This section provides historic info about Trichy history, Tourism and Religious places in and around Trichy. Info about temples & Tourism details are provided here.

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source: Mr.Raja/ tp

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source: TP_Admin/TP

Pancha Rangam Kshetram – Only Divya Desam where ‘Appam’ (Sweet rice cake) is offered to the Deity every day.

NammAzhvaar is said to have sung the last of his Paasurams on Appaala Rangan before attaining Moksham.

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Located about 25kms East of Trichy on the Kallanai -Thiruvayaru road near Thirukattupalli, Koviladi AppaKudanthan temple in ThiruPer Nagar is situated right on the banks of Cauvery. This is a temple that dates to a period before the Srirangam Ranganatha temple. In centuries gone by, people used to visit Koviladi and walk 2 kms across the Coloroon to reach Anbil Divya Desam

It is said that Appaala Ranganatha led/measured the steps for Srirangam Ranganatha and hence the name ‘Kovil – Adi’ (Srirangam is called the ‘Kovil’ among the Divya Desams, Adi is ‘steps’)

The Story

A King incurred the wrath of Sage Durvaasa and lost all his powers as a result of the curse. To get liberated from the curse, he was asked to feed a lakh people. He undertook this and continued for a while. One day, Lord Narayana came here in a disguised form and asked for food. The Lord ate through the day leaving the King surprised.

Appam Eating Ranganatha

When asked what else he wanted to eat, the disguised Lord asked the king to feed him a pot (Kudam) of ‘Appam’ (a sweet rice cake delicacy). The moment Lord consumed the pot of ‘Aappam’, the king got liberated from his curse.

Being the one who had a pot of this sweet delicacy, the Lord here is called ‘AppaKudathan’. The Lord can be seen holding a pot of Appam in his right hand. This is only Divya Desam where Aappam is offered daily to the Lord.

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Pancha Rangam Kshetram
This is a Pancha ‘Rangam’ Kshetram – Aathi Rangam(Srirangapatnam), Madhya Rangam (Srirangam), Chathurthara Rangam (Kumbakonam), Pancha Rangam (Indhalur) and Appala Rangam (Appakudathaan- Koviladi)

ThirumangaiAzhvaar’s could not forget Appala Rangan
Thirumangai Azhvaar was so enticed by this Lord that he says he could not forget Lord AppaKudathaan even when he went to Thiruvellarai (another Divya Desam on the other side of Coloroon).

“Thulakkam Il Sudarai, Avunan Udal Pilakkum Mainthanai
Peril Vanangippoi Alappu Il Aar Amuthai,
Amararku Arul Vilakkinai Sendru
Vellaraik Kaandumey.” –Thirumangai(1851)

NammAzhvaar and Koviladi Rangan
Nammazhvaar sang the last of his Paasurams about Appaala Rangan before attaining Moksham.

ThiruMazhisai Azhvaar and his reference to 7 temples
Appakudathaan Ranganathar is one of the 7 temples referred by Thirumazhisai Azhavaar of Lord Vishnu in reclining Posture – others being Srirangam, Thiru Kudanthai (Kumbakonam), Anbil (Vadivazhagiya Nambi), Thiru Vallur, ThiruVekka and Thiru Paarkadal.

Temple Priest:

The priest at this temple ranks as one of the best I have seen. He has a sweet and totally ‘devoted’ voice. Despite being located in a non centric place and with very limited facilities, his devotion to Appala Rangan can be seen in the way Srinivasa (Jawahar) Bhattar goes about the daily poojas.

Quick Facts

Deity : Appa Kudathan in reclining posture facing West
Utsavar : Appala Rangan
Goddess : Indira Devi / Kamalavalli
Paasuram : 33 Paasurams
Azhvaars :Thirumangai(1428-37,1851,57,2048,59,60,70,2673-74), Thirumazhisai (2417), PeriAzhavaar (173,205) and NammAzhvaar (3744-54)

Priest : Murali Bhattar@ 04362 281488
Temple Timing : 7am-12noon and 4pm-8pm

How to reach Koviladi:

Take a bus to Kallanai from Chathiram Bus Stand in Trichy. This route takes one along a narrow route right next to the Cauvery. From Kallanai, Koviladi is about 5 kms further East on the way to Thiruvaiyaru, just before ThiruKaatuppalli. One could take Trichy – Kumbakonam bus going via Thiruvaiyaru, though this service is not that frequent. No courier service to this place.

Where to stay:

Best to stay in Trichy and take a bus or a taxi to this temple. No staying facilities available here

source: Kannan/TP

The Panguni car festival of the Saptharisheeswarar temple at Thiruthavathurai in Lalgudi took place for the second consecutive year on Wednesday. Before 2011, the car had its last run prior to 1936. The festival was attended by a large number of devotees with festive merry-making and piety.

The 'Panguni Peruvizha' rolled off on March 27 with the Maha Ganapathy pooja and a large number of devotees who missed the event last year, pulled the temple car through the 'Rajaveedhis'. Most of the people also had a glimpse of the "urchavar."

Assistant commissioner of Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments, V Anand, who is attached to the Thiruvanikoil temple as executive officer told TOI on Wednesday night that the Saptharisheeswarar temple car, the third largest in the state after Tiruvarur and Tiruvidaimarudhur temple cars, did not run for over 75 years because the Rajaveedhi had almost shrunk due to encroachments. However, it was not clear why the festival had stopped in the first place.

He said that the temple authorities took paramount efforts to preserve the car all these years under a tin roof. The devotees had in the past had made a plea to the temple authorities that even if the car could not be run owing to logistic reasons, it must be kept open at least during 'Chitirai' festival for offering prayers.

Interestingly, the car festival of Brahmapureeswarar temple at Thirupattur near Mannachanallur was also held on Wednesday after a gap of 25 years, while Kumbakonam Nageshwaran temple car fest was also held.

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Panguni-car-festival-held-in-Lalgudi/articleshow/12540450.cms)

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Devotees offered worship to Sri Thayumanaswamy and Sri Mattuvarkuzhal Ammai on the occasion of float festival at Rockfort Sri Thayumanaswamy temple on Wednesday. The idols of Sri Thayumanaswamy and Sri Mattuvarkuzhal Ammai were brought from the sanctum sanctorum and taken to the float, where religious rituals were performed. The float was taken five times around the tank. The festival marks the ninth day of the annual ‘theppam' festival which commenced on April 27.

Ilamparithi, Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment, and Chitra, Executive Officer of the temple, supervised the arrangements for the festival.

The ‘theerthavari' festival falls on Thursday.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3282767.ece)

Tiruchirappalli is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Tamil Nadu, its earliest settlements dating back to the second millennium BC. Uraiyur, which served as the capital of the Early Cholas from the third century BC to the third century AD is identified by some with a suburb of present-day Tiruchirappalli. The city is mentioned as "Orthoura" by the historian, Ptolemy. The world's oldest surviving dam, the Kallanai, was built by Karikala Chola across the Kaveri River, about 24 kilometres (15 mi) from Uraiyur.

The medieval history of Tiruchirappalli begins with the reign of the Pallava king Mahendravarman I who ruled over South India in the 6th century AD. Mahendravarman constructed the cave-temples within the Rockfort. Following the demise of the Pallavas in the eighth century AD, Tiruchirappalli was conquered by the Medieval Cholas who ruled till the 13th century AD.
When the Chola Empire began to decline, Tiruchirappalli was conquered by the Pandyas who ruled from 1216 until their defeat by Malik Kafur in 1311. The victorious armies of the Delhi Sultanate are believed to have plundered and ravaged the kingdom. The idol of the Hindu god Ranganatha in the temple of Srirangam disappeared at about this time and was not recovered and reinstated until more than fifty years later. Tiruchirappalli was ruled by the Delhi and Madurai sultanates from 1311 to 1378 when it was annexed by the Vijayanagar Empire. Tiruchirappalli remained a part of the Vijayanagar Empire and its successor, the Madurai Nayak kingdom till 1736. It served as the capital of the Madurai Nayak kingdom from 1616 to 1634 and from 1665 to 1736. In 1736, the last Madurai Nayak ruler Meenakshi committed suicide and Tiruchirappalli was conquered by Chanda Sahib. Chanda Sahib ruled the kingdom from 1736 to 1741 when he was captured and imprisoned by the Marathas. Tiruchirappalli was administered by the Maratha general Murari Rao from 1741 to 1743, when it was annexed to the Carnatic kingdom. When the Nawab of the Carnatic, Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah was dethroned by Chanda Sahib in 1751, he fled to Tiruchirappalli and set up his base there.

The subsequent siege of Tiruchirappalli by Chanda Sahib led to the Second Carnatic War between the British East India Company and Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah on one side and Chanda Sahib and the French East India Company on the other. The British were successful in the war and Wallajah was restored to the throne. Tiruchirappalli was invaded by Nanjaraja and Hyder Ali of Mysore kingdom in 1753 and 1780, respectively, but both of these attacks were repulsed by the troops of the British East India Company. A third attempt, by Tipu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali in 1793, ended in a stalemate.
The Carnatic kingdom was annexed by the British in July 1801 as a consequence of the alleged discovery of secret correspondence, during the Anglo-Mysore Wars, between the Tipu Sultan, an enemy of the Madras government, and Umdat Ul-Umra, the Nawab at the time. Tiruchirappalli was incorporated into the Madras Presidency, the same year, and the district of Trichinopoly was carved, with the city of Trichinopoly or Tiruchirappalli as its capital.

During the Company Raj and later, the British Raj, Tiruchirappalli emerged as one of the most important cities in India. It was popular throughout the British Empire for its unique variety of cheroot known as the Trichinopoly cigar. According to the 1871 Indian census, the first in British India, Tiruchirappalli had a population of 76,530 making it the second largest city in Madras Presidency, next only to the capital city of Madras.

In the early 20th century, Tiruchirappalli grew further, achieving a decadal population growth rate of 36.9 per cent during the period 1941–51. However, following India's independence in 1947, Tiruchirappalli has fallen behind other cities as Salem and Coimbatore in terms of growth. As of 2001, Tiruchirappalli was the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu after Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai.

Continue full article here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Tiruchirappalli)

Nice thread friend.

This thread can be active all the times since Trichy has lot ot famous temples, Dargas, Masjid and Churches and important tourist spots.

Shortly i will post the pictures of Pachaimalai and Puliyancholai.

Also i am trying to collect info about Mr. Sheshayee who brought electricity to our city. If anyone knows about him or his life pls share it here.

Golden Rock Workshops

The South Indian Railway Co. set up its major workshops at Nagapattinam, on the east coast. When new and expanded facilities were required, these workshops were moved to Golden Rock near Tiruchirapalli in 1928. The workshops here are equipped to deal with locomotives and carriages, carrying out overhaul, repair, and restoration work.

They are today IR's premier workshops for restoration and rebuilding work for locomotives that are severely damaged in accidents. Many public-sector concerns also send their works shunters to Golden Rock for overhauling from locations all across India (10-15 locos annually).

Carrying on with the experience from steam days, Golden Rock also carry out the periodic overhaul of the 'X' class locos of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. They have also been working on developing the new oil-fired replacements for the 'X' class locos. Two such locos have been turned out so far.

Golden Rock also built some DMU rakes from old coaches. They have also repaired and (since 1962) built various wagons (BLBN/BLAN, BCCN (double-decker automobile carriers), box and covered wagons, special-purpose multi-axled heavy wagons, and many others), and performed conversion of wagon types (BOXC to BKH, etc.). In recent years they have taken on expanded manufacturing of BLCA / BLCB container flat wagons for CONCOR.

Golden Rock has also restored YDM-4 MG diesel locos for export to places such as Myanmar, Malaysia, etc. More recently it has been working on regauging some YDM-4 locos to Cape gauge for export to Sudan.

http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-shop.html

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Baba Natharvali has occupied a unique position in the ranks of the Islamic saints of the world. He was named as Muthaharudeen at first. He was in Hijiri 347 in one of the idle Eastern countries. Even though he was the sultan, he was having no attachment to pleasures of royal life of pomp and splendor right from his early age. He descended from his throne crowing his brother, Syed Jalaudeen and undertook holy pilgrimage for propagation of Allah's glory according to Islamic tenets.

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During this time, he had wrought a lot of miracles to the astonishment of the people, who came into contact with him. This a part with his 900 kalandars, he set foot in Tiruchirapuram, which s now known as Tiruchirappalli. He led a pious saintly life with his kalandars in a flower garden in Tiruchirappalli.Saint Baba Natharvali's body was laid to rest in a place where it was once a Easwaran temple in a room. Constructed with four doors according to Vedic sastras and seppulingam is a witness to ghee lamp burning near the grave of Baba.The saint breathed his last on the 15th of the month of Ramzan in Hijiri 417 and with a view to remember this day, the first 17days in the month of Ramzan every year kanduri Urs is celebrated in a highly grand scale it is a unique feature to see Muslims, Hindus and Christians assemble to pay their homage and warm respects to Baba Natharvali on the eve of the kanduri festival and seek his graceful blessings .

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Name of the Dargah Shareef: - Syed-ul-Arifeen, Sultan-ul-Mashayaqeen, Burhan-ul-Aashiqeen, Qutub-ul-Aqtaab, Siraj-us-Saalikeen, Shamsh-ul-Aarifeen, Ganj-ul-Israr, Gaah-Mast Gaah Hoshiyaar, Qalandar-e-Barhaq, Sultan Syed Babayee Pir Nath'har Auliya Al-Ma'roof Hazrath Syedina Tabl-e-Aa'lam Badshah Dhol-Samandar Qalandar Hussaini Soharwardi ( Qaddus 'Allahu Tha'ala Sirrah-ul-Azeez), one of the famous Qutb-ul-Qutbs in the whole world and manifested in Trichy (TN), Shivasamudaram(KA) and Baba Buddangiri Hills (KA) 1004 years ago.

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Popularly known As "Hazrat Syedina Tabl-e-Aa'lam Badshah Urf Baba Nath'har Auliya (Qaddus 'Allahu Tha'ala Sirrah-ul-Azeez)"

Hereafter, we call Trichy Sarkar (Qaddus 'Allahu Tha'ala Sirrah-Ul-Azeez) in the following names in this biography and explain the incidents associated with these manifestations.

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The holy birth of Hazrath Syedina Tabl-e-Aa'lam Badshah (Qaddas ALLAHU Tha'ala Sirrah-ul 'Azeez):-

Hazrath Syedina Tabl-e-Aa'lam Badshah (Qaddas ALLAHU Tha'ala Sirrah-ul'Azeez) was born to Hazrath Ahmed Kabeer (RA), the beloved son of Hazrath Ikhthiyar (RA), who belonged to the holy family of Hazrath Imam Hussain Ibn Ali Ibn Abi Taleb Al-Shaheed (Rizwan ALLAH Tha'ala Alaihim Ajmaeen), the beloved grandson of Huzoor-e-Kareem Sal-lal-lahu Alaihi Va Sallam.
Hazrath Ahmed Kabeer (RA) was the king of Bahanasa which is a city gifted to his father, Hazrath Ikhthiyar (RA) by King, Sultan Abdul Majeed Khan (1839-1861) belonged to Usman Empire which ruled from Aden to Istanbul for 400 years.

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To read the complete history pls visit http://www.aulia-e-hind.com/dargah/Tirchy.htm

Christians in the city from across all denominations celebrated Maundy Thursday, the day that signifies the 'Last Supper' of Jesus Christ before his crucifixion. At the Malayadipatti parish near Manapparai, Catholic bishop Anthony Divotta celebrated the Eucharist.

The significance of the service was the washing of the congregation members' feet by the bishop himself, similar to one done by Jesus Christ for his disciples.

At the St Mary's Cathedral, parish priest Rev Fr T Euguene, led the holy Eucharist symbolically washing the feet of 12 lay men who were randomly handpicked from the parish.

At the St Lourdes' Church within the St Joseph's College complex the 'Last Supper' was celebrated with a high sung mass, followed by similar services at Sagayamatha Basilica at Palakkarai, St Fatima Church in Puthur, Jagan Matha Priory Church near Rockfort Nagar and at St Antony's (Amala Ashramam) Church on Ammamanadapam Road in Srirangam. Other Christian denominations like Protestants and Pentecosts also celebrated Maundy Thursday with prayers and Holy Communion to mark the solemn occasion.

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Maundy-Thursday-celebrated-in-Trichy-with-prayer-solemnity/articleshow/12553148.cms)

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A large number of devotees offered worship to Namperumal, processional idol of Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, on the occasion of ‘Panguni ther' festival, on Friday. Namperumal was brought from the sanctum sanctorum and, amidst religious fervour, devotees pulled the car at the end of religious rituals. Vedic pandits recited verses. The ‘ther' festival follows the ‘Serthi sevai' which fell on ‘Panguni Uthiram' festival on Thursday.

Temple authorities had a tough time in regulating the queue of devotees who came to offer their worship to Namperumal and Sri Ranga Nachiyar in the ‘Serthi sevai' all through Thursday night. With the rituals associated with the ‘Panguni ther' commencing immediately, temple authorities ensured timely arrangement for the day's car festival. The temple car was pulled at about 9.30 a.m. and devotees, undeterred by scorching sun, were seen offering worship at all the four Chithrai streets around the temple. The car was brought to rest about four later.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3289464.ece)

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-MRR/T.P.

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Some old side having some historical details.

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India/IndianStates/Tamil-Nadu/Trichy.htm

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A large number of devotees pulled the temple car at Sri Vekkali Amman temple in Woraiyur in the city on the occasion of the ‘Chithirai' car festival on Friday.

The processional idol of Sri Amman was brought to the car at about 9.30 a.m. where the rituals associated with the ‘ratharohanam' were performed.

The devotees pulled the car at about 9.55 a.m. and the car was brought to rest about 35 minutes later. The car festival signifies the ninth day rituals of the festival. Anand, Executive officer of the temple, supervised the arrangements for the smooth conduct of festival.

-MRR/T.P.

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The Vedaranyam Salt March led by Rajaji in April 1930, though less known, is comparable to Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March. On the 75th Anniversary of the Salt March, LA. SU. RENGARAJAN looks back.



SEVENTY-FIVE years ago in Tamil Nadu, C. Rajagopalachariar (Rajaji) led 100 chosen Congress volunteers to walk 150 miles in 15 days from Tiruchirapalli to Vedaranyam, then in Thanjavur District, to make salt at the seashore and defy British Government's prohibition of its manufacture without licence.

Known as the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha, it was a landmark event in the annals of freedom movement in South India. The peace brigade braved all the hazards of Government's repressive measures — lathi blows, prohibitory orders, arrests and imprisonment.

Dandi March


On April 6, 1930, a week before this, Mahatma Gandhi, leading a chosen posse of 78 co-workers, had ended his 241-mile walk from Sabarmati in Ahmedabad to Dandi on the seashore to defy the salt law. The act performed, Gandhiji withdrew from the scene and camped at a village near Dandi. Picking a handful of salt by the Mahatma was a symbol of defiance of foreign rule. It signalled a non-violent insurrection. All over India's long coasts, Congress workers and villagers rushed to the beach to make salt. Picketing of liquor shops and foreign cloth outlets by women became the order of those days. The police resorted to lathi-charge and massive arrests. Gandhiji himself was arrested a month later, on May 5, 1930. But it was only in Tamil Nadu that a march comparable to Gandhiji's Dandi March was organised and executed with success under Rajaji. The Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha is perhaps less known outside Tamil Nadu. Nonetheless, the non-violent orchestration of the March to Vedaranyam in 15 days evoked spontaneous response from the people en-route and kindled national spirit all over the then Madras Province.

The Vedaranyam salt satyagraha was well planned in advance. For three weeks before the march, Rajaji undertook a quick tour of Tamil districts, apprising the people on the implication of the forthcoming salt satyagraha. Applicants for the proposed March were meticulously screened and only those with avowed adherence in non-violence and discipline were considered.

At 5.00 a.m. on April 13, 1930, the satyagrahis marched out of the spacious lawns of T.S.S. Rajan's bungalow in Tiruchi cantonment area, Rajaji leading the procession.

C.R. had not walked long when he was shown the morning's paper carrying Thorne's (J.A. Thorne, I.C.S., District Collector) order against "harbouring" the unlawful satyagrahis. Without pausing or slowing down, C.R. dictated a fresh answer to the accompanying press reporters. He knew, he said, his people and their tradition of hospitality better than a British Officer did. The order, he predicted, would enlarge the public welcome. With a twinkle he added, "Thorns and thistles cannot stem this tide of freedom" (thus, punning upon the District Collector Thorne's name!).

People's welcome


G. Ramachandran, who participated in the March, gives the following account: "Rajaji's trust in the people was more than justified by events. They rose everywhere to receive the satyagrahis and shower hospitality on them, unmindful of legal action against them. At Vedaranyam, there was a mighty crowd, and scores of garlands and public addresses awaited him."

After wending their way through towns and villages on the 150-mile long route in 15 days, the marchers reached Vedaranyam on the evening of April 28, 1930. Fearing arrest and imprisonment for harbouring satyagrahis, the local landlords refused to accommodate the marchers in the traveller's inns under their control. At that critical hour, it was Vedarathnam Pillai, a 33-year old Congressman belonging to a local business family, who made arrangements for their stay and food, defying the ban. Hurriedly destroying vast stretches of tobacco plantation owned by him, Vedarathnam Pillai erected a huge pandal with thatched sheds. Much later, he was arrested and saltpans owned by him were confiscated.

Along with Rajaji, about 120 satyagrahis stayed in this makeshift camp, which was named Satyagraha Ashram. A group of seven persons who had specially come from Rangoon to participation in the Satyagraha joined the volunteers.

As announced earlier, the first batch of 10 satyagrahis led by Rajaji was to pick up salt on April 30, 1930. But, the time and spot was not made public with a view to hoodwink the police from preventing the event. At 3.30 a.m. that day, Rajaji and his 10-member group were stealthily led in darkness through a short-cut to reach the salt marsh at Agastiampatti, two miles away from Vedaranyam. When Rajaji and others collected salt, it was already 6.00 a.m. A posse of policemen headed by a superintendent of police reached the spot and arrested Rajaji alone. In the afternoon, he was produced before the local magistrate and was sentenced to six months simple imprisonment with a fine of Rs. 200, or another three months in jail. Rajaji preferred additional three months. He was whisked away to Tiruchirapalli by train.

