New Chepauk March 17 unveiling

The newly-constructed Pavilion and Terrace at MA Chidambaram Stadium will be inaugurated by TN CM on March 17 a week ahead of the ODI against Australia

The Stadium will house a Museum, Cafeteria, Indoor Nets, Gym – A guided tour of the stadium is on the anvil

Four day 1st division, no outstation players, neutral venues/groundsmen could be the way forward

The new TNCA President Ashok Sigamani has a refreshing look about him. On a Saturday afternoon, he arrives at Chepauk for an exclusive chat with this writer in a cool T Shirt and Jeans. He is engaging in his conversations with his team members at the TNCA and as he has always been gives a patient hearing to their views. Operations Manager  and former coach of Santhome, Srinivasa Rao, whom Ashok has known from his cricketing days in the late 1980s expresses disappointment at the non-selection of a few ‘performing’  players(u19 India) in the TNPL auction that ended last evening. Ashok hears him out but at the same time points to the fact that it is a franchisee choice to select and the TNCA could have no say in those matters.

Refreshing Approach, No interference in Selection

Even more interestingly, his 13 year old son Siga Ponmudi – a left handed bat and leg spinner - was not included in the State U14 squad, a fate that Ashok himself met just under 35years ago. He has the same view now as he had in those days when he was a teenager “All those that have interacted with me know about my straight forward approach. I will have no say in the selection of my son in the same way I did not want my appa to have any ( influence) when I was a teenage cricketer. And that is exactly what I have instilled in my son - To perform extraordinarily and get selected will be the model for my son in selection matters.”

He is also aware that if his son does get selected in the future in age group cricket, it will be 'attributed' to his powerful position. 

New Chepauk to be unveiled March 17

Ashok Sigamani is all excited about the reconstructed stadium that will be inaugurated by the TN CM on March 17, just under 10 days before the ODI against Australia. He took this writer on a hot Saturday afternoon providing an exclusive preview to the newly constructed player’s dressing room, the cafeteria, the umpires’  and scorer’s rooms that have all been rebuilt from scratch and compares with the best of overseas stadia infrastructure.  The old Pavilion and terrace had been completely brought down and the work had started after the Pandemic.

“It will have world class facilities. Top notch dressing room, Gym facilities, indoor net facilities with astro turf pitches, cafeteria and a sports shop. On the upper tier will be the corporate boxes and VIP seating."

A Guided Tour around the Stadium

Probably for the first time in the country, there will be an official guided tour inside the stadium with about 20 people per group. Ashok said that he was quite shocked to hear from fellow cricketers from Doctor fraternity with whom he has been playing in many state and national tournaments that they have never had a chance to get inside Chepauk. “Whenever I have visited other countries, I have always made it a point to get to the iconic football stadiums. Hence it is important for us to allow people to have a look at this historic stadium that has been home to several thrilling matches.” 

The museum that will showcase among other things the Tied Test played in 1986 will be another new addition to the new stadium that will be unveiled to the outside world middle of next month. 

The pricing for this guided tour was likely to be subsidized for school and college students. There will also be ‘augmented reality’ that people will be able to experience on this guided tour.

The MCC block has stuck to its old world charm though that space has been completely rebuilt.

Stadium -No name change 

It was expected that the Stadium, like many others across the country, would be renamed after a Politician and that it would be unveiled at the time of the inauguration. But Ashok says that the TN CM was very particular that an existing stadium should not be renamed and despite approval from TNCA members vehemently disapproved renaming the stadium after his appa. 

It is a terrific gesture from the TN CM to allow the stadium to continue in its existing name.

New State coach from Bombay

Ashok is bullish about the induction of a new state coach from Bombay “The biggest change that we need in our state is to give up the ‘selfish’ mentality and play as a team to win the Ranji Trophy. Right from the time I played my cricket to now initiating my son into cricket, the message has remained the same – Team always comes first and only if the team performs exceptionally will individuals gain recognition at the national stage. I will be having a brainstorming meeting with Kulkarni in March to understand his thought process on making TN as a cohesive unit.”

TNPL in Villupuram

As early as the early 1990s, Ashok had set up the first turf wicket in Villupuram. However, not much progress had been made there over the last three decades. Ashok told this writer with great delight that TNPL was likely to be expanded to Villupuram in 2024 “There are two best in class grounds now in Villupuram and Vikravandi, just before the Kumbakonam bye pass. Taking TNPL to Villupuram will be a great boost for cricketers in that region.”

He says that the focus is on building cricket in the districts. “We will be setting up exclusive fast bowling and spin academies in Madurai, Trichy and Theni and will kick off this exercise this summer.”

He is also looking to take an aggressive stance on Talent Scouting in the districts “We will be setting up camps in Coimbatore, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Vellore and Kanchi among other districts to scout for talent, especially fast bowlers and spinners, who could be match winners for the state in the future.”

