone inscriptions and sculptural details. It has been built in the Somaskanda style of architecture.
The thirtham (Pond) near the temple is believed to have been created by Yama and is known as Yamadhada thirtham.
On entering this small temple, we see the shrines of Lord Surya (Sun) and Lord Chandra (Moon), on both sides, facing the Shiva. The Nandi outside is artfully made.
The Shiva linga is unique as the Peetham (base) is made of black stone while the Banam (upper portion) is made of white stone. It is believed that on top of the banam, a hidden white stone lies embedded and if one is not careful while touching it, the hands may get injured.
The shrines of God Shiva and Goddess Karunakara Valli face east. Between the two shrines, is the shrine of Lord Subramanyar along with Valli and Devayanai. Hence, the Lord Shiva here is also referred to as Somaskandar.
In the outer prakaram is an artfully sculpted mandapam for the west facing Natarajar. The idol of Lord Natarajar is very nicely sculpted.
On the south side, the five and half feet idol of Lord Dhakshinamurthy, a prominent ‘prakaramurthy’ here, is a remarkable piece of sculptural aesthetics. It’s made of a single granite block. When tapped, it sounds like bronze. Dakshinamurthy is seen to be in deep medidation.
Shrines of Bhairavar and Navagrahas are also nearby. However, Guru (Jupiter) is in a different sanctum than the other planets.
Prayers – Abhisekam to Lord Shiva is performed only with oil, honey or panchamrutam. Milk, curd etc are not used because these may cause damage to the white lingam.

Monday, October 19, 2009

NAMAKKAL

Nammakkal is an ancient city of Tamil Nadu. The name literally means “the stone of Nama”, after a 65 feet rocky-hill, Namagiri, that is at the centre of the city. Its a single rock, more than 65 metres high, and a km or more in circumference. The city is not far from Salem/Erode, and is a part of the ancient Kongu Nadu.
Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple
Legend - After returning the Sanjeevi mountain to the Himalayas Hanuman was having a bath in the Gantaki river where he found a precious Saligramam which contained two shrines of Mahavishnu together - Sri Ranganathar & Sri Narasimhar. Hanuman decided to take it home with him for worship. Enroute to Sri Lanka Hanuman stopped near a pond to perform Sandhyavandanam. As the Saligramam is precious one and it is strictly prohibited to keep it in the land, Sri Hanuman searched for a person to hand it over till the completion of his Santhyavanthana. He found goddess Mahalakshmi who was in deep meditation. She agreed to take receive it on the condition that Hanuman would not take long. If he failed to return back, she will place the Saligramam in land and continue her meditation. Hanuman agreed. But after completing Sandhyavandanam Hanuman started Rama Nama Japam after which he lost consciouness and fell into deep meditation. By the time he returned Mahalakshmi had placed the Saligramam on the ground and it had grown into a big hill.
Then, Sri Hanuman conveyed his sorry to Goddess for the delay and decided to take this Salaigrama Parvatham (name of the hill) with him. He was bit over confident about his strength. He thought that it is not difficult to lift the small hill with him. But, to wonder, he couldn’t even shake the hills a bit. Sri Hanuman felt shame and at the same time wondered about the mystery. From the sky, a divine voice (Aasurrari) announced as follows: “Oh, Bhalvan Hanuman, You are fortunate to get the Saligram of Lord Sri Narashimha and Lord Sri Ranganatha in one shrine. Lord Sri Narashimha likes to stay here only. Hear after, this place will be called Namagiri Shetram. To give personal Dharsan of Sri Narashimha Deva, to Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi, Lord Sri Narashimha Deva cheerfully played this game. Hence, don’t feel disappointed. This Lakshminarashimha Dharsanam happed to Goddess Mahalakshmi in Saligrama Giri because of Nama Jappam. Hence, Goddess Mahalakshmi will be called as Goddess Namagiri Lakshmi in this Namagiri shethram”.
To appreciate your Bhakthi and service to Lord Sri Rama, God Narashimha Deva has given you a boon. Once Lord Sri Rama went back to Vaikunda, you could come here and do service to Lord Sri Narashimha Deva forever. You will be given the primary responsibility at Lord’s service. You should save and help the devotees as per the wish of Lord Sri Narashimha Deva”. By hearing this, Sri Hanuman filled with joy, cheered up with extreme happiness. Then, Sri Hanuman prayed Lord Sri Narashimha Deva and Goddess Sri Namagiri Lakshmi. After his prayers he returned back to Sri Lanka.When Lord Shri Ram returned to Adyodhya after the conquest of Sri Lanka, Sri Hanuman also stayed in Ayodhya and was fully involved in the service of Lord Sri Rama. When Lord Sri Rama left his materialistic body and went back to Sri Vaikunda, Sri Hanuman came back to Namagiri Shetram (Namakkal) to involve himself with Lord Narashimha service. As the Merciful Lord Sri Narashimha Deva stays in the middle of the Saligrama Parvatham (hill), Sri Hanuman couldn’t get Dharsan by standing from the ground level.
Hence, Sri Hanuman raised his height slowly, and had Dharsan of lotus feet of Lord Sri Narashimha Deva. Since, Sri Hanuman was satisfied with Dharsan of Lord Narashimha feet, he stopped his growth and has been staying in Namakkal with the same gigantic figure.
Temple - The cave temple is a a fine example of early Pallava architecture of the 7th Century AD. The idol of Hanuman is 18.5 feet or so in height, and stands under open sky, opposite to the temple of Narasimha. The idol and the 4 feet high peetham (platform) on which it stands, have been carved out a single stone. It is amazing to see the Sri Hanuman’s eyes, which is very straight to Lord Sri Narashimha Deva’s foot. The wonderful gigantic figure; with Big and beautiful eyes; Curved eyebrows and Lengthy ears; Wide mouth and Bulged chin; Broad Chest and Muscular Shoulders; It’s divine look of Sri Hanuman standing on big sacred lotus.
In this temple, Lord Sri Hanuman is called as “ Narashimha Bhaktha Hanuman “ means “ Divine Devotee of Lord Sri Narashimha “. His hands folded with obedience, his tail placed on top of his head resembling obedience, looking as if a bell has been tied to it, and Sri Hanuman always chants the holy names of Lord Sri Hari with his Japa Mala (A garland prepared with herbs used for counting) hanging down up to the stomach.
Sri Hanuman played a vital role in Lord Sri Rama’s kingdom. He had served Lord Sri Ram in all the ways, as a servant in personal life, as a Minister in political operations, as a knight in his military and etc., Hence, he decorated himself with silk cloths, gold and diamond ornaments and short sword suitable to all his roles and responsibilities. With the same dresses, jewels and decorations, Sri Hanuman came to Namakkal and serving the Lord Sri Narashima. Hence, Sri Hanuman is decorated with golden Crown; big diamond Earrings, lengthy gold Garlands and Chains; Fingers decorated with rings; wrists decorated ornaments; Hip covered with golden belt; a short curved sword in right hand side of hip; ankles clubbed with gold rings; such a nice huge and beautiful deity of Sri Hanuman, we couldn’t see anywhere in this world.
One more specialty of this temple is that Lord Sri Hanuman doesn’t have a roof over him and stays under the open sky. In past centuries, many people tried many times to build roof for Sri Hanuman, but Lord Hanuman didn’t accept it. Pallava kings built many halls, compound walls and numerous stone sculptures in this temple, but couldn’t build a roof for Sri Hanuman.
Prayers and Festivals - Sri Hanuman is having the primary respect and responsibility at Lord’s service. Whenever Lord Sri Narashimha comes out of temple for festivals, Sri Hanuman goes in front by facing Lord and offering obedience’s. In this temple, Sri Hanuman hosts all the festivals in Namakkal. Even in car festival of Lord, Sri Hanuman’s car is going on the streets in front of Lord’s car. Being a sacred Vaishnava, Sri Hanuman receives the first respect in all the festivals.
Special tall platforms have been constructed on the tow sides and back of the idol from where the abhisekham and alankaram are performed to the Lord.
All poojas and rituals held here are according to the Madhva sampradayam (tradition). Devotees can offer sacred tulasi garlands, sweet-scented betel garlands, vada malai and flower garlands for decorating Sri Hanuman. These come in three sizes for offering as per one’s convenience, first type going down till the stomach, 2nd type going down till the knees and the 3rd type going down to touch the feet.
On Sri Hanuman’s birthday, New Year day and ammavasai days in the month of margazhi are specially celebrated here.