Continuing struggle


Public meetings and assembly of five or more person were banned in Vedaranyam. On subsequent days, K. Santhanam, Mattaparai Venkatarama Iyer, K.S. Subramaniam and G. Ramachandran were successively appointed as dictators (sarvadhikaris). All of them were promptly arrested and sentenced to six-month imprisonment.

The remaining satyagrahis, joined by others, continued their non-violent struggle for a whole month, till the end of May 1930. In the last days of the struggle, police rode roughshod over the satyagrahis who refused to part with the contraband salt. The volunteers were bodily removed from the Ashram and thrown out. Madurai A. Vaidyanatha Iyer and Dr. Rukhmini Lakshmipathy who came to the Satyagraha camp were roughed up and dragged out. N.S. Varadachari and A. Vaidyanatha Iyer were among those who were beaten up.

More and more Congress workers from different districts joined the fray. On the last day, police raided the Satyagraha Ashram and arrested all the 300 leaderless satyagrahis en masse and razed the pandal. All of them were later sentenced to one-year rigorous imprisonment.

Rajaji emerged from the Vedaranyam Satyagraha as a national hero. He drew from the people not only co-operation in action but also allegiance to Gandhian ideas.

Tailpiece: P.N. Srinivasan, 75-year-old freedom fighter and Chairman of Gandhi Darsan Kendra, is gearing up to re-enact Vedaranyam salt march on the same route from April 13 to mark the 75th anniversary of the event.

Recent News (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3313452.ece)

Source (http://www.hindu.com/mag/2005/04/10/stories/2005041000240400.htm)

சங்க காலத்திய முடியுடை மூவேந்தர்களில் சோழ மன்னர்களில் தலை சிறந்தவர் கரிகாற்சோழன். கரிகாலனைப் பட்டினப்-பாலை, பொருநராற்றுப் படை முதலிய பத்துப் பாட்டு நூல்கள் புகழ்ந்து .உரைக்கின்றன.

கரிகாற் சோழனின் பெருமைக்கு இன்றும் சான்றாய் விளங்குவது கரிகாற்சோழன் கட்டிய கல்லணை.

இரண்டாயிரம் ஆண்டுகளுக்கு மேல் ஆகியும் இன்றும் தமிழனின் பொறியியல் ஆற்றலுக்குப் புகழ்ப் பரணி பாடிக் கொண்டி-ருப்பது காவிரியில் கரிகாலன் கட்டிய கல்லணை.

பொங்கிச் சிரிக்கும் தஞ்சையாகச் சோழப் பெருநாடு, பொய்யாச் சிறப்பின் வளம் பெற்ற மண்ணாகச் சோழ நாடு சோறுடைத்து என்று பெருமை பெறக் காரணமான காவிரிப் பெண்ணுக்குக் கால்கட்டாகக் கல்லணையைக் கட்டிப் பெருமை பெற்றான் இந்தச் சோழ-வேந்தன் இந்தக் காவிரிப் பெண் எங்கு பிறந்து, எங்குத் தவழ்ந்து வருகிறாள் என்று கொஞ்சம் மேற்கே திரும்பிப் பார்ப்போம்.

கர்நாடக மாநிலத்தின் பிரம்மகிரி குன்றில் தலைக்காவிரி என்று பெயரிடப்பட்ட இடத்தில் கடல் மட்டத்திலிருந்து 4400 அடி உயரத்தில் காவிரி உற்பத்தியாகி 384 கி.மீ., தூரம் பயணம் செய்து தமிழகத்தின் மேட்டூரை அடையும் காவிரி ஓர் இடத்தில் ஆடு தாண்டும் அளவுக்குத் தன்னை ஒடுக்கிக் கொள்கிறது. இந்த இடத்திற்குப் பெயரே மேக்க தாட்டு (ஆடு தாண்டி)

இந்த ஓட்டத்தில் தான் பெங்களூர் கோலார் பகுதியில் உற்பத்தியாகும் அர்க்காவதி என்ற துணையாறு காவிரியில் சேர்ந்து கொள்கிறது.

ஒகேனக்கல்லிலிருந்து பவானி வரை காவிரி தெற்குத் திசையில் ஓடுகிறது. உதகைக்குத் தென் மேற்கே நீலகிரி மலையில் கடல் மட்டத்துக்கு மேல் 8000 அடி உயரத்தில் பிறக்கும் பவானி ஆறு, பவானி ஊருக்குத் தெற்கே காவிரியில் கலக்கிறது. பவானியும், காவிரியும் கூடுமிடம் மேட்டூர் அணைக்கு 80 மைல் தெற்கே இருக்கிறது.

இதன்பின், காவிரி கிழக்குத் திசையில் நொய்யலும், அமராவதியும் காவிரியில் சேர்-கின்றன. கோவை மாவட்டத்தில் நொய்யலும், மூணாறு பகுதியிலிருந்து அமராவதியும் உரு-வாகின்றன. இப்பொழுது காவிரி நன்கு விரித்து அகன்ற காவிரியாகிறது.

இப்படி வெள்ளத்தை மட்டுமல்லாமல் நம் உள்ளத்தையும் அள்ளிக் கொண்டு ஆழ்ந்து அகன்று வரும் காவிரிக்கு அன்று அணை கட்டிய அற்புதத்தைச் செய்தவன் சோழ நாட்டுத் தமிழ்த் தலைவன் கரிகாலன்.

வெள்ளம் கொள்ளுமிடம் போதாமல் திருச்சிக்கு மேற்கே பத்து மைல் தொலைவில் எலமனூறுக்கு அருகில் காவிரி, கொள்ளிடம் என்று இரண்டாகப் பிரிகிறது.

பிரிந்து போகும் கொள்ளிடம், மீண்டும் காவிரியுடன் கலக்கும் நோக்கத்துடன், திருச்-சிக்குக் கிழக்குக் கல்லணைக்கருகில் காவிரியின் அருகே வருகிறது.

கல்லணையில் காவிரிக்கும் கொள்ளிடத்-திற்கும் இடையே ஒருவித இணைப்பு ஏற்-படுகிறது.

ஆனால் தாழ்ந்து உள்ள கொள்ளிடமும், உயர்ந்துவிட்ட காவிரியும் இயற்கை விதியின்-படியே ஒன்றாக முடிவதில்லை. இந்தக் காவிரி, கொள்ளிடம் ஆகியவற்றின் ஊடலின் பின் நிகழ்ந்த கூடலில் பிறந்ததுதான் திருவால்கமும், திருஆனைக்காவும் அமைந்திருக்கும் திருவால்-கத்றே.

திருவால்கத்தின் மேல்முனையில் காவிரியும், கொள்ளிடமும் பிரியுமிடத்தில் மேலணை இருக்கிறது. மேலணை என்பது உண்மையில் அணையேயல்ல. நீரொமுங்கி என அழைக்கப்-படும் ரெகுலேட்டர் தான். வெள்ளம் வரும்-போது மேலணை ரெகுலேட்டரைத் திறந்து வெள்ளத்தைக் கொள்ளிடத்திற்குள் வடித்து விடுவார்கள்.

அப்படியானால் அணை என்பது அன்று கரிகாலன் கட்டினானே அந்தக் கல்லணைதான் இது. திருச்சிக்குக் கிழக்கே எட்டாவது மைலில் கரிகாலன் கட்டிய புகழ் பெற்ற அணையாகும். காவிரியின் கல்லணை இருக்கும் இடத்தில் காவிரியின் பக்கத்திலேயே கொள்ளிடமும் ஓடுகிறது.

காவிரி உயர் மட்டம்; கொள்ளிடம் பள்ளம்; கரிகாலன் கல்லணை கட்டுவதற்குமுன், காவிரி தன் வடகரையை உடைத்துக் கொண்டு கொள்ளிடத்திற்கு வழிந்து விடுவதும், வெள்ளம் வடிந்தபின் உழவர்கள் உடைந்த கரையைச் செப்பனிடுவதும், அடுத்த வெள்ளத்தில் கரை மீண்டும் உடைந்து விடுவதும் மிகச் சாதார-ணமாக நடந்து கொண்டு இருந்திருக்க வேண்டும்.

இவற்றையெல்லாம் நீக்குவிக்கும் நோக்கத்-துடன் கரிகாலன் திட்டமிட்டுக் கல்லணையை அமைத்த பொறியியல் ஆற்றல் சிந்தனை வியப்-பை ஏற்படுத்துகிறது.

காவிரிக் கரை வழக்கமாக உடையும் இடத்தில் ஏற்பட்டிருந்த வடிகாலுக்குக் குறுக்கே மாபெரும் கற்களைக் கொண்டு மணல் அடித்தளத்தின் மேலேயே அணையை அமைத்தான்.

அக்கற்கள் உள்ளனவும் காவிரி உள்ளளவும் நிலைத்திருக்கும்படி அணையைக் கட்டினான்.

கீழே காவிரியிலும் அதனின்று பிரியும் வெண்ணாற்றிலும் பாசனத் தண்ணீரை எளிதில் தள்ளுவதற்கு வேண்டிய உயரத்துக்கு, அணையை எழுப்பியுள்ளான் கரிகாலன்.

ஆற்றைத் தோண்டி, பாறையைக் கண்டு அதன்மேல் அணையைக் கட்டுவது போல் அன்று மணலையே அடித்தளமாகக் கொண்டு அணை கட்டுவது அதற்குத் தனித் திறமை வேண்டும். மேல் நாட்டவருக்குக்கூட இரண்டு நூற்றாண்டுகளுக்கு முன்வரை இதில் அதிக அனு-பவம் கிடையாது.

கல்லணை கட்டுவதற்கு வேண்டியிருந்திருக்கக்-கூடிய பொறியியல் திறனை எண்ணி இன்றும் பல நாட்டுப் பொறியாளர்கள் மெச்சுகிறார்கள்.

பத்தொன்பதாம் நூற்றாண்டில், காவிரித் தலைப்பிலும் நீரொமுங்கி மதகுகள் அமைத்-தார்கள். இதனால் காவிரியிலும், வெண்ணாற்றி-லும் தண்ணீரை வேண்டிய அளவு அனுப்ப வழியுண்டாயிற்று.

கரிகாலன் அமைத்த கற்களின் மேலேயே கல்லணைக்கு ஒரு நீரொமுங்கி கட்டினார்கள்.

கல்லணை ஓரத்தில் மணற் போக்கிகளும் அமைத்தார்கள்.

இவ்வமைப்புகளால், காவிரியிலும் வெள்-ளாற்றிலும் தண்ணீரை வேண்டிய அளவு அனுப்ப வழியுண்டாயிற்று. கொள்ளிடத்-திலுள்ள அணைக்கரையில் பாசனத்துக்கு, கல்-லணை மணற் போக்கிகள் வழியாகத் தண்ணீரை அனுப்பவும் முடிகிறது. வெள்ளத்தை மீண்டும் ஒரு முறை கொள்ளிடத்திற்குள் வடிப்-பதும் இயலுகிறது.

பின்னர், 1934இல் மேட்டூர் நீர்த்தேக்கத்தை ஏற்படுத்திய பொழுது, புதிய கல்லணைக் கால்-வாய் தலை மதகுக்காக வெண்ணாற்றுத் தலை மதகுக்கு அதன் தெற்கில் ஒரு நீரொமுங்கி அமைத்தனர்.

இப்படி இரண்டாயிரம் ஆண்டுகளாக விரிவு அடைந்துள்ள கல்லணை அமைப்புகள் தாம் தஞ்சைப்பாசனத்திற்கு வழிவகுத்த தலை-வாச-லாக அமைந்துள்ளன.

கல்லணையிலிருந்து சுமார் 20 மைல் வரை, காவிரியும், கொள்ளிடமும் அருகருகே ஓடு-கின்றன.

கீழே போகப் போகக் காவிரி மீண்டும் குட-முருட்டி, அரசலாறு, மன்னியாறு, வீரசோழ-ளாறு என்று பிரிந்து கொண்டே போகிறது.

கல்லணையிலேயே பிரிந்த வெண்ணாறும், வடவாறு, வெட்டாறு, வெள்ளையாறு, கோரையாறு, பாமினியாறு, முள்ளியாறு என்று பிரிந்து கொண்டே போகிறது.

சுமார் 3,000 சதுர மைல் பகுதியைச் செழிக்கச் செய்துவிட்டு, கிளைகளில் சில மீண்டும் ஒன்று சேர்கின்றன; சேர்ந்து இனிப் பயன்படுத்த முடியாது என்றுள்ள கடை கோடிக் கழிவு நீரையும் மழைத் தண்ணீரையும் சுமந்து கொண்டு கடலில் கலந்து விடுகின்றன.

கல்லணைக்கு வேண்டிய பெரிய கற்களை-யெல்லாம் திருவெறும்பூர்ப் பகுதியிலிருந்து கொண்டு வந்து தடுத்துக் கட்டினான் என்று கூறுகின்றனர்

முனைவர் பேராசிரியர்ந.க.மங்களமுருகேசன்


Unmaionline.com (http://unmaionline.com/2010/january/16-31_2010/page10.php)

"மணப்பாறை அருகேயுள்ள பொன்னணியார் அணை சுற்றுலாதலத்துக்கு, மீண்டும் அரசு பஸ் போக்குவரத்துக்கு ஏற்பாடு செய்யவேண்டும்' என, சுற்றுலா பயணிகள் கோரிக்கை விடுத்துள்ளனர்.
திருச்சி மாவட்டம் மணப்பாறை தாலுகா வையம்பட்டியிலிருந்து கடவூர் செல்லும் வழியில் ஏழு கிலோ மீட்டர் தொலைவில் இயற்கை எழில்மிகு பொன்னணியார் அணை அமைந்துள்ளது. திருச்சி, கரூர் மாவட்ட எல்லையாக உள்ள பெருமாள்மலைக்கும், செம்மலைக்கும் இடையே உள்ள பள்ளத்தாக்கு பகுதியில் ஒரு கோடி ரூபாய் செலவில், கடந்த 1969ல் துவங்கி, 1974ம் ஆண்டு அணை கட்டி முடிக்கப்பட்டது. இயற்கை அன்னை அளித்த ரம்யமான காடுகள், அணையின் எழில்மிகு தோற்றம், நீரின் சில்லென்ற காற்று, கோடையிலும் மாறாத பசுமை, சூரிய ஒளி கூட எட்டிப்பார்க்க முடியாத அடர்த்தியான மரங்கள் என இயற்கை எழிலுடன் உள்ள அணைப்பகுதியில் பூங்கா, விளையாட்டு வசதிகள் என பொழுதுபோக்கு அம்சங்களும் ஏற்படுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளன.

பொன்னணியார் அணை திருச்சி, கரூர் மாவட்டங்களில் உள்ள மணப்பாறை, துவரங்குறிச்சி, வையம்பட்டி, கடவூர், தோகைமலை, தரகம்பட்டி, பாளையம் உள்ளிட்ட பகுதிகளை சேர்ந்தவர்களுக்கும், திண்டுக்கல் மாவட்டத்தில் உள்ள பல்வேறு பகுதி மக்களுக்கும் சிறந்த பொழுதுபோக்கு இடமாக திகழ்ந்து வருகிறது. கிராமப்புற பள்ளி மாணவர்களுக்கும் மிகச்சிறந்த சுற்றுலா தலமாகவும் விளங்கி வருகிறது. கடந்த மூன்று ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன் சுற்றுலா வளர்ச்சிக்கழகம் மற்றும் கரூர் கலெக்டர் நிதியிலிருந்து 25 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவில் பூங்கா புதுப்பிப்பு, தண்ணீர் வசதி, புல்வெளி, சிறுவர் விளையாட்டு அம்சங்கள் படகு சவாரிக்கு படகுகளும் வாங்கப்பட்டுள்ளன.
இப்படிப்பட்ட சிறப்புமிகு சுற்றுலாதலமான பொன்னணியார் அணைக்கட்டுக்கு மணப்பாறையிலிருந்து காலையிலும், மாலையிலும் அரசு டவுன் பஸ்கள் இயக்கப்பட்டு வந்தது. அதேபோல் வையம்பட்டியிலிருந்து அணைக்கட்டு வழியாக கடவூர், இடையப்பட்டிக்கும் மினி பஸ்கள் இயக்கப்பட்டது. இதன்மூலம் சுற்றுலா பயணிகள் பொன்னணியார் அணைக்கட்டுக்கு சுற்றுலா சென்று வந்தனர்.

இந்நிலையில் கடந்த சில காலமாக பொன்னணியார் அணைக்கட்டுக்கு இயக்கப்பட்ட அரசு டவுன் பஸ் நிறுத்தப்பட்டது. இதையடுத்து மினிபஸ்கள் மூலம் சுற்றுலா பயணிகள் அங்கு சென்று வந்தனர். ஆனால் அந்த மினிபஸ்களும் தற்போது சரிவர இயக்கப்படுவதில்லை. இது பொன்னணியார் அணைக்கட்டு வரும் சுற்றுலா பயணிகளுக்கு பெரும் பாதிப்பை ஏற்படுத்தியுள்ளது. சரியான போக்குவரத்து வசதி இல்லை என்பதால், அங்கு வரும் சுற்றுலா பயணிகளின் எண்ணிக்கையும் குறைந்துள்ளது. அரசுக்கு வரவேண்டிய வருவாயும் பாதித்துள்ளது.

தற்போது பள்ளி, கல்லூரிகளுக்கு கோடை விடுமுறை அளிக்கப்படவுள்ளதால், பொன்னணியார் அணைக்கட்டுக்கு சுற்றுலா பயணிகள் எண்ணிக்கையும் அதிகமாக இருக்கும். ஆகையால் பொன்னனியார் அணைக்கட்டுக்கு திருச்சி, மணப்பாறை, கரூர், மற்றும் திண்டுக்கல் பகுதிகளிலிருந்து அரசு பஸ் இயக்கினால், சுற்றுலா பயணிகளும் ஆர்வமாக வருவர். அரசுக்கு பல்வேறு வகையிலும் வருவாய் அதிகரிக்கும். தமிழகத்தில் சுற்றுலாத்துறையை மேம்படுத்த தனித்துறை இருக்கும் நிலையில், இயற்கையில் சிறந்த சுற்றுலா தலமாக அமைந்து விட்ட பொன்னணியார் அணைக்கட்டுக்கு போக்குவரத்து வசதி ஏற்படுத்த சுற்றுலாத்துறை அதிகாரிகளும், கரூர் மாவட்டத்தைச் சேர்ந்த போக்குவரத்துத்துறை அமைச்சர் செந்தில்பாலாஜியும் நடவடிக்கை எடுப்பார்களா? என்பதை பொறுத்திருந்து தான் பார்க்கவேண்டும்.

-Prasanna/T.P.

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courtesy : shyam sundar/FB

^^^^^^ Good

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திருக்கரம்பனூர் உத்தமர் கோயில்

வரலாற்றுச் சிறப்புகள்

பல மன்னர்களும் இத்தலத்திற்குக் கொடையளித்ததாக இங்கு காணப்படும் குறிப்புகள் வெளியிடுகின்றன. இவர்களுள் சோழ மன்னன் கேசரி வர்மனும், பாண்டிய மன்னன் சுந்தரபாண்டியனும் அடங்குவர்.
முற்காலத்தில் இத்திருத்தலம் கதவுகளே அற்று இருந்ததாகவும், அதனால் எந்நேரமும் இறைவனைத் தொழுதிட இயன்றிருந்தது எனவும் பெரியவாசன் பிள்ளையின் குறிப்பொன்று கூறுகிறது.

தல வரலாறு

இத்தலத்திற்குப் பல வரலாறுகள் உள்ளன. ஆதிபிரம்ம புராணத்திலேயே இக்கோயில் பற்றிய குறிப்பு காணப்படுகிறது.
தம்மிடம் மிக்க பக்தி செலுத்தி வரும் பிரம்மாவைச் சோதிக்க விஷ்ணு கடம்ப மரமாக உருவெடுத்து இங்கு வந்ததாகவும், அவ்வுருவிலும் பிரம்மா அவரை அறிந்து கொண்டு தொடர்ந்து வழிபட்டமையால், மனம் மகிழ்ந்த விஷ்ணு அவருக்கு இங்கு தனி வழிபாட்டு சந்நிதி கொள்ளுமாறு செய்ததாகவும் கூறுவர். இந்தியாவில் மிகச் சில இடங்களிலேயே பிரம்மா மற்றும் சரஸ்வதி ஆகியோருக்கு தனிக் கோயில்களோ, சந்நதிகளோ உள்ளன என்பது குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது.
இக்கோயிலில், சிவன் பிச்சாடனாராக உருக்கொண்டமைக்கும் ஒரு வரலாறு உள்ளது. தன்னைப் போல் பிரம்மாவிற்கும் ஐந்து தலைகள் உள்ளதைச் சகிக்காத சிவபெருமான் பிரம்மனுடைய ஒரு தலையைக் கிள்ளி எறிந்ததாகவும், பிரம்ம ஹத்தி தோஷம் வந்ததால், சிவனின் கையிலிருந்த கபாலம் அவரது கையோடு ஒட்டிக் கொண்டதாகவும், சிவன் கையில் ஒட்டிக் கொண்ட கபாலத்தில் மகாலட்சுமியைக் கொண்டு பிச்சையிடச் செய்ததால் அச்சாபம் நீங்கியதாகவும் கூறுவதுண்டு.


விக்கிப்பீடியா (http://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%82%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D_%E0%AE%89%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D_%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8B%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D)

Preparations are in place for the big Tuesday in Samayapuram, when devotees streaming to the famous Mariamman temple will participate in the annual car procession festival. The district collector has already declared Tuesday a local holiday, and the rural police have made elaborate arrangements to receive an estimated 2.5 lakh devotees on that day.

Coming close on the heels of the March 11 Poochoriyal (ritual sprinkling of flowers over the idol of the presiding deity), the Chithirai car festival has added significance, and the temple is one of the largest crowd-pullers in the region. The famed car festival is the culmination of the 10-day annual festival that started on April 8 with the hoisting of the temple flag. On the first flag-hoisting day, the Amman, the Urchavar, appeared before the gold mast as early as 5 am, and after the recitation of Ganapathy Homam, the Chithirai Thiruvizha flag was hoisted by the priests, known locally as Sivachariars.

During the nine days, the Amman appeared in various avatars to bless her devotees. On the eighth day of Sunday, the Urchavar came on a wooden horse, and on Monday, the Amman came in a procession on a silver horse. On the culminating 10th day, Tuesday, the Amman will start from her abode at 10 am, reaching her car around 10.30 am. The devotees will start pulling the car around 11.15 at Mithuna Lagna (Gemini Ascendant) taking the Amman through the streets.