A Revolutionary idea – First Division League

Ashok Sigamani is mooting the idea of a four day first division league format to help players prepare better for Ranji Trophy cricket. He is also clear that the first division matches will have to be played on neutral venues or pitches curated by neutral groundsman. “We have to move away from the current approach of ‘winning the league championship at any cost’ to ‘what’s best for TN cricket’.” 

He is also against the idea of having outstation players in the local league. He will seek support from the member clubs in this endeavor.

However, his long term view is that some of the revolutionary ideas will need to be implemented by the TNCA for the betterment of state cricket“In the past, the view has always been that these ideas will be objected by some clubs. We have to deliver things that will help in players becoming better equipped for Ranji cricket.”

Over the last decade or so, Ashok Sigamani’s days were well planned. Serving his patients in the hospital till 6pm and a round of shuttle and engaging interactions with family members in the evening was how he spent his time. While managing the hospital continues to be his profession, cricket has been his passion right from his childhood days and he says that there is something special about one’s passion “It’s so close to your heart that you want to do something productive and constructive for TN cricket. I am firmly fixed on doing 'what's best for TN cricket'.”

He is clear that TN cricket comes first in his role as the President of the TNCA and that he will try to implement things that will go towards the betterment of cricket in the state.

A strong Review System and placing accountability

Very soon, all matches till third division will be played only on turf wickets. He is also putting in place a strong review system at all age group levels as well as the senior state level to make everyone accountable. Only recently, he personally had a long interaction with a state age group team and with the set of selectors “I asked them – the selectors and the captain- honest questions on the performance that took quite a few by shock. But I want everyone to be accountable with the single minded objective of giving the best for the state as a team.”

Come the ODI against Australia later next month, Chepauk will witness seating to full capacity for the first time in a decade. And soon after, all the stands is likely to be packed in full after several years and  fans will be entertained with a full round of IPL matches at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. For the new TNCA President, its now four months since he has taken charge. His patients at the hospital are missing him badly ( and lodging complaints!!). His mind in recent months has been solely fixed on TN cricket and he is now fully focused on making the TN players perform to their fullest potential. Knowing him, it is unlikely he will have a sound sleep till then!!!

Thiru Putkuzhi Srinivasan Bhattar

The Hereditary Priest has been performing service at this Divya Desam for the last 45years

Father Son Duo now serve at this Thirumangai Azhvaar praised Vijaya Raghava Perumal Temple

Among the Divya Desams in and around Kanchipuram, the Vijaya Raghava Perumal temple in Thiru Putkuzhi is the odd one out. In the infra development over the century, this Divya Desam remained left out. Located on the Chennai Bangalore NH, express buses did not stop here. In the century gone by, bus service was infrequent and devotees found it difficult to reach this Divya Desam. While Kanchi developed as a tourist centre and crowd thronged Divya Desam in that temple town, there were minimal devotees at Thiru Putkuzhi. It was against this backdrop that Srinivasa Bhattar took charge of the temple as an archaka in 1977 after he completed his agama education.

He had lost his appa when he was only 10 years. He had school education at Kanchi till class VII and then went to Thirumalai for a five year Pancharatra Agama initiation. Soon after completion, despite the financially challenging scenario at Thiru Putkuzhi, he chose not to explore opportunities elsewhere and began performing kainkaryam here. He also had hereditary archaka service at Ulagalantha Perumal Divya Desam in Kanchipuram (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2007/11/thiru-ooragam-ulagalandha-perumal.html) and he alternated every fortnight between the two Divya Desams to keep the finances in order.

அலங்கெழு தடக்கையாயன் வாயாம்பர் கழியுமாலேன்னுல்லாம் 

மென்னும் 

புலங்கெழு பொருநீர் புட்குழி பாடும் 

போதுமோ நீர் மலை கென்னும் குளம் கெழு கொல்லி கோமளவல்லி 

கொடியிடை நெடுமழைக் கன்னி 

 இலங்கு எழில் தோழிக்கு என் நினைந்து இருந்தாய் 

இட வேந்தை எந்தை பிரானே - Thiru Mangai Azhvaar

Devotional Commitment to Vijaya Raghava Perumal

Not once during those times did he think of moving away from temple service. With no devotees around, there was no fixed time at the temple till the turn of the century. He says that it was after the Samprokshanam at Thiru Putkuzhi in 1998 the then EO Lakshmikanthan asked if he could serve exclusively at the Vijaya Perumal Divya Desam and issued an appointment order as the hereditary priest.  It was then that a time was fixed for the opening and closure of the temple in the morning and evening. 