Friday, October 16, 2009

POOCHIYUR

This place is about 15 Kms from Coimbatore on the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam road.
Vettaikkaransamy Temple
This temple is located at the base of the Sanjeevi hill.
Legend – The story behind the temple is said to have taken place many hundred years ago. The Valanadu area was once gifted by the Chola king to Kozhatta Gownder who got built many ponds and lakes in the place. This increased the availability of water and thus agriculture flourished very well giving the whole area a green look. He had one son Nelliangodan who was by nature very soft spoken, with a calm face and simple at heart – a person who will not think ill of others. He was lovingly called Machasamy by everyone. As the parents became old, they started having doubts whether their son would be able to manage the huge property. So, Kozhatta Gownder gave the responsibility of his son and property to his younger brother Chellatha Gownder. He also decried that once Nelliangodan attains the right age he would be married to the girl Tamarai Nachi and all the property would be given back to him.
However, when Kozhatta Gownder died, his younger borther took control of the whole property and started treating Nelliangodan as a servant. One day Chellatha beat Nelliangodan mercilessly with stick after making false allegations. Severe injuries lead to bleeding. Unable to bear the pain, Nelliangodan left the house and started wandering aimlessly. He was shunned by all the relatives.
He finally reached Chetti Palayam where he started working with a Chettiar, looking after his cows. Under his care and love, the cows started giving more milk which made the Chettiar to have a special affection for him. He prospered while working here. One day he decided that he would go to his Mama’s (mother’s brother) place and ask him for his daughter Tamarai Nachi’s hand in marriage. Though his mama refused, he meets the daughter Tamarai Nachi who agrees and both of them get married despite the family opposition. The angry mama asks both of them to leave his house at once.
The insulted Nelliangodan tells his mama that his yet to be born two sons will take revenge from mama for the insult. Taking along his wife, he goes to the Chola king at Uraiyur and complains to him about his relatives who had usurped his property. The king grants him some pieces of waste dry land where nothing grew.
Nelliangodan worked hard on the waste land and was rewarded with good yields. With time, he accumulated weath and became prosperous thus earning the tile Kundrudaiyan i.e. a person in posession of Kundrus (small hillocks). Still he was not blessed with children. Both husband and wife decided to go to Chidambaram to pray to Lord Natarajar for a child. Before leaving, he entrusted all his wealth to a tribal king for safe keeping. However, the tribal king also cheats his of all his wealth.
On praying to Lord Natarajar at Chidambaram, the couple get the boon that they will be blessed with three children, 2 boys and one girl, who will become famous with their work. Accordingly, 3 children were born to them, though the first one was not a normal delivery. The eldest boy was named Ponnar, the 2nd boy was named Shankar and the last born girl was named Arukkani. With time both boys learnt and became experts in traditional skills like sword fights, bow & arrow, war games, etc. Both loved their sister very dearly and were lovingly called Annanmar by her. This title spread and everybody started calling them as Annanmar.
The brothers returned to Valanadu and built a fort there. Tamarai Nachi told her sons about how their relatives and the tribal king had cheated them of their properties. The brave sons went to Puliyur and captured all the wealth that had been lost to the relatives. Thus, started their reign over the Valanadu area. However, both their parents died at this time on the same day.
The tribal king at that time Talaiyur Kali was causing lot of hardship to the common people at that time. He was into committing robberies and kidnapping young girls. Hearing this, the Chola king gave the responsibility for maintaining the security of the area to the two brothers. Around this time, both the brothers also get married.
Talaiyur Kali makes a plan to kill both the brothers after separating them. Through a known person, allegations were made against Ponnar that he had cheated many people of their jwellary. Ponnar decides to refute the allegations by taking a vow while being under water in a pond. While this was going on, the soldiers of Kali started showering bows on Shankar standing alone. One such bow hits Shankar on his face, splitting the head in two pieces. Shankar dies instantly. This angers Ponnar who wages a fierce battle with the tribals ultimately killing all of them and their king Talaiyur Kali.
Upon hearing the news about the death of her brother, Arukkani also comes to the place. The funeral pyre is lit to burn Shankar’s body. Both Ponnar and Arukkani are overcome with grief and decide to burn themselves also along with Shankar. Arukkani’s soul becomes one with the Saptha kannis while Ponnar and Shankar attain the status of God.
Temple – On entering the temple, we seen two Bhairava idols holding long swords. In front, facing the sanctum are two dark horses. Nearby is the Nayarsamy with one bent leg resting on a lion. In another side we see rows of arrows, spears and swords. Near this is the Chellandi Amman. Idols of the three main dieties – Annan (elder brother i.e. Ponnar), Thambi (younger brother i.e. Shankar) and Thangai (younger sister i.e. Arukkani) are inside the sanctum. Together they are called Annanmarsamy. Locals also refer to them as Kundrudaiyan or Vettaikkaransamy.
Prayers and festivals – Mahashivaratri is an important festival when all the three deities are taken out in a procession. On this occasion, the temple priest, while wearing a wooden shoe with nails, walks over women lying on the ground face down. The belief is that such childless women will be blessed with a son. Before this have to go through a 7 days ritual.
Every nine years, pig and goat are sacrificed while offering pongal to the deities. It is believed that if there is any fight between brothers and sisters, this will get resolved if they participate in this festival. The deities also go around the temple during Adi Nonbu.
Timings - On normal days, the prayers are complete by 7.30 AM in the morning. Only during the Margazhi month, the temple opens both mornings and evenings.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

VEDARANYAM

Ilakku Arivitta Vinayagar Temple
This temple is located in the beginning of the Therku Veedhi (South Street) in Vedaranyam going towards Kodiakkadu.
Legend – When Lord Ram came here searching for Ravana and Sita, this Pillaiyar showed him the path ahead. Accordingly, Lord Rama went to Kodiakkarai. Hence, he is called “Ramarukku Ilakku Arivitta Vinayagar” i.e. the Vinayak who showed the detination to Lord Rama.

Monday, October 12, 2009

RAMAR PADAM

The place is located on the way to Kodiakkarai from Vedaranyam. Ramar Padam (literally: Rama’s Footprint) is located on the highest point of land (height 4 metres) in the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary (PCWBS).
Legend – When Lord Rama came to South India to rescue Sita Devi from Ravana in Srilanka and wage a war, he first came to this spot near Kodiakkarai. Before crossing the sea, Lord Rama climbed atop the highest sand dune in the jungles in this area and reconnoitered Ravana’s kingdom in Sri Lanka, which lies 48 km to the south. From here he could only see the backside courtyard and entrance of Ravana’s palace in Srilanka. He decided that it was not fit for a true warrior to enter the enemy’s place from the backside and so went back. From here he went to Rameshwaram from where the final assault on Sri Lanka was made. This spot where Rama stood to take a look at Ravana’s Lanka is known as Ramar Padam.
Shrine - A stone slab which bears the impressions of two feet is presumed to be the place where Lord Rama stood. The foot impressions are very clearly visible and also light impressions of the lines in the foot. A mandap with roof has been built around the spot. No other idols or images of gods are seen here.
Prayers - Large numbers of Rama devotees gather here during the second week of April to celebrate Rama Navami Festival. All devotees coming back after taking a bath in the sea stop here to day their prayers.

