Dhanushkodi Rama Temple Shiva Lingam Removal

Rameswararam Temple EO Sivaram Kumar anchors removal of unauthorised Shiva Lingam and Nandi idols near the historical Kothandarama Temple in Dhanushkodi where Rama performed Pattabhisekam for Vibheeshana

HRCE removed, on Thursday (May 9) morning, the unauthorised installation, by devotees, of Shiva Lingam and Nandi idol on the sea shore near the Kothandaramaswamy temple, Dhanushkodi. It was here that Rama performed Pattabhishekam for Vibheeshana. The Aani Utsavam is the big day in the year at Dhanushkodi. A day before Hastham, the utsava deity of Rama makes his way to this temple for Vibheeshana Pattabhisekam. On the fourth Saturday of Puratasi Rama makes his way on the Garuda Vahana for Pancha Deepam at this temple. 

The EO of Ramananathaswamy temple, Rameswaram, S. Sivaram Kumar told this writer on Thursday soon after the removal that these local residents and guides misled visiting devotees that this was the historical Shiva Lingam that Lord Rama performed Thiru Aradhana and collected money from these devotees.

“We secured the permission of the Tahsildar and the Police Chief to remove this unauthorised new installation of these idols. Under their supervision, we have this morning removed these idols and placed these in safe custody in Rameswaram”, he told this writer.

Sivaram Kumar, who was the EO at the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam, for a brief period last year has taken a number of welfare initiatives at the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram including keeping away touts and agents misleading devotees from the North of the country. He has also taken new initiatives for the construction of bathrooms, toilets, chappal stands and lockers outside the temple complex, each of which were previously manned by private personnel who fleeced unwary devotees. 

Devotee Welfare Initiatives

It is refreshing to see the new EO taking positive devotee friendly steps soon after his taking charge and there has been a transformation at the temple over the last 6 months or so. He has put paid to agents fleecing the devotees for darshan with a process inside the temple complex that is now keeping the agents away. The queue system has been streamlined and devotees are having a new experience and a relief for the first time in year from the fleecing agents. He has also ensured periodic announcements  through a public address system to alert the devotees from not falling prey to the agents. 

A 30000 litre purified water tank has been installed to supply free water to the devotees. Across the temple complex, new fans have been installed this year for those standing in the queue for darshan. 

Toilet Block and Locker Room

The toilet block at the North Gate is nearing completion as well as the locker room. 850 mobiles can be kept for Rs.  5each compared to the Rs. 20 that was being charged previously by the private shops. At the new free slipper facility, 1000 pairs can be kept at any point of time. 

450 Dormitories for Devotees

Very soon, a huge guest house measuring over 10000 sq ft will be ready near the reconstructed Rameswaram Railway station. Through this facility, the temple will be able to provide dormitory accommodation to 450 devotees. 

The next time you visit the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram and the Kothandaramaswamy temple in Dhanuskodi, it could be altogether different experience for devotees, thanks to these initiatives of EO Sivaram Kumar.

Manakkal Vedic Patshala 130 years

Remote Patshala Thrives

36year old Lakshmi Narasimha Ganapadigal has committed his lifetime to the Vedic Patshala in this Avathara Sthalam of Vaishnavite Acharya Manakkal Nambi

A dozen Vedic students from different parts of the country are devotionally committed to learning the Yajur Veda from acharya Lakshmi Narasimha Ganapadigal. On the Rama Navami morning, they watch with excitement the Tejas Express speed past their building crossing the Lalgudi station that is walking distance from their Patshala. In their free time in peak summer, these students, most of them in their teens, spend time playing tennis ball cricket. 

But their daily life is tough. They wake up early at 4am for their morning class. Each of them have a strict schedule and follow a routine that is high on discipline and process. They are all enjoying this way of life founded on tradition in the company of their friendly acharya. All of them function as a family sharing jokes and chit chatting on different topics while they are away from their studies.

At the Avathara Sthalam of Vaishnavite Acharya Manakkal Nambi (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2024/04/manakkal-nambi-varadaraja-perumal-temple.html), this almost 130 years old A Ramaswamy Iyer Vedic Patshala continues to thrive. Manakkal is a remote town 1km east of Lalgudi very close the Vadivazhagiya Nambi Divya Desam at Anbil (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2007/11/108-divya-desam-anbil-vadivazhagiya.html).

36year old Lakshmi Narasimha Ganapadigal, who hails from Nagainallur, has been anchoring the Patshala as the acharya passing on his Vedic learnings to the next generation of students. Having learned at the Ramanashrama Patshala in Tiruvannamalai for a dozen years from 1999 under Senthinathan Ganapadigal, he was roped in by Mahalinga Ganapadigal who at that time had created scores of vedic students at this A Ramaswamy Iyer Yajur Veda Patshala in Manakkal.

10 Generations in Vedic Tradition

Lakshmi Narasimha Ganapadigal told this writer that 10 generations of his family have been serving as Ganapadigal focused on Vedic teachings. “With the situation turning sour in the second half of the previous century, my appa was forced to get into the corporate world. But my parents were keen for me to revive the family tradition of being a Vedic Acharya and hence sent me to the Patshala after I completed my class VII”, he said.

“After the completion of my patshala education, my acharya wanted me to spread Vedic messages in remote towns and hence sent me to Manakkal to this patshala.”

Unmindful of the remoteness of the location, Lakshmi Narasimha Ganapadigal is committed to continuing his service at this historical Patshala run by Trustee Vijayakumar, the great grandson of the founder of this Patshala. His parents and wife are great support encouraging and inspiring him into donning the role of a Vedic Acharya that his forefathers had so successfully performed over the last few centuries.