Meanwhile, thousands of devotees from the neighbouring districts including Salem, Namakkal, Thanjavur and Pudukottai kept pouring into the village, situated on the Trichy-Chennai highway, doing the annual penance of piercing their tongues and cheeks. This year the temple will sport a new appearance due to renovation work, and the extended praharam will be available to pilgrims this season, said an HR & CE official. As many as 1,090 police personnel and 150 home guards have been deployed at the temple premises, and 55 water tanks have been installed, starting from Tollgate near Trichy to the temple.

Temporary bus stops have been created at four different places, and surveillance cameras have been set up at 10 places, said a police officer.

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Huge-crowds-expected-at-temple-festival/articleshow/12698146.cms)

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source:Kannan/TP

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The hitherto derelict courtyard of the Tiruchi government museum located in Town Hall ,where Rani Mangammal once held court, has something to offer now for history and art lovers, with a sculpture park being opened on Tuesday.

A total of 45 stone sculptures of gods and goddesses dating from 13{+t}{+h}century to 18{+t}{+h}century are on display at the rear portion of the museum. Totally, 21 sculptures have been mounted on individual concrete pedestals installed on a hexagonal plinth with paved flooring. Twenty-four other sculptures are lined up on a long platform on the side. While the pedestals were constructed at a cost of Rs. 56,000, other expenses including paved flooring were drawn from the maintenance fund. The sculpture park was opened by Collector Jayashree Muralidharan. Apart from idols of Vishnu, Sridevi, Brahma, Ganesha, Murugan and Dwarkabalala, sculptures include an 18{+t}{+h}century sacrificial altar, stone nandhis and lingams.

The sculptures, earlier relegated to the backyard of the museum, have been given prominent display in a bid to attract more visitors, S.Paneerselvam, curator (additional charge) of the museum said.

Twenty more sculptures would be added to the park and a pedestal has already been constructed, S.Dhanasekaran, special grade assistant told The Hindu . The museum has also planned to make the façade more impressive by setting up pedestals for sculptures at the entrance, he said. With admission fee waived for school students, the museum hopes to bring in more visitors.

source: The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3326650.ece)

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A large number of devotees offered worship at Samayapuram Sri Mariamman Temple and pulled the temple car on the occasion of the ‘Chithirai festival' on Tuesday. The processional idol of Sri Amman was brought to the temple car at about 10 a.m. where religious rituals associated with the ‘ratharohanam' were performed.

Hundreds of devotees pulled the decorated temple car amidst religious fervour an hour later. Thousands of devotees came on a ‘padayatra' to the temple.

source:MR.Raja/TP

How did our ancestors of the prehistoric age live - a question that may demand a febrile imagination but how were they buried is something archaeologists can answer with evidence in the form of burial urns.

A stone urn along with pottery contained in it exhibited at the government museum in Town Hall sheds light on burial customs of Tamils in the Iron Age.

The urn was excavated three months ago at Madakudi village in Lalgudi taluk, according to S.Paneerselvam, curator (in-charge) of the museum. The 41 inches-long urn is broadest at the middle by 104 inches and has a mouth measuring 60 inches.

Burial of many kinds

The megalithic urn is dated circa 500 B.C, says C.Govindaraj, curator, Government museum, Krishanagiri, who gave a power-point presentation on megalithic culture of Tamil Nadu at the museum on Tuesday.

There are nearly 15 types of megalithic (usage of large stones for construction) burials, including open graves, stone circles, tombs, under-soil burials and even sarcophagus as found near Chengalpattu. But burial urns are most common around Tiruchi.

“When the corpse is buried in sitting position, it is primary burial. But secondary burial, as seen in this case, is commonly found in the areas, where bones are enclosed in the urn after the body is exposed to elements and flesh is eaten by worms. Utensils used by the person are also concealed in the urn,” says Mr.Govindaraj.


Iron Age rituals

Though the urns are not scientifically dated, these utensils are markers of the age. The bright red and black pottery found were indicators of the Iron Age. A pot with black base and red mouth, narrow mouthed polished blackware used as water pots and a ring stand for placing other utensils, were discovered.

Generally iron implements are unearthed along with such urns, but were missing in this case as the excavation was accidental and not done by archaeologists, Mr.Govindaraj said.

Further excavation in the area is yet to be proposed as the urn is neither rare nor contains Tamil Brahmi script, terracotta or stone jewels that are more valuable in terms of insights they offer. “We need to preserve these urns as signs of our past. The burial rites have been recorded in the literature of the Sangam Age that corresponds with Iron Age,” said the curator.

Students from the Department of History, Holy Cross College, took part. Earlier, Collector Jayashree Muralidharan inaugurated the special exhibition that is open between 9.30 am and 5 p.m except on Fridays and second Saturdays.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3326263.ece)

A burial urn dating back 3,000 years was unearthed near Lalgudi recently. The urn was on Tuesday officially added to the exquisite collection of the Trichy museum by district collector Jayashree Muralidharan. The district museum was set up in 1982 on the government's principle of providing museums to all districts, and it was the third in the state after Salem and Madurai. In order to provide room to the increasing collections of sculptures, bronzes and fossils, the museum was shifted to the historical Rani Mangammal Durbar Hall in 1998 that had been built by Chokkanatha Nayak in 1666.

In fact, the 41-inches-tall burial urn with a circumference 104 inches at its widest middle with a conic bottom was first spotted on October 30 last year near a present day burial ground on a roadside poromboke land in the nondescript Pallividai, falling under Madakudi village panchayat. Its VAO made arrangements to carefully excavate it without damaging it in any way. Pudukottai curator S Panneer Selvam who is also in charge of Trichy museum told TOI that he brought it to the notice of the commissioner of museums who directed the Trichy district collector take possession of the ancient artefact and restore it to the museum. Panneer Selvam said the urn belonged to "megalithic culture" in which people used to keep the bones of the deceased, weapons he used, and different food grains of the era in the urn and buried them. The conic bottom stands testimony to the fact of it being buried underground. There were 10 types of burials and this practice was prevalent until AD 200, the curator said.

Though the urn was unearthed some time ago, April 17 was chosen as the day for officially installing it in the museum because the commissioner of museums desired to open a "sculpture garden" in the museum.

The sculpture garden at the backyard of the museum houses a number of statues unearthed during the last 25 years in and around Trichy. Since Trichy had been under the reign of almost all rulers of present-day Tamil Nadu, the museum had traces of all such rulers in the form of inscriptions and artefacts.

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/3000-year-old-burial-urn-found-in-Trichy-installed-in-museum/articleshow/12710443.cms)

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01059/19apr_tymbg01_TEMP_1059145e.jpg

Temple honours from Sri Andal temple at Srivilliputhur were received at Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy temple on Thursday. The honours were brought by a team of representatives led by Ravichandran and sthalastar Ramesh, Krishnan and Sudarshan.

The temple honours were received by Mariappan, assistant commissioner and Sundar Bhattar, temple priest. The temple honour included holy clothes for Sri Ranganathar and Sri Thaayar besides garlands and fruits.

This is the fifth year in succession that the temple honours are received from Srivilliputhur on the occasion of the Chithrai car festival in Srirangam to be held on Friday.

In a similar gesture, the temple gifts from Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy temple are being sent to Srivilliputhur on the occasion of ‘Adi pooram' festival every year. The despatch of gifts between these temples signifies the historical link between the temples.

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‘Do not use non bio-degradable plastics during Chithirai festival'

Mayor A.Jaya and Corporation Commissioner (in-charge) K.A.Selvaraj on Thursday inspected the arrangements being made for the Chithirai car festival to be held at Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswami Temple on Friday.

They inspected the sanitation works taken up in Srirangam, especially in the Chithirai Streets around the temple, along which the car would be pulled. The Corporation has also taken steps to ensure all basic amenities such as drinking water and toilets for devotees visiting the temple for the occasion. City engineer Raja Mohamed and other officials were present.

In a statement issued in the day, Mr.Selvaraj appealed to the city residents and devotees visiting the temple to desist from using non bio-degradable plastics and dispose garbage in the bins placed in the town.

-MRR/T.P.

A delegation of the Tiruchi Travel Federation (TTF), an organisation representing stakeholders from the tourism, travel and allied industries, would visit Dubai to promote South Indian tourist destinations.

The delegation would interact with associations of people of Indian origin there to discuss ways to promote places of tourism interest in South India, especially the Tiruchi region. A decision to this effect was taken at the annual general meeting of the TTF held here recently.

The meeting also resolved to conduct a survey on the tourism potential of the city with the help of education institutions in the city. It would organise interactive sessions with government agencies, airlines, airport authorities, industry associations to discuss ways to strengthen the travel and tourism infrastructure and increasing air connectivity. The meeting decided to organise an awareness programme for auto and taxi operators to orient them towards tourism-friendly approaches, a presentation on the medical tourism potential offered by Tiruchi, the annual Suvai food festival, a tourism quiz in connection with World Tourism Day, a Pongal tourism festival and a travel mart.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3355271.ece

பேரவையில் சுற்றுலாத்துறை அமைச்சர் கோகுல இந்திரா, தாக்கல் செய்த சுற்றுலாத்துறை மானிய கோரிக்கை அறிவிப்புகளில் இடம் பெற்றுள்ள முக்கிய அம்சங்கள்:

காஞ்சிபுரம் மாவட்டம் ஸ்ரீபெரும்புதூர் ஸ்ரீ ராமானுஜர் அவதரித்த ஊராகும். இங்கு பிரசித்தி பெற்ற ஆதிகேசவ பெருமாள் கோவில் உள்ளது. எனவே இங்கு சுற்றுலாப்பயணிகள் அதிகளவில் வருகின்றனர். இங்கு சுற்றுலா கட்டமைப்பு பணிகள் ரூ.5 கோடி மதிப்பில் செயல்படுத்தப்படும்.

மதுரை மாவட் டம் அழகர்கோவிலில் அறுபடை வீடுகளில் ஒன்றான பழமுதிர்சோலை முருகன் கோவிலும், 108 திவ்ய தேசங்களில் ஒன்றான கள்ளழகம் சுந்தர்ராஜ பெருமாள் கோவிலும் உள்ளது. இங்கு சித்திரை திருவிழா, ஆடித்திருவிழா, பங்குனி உத்திரம் போன்ற விழாக்காலங்களில் அதிகளவில் பக்தர்கள் வருகின்றனர். பக்தர்கள் நலன் கருதி ரூ.5 கோடி மதிப்பில் சுற்றுலா கட்டமைப்பு வசதிகள் ஏற்படுத்தப்படும்.

திருச்சி மாவட்டம் முக்கொம்பு சுற்றுலா பணிகள் ரூ.5 கோடி மதிப்பில் ஏற்படுத்தப்படும்.

தேனி மாவட்டம் மேகமலைக்கும் அதன் அருகில் உள்ள சுருளி நீர்வீழ்ச்சி பகுதி ரூ.5 கோடி மதிப்பில் சுற்றுலா கட்டமைப்பு வசதிகள் ஏற்படுத்தப்படும்.

குற்றாலம் நீர்வீழ்ச்சி பகுதியிலும் சுற்றுலா வசதிகள் ரூ.5 கோடி மதிப்பில் ஏற்படுத்தப்படும்.

திருச்செந்தூர் சுப்ரமணியர் கோவில் ரத வீதிகள் மேம்பாடு, கூடுதல் தங்கும் விடுதிகள், கழிப்பிட வசதிகள், பூங்காக்கள் போன்றவை
ரூ.5 கோடி மதிப்பில் ஏற்படுத்தப்படும்.

திருத்தணி முருகன் கோவிலில் சுற்றுலா தகவல் மையம், தங்கும் விடுதிகள், பூங்காக்கள், போன்ற சுற்றுலா கட்டமைப்பு வசதிகள்
ரூ.5 கோடி மதிப்பில் ஏற்படுத்தப்படும்.

பெருஞ்சுற்று சுற்றுலா திட்டத்தின் கீழ், திருச்சி, தஞ்சை, கும்பகோணம், மயிலாடுதுறை, சீர்காழி, சிதம்பரம், விருத்தாசலம், திருச்சி சுற்றுலா சுற்றில் உள்ள சுற்றுலா மையங்களில் சுற்றுலா கட்டமைப்பு வசதிகள் மேற்கொள்ள ரூ.50 கோடி மதிப்பில் விரிவான திட்டம் தயாரிக்கப்பட்டு செயல்படுத்தப்படும்.

தேனி மாவட்டம் கும்பக்கரை அருவி, திருவள்ளூர் மாவட்டம் பெரியபாளையம் பவானியம்மன் கோவில், சிறுவாபுரி முருகன்கோவில், அரியலூர் மாவட்டம் கரை வெட்டி சரணாலயம், திருவாரூர் மாவட்டம் திருக்கொள்ளிக்காடு சனீஸ்வரர் கோவில், ஆவூர் பசுபதீஸ்வரர் கோவில் பஞ்சபைரவர் கோவில், நாமக்கல் மாவட்டம் திருச்செங்கோடு அர்த்த நாரீஸ்வரர் கோவில், திருநெல்வேலி மாவட்டம் சங்கரன்கோவில் பொட்டல் புதூர் மொகைதீன் தர்கா, சிவகங்கை மாவட்டம் இடைக்காட்டூர் தேவாலயம், பிரான்மலை, நாட்டரசன்கோட்டை, ஏரியூர் மருந்தீஸ்வரர் கோவில், திருப்பத்த;ர் பரியா மருதீஸ்வரர் கோவில், திருவண்ணாமலை மாவட்டம் தவளகிரிஸ்வரர் கோவில், சேலம் மாவட்டம் கங்கவள்ளி வட சென்னிமலை கோவில் திருப்பூர் மாவட்டம் திருமூர்த்தி அணைப்பகுதியில் அமணலிங்கேஸ்வரர் கோவில், தாராபுரம் ஆஞ்சநேயர் கோவில், விழுப்புரம் மாவட்டம் கல்வராயன் மலை, கோமுகி அணை, கூத்தாண்டவர் கோவில், ராமநாதபுரம் மாவட்டம் நயினார்கோவில், ஓரியூர் உத்தரகோசமங்கை, வேலூர் விரிஞ்சிபுரம் சிவன்கோவில், விளப்பாக்கம் பஞ்சபாண்டவர் மலை, கோயம்புத்தூர் மாவட்டம் கல்லாறு, திருச்சி மாவட்டம் புளியஞ்சோலை, ஈரோடு மாவட்டம் அந்தியர் வரட்டுப்பள்ளம் ஆகிய இடங்களில் சுற்றுலா கட்டமைப்பு வசதிகள் ரூ.10 கோடி மதிப்பில் ஏற்படுத்தப்படும்.

கொடைக்கானல், ஏற்காடு, ஒகேனக்கல், திருச்செந்தூர், குற்றாலம் ஆகிய இடங்களில் சுற்றுலா வளர்ச்சிக்கழகத்துக்கு சொந்தமான தங்கும் விடுதிகளில் உள்ள அறைகள் ரூ.2.82 கோடி மதிப்பில் மேம்படுத்தப்படும். விடுதிகளில் தங்குவதற்கும், பயணங்கள் மேற்கொள்வதற்கும் செல்போன் மற்றும் ஆன்லைன் மூலம் முன்பதிவு செய்யும் முறை அறிமுகப்படுத்தப்படும்.

மாமல்லபுரத்தில் ஆடியோ வசதியுடன் கூடிய நடமாடும் சுற்றுலா தகவல் வழிகாட்டி திட்டம் அறிமுகப்படுத்தப்படும்.

http://epaper.dinakaran.com/pdf/2012/04/26/20120426a_006106024.jpg

^^
Nice to see Puliancholai will get infrastructure development.

^^
A rural tourism cluster showcasing the culture and heritage of Chettinad, projects to improve infrastructural facilities in temple towns and introduction of open-deck buses in major tourist cities are some of the important decisions taken by the government to promote tourism.

Prominent among the places that found space in announcements made in the Assembly by Tourism Minister S. Gokula Indira on Wednesday were Sriperumbudur (birthplace of Sri Ramanuja and the abode of Adhikesava Perumal Temple); Azhagarkoil (houses a noted Murugan shrine and also Sundararaja Perumal Temple); Tiruchendur and Tiruttani, popular Murugan shrines.

All these towns will get a facelift apart from a number of basic amenities at a cost of Rs.5 crore each.

Replying to a debate on the demands for grants for her department, Ms. Indira unveiled a plan to promote the rural tourism cluster for showcasing the cultural splendour of Chettinad. Various facilities will be provided for tourists at places such as Pillayarpatti, Vairavanpatti, Kaanadukathan, Maathur, Aathankudi, Ilayankudi and Nemam at a cost of Rs.11 crore.

The objective of the circuit is to make tourists stay in such villages and see for themselves how the rural folk live. Besides, these villagers will be given training so that they can be gainfully employed in their villages.

Ms. Indira said that Mukkombu, a tourist spot on the banks of the Cauvery in Tiruchirappalli district, would be improved at a cost of Rs.5 crore. Apart from beautifying parks, illumination, lodging facilities, public convenience, parking lot and water sports facilities would be provided.

Megahmalai in Theni district was developing into a prominent hill station. The Suruli falls in the vicinity drew a large number of tourists. Apart from various basic amenities, the ghat roads would be improved at a total cost of Rs.5 crore.

Courttalam, a major tourist spot that attracts thousands of tourists, especially from June to September, would get a major facelift, including entertainment facilities, at Rs.5 crore.

To make travel of tourists pleasant and comfortable, roadside restaurants, restrooms, parks, parking lots and public conveniences would be established on national highways and State highways apart from tourist information centres in four places at a cost of Rs.8 crore.

Under the Clean India project, environmental hygiene in places that attract a large number of tourists would be improved at a total cost of Rs.5 crore. This programme would benefit the Marina beach, Besant Nagar beach, important temples, memorials, falls, hill stations and boathouses. Sixteen “not-so-popular” tourist spots would be improved at a cost of Rs.10 crore. An interesting feature would be the introduction of open-deck buses in Chennai, Madurai and Tiruchirappali, where a number of spots attract tourists. An audio guide would be introduced at Mamallapuram.

Tamil Nadu has decided to further exploit its potential to draw tourists by formulating specific packages combining pilgrimage, heritage and ecology. The packages being planned include a mega circuit connecting several temple towns of central Tamil Nadu; an East Coast circuit (pilgrimage and heritage) and a Southern circuit (pilgrimage and eco circuit), tourism minister S. Gokula Indira told the State Assembly on Wednesday.

The mega circuit programme, aimed at improving tourism infrastructure in temple towns, will be implemented at a cost of Rs. 50 crore during this financial year. This will be funded under the Central Financial Assistance programme. The circuit would connect Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, Sirkazhi, Chidambaram and Vriddhachalam. Destinations along this mega circuit would be developed, the minister told the Assembly.

The minister said that the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation is planning to launch 10 new tours this financial year. They include tours to Nagarathar temples, Divya Desam temples in Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur district, Thirukkadayur temple, Thiruvudai Amman, Vadivudai Amman and Kodiyudai Amman temples, to Madurai , Tiruchi , to Courtallam and nearby areas, to Yelagiri hills, to Kolli hills and to the freedom fighters' circuit.

The Helicopter Corporation of India and heli taxi operators have been contacted to operate heli taxi connecting important tourist destinations such as Udhagamandalam, Kodaikanal and Rameswaram. Cruise tourism will be promoted in association with Chennai and Tuticorin Port Trusts. Besides this, water sports and water taxis will be promoted along the Marina, she said.

Medical tourism will also be promoted in co-ordination with the leading hospitals in the state. Similarly, wellness tourism, comprising yoga, meditation, ayurveda, spa and nature cure will be promoted in co-ordination with reputed institutions. The Government has issued orders constituting a core committee for promotion of medical and wellness tourism.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3354772.ece

http://epaper.dinakaran.com/pdf/2012/04/26/20120426a_006106024.jpg

-Tourism Developments

The central region is rich with various tourist spots that attract tourists from across the country round the year.

Poompuhar, the Danish Fort at Tharangambadi, Point Calimere, Sittannavasal, Kudumiyanmalai, Thirumayam fort, Ranjankudi fort, Karaivetti birds sanctuary, Grand Anicut, Puliancholai, Mukkombu, Top Sengattupatti are some of the famous tourist destinations which cheer the locals and tourists, particularly during the holidays.

Apart from these, the innumerable number of Temples, Basilicas and Churches, Dargahs attract stream of tourists and devotees not only from India, but also from foreign countries. However, the lack of adequate entertainment facilities in Tiruchi district, in particular in Tiruchi town, has been matter of concern not only to the local people, but also to government authorities. Compared to districts like Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Tiruchi lags very much behind as far as the presence of tourist spots are concerned.

It is the people of Tiruchi city who suffer due to the absence of entertainment facilities. Mukkumbo is the only tourist spot abetting Tiruchi city. Even the facilities here are not up to the mark. The Kallanai, too abets the city, but it is situated in the neighbouring Thanjavur district.

Thanjavur is a municipal town, not as big compared to Tiruchi city. The Sivagangai park in the heart of the town satisfies the entertainment needs of the local, particularly the children. The water sport facility, the toy train, the mini zoo have always been major sources of attraction. The toy train and the winch facility were introduced more than five decades ago, and the water sport facility, a couple of decades ago. What brings much contentment to the people is that fee for using the water sport etc is very cheap, affordable even by the weaker sections.

The Tirunelveli Corporation a few years ago, set up mini parks in all the residential localities with public contribution under the ‘namakku naame' scheme. These mini parks, accounting for facilities like swings, sea-saw enable youngsters to pass their time in a fit manner in their own locality. No doubt, these parks are major crowd pullers in the evening hours.

Tiruchi, despite boasting itself as a major city, has no such facilities. Parks are available, but they are not properly maintained by the Corporation. None of these parks have any facility like toy trains, mini swimming pool which will attract youngsters. “Setting up these facilities will not be a costly affair. Even private exhibitions conducted in the city manage to have toy trains, joy ride facilities. The same facilities should be set up in all the parks within the city limits,” says Esther, a homemaker.

The locals have hailed the decision of the government to create various infrastructure facilities like drinking water, toilet, children's park, pathway, lighting facility, at an outlay of Rs. 65 lakh in Mukkombu. The Tourist Department should take initiative for completing these works at the earliest, she adds.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article3366202.ece)

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01066/TY26STONE_1066341e.jpg

An ancient hero stone with inscriptions has been unearthed at Karattampatti near Thuraiyur, about 35 km from here.