KANAVAI PALAYAM

Dandigai Ranganathar Temple
The temple is located on the top of a hill in the western ghat mountains. To come here, while going in the Kovai-Mettupalayam road we reach the No.4 Veerapandi Pirivu (Cut road towards Veerapandi). From here if we go towards west in the Water Board Road, we can reach this temple.
History – More than 300 years ago, the head of the Kudi-Okkaladhava people, Vaishnavadasa Shreshta Govinda Bhattakarar, together with his clansmen, migrated to this place from the Amsavadi area near Mysore. He also brought with the idol of Perumal he was worshipping and the priest families. Since the Lord was brought here in a Dandigai (palanquin) from Mysore, he came to be known as Dandigai Ranganathar. Earlier the Lord was worshipped in a spot towards the south of the present location. He was later enshrined in the present place, while the people settled down at the base of the mountain towards north at Kanavai Palayam.
Lord- The Lord is seen here standing with Shankhu-Chakram and Abhayahastam.
Prayers – Shri Ramanavami, Shri Ramanujar Jayanthi, Gokulashtami, Purattasi Saturdays, Vaikuntha Ekadasi, Shri Hanumath Jayanthi are specially celebrated with poor feeding and religious discourses.
Timings – The temple is open on Saturdays from morning to evening.

Friday, October 9, 2009

SUKRAWARPET

Baladandayudhapani Temple
This temple is located towards the south of Rattinasabhapati Puram (R.S.Puram) area of Sukrawarpet in Coimbatore near the Gandhi Park.
History – At the place where this temple is located, earlier there used to be a Satram (resthouse) in the name of Pillai Kani Padaitha Siru Thonda Nayanar. The resthouse was surrounded by beautiful garden with tall green trees and a well. The people first installed Lord Ganesh under a Arasa tree in the garden and started worshipping him. The Lord was known as named Sella Pillayar. In another corner of the garden, Lord Dandayadhapani was installed and worshipped. The hymns of Kandar Shasti Kavacham, Kumara Sambavam, Kandar Anubhuti, Kolaru Pathikam and Shiva Gyana Bodham are seen inscribed in the walls of the temple.
Temple – The temple entrance faces north with a small and beautiful Rajagopuram. Lord Muruga as Baladandayudhapani is seen first facing east. In the south-east corner is the shrine of Kalvi Vinayagar facing north. The utsavamurthy of the Lord along with his two escorts is seen in the prakaram. In the south-west corner of the temple, sits the original Pillayar under the Arasa tree. In the north-east, the navgrahas are seen in a circular enclosure.
Prayers – Local people have a custom of asking the permission of the Lord with flower before beginning any work.
Tai-poosam, Soorasamharam, Vaikasi-Visakam festivals are specially celebrated here.
Timings – Morning 5 AM to 12.00 noon; Evening 4.30 PM to 9 PM.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

TIRUMURUGANPOONDI

This place is located around 5 Kms frm Avinashi on the Tiruppur Road.
Kooppidu Pillayar Temple
This temple is situated on a small hillock near the road from Tirumuruganpoondi to Avinashi.
Story – Once Sundarar while on his way to Tirumuruganpoondi lost the wealth given to him by Cheran Perumal to a group of bandits. Upon hearing this news, Lord Ganesh came running to him from inside the town. He told Sundarar, while pointing out the temple of Lord Shiva at Tirumuruganpoondi, that this was the act of the Lord and directed him to pray to the lord. Upon singing Lord Shiva’s patikam, Sundarar recovered the lost wealth.

MARUTHANKUZHY

The place is about 8 Kms from the Thirvananthapuram Railway Station.
Sree Udiyanoor Devi Temple
Story – About 1400 years back, an ardent devotee of Sree Devi, Shri Neelankantha Paramahamsar as a small boy saw the vigraham of the Devi being swept away in the flood waters of the Killiyar river here in Maruthankuzhy. Showing great courage, he jumped into the fast flowing river and was able to get the idol in his grasp. He was swept away in the river water and thereafter nothing was heard about him for 6 days. To everyone’s amazement, he returned with the idol on the 7th day. The Goddess directed him to perform pooja for the vigraham on daily basis in his dream. Accordingly, he kept the idol over a wooden table under a jackfruit tree after covering the table with the white mundu and started worshipping it while offering the Ada to the Lord. The practice of Ada Vazhipadu that started that day is still being continued. Neelakantha Paramahamsar who later came to be known as Yogishwarar attained mahasamadhi at the age of 82 here.
The idol was later installed under a thatched roof and worshipped. The present temple building was completed in 1958. At that time an Astrological enquiry was held to know the desire of the Goddess. In this it was revealed that a pearl would be obtained while digging the ground and the construction of the temple should start from that spot. Accordingly, the present temple was constructed from the spot where the pearl was recovered.
Temple - The temple has a small gopuram and in the centre sits the Devi with four hands, holding the Shankhu (Conch shell), Chakram, Nandakam, Sword and Shoolam (Trident). At the entrance we can see vessals with water containing a mixture of Chandanam, Kumkum and Turmeric. The traditional mandapam is seen before the Devi sannidhi. The Devi is considered to be alternately as Durga and Bhadrakali. In front of the Devi, we can see the lit Neeranjana lamps, i.e. lamps lit on half coconut shells with seasame oil.
Idols of the Navagrahas are seen in the roof of the mandapam near by.
Lord Mahaganapathy sits near by while the nagas are enshrined on the outside.
Shrines of Madan thampuran, Lord Ayyappan, Ulagudaya Perumal thampuran and Yogishwarar are seen in the different mandapams inside the temple.
In the chuttambalam outside, the shrines of Shri Durga devi seen facing east, Shri Bhadrakali seen facing north and Kanni moola Ganapathy are there.
Prayers - Chandana kappu, Ada Vazhipadu and Guruthy Tharpanam are the main prayers held here.
Guruthy tharpanam is held in the evening and lasts for more than 2 hours. The basic concept is that blood of Asuras are offered to the Devi and her retinue. The Devi sannidhi is kept closed when the ritual is being performed. During this, a freshly cut banana tree is taken, 3 kuttu lamps are lit near it, cut banana stems are stacked over one another and placed before the banana tree, over it the Kuruthus are kept. Red coloured water is kept in 3 Urulis (vessals) near by and the pooja is performed. The Melshanthi takes out the blood coloured red water in his hands each time and throws it out. Then the empty vessels are inverted. Thereafter, the Melshanthi takes the sword kept near the banana tree in his hand, cuts the tree down and goes inside the closed sanctum, keeps the sword near the Devi and comes back after again closing the sannidhi.
Ada is offered as naivedhyam to the Devi every day in the evening. This Ada is prepared from the dough containing the mixture of Rice flour, Coconut and Banana. The dough is made into flat Adas and steamed before being offered to Devi.
Every year Prathishtha day is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medom and star Punartham. The annual Utsavam is also held during this period beginning four days before the Prathistha day and continues for 10 days.
Music concerts are held every Tuesday and Fridays during the month of Adi.
Every month on the day of the star Punartham, poor feeding is held.
Once every 3 years, Shree Ulagudaya Perumal Uruttu Utsavam is held for 8 days. This festival is associated with a folk tradition concerning a king of Vaikai kingdom. The only survivor of the Vaikai family, Ulakudaya perumal did long penance and got the blessings of Devi. He defeated the Madurai king and ruled the country for twelve years. The Madurai king spent his time doing Shiva pooja in the forest. Getting the blessings of Lord Shiva he returned to Madurai and attacked Ulakudaya perumal. In the battle Ulakudaya perumal and his brothers commit suicide before the Shiva temple. This story is presented in the form of folk songs (Oottupaattu and Thampuran paattu) and some parts of the story are enacted during this festival. During the festival, in a tent set up before the temple, Godess Devi, Ulagudaya Perumal Thampuran and Yogishwarar are settled as Peedams and worshipped.
Timings – Morning 5 AM to 12 noon; Evening 5 PM to 8.15 PM.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