Srinivasan Bhattar says the crowd has improved especially on amavasya day where devotees come and offer their prayers with prarthana to Maragadavalli Thayar for wedding or child birth. During the Brahmotsavam, devotees from all the neighbouring villages congregate at the temple for the procession especially Garuda Sevai, Chariot Procession and the Horse Vahana that is unique to this temple,. Theppotsavam takes place in a grand way in Thai (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2023/02/thiru-putkuzhi-maasi-brahmotsavam-horse.html). 

Sripatham personnel turn up in good numbers from Kanchipuram for all the utsavams. Ghosti members too are present for all the utsavams. 

Son now joins Divya Desam service

His son Sesharaghavan underwent Agama initiation for 8 years at the Patshala in Thiru Nangur and returned to Thiru Putkuzhi recently. Srinivasan Bhattar is pleased that his son has committed himself to service at this Divya Desam “He had no second thoughts on continuing the hereditary service at this Divya Desam and has joined me here.”

Having served as the lone archaka at this Divya Desam over the last 25 years, Srinivasa Bhattar now has his son for support. A year ago, Sesharagavan Bhattar married the daughter of Mangai Nallur Varadaraja Perumal temple Bhattar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2021/12/mangai-nallur-temple-priest-veda.html). And last week, at the Maasi Brahmotsavam, for the first time, he tied Kaappu much to his appa’s delight. 

To Srinivasan Bhattar, contentment in life has helped find peace of mind in this kainkaryam even when there had been financial challenges during the initial phase of his temple service. 

With the devotional commitment of the next gen, this remote Divya Desam is safe in the hands of the devotional father – son duo for the foreseeable future. 

Thiru Putkuzhi Maasi Brahmotsavam Horse Vahana Procession

In recognition of the devotional commitment of the Sthapathy who constructed a unique horse, Vijaya Raghava Perumal pays a special visit on the 8th day of the Maasi Brahmotsavam to the place where he committed suicide

The Sthapathy of Thiru Putkuzhi constructed a one of its kind horse on which Vijaya Raghava Perumal would provide darshan on a procession during the Maasi Brahmotsavam. So impressed were the personnel from other Divya Desams that they were keen for him to construct one such special horse for their own temple. However, so devotionally attached was this sthapathy to Vijaya Raghava Perumal that he refused to make a horse for any other temple.

When he was forcibly taken away, he returned under the guise of having forgotten a tool and committed suicide in Thiru Putkuzhi.

In memory of his great devotional commitment, Vijay Raghava Perumal makes his way on the 8th day of the Maasi Brahmotsavam on this special horse vahana to the tree where he hung himself.

It was a big festive occasion at this Divya Desam on Wednesday (Feb 22). Several hundreds of devotees gathered by 6pm at the temple ahead of the Horse Vahana procession. Bhagavathas presented bhajans at the entrance of the Raja Gopuram while archakas from Mannargudi Raja Gopalaswamy temple and Thiru Cherai Saranatha Perumal temple (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2017/07/thiru-cherai-saranatha-perumal.html), who had specifically come for this occasion, decorated the Lord for this once in a year procession.

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar has praised this Divya Desam in the set of verses relating to Nithya Kalyana Perumal, Thiru Vidanthai (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2008/03/thiruvidanthai-nithya-kalyana-perumal.html).

அலங்கெழு தடக்கையாயன் வாயாம்பர் கழியுமாலேன்னுல்லாம் 

மென்னும் 

புலங்கெழு பொருநீர் புட்குழி பாடும் 

போதுமோ நீர் மலை கென்னும் குளம் கெழு கொல்லி கோமளவல்லி 

கொடியிடை நெடுமழைக் கன்னி 

 இலங்கு எழில் தோழிக்கு என் நினைந்து இருந்தாய் 

இட வேந்தை எந்தை பிரானே 

A steady stream of devotees make their way to the Perumal and Thayar Sannidhi. Hereditary Priest Srinivasa Bhattar who has been here for over five decades shunts between the two sannidhis. 

Just after 7pm, the devotee crowd gathered steam. There is devotional excitement all around even as the cover is taken off the vahana with devotees getting a first glimpse of the beautifully decorated Perumal atop the horse. Perumal makes a majestic fast paced procession around the prakara to the entrance of the Raja Gopuram.

 A special feature of this 8th evening of the Maasi Brahmotsavam is that Vijaya Raghava Perumal goes on a procession South of the temple to the location of the Sthapathy’s demise. No thattu is collected till the descendants of the Sthapathy community are first honoured. 

Its 8pm and the entire East street is dotted with kolams with devotees lining up in several hundreds in front of the tree. The Sthapathy’s descendants present huge garlands to Vijaya Raghava Perumal and to the Golden Horse.

The Special Horse for this Brahmotsavam

Sri Patham Kannan who leads the procession in several Divya Desams in Kanchi is here with his team of 40 members for the procession. He has been the Sripatham anchor for decades with his forefathers too having been in this service. He provides an exclusive glimpse of the unique three divisions of the horse that the Sthapathy had sculpted – the head, the body and the back. The horse vahana that is segregated into these three pieces is brought together only on this 8th day of the utsavam every year.