At a time when most Vedic Pundits are looking to monetise their knowledge by moving to top cities, it is commendable that this young Ganapadigal has been happy to be residing in this remote location spending time with these young kids passing on his Vedic Knowledge to them.

Madanagopal T20 World Cup Umpire

TN's Moment of Glory in Umpiring

Long Term Commitment  and ‘Staying in the Game’ has led Madan to the top of the world in Umpiring

After a few frustrating years in the middle of the previous decade that he saw through with great patience and balance, he is now where he deserves to be and is one of the two umpires from India to be chosen for the T20 World Cup

                     Photo Credit: Kamal Sharma, Haryana

Way back in 2011, the then TNCA Secretary, KS Viswanathan told this writer that JR Madanagopal was the best player turned umpire after Venkataraghavan (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2020/04/venkataraghavan75.html). He had predicted that Madan would make it big in umpire, something that he was not able to do as a player. After some low moments in the middle of the previous decade, Madan (Maddy to his cricketing friends) has bounced back strongly and emerged as a top umpire in India in the last couple of years. This week he has been chosen as one of the only two umpires from India to officiate in the T20 World Cup that starts next month. It is a transformational moment for Madan as he makes the jump right to the top of the Umpiring World.

Had to slog it out and stay committed

Even though he had got into the IPL as a fourth umpire in its initial years, he did not get the right breaks and even opportunities in the Ranji Trophy knock outs remained elusive for quite a long time. In his mind, there could easily have been thoughts if umpiring was going the same way as his playing days. Not once did he complain or air his disappointment. Credit to his professionalism, Madanagopal (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2016/10/madanagopal-j.html) had answered with his bat as a player when given the chance!!!! While he performed extraordinarily as a middle order batsman for TN in the late 1990s and early 2000s topping the batting charts for a couple of years, he did not get the right opportunities at the next level and missed out of higher laurels as a player. In his debut season and the next, he topped 500runs in Ranji cricket, scored two centuries but had already been dropped twice from the squad!!

Lets go Coaching Opportunities to focus on Umpiring

He was a great mentor and had several offers as a coach and there was a lucrative coaching career in the offing. But he had made up his mind that his future was in umpiring and unmindful of the delay in moving up to the next level, he continued to give his best and waited his time out hoping that one day that the fortunes would turn around for him (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2020/03/umpire-madanagopal-ipl-call.html).

Has been a great student of the game

Former BCCI Umpire R Radhakrishnan was the one who mentored several umpires in the early 2000s before they took the BCCI examination in 2006. He had told this writer earlier that out of the all the umpires that he had helped prepare for the exam, Madan was the one who had the most thought-provoking arguments "Even at that very early stage, he craved for perfection and did not accept unless he was 100% satisfied. He has that ability and inclination to learn everything in its absoluteness and thoroughly. His focus as an umpire is something to be emulated.”

Very Balanced Guy, Not swayed away by Moments

National Selector Sharath (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2023/01/sharath-s-national-selector.html) is just back after selecting the Indian team for the T20 World Cup. He has known Madan for over three decades and the two played together both for TN as well as in the same team in the first division league in Chennai. He has watched Madan closely during the time he was a Match Referee. He credits Madan for his great professionalism “Even though we were close friends, he always maintained a professional distance as an umpire. He is a very balanced guy and doesn’t get carried away with good or bad days. That is a big differentiator and is a stand out character. He is calm, composed, committed and sincere to his profession that has made him get to where he is now. He has put in a lot of effort in domestic cricket over the last two decades to come to this level. He is respected for his decision making and is high on skills and knowledge. He has been greatly consistent and will be a big inspiration for youngsters to get to the next level. Watching him Umpire will raise the bar for youngsters.”

Madan's Qualities enhance the image of umpiring

Madanagopal has always been one of the most likeable characters in TN cricket and every upcoming cricketer in Tamil Nadu has looked up to him for guidance and they still continue to, though he is now fully immersed in umpiring. During his playing days, Madanagopal had stayed under the radar and away from limelight and tried to do his best in the opportunities that came his way.  He has been ‘silent’ and ‘off radar’ as an umpire as well. ICC Match Referee V Narayanan Kutti had told this writer in 2021 that Madan’s Qualities enhance the image of Umpiring.

Balanced and Sound, temperamentally
Former Kerala leg spinner KN Ananthapadmanabhan (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2016/09/ananthapadmanabhan-kn.html) got into umpiring in the same year as Madan, in 2006 and the two have umpired many matches together in recent years. He has found Madan to be an excellent team man “He understands the game well, is well versed with Laws and the playing conditions. He is balanced and sound temperamentally. He has outstanding communication skills. He is a full package and deserves all the success that is coming his way”, Ananthapadmanabhan told this writer on Sunday morning.

Takes to Yoga - Strengthens Mind and Mental Fitness

The middle of the last decade tested his commitment and patience as he did not get the opportunities to move to the next level in umpiring. It threw within himself a lot of questions on his future. He internalized the thought process strengthening his mind to face the challenges of an uncertain life. Yoga became an integral part of his life and helped his fitness. He is easily one of the fittest umpires around.

Most Studious as a player and an Umpire

KS Viswanathan (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2015/02/ks-viswanathan-tnca-bcci-ipl.html),  CEO, CSK, has seen Madan as a player right from his teenage days. Both his brother DJ Gokulakrishnan(https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2017/03/gokulakrishnan-j.html), who passed away last year and Madan had always been likeable characters in the dressing room. 