The hero stone was discovered from a field at a village during a field study taken up by a research team led by Subash Chandira Bose, advisor for the archaeological wing of the Centre for Cultural Studies, Coimbatore, following a tip-off given by Durairaj, a local resident.

Mr.Bose, in a press release, said the bas-relief hero stone measuring 30 centimetres in width and 92 centimetres in height has been carved within a rectangular vertical frame with excellent craftsmanship. It depicts a warrior holding a sword in his left arm.

The inscription belongs to the 31 regnal year of Paranthaga Chola-I (AD 938), also known as Madurai Kondan, he said.

The inscription on the stone says that the people of Viriyur had donated a non-taxable land to the daughter of hero known as Nagan who sacrificed his life to bring back a herd cows taken away by a group.

The inscription also refers to a few names of places such as Miamaa Nadu, Valluvappadi, Viriyur, Oottrathur Nadu, Paadaavur and Ainjurinimangal.

The field study was carried out by a research team comprising Iravindran, Ramkumar, Balakrishnan, Stapathi Palanisamy, with the help of Devaraj and Palaniyandi and a few school students, the release said.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/article3360060.ece)

Theories abound over the origin of this city’s name; it is referred to by multiple names till date, including an appellation introduced by the British. If Tamil Nadu could be likened to the nervous system, this city could very well be its spinal cord, due to its location. Although renowned for its historical structures like Madurai, this city, too, straddles two identities - the conservative and the modern. A smorgasbord of cultures, a melting pot for religions, an Encyclopaedia Britannica of religious structures and a rocket poised to launch into the heights of modernity - all these would describe Tiruchirappalli, or Tiruchi, to the-T.

An educational, industrial, tourism and agricultural hub, Tiruchi is located on the banks of the Cauvery in its delta. It was for this reason that the former TN chief minister late M G Ramachandran had reportedly insisted at shifting the state capital here from Chennai. For box-office and political pundits, it is said that an analysis of the performance here and in Madurai can be a barometer for the state. The district was, perhaps, the state’s largest district, when the districts of Karur and Perambalur were carved out from it. Most English and regional dailies have their editions in Tiruchi.

To the discerning visitor, though, just how much Tiruchi is tied to antiquity can be gauged by a visit to its railway station, Tiruchirappalli Junction, which houses a steam engine that was employed by the British in the region. The city has another claim to fame on the international circuit - its proximity to an island on the distributaries of the Caouvery, Srirangam, which houses the Ranganathaswamy Temple, a shrine dedicated to Sri Ranganathaswamy, or Lord Vishnu in a reclining position, that has the second largest temple complex in the nation. Among its various attractions include a mummy of the Vaishnavite saint and philosopher Ramanujacharya, who conceived and directed the construction of the Cheluvaraya Swami Temple in Melkote. Historical accounts have it that the saint had to flee the island in the 13th century, when he eventually reached Melkote.

If Tiruchi were to be shrunk into a picture postcard, it would invariably bear the image of Malakottai (rockfort) - a rock-cut temple dedicated to Uchipillaiyar or Lord Ganesha - the path to which comprises a flight of 900 steps. Another temple that is a must-visit is the Jambukeshwara Temple, whose presiding deity Lord Shiva is said to represent the element of water. The Our Lady of Lourdes Church built in Gothic style and having a 200 m high spire and the Baba Natharvali Dargah are among Tiruchi’s other tourist attractions. The Grand Anicut, one of the world’s oldest water diversion structures still in use, is about 50 kilometre from Tiruchi; the word Anicut derives itself from the Tamil word ‘anaikattu’, which means to construct a bund.

As far as its climate is concerned, Tiruchi has the notorious distinction of being “hotter than Chennai”. The best months to visit the city are from December-February and August-October.

If Cuba can boast of its Havana cigars, Tiruchi can, likewise, brag of its suruttus (cheroots) or Trichinopoly cigars, which were once widely exported abroad (the cigars find mention in Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes); the same holds good for 'Nei seeval', shredded betel nut roasted in ghee. Littered with shops of all types, the Chinnakadai Theru (street of shops) and NSB Road are verily a shoppers’ paradise.

The Navaratna PSU BHEL has its boiler production plant located on the outskirts of Tiruchi. With a good chunk of India’s energy produced using such boilers, borrowing a catchphrase, one may daresay there’s a bit of Tiruchi in every one’s lives! With over 25 engineering colleges located in and around the city, in addition to the National Institute of Technology, and many centres of higher learning, the city is also an educational hub.

The traditional city is verily on the throes of modernity: the TN government is setting up an IT park on the city’s outskirts; it has an international airport with daily flights to Sri Lanka and Dubai.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/a-juxtaposition-of-tradition-modernity/254344-60-119.html

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A large number of devotees offered worship to Sri Thayumanaswami and Sri Mattuvar Kuzhalammai on the occasion of Chithirai car festival at Rockfort Sri Thayumanaswami temple on Thursday. The idols were brought from the sanctum sanctorum in the early morning for ‘ratha rohanam'.

The 15-day festival commenced on April 24 and the car festival marks its 10th day rituals. At about 5.30 a.m. in the Meshalagnam, devotees pulled the car amidst religious fervour through the streets around the Temple.

The important ritual associated with the festival, marking Sri Siva donning the role of Thayumanavar for Sri Rathnavathi was held on Sunday last.

MRR/T.P.

http://www.trichyportal.com/images/ukoil.jpg

-TP Admin

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s320x320/577476_373016189414621_124410811_n.jpg

This was taken at PANJAVARNESHWAR temple at woraiur, which was built 1000 years ago, This is from one of its pillar it shows the relation between KING CHOLAS and CHINA. There is also another pic of KUMFU LOGO in the temple.

The pic and information shared by Prasanna Sivakumar.

திருச்சி: கார்கில் போரில் உயிர் நீத்த மேஜர் சரவணனுக்கு நேற்று அஞ்சலி செலுத்தப்பட்டது. இந்தியா- பாகிஸ்தான் இடையே நடந்த கார்கில் போரில் தீரமுடன் போராடி உயிர் நீத்த, திருச்சியை சேர்ந்த மேஜர் சரவணனின் 13வது நினைவு நாளையொட்டி, கண்டோண்மென்ட் வெஸ்டரி பள்ளி ரவுண்டானாவில் உள்ள அவரது நினைவு ஸ்தூபிக்கு அஞ்சலி செலுத்தும் நிகழ்ச்சி நேற்று நடந்தது. திருச்சி மாநகராட்சி மேயர் ஜெயா, கமிஷனர் தண்டபாணி, நினைவு ஸ்தூபில் மலர் வளையம் வைத்து வீர வணக்கம் செலுத்தினர். இதேபோல, திருச்சி மாவட்ட முதன்மை நீதிபதி வேல்முருகன், செயின்ட் ஜோசப் கல்லூரி இயக்குனர் பாப்புராஜ் மற்றும் ஏராளமான பொதுமக்கள் அஞ்சலி செலுத்தினர்.

-Prasanna/T.P

http://templepedia.in/sites/default/files/Panchavarneswarar-Urayur-Tiruchchirappalli.jpg

Usually siva lingam was found in black colour. sivalingam is worshipped by doing different types of abhisegam with materials like food,vegetables, ash and oil. In some temples, siva lingam is made of sand and only lamps are lighted and perfumes are offered in pooja.

Speciality: specially one can find sivalingam in 5 different colours during the 5 times of pooja in a temple situated in a place called urayur in trichy district.The temple is called as panchavarneswarar temple.This temple is said to be more than 1000 years old.

5 colours of lingam seen during pooja are

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ag2l8bVBl8/T8RwmGeE0SI/AAAAAAAAAyM/0pbCtWjE-nk/s1600/panchavarneswarar.jpg

1.Rathna lingam (Morning)
2.Spadiga lingam (Afternoon)
3.Gold lingam (Evening)
4.Diamond lingam (Night)
5.Chitra lingam (Midnight)

Bairavar,san and saturn are in a straight line here as it is a special remedial place for all types of dosham.Panchamuga vinayagar is also here.Business men worship here for welfare of business.This temple is a place where lord siva who had separate temples in the form of 5 elements in five different places can be seen as a single form as panchavarna lingam combining all 5 elements together.Amman is called as gandhimathiyammai.This temple is in urayur near trichy and direct buses are available from trichy.

-TP Admin

Take a break from the chaotic city life and explore this greenery filled hotspot...

True to its name, Pachamalai looks like a hill covered in lush greenery from afar - located 80 kms north of the city it is a hillock which is famous for its traditional way of living, medicinal value trees, small streams and tribal lifestyle.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/13705284.cms

As you drive towards this beautiful patch in the Eastern Ghats you can experience the gradual progession one makes from the city life to this tiny paradise - the smell, the climate change and the noises. If you are looking for a quick weekend getaway, then this is your best bet. A one day trip would ideally start with a breathtaking sunrise, bird spotting and a small brunch. Later, you can get a bit more adventurous by taking a small trek up the mountains, taking a break near the streams and finishing it up with a packed lunch and a siesta. At the end of it all, you'll feel refreshed and energetic!

A range of mountains like Aathi nadu, Kombai nadu, Thenpara nadu and other places is a treat for trekkers. Pause for a minute and chat up with the locals and you'll know how this hill has proved to be their companion through their lives. They talk excitedly about their many adventures inside the dense forest cover and also inform us about the medicinal value of the plants. Their way of life around these hills seem to be that of a simple one. With changing times, there is eco- tourism being promoted to a large extent - part of which has enabled the government to come up with weekend packages for tourists. Arrange a bike trip with your friends where you can drive for hours, just exploring the wide road, dense forests experiencing the sound of silence that seems to resonate through these lush green valleys.

Fact file :

Route: Trichy to Thuraiyur road.

Travel time: One hour and 30 mins

Activity: Trekking, taking a dip in the stream, learning about traditional way of life and medicinal facts of plants.

Places nearby: Murugan temple, Mythulu falls, Top Sengattupatti.

-TP Admin

This thread is dedicated to discussions and articles on life and style of People in Trichy!

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In this age where automobile manufacturers keep introducing faster models with bigger space and more mileage, many automobile enthusiasts take the time off to go scout for, renovate or even play high prices to purchase cars from decades ago. But why would people invest time and money on something outdated, we might ask. These avid collectors in the city tell us why.
Balaji Dhanakodi Raghupathy, a computer engineer, who owns a 1955-manufactured automobile says that he has been scouting for vintage models for the past five years. "It has been my childhood dream to own a hundred cars. I started out by checking within my circle of friends. Then, I began rummaging through workshops and also interacting with a lot of people. It is all about the one who places the highest bid or a first come first buy basis." Collectors are sometimes ready to pay anything. It isn't about the money but sheer love for the automobiles.

What makes these cars stand apart from the ones in the modern times? Many say that the cars have a charm of their own usually playing status symbol with their chrome finishing and stylish interiors. "To experience the luxury of this car, one must actually sit and drive around. The recent models may be loaded with modern technology but the vintage cars, however, are a lot more sturdy and have only made travelling pleasurable in every sense." says Ramesh Kamak, who has inherited one such car.

Restoration costs much more than the cost of the car itself, when bought from the first owners. They would have, in turn, inherited it from their ancestors or family heritage. In such cases, a lot of work has to be done to get the car working. Once it is all set, the value of the car is way above the price you might have actually paid for it. Venkatesh Durai, owner of a popular automobile store in the city has a fleet of bikes and cars. A member of the vintage club, Venkatesh is a classic collector in the true sense. "It is not like every other hobby. This one requires research, time, money and patience. Once you buy a vintage car it is all about maintenance — I wouldn't buy it and let it rust away in the shed. I get spare parts flown in from across the country and I enquire with the manufacturers about how the painting and the refurbishing can be done. There is so much more to collecting vintage cars. I wouldn't even call it a hobby." smiles the collector.

Quiz him about the history behind his cars and he tells us with pride about his prized possession — a jeep that was used for hunting during the WWII. "The tools, gun stand and a hoard of other things are still attached. Once in a week, I take one of my cars out for a drive. They are classic beauties guaranteed to make heads turn!" concludes Venkatesh.

Before you buy:
- Check the history and make for each car.
- Maintenance is essential, so be sure you can get the parts and finishings.
- Read up about how each one was made to ensure nothing is damaged in the process of restoration.
- See if it can withstand the present conditions of polishing and painting.

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/people/Vroom-vintage-style/articleshow/13930638.cms)

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The street corners, railway stations, under the trees, beaches, bus stops, cross roads all have one thing common — the quintessential tea kadai! Be it a torn down shack or a shop in shambles,they are an essential part of every Tamilian's life.

'Oru tea sollu machan' is a famous one liner dominating Tamil cinema over decades — showing the sheer magnitude of importance attached to this signature brew of the nation. A gamut of topics are discussed over a single cup of tea — politics, cinema, price rise, brain drain and what not! Tea kadais have stood the test of time despite the rise in uber-cool cafes and fancy juice stands as well.

"It is the common man's drink," says Murugan Kumaravel, a shop owner. "Despite the harsh weather people opt for that cup of freshly brewed steaming hot tea. Now it comes in a lot of different flavours like the healthy green tea, spiced masala chai or the black tea. "Each cup costs between six to thirteen rupees and I have regular customers who visit the shop every day. It all depends on where your shop is located and the way you make the drink. Making tea, is an art I believe. It needs that perfect proportion of sugar, decoction and milk." adds Murugan. The manner in which these men swing their hands is a visual delight! Malini Devi, a management student loves watching tea kadai annas mix the tea. "It is such a brilliant sight. So much so that we now have photography buffs who click pictures of him mixing it in his mug."

Almost every college has a tea stall right at its entrance making it one of the most important places in a student life. "It is not a cup of tea that we share. It is much more than that. I've stood here whiling away time, gossiping, talking about the latest release and even had heated arguments about politics! It is all a part of college life that you shouldn't miss." says Ajay Ramakrishnan an engineering student. It is not just the colleges but but even corporate houses, IT companies, medical centres have tea stalls right at their doorstep.

Cinema has played a pivotal role in showing us the importance we attach to these quaint tea stalls. Comedy scenes featuring celebrated artists all portray the typical tea kadai scene. "Most of Vadivelu's comedies are shot with the tea kadai as a background. Like in Vel and Vivekh in Lovely," says Sheeba Sivadass a content writer.

No wonder it is being raised to a status of National importance!

Tea spots in Trichy
- Junction - central bus stand.
- Near the Karur bypass road.
- Thillai Nagar
- Sastri Road
- Around the temple streets

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food/food-reviews/Tea-stalls-that-unite-Tamilians/articleshow/13930838.cms)

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Ibuckled my helmet and donned the white jerkin and black goggles- my sun protection gear. A few minutes later, I was on the road looking out for the familiar signs that would point me in the right direction: today I was going ‘Into the Deep' on a space exploration journey from the Anna Science Centre- Planetarium and I didn't want to be late.

As I entered the compound, I noted the large group of children being shepherded by a few hassled-looking adults. I soon found out that the kids, who were from the Kootapuli St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School in Tirunelveli, were to be my co-passengers on the ‘spacecraft' that would take us around the Universe.

Exciting

The 80 students, who belonged to classes V to X, were split into two groups before entering the planetarium. The first group trouped into a movie hall set up to the left, where they were given 3D glasses. Sporting the glasses, the group stared intently at the white screen that would soon show them two back-to-back science fiction movies on dinosaurs and the science behind magic. When I took a picture of them, only a few laughed or squirmed self-consciously. The rest looked sombre despite the bright blue frames. I left as the lights went out and the faint murmurs drowned beneath the booming audio of the first film.

I joined the queue outside a door plastered with the words, ‘Into the Deep'. While the others watched dinosaurs run amok, we were going to visit the Sun, its planets, their moons, a few galaxies and the Universe in general. The excitement was palpable as we occupied pushback seats inside the semi-circular theatre with a central projector. While I surveyed the silvery white of the domed ceiling, my eardrums filled with the cacophony of the seats being pushed back and forth by the restless audience.

The man behind the projector was telling a bunch of boys that they were lucky. “You children are getting an opportunity not many would get: you are all going to come on the newspaper soon,” he said pointing to me. While heads turned around, the cacophony continued unabated until one of the chairs snapped loudly. While the boy whose chair had been broken shot angry scowls at his friend behind, the other looked around furtively. He saw me looking at him and instantly sunk into the depths of his chair.

At that moment, a Tamil voiceover announced that we must get ready for the ‘take off'. Visuals took over the domed ceiling while the female voiceover gently guided us through the Solar system and its eight planets. Though I knew Pluto had been demoted from planetary status sometime back, I felt a peculiar loss because when I first encountered the solar system in my science textbook, Pluto was the smallest, coldest planet. I tried recalling in vain the song we were taught to remember the names and correct order of the planets.

Illusion

The central projector revolved around itself spewing images onto the ceiling and walls, creating the illusion of floating around in zero gravity. We were narrowly missing contact with asteroids, comets and black holes, it seemed. In this way we passed through the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies, learnt about nebulae, the birth and death of stars, starbursts or supernovas, sun storms and shooting stars and meteorites.

As if sensing the restlessness that was once again beginning to spread amidst the passengers, the voiceover lady announced the end of the journey and declared we had landed safely in Tiruchi.

In the middle of the afternoon, she wished us a good morning and thanked us for coming along. While I shuffled behind the boy who broke chairs, I heard a teacher calling out, “Wake up the kids who have fallen asleep.”

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article3507105.ece)

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The air reeks of dried leaves and dead bats as I clamber into a musty cave half-hidden by a giant banyan tree. It is unsettlingly quiet as I sit cross-legged inside a six foot tall recess hollowed out of rock. With the surreal feeling of emulating an act performed aeons ago, I relive the legend of the sage who sat meditating at this spot before instructing a king to build one of South India's oldest temples here.

At Thiruvellarai, there is a whiff of mystique mingled with a decided antiquity. Priests recite literary verses to emphasise that the temple, which is among the 108 divyadesams (shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu), predates Srirangam, less than 20 kilometres away. It is not just the quaint temple and ancient caves, but Pallava rock-cut shrines and a well in the shape of a swastika that make the town worth a visit.

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It is only on stepping out of the cave onto an outcrop that I realise the temple is built on a white rock, giving its name ‘Thiruvellarai'. Myth has it that the Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal temple was built by the king, Sibi Chakravarthy. The sovereign stumbled on Maharishi Markandeya at his cave while pursuing a wild boar, an incarnation of Vishnu.

I sit down to listen for the trills of birds nesting in the foliage of the knotted banyan. Suddenly sounds pierce the air, courtesy a gaggle of village children, teasing the echoes in which Thiruvellarai abounds. The majestic, unfinished gopuram and rampart-like walls at the entrance give the temple the aura of a fort. The subsequent white carved gopuram leads you into precincts with massive wooden doors, stone pillars and intricately sculpted images of the holy trinity. If you are keen on religious details, temple priests can enlighten you on the auspicious faculties, the deities enshrined and the annual festivities. Or you can simply wander amidst the stone walls breathing in the lingering incense and savouring the silence.

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Determined to go no further barefoot, I take the lane leading behind the temple. A children's park ends in a familiar blue signboard by the State Department of Archaeology indicating a protected monument. At first sight appears a matrix set in stone, which on closer look reveals a swastika. Four entrances, one at each arm of the swastika, lead to 51 steps descending to ledges jutting into the water. The well, dating to 800 A.D., was built by Kamban Arayan during the reign of Pallava king Dhantivarman. Verses inscribed on the walls exhort people to do good deeds.

Though the well goes by many names, I find the ‘maamiyar-marumagal kulam' (mother-in-law daughter-in-law tank) intriguing. Locals attribute it to the privacy afforded by the entrances where the two cannot see each other during a bath. There is some truth in it, I discover. Believing the place to be deserted, I descend the narrow steps that take a 90 degree turn, to find three kids silently baiting hooks for fish. Deciding to leave little unexplored, I egg the cab driver along a bumpy stretch that opens out into a rugged, rock-strewn landscape dotted with little shrines hewn out of stone. While one dedicated to a goddess harbours a watery secret in the form of a rock pond, the quaintest of the lot holds a sanctum sanctorum and deities carved out of the very rock on which it is built.

Passing a few strange rocky formations, I find myself at the back of beyond. The only sign of civilisation is a petrol pump a mile away. Surrounded by centuries of sacred rites, I can agree with the sage's choice. You can still find solitude among the stones and lose yourself in contemplation. Here, only the echoes will keep you company.

GETTING THERE:

Thiruvellarai is about 20 km from Tiruchi, which is well connected by air, rail and road.

WHERE TO STAY:

There are hotels for varying budgets in Tiruchi.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article3507086.ece)

திருச்சி: சோழர்கள் கலை வளர்த்த காவிரிக்கரை நகரமான திருச்சியில், தமிழர்களின் பாராம்பரியத்தை விவரிக்கும் வகையில் வரையப்பெற்றுள்ள அழகிய சுவரோவியங்கள் கண்ணையும், கருத்தையும் கவர்கின்றன. தமிழக முதல்வர் ஜெயலலிதாவின் மாவட்டமான திருச்சியை அழகுப்படுத்தும் நோக்கில் திருச்சி மாநகராட்சி பூங்காக்களின் சுற்றுச்சுவர்கள் மற்றும் மற்ற சுவர்களிலும் ஓவியங்களை வரைய, அப்போதைய மாநகராட்சி கமிஷனர் வீரராகவராவ் பெரும் முயற்சி எடுத்தார்.
அதன்விளைவாக மாநகராட்சியில் உள்ள நான்கு கோட்டங்களிலும் தனித்தனியாக டெண்டர் விடப்பட்டு, சுவரோவியங்கள் வரையும் பணி கடந்த நான்கு மாதத்துக்கு முன் துவங்கியது. இறுதிக்கட்டத்தை எட்டியுள்ள இப்பணியில் ஈடுபட்டுள்ள சென்னை புரசைவாக்கத்தை சேர்ந்த அன்பு (32), நமது நிருபரிடம் கூறியதாவது: சென்னையில் இருந்து நான் உட்பட 10 பேர்கள் கடந்த நான்கு மாதமாக திருச்சியிலேயே தங்கியிருந்து, 20 ஆயிரம் சதுர அடி அளவில், 300க்கும் மேற்பட்ட சுவரோவியங்களை பல்வேறு பகுதிகளில் வரைந்துள்ளோம். நான் ஐந்தாம் வகுப்பு வரைதான் படித்துள்ளேன். என்னை போல எங்களது குழுவில் உள்ள யாருக்கும் பெரிய படிப்பெல்லாம் கிடையாது. நான் சிறு வயதாக இருக்கும்போதே வரைவதில் ஆர்வம் அதிகம். படிப்படியாக சுவரோவியங்கள் வரைய ஆரம்பித்தேன்.
சென்னை உட்பட முக்கிய பகுதிகளில் இதுவரை 800 படங்கள் வரை வரைந்துள்ளோம். ஆயில் பெயிண்ட் உட்பட அனைத்து வகையான பெயிண்ட்டிங்கும் செய்வோம். ஒரு நாளைக்கு ஒருவருக்கு 500 ரூபாய் சம்பளம் என்ற அளவில் வருமானம் இருக்கிறது. தங்கும் இடத்தை தவிர, உணவு உள்ளிட்ட மற்ற தேவைகளை சொந்த செலவில் செய்துக்கொள்ளவேண்டும். வரும் வாரத்துக்குள் வேலை முடிந்து சென்னைக்கு திரும்பி விடுவோம். மீண்டும் எங்களை அழைத்தால் திருச்சிக்கு வருவோம்.
புறநானூறு ஓவியம்: தமிழ் கலாச்சாரத்தை பிரதிபலிக்கும் வகையில் ஓவியங்கள் வரைய சொன்னதால், திருச்சி நீதிமன்ற வளாக சுற்றுச்சுவரில், "புலியை முறத்தால் துரத்திய தமிழச்சி' போன்ற புறநானூறு பாடல்களில் வரும் சம்பவங்களை படமாக வரைந்துள்ளோம்.