Presenting Grass to the Horse

Another interesting feature of this procession is a historical episode that is played out on this 8th evening of the Maasi Brahmotsavam. When the residents of this temple town complained that the horse was walking over the farming fields and destroying them, the community brought grass and presented to the Lord before feeding the horse!!! This event too was played out on Wednesday on the far corner of the East street. It is such a special day for the descendants of the sthapathy that they organize ear boring and tonsuring ceremony in their family for this year only on this 8th day of the utsavam. They were honoured with Parivattam on this evening. Soon after this event, the Sripatham thrilled the devotees with three rounds of Voyali Esal near the tree. It is only after the descendants were honoured that the archakas began accepting Thattu from the devotees. By now, Vijaya Raghava Perumal was decked with huge flower garlands and so too was the horse. 

Vijaya Raghava Perumal is the Kula Deivam for residents from 25 nearby villages and they were present on this evening to watch the event of honouring the horse and its maker. This temple is a prarthana sthalam for the unmarried and the childless. 

Veda Narayanan Bhattar of Mangai Nallur Perumal Koil (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2021/12/mangai-nallur-temple-priest-veda.html) near Therazhundur too was present on the occasion for this was the first year his young son in law, Sesharaghava Bhattar, had tied Kaappu for the Brahmotsavam.

Shortly after the trip to the sacred tree, Vijaya Raghava Perumal made his way around the Mada Streets and moved on to Balu Chetty Chattiram for Mandagapadi before returning to the temple late in the night bringing to end the once in a year Horse Vahana procession.

Thiru Putkuzhi Divya Desam is about 85kms from Chennai off the Bangalore NH and 10kms from Kanchipuram. Buses every 15minutes from Kanchipuram towards Vellore/Arcot. The temple is open from 7.30am to 12noon and from 4.30pm to 8pm.

Thiru Ninravur Bhaktavatsala Perumal Kainkaryapakas

Dasa Nambi Veera Raghavan performed Kainkaryam of lighting lamps and carrying Theevatti for over six decades till well into his 80s

Madapalli Srinivasan is carrying his family's tradition of serving at the Madapalli

Octogenarian Veera Raghavan has lived all his in Thiru Ninravur with his entire life revolving around service to Bhaktavatsala Perumal and Unnai Petra Thayar. In the 1960s, life for Kainkaryapakas turned for the worse in temples across TN.  Most original inhabitants began leaving their home town in search of a job in the corporate world. This was the case in Thiru Ninravur too. By the early 1980s, historical theppotsavam came to a halt. Hereditary priests gave up their service at the temple and moved away from this Divya Desam praised by Thiru Mangai Azhvaar.

Six+ Decades carrying the Theevatti

Veera Raghavan joined the temple in the late 1950s when there was still vibrancy in the agraharam. His monthly salary in the first decade was Rs. 3/50.  He has seen three Samprokshanams during his time at the temple, the earliest being in 1962. Now aged 84, he stepped aside last year following the Pandemic but continues to visit the temple every day for he has known nothing else in life other than service to the Lord. He looks back at his first decade at the temple “All the four Mada Streets were full of original inhabitants. All the Utsavams were celebrated in a grand way. There was a certain positive vibrancy when one entered the temple.”

As seen earlier in this section in many other Divya Desams in TN, there was a drastic reversal in fortunes starting the late 1960s arising out of the new political climate. He looks back with sadness the fate of this Divya Desam in the 1970s and 80s “Most of the iyengars in this Divya Desam left seeking greener pastures and the streets wore a deserted look. There was no income at the temple till the 1990s. Temple used to close by 7.30pm. The streets were dark and one feared walking around after 7pm. Devotees were very few in numbers and we were always looking for the next set but most times it proved elusive.”

It was a financially challenging life for Veera Raghavan but his devotion to Perumal and Thayar led him to light the lamp in every sannidhi every day over the last 65 years without a break. He also carried the Theevatti during every procession at the temple during these six decades even though his salary did not increase meaningfully even after several decades of service. He recounts the torrid decades of the 70s and 80s “We ate only minimal food through those decades. There was no income and we did not have enough to even buy rice.”

Theppotsavam has come to a halt in the early 1980s and he is saddened that this historical float fest has not taken place for four decades now with the tank turning dilapidated and contaminated water entering the tank.

Despite all the financial challenges, Veera Raghavan feels totally blessed at having had the opportunity to serve Bhaktsavatsala Perumal for over six decades. When he bid adieu last year, his salary after 65 years had increased to Rs.2000!!!!