KSV told this writer on Sunday morning that that Madan has been one of the most studious persons both as a player and an umpire. "His knowledge of the laws of cricket ranks among the Best. Being a cricketer turned umpire, he knows how to control a game on the field. He is rated one of the best umpires in India and has a bright future."

Madan's presence exudes Confidence

Match referee P Ranganathan, who played first class cricket for Kerala in the 1980s, told this writer three years ago that Madan exudes confidence when he walks out on to the field “He displays a great deal of confidence as an umpire. His communication skills are very good. In addition to decision making, what is important for an umpire is the match management. I have seen the manner of his interactions with players and officials to be very good. A clear advantage for him is that he has been a first class player and hence he knows the players’ psyche and the ways of taking control of a match.”

Ranganathan had told this writer then that it was critical for Madan to get the right exposure in the first half of this decade and his elevation in his late 40s would give him sufficient number of years to showcase himself at the highest level. This week Madanagopal has had that big elevation right to the top of the Umpiring World as his appointment to the T20 World Cup marks yet another important milestone in his umpiring career. As has been his trait, Madan doesn't exhibit too much emotions even at this big moment of glory. He told this writer from Mumbai on a rest day away from cricket that he is happy with the appointment to the World Cup and believes that it is a good recognition!!!

This section wishes him the Best for the World Cup.

Chidambaram Divya Desam Brahmotsavam Revival

HR & CE Minister Sekar Babu is keen to revive the Brahmotsavam at Govindaraja Perumal Temple in Chidambaram but Temple Activist TR Ramesh is clear that the Utsavam cannot take place at the temple owned by Pothu Dikshithars

In early 2018, this writer was at the through the night procession from the Govindaraja Perumal temple in Chidambaram to Killai, 15kms away for the Theerthavari Utsavam on the occasion of Maasi Magam Utsavam (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2018/04/chidambaram-maasi-magam-utsavam_13.html). It is the longest street procession at this Divya Desam , with Perumal leaving the temple at 6pm with the Theerthavari at Killai at 6am the next morning. The then 85 year old Theerthakarar Prof AV Rangachari had told this writer that he was delighted that this historical utsavam could take place and the night long procession could be continued at this point of time. Six months prior, in a long chat with this writer in front of the Thayar Sannidhi, he had also expressed as one of his life time wishes the revival of the Brahmotsavam that had not been conducted in the 20th Century.

Prof AVR has several accomplishments to his credit at the Govindaraja Perumal temple where he had been closely associated for over seven decades but the non-conduct of the Brahmotsavam has always remained a sore point for him. He had made several attempts but the Brahmotsavam did not seem to be in sight.

ஊன்வாட உண்ணாது உயிர் காவல் இட்டு

உடலில் பிரியாப் புலன் ஐந்தும் நொந்து

தாம் வாடத் தவம் செய்ய வேண்டா

தமதா இமையோர் உலகு ஆளாகிற்பீர்

கான் ஆட மஞ்சைக் கணம் ஆட மாடே

கயல் ஆடு கால் நீர்ப் பழனம் புடைபோய்த்

தேன் ஆட மாடக்  கொடி ஆடு

தில்லை திருச்சித்ரகூடம் சென்று சேர்மின்களே- Thiru Mangai Azhvaar

HRCE Commissioner order the Conduct of the Brahmotsavam

After several years of back and forth on this issue, the Commissioner of the HRCE (while the Sabanayakar temple is managed by the Pothu Dikshithars, the Perumal Koil is administered by the HRCE) issued an order, in February, for the conduct of the Brahmotsavam with the dates for the ten day utsavam being fixed for this Vaikasi (May 20 to 29).

Minister keen to revive the Brahmotsavam

HRCE Minister PK Sekar Babu has been at loggerheads with the Chidambaram temple (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2023/07/chidambaram-dikshithars-hrce-battle.html) in recent times including on the issue relating to public darshan at the Kanakasabhai. This section had featured a story on that issue in July last year. He has now taken special interest in the revival of the Brahmotsavam at the Perumal temple and is keen for this to be conducted from this year. 

He told this writer on Friday morning that this is a temple praised by the Vaishnavite Saint Poets and the temple had seen glorious times in the past “Should a Brahmotsavam not be conducted in a Divya Desam like this. Is it not good for this historical temple? Devotees have asked me as to why the big annual utsavam is not conducted in this temple and that is the reason for my interest to revive the Brahmotsavam at this Divya Desam.”

The start of the Utsavam is just a fortnight away as per the order of the Commissioner but there are already several challenges including question marks over the very conduct of the Brahmotsavam.

Brahmotsavam cannot be conducted- TR Ramesh

Temple Activist and President of the Temple Worshippers Society TR Ramesh (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2018/02/tr-ramesh-temple-activist.html) was instrumental in securing back for the Pothu Dikshithars their ownership rights of the Sabanayakar temple over a decade ago. He has filed a case in the Madras High Court against the utsavam being commenced now and is clear that one point alone is enough for the Brahmotsavam to not be started now or anytime in the future “In 1918, representatives of the Govindaraja Perumal temple filed a case regarding issues relating to keys of the temple gates being with the Dikshithars and the resultant challenges in them being able to perform poojas during utsavam times. After hearing all the parties on this issue, the court issued an order in 1920 wherein it said that the Brahmotsavam had not been celebrated in recent memory. In fact, in 1860, the Perumal temple authorities had given up the right of celebrating the Brahmotsavam. This is mainly a Saivite temple and the Dikshithars would open and close the gates for utsavams as existing at that point of time (in 1920)."