KILLIPPALAM

Kanthallur Mahadevan Temple
This very old temple is situated in the campus of famous and decade old University Kanthalloor about in Valiyasala at Killippalam 2 Kms east from East Fort, Trivandrum. Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station and Bus station are about 1 km from the temple.
Story 1 – Once there happened a bloody, cataclysmic battle at the Kanthalloor Sala, fought with the Chola king on one side and the Chera and Pandya kings on the other, in which all three perished.
Following this, their disconsolate widows set themselves ablaze in sati, together. Out of the funeral embers emerged a Shiva linga, jwala mahadevar (Shiva, risen from flames). In order to mollify it's ferocity and raging heat, the idols of Brahma and Vishnu were installed in the vicinity, giving the temple the distinction of being one of the few temples in Kerala, dedicated to the `Trimurthis'. A different version says that the three widows prayed to the trimurthis, before dying in the fire, that their souls should be united with their hunbands. Pleased the trimurthis appeared before them upon which the widows further requested the gods that all the three of them should together stay at that place and continue giving their blessings to the devotees. Thereupon the trimuthis are said to have appeared in the dream of Rajendra Chola and instructed him to construct the present temple.
History - Though the above legend does not have any historical backing, 17th-century royal orders pertaining to the temple refer to the temple as `Jwala Mahadevar'. However, there are historical documents that put the origin of the temple deeper into antiquity. According to Mathilakam records (official records of the Padmanabhaswamy temple), Kanthalloor dates back to the 7th century AD. Chola inscriptions from the time of Rajaraja Chola (985-1016 AD) also refer to Kanthalloor. An inscription belonging to Rajendra Chola, discovered on the rear wall of the sanctum sanctorum, says that the temple came into existence before 1045 AD.
Temple - The temple is spread over four and a half acres of land and dotted with three large shrines and eight sub-shrines. The sculptured halls here with granite pillars and roof are similar to that of Sucheendram Temple.
Lord Shiva here is alternately known as Sala Mahadevar or Jwala Mahadevar.
As one enters the inner courtyard, the three main shrines of the trimurtis Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma crowned by sloping conical roofs in copper, emerge into full view. Dakshina moorthy, Ayyappa and Subrahamanya are the other main deities in this temple. Brahma's shrine, the smallest, is in the centre, flanked on either side by the more majestic shrines of Shiva and Vishnu, the latter with a two-storied roof. The Sreekovil to Mahavishnu is round with 2 flag staffs. Each sanctuary has the traditional `mukhamandapa' or frontal pavilion. All the Trimurthis face east. The Shivalinga is slightly slanted which is explained by an interesting story (2). The pavilion in front of Shiva's shrine lies forlorn and empty, devoid of the quintessential Nandi, that robust, reclining bull, gazing contemplatively at his master, integral to every Shiva temple. However, the pavilion facing the shrine of Brahma (in the form of a Shivalinga) has one. There is an interesting story (3) behind this.
Lord Mahavishnu is seated with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi on his two sides. Idols of Narada, Garuda and Vyasa rishi are also seen. The shrine of Mahaganapathy is located near Parameswara while the shrines of Dakshinamurthy, Nagarajar, Anjaneya are in the prakaram. There are 56 bali peethas inside the temple. Ouside, we can see the shrines of Lord Krishna, Bhodathan (the temple guardian), Nagaraja, Mahishasura mardini, Dharma Shastha and Muruga. In the Kalmandapam in front of the shrine of Lord Mahavishnu, we see a serpent bound with chain, the “Shankhu Viriyan”. Why it is chained has an interesting story (4) behind it.
Story 2 – Once mother earth shook violently for a longer period in an earthquake. The terrified people cried out to Lord Mahadev to save them. The kind hearted Lord took the full impact of the quake on himself. After the quake it was seen that while there was no damage anywhere, the Shiva linga had become slanted.
Story 3 – It is said that Nandi, taking umbrage at the shoddy manner in which the rituals were conducted in the temple, left the temple in protest. Shiva's search for the recalcitrant bull led him to the nearby village of Thaliyal, on the banks of the river Karamana. In a conciliatory gesture, Shiva appeared before Nandi, with his consort and gave him permission to take up permanent residence there and in recognition of his courageous and independent stand, offered him food. In memory of this incident, to this day, during the annual Kanthalloor festival, Shiva, accompanied by Vishnu and Brahma, stops by at the Thaliyal Shiva temple to offer food to Nandi and thereafter proceeds for `aarattu' (the ceremonial bath) in the Thaliyal temple pond. However, there is an alternate version also. Nandi played truant, leaving the temple premises surreptitiously in the dead of night, in search of greener pastures and making his way back stealthily, before it turned light. One night, he fell asleep in the gentle breeze and it turned out that daylight caught him unawares. Too embarrassed to return to Kanthalloor, he squeezed into the available space at the Thaliyal temple. Lending credence to the story is the fact that the Nandi in the Thaliyal temple, is found in front of the Ganesha shrine and not in front of the Shiva temple.
Story 4 – Once, the Shankhu Viriyan snakes used to roam around the temple freely. However, its appearance and manners were very threatening to everyone. Although a temple snake, his presence was making the devotees afraid. They feared that if this is allowed to continue, the whole place will become infested with snakes. Hence the priests using the Mantras/Tantras bound the Shankhu Viriyan sanke in the idol they had created.
Prayers – The important Attazha pooja is held thrice a day. However, no one is allowed to see this pooja and the temple priest performs this alone. Utsava murthy is taken out in the head in a procession every evening by the priest who goes around the temple thrice. Daily deepa aradhana is held for the trimurthis first and then for the other deities.
Shrimad Bhagavata Saptaha Gyana Yagyam is held once every year which is an important temple festival.
Aarattu on Thiruvaathira day of Kumbam of malayalam calendar is the main festival, celebrated for 10 days. Ashtamirohini, Sivaraathri, Thaipooyam are also special. Dhara, Thursday Pooja for Dakshinia Moorthi, Tuesday, Saturday, Monday, Sashty and Pradosha days are also important to devotees. Thousands of devotees visit here during the annual Kanthalloor festival.