முன்பே இதுபோன்ற படங்கள் வரையப்படவில்லை என்பதால் நாங்களே அதை கற்பனை செய்து கொண்டு படத்தை வரைந்தோம். மிகவும் கஷ்டப்பட்டு வரைந்த இப்படங்களை பார்த்துவிட்டு பொதுமக்கள் எங்களை பாராட்டுவது மிகவும் பெருமையாக இருக்கிறது. பிரம்மாண்டம்: திருச்சியில் நாங்கள் வரைந்த அனைத்து ஓவியங்களையும் ரசிக்கும் சிலர், "திருச்சி தென்னூர் உழவர் சந்தை திடல் மேடையின் பின்புற சுவரில், மலைக்கோட்டை படம் வரைந்தால் நன்றாக இருக்கும்' என்று எங்களிடம் கூறினர். அவர்களின் விருப்பப்படி மலைக்கோட்டை படம் வரைய தீர்மானித்தோம். அரிய படமாக இருந்தால் நன்றாக இருக்கும் என்று எண்ணி, 19ம் நூற்றாண்டில் திருச்சி செயின்ட் ஜோசப் கல்லூரி மைதானத்தில் இருந்து எடுக்கப்பட்ட மலைக்கோட்டை ஃபோட்டோவை இன்டர்நெட்டில் இருந்து டவுன்லோடு செய்தோம்.
பிரமாண்டமாக 500 சதுர அடி அளவில் மலைக்கோட்டை படத்தை வரைந்தோம். உயரமாக சாரம் அமைத்தும், அந்தரத்தில் தொங்கிக் கொண்டும், நாங்கள் 10 பேரும் தொடர்ந்து ஒரு வாரம் வேலை பார்த்து அந்த ஓவியத்தை வரைந்தோம்.

ஜெ.,வுக்கு கோரிக்கை!:
""தி.மு.க., ஆட்சியில் இருந்தபோது சுவர்களில் அழகிய ஓவியங்களை வரையும் பணி துவங்கப்பட்டு, தற்போது அ.தி.மு.க., ஆட்சியிலும் தொடர்வது பெரும் மகிழ்ச்சியாக இருக்கிறது. திருச்சி மட்டுமல்லாது தமிழகம் முழுவதும் அரசு சுவர்களில் இதுபோன்ற ஓவியங்கள் வரைய முதல்வர் உத்தரவிட்டால், வேறு வேலை தெரியாத, வறுமையில் உழலும் ஓவியர்கள் மற்றும் அவர்களது குடும்பத்தினர் நிம்மதியாக வாழ வழிபிறக்கும்,'' என்று ஓவியர் அன்பு முதல்வர் ஜெயலலிதாவுக்கு கோரிக்கை வைத்தார்.

-Prasanna/TP

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-TP Admin

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While many homes in the city, resorts and commercial buildings are opting for stone architechture, Trichy Times checks out whether it is a feasible option...

Dressed granites, plain stone, karunkal (black stone) there may be different ways to address these stones, but they are rocking Trichy's architechture. quite literally! Everyone seems to be opting for them. They want to stand out from the mundane architectural styles that are seen across the city streets. Thogamalai, a quaint little village near the city, houses these rocks which are transported and designed according to usage. While they may be a tad costlier than the other materials (30 - 40 per cent) used to build homes, they offer a lot of benefits, which include cooling properties, no hassles about painting and easier maintenance. Mullaimanalan Radhakrishnan, an interior designer, says around six out of 10 people that he comes across opt for such natural settings inside their houses. "It gives them an earthen feeling and who would not want to be close to nature. Landscaping can easily be done with such stones ensuring that everything looks in place - it is only the maintenance that they have to worry about."

Resorts and cottages built with these stones are a great hit as any feel that going and staying in star hotels or extravagant set rooms are something which are available in normal setting but these are hard to find options."Living in cramped spaces, shared houses and high rise apartments, I would love to have my dream house built with such stones - it gives you the kind of feeling that you get when you enter temples and monuments of historical importance." says, Tsering Dolma, a recruitment consultant.

Elumalai Agarkoundar, a mason for the past 10 years, who mainly undertakes projects that involve building of stone houses tells that it is quite stronger and much more difficult to handle than the normal mason materials. "Though it is now used in many places it is a lot difficult to manage and manual labour is quite expensive. Carrying these blocks pose big problems as they are too heavy and moreover, the design has to be intricate which need manual attention unlike many other jobs which are performed by the use of automatic machinery."

There are also a lot of other setbacks that makes people think twice before investing in this new trend. Ask Augustus Manimaran, who has been in the construction business for quite some time and has done a lot of commercial projects in the city, and he tells us that this is not an economical option.

"It is not economical and comes in with a lot of expensive pricing in terms of transport, design, labour amidst other hassles. But, all said and done, they are still used by people who are taking up the construction of their dream homes. Most of them seem to take a liking these stone bricks for their homes," says Augustus.

He further adds that it is of good use in the current scenario where there has been a lot of tremor and earth quake shifts as these are strong enough to withstand climatic changes and shifts.

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/home-garden/Trichy-opts-for-rock-solid-architecture/articleshow/13966597.cms)

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While unscheduled power cuts and hike in power tariffs may have residents seething, some with an ecological turn of mind have taken to experimenting with alternatives sources of energy. While few industries and educational institutions have taken the green energy route, homes in the city too are seeking solutions that burn no holes in either the ozone layer or the pocket. At the residence of Ravi, retired scientist from the Central Electrochemical Research Institute, at Cantonment in the city, fans, lights, computers and a host of small gadgets have been powered by energy tapped from the sun for the last one month. He has installed a solar photovoltaic unit on the rooftop of his apartment that converts sunlight into electrical energy.

The 750 watt unit comprises of solar panels, cells, wires, battery and UPS. “One phase of the three-phase-current at home is powered by solar energy. This phase has all the fans, lights and small gadgets.” A backup power source stores energy and comes in handy during unscheduled power cuts at nights.

“I was concerned about excessive thermal energy consumption. This has been my dream for 20 years but it was possible only now as cost of solar panels have considerably reduced from Rs. 400 per watt to around Rs. 200,” explains Mr. Ravi.

Eighty per cent of the cost of the solar power unit goes towards the panels. Installation, transportation, battery and inverter account for the rest totalling up to Rs. 1.5 lakh. The conventional EB source supplies for washing machine, air conditioner and electric kettle. “The refrigerator and water motor can be powered by solar energy but they require a higher range of starting power, which cannot be drawn from the UPS. I have saved more than one unit per day, perhaps with the refrigerator around 2-3 units maybe possible.”

On the viability of the project, Mr. Ravi agrees that excise duty on solar panels and other components, maintenance of batteries, and requirement for specially adapted solar inverters go against favour. Solar power may turn out more economical for apartments and offices that hesitate to opt for it citing elevators as a reason.

Government subsidies can make solar energy popular among the public.

The initial investment for solar unit may not be affordable by middle class, says railway employee Sethu Madhavan who is experimenting with a model for homes that supplements solar energy with conventional EB power. With a keen interest in renewable energy, he has devised a model for his friends in Srirangam.

“My project is for middle class houses looking to cut down power tariffs. Initially it started out as one or two lights. Now the 200 watt set –up can power moderate consumption including fans and lights.”

Heating options popular

Solar water heating as an option has been explored for some time by hostels, homes and hospitals. The set up may work out for large households feels, Subha Rengarajan. “I found solar heating feasible over purchasing individual geysers for five bathrooms; besides solar water heating is hotter than electrically heated water.” Except on occasions of continuous rain for three days, it is an effective heating solution, she adds. Though space constraint for panels and short shelf life and cost of batteries make it a risky proposition, says Dr.Govindraj whose hospital has solar water heating. “In winter there is a need to supplement with an EB source.”

Light up differently

In the case of lighting, LED is considered an eco-friendly solution. The initial cost may run to a few ten thousands as the number of lights installed is relatively more. “It is a worthwhile investment as power tariffs have reduced by one-third. The lights guarantee a million hours,” says Gopal.

A study conducted by the Department of Environmental Science ,Bishop Heber College, that has proposed to replace all incandescent lights with LED lights in phased manner, has revealed that the initial investment for the lights can be recovered in two or two and a half years, says Mr. Alagappa Moses, head of the department.

-MRR/TP

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In most ways, Thiyaganur is a typical village in Tamil Nadu. Matchbox houses with gleaming white walls and red earth tiles, fields with irregular patterns, a provision store that sells garishly coloured beverages, and the occasional bus chugging through. The lime-washed temple, in this village 80 km north-west of Tiruchi, has a familiar air about it too. Until one gets closer.

Inside this modest structure, framed by four granite columns, is a six-foot Buddha — cross-legged, contemplative and smiling. The hitherto unnoticed peepal tree on the roadside, shading the temple, suddenly draws venerable attention.

This is not the only Buddha that the villages of Thiyagnur are familiar with. Around them, in their fields, on their roads and in the many villages nearby, lie scattered centuries-old Buddha sculptures — seated calmly and smiling benignly.

How did they come here?

The dense presence of Buddhas in this far-flung region is intriguing. Though Buddhism was widespread in Tamil Nadu, this region is not among the well-known Buddhist centres. The sculptures are a puzzle, and probably hold the key to an important part of history that is yet to be written.

The Buddha, as the Buddhist texts describe, is strikingly handsome, serene and radiant as “a palm-tree fruit just loosened from the stalk”. His calm appearance, topped with coal-black hair, is profoundly impressive. Villagers in Thiyaganur have not read these texts nor do they know about Buddhism, but they still vouch that these Buddha idols are kindly, attractive and bestow the boons one wishes for.

This is not surprising. To these villagers, He is not Shakya Muni — as the rest of the world knows the Buddha — but one of their Hindu gods. They fondly wrap Him with a silk angavasthram (an upper garment worn by the Tamil upper class), apply a streak of sandal paste on his forehead, and make offerings of coconut, plantain and camphor. They often beseech Him with prayers for good luck, well being and quick cure for their ailments. They call Him Buddha Sami (Buddha god).

G. Pandurangan, 71, the retired livestock supervisor now in charge of the temple, says, “People from a Buddhist monastery near Bangalore visited this temple sometime back. They wanted us to go to Bangalore and undertake training in the proper way to conduct rituals. They promised to bear the expenses. But we were not interested. He is our Buddha Sami and we want to worship him in the manner we know. We take good care of this temple and offer him sakarai pongal (sweetened steamed rice) and sundal (steamed and fried chick pea).”

Buddhism reached Tamil country during Emperor Ashoka's reign — Third Century BCE. Its emphasis on moral values and egalitarian ideals were widely embraced. For 700 years, Buddhism flourished and coexisted peacefully with Jainism, Ajivikas and various sects of Hinduism. During the Sixth Century CE, the Bhakti movement and its Tamil saints seriously challenged Buddhism; royal patronage shifted and Buddhism's influence became limited. When Hsuan Tsang, the Chinese traveller, visited South India in the Seventh Century, it was well past its prime.

A long presence

But contrary to popular perception, Buddhism did not completely disappear after this period. The discovery of many 13th Century Buddhist bronzes in Nagapattinam, the presence of Virasoliyam (an 11th Century grammar text composed by a Buddhist), and references to eminent scholars such as Anuruddha and Dharmakirti in later Buddhist texts establish that the religion thrived at least until the 14th Century. Nor was Buddhism limited to big urban centres like Kanchipuram or Madurai.

The sculptures of Thiyaganur offer ample proof. These statues — described more appropriately as Perambalur Buddhas, after the nearest well-known town — are stylistically datable to approximately the 11th Century. They are the last of the few in-situ evidences that speak of the wide presence of Buddhism. Protecting them is critical for any attempt to restore and rewrite a balanced history of South India. But they are perilously close to being lost. Apart from half-a-dozen Buddha stone sculptures found in villages around Thiyaganur — and worshipped by villagers — the others have been either decapitated or are close to destruction.

One such headless Buddha can be found amidst wildly grown thorns and vines in the backyard of a house in Kuzhumoor village. “Though not worshipped, He was at least intact when I last saw him,” lamented M. Selvapandiyan, a research scholar interested in the history of the Pachamalai tribal belt, hills that border Perambalur, who spotted this sculpture about six years ago. The photographs in his collection showed a serene Buddha with a profound smile. The villagers suspect two strangers who were roaming the streets a few months ago. “The two must have cut the head and taken it away. Perhaps they were idol thieves,” a few villagers living nearby speculated. However, none filed a complaint.

Not enough

Of the two Buddhas in Thiyaganur, the villagers worship one and ignore the other — a stunning, broad-shouldered Buddha, framed by a lone thin tree and seated under a canopy of blue sky — located in private property, amidst fields. The property owners continue to farm around the statue, without damaging it, but that may not be enough to safeguard it. The base of the sculpture is dangerously inclined, and it holds on to the earth precariously.

A relatively small-sized Buddha, overlooking a four-way junction in the nearby village of Paravai, fares somewhat better, as He is firmly cemented to a platform. But barring a few locals who garland Him before leaving abroad to work, this Buddha is barely attended to. He has no canopy or cover over the head.

This is not the case with the Buddha in a Dalit colony in Veeraganur. Lakshmi and her husband Muthuswami, a retired schoolteacher, regularly clean the statue, sweep the street in front and apply sacred ash on the forehead and arms of the statue. There are no elaborate pujas or rituals, but often, in the silent night, people come to place a stone on the idol's head. To them, it is an offering that will help get rid of headache and related body pain.

Among all the Buddhas in the Perambalur region, the one in Ogalur is very popular, particularly with the `Friends in Dubai,' a loose group of locals who work in West Asia. Members of this group pooled their money and raised Buddha from the sidewalks of the street to a higher platform. On the eve of their departure, they climb the flight of steps to garland him without fail. They believe that this old practice brings luck and protects them.

These appropriations have not disfigured the icons nor have they forced a name change. The villagers address and know these sculptures as Buddha — the curled hair, the tuft, the long ears and robes are still identifiable. But this is poor consolation. The question is whether these historical treasures survive to see the future. Art alone is not at stake; historical geography is too.

Nagapattinam Buddhas

Apart from stone sculptures, more than 400 Buddhist bronzes have been unearthed in Tamil Nadu. More than 350 are from the ancient port of Nagapattinam.

This historic city was an active Buddhist centre during the Chola period. During the 11th century CE, the Sailendra kings of Sumatra built a large vihara here, which was visited by Buddhist monks from different countries. A 15th century Pali inscription discovered at the old city of Pegu in Burma attests to this. Ruins of a ‘Buddhist pagoda', till the Jesuit missionaries demolished them in the 19th century, were visible in Nagapattinam.

The Theravada or orthodox form of Buddhism, which views the Buddha as a great ascetic rather than a god, was widely prevalent in Tamil Nadu. However, many of the Nagapattinam bronzes belong to the the opposing tradition – the Mahayana, which views the Buddha as a superhuman. Along with the Buddha, images of Boddhisatvas such as Avalokitesvara were also discovered. These images, like the other Chola bronzes, are of appreciable artistic merit.

Many of these bronzes are now part of the Chennai Government Museum collection. Unfortunately, only a small number is currently on display.

-MRR/TP

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Name : Arulmigu Sri Chettikulam Balathandabani Temple also known as Aandikola Murugan Temple

Moolavar : Dhandayuthapani

Thala Virutcham : Vilwa

Theertham : Panchanadhi

Old year : 500 years old

City : Chettikulam

Location : It is located at Chettikulam in Tamilnadu which is 6kms from Alandur. Alandur is about 44kms from Trichy, on Trichy-Perambalur highway.

General Information: The temple has 240 steps to mount on and 243 steps to come down. The speciality of the temple is that Lord Muruga faces the other Chettikulam temple belonging to His father Lord Shiva. The chief of Muruga’s army, Veerabagu graces here as Veerabadraswami.

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The Dhandayudapaani temple at Chettikkulam is closely associated with the Ekambareswarar temple located nearby, which is of ancient origin.Legend has it that a weary traveler set out to spend a night on a Aswatha (arasa maram) tree in the jungle surrounding this area, and in the middle of the night, he saw a group of four saints offering worship to a pillar of Bright Light. The Traveler told this to the king of Thanjavur, Paraanthaga Cholan. At that time Kulasekara Pandian was also there as a guest. So both the kings upon hearing this instituted a search, and a Siddhar with sugarcane in his hand, pointed out the Shivalingam to them. Then the saint gave darshan as Lord Muruga with Sugarcane on the nearby hillock.

The original temple to Shiva is now referred to as Amarendreswarar dates back to the Chola period. Shiva is now known as Ekambreswarar here and his consort is Kamakshi.

Dhandayutapaani who appeared as a Siddhar here is enshrined in a hill temple in the vicinity. The Lord Muruga Idol has Uchhi Kudumi(Tuff of Hair on top of Head). Also his darsan is in the Aandikola form.

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Greatness Of Temple:

Lord Muruga in Dhandayuthapani form has tonsured head in all temples. Against this established principle, Lord Dhandayuthapani in this temple appears in a beautiful hair style. He is 4 feet tall holding a sugarcane with 11 partition lines. This is the only temple where devotees can have this darshan.

Lord Muruga granted darshan to Sage Againsthya as a bangle seller called Valayal Chetty. (Valayal-Bangle, Chetti- trader). Lord Muruga is also said to have guided Paranthaka Chola and Kulasekhara Pandiya and helped them quell the fury of Kannaki and calm her in the form of Madhurakali. The place is also known as Vadapalani as Lord Muruga graces in a form as in Palani in south.

The significance lies in the Lord’s swayambumurthi form. He is holding a red sugarcane, an exclusive form here only. The Panchanadhi River is always full of water. The rain water flows into the river through the herbal plants on the hill and has all medicinal properties. The prayer commitments to Palani can be executed here. Sage Agasthya worshipped here. Saint Arunagiriar had praised the temple in his hymns.

Temple History:

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The Devas appealed to Lord Shiva in Kailash to protect them from the terrorism of the demons. Mother Parvathi was also present in the court. Lord Muruga rose up and promised to destroy them and got the Shakti weapon called Vel from His Mother. He returns back to his Mother to announce his victory over the demons and the destruction of their chief Sura. As a token of Her congratulations to the victorious son, She gave the sugarcane held by Her. Lord Muruga came to this temple with this sugarcane.

Special Features:

Miracle Based: The presiding deity is a swayambumurthi. On 3rd, 4th and 5th days of Masi (February-March) the rays of setting Sun fall on the deity. During the setting time, the rays will fall on the deity from foot to the face.

Festival:

10 day Panguni Uthiram festival in March-April with Mandakapadi and car procession each day drawing crowd in lakhs; 10 day Thaipoosam car festival; festivals to the steps of the temple on the first day of chithirai month – April-May with lamp puja for each step; Vaikasi Visakam-conch abishek with special pujas in May-June, 7 day Aipasi Skanda Sashi festival in October-November with a Laksharchana (chanting the thousand names of the Lord 100 times repeatedly) are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Temple’s Speciality:

The presiding deity is a swayambumurthi. On 3rd, 4th and 5th days of Masi (February-March) the rays of setting Sun fall on the deity. During the setting time, the rays will fall on the deity from foot to the face. Lord Dhandayuthapani graces here with hair in His head. The idol is 4 feet tall holding a sugarcane with 11 parting lines called kanukkal, a form nowhere available in Muruga temples.

Prayers:

People pray here for happy wedlocks, child boon, for remedy from illness and other physical problems, favourable results in litigations, recovery of things lost, trade problems etc. and they strongly believe that Lord Muruga offers just solutions. The other natural advantage is that devotees go by steps to the temple breathing the healthy herbal breeze.

Thanks giving:

Tonsuring, carrying Kavadi, offering things equal to their weight (Tulabaram), contributing cattle are the prayer commitments followed by devotees. Those getting the child boon realized, make cradles of sugarcane and tie them in the temple. Some offer Vel – the weapon of Lord Muruga- made of silver and offer it to the Lord. Abishek is offered in milk, curd, green coconut, lime fruits, sandal, panchamirtham made of five ingredients, oil etc. They perform Kalasabishekam (kalasa-small metal pots) on Sashti days – 6th day either from new moon or full moon days. Shanmuga Homa is devotionally performed by devotees. Feeding the visitors and usual abisheks are also performed by devotees.

Description :

This ancient Muruga kshetra built on the top of a hill has 240 steps in total commanding two flights of well-built broad stairs-one for ascending and another for descending. Built in the Dravidian architectural style, it has vast courtyards and an imposing tower. The archamurti giving darsan in the Aandikola form is extremely generous in conferring boons on the devotees. Nityanaimithika worship is offered with great devotion.

Sugarcane cradle : Childless couples make their wish on Shashti day by doing Milk Abhishekam. When their wish gets fulfilled they bring their child in a sugarcane cradle and do circumambulation of the temple.