As per this 1920 judgement, the festivals of the Perumal temple had been finalised and the civil right of both sides clearly demarked. At that time there was no Brahmotsavam and as per the judgement, no new utsavams involving long street processions that go into late night could be conducted. No one went on appeal for any length of time after this judgement. Matter had been finally decided in 1920 and this cannot be reopened now after over a100 years”, Ramesh told this writer on Friday.

As an additional point to strengthen his argument, he said that a temple practice that was not in vogue in 1947 cannot be started afresh now. "No new innovation is possible in temples and for that reason, the Brahmotsavam cannot be newly initiated now.”

மூவாயிரம் நான்மறையாளர் 

நாளும் முறையால் வணங்க

அணங்கு ஆய சோதித் 

தேவாதிதேவன் திகழ் கின்ற 

தில்லை திருச்சித்ர கூடம் சென்று சேர்மின்களே -Thiru Mangai Azhvaar

செந்தளிர்வாய் மலர் நகை சேர் செழுந்தண்  சோலைத் 

தில்லை நகர் திரு சித்திரகூடந் தன்னுள் 

அந்தணர்கள் ஒரு மூவாயிரவர் ஏத்த 

அணிமணி ஆசனத்து இருந்த அம்மான் தானே- Kulasekara Azhvaar

No place for Perumal Vahanas inside the temple complex

There are other issues as well. The priest at the Govindaraja Perumal temple told this writer earlier this week that all the vahanas are at the Ramar temple on the West Street “We need a place for the Vahanas to be kept inside the temple complex and Pothu Dikshithars have to provide us that space.”

Why is the activist stopping the Brahmotsavam in a Divya Desam

Like he has in the past, Sekar Babu hit out at the temple activist when talking to this writer this morning “If we get the Brahmotsavam going at the Chidambaram Perumal temple, it will be seen as us working towards the welfare of the Hindu devotees as well as the development of the temples in TN. The temple activist does not want us to revive this utsavam as it will be an important positive development for this Divya Desam and a success for the HR & CE. But we will ensure that this utsavam takes place with the appropriate order of the High Court.”

Ramesh told this writer this week that this is Pothu Dikshithar’s temple and they hold all the rights at this temple. “Any activity within the temple can be done only with their permission" says Ramesh.

He is clear that the HR & CE cannot go ahead with the Utsavam as per the Commissioner’s order “They have no right to conduct the utsavam and I will not allow that to happen.”

The court case was slated for this week but has now been adjourned to May 10, just ten days before the Brahmotsavam is expected to begin.

While the recital of the Prabhandham and Vedas is an issue at the upcoming Vaikasi Brahmotsavam at the Varadaraja Perumal Divya Desam in Kanchipuram (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2007/11/108-divya-desam-thirukachi-athigiri.html), the very conduct of the Brahmotsavam at the Govindaraja Perumal temple in Chidambaram is an issue that will soon come up at the court. Both these issues are likely to see some decisions at the court over the next fortnight.

Ramesh willing to help Chidambaram Perumal Trustees

While the conduct of the Brahmotsavam is a specific pooja - utsavam related issue at the Chidambaram Perumal temple with the HRCE minister keen for the utsavam to be revived, Ramesh has a larger goal in sight. He told this writer that he is eager and willing to help the trustees of Govindaraja Perumal temple and free them from Govt control just like he had done a decade ago at the Sabanayakar temple. And then the Pothu Dikshithars and the Perumal Bhattars can work closely amongst themselves. While the immediate task for the Perumal temple priests and trustees is to see if the Brahmotsavam can be revived for the devotees to enjoy Vahana processions, Ramesh has given them something to ponder over and for them to see if they would like to take his offer to help them.

This section will track the developments at the Chidambaram temple.

Kanchi Varadar Vadakalai Thenkalai Fight Outcome

A Long Time devotee of Kanchipuram files affidavit in the High Court praying for Rights in Vedic and Prabhandham Recital

Instead of fighting amongst themselves, Vadakalai and Thenkalai Sects should come together in the fight against the HRCE- TR Ramesh

Matadhipathis and Acharyas have to intervene to stop this infighting- MAV

Exactly a year ago, this section had featured a couple of stories on the battle between Thenkalai and Vadakalai sects at the Varadajaperumal temple in Kanchipuram. This section had predicted then that the delay in an amicable solution could have repercussions for the two sects. And that is what has happened (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2023/05/kanchi-varadar-brahmotsavam-mav.html). 

A share in the Recital Rights

This week, just under a month before the start of the Vaikasi Brahmotsavam, Premnath Singh, a Rajput (he adds ‘Non-Brahmin) and a long time devotee of Varadaraja Perumal has filed an affidavit, a copy of which is available with this writer at the Madras High Court seeking rights in Prabhandham and Vedic recital. He says that he has been present at the Utsavams at the Devarajaswamy temple in Kanchipuram for a long time. Pointing to the fights between the two sects relating to recital of Vedas, Prabhandham and Stothrams, he says in the affidavit that non brahmins should not be prevented from performing these services and that Purana Recitals and Mantra Pushapam services should not be restricted to a select few. He also says that similar to the earlier HC order removing the discrimination in presentation of Theertham and Prasadam only to select people following the conclusion of the Ghoshti, the recital of the Vedas and Prabhandham at the Varadaraja Perumal temple during the Ghosti as well as services relating to Mantra Pushpam and Purana recital should be thrown open to people of all castes and gender.

Temple Activist and President of the Temple Worshippers Society TR Ramesh (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2018/02/tr-ramesh-temple-activist.html) has been actively involved in campaigns against the HRCE for over a decade and has focused all his attention on sending the HRCE out of TN temples.