BAHADURSHAH ZAFAR MARG

Ferozeshah Fort

This located on the Bahadurshah Zafar Marg near ITO behind Shaheed Park.
History - The last Tughlaq Sultan Ferozeshah Tughlaq (1351-88) got built the Ferozeshah Nagar as the fifth city of Delhi and developed a good market there. This Fort was his capital. Some historians believe that the Sultan got the Fort built in a great hurry which explains its lack of any remarkable architecture or strength. Designed by Malik Ghazi and Abdul Hak, this was popularly known as Kushk-i-Feroz, which meant Feroz's palace.
Fort - Consisting of three rubble built walled rectangular enclosures, it forms an irregular polygonal plan with its eastern wall in one alignment. The eastern wall of the citadel was built on a bank of the River Yamuna. The area if twice that of the Shahjahanabad Fort. The Fort walls are about three feet thick at the base and about one feet thick at the top. From the outside the walls look straigth and from the inside pyramidal. The walls on the backside has completely collapsed. The main entrance is on the west side. On both sides of this, tall dome shaped structures are seen, probably built for security purposes. However, today half of these portions have collapsed. The Fort has five wings with small rooms, which are also in bad shape. Among the three enclosures of the citadel, the central one is the largest and is presently called as 'Kotla Feroze Shah'. It had an imposing main gateway from the western directions and bastions on either side flanked it, the ruins of which can be seen even today.
Ashokan Pillar - Located north of the Jami Masjid stands the 13 meters high sandstone Ashokan Pillar of 3rd century BC on a rubble built three tiered pyramidal structure. Freoze Shah Tughlaq brought this 27 tonne pillar to Delhi from Topar in Ambala, where the great emperor Asoka had erected it. The pillar is similar to the one fixed on the ridge, which was also brought by Feroze Shah. The pillar has seven main inscriptions or edicts of Emperor Asoka written in Brahmi script in the Pali language, apart from some figures and many minor inscriptions. It was so polished that till date it looks as if it is made of some metal. Called the Minar-i-Zarin by Ferozeshah, it glitters like gold when the sun's rays fall on it during the afternoon.
Jami Masjid - Only the southern and western walls with the gateway of this largest mosque of the Tughlaq period survive today. Located just next to the Asokan pillar, the mosque rests on a series of cells on the ground and is still in use. Built of local quartzite stone, the prayer hall and cloisters on the sides of the courtyard, which were used by the royal ladies, have all but disappeared. The mosque has its entrance from the northern direction and was once connected to the pyramidal structure by a bridge. It is said that there is also an entrance to the mosque from the underground cells. Originally covered with lime plaster, Timur visited the mosque to say his prayers in 1398. Impressed by its beauty, he erected a similar mosque at Samarkand in Iran. Later in 1759, Emadul Mulk, the prime minister of the Mughal emperor Alamgir Sani murdered his emperor here.
Baoli - Northwest of the Asokan pillar, in the centre of a garden is a fine large circular baoli of step well with subterranean appartments. It has a large underground drain for the water towards its eastern side. Ruins of other structures are also seen which have not been identified so far due to their present dilapidated condition.

MATHURA ROAD

Old Fort

History - If the beginning of Delhi is considered in terms of the old monuments doting this city, then this Fort comes first. The Fort is situated on top of a plateau and it is believed that remnants of the ancient Indraprastha Nagar are hidden here. This has also been the seat of the legendary ruler Prithviraj Chauhan till he was defeated by Abdali in the battle of Panipat. During the medieval times, Humanyun built the Deenpanah Nagar (asylum of faith) here. This was later destroyed by the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri who laid the foundations for the present Fort. He had renamed it as Shergarh.

Fort - Built in red sandstone, no uniformity is seen in the architecture. Spread over an area of 2 square Kms, there are three huge entrances to it. The Fort walls are octogonal in shape. The present entrance, an imposing red sandstone gate on the western wall called the Bara Darwaja (Main Gate) is one of the three principle gates. Its double storeyed facade, surmounted by chhatris and approached by a steep ramp, still displays traces of tiles and carved foliage. The northern gate is called the Salami Darwaja or Taliqi Darwaja (Forbidden Gate) has carved reliefs and entry from it is closed. Why this gate has been kept closed is not clear. Over this gate is seen an depiction of a man fighting an animal. Across the road is the red sandstone Lal Darwaja (Red Gate) or Sher Shah Gate, one of the entrances to the township that grew around the fort. The southern gate is the Humayun Darwaja where references regarding Shershah are seen. When the Fort was inhabited, it was close to the river Yamuna. On all its sides deep canals have been built, a major portion of which is used as a lake. In those times, many small bridges linked the Fort with the mainland. Today we can enjoy boating or shikara rides in this lake.

Inside - During excavations, many things like symbols, broken vessals etc have been obtained here from which it has been estimated that this place had links with the Mahabharata period and that this was the capital of the Pandavs i.e. Indraprastha. Porcelain vessals from China, chinese writings have also been found here which throw light on the Indo chines relations in the ancient times.

Qila-e-Kuhna Masjid built by Shershah in 1541 located here is an excellent example of a pre Mughal design. The pyrayer hall of the mosque is about 51.20 meters by 14.90 meters. This is decorated with white marble and bright red sandstone with art work on them. The masjid has sections with five elegant arched niches or mehrabs, fountains with stages on the backside and minars at its corners. On a marble slab inside the mosque is an inscription which when translated reads: "as long as there are people on this earth, may this edifice be frequented and people be cheerful and happy in it." To the south of this masjid is the double storeyed building Shermandal made of red sandstones. This is octogonal in shape and decorated with marbles. It was Humayun's library. Humayun died when he fell down from the stairs of this building on 24 January 1556.

Khair-ul-Manajil Masjid built during the reign of Akbar is also located here. The entrance to this Masjid is made of red sandstones. The light and sound show held here everyday in the evening from 5-9 pm takes you back 5000 years in history.

Timings - 8 am to 6 pm

NIZAMUDDIN

Humayun's Tomb
It is located at Nizamuddin. This tomb is in the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites and a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
History - Humayun, the eldest son of Babur and the second emperor of the Mughal dynasty, died in 1556 when he fell from the stairs of the Sher Mandal library. His widow Hamida Banu Begum (a Persian), also known as Haji Begum or Bega Begum, commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. This tomb completed in 1570 is culturally significant because it was the first garden tomb on the Indian sub continent. The tomb was constructed at a cost of 15 lakh rupees. Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian, was the architect employed. Several rulers of Mughal dynasty lie buried here like graves of Hamida Begum, Akbar's mother, Dara Shikoh, Shahjahan's son and Bahadur Shah-II, the last Mughal emperor. Bahadur Shah Zafar had taken refuge in this tomb with three princes during the first war of Independence (1857).
Garden - The entry to the tomb is through a long axial processional track. The tomb proper stands in the centre of a square garden, divided into four main parts by causeways (charbagh), in the centre of which run shallow water channels with paved walkways (khiyabans), which terminate at the two main gates. It is further divided into 36 squares by a grid of water channels and paths. The square garden is surrounded by a high rubble wall divided initially into four large squares separated by causeways and channels, each square divided again into smaller squares by pathways creating a charbagh. The high rubble built enclosure is entered through two lofty double storeyed gateways on the west and south, which offer a glimpse of the tomb. A baradari (pavilion) occupies the centre of the eastern wall and a hammam (bath chamber) in the centre of the northern wall. This is as per the concept of Islam that paradise or jannat is a place set somewhere in the middle of a garden with water flowing through it.
Tomb - The tomb is 140 feet high. The square double storeyed structure of the mausoleum with chambered corners rises from a 7 metre high square terrace, raised over a series of cells, which are accessible through arches on each side. The grave proper in the centre of this cell complex is reached by a passage on the south. The octogonal central chamber contains the cenotaph, and the diagonal sides lead to corner chambers which house the graves of other members of the royal family. The central chamber is encompassed by octogonal chambers at the diagonals and arched lobbies on the sides. The central chamber has four offsets, double storeyed in height and with arcade on their facades. Their openings are closed with perforated screens. Externally each side of the tomb, its elevations decorated by marble borders and panels, is dominated by three arched alcoves, the central one being the highest. The roof pillered kiosks are disposed around the emphatic double dome in the centre. This plan is repeated on the second storey too. The roof surmounted by a double dome (42.5 m high) of white marble has pillared kiosks (chhatris) placed around it. The mausoleum is a synthesis of Persian architecture and Indian traditions - the former exemplified by the arched alcoves, corridors and the high double dome, and the latter by the kiosks, which give it a pyramidal outline from distance. The structure mainly built with red sandstone has wite and black marbles largely used in the borders.
Barber's tomb - The Nai-ka-Gumbad is located on the southwestern side. It stands on a raised platform, reached by seven steps from the south. The building is square on plan and consists of a single compartment covered with a double dome.
Isa Khan's Tomb - This is located outside the main grounds of Humayun's Tomb. It was built in 1547 and commemorates an important noble who served Sher Shah, the Afghan ruler of Delhi who had outsted Humayun. This octogonal tomb is noteworthy for the elegant cluster of chhatris (kiosks) and pinnacles around the dome.
Timings - Open from sunrise to sunset.