Continuing Madapalli Service

35 year old P Srinivasan joined the Madapalli at this Divya Desam a dozen years ago to continue the service that his grandfather Krishnamachari had performed for several decades. As with Dasa Nambi Veera Raghavan, Krishnamachari too was unmindful of the low salary (Rs. 60) and performed this as a service to Bhaktavatsala Perumal. After he passed away in the late 1990s, his son Parthasarathy took over at a salary of Rs. 600.

Srinivasan had worked in a private firm for a few years but his mind was with Bhaktavatsala Perumal for he had grown up in this temple having studied in the Government school in Thiru Ninravur. And soon he quit the corporate job and joined the Madapalli in 2010. He is proud to continue in the traditional way of cooking “We still use firewood here and well water for cooking and am happy that I am able to continue the traditional service that my father and grandfather had performed here. We adhere to the six kaala service at the Madapalli.”

The Brahmotsavam attracts huge number of devotees especially for Garuda Sevai and the Chariot day. He says that the ten days of the festival is the period when he is at his busiest "I make 100 dosais and 50 Vadais each day in addition to Pongal for Thirumanjanam Sevai and Sundal.”

On the Garuda Sevai morning (March 12 this year), he is at the temple at 3am to prepare kesari, sundal, dosai and vadai.

He says that being at the madapalli and preparing the sacred food for Perumal and Thayar gives him a blessed feeling. “My parents were keen for to continue the madapalli service at this Divya Desam. I have found great peace in the time I have been here and it has been a devotionally enjoyable experience. My wife too has been encouraging of me to carry out this service.”

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar's Praise

When Thiru Mangai Azhvaar chose to give Thiru Ninravur a miss, Ennai Petra Thayar requested Bhaktavatsavala Perumal to get the Azhvaar to sing praise of this place.  Perumal finally located Thiru Mangai Azhvaar at Thiru Kadal Mallai and got him to refer to his visit to Thiru Ninravur:

“நீண்ட வாத கருமுகிலை எம்மான் தன்னை 

நின்றவூர் நித்திலத்தொதார் சோலை 

காண்டவத்தை கனலேறிவாய் பேய்வித்தானை 

கண்டது நான் கடல் மலை தலசயனத்தே ”

When Perumal came back to Thirunanravur with just a single paasuram, Thayar wanted him to get more. And he went back again to track Thiru Mangai Azhvaar. At Thiru Kanna Mangai, Thiru Mangai Azhvaar welcomed him thus:

“ஏற்றினை மைதுலேம் மீசனை 

இமையை மறுமைக்கு மருந்தினை...... 

நின்றவூர் நின்ற நித்திலத்தொத்தினை 

காற்றினை புனலை சென்று 

நாடி கண்ணமங்கையுள் கண்டு கொண்டேன்”

Bhattars - From Hereditary Service to Salaried Appointment 

While Dasa Nambi carried out Theevatti service for over six decades and the madapalli family have been here for three generations, the hereditary bhattars let go their service at the turn of the century for the low salary had taken a toll on them. Initially, the hereditary bhattars gave up their hereditary rights and took a monthly salary. When an overseas opportunity came his way, the then existing bhattar let go his appointment at this Divya Desam. And thus, a completely new set of Bhattars came into this Divya Desam this century

Exclusive Perumal Sannidhi Bhattar

Therazhundur’s Manivannan Bhattar had been working in a construction firm in Nanganallur. His forefathers had been the hereditary priests at the Pallikonda Perumal temple in Therazhundur but given the challenging financial conditions, like so many others in remote temple towns, he chose to move to Chennai and into the corporate world. For the last two decades, he has been the chief priest at the Bhaktavatsala Perumal Sannidhi with a salary that interestingly is multiple times higher than those in remote Divya Desams.

With his experience in construction, he wanted his son too to continue in the real estate space and hence led him into BE-Civil. However, his son has shown interest in the temple space and is inclined to perform service at this temple.

A new Exclusive Bhattar for Thayar Sannidhi

43 year old Balaji Bhattar hailed from Raja Mannargudi. While his grandfather Kannan Dikshithar had performed service at the Rajagopalaswamy temple, his appa moved into corporate life given the same financial challenges that most priests experienced in the second half of the previous century. Balaji Bhattar too began on the corporate path in Madras and did design work at a printing press for a few years but he did not quite enjoy the corporate work and his mind was inclined towards temple service. When Tirumala Periya Jeer who administers the temple (along with HR & CE!!!) offered him a posting at the Thayar Sannidhi, he grabbed it with both hands and moved full time to Thiru Ninravur a dozen years ago.  Now, he is keen for his 17 year old son to join a Patshala so he can continue the temple service.

Renovation after two Decades

It has been a couple of decades since the previous consecration. The Raja Gopuram wears a faded look. Plans are afoot to start a renovation exercise later this year. The exercise is also expected to include refurbishing the temple tank. It is hoped that following the consecration, the Theppotsavam will be revived after a break of four decades.  