Vadakalai and Thenkalai sects should come together to fight against the HRCE

On Thursday morning, he told this writer with a tinge of sadness in the way a conversation unfolded recently at the Madras High Court "Both the Vadakalai and Thenkalai sects were at the court recently and each of them came to me asking for my opinion and seeking solution to the battle between the two sects at Kanchipuram. I told them that instead of coming together in their fight against the HRCE, you are fighting amongst yourselves and that is the biggest disservice you are doing to the protection of temple Kainkaryam.”

Much to Ramesh’s shock, both the sects who came to him on their own seeking his opinion and advice, went away after hearing his views on trying to bring together the two sects for the larger cause. He bemoans the fact that in TN, there are only a couple of them fighting against the HRCEs and Sects like these are fighting amongst themselves and thus causing much long term damage to the traditions and practices.

Don't change historical practices - MAV

On Wednesday evening, former HOD (Vaishnavism), Madras University and long-standing leader of the Prabhandham Ghoshti at Thiruvallikeni, MA Venkatakrishnan (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2019/05/ma-venkatakrishnan-thiruvallikeni-divya_16.html), who has no reservations in calling himself a Thenkalai fanatic, told this writer ahead of the ninth day procession of the Chitrai Brahmotsavam at the Parthasarathy Perumal temple that the historical practices relating to Vedic and Prabhandham recital as per the 1915 judgement which was followed till 2020 without any deviation should be continued as is at the Varadaraja Perumal temple in Kanchpuram and no changes should be brought into this practice.

Requests Matathipathis to intervene

MAV, who created hundreds of prabhandham students at Thiruvallikeni right from the 1970s told this writer that unless Matadhipathis and Acharya purushas intervene and prevent their disciples from quarrelling, he does not see a future for Sri Vaishnavism. 

Ramesh is of the view that all temple traditions and practices that were in vogue in 1947 cannot be modified and new innovations cannot be brought it. Given this, he believes that petitions such as these will not stand the test of law. 

It would be a step in the positive direction for the Vadakalai (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2023/05/kanchipuram-brahmotsavam-prabhandham.html) and Thenkalai sects to become united in protecting their services relating to the sacred recitals.

The Pazhaya Seevaram Battle :https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2019/01/pazhaya-seevaram-battle-for-vaishnavite.html

Kapali Temple one year Pushpa Kainkaryam stopped by HRCE

Last month, Kapali temple authorities ruthlessly and indiscriminately stopped the Pushpa Kainkaryam - Despite repeated promises made by the JC, the authorities have not given permission to restart the Kainkaryam inside the temple

On March 4, this section featured a story on the year long Pushpa Kainkaryam that a team of around 30 devotees headed by GG Sivakumar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2024/03/kapali-temple-pushpa-kainkaryam-gg.html) had been performing sitting every evening at the Navarathri Mandapam of the Kapaleeswarar temple. Sivakumar also performs voluntary service as a senior member of the Station Vigilance Committee managing crowds during the big utsavams at the Kapaleeswarar temple. 

Chief Priests Venkatasubramanian Shivachariar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2020/07/kapaleeswarar-temple-jayakanthan.html) and Balaji Gurukal (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2023/04/kapali-temple-balaji-gurukal.html) too had played a positive role in the first phase of this Kainkaryam encouraging this team to perform the pushpa kainkaryam and present the flower garlands to be draped on multiple idols at the temple every morning.

ஆமாறு அறியும் பிரானே

அணி அரங்கத்தே கிடந்தாய்

ஏமாற்றம் என்னைத் தவிர்ந்தாய்

இருவாட்சிப் பூச்சூட்ட வாராய்

A Bolt from the Blue to the Kainkaryapakas

Unfortunately, out of the blue, the then Maniyakaarar of the temple (who has since been suspended for 'not maintaining proper records of Ubayadarars') told Sivakumar that one of the trustees had asked for the Kainkaryam to be stopped with immediate effect and that they could no more continue this kainkaryam. When Sivakumar asked the reason, the Maniyakaarar told him that the trustee had said that the navarathri mandapam was left uncleaned!!! 

Every devotee at the temple who has visited the Artha Jaama Pooja over the last year are eyes to the fact that this team keeps the mandapam 'spic and span' after the completion of their knotting work every evening. And how did the trustee suddenly find this as a reason after one year of service!!!

This came as a bolt from the blue to the set of Kainkaryapakas who had been devoting a couple of hours every evening for a year in this service of knotting the flowers at the Navarathri Mandapam and presenting the flower garlands. While a majority of the service personnel were mid aged women, there were also a few like IITian Shiv Priya Viswanathan who saw the pushpa kainkaryam as a great blessing of Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal to be bestowed on her at such a young age. The pulling back of the permission by the HRCE has come as a great shock to all the Pushpa Kainkarya personnel.

Kapali temple Trustees Tirunavukarasu and Arumugam too had been great admirers of this selfless Kainkaryam ever since it began a year ago at the start of the Vasantha Utsavam in 2023. This year's Vasantha Utsavam for Singaravellar is currently on at the Kapaleeswarar temple but sadly for the set of Pushpa Kainkarya personnel who had started this sacred service in Chitrai of last year, it has been an endless wait of over a month hoping each day that the permission for resumption of their Kainkaryam inside the temple complex would come from the temple JC. 

JC Promises to give permission to restart

Earlier this month, this writer met the temple JC Kavenitha to enquire about the reasons behind the stopping of the Pushpa Kainkaryam. She told this writer that she was happy with the way Sivakumar and his team had been performing the service since the time she had taken charge at the temple in June last year and promised to give them permission.