NIZAMUDDIN

Tomb of Abdul Rahim Khan-e-Khana

This is located near Nizamuddin area on Mathura Road.
History - Abdul Rahim Khan-e-Khana was one of the nine ratnas in the court of Akbar the Great and a great poet, known for his Hindi couplets and books on Astrology. Though a Muslim by birth, he was devotee of Lord Krishna.
Tomb - This is a simple tomb very similar to the Humayun's Tomb. Now it has become damaged at many places. The tomb was decorated with stucco work on red sandstone, Delhi quartzite and marble. It is placed over a square platform with rooms on all four sides. These rooms have arched doors made of stone. On the roof of these rooms engravings in stone are seen. The tomb is double storeyed building with a dome over it. The dome is surrounded by umberellas on all four sides. Small windows are seen on all four corners of the building, also covered with dome shaped umberellas. The roof has colourful works of art made on plaster. It is said that a lot of red and white marble stones were used to construct this building, which were later removed in 1753 and placed in the tomb of Safdarjung.

LODI ROAD

Tibet Museum
This is located on Lodhi Road near Sai Baba Temple inside the Tibet House.
History - Many Tibetian refugees migrated to India after China occupied Tibet in 1959. They brought along with them many old, traditional, rare and expensive items of art. To manage these priceless things and to save them from being lost, a need was felt for a secure place. Then Dalai Lama felt that these things should be made accessible to all. With his efforts the Tibet House was opened in 1965 at Jorbagh which was later shifted to its present location. The present museum was also inaugurated alongwith the Tibet House in 1965.
Inside - On entering the museum, to our right we see a beautiful and colourful saddle alongwith hunter and other items placed inside a glass box. After this inside a showcase on our right, we see colourfully designed swords, coins and stamps. The coins made of Gold, Silver and Bronze belong to the period between 1792 to 1948. On the other side of this showcase, we see household items and ornaments. Proceeding further we see Thangka paintings depicting the spiritual masters and their pupils. Of these, the painting of Avalokiteshwara in the Madarin style with thousand eyes and thousand hands attracts the most. Many idols of Tibetian Gurus like Budhha, Shakyamuni, Vajrapani, Padmasambhava, Amitayasa may be seen in the museum. An interesting idol is the 17 cm high Dhrutarashtra idol made of copper. On the left side of the museum are Thangka paintings of the Dalai Lamas from the first to the seventh. Vases with beautiful designs and used in Tantric rituals are also seen. It is said that the holy water in these vessals were sprayed on the devotees with the feathers of peacock. Ornaments include ear rings worn by both men and woment, purse belts for women, lockets, those used to decorate the hair, etc. Pen cases, golden spoons, knives used by the officers during the ceremonies are also seen. An interesting fact is that the officers at that time used to wear the ornaments on their hair according to their official status. Other things exhibited include idols made out of brass, stone and sandalwood, prayer and religious items, items used during war, etc. There is a shop selling Tibetan clothes, jewelry, medicines, incense, curios and a range of handicrafts.
Timings - 9.30 am to 5.30 pm (Saturday & Sunday closed)

LODI ROAD

Safdarjung's Tomb

This is located at the Lodi Road, besides the Safdarjung Airport.
History - The tomb was built in the year 1754 for Safdarjung by his son Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah. Safdarjung was the governor of Awadh and later became the powerful prime minister of Mohammad Shah, a Mughal emperor from 1719 to 1748. The second Nawab of Awadh dynasty (popularly known as Safdarjung) was born as Mohammad Muqim in Khurasan province of Persia and migrated to India in 1722. He succeeded his father in law and maternal uncle, Saadat Khan, to the throne of Awadh. In order to occupy the throne, he had to pay an astounding amount of money to Nadir Shah. Later the Mughal emperor, Mohammad Shah, gave him the title of "Safdarjung". The tomb has been erected roughly on the pattern of the Humayun's tomb. It was built by an Ethiopian architect, Bilal Mohammed Khan, at an exhorbitant cost of Rs.3 lakhs. The marble and sandstone facing used for it was abstracted from the tomb of Abdul Rahim Khan-e-khana.
Garden- This is a garden tomb in a marble mausoleum. It represents the last phase of Mughal style of architecture. The garden, entered through an ornate gate with its facade decorated with elaborate plaster carvings, is in the Mughal gardens or charbagh style. It covers an area of 300 sq.m. and has an enclosure raising to two levels. There are four water canals leading to four buildings. One is the ornately decorated gateway, while the other three are pavilions, with living quarters built into the walls. These beautiful pavilions are known as"Moti Mahal" or pearl palace, "Jangli Mahal" or the sylvan palace and "Badshah Pasand" or the emperor's favorite. The last one was used by the family in later times as residence. Octogonal towers are in the corners. The canals are also the four oblong tanks, one on each side of the tomb. The garden is thus divided into 4 equal parts and then again divided into 36 parts with the help of fountains and canals. There is also a madrassa (Muslim school) inside the premises and a mosque. There is a library over the main gateway maintained by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).
Tomb - The tomb stands on high terrace of 110 sq feet faced by a verandah broken by arched openings leading to a series of cells inside. The central tomb has a huge dome with bulbous outline and the polygonal corner towers topped by chhatris. It is built with red sandstone and buff stone relieved by marble. There are two graves here, one of Safdarjung and the other apparently his wife's. The square central chamber of the mausoleum is surrounded by eight rooms all around. It is carved and finely polished while the surrounding rooms are rhombic or square. Sunlight enters through the lattice work. Constructed of small hard baked lakori bricks, the central structure has double storeyed minarets at the corners and a globular marble dome. The double storeyed mausoleum is 18.28 sq.m in area. The three domed arched mosque with whaleback roofing at the entrance was added later. The dome of the tomb rises from a sixteen sided base.
Timings - The tomb is open from sunrise to sunset.