Festivals :
Thai Poosam, Panguni Utthiram are the annual festivals celebrated here.

Time :
Morning : 08:00-13:00
Evening : 16:00-19:00

Address & Phone Number:

Sri Dhandayuthapani Temple, Chettikulam, Perambalur district.

+91-4328 268 008, 99441 17450, 98426 99378.

- TP Admin

Three software engineers from Bangalore are on a mission to journey on the longest train route and carry the message of national integrity.

Members of the Indian Railways Fan Club, Sathiyanarayan and Bose from Tamil Nadu and Harisharan from Karnataka will travel 4,243 kms aboard the Vivek Express from Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. The trio began their 82-hour long journey on Saturday and will arrive at Kanyakumari on Wednesday. As the symbol of national integrity, the youth will plant a tree sapling from Dibrugarh in Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari District Railway User's Association (KKDRUA) members will receive the youth at Nagercoil railway station and travel with them till Kanyakumari station. P Edward Jeni, secretary of KKDRUA said Kanyakumari MP, Helen Davidson will join the association members and travel with the youth till Kanyakumari station. "We are waiting to hear from them about their travel experience during our short trip from Nagercoil to Kanyakumari," he said.

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Bangalore-trio-promotes-national-integration-through-nationwide-train-ride/articleshow/14221517.cms)

^^Mr. Bose hails from Trichy residing in Bangalore. He is from Kattur near Lalgudi working in Honey Well Bangalore:cheers:

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No age is too old to relive student days! The latest instance of this was the nostalgia that gripped former students of the Boys Higher Secondary School, Srirangam, who passed out in 1960, at a get-together they organised to honour their teachers, now in their eighties and nineties.

Of the 160 students in the batch, S.R. Gopalan, M.G. Kannan and a few others who had settled down in the temple town after retirement from service in top-notch companies and undertakings, assumed the responsibility of establishing contacts with as many batch mates as they could.

Out of 160 in their batch, they identified 59 former students of whom 29 turned up for the meeting at Sangam Hotel.

And 20 of them came along with their spouses. Likewise, 12 out of the 14 old teachers made their presence felt at the meeting. Each teacher was given a memento, a shawl, and a basket of fruits. A group of former students took care of the to-and-fro conveyance of the aged teachers with a huge sense of responsibility.

Child-like enthusiasm surfaced in every participant while sharing their experiences.

The school's prayer song in its original form seeking the blessings of Sri Ranganathaswamy and Sri Akilandeswari, the presiding deities of Srirangam and Thiruvanaikovil temples, to shower knowledge was sung to perfection by C.S. Sampath Kumar, former General Manager, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Another old student reminded the audience about the songs from Kamba Ramayana with which their Tamil teacher, Desikan, used to start the classes.

In the era where public memory is very short, all displayed their remembrance of roll numbers after a long gap of 50 years.

There was a diverse mix of retired company executives, purohits, former teachers in the old batch of students, making their get-together a memorable one. And they decided to make it an annual feature.

The alumni association has been quite supportive to the school. So far the old students have contributed Rs. 4.75 lakh in cash, 10 computer systems and a generator to their alma mater. For the annual alumni association meeting conducted at the school on Sunday, the members had come from places near and far, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Chennai, and Singapore as well.

In the coming years, the scale of the get-together will grow in all probability. Thanks to their initiative to start a Google group.

-MRR/TP

The three packages will be introduced during the month of Aadi

Keeping in mind the religious sentiments of devotees, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) on Friday announced three tour packages during the Tamil month of Aadi covering various Amman temples in and around Chennai and various parts of Tamil Nadu.

A TTDC official said that two one-day temple tours and another lasting five days would enable pilgrims to have darshan of various incarnations of Maha Sakthi from July 16.

The first tour, covering Thiruvudai Amman, Vadivudai Amman and Kodiyidai Amman temples, will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m.

Tariff per person is Rs.375, exclusive of the special darshan ticket.

The Sakthi tour (Deviar Darshan) will cover Mangadu, Thiruverkadu, Poonamallee, Tirumullaivoyil, Chempulivaram, Panchatti, Melur and Tiruvottiyur temples.

The coach will start at 7 a.m. and return at 7 p.m. The tariff, exclusive of special darshan ticket, is Rs.470.

As part of the 108-Amman Temple tours, devotees will be taken to 108 temples in Chennai, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Mayavaram, Karaikal, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Tiruchi, Pudukkottai and Madurai districts.

This tour will commence in Chennai on Mondays and Thursdays at 6 a.m. and return the following Friday and Monday at 9 p.m. The tariff is Rs.4,300.

Following popular demand, the TTDC on Friday began one-day tour from Chennai to Mamallapuram.

It took off at 9 a.m. and tourists came back at 7 p.m.

Tourists were taken to the Marundeeswarar temple, Iskcon temple, Dakshina Chitra, Muttukadu, Crocodile Bank, tiger cave, shore temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna Penance, Krishna Mandapam and VGP Golden Beach and given time slots ranging from 30 to 90 minutes. The fare per person is Rs.275.

For bookings dial 044-2538 3333, 2538 4444, 2538 4356.

Two one-day temple tours and another for five days devised

On popular demand, one-day tour of Mamallapuram introduced.

source: The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3560984.ece)

It is hard to tell Babu and Sankaran, diagnosed with schizophrenia, apart from the support staff and volunteers helping out at the store[/b]

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For early morning shoppers hunting for fresh vegetables in the residential neighbourhood of K.K.Nagar, the first sight of green is just around the bus terminus at the shop in the corner. With fresh vegetables beckoning invitingly from straw mats spread outside the shop, the grocery store bears a distinction unknown to many. Not only do proceeds from the store go towards rehabilitation of the mentally ill, but the store is efficiently run by rehabilitated mentally ill persons. :cheers:

Don multiple roles

It is hard to tell Babu and Sankaran, diagnosed with schizophrenia, apart from the support staff and volunteers helping out at the store. They execute all functions from making trips to the market to purchase vegetables, weighing grains for customers, making small talk cheerfully and filing accounts diligently, that even regular customers fail to spot the difference.

For around ten years, the daily operations of the store have been overseen by various mentally ill persons rehabilitated by Anbalayam, the government funded voluntary organisation rescuing and rehabilitating wandering mentally ill persons.

“Mentally ill persons need medical care and family support to lead a normal life. Such people generally cannot find any source of employment,” says T.K.S.Senthilkumar, founder of Anbalayam. Unlike mental retardation which is a birth condition and indicates low I.Q, mental illness is a disorder affecting thinking, behaviour and functioning.

The erstwhile duo that worked at the store, Paulraj and Anandan, have been reunited with their families and have moved on to other jobs.

From the streets to store

For schizophrenic patients, estranged from their families, the store keeps them occupied and provides a premise for social interaction. While Sanakaran was admitted in the institution by his family members who felt they could care for him no longer, Babu was rescued by Mr. Senthil Kumar from the streets of Thanjavur. “No one would identify the person he was a year ago.

He was found wandering the streets with long matted hair,” says Senthil, a psychiatric counsellor with the organisation.

Since last May, after psychiatric treatment at ATHMA Hospital and helping severely ill persons in bathing and feeding, Babu was moved to the store. The man from Vellore is yet to trace his family. “He has a talent for bargaining.

He can convince people easily and manages to get stuff for the best price,” says support staff Subramaniam, lauding Babu’s competence in haggling. Both set out for Gandhi market at 4 a.m. on a two-wheeler. “I get the best of the vegetables as I go early,” says Babu.

The shop has an edge over other stores in the neighbourhood as it is among the earliest to open and stocks produce fresh out of the market. Yet the store has limited stock with a turnover of around Rs.1,000 a day to make management easy for the mentally ill persons.

Personal touch

The personal touch that Sankaran and Babu bring to the store has ensured a small but faithful clientele. “Customers who are acquainted with Anbalayam always buy vegetables here. Even if it may take time, they linger around to talk to us,” says Sankaran who was a tailor in Chennai.

Abandoned by his family who hardly visit him, he cherishes the ability to interact with people of all ages who drop into the shop.

“Still, there’s nothing to beat Madras,” he declares emphatically. Ask him why and pat comes the reply, “People there usually buy at the specified rate. Here, they bargain a lot!”

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An autorickshaw ride through the roads and twisted bylanes of Trichy is indeed akin to a rollercoaster ride. The black and yellow colored, meter free, nominally-priced if bargained well auto rickshaws or "tuk tuk", as they are more popularly referred to as in the west, can truly be called the soul of Indian transport.

Autos in India have taken up most of our travel tales. They fill up blog spaces of experience that tourists gain in very city, they are probably the most photographed transport system and while some have good experiences there are many who are left shell shocked by the alarming prices that they pay. Trichy has its fair share of 'auto tales', they fill the busy bazaar streets and are always at your beck and call, quite literally. "We can just ring him up and ask him to pick us up. That is how much technologically the 'autowallahs' have prepared themselves and moved on with changing times" tells, Trinita Naveen, a home maker. The autos are no longer cramped with the soft sponged seats and normal leather covers, they have a fully equipped music system, flashing coloured lights some even have books or newspapers in them to entertain customers.

"One time I got on an auto to find they had small fans inside, wondering I asked the driver its purpose and he explained it was for the foreign tourists who preferred travelling with the drapes down. I was taken by surprise as to how much they care about our comforts and invest in it" exclaims, Varun Sundar, a sales executive. Most of us have memories of going to school in these bumpy vehicles, be it during the rain when we had the screens put down, or sitting on each other's laps. Not to mention the cinema industry which glorifies the autowallahs, be it Rajnikanth in the yesteryear hit - Baadshah or Vijay in Vettaikaran, they have all played prominent roles as protagonists vrooming in these three cycled vehicles. "

There are specific rules for auto stands and each auto belongs to a particular stand in the city - they make sure to take turns for rides and also everyone has a chance. "We always take turns and ensure everyone has profits. Due to the behavior of a certain group of auto owners we all get generalized and yelled at. But, most of us are very friendly if treated with respect", he says.

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/people/Tuk-Tuk-the-soul-of-South-Indian-transport/articleshow/14340101.cms)

Work on the expansion of the ‘praharam’ of the Samayapuram Sri Mariamman temple is expected to be completed within a fortnight. Though a major and ancient temple, it did not have adequate amenities including cottages, rest halls, toilets and parking lots.

The problem due to congestion of pilgrims is more pronounced during the new moon and important festivals such as annual car festival and on Fridays in the month of ‘Adi'. A major drawback of this temple is that it does not own adequate land.

The sprawling space normally found on the ‘Sannidhi' street or car streets in the periphery of ancient temples, is not to be found at Samayapuram.

Even the ‘praharam' of the temple is very narrow, just about seven metres all around. Outside it, the temple owns a vacant site for another five metres.

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department sanctioned Rs. 80 lakh for the expansion of the ‘praharam'. The whole of the available land is being used so that the new breadth will be 11 metres, say sources.

The expansion of the ‘praharam' also involves the demolition of the weak and old praharam.

Another important facility being provided is the ‘Amavasai' mandapam. “Crowd management poses problem during the new moon and also on its eve every month, when every available is occupied,” say sources.

The Amavasai mandapam, with a plinth area of 26,188 square feet, under construction at an outlay of Rs. 1.11 crore would provide adequate protection and safety and also comfort to the devotees.

An exclusive three-storey building with tonsuring facility will be constructed at an expenditure of Rs.65 lakh on a plinth area of 5,159 square feet.

Guest house

Many pilgrims prefer to stay at Tiruchi or Srirangam due to poor accommodation facilities at Samayapuram. Even the existing guest house of the temple, with just five rooms, can only accommodate a limited number. The department has taken up construction of a guest house with 32 suits, 16 suits in the ground floor and on the first floor each.

A sum of Rs.74 lakh has been sanctioned and the work is been in progress. The total plinth area is 14,678 square feet.

Other facilities

A compound for Sri Bojeeswarar temple at an expenditure of Rs. 7.85 lakh and provision of tar road linking the National Highway with the temple at an expenditure of Rs. 12.50 lakh has also been taken up.

J. Chandrakumar, Commissioner for HR and CE, who inspected the progress of these works, advised officials to expedite the works.

He was accompanied by Jayashree Muralidaran, Collector, A. Amalraj, DIG of Police, Tiruchi Range, Ilamparithi, Joint Commissioner of HR and CE and Pon. Selvaraj, Joint Commissioner of the temple.

source: The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3571816.ece)

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P. Rathnavel Thevar (extreme left) with Jawaharlal Nehru and other Congress leaders, at Tiruchi

A few weeks ago (Miscellany, May 14) I had referred to Rathnavel Thevar who had been a staunch supporter of mofussil cricket and who had offered a helping hand to many a Madras cricketer. I had wondered at the time whether anyone could offer me more information about him. M.S. Pandian has now responded with a wealth of information about the Thevar who was passionate about cricket.

The Trichinopoly United Cricket Club was started by Thevar in 1914, the first cricket club in the town and reflecting in its name that of the Madras United Club which pioneered Indian cricket in Madras. The game in Madras had, however, been first formally played by the ‘Europeans only’ Madras Cricket Club. In Trichy, it was the TUCC that launched the game on a serious footing, a South Indian Railway club, comprising European and Anglo-Indian players being started only thereafter. When these two clubs met in an annual fixture, it was the Trichy equivalent of the annual Presidency match played in Madras between the Europeans and the Indians.

Rathnavel Thevar also sponsored annual matches between Trichy and Tanjore and Trichy and Pudukottai. Both these fixtures had their share of incidents whenever princely Tanjore and Pudukottai included Europeans in their teams; Thevar did not suffer Europeans kindly, though he once included one, a Maclaughlin of the I.C.S. who was a lusty striker of the ball. In one match against Tanjore, the team from the Delta included five British players. During lunch, Thevar found the five drawing up a table to lunch by themselves. His remonstration against this behaviour almost stirred up the crowd. On another occasion, G.T.B. Harvey, a good all-round sportsman and mentor of the young Rajah of Pudukottai, was coaching the Pudukottai team. During lunch he was heard lecturing the umpires on the LBW rule. Then, during the Pudukottai innings, he was loud in his bellowed protest when a Pudukottai batsman was ruled out LBW. Thevar could no longer keep silent and began loudly berating Harvey. Before the boos from the crowd turned into something nastier, Harvey left the ground.

The ground in question was the Puthur cricket ground that Thevar had developed for the TUCC after he had purchased it when he became Municipal Chairman in 1924 (a post he intermittently held till 1946). The ground was later taken over by the Government for a government hospital, on, it was alleged, the instigation of his political rivals. The last match played on the ground was a Madras-versus-Combined Districts game: the first, a competition mooted by Rathnavel Thevar, was played in 1939. The Rathnavel Trophy is today competed for in an inter-district schools tournament.

Thevar also regularly took the TUCC on a cricketing tour of Ceylon (where his kinsman R.M. Perumal, one of the best players in the Districts — which he often captained — learnt his cricket) and also hosted a match for any Ceylon team touring South India. In 1948, an ailing Thevar took TUCC hockey and cricket teams to Ceylon but returned seriously ill and passed away in May that year. During that tour he had stayed with P. Saravanamuttu, the President of the Ceylon Cricket Board and the Tamil Union club .While in Colombo he had promised his friend and personal host assistance to improve the Club’s facilities. Though he could not fulfil his promise, his friend N.S. Krishnan, to keep the promise, took his drama troupe to Colombo to stage a play for the Tamil Union, which, as a consequence, benefited to the tune of Rs. 28,000. The facilities that were developed made the Tamil Union’s Oval for many years the only venue for international cricket matches in Ceylon.

Thevar Vilas was a home that welcomed any cricketer or political leader visiting Trichy. Its walls hosted as many pictures of cricketers as of political leaders. Its library held a wealth of cricket literature. And in it Nehru and Satyamurti had dipped.

Thevar entered politics as a member of the Justice Party, but, after visiting Gandhi in Sabarmati Ashram in 1923, he became a Congressman. He was a member of the Madras Legislative Council from 1923 to 1946. He had been arrested during the Satyagraha movement and fell ill while in jail. His health never recovered fully, but that never stopped him from enthusiastically contributing to governance and sport.

The sarai a Nawab built

Asked to refer to Madras (Chennai) — A 400-year record of the First City of Modern India — a history of the city I’ve edited and of which two volumes of a scheduled three have come out, the second just a couple of months ago — to discover more about Siddique Sarai and Nawab C. Abdul Hakim, I duly — and rather sheepishly — followed S. Anvar’s advice. And came up with a wealth of information about one of Madras’s best-known philanthropists. Several other readers have echoed the same theme: Philanthropy Thy Name is Hakim (which is the name of his biography). And it was for his munificence that Abdul Hakim was conferred the title ‘Nawab’.

The 21-year-old Abdul Hakim arrived in Madras from his native Melvisharam (near Arcot) in 1884 to join his father Siddique Hussain Sahib. Having picked up the ropes of business, he started in 1907 a small business in hides and skins but grew it to such an extent that he became a merchant prince and a major donor to charities. Perhaps the best-known of those charitable contributions is Siddique Sarai, the Muslim choultry opposite Central Station.

When Abdul Hakim’s ailing father once arrived at Central from Bombay he found that there was no choultry nearby with facilities for Muslim travellers. Build one, he suggested to his son. And so Abdul Hakim bought land opposite Ripon Building in an auction for Rs. 50,000 and laid the foundation stone for the sarai in 1919. Claiming that the building was coming too near its tracks, the South Indian Railway raised objections to its construction. The consequent case went up to the Privy Council and, eventually, after its ruling, the building was completed and inaugurated in 1921. The sarai is now vested in the Jamath of the Periamet mosque.

Siddique Sarai is a three-storey building that offers 43 retiring rooms whose charges progress from the free to, after three days, the nominal. It also has a mosque for men and one for women, where prayers are said at the scheduled hours. On road level and road-facing are shops whose rental helps to finance the sarai. Before various constructions came up all around it, its Islamic architecture of arches, domes and minarets created a striking landmark in the area.

Among Abdul Hakim’s other contributions are the Muslim High School in Triplicane, of which he was one of the founders. In Melvisharam, a higher secondary school and an engineering college bear his name.

He was Sheriff of Madras in 1930 and in 1937 was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly from North Madras.

The Coromandel connection

That faithful reader of mine in New South Wales, Dr. A. Raman, reacting to my item last week on the Coromandel coast, says, believe it or not, “a colleague who lives not too far from me lives in a house called Coromandel.” When Raman rang him after my item triggered his memory, to find out how the house came by the name, he was told by his colleague that he had bought the property from one of two brothers, one of whom had a house in eastern Orange — the one he bought — and the other had his in western Orange. He inherited the name Coromandel with the house in eastern Orange and discovered to his surprise the house in western Orange was called Malabar!

Raman also writes that there’s a Coromandel Peninsula in North Island, New Zealand, and that Coromandel Valley and Coromandel East are suburbs of Adelaide. The three places got their names from HMS Coromandel, the second Royal Navy vessel with that name. The first dated to 1795 and was decommissioned in 1813. The second served the Navy from 1804, when she was named HMS Malabar, then renamed in 1815 HMS Coromandel and scrapped in 1853. It was this vessel that regularly landed British convict-settlers in Adelaide and visited New Zealand. A third HMS Coromandel was in service from 1855 to 1866 and a fourth from 1856 to 1870.

This column certainly picks up the oddest bits of information at times.

-TP Admin

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P. Rathnavel Thevar (extreme left) with Jawaharlal Nehru and other Congress leaders, at Tiruchi

A few weeks ago (Miscellany, May 14) I had referred to Rathnavel Thevar who had been a staunch supporter of mofussil cricket and who had offered a helping hand to many a Madras cricketer. I had wondered at the time whether anyone could offer me more information about him. M.S. Pandian has now responded with a wealth of information about the Thevar who was passionate about cricket.

The Trichinopoly United Cricket Club was started by Thevar in 1914, the first cricket club in the town and reflecting in its name that of the Madras United Club which pioneered Indian cricket in Madras. The game in Madras had, however, been first formally played by the ‘Europeans only’ Madras Cricket Club. In Trichy, it was the TUCC that launched the game on a serious footing, a South Indian Railway club, comprising European and Anglo-Indian players being started only thereafter. When these two clubs met in an annual fixture, it was the Trichy equivalent of the annual Presidency match played in Madras between the Europeans and the Indians.

Rathnavel Thevar also sponsored annual matches between Trichy and Tanjore and Trichy and Pudukottai. Both these fixtures had their share of incidents whenever princely Tanjore and Pudukottai included Europeans in their teams; Thevar did not suffer Europeans kindly, though he once included one, a Maclaughlin of the I.C.S. who was a lusty striker of the ball. In one match against Tanjore, the team from the Delta included five British players. During lunch, Thevar found the five drawing up a table to lunch by themselves. His remonstration against this behaviour almost stirred up the crowd. On another occasion, G.T.B. Harvey, a good all-round sportsman and mentor of the young Rajah of Pudukottai, was coaching the Pudukottai team. During lunch he was heard lecturing the umpires on the LBW rule. Then, during the Pudukottai innings, he was loud in his bellowed protest when a Pudukottai batsman was ruled out LBW. Thevar could no longer keep silent and began loudly berating Harvey. Before the boos from the crowd turned into something nastier, Harvey left the ground.

The ground in question was the Puthur cricket ground that Thevar had developed for the TUCC after he had purchased it when he became Municipal Chairman in 1924 (a post he intermittently held till 1946). The ground was later taken over by the Government for a government hospital, on, it was alleged, the instigation of his political rivals. The last match played on the ground was a Madras-versus-Combined Districts game: the first, a competition mooted by Rathnavel Thevar, was played in 1939. The Rathnavel Trophy is today competed for in an inter-district schools tournament.

Thevar also regularly took the TUCC on a cricketing tour of Ceylon (where his kinsman R.M. Perumal, one of the best players in the Districts — which he often captained — learnt his cricket) and also hosted a match for any Ceylon team touring South India. In 1948, an ailing Thevar took TUCC hockey and cricket teams to Ceylon but returned seriously ill and passed away in May that year. During that tour he had stayed with P. Saravanamuttu, the President of the Ceylon Cricket Board and the Tamil Union club .While in Colombo he had promised his friend and personal host assistance to improve the Club’s facilities. Though he could not fulfil his promise, his friend N.S. Krishnan, to keep the promise, took his drama troupe to Colombo to stage a play for the Tamil Union, which, as a consequence, benefited to the tune of Rs. 28,000. The facilities that were developed made the Tamil Union’s Oval for many years the only venue for international cricket matches in Ceylon.