நிச்சிலும் தீமைகள் செய்வாய் 

நீள் திருவேங்கடத்து எந்தாய் 

பச்சைத் தமனகத்தோடு 

பாதிரிப் பூச்சூட்ட வாராய் 

A week later, temple activist and President of the Temple Worshippers Society TR Ramesh (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2018/02/tr-ramesh-temple-activist.html) told this writer that he met the JC in her office reg the Pushpa Kainkaryam issue and she  promised him that she would give Sivakumar permission immediately to continue the great work his team had been doing over the previous year.

Refusal to permit Kainkaryam against fundamental rights

Days passed and when the permission was not granted, TR Ramesh tweeted on his X handle as to how the Kapaleeswarar temple authorities were not even allowing devotees to perform a pushpa kainkaryam inside the temple (https://x.com/trramesh/status/1779411464031261048?s=48&t=7YuQtV1XTGIFP11C5AgPMQ).

On Sunday morning, he told this writer that pious and usable contributions by a devotee cannot be refused by a public temple. "Traditionally and piously strewn garlands within the temple precincts should be encouraged. Flowers are perishables and should be draped on the deities as quickly as possible. Such refusal would go against the fundamental religious rights of devotees guaranteed by the Constitution of India", Ramesh said.

JC cannot interfere in Pooja and Rituals

He added that the JC of the temple has no authority under the HRCE act to interfere in the poojas and rituals and that this selfless service of Pushpa Kainkaryam at the Navarathri Mandapam should be revived immediately.

When Sivakumar met the JC to check regarding the permission earlier this week, she asked him to perform this service sitting on the floor outside the side gate next to the Eastern Rajagopuram near the Pookadai. Sivakumar found this insulting and refused. He told this writer that his team comprised primarily of women members and that he could not ask them to sit between the two side gates on the eastern side to knot the flowers.

அள்ளி நீ வெண்ணை விழுங்க

அஞ்சாது அடியேன் அடித்தேன்

தெள்ளிய நீரில் எழுந்த

செங்கழுநீர் சூட்ட வாராய்

Ruthless and Indiscriminate use of HRCE Power

When the JC and the Board of Trustees should be encouraging such selfless service, especially this one involving presenting flower garland to the deities knotted within the sacred temple complex, they have been dismissive of this Kainkaryam and have ruthlessly used their power to stop this Kainkaryam.

                           Singaravellar - Will HE provide an answer?

The tweet of TR Ramesh last week that had reached the powers that be at the HRCE headquarters and the State Government too seem to have not had the desired effect of reviving this sacred Pushpa Kainkaryam.

The Greatness of Pushpa Kainkaryam

Vaishnavite Acharya Periyaazhvar refers to the greatness of Pushpa Kainkaryam in an entire decad of verses called ‘Poochoodal’(https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2015/09/krishna-poochoodal.html) and a ten day utsavam is exclusively dedicated to presentation of different varieties of flower garlands by devotees at the Srirangam temple every Chitrai (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2017/06/poochatru-utsavam-srirangam.html).

கரு உடை மேகங்கள் கண்டால்

உன்னைக் கண்டால் ஒக்கும் கண்கள்

உரு உடையாய் உலகு எழும்

உண்டாக வந்து பிறந்தாய்

திரு உடையால் மணவாள

திருவரங்கதே கிடந்தாய்

மருவி மனம் கமழுகின்ற

மல்லிகை பூச் சூட்ட வாராய்

Sivakumar told this writer on Sunday that till this morning he had not received permission from the temple to resume the kainkaryam within the temple complex. 

After multiple representations and face to face meetings with the JC of the Kapaleeswarar temple, if the permission has not been granted for this sacred kainkaryam, one wonders as to what devotees of temples should do to serve the Lord selflessly.

Will the HR & CE minister PK Sekar Babu (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2023/05/hr-ce-minister-sekar-babu-on-roll.html) look into this issue immediately and direct the Kapali temple authorities to permit these sincere and committed devotees to continue the Pushpa Kainkaryam. 

Venu Srinivasan Anbil Nambi Temple Restoration

A decade after the massive restoration of the Srirangam temple, Venu Srinivasan is back with another classy restoration - this time at Anbil Divya Desam

Those that had visited the Vadivazhagiya Nambi Divya Desam at Anbil, located 6kms east of Lalgudi, a couple of decades ago would remember and recall the dilapidated state of the temple. Before a battle, Sundara Raja Chozhan, the father of Raja Raja Chozhan, had sought the blessings of Vadivazhagiya Nambi. Emerging victorious, he is said to have come back here and built the temple in its current form. 

A Deserted Temple two decades ago

In the not too distant past, there was a vibrant agraharam in Anbil. A Vedic Patshala was an integral part of the Anbil and a mimaamsa conference too had been held there. Historically, this had been a prosperous temple town, but by the turn of the century, hundreds of original inhabitants had left this Divya Desam seeking greener pastures elsewhere in bigger cities, reducing this ancient temple town to just a few traditional Vaishnavite families.  Things had turned for the worse and there were were very few devotees at the temple. Varadaraja Bhattar, the lone priest of the time, waited endlessly at the entrance for the next devotee to arrive. Many of the historical utsavams too had become a thing of the past. Joint procession of Vadivazhagiya Nambi with Purushottammar of Uthamar Koil to Coloroon on Maasi Magam had been the biggest festival of the year. 

Thiru Mazhisai Azhvaar's praise

It was a real low phase for the temple praised by Thirumazhisai Azhvaar. While referring to Lord Vishnu in his reclining posture, Thirumazhisai Azhvaar talks about Anbil (Sundararaja Perumal) alongside Srirangam Ranganathar, Appaala Ranganathar (Koviladi), Thiru Kudanthai (Sarangapani), Thiru Evvul, Thiru Vekka and Thiru Paarkadal.