The temple is open from 730am-12noon and 430pm-830pm. Contact: Manivanna Bhattar @ 93805 16055 / Balaji Bhattar @ 72000 13191

Arunachalam Pathangi Press Periyava Kainakaryam

The Sanskrit College lecture of Periyava in the 1950s transformed his life and he came to perform Kainkaryam at Periyava's feet for decades 

Spreading the sacred messages of Periyava has been his way of life for decades

In December 2020, this section had featured a story on a Nonagenarian who had run a devotional printing press and had served as an archaka for decades at the Mylapore Srinivasa Perumal temple (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2020/12/t-srinivasachariar-raghava-simham-press.html). Earlier in 2020, this section had featured a story on Periyava's Mylapore trip in the 1950s (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2020/03/periyava-mylapore-kapali-1957.html). This story is about another Nonagenarian whose cycling trip from Central Station to Sanskrit college in the 1950s proved transformational. 

A native of Mahendravadi, North Arcot, M.S. Arunachalam did his schooling at The Hindu High School Thiruvallikeni. Soon after his SSLC, he joined the Chennai Central unit of Higginbotham's, where he went on to become a manager. When he was informed about Periyava's presence at the Sanskrit College, he decided to cycle his way to Mylapore from Chennai Central  in the mid 1950s. He was not yet 30 at that time and his decision to go to Mylapore  instead of his home on Mount Road near Paragon theatre that late evening transformed his life. 

Now aged 97, he still fondly remembers that transformational night and recalls to this writer at his home in Rangarajapuram (Madras) that phase in his life “It was my first real experience of Periyava. He spoke about the importance of taking the mind away from financial desires and detachment from materialistic life.  It was such an inspirational moment that I instantly became his disciple and wanted to spend the rest of my life at his feet.”

In 1957, he moved to West Mambalam and came into contact with his neighbour Srivatsa Somadeva Sharma, an ardent devotee of Periyava “He took me to Periyava and introduced me as one who was interested to perform Kainkaryam. Periyava received 1000s of letters from devotees requesting for a copy of the book he had just brought out. I was completely thrilled when he assigned me the task of delivering the books to those devotees.”

A special kainkaryam - Handing out books to devotees

Impressed with his meticulous approach, Periyava assigned him the Kainkaryam of handing out books brought out on festive occasions round the year “Periyava received huge number of post cards around festivals such as Vinayaka Chaturthi, Rama Navami and Krishna Jayanthi. Each time, he gave me the opportunity to hand out the special books to the devotees.”

Sacred Books to the wrong doers

The inhabitants in various jails used to send hand written letters to Periyava expressing repent over their inappropriate actions and requesting him for books that could give them peace of mind during their stint at the jail. Periyava assigned the task of sending these books too to Arunachalam. He would personally send scores of books including Thiruvachakam and Bhagavath Gita every month to different jails in TN. This helped in their positive transformation and they came back to lead a new life.

Periyava presents the entire Ramayana in a walk to the river bank

Arunachalam looks back at another big moment in his life when he had the privilege of an exclusive one hour walk with Periyava to the river bank in TADA "When Periyava visited TADA over six decades ago, he asked me to accompany him on his morning bath. We were to walk almosta kilometer to the river bank. During the walk, he presented the entire Ramayana story as narrated by Hanuman to Sita. I was not aware of this at that time and it was an enthralling experience to listen to Periyava presenting these sacred verses."

Periyava directed him to start a printing press that would print devotional books and spread the message of dharma among devotees across the country. He resigned from Higginbotham's in the 1970s and started Pathangi and Surabi Press and printed devotional books there. Later he also had a tie up with Bhavan's in Mylapore near the Kapaleeswarar temple and ran the Bhavani Book store for a few years.

Full time service at Periyava's feet

By the 1980s, Periyava had begun to trust him fully as one who would perform his kainkaryam with sincerity. Arunachalam gathered courage and asked Periyava if he could come to Kanchi and perform every day service. “I was delighted when he acceded to my request and I moved full time to Kanchi in 1985 and performed daily service for close to three decades till I was into my mid 80s.”

Wide Ranging Kainkaryam

Arunachalam took care of the work at the Patshala, Old Age Home and Hospital in addition to the work relating to the books. He looks back at the period from the mid-1950s to the mid-1990s as a great time in his life “The Mutt was very vibrant and there were devotees in several hundreds visiting the mutt every day. Periyava would ask me if I took great care of each one of them. Pradosham occasions were packed with devotees. Periyava would identify each devotee personally – such was his power - and enquire about them.”

From Rajamundary to Madras to deliver Prasadam

Arunachalam also made trips to Andhra Pradesh and narrates another unforgettable moment “During Periyava’s stay at Rajamundary, he called for me one late evening at 10pm. He had received a telegram that one of his disciples in Madras was unwell and he asked me to leave that same night to deliver prasadam to that devotee. I considered it a great blessing that Periyava trusted me in following his instructions the way he wanted.”