Thevar Vilas was a home that welcomed any cricketer or political leader visiting Trichy. Its walls hosted as many pictures of cricketers as of political leaders. Its library held a wealth of cricket literature. And in it Nehru and Satyamurti had dipped.

Thevar entered politics as a member of the Justice Party, but, after visiting Gandhi in Sabarmati Ashram in 1923, he became a Congressman. He was a member of the Madras Legislative Council from 1923 to 1946. He had been arrested during the Satyagraha movement and fell ill while in jail. His health never recovered fully, but that never stopped him from enthusiastically contributing to governance and sport.

The sarai a Nawab built

Asked to refer to Madras (Chennai) — A 400-year record of the First City of Modern India — a history of the city I’ve edited and of which two volumes of a scheduled three have come out, the second just a couple of months ago — to discover more about Siddique Sarai and Nawab C. Abdul Hakim, I duly — and rather sheepishly — followed S. Anvar’s advice. And came up with a wealth of information about one of Madras’s best-known philanthropists. Several other readers have echoed the same theme: Philanthropy Thy Name is Hakim (which is the name of his biography). And it was for his munificence that Abdul Hakim was conferred the title ‘Nawab’.

The 21-year-old Abdul Hakim arrived in Madras from his native Melvisharam (near Arcot) in 1884 to join his father Siddique Hussain Sahib. Having picked up the ropes of business, he started in 1907 a small business in hides and skins but grew it to such an extent that he became a merchant prince and a major donor to charities. Perhaps the best-known of those charitable contributions is Siddique Sarai, the Muslim choultry opposite Central Station.

When Abdul Hakim’s ailing father once arrived at Central from Bombay he found that there was no choultry nearby with facilities for Muslim travellers. Build one, he suggested to his son. And so Abdul Hakim bought land opposite Ripon Building in an auction for Rs. 50,000 and laid the foundation stone for the sarai in 1919. Claiming that the building was coming too near its tracks, the South Indian Railway raised objections to its construction. The consequent case went up to the Privy Council and, eventually, after its ruling, the building was completed and inaugurated in 1921. The sarai is now vested in the Jamath of the Periamet mosque.

Siddique Sarai is a three-storey building that offers 43 retiring rooms whose charges progress from the free to, after three days, the nominal. It also has a mosque for men and one for women, where prayers are said at the scheduled hours. On road level and road-facing are shops whose rental helps to finance the sarai. Before various constructions came up all around it, its Islamic architecture of arches, domes and minarets created a striking landmark in the area.

Among Abdul Hakim’s other contributions are the Muslim High School in Triplicane, of which he was one of the founders. In Melvisharam, a higher secondary school and an engineering college bear his name.

He was Sheriff of Madras in 1930 and in 1937 was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly from North Madras.

The Coromandel connection

That faithful reader of mine in New South Wales, Dr. A. Raman, reacting to my item last week on the Coromandel coast, says, believe it or not, “a colleague who lives not too far from me lives in a house called Coromandel.” When Raman rang him after my item triggered his memory, to find out how the house came by the name, he was told by his colleague that he had bought the property from one of two brothers, one of whom had a house in eastern Orange — the one he bought — and the other had his in western Orange. He inherited the name Coromandel with the house in eastern Orange and discovered to his surprise the house in western Orange was called Malabar!

Raman also writes that there’s a Coromandel Peninsula in North Island, New Zealand, and that Coromandel Valley and Coromandel East are suburbs of Adelaide. The three places got their names from HMS Coromandel, the second Royal Navy vessel with that name. The first dated to 1795 and was decommissioned in 1813. The second served the Navy from 1804, when she was named HMS Malabar, then renamed in 1815 HMS Coromandel and scrapped in 1853. It was this vessel that regularly landed British convict-settlers in Adelaide and visited New Zealand. A third HMS Coromandel was in service from 1855 to 1866 and a fourth from 1856 to 1870.

This column certainly picks up the oddest bits of information at times.

-TP Admin


^^ Just to inform you , that I have posted the news in 'Trichy Region (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=524677)' Yesterday..However thanks for posting about the Cricket history of Trichy here too...

^^
So many threads create confusion. We need to consolidate them into three or four threads.

Pachamalai

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/13705284.cms





Your post reminded me of an article (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/Take-a-magical-green-getaway/articleshow/13705213.cms) I read in the Travel section of The Times of India.

I'd planned to ride there very shortly.,

Can I get more details about this place?:)

PS:: Your posts are fabulous and bringing the history of Trichy in detail...

Your post reminded me of an article (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/Take-a-magical-green-getaway/articleshow/13705213.cms) I read in the Travel section of The Times of India.

I'd planned to ride there very shortly.,

Can I get more details about this place?:)

PS:: Your posts are fabulous and bringing the history of Trichy in detail...

http://www.tn.gov.in/trichytourism/picnicothers.htm

Use this link for details, the same article is posted here.. Thanks for the complement.

http://epaper.dinakaran.com/pdf/2012/07/01/20120701a_002106003.jpg

source:MR.RAJA/TP

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/1878/rockfort.jpg

source:TP_ADMIN/TP

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/6241/samayapuram.jpg

source: TP_ADMIN/TP

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/14503064.cms


With an enviable collection of vintage vehicles, DJ Venkatesh talks about his prized possessions and what it takes to maintain them.

It is not every day that you get to see a gleaming black car manufactured in 40's in all its glory honking past you on the streets. But when you're in Trichy you can be sure to see such four wheel beauties! Thanks to DJ Venkatesh Durai, the owner of a popular automobile store and a diehard collector talks to us about his prized possessions. Its not just luxury cars but postage stamps, bikes, coins and miniature models of automobiles that catches the fancy of this collector.

Venkatesh started collecting vintage and classic cars more than ten years ago. Something that started out as a hobby soon turned out to be an obsession. A broken down bike on the road had once caught his eye would catch his eye. He then set out to restore the vehicle and so began his journey of collecting, restoring and maintaining his collection of automobiles. Ask him why he considered restoring an old bike and he says, "I think it was lying there in the rubble just for me to be inspired. That sparked my interest and it seems to be going on forever."

If you ask him the history behind each vehicle, he has enthralling tales for each one. He categorises his collections into classic and vintage eras and also dreams of owning luxury cars of each decade. He has an insatiable thirst for not just owning them but restoring them to their original condition. Being in the automobile industry, it seems to be of no surprise that he has parts flown in from different parts of the country, just so he can bring back the glamour of the automobiles. "I ensure that I dig out as much information as possible about each vehicle and see if it is possible for me to restore it. I have really good mechanics on the job and I do a bit of research before I buy the vehicle - as a collector, my aim is not just about collecting but also about maintaining it."

An expensive hobby no doubt, Venkatesh believes that youngsters just need to focus on what they are doing and that alone is enough to help them succeed. "I started as a hobby, but now I try to make more money just so I can own more cars. That is what keeps me working round the clock on my business. Put your life and soul into a passion it would show you the way to success."

While participating in rallies and displaying his collectibles in auto expos, he plans on creating a permanent exhibition in the city where he can showcase the collection which is his pride and joy. Quiz him finally as to why someone would want to invest in old cars and he smiles, "They do not make them like these anymore."

source:TP_ADMIN/TP

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/thumb/msid-14502921,width-300,resizemode-4/Prema-Nandakumar-jpg.jpg
The Trichy Book Club was formed after Freemason Rev. Bishop Thorpe decided that the book reviews done during the Masonic meetings where restricted only to the Freemasons and its members. Since then it has been more than 30 years old and is still going strong — just like how young the members are at heart despite their age. The club is a forum for all literary aficionados who for the love of reading, meet up and review books voicing their opinions. The only rule is that the reviews have to do in English — a language that they all seem to love.

Dilijit Shah, a jeweller and an avid reader of books tells with excitement that he was the only young member in the early days. "When I joined the club I used to be the youngest and be really thrilled about coming here for discussions. There were professors, people who had immense knowledge on books and so many others who would come here just to be part of this bunch of people. These were people I could relate to and share my passion with — we are all here for one thing reading."

That is the true spirit of the club as it has resurrected in a manner when it was on the verge of dying. The group has been revived over the past four years with the help of Prema Nandakumar, a literary critic who says it was dying out due to that not many people were ready to take up charge. "We began to fall apart because people had other priorities to handle and to fit in this was very difficult due to time constraints. Most importantly, we have no formal structure nor any strict rules or codes to follow — it is a voluntary organization and anyone interested can join." She further quips "But then it began slowly coming back to us — the club never died it just went into momentary relapse and was restored in proper condition."

Manjula Balagopal, a homemaker is the one who arranged for these meetings after the reincarnation tells the rest of them. However, she tells us it is all about how passionate everyone used to be in turning up for meetings, which made it all the more wonderful to make the arrangements. "I used to assemble sometimes it would to be very few of us who turned up, but in recent times we make it a point for all of us despite hectic work schedules. Then we had issues with reviewing as speakers might drop out in the last minute — then we would shuffle amongst ourselves and do a lecture with some English professor in order not to disappoint anybody. All these small things led up to the restoration of the club. Now every month these are meetings that we look forward to anxiously."

The reviews go one for an hour or more where there is uninterrupted talk by a speaker and by the end of which there is a questionnaire session. This method they say is one which they have followed from the British period. Being a conservative group they reinvent the classics and also arrange authors to either visit or talk over the phone. They write to celebrities to make them talk over the phone if they are unable to come to the city — like Gurucharan Das who has spoken to them recently. Brigadier Narayanasamy Balasubramanian, a management consultant, tells that these are small matters which make it more interesting. "We write to celebrities and authors who also take pains in talking to us after seeing how enthusiastic we are about the whole book."

A new chapter
Prema Nandakumar, a literary critic and one of the earliest members of the club is an important part of the reading group. She, currently arranges all book club meetings at her place in Srirangam. In recent times, Prema played a pivotal role in reviving the club.

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/Book-lovers-come-together-in-Trichy/articleshow/14502866.cms)

Four senior medical practitioners from the city have won accolades including the ‘Lifetime Achievement award’ and the ‘Best Doctor’ award from the State medical varsity on Sunday. The Tamil Nadu Dr.M.G.R.Medical University honoured eminent and senior medicos on occasion of Doctors Day in Chennai.

Senior paediatrician J.Lakshminarayanan with 40 years of service to his credit was awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award.’ The paediatrician who commenced service in 1968 served in government hospitals in Dindigul, Madurai, and Tiruchi for a decade after which he chose private practice. He held the post of president of the State chapter of Indian Academy of Paediatrics in 1988 and was elected president of the Tiruchi branch of Indian Medical Association in 1992. Dr.Lakshminarayanan is highly esteemed by his colleagues for his ethical practice, service to poor patients and efforts to promote breastfeeding.

Laparoscopic surgeon A.Zameer Pasha, renowned for holding important positions in various medical associations, was awarded the lifetime achievement award. Known for his pioneering efforts in key-hole surgery in the city, he has also trained around 300 surgeons in minimally invasive procedures. The present national chairman of the Hospital Board of India is also on the board of governors of the Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA). He bagged the ‘best president’ award for his tenure as president of the Indian Medical Association, Tamil Nadu Chapter, in 2005. Among various other national positions, he has served as vice-president of International College of surgeons, India and Indian Association of Gastroendo surgeons

Best Doctor Award

‘Best doctor’ award recipient R.Gunasekaran is known for services as past president of the Indian Medical Association, Tamil Nadu. In his tenure as president, he accorded priority for improving health of physicians, espousing the theme ‘Doctor’s health is community wealth’. Early identification and treatment of coronary heart disease for physicians throughout the State gained significance during his tenure. His efforts in pushing for a quackery eradication wing are spearheaded by his successors. S.Vijayakumar, who was awarded the ‘Best Doctor’ award retired as professor and head, department of anaesthesiology, K.A.P.Viswanatham Government Medical College. He has served 27 years as anaesthetist with the initial part of his career spent in various health centres in rural pockets around Aranthangi, Theni, and Tiruchi.

-MRR/TP

திருப்பட்டூர் பிரம்மபுரீஸ்வரர் கோவிலில் ரூ.81 லட்சத்தில் சுற்றுலா மேம்பாட்டு பணிகள் - பூனாட்சி எம்.எல்.ஏ. ஆய்வு

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/8510/try23.jpg

திருப்பட்டூர் பிரம்மபுரீஸ்வரர் கோவிலில் ரூ.81 லட்சத்தில் நடைபெறும் சுற்றுலா மேம்பாட்டு பணிகளை பூனாட்சி எம்.எல்.ஏ. ஆய்வு செய்தார்.

ரூ.81 லட்சத்தில் மேம்பாட்டு பணிகள்
திருச்சி மாவட்டம், மண்ணச்சநல்லூர் தாலுகா, திருப்பட்டூரில் பிரசித்தி பெற்ற பிரம்மபுரீஸ்வரர் கோவில் உள்ளது. இந்த கோவிலில் சுற்றுலா துறை மூலம் மேம்பாட்டு பணிகள் செய்ய அரசு உத்தரவிட்டது.
அதன்படி கோவிலை சுற்றி சிமெண்ட் கான்கிரீட் சாலை அமைத்தல், பக்தர்கள் ஓய்வு மண்டபம் கட்டுதல், பக்தர்களின் பொருள் பாதுகாப்பு அறை கட்டுதல், ஆண்கள், பெண்கள் கழிவறைகள் கட்டுதல், பிரம்மபுரீஸ்வரர் கோவிலின் உப கோவிலான காசி விசுவநாதசுவாமி கோவிலில் வெளிப்புற சிமெண்ட் நடைபாதை அமைத்தல், பக்தர்கள் ஓய்வு அறை கட்டுதல், கைலாயி அம்மன் கோவிலில் சிமெண்ட் தளம் அமைத்தல், கைலாயி அம்மன் கோவிலுக்கு செல்லும் பாதையில் தார் சாலை அமைத்தல், தெரு விளக்குகள் அமைத்தல், பிள்ளையார் கோவில் முதல் பிரம்மபுரீஸ்வரர் கோவில் வரை ரோடு ஓரத்தில் மழை நீர் வடிகால் கட்டுதல் என ரூ.80 லட்சத்து 93 ஆயிரத்தில் பணிகள் தேர்வு செய்யப்பட்டன.

எம்.எல்.ஏ. ஆய்வு
இதில் சிமெண்ட் சாலைகள் அமைக்கும் பணி, பக்தர்கள் ஓய்வு மண்டபம் கட்டும் பணி, பொருள் பாதுகாப்பு அறை கட்டுதல், காசி விசுவநாத கோவிலில் நடைபாதை அமைத்தல், கைலாயி அம்மன் கோவிலில் சிமெண்ட் தளம் அமைத்தல் போன்ற பணிகள் நடைபெற்று வருகின்றன. இந்த பணிகளையும், கோவில் குளம் சீரமைப்பு பணிகளையும் பூனாட்சி எம்.எல்.ஏ., ஆய்வு செய்தார்.

இந்த ஆய்வின் போது ஒன்றிய பொறியாளர் மணிகண்டன், பணி மேற்பார்வையாளர் வெங்கடசுப்ரமணியன், சாலை ஆய்வாளர் விவேக், ஒன்றிய கவுன்சிலர் சடையன், நடராஜன், முருகன், பாலகிருஷ்ணன், சுப்ரமணி, முருகேசன், அனீபா, துரை.சக்திவேல், பெருமாள், சுரேஷ், செல்வராஜ், ராமமூர்த்தி ஆகியோர் உடன் இருந்தனர்.

-TP Admin

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) is in the process of recruiting about 500 college students as freelance guides to add value to its package tours.

On an average, TTDC organises 26 different types of tours in a month and guides are available only in few specified sectors. Moreover, the guides find it difficult to narrate interesting details to the tourists either in English or in Hindi.

To offset the problem, TTDC officials have hit upon the idea of approaching city-based colleges where tourism is taught as a subject. Besides, it would be easier for them to train the youngsters, who are fluent in English and know more than one south Indian language. Currently, the Corporation organises one-day trips from Chennai to Kancheepuram, Mamallapuram, Tirupathi, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore (Sripuram Golden Temple) and Puducherry. Besides, temple tours are high on its agenda and these include a one-day amman tour, a three-day Navagraha (abode of nine planets) tour, a four-day tour to Arupadai veedu (six abodes of Lord Muruga), a five-day 108 Amman tours, a six-day south India tour, a seven-day Kollur Mookambika temple tour, as well as other eight-day tours. Speaking to The Hindu, a TTDC official said, “As most of our tours are city-centric, we would like to employ those who have some knowledge about historic places, know interesting anecdotes, and know the area thoroughly and are willing to serve with a smile. We will provide them with short-term training, uniforms, identity cards and mobile phone with a closed user group network.”

To help visitors, TTDC will print booklets and screen short films. In places such as Mamallapuram, TTDC is planning to come out with audio guides that will narrate the basic details of the place.

Apart from displaying the contact details of senior officials in charge of tours, accommodation, food and transportation in all coaches, a complaints or suggestion book will also be made available. This apart, a tourist can also express his grievances through the TTDC website.

“Most of our tours start from Chennai. We have hotels in important places and are now thinking about starting one-day tours from other places such as Tiruchi, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Tuticorin, so that it helps the tourists extend their stay,” said another official.

S. Subbalakshmi, Head of the History & Tourism department, Ethiraj College for Women, said it was the only college in the city to offer a skill-based course in Travel and Tourism Management since 2003-04. It has produced hundreds of professionals, she said.

“At the end of the three-year course, our students have been absorbed by several leading travel agents and tourist operators. They have been taught about marketing, air ticketing, hotel management and front office management, among other subjects, by experts in the fields,” she added.

^^ Wow! that's a wonderful move from TTDC...

Tourism in Tamil Nadu will get an impetus if the Union tourism ministry gives its nod to few state government proposals.

According to sources in the Union tourism ministry, the Centre is actively considering proposals put forth by the state government to set up a tourism park in Chennai besides establishing Chennai– Tiruchy tourism circuit and promoting rural tourism in Thanjavur and Sivagangai–Chettinad area.

The tourism park, which aims at luring international visitors, will be among the 20 Sentosa like theme parks proposed by the Centre across the country.

Each tourism park, first-of-its-kind in the country, will have a hotel, convention centre, food court, entertainment and amusement facilities.

The Chennai-Tiruchy tourism circuit covers seven districts: Chennai-Kancheepuram-Tiruvannamalai-Vellore-Dharmapuri-Salem-Tiruchy and it is a blend of beaches, hill stations, heritage structures and temples along the state’s western coast.

http://www.asianage.com/chennai/tourism-park-awaits-central-nod-387

The above news talks about Sentosa park in Chennai. Trichy is missing. Will it find in the proposed 20 parks?

The above news talks about Sentosa park in Chennai. Trichy is missing. Will it find in the proposed 20 parks?

There is absolute chances to set up, but with the state government fund:)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/thumb/msid-14715753,width-300,resizemode-4/Trichy-bikers-jpg.jpg

The adventurous residents of the city are increasingly jamming up with fellow bikers to drive up to popular destinations

Despite the petrol fares fluctuating and the monsoon clouds looming large, the adrenaline junkies in the city are finding newer and novel ways to keep themselves occupied. Bike treks to hills and other destinations close to the city is what has become the newest fad with these youngsters. Be it the nearby Pachamalai, Kolli Hills, or just a drive across old roads that stretch between Melur and Mukkombur dam, Trichiites are spoilt for choice when it comes to such bike trekking adventures.

Avid bike trekkers are many in the city. "A bike trek can usually begin early in the morning to reach a destination with absolutely no purpose — like I usually go on such short trips whenever I feel down. It is, I guess, a man's way to unwind for the day. Bike treks can be clubbed with camping, bonfires or just end with clicking as many photographs as possible," says Bharath Babu, an industrial engineer. These treks are combined with many activities like photography, watching sunrises or just relaxing atop a hill.

Youngsters also feel that these journeys they embark on their two-wheeled companions are a great way to explore the length and breadth of the country. "India is a diverse country and you cannot limit your travel experiences to popular hotspots. Through these bike treks, we get to feel one with the places, the people and the culture, which is what is exciting to the senses. I take along my son on certain trips, so that he learns to appreciate the real nature of our country, says Srihari, a doctor.

Nowadays, there's also been an increase in the number of women who go on such trips. While some own extravagant bikes, there are many who just prefer to be pillion riders with friends or partners. "We have a good number of women who join us for the thrill of it.

However, it is necessary to take precautions for the pillion as well before embarking on such trips, which begins with wearing helmets. I guess something that has caught everybody by storm is that there are now couple who go on adventurous honeymoons rather than the romantic getaways," says Ramesh Kamak, organizer of one of the recent bike treks.

Popular biking destinations
- Kodaikanal
- Yercaud
- Sirumalai
- Kolli Hills
- Karaikal

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/Trichiites-take-to-bike-treks/articleshow/14715707.cms)

There is absolute chances to set up, but with the state government fund:)

I happy as long as the project comes to Trichy.

Holy gift from Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple were despatched to Tirumala Tirupati temple on Saturday, on the occasion of the 'Adi Seer' ritual. The gifts, including the holy dhothi, sari and garlands besides cashew and dry grape were despatched after preliminary ritual at Srirangam temple.

Religious fervour marked the area when the temple elephant led a holy procession in which the temple authorities, including S.Kalyanai, Joint Commissioner and Executive Officer of the temple, took the holy gift at the temple.

The accompaniment of special thalam in a percussion instrument added to the religious fervour. Sundar Bhattar took the gift to the sanctum sanctorum and placed it before the presiding deity of Sri Ranganathaswamy.

Ms. Kalyani said that the ritual marked the thanksgiving exercise to the Tirumala Tirupati deity Sri Srinivasa Perumal. It also marked a historical event associated with the Srirangam temple. For the 40 years between 1320 and 1360 AD, the processional idol of Namperumal was kept under the safe custody in Tirupati following the invasion by the then Muslim rulers. Since the Tirumala Tirupati temple played a crucial role in preserving the idol of Namperumal, the 'seer' was being despatched to Tirupati. The timing of the despatch coincided with the birth of 'Adi' month in Tamil almanac. The holy dhoti and sari and other fruits would be presented to Sri Srinivasa Perumal on the first day of Adi (Monday).

Temple staff from Srirangam left for Tirumala later to hand over the gift to the Tirupati authorities on Sunday, so that the same could be offered on Monday.