CHANAKYAPURI

National Rail Museum

It is located near the diplomatic area Chanakya Puri, near the Bhutan embassy.
History - It was got constructed by the British architect M.G.Satto in 1957. In its present location, the foundation stone was laid on 7th October 1971 and was formally inaugurated on 1st February 1977.
Open space- It is spread over an area of 10 acres and houses a collection of locomotives and carriages, cranes, turn table, girder bridge of 1892, coaching and goods stock, etc. This includes the model of India's very first train, a steam engine that made its journey from Mumbai to Thane in 1853; other exhibits like the Viceregal Dining Car (1889), the Prince of Wales Saloon (1875), Maharaja of Mysore's Saloon (1899), Maharaja of Baroda's Saloon (1886);
Fairy Queen (1885) - the oldest working steam locomotive in the world;
Patiala State Monorail Trainway - here the track is a single rail on one side of the road. It is still in working condition and a ride on the Steam Mono Rail can be enjoyed on Sundays. It was first built in 1907 connecting Bassi with Sirhind (6 miles) in the erstwhile Patiala State. Originally the train was pulled by mules but later on from 1909 onwards, 4 unique locomotives were used to pull the train;
Morris Fire Engine - This was first built in 1914 by the famous fire engineers M/s John Morris and Sons Ltd, Manchester, who invented the concept of instantaneous coupling for these machines. Only two of these models are known to exist today. Since its original purchase by the Nizam's State Railways, the fire engine was in active service in the Lallaguda Carriage and Wagon Workshop, Secunderabad. It was retired from active service in 1960, after 4 decades of service, due to difficulty in obtaining the spare parts.
There are as many as six gauges on exhibit, four of them accommodated on only four rails. The lines of various gauges are connected with multigauge lines to facilitate movement. There is a toy train to take you around the museum on a miniature track.
Indoor gallary - This air conditioned octogonal gallary is devoted to the display of various exhibits, models, records, photographs, coat of arms, documents etc. The development of engines, rolling stock, signalling and telecommunications, engineering constructions and architecture and the railway's contribution to the industrial development of the country is also depicted in the systematic and pictorial manner. One gallary has been set apart to focus attention on the post-independence developments and modernisation of the Indian Railways including self-sufficiency, export promotion and development plans for the future. The skull of an elephant that struck a mail train in 1894 with his head is also an exhibit. There is big screen TV showing vedio films on the Railways.
Timings - Summer 9.30 to 19.30; Winter 9.30 to 17.30 (Closed on Mondays and National Holidays)

R.K.PURAM

Swaminatha Swami Temple

This temple, popularly known as Malai Mandir (literally, Hill Temple), is located at Palam Marg (Outer Ring Road), Ramakrishna Puram on the top of a 90 feet high hillock.
History - In the year 1961, in a dream of a devotee Lord Swaminatha appeared and indicated the present hillock as his abode. After much efforts the temple was inaugurated on 7 June 1973 with performance of the Maha Kumbhabhishekam in the presence of the Shankaracharyas.
Temple - The main temple within the complex, formally called Sree Swaminatha Swami Temple, houses the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Swaminatha. It is situated atop a small hillock in keeping with the tradition of locating Murugan temples on hills. The sign outside the main temple is written in Tamil, proclaiming Lord Swaminatha's motto, "Yaamirukka Bayamain" meaning "Why fear when I am there?". The temple is built entirely of granite, and is reminiscent of Chola style of South Indian Temple Architecture. Besides the main Swaminatha Swami Temple, the complex contains temples dedicated to Sree Karpaga Vinayagar (elder brother of Lord Swaminatha), Sree Sundareswarar (father of Lord Swaminatha) and Devi Meenakshi (mother of Lord Swaminatha). These subsidiary temples draw inspiration from the Pandya style of South Indian Temple Architecture. The temples of the 'Nava Grahas' (9 planetary dieties) and the magnificient Aadhi Sankara Hall are located midway up the hill. The Aadhi Sankara Hall is regularly used for conduct of bhajans, medidation sessions, prayers etc. The Navagraha temple along with a temple of Idumban was consecrated on the 7th of July, 1995. The Adi Sankara Hall was inaugurated on the 9th of November, 1997. The temple of Lord Swaminatha has several unique features. Brahmasthana pratishta has been done here with dieties delineated in human form housed in the garbha griha. Here a Sarva Vasikarana Yantra is embedded under diety which acts as a strong magnet attracting all to the shrine. The temple is built of 900 massive stones, weighing three to four tons each, assembled together without the use of cement or mortar. The crevices have been filled with a mixture of lime and sand.
Silpa Kala Mandapam - It does not house any diety but houses several exquisite cultural pieces like the lion pillar, the trellised window, the music pillar, the stone chain and stone bull. This was constructed as per the advice of H.H. Sri Maha Swamigal of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and inaugurated on 18 September 1983.
Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple - This is located at the base of the hillock and was inaugurated on 13 June 1990 with performance of the Maha Kumbhabhishekam. This has been constructed in the Sudhai style of the temples constructed by the Pandya kings. The temple has three Sannidhis viz Vinayagar, Meenakshi and Sundareswar, Mukha mandapam, Vimanam, Prakara mandapam, Maha mandapam with 32 pillars.

Timings - Morning: 6-11.30 am; Evening:5-9 pm

SAID-UL-AZAIB

Garden of Five Senses

This 20 acre site is located at Said-Ul-Azaib village close to the Mehrauli heritage area and Mehrauli-Badarpur Road. It has almost two hundred varieties of newly introduced plants alongwith existing vegetation such as Kikar, thorny Ber bush, etc. Established in February 2003, this garden has been designed to satisfy the five senses of sight, sound, touch, smell and taste of the visitors. The garden serves as the venue of a number of festivals like Garden tourism festival, food festivals, Dandiya festivals etc. 25 sculptures and murals of skilled craftsmen and artisans of India are displayed here. It was developed by the Delhi Tourism Transportation Development Corporation.
Entry - Soaring stainless steel birds mounted on slate clad pillars welcome you into the park. An expansive plaza, set on the natural slope of the site, invites you up the spiral walkway. Across, a troupe of elephants cut in stone regale in a water bath.
Khas Bagh - A garden patterned on the lines of Mughal Garden. Slow moving water cascades in channels along its length while flowering and fragrant shrubs and trees line its path. The central axis leads to a series of fountains, some of which are lit up by fibreoptic lighting systems. Encapsulating the expression here is the sculpture of 'A fountain tree'.
Food and Shopping Court - This is located on the other side of the walkway, secluded and away from the heart of the garden.
Trail of Fragrance - This leads away to a rocky ridge to the north, where elevated amongst the rocks, a sculpture in stainless steel inspired by a pin wheel is seen.
Neel Bagh - This is a pool of water lilies encircled by pegols covered with climbing plants of different colours and textures. Overhead we can hear hundreds of ceramic bells chime.
Colour gardens - Beautiful compositions of ordinary flowering shrubs and ground covers with familiar plants.
Courts of Specimen Plants - Displays not so frequently seen species of bamboo, cactii, herbs etc.
Amphitheatre - Nestled amongst the natural slope of the ridge, it has blocks of sandstone to serve as seating. At the rear of the Garden is an open exhibition area for displaying art, holding art workshops etc.
Solar Energy Park - This park, set up with the aim of promoting awareness about renewable sources of energy, has on display two buses, bicycles, cars, computers, etc that run on solar energy.