A book on Maha Magam - a Big Hit

On the occasion of Maasi Magam, Periyava assigned him the task of distributing 20000 copies of the booklet containing the significance of the Magam “I reached Kumbakonam at 1am and began distributing the booklet at the entrance of the Maha Magam tank from 5am on the morning of Maha Magam. I never dreamt that I would come to be Periyava’s ‘chosen one’ for such a sacred kainkaryam. He wanted devotees to be educated on the importance of the Maha Magam.”

Periyava's English Proficiency

On another occasion, when Periyava had had an eye operation, he called on Arunachalam to take some notes.  Arunachalam was stunned listening to Periyava's fluency in English “His English proficiency took me completely by surprise. He narrated 16pages of notes in English on Adi Sankara and Thirukural paying minute attention to the right choice of the English word. It was yet another great experience to take notes for a book in English and was completely taken aback at his grasp of the English language.”

After his first visit to the Sanskrit College in the mid 1950s to listen to Periyava’s lecture, service at Periyava’s feet came to be the way of Arunachalam's life. He was at peace with himself performing this kainkaryam for decades at the Mutt. He was also assigned the task of visiting the shrines where Adi Sankara’s idol had been installed across the country. When he was working at Higginbotham's selling wide ranging books, he did not visualize that in the second half of his life, he would be the chosen one to be printing and distributing  several thousands of sacred books to devotees across the country. 

At 97, Arunachalam continues to perform Sandhya Vandanam and daily Thiru Aradhanam at his home as instructed by Periyava and counts being assigned daily kainkaryam by Periyava as the greatest blessing of this life.

Another Corporate to Kainkaryam story: https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2022/07/kapali-v-ramkumar-world-bank-to-sanyasam.html

Thirumazhisai Jagannatha Perumal Thai Garuda Sevai

Reviving Utsavams and Bringing back the lost Vibrancy

Two longtime devotees of Thiruvallikeni have made their way back to their ancestral home in Thirumazhisai to spend the rest of their lives in Kainkaryam to the Azhvaar 

This section has featured many stories on how the original inhabitants had left their ancestral temple towns in large numbers since the 1960s leading to severe challenges in ancient temples. In the recent past, there have been a few instances of those that left earlier returning to these temple towns. On the fifth day of the Thai Avathara Utsavam in Thirumazhisai, there was a twin treat for the devotees late in the evening on Thursday with Jagannathan Perumal providing Garuda Sevai darshan and Thirumazhisai Azhvaar on a Hamsa Vahanam.

From Thiruvallikeni Madapalli to Thirumazhisai

46 year old Aravindan had spent his entire schooling years in Thirumazhisai in the 1980s and had watched the temple activities from close quarters. Into his 20s, he moved to Thiruvallikeni working in the computer hardware space. For 15years, he performed service at the Parthasarathy Perumal Divya Desam where he also built a huge network of friends. While he felt blessed to be performing Paricharaka support kainkaryam, there was an inner feeling to come back to his hereditary location and resume service at the feet of Thirumazhisai Azhvaar. The renovation exercise and the subsequent consecration event at the Jagannatha Perumal temple coincided with the arrival of the Pandemic. The Thiruppani activities required service personnel at Thirumazhisai and Aravindan chose the occasion to head back to his home town “It was a difficult decision to leave Parthasarathy Perumal for performing service there and being with the best friends of my life was one of the most enjoyable experiences. In the period that I was in Thiruvallikeni, there was not a moment of rest. There were round the year utsavams and friends to meet with every hour of the day.”

“For anyone, it would be a dream come true to be offered the opportunity to perform service at Parthasarathy Koil. But for me equally big is this current opportunity to serve at birth place of an Azhvaar, where I grew up.”

At Thiruvallikeni, there was a vibrant atmosphere. He recalls as to how there were so many Aravindans that he came to be called as Azhvaar having come from an Azhvaar’s birth place. He sees as a big task bringing back the vibrancy around this temple “I made 100s of friends there at Thiruvallikeni. Here at Thirumazhisai there are only a few traditional families left, many of the utsavams had stopped and most of the time we were short on service personnel. So it is a completely different challenge here. We want to bring back as many utsavams as possible.”

From the Corporate World to Thirumazhisai

56 year Thirumazhisai RS Kannan had been in the corporate world for three decades having worked in National Panasonic and TTK. He chose the occasion of the marriage of his daughter to take the big call to quit the corporate world and return to his ancestral home in Thirumazhisai to perform service at the Jagannathan Perumal temple. He too had been in Thiruvallikeni for 15years and had also performed service of video recording utsavams and sending it to TTD Channel for telecast. In the past he would always be present for the annual avathara utsavam in Thai but otherwise his entire focus had been on his office work.