நாகத்தனைக்  குடந்தை  வெஃகா  திருஎவ்வுள் 

நாகத்தனை அரங்கம் பேரன்பில் 

நாகத்தனைப்  பாற்கடல் கிடக்கும்

ஆதி நெடுமால் அணைப்பார்  கருத்தன் ஆவான் 

Venu is back in the Srirangam region

After the massive restoration at the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2017/11/venu-srinivasan-srirangam-temple.html) last decade, TVS’ Venu Srinivasan is back in the region taking up the restoration of the historic Anbil Sundararaja Perumal temple. While the consecration is still sometime away, there is already a positive vibration at the temple. 

Revival of Brahmotsavam and the Chariot Festival

A couple of years earlier, Venu Srinivasan rebuilt the four sacred streets around the temple that too had been in a dilapidated state. This restoration enabled the new Chariot to run during the Vaikasi Brahmotsavam that had been revived after several decades. 

As part of the current restoration exercise, the entire floor both inside the Sannidhi and around the prakaras, has been re-laid with traditional stones. One now finds a beautiful nandavanam similar to the one at Singar Koil, Srirangam (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2023/10/srirangam-singar-koil-transformational.html). A new electrical system is being installed dismantling the old wires that were hanging all over.

Restoring the dilapidated Madapalli

There is a full time paricharakar to present daily Thaligai to Perumal but he has had to work under stressful conditions as the madapalli was in a dilapidated state. This too is being restored back to its traditional state. The Gopuram and Vimanams have been painted afresh and will be unveiled during the consecration.

From Uthamar Koil to Kandiyur via Anbil Nambi

To find salvation from Brahmma’s curse, Shiva went on a pilgrimage begging for food, with Brahmma’s skull as the begging vessel. Every time someone filled the vessel with food, Shiva found to his horror that it vanished immediately. At Uthamar Koil (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2011/12/tri-murthy-utsavam-in-uthamar-koil.html), Goddess Lakshmi filled the vessel with food, thus ending Shiva’s hunger. However, to Shiva’s dismay, Brahmma’s skull still lay fixed on his hand. Shiva is believed to have visited this place from Uthamar Koil before going to Kandiyur (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2007/04/108-divya-desam-kandiyur.html) where he finally got salvation.

In centuries gone by, devotees used to walk across the Coloroon from Koviladi Divya Desam, a distance of 2 kms.

The Name

Legend has it that Sage Durvasa cursed Mandaka Rishi for making him wait at his ashrama and turned him into a frog. Wanting to get back his human form, Mandaka Rishi underwent penance at this place and his prayers were finally answered, with Vishnu appearing before the Rishi and liberating him from Durvasa’s curse. Hence, this place is called Mandaka (Frog) Puri.

Varadarajan Bhattar was extraordinarily committed to this Divya Desam even though there was not much income during the time he served at the temple.  Unfortunately, he died young leaving the teenaged son to take over from him. He would have been happy at the current transformation at the temple, the pooja kramam and utsavam revival by his son Aravamudhan and the physical infrastructure to its traditional form by Venu Srinivasan.

                                           Aravamudhan Bhattar

The Maniyakaarar of Ranganathaswamy temple R Sridhar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2019/03/srirangam-temple-time-keeper.html) revived the padippu on the occasion of Kaisika Ekadasi at this temple a couple of years ago. While this Divya Desam is in a remote location, there is already a sizeable increase in the devotee turnout as the devotional feel is back at the temple. Following the consecration, it is likely this number will only go up and the temple will be back to its glorious past with more historical utsavams being revived.

The temple is open from 7am-1230pm and 4pm-8pm. Contact : Aravamudhan Bhattar @ 90034 69591

Manakkal Nambi Varadaraja Perumal Temple

At the historic birth place of Vaishnavite Acharya Manakkal Nambi, this archaka family continues to perform service with devotional commitment

It is 9am on the Rama Navami day (April 17). The Varadaraja Perumal temple in Manakkal wears a deserted look. There are no devotees in sight but inside the Sannidhi Rajagopalan Bhattar is all alone performing a Thirumanjanam with great devotional commitment. His appa Varadaraja Bhattar had served at the temple for several decades till his death in 2011. Most of the original inhabitants have left the Agraharam with Natarajan, formerly of Kothari Sugars and uncle of Sivakumar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2024/04/sivakumar-infosys-to-namasankeerthanam.html), one of the few remaining old timers in this historic temple town. It is he who has organised the Thirumanjanam on the auspicious occasion of Rama Navami.

Avathara Sthalam of Manakkal Nambi

It was here that Rama Mishrar was born. He went on to become one of the most prominent of the Sishyas of Uyyakondan of Thiruvellarai (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2016/10/thiru-vellarai-divya-desam.html). When Uyyakondan’s daughters found it difficult to cross the path from Cauvery as it was soggy, Rama Mishrar lay flat and asked them to walk over him.  So pleased was Uyyakondan with his service that he anointed him as ‘Manakkal’ Nambi and designated him as his successor.

Transforms Alavanthar

Similar to Kumudavalli transforming Thiru Mangai Azhvaar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2016/04/vedu-pari-thiruvali-thirunagari.html), it was Manakkal Nambi who reformed Yamunai Thuraivan. When Alavanthar immersed himself in his kingdom, it was Manakkal Nambi who resurrected him back to true the Vaishnavite way. When basking in power, Alavanthar refused him entry, Manakkal Nambi presented a special vegetable leaf to the kitchen. The food was so tasty that Alavanthar began to consume it every day. When Manakkal Nambi stopped this service, Alavanthar, on enquiry, came to know about the contribution of Manakkal Nambi and provided him a special entry anytime. It was then that Manakkal Nambi took Alavanthar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2013/07/kurugai-kaavalappan-koil.html) to Srirangam for a darshan of Ranganatha and transformed him providing him devotional enlightenment.