ASOLA

Shree Shakti Peeth Shani Dham

This is located at Asola, Fatehpur Beri near Mehrauli. The site of the Shani Dham is divided into two parts, the eastern and the western.
Eastern part - On the top of the eastern part, the 100 feet tall eight metalled Shani idol was consecrated here by Sant Shiromani Madan Maharaj Rajasthani ji, an expert in Navgrah and Shani Pooja on 31 May 2003. Shri Maharaj ji had performed enchanting of Shani Mantras One Hundred Crores and thirty two lakh times on this sacred grove. Thus, the whole environment of the Shani Dham premises has become so alive that most of the problems of devotees of Lord Shani are automatically solved, when they happen to reach this temple. The special prayer here is the Abhishek of Shani Dev with mustard oil. On north and south, both sides there are Shani statues erected, wherein Shani Maharaj ji is riding over his various rides. On the left and right sides of the Shani Shila (Rock) here, the statues of Bhairav Dev are established.
Western part - West facing, huge Shani statues over the buffalo and the vulture have been erected here. The special prayer here is the Abhishek of Shani Dev with mustard oil. Apart from this the other fabricated idols established include the south facing Lord Hanuman, the oblation pool and the idols of the nine planets. In another cell, on the south side of the hall Jagdambaa Maa, huge Shivlingam and an oblation pool are posted. In an adjuscent hall, east facing satue of Lord Ardhanareeshwar is erected. The crowd here is the maximum on Saturdays.
Timings - 5 am to 1 pm (Morning); 5-9 pm (Evening)

ATHIRAPPALLY

The Athirappally and Vazhachal waterfalls, located 63 kilometres from Thrissur at the entrance to Sholayar ranges, are very popular among picnickers. Athirappilly is situated on SH-21 highway Tamilnadu and Kerala & night driving is not advised. The two waterfalls are 5 kilometres apart. Athirappally Falls, located in the forest area, is about 80 feet high and is the largest waterfalls in Kerala. Combined with the greenery, it infuses freshness into any tired soul. The Athirapally Falls join the Chalakkudy River after plummeting a drop of 80 feet. Vazhachal is a picturesque spot. Both the waterfalls are part of the Chalakkudy river. With their cool misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rock terrain, they make a scintillating experience. The riparian forests of the Chalakudy River have revealed the existence of a thick riparian vegetation of more than 10 metres width for a distance of 10.5 km downstream from Peringalkuth, covering an area of 58.5 hectares. Out of this, 26.4 hectares lie within the Vazachal area, including three large islands densely covered by riparian forests. The riparian forests of the area have been found to be characterised by the presence of typical riparian species of plants, in addition to evergreen and semi-evergreen species.Out of the 319 species of flowering plants identified from the study area, 24 are endemic species of the Western Ghats and 10 are rare and endangered. Moreover, the Chalakudy River is known for its diversity, as it contains 85 species of fresh water fishes out of the 152 species known from Kerala. Among these, 35 are endemic species of the Western Ghats and nine are considered to be endangered. Two water theme parks have been created here by diverting the river waters.

Monday, October 5, 2009

SABARIMALA

The place, located on the Western Ghat in Kerala, gets its name from mother Sabari who lived in this hill during the time of Lord Ram. Nearest railway stations are Kottayam and Chengannur and from there by bus to Pampa.
Sabari Peedam temple
This temple is dedicated to the memory mother Sabari. Pilgrims worship here breaking coconuts, firing crackers and lighting camphor.
Story - Mathanga Rishi lived in a hermit in the Mathanga mountain forest area. One of his disciples was an young lady named Sabari. She was very much devoted to Lord Brahma. She used to help the sage by fetching water, cleaning the places and then would listen to the stories of Lord Rama, as the sage daily narrated to his disciples.This made Sabari to have a longing to see Lord Rama and to serve him. Days passed on, Mathanga rishi and his diciples had a darshan of Lord Brahma whom they were chanting and meditating daily. Lord Brahma took them all to Brahma Loka to attain his lotus feet. All of them left with Lord Brahma, except Sabari. She said she will wait for Sree Rama to come to her. Years passed by she grew old and pale. Her eyesight got dim. After waiting for years, Sabari saw Sree Rama and his brother Lakshmana. Sabari was filled with happiness and was emotional. She made them to sit and offered the fruits she had already collected by tasting them one by one and then offering Rama and Lakshmana. Though the act was funny, Rama could realise the real affection and devotion of Sabari. Lord Brahma appeared there and told Sabari that her desire was fulfilled and from that day this place will become famous and welknown as SabariMala, where Lord Ayyappa will have a Temple and bless his devotees. Pilgrims would visit and remember Sabari during their pilgrimage and pay due respect to mother Sabari at Sabari Peedam.

ERUMELI

Kochambalam
This is the little temple where there is an idol of Sri Ayyappa. The pilgrims after paying obeisance at the Kochambalam (also known as Pettai Shastha or Shridharma Shastha temple), come out dancing into the mosque. The Shastha temple is on the slope of the Western Ghats. This temple is not open throughout the year. It is open from the month of Vrishchikam (November) till Makaram-Makara Sankranti (January). The temple lies a few miles ahead of the Vavarambalam mosque.

THIRUVULLAKKAVU

The place is located on the route towards Irinjalakuda/Kodungallur, 10 kms from Trichur. Thrissur Railway Station and Cochin International Airport are the nearest major access points.

Dharma Shasta Temple

This temple is situated in the midst of a dense forest here.
Story 1 - The resident Wariar of this place used to go to the temple at Peruvanam daily. One day when he was returning back after his daily darshan through the forest, he saw a bright light at a distance. Being well versed in Astrology, the Wariar realised this to be a divine light and went near it. There he saw a beautiful idol of Dharma Shasta. All the people of the place joined together to build a beautiful temple after installing the idol.
Temple - This temple enshrines Lord Ayyappa, also called as Dharmasastha, as the presiding deity, in standing posture with arch, bow. The temple is unique as Dharma Shasta is seen here with his wives and son. Inside the sanctom there are 3 Swayambhoo idols. The figureless stone in the centre is that of Dharma Shasta. To the left is seated Devi Vidyaprabha and to the right is the idol of child Satyangan. These become visible only during the daily Abhishekam. The sanctum is square shaped with roof made of tiles. On all four sides we can see Manmadaps or Nalambalam where Lord Ganapathi has been consecrated.
Prayers & Festivals - The main offerings are kadali pazham, trimadhuram, appam and payasam. Navarathri is celebrated here and during that period Saraswathi Pooja is performed in a grand manner. The moola mantram is written on the tongue of the children with a Gold pen before they go for Aksharabhyasam on rice spread in plate. Before this, vedic pandits chant the 96 Saraswathi mantras in the Rig veda with offering of ghee. This ghee is later given to the children as prasadam. The story of how Aksharabhyasam has come to be performed in this Dharma Shasta temple is interesting.
Story 2 - Once a pandit with very little literacy used to perform the poojas in this temple. He was always ridiculed by friends and others for his lack of intelligence. One day after the evening Deeparandhana, he closed the sanctum to go home. However, a sudden storm with heavy rain and wind started. As he had no umbarella or lamp, he could not leave for his house located at a distance and so had to stay back inside the temple during the night. He went to the kitchen and saw the wood brought by Varasyar, a maid for the next day's cooking, lying there. He made fire out of the wood and went to sleep after becoming warm. Lord Shasta appeared in his dream and told him not to remain hungry. The Lord asked the priest to drink the milk and eat the banana lying in a corner of the kitchen. The priest woke and did as he was told and went back to sleep again. Next morning he went about doing his daily pooja in the temple as usual after bath. When Varasyar the maid came to work, she saw that the wood kept in the kitchen for preparing the Naivedyam was missing. When she asked the priest about it, he replied her in fine poetry. This set the maid thinking about what happened during the night that an idiot had started composing fine poetry. On enquiring the priest further, she came to know that the Lord had asked the priest to eat the banana and drink the milk. To get the benefit of the Lord's grace herself also, she ate the banana peel lying on the ground. The priest later became famous as Yamaka Mahakavi while the maid who also developed poetic ability, is credited as the authour of the book Pandava Charitam.