Revival of utsavams

He has been in Thirumazhisai for just under 2 years and says that it has been a delightful experience at the temple “We have been able to revive the monthly star celebrations of all the Azhvaars. Thayar procession every Friday had come to a halt decades ago. This has now been revived with the support of devotees.”

This section had featured a story last month of the revival of utsavams in Mangai Madam, where too utsavams had come to a halt decades ago (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2022/12/mangai-madam-utsavam-revival.html). It is definitely a positive development that utsavams are being revived by like minded devotees in historical temples.

Kannan has been participating in the temple activities in every possible way. He lights the lamp in the sannidhis and presents dhoopam, deepam to the archakas during Thirumanjanam. During the Avathara Utsavam, he has joined hands with a few others in Thirumazhisai to organize Thathiyaarathanai for all devotees visiting the temple over the ten days. 

Another new initiative in the recent past has been the special Thaligai every Saturday that is distributed to the devotees who have now increased in numbers.

Sripatham Service

On Thursday evening, both Kannan and Aravindan performed Sripatham service during the Pathi Ulathal carrying Thirumazhisai Azhvaar from the temple to the Alankara Mandapam opposite the Raja Gopuram.

             Kannan and Aravindan carrying Thirumazhisai Azhvaar

Kannan says that in the initial phase after his return to Thirumazhisai he was apprehensive of the longevity of his stay here after several decades of fast paced city life. But much to his surprise he has found a dramatic positive change in his health “BP and Sugar have all vanished since I began to perform service at this temple” he says of his new found happiness in rendering Kainkaryam at the feet of Thirumazhisai Azhvaar.

Annual Trip to Avathara Sthalam Mandapam

The area around the Avathara Sthalam of Thirumazhisai Azhvaar located under half a km South of the temple had been under the threat of encroachment. Kannan has brought together around 50 devotees to light lamp at the avathara sthalam every Sunday to keep the positive vibration at that sacred location and also to ensure that there are no encroachments around the avathara sthalam.

On the 10th day of the Thai Avathara Utsavam, Thirumazhisai Azhvaar makes a trip to the Avathara Sthalam, where a Thirumanjanam is performed. This will take place next Tuesday.

At Thiruvallikeni, it was competition for Kainkaryam. Here at Thirumazhisai, it is a big responsibility for there is always a shortage of service personnel. The two have renovated and reconstructed their hereditary homes and are here to stay for the long term. They are keen to revive utsavams and attract more devotees to this avathara sthalam of Thirumazhisai Azhvaar. With the network of friends, they are now able to reach out to their friends in the Divya Desam for any support for utsavams.

On Thursday evening, Prabhandham members from Thiruvallikeni were part of the Ghosti that presented the sacred verses and the completion of ‘Muthal Aayiram’.

Garuda Sevai Darshan

Madhava Perumal temple’s young archaka Ashwin Bhattar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2022/04/madhava-perumal-temple-next-gen-bhattar.html)  made a long trip from Mylapore to deck Jagannatha Perumal for the Garuda Sevai. He has taken special interest in alankarams and this was yet another opportunity for him to showcase his skills. His younger brother, Sudarshan, who is now learning the agamas, too joined in for the joint street procession (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2022/08/madhava-perumal-mylapore-next-gen.html).  At last year's Brahmotsavam at the Madhava Perumal temple in Mylapore, the bhattar from Thirumazhisai had come all the way and supported the priests there.

Shortly after 7pm, devotees gathered in large numbers near the Raja Gopuram to watch Thirumazhisai Azhvaar’s Pathi Ulathal and Voyali as he made his way from the temple complex to the mandapam opposite the Raja Gopuram where he was mounted onto the Hamsa Vahanam. 40 Sripatham personnel arrived at the temple around 8pm. 

Around 50 devotees from Vijayawada were present on the occasion of Garuda Sevai Procession. Bhagavathas presented bhajans for over an hour leading to the procession and they continued their songs during the Mada Veethi purappadu.

The big moment of the fifth evening of the utsavam came when Jagannathan Perumal on Garuda Vahana came face to face with Thirumazhisai Azhvaar on the Hamsa Vahana in front of the new look Raja Gopuram.

The utsavam is seeing devotees turn up in good numbers. At the Moolavar Sannidhi, there was a stead stream of devotees through the evening that kept the archakas busy.  

The revered Vasan Bhattar of Therazhundur (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2021/09/therazhundur-vasan-bhattar.html) has often expressed to this writer that the greatest need in historical temple locations is the presence of traditional devotees in good numbers to participate and support the Bhattars both in their daily activities as well as during the utsavams. The return of this traditional duo from Thiruvallikeni is certainly a step in that direction and will make a big difference to the Jagannatha Perumal temple in Thirumazhisai in the long run. It is hoped that more such devotees will take the big call sooner than later to return to their hereditary locations to help in the return of the vibrancy in the historical temple towns.