என்னுயிர் தந்த அளித்தவரைச் சரணம் புக்கு 

யான் அடைவே அவர் குருக்கள் நினைவணங்கி 

பின்னருளால் பெரும்பூதூர் வந்த வள்ளல் 

பெரியநம்பி ஆளவந்தார் மணக்கால் நம்பி 

நன்னெறியை அவர்க்கு உரைத்த உய்யக்கொண்டார் 

நாதமுனி சடகோபன் சேனை நாதன் 

இன்னமுதத் திருமகள் என்றிவரை முன்னிட்டு 

எம்பெருமான் திருவடிகள் அடைகின்றேனே - அதிகார ஸங்க்ரஹம் 

Avathara Utsavam on Maasi Magam

At the Varadaraja Perumal temple, the avathara utsavam of Manakkal Nambi is celebrated in a grand way on Maasi Magam with a Thirumanjanam and a street procession of Perumal and Manakkal Nambi. 10 day Gokulashtami is also celebrated at the temple.

Rajagopalan Bhattar has committed himself to continuing the archaka service that his appa and later his elder brother had performed at this acharya avathara sthalam. And that is commendable at a time when most traditionalists are moving away from ancestral locations to cities seeking greener pastures.

The temple is open from 8am-11am and 5pm to 8pm. Contact: Rajagopalan Bhattar @ 94883 91485

Manakkal is one km from Lalgudi on the Anbil route. 

Kapali Panguni Utsavam Nadaswaram artistes Pending Payment

Kapali Temple falters over traditional artistes payment, yet again

Over three weeks have elapsed since the Panguni Utsavam but the Nadaswaram artistes who presented at the street processions have still not been paid their Sambhavanai

Two years ago, this writer featured a story on how the payments to the Nadaswaram artistes including those who came from remote locations to perform during the street processions at the Panguni Utsavam of the Kapaleeswarar temple were unduly delayed. History is now repeating itself with the payment not yet made to the Nadaswaram artistes who performed last month at the Panguni Utsavam.

Many of these artistes had come from outside the city to present at the street processions in the evening. It is now well over three weeks since the completion of the utsavam but these traditional artistes have still not been paid by the organisers of the festivals. The invitation and programme schedule of the Panguni Utsavam says that the Nadasawaram artistes are being sponsored by Preetha Reddy and Vijaykumar Reddy, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Kapaleeswarar temple. 

Interestingly, the treatment meted out to the popular and renowned artistes who presented Kutcheris  in front of the Navarathri Mandapam at the Vidayatri Utsavam following the Panguni Utsavam was in complete contrast as they were paid well and immediately!!! Why then this treatment to the traditional artistes who presented at the street processions and delighted thousands of devotees at the utsavam.

51year old Nadaswaram artiste Iyappan who hails from Thiru Mei Gnanam has been presenting Nadaswaram for the last four decades including in early years at the Lalitha Parameswari temple in Thiru Meiyachur and in Thirupengode near Vaitheeswaran Koil. He was devotionally excited along with his brother to present at the Panguni Utsavam this year. His forefathers have been presenting Nadaswaram for 8 generations and the message to the brothers has always been to continue and protect this historic tradition of Nadaswaram at temple utsavams. 

Almost a month after the presentation by the brothers at the Kapali utsavam and Iyappan is saddened at the treatment met out to the traditional artistes who performed at the street processions. He told this writer that Nadam and Vedam are two eyes of the Lord “The Nadaswaram artistes present in front of the Lord while the Vedic Scholars and Thevaram Othuvars follow the Lord during the processions. There is a great Sampradayam about Nadaswaram and temple festivals. My appa and Guru asked us to keep the Nadaswaram alive and protect it during our lifetime. Each Swaram is a Devathai and the belief is that they are listening to our presentation and blessing us from atop.”

"We felt blessed to have performed at the grand Panguni Utsavam at the Kapaleeswarar temple in front of so many devotees. We only want to be respected as a traditional artiste. The Sambhavanai is a mark of respect to the artistes who delighted the Lord with their performance. To not be paid after such a long time much after the utsavam has ended is saddening. We console ourselves that we were blessed enough to present in front of Kapaleeswarar and that feeling is unmatched."

Blessed Feeling- Adikara Nandi presentation

55 year old Murugavel hails from Sithakadu. He performed on the Adikaara Nandi day, a day prior to Thiru Mei Gnanam brothers' presentation. He too told this writer on Thursday night that he considers it a blessing to have performed on such a special occasion in front of thousands of devotees. He says that Asthana Vidwan of the Kapaleeswarar temple Mohan Dass, who roped in artistes for the Panguni Utsavam, took great care of them organising food, coffee and water. "But to not receive the Sambhavanai for our performance till date is saddening but that is what Swami has decided and we have no complaints about that. The satisfaction for us is from the performance and happiness that we saw on the faces of the devotees" says Murugavel with a tinge of sadness at the treatment meted out to Nadaswaram artistes at the Panguni utsavam.

"I have presented during the Rishabham procession in the decades gone by at the Panguni utsavam and in those years the payment used to be made on the same day. It is a surprise that recently the temple has been delaying the payment to the Nadaswaram artistes. "

The artistes who performed at the Panguni Utsavam are hoping that the authorities will clear the payment at the earliest.