Though this ritual had been in practice for the past several centuries, it was not continued till the recent decades.

The ritual was revived about six years ago, and this was the seventh year since revival that the gifts were being despatched to Tirumala, she added.

source: The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3641753.ece)

திருவிழாவை முன்னிட்டு, ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ஆண்டாளுக்கு நேற்று முதல் சிறப்பு அலங்காரங்கள் செய்யும் வைபவம் துவங்கியது.
"சூடிக்கொடுத்த சுடர்கொடியாக' ஸ்ரீவில்லிபுத்தூரில் அவதரித்த ஆண்டாள், ஆடி மாதம் பூர நட்சத்திரத்தில் பிறந்தவர் என்பவர் ஐதீகம். ஸ்ரீவில்லிபுத்தூரில் இருந்து ஸ்ரீரங்கம் பெரிய பெருமாளிடம் ஐக்கியமான ஆண்டாளுக்கு, ஸ்ரீவில்லிபுத்தூர் மற்றும் ஸ்ரீரங்கம் கோவிலில் ஆடிப்பூர திருவிழா வெகு விமரிசையாக கொண்டாடப்படுகிறது. குறிப்பாக ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில் ஆடிப்பூரத்துக்கு முன்பு தொடர்ந்து ஒன்பது நாட்கள் ஆண்டாளுக்கு சிறப்பு அபிஷேக, அலங்காரங்கள் செய்யப்படுகின்றன. ஆடிப்பூர திருவிழாவின் முதல்நாளான நேற்று ஆண்டாள் எழுதிய திருப்பாவையில் "கஜேந்திர மோட்சம்' புராணக்கதை கண்ணாடிப் பெட்டியில் தத்ரூபமாக வைக்கப்பட்டிருந்தது. ஏராளமான பக்தர்கள் ஆண்டாளை சேவித்தனர்.

source: Dinamalar (http://www.dinamalar.com/district_detail.asp?id=507941)

திருச்சி, : 108 திவ்ய தேசங்களில் முதன்மையானது காவிரி-கொள்ளிடம் ஆறுகளின் நடுவே உள்ள ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர் கோயில். 21 மொட்டை கோபுரங்கள், ஏழு பிரகாரங்கள், 9 தீர்த்த குளங்களுடன் உள்ளது சிறப்பம்சம். முதல் பிரதான நுழைவாயில் தெற்கு திசையில் 13 நிலைகளுடன், 236 அடி உயரத்தில், 13 கலசங்களுடன் அமைந்துள்ளது ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ராஜகோபுரம். மொட்டை கோபுரமாக இருந்ததை 1979 மே 20ம் தேதி அஹோபில மட 44 வது பட்டம் ஸ்ரீமத் அழகிய சிங்கர் ஜீயர் சுவாமிகளால் ஸ்ரீரங்கம் சிவப்பிரகாச ஸ்தபதியால் ராஜகோபுரம் கட்டுமான பணி துவங்கியது. 14.11.80ல் இரண்டாம் நிலை கோபுரம் அமைக்கப்பட்டது. 3ம் நிலை கோபுரம் காஞ்சி சங்கராச்சாரியார் உதவியுடனும், 6ம் நிலை கோபுரம் இசையமைப்பாளர் இளையராஜா உதவியுடனும் அமைக்கப்பட்டது. 1987 மார்ச் 25 அன்று குடமுழுக்கு நடைபெற்றது. விழாவில் அப்போதைய முதல்வர் எம்.ஜி.ஆர்., ஆளுநர் குரானா உள்பட பல முக்கிய பிரமுகர்கள் பங்கேற்றனர்.

ராஜகோபுர கட்டுமான பணியின்போது கோபுரத்தின் கீழ்பகுதியில் பல்வேறு இடங்களில் விரிசல் ஏற்பட்டது. அதை செட்டில்மென்ட் கிராக் என்று கூறி, எதிர்காலத்தில் அவ்விரிசல் விரிவடைகிறதா என்பதை அறிய சிறிய அளவிலான கண்ணாடி துண்டு கள் விரிசல் மீது ஒட்டப்பட்டது. அருகி லேயே அதுதொடர்பான குறிப்புகள் பெயின்டில் எழுதப்பட்டது. விரிசல் மீதிருந்த பல கண்ணாடி துண்டுகள் உடைந்தும், காணாமலும் போனதால் 2010ல் அமிர்தம் சமூக சேவை அறக்கட்டளை அறங்காவலர் வக்கீல் சித்ரா விஜயகுமார் தமிழக அரசுக்கு புகார் மனு அனுப்பினார். அதில், ராஜகோபுர கட்டுமான பணியின்போது கோபுரத்தின் கீழ்பகுதியில் பல்வேறு இடங்களில் விரிசல் ஏற்பட்டது. தற்போது ராஜகோபுரத்தில் விரிசல் விரிவடைந்துள்ளது. அதை கண்டறிய ஒட்டப்பட்டிருந்த கண்ணாடி துண் டுகள் உடைந்துள் ளன. எனவே கோபுர விரிசல் அளவை கணக்கிடும் கண்ணாடித்துண்டுகளை பதி த்து ராஜகோபுரத்தின் ஸ்திரத்தன்மையை தொடர்ந்து கண்காணிக்க வேண்டும். இது ராஜகோபுர பாதுகாப்புக் கும், பக்தர்கள் பாதுகாப்புக்கும் உறுதுணையாக இருக்கும் என்று தெரிவித்திருந்தார்.

இதுதொடர்பாக தினகரனில் செய்தி வெளியானது. இந்நிலையில் காளகஸ்தி கோயில் கோபுரம் இடிந்து விழுந்தது. இதையடுத்து தமிழக கோயில் கோபுரங்களின் நிலை தொடர்பான விவரங்கள் அரசுக்கு அனுப்பி வைக்கப்பட்டன. அதன் அடிப்படையில் 10 பேர் அடங்கிய குழு ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில் ஆய்வு மேற்கொண்டது. ஆய் வில் பங் கேற்ற தலைமை ஸ்தபதி முத் தையா கூறு கையில், கோபுரத் தில் ஏற்பட்டுள்ள விரிசல் பீதியடையும் வகையிலான பாதிப்பில்லை. மொட்டை கோபுரமாக இருந்தபோதே சிறிய விரிசல்கள் இருந்தன. கோயில் கோபுரத்தின் வழியாக செல்லும் வாகனங்கள் எழுப்பும் ஒலி சத்தத்தினால் பாதிப்பு ஏற்படலாம். அதனால், கோபுரத்தின் அருகில் ஏர் ஹாரன் பயன்படுத்த தடை விதிக்க வேண்டும். வெடி வெடிக்கக்கூடாது. கோபுரத்தில் இருந்து 10 மீட்டர் சுற்றளவுக்கு எவ்வித கட்டடங்களும், ஆக்கிரமிப்புகளும் இருக்கக்கூடாது. கோபுரத்தில் செடி, கொடிகள் முற்றி லும் இருக்கக்கூடாது என்று தெரிவித்தார். இதையடுத்து ராஜகோபுரம் பகுதியில் வாகனங்கள் ஏர்ஹாரன் பயன்படுத்தக்கூடாது. வெடி வெடிக்கக்கூடாது என்ற அறிவிப்பு பலகைகள் வைக்கப்பட்டன. ஆனால் 2 ஆண்டுகளில் மீண்டும் ராஜகோபுரத்தில் வெடிப்புகள் அதிக இடங்களில் ஏற்பட்டுள்ளன. அத்துடன் கோபுரத்தை ஒட்டியுள்ள பகுதியில் உள்ள கட்டடங்களில் செடிகள் மரங்களாகி வருகின்றன. இதுதொடர்பாக அதிகாரிகள் என்னதான் நடவடிக்கைகள் எடுத்தார்கள் என பக்தர்கள் கவலை தெரிவிக்கின்றனர்.

source:N.Prasanna/TP

From the pages of literature to the minds of historians, Trichy occupies a special place. Here's a look at all the things that our city can call its very own...

Trichy is a city of a million sounds and sights. From the picturesque banks of Cauvery to the grand old Trichinopoly cigars, from the natural wonder Rockfort to religious shrines aplenty, there's something for everyone who visits the city...

Rockfort
A 3,800 million year old rock structure with a shrine on top is considered to be older than the Himalayas and is the pride of the city. It is visible for miles around the city and a view from the top, is mesmerizing either by sunrise or sunset.

River Cauvery
The town is on the banks of the River Cauvery making it one of the most fertile regions in the state. A walk on the Cauvery bridge, a dip in the river and some classical music - this would make a perfect outing for most Trichiites.

Trichinopoly Cigar
Winston Churchill has claimed to have a long standing affair with this; Sherlock Holmes has said to have mentioned it in his books and Trichinopoly is synonymous with Cigar in the Oxford Dictionary - that is how world famous the cigar of the region is.

Grand Anicut
One of the oldest dam built around 2000 years is said to be a symbol of Dravidian engineering. Built by Karikala Cholan, it is used a model for building modern day architecture - probably one of the oldest used dams in the world.

Srirangam temple
The biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world Srirangam, is the sacred amongst the Vaishnavites. The temple is on the island, Srirangam and the mythological stories that surrounds the history of the temple is fascinating.

The Southern Railways
Established in 1890 with its headquarters at the city, The Southern Railways played a prominent role during the British Raj. However, now it has been shifted to Chennai - the Golden Rock Workshop is still one of the three mechanical workshops serving the Southern railways till date.

Natharvalli Dargah
A 1000 year old mosque once an Easwaran Temple - it is the tomb of Baba Natharvalli. It stands as a symbol of how the Trichiites are a group of peace loving people who accept all religions and co exist in harmony throughout the years!!

Lady of Lourdes church
A replica of the Lourdes Church in France is situated within St. Joseph's Ccollege compounds. Gothic architecture, intricately stained glass panels with its towering spire makes it remarkable of Indian craftsmanship.

-Tp Admin/TOI

http://www.gconnect.in/images/stories/2010/dec/thalamalai-3.jpg

One-day Day trek to Thalamalai

Trek Program

Date: Saturday, August 4th

Place: Thalamalai
Location: Off Trichy-Namakkal Highway approx – 70 kms from Trichy (1 ½ hour drive
time)
Trek difficulty level: Easy

Approx time : ascent – 4-5 hours, descent – 2 hours
Terrain: Footpath, sparse vegetation ,open to sky in most areas, and rough stone steps
in the last stretch.

Trekkers Program

1. Assemble at Union Club – 5.45 am (opp.Campion School,Cantonment)
2. Leave Trichy – 6 am
3. Breakfast at foothills – 7.30 am
4. Start trek – 8 am
5. Reach the top – 12.30 pm
6. Lunch – 12.30-1.30 pm
7. Start back – 2 pm
8. Return to foothills – 4.30 pm
9. Leave for trichy – 5pm
10. Back to Union Club – 7.30 pm.

Registration: Not decided as yet. But could be around Rs.600 (Final amount will me informed 2 weeks prior to trek)

The trek cost includes to-and fro transport by Ac Tempo Traveler, breakfast & Lunch and local guides.

Checklist
Backpack Hiking pole / stick Cap Sunglasses Towel Wear Quick dry T-shirt / shorts Rain jacket / Poncho Plastic cover for your bag / cameras Water bottle – 2 liters Tang / Juice mix – 1 liter Trekking shoes. No slippers.
Also read the Gear up link for more details.


For Registration (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG53UzBNUmUzNTNuU0VlMkx0VUlFWGc6MQ)

source:MR.RAJA/TP

http://tm.dinakaran.com/pdf/2012/07/18/20120718a_002107014.jpg

source: TP_ADMIN/TP

Thousands of pilgrims, particularly from the rural pockets of Trichy district thronged the Amma Mandapam at the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Srirangam, to take a holy dip and then offer prayers on the occasion of 'aadi ammavasai', on Wednesday. The Trichy corporation had dug four borewells in this connection on the banks of the Cauvery to tide over the lack of water flow.

Srirangam witnessed a steady flow of people from all over India, including some foreigners, at Amma Mandapam. Traffic was diverted and elaborate arrangements were made to feed the poor by erecting makeshift tents.

City engineer Raja Mohammad, who is commissioner in-charge told TOI that the corporation would follow a wait-and-watch approach and decide if the bathing arrangement would be continued on a permanent basis. Mohammad stated that the corporation had done similar arrangements five years ago when the city faced a severe water shortage. The decision had been taken in view of the large number of elderly people who would not want to walk up to the middle of the river to take bath in the available puddles in the stream during the hot days.

source: TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Thousands-offer-prayers-on-aadi-fest/articleshow/15038098.cms)

All steps should be taken for protecting and further promoting Tamil theatre, and those involved in this field should play a vital role in this initiative, said noted film director and actor T. P. Gajendran.

Many lament the state of theatre and its future is not rosy. Artistes should set an example by involving one of their wards in theatre. This will enable in protecting theatre and making it popular with the next generation, Mr. Gajendran said while speaking at the valediction of the third annual drama festival, organised jointly by South Zone Cultural Centre and Tiruchi Mavatta Nataka Nadigarkal Sangam at Rasika Ranjana Sabha in the city on Saturday.

Mr. Gajendran commended Tiruchi Nataka Nadigargal Sangam for organising the festival in a successful manner and said this will go a long way in motivating the younger generation. It is heartening that plays enjoy good patronage from art loving people of the district. Even in cities like Chennai, not many evince interest in witnessing plays and the Tiruchi experience gives lot of satisfaction, he said.

M. S. Mohamed Masthan, general secretary of Tiruchi Mavatta Nataka Nadigargal Sangam, said the festival was a success due to the support of patrons and local public. He regretted the lack of government support for such initiatives and thanked South Zone Cultural Centre and R. R. Sabha for coming to the aid of the Sangam. He also pleaded for sponsorship from business houses, along the lines of support for sports and exhibitions.

R. Gunasekaran, Deputy Director of Department of Art Culture, commended the Sangam, and assured all assistance for their future endeavours.

A historical play ‘Madurai Veeran’ was staged by Manpparai K. S. Krishnappa troupe at the end.

Mr. Gajendran gave away prizes to the best plays on the occasion. Following is the list of winners:

Best drama and best director: ‘Uravugal Unarvugal’ presented by Tiruchi RR theatres directed by Tiruchi RR.

Best story: ‘Arthanari’ presented by Jedarpalaiyam Tamil Annai Kalai Manram directed by J. K. Asokan.

Best dialogue: ‘Pin varum Puyalukku’ by Nasreen Nataka Kalai Manram directed by A. Shahul Hameed.

Mass appeal dramas: ‘Verinai patra Vizhuthugal’ Vedaranyam Tamil Panpattu Kalaignargal Sangam directed by S. Sahadevan, ‘Ini Pirivillai’ by Mohanur Kadiravan Kalai Manram and directed by Vanathi Kathir and ‘Puthu Kaathal’ of Kavitha Creations and directed by P. Velusamy.

Special awards: ‘Thideer Uravu’ of BHEL Annai Kalaikuzhu directed by M. Arumainathan; ‘Petravan’ of Navarasa Nataka Manram and directed by Tour K. Subramani and ‘Thanthai Oru Sumaiya?’ of Kuthalam Tamizhannai Kalai Manram and directed by A. P. S. Manimaran.

Best drama promoting patriotism: ‘Jathigal Irukkuthadi Pappa’ of Kanmani Creations direcgted by M. S. Raja.

Best street play: ‘Boothathin Naarkali’ of Kala Brothers Kalaikuzhu directed by P. Karikalan.

Best drama promoting religious harmony: ‘Inraiya Special’ of Golden Brothers Kalaikuzhu directed by J. Julian.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/article3652549.ece)

Tour operator SOTC, in association with Hotel High Point in the city, has launched a ‘Sacred South’ tour package covering important temples in and around Tiruchi.

Travellers can embark on the spiritual journey under the package which includes darshans at 10 major temples in and around the city covering the Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Thiruvanaikovil Sri Jambukeswarar Akilandeswarar Temple, Rockfort Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple, Vayalur Sri Subramaniaswamy Temple, Samayapuram Sri Mariamman Temple, Gunaseelam Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathi temple, Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikaksha Perumal Temple, Uthamarkovil, Woraiyur Arulmigu Vekkaliamman Temple and Tirupattur Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple.

The two nights/three day package starts at Rs.5,000 for a couple and includes two nights stay and a third night free at Hotel High Point in the city. The package will be valid till December.

Launching the package here on Friday, Sriram Rajmohan, Chief Financial Officer, Kuoni India Ltd., said this was the first pilgrim destination of the SOTC in the south.

SOTC, which is part of the Kuoni India group, would soon hold talks with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Corporation to offer package tours to more destinations in the south. The tour operator, he said, would add more focus on the south in the coming days.

G.Ravichandran, president, Tiruchi Travel Federation, while welcoming the introduction of the tour at affordable rates said that the federation too was taking steps to promote tourism destinations in and around Tiruchi.

The federation was also lobbying for improving the tourism infrastructure of the city.

With the Tiruchi Airport set to being accorded international status, there would be more scope for promoting the tourist destinations of the region, he said.

Anil Rai, Business Head, Holiday of India, Kuoni India Ltd., said travellers booking the Sacred South package would be given a complementary Divine India card using which they can have ‘live darshan’ of different places of worship online.

T.V.Anand, Managing Director, and T.V.Prabhu, Joint Managing Director, Hotel High Point, spoke.

source: The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3664995.ece)

ஸ்ரீரங்கம்: திருவானைக்கோவில் ஸ்ரீஜெம்புகேஸ்வரர் ஸ்ரீஅகிலாண் டேஸ்வரி கோவிலில் முதல் ஆடிவெள்ளி விழா கோலாகலமாக நடந்தது. பல்லாயிரக்கணக்கான பக்தர்கள் திரண்டு வந்து அம்மனை தரிசித்தனர். ஆடிமாதம் அம்மனுக்கு மிகவும் உகந்ததாக கருதப்படுகின்றது. இதனால் மாதம் முழுவதும் அம்மன் திருக்கோவில்களில் விழாக்கள் கொண்டாடப்பட்டு வரும். ஆடி மாதத்தில் அம்மனை நாடி வந்து தரிசிப்பவர்களுக்கு கோடி நன்மை உண்டாகும் என ஐதீகம். மேலும் ஆடி மாதம் வரும் வெள்ளிக்கிழமை மிகவும் விஷேசமான என கருதப்படுகின்றது. பஞ்ச பூத திருத்தலங்களில் நீர் தலமாக போற்றி புகழப்படும் திருவானைக்காவல் ஸ்ரீஜெம்புகேஸ்வரர் ஸ்ரீஅகிலாண்டேஸ்வரி கோவிலில் நேற்று முதல் ஆடிவெள்ளி விழா கோலாகமாக நடந்தது. விழாவை முன்னிட்டு அதிகாலை இரண்டு மணிக்கு நடைதிறக்கப்பட்டு அம்மனுக்கு சிறப்பு பூஜைகள் அலங்காரம் நடந்தது. அதிகாலை முதல் பல்லாயிரக்கணக்கான பெண்கள் திரண்டு வந்து அம்மனை நீண்ட க்யூவில் நின்று பயபக்தியுடன் தரிசித்தனர். நேரம் ஆக, ஆக பக்தர்கள் எண்ணிக்கை அதிகரித்த வண்ணம் இருந்து பெண்கள் தங்கள் கைக்குழந்தைகளுடன் வரிசையில் நின்று அம்மனை தரிசித்தனர். ஆடிவெள்ளி விழாவை முன்னிட்டு பாதுகாப்பு பணிக்கு ஏராளமான போலீஸார் குவிக்கப்பட்டு இருந்தனர். இதற்கான ஏற்பாடுகளை கோவில் இணை ஆணையர் மற்றும் கோவில் பணியாளர் செய்து இருந்தனர்.

source: Dinamalar (http://www.dinamalar.com/district_detail.asp?id=512278)

The Trichy Philatelists' Association has put up an exhibition of thematic stamps on space exploration at the Trichy's Philatelic Bureau that is permanently housed at the entrance of the centrally-located head post office.

It is intentionally timed to commemorate man's landing on the moon which took place 44 years ago on July 20, 1969, an event that had created an unprecedented interest in space exploration. Many countries had honoured the occasion by issuing special stamps. The exhibition will be open to public for two weeks from 10am to 5pm on all working days and is compartmentalized into two sections. The first section presented by the association's members chronicles the growth and development of space research as portrayed by philatelic materials issued by various countries while the second section, known as 'Silk Cachet', commemorates various seminal American explorations.

There are five frames permanently mounted at the head post office, each frame showcasing 16 exhibits of the size 23X29 inches. Explanatory scribbling if any, should be in blue or black ink, or else the exhibit would not be entertained, said P Soundararajan, president of the Trichy Philatelists' Association. "When it comes to philately, the quantity does not count as much as its quality of chronicling the history in all its glory," he said. Three of the exhibition frames are this time allocated to a philately enthusiast Bhagya Shree Prem Kumar, who had essayed the space odyssey through her stamps, mint stamps and first day covers. Two other exhibition frames are exclusively reserved for the American space odyssey since they were the pioneers in the space venture. Coming as it was a few days after Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams' four-month space journey, the subject created additional interest among youngsters on the first day. who might have been born years after the Neil Amstrong stepped out of the Apollo 11 lunar modeul "Eagle" on July 21, 1969.

On the stamps on display are Aryabhatta, the first Indian satellite launched on April 19, 1975, the first GSLV flight in 2001, the INSAT series and so on. The Trichy Philatelists' Association, started in 1946, is one of the oldest in the country and also one of the 80 designated offices across the country. The next theme in August will be on Mahatma Gandhi.

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Stamping-a-space-odyssey/articleshow/15066036.cms)

திருச்சி: ஸ்ரீவில்லிப்புத்தூர் ஆண்டாள் கோவிலுக்கு, ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர் கோவிலில் இருந்து வஸ்திர பகுமானம் அனுப்பப்பட்டது.
ஸ்ரீரங்கம் பெரிய பெருமாள் எனப்படும் ரங்கநாதரை நித்தமும் நினைத்து திருப்பாவை அருளிய ஆண்டாள், ஸ்ரீவில்லிப்புத்தூரில் ஆடி மாதம் பூர நட்சத்திர நாளில் அவதரித்தவர்.பெருமாளுக்கான மாலையை தான் அணிவித்த பிறகே கொடுத்ததால் "சூடிக்கொடுத்த சுடர்கொடி' என்று பக்தர்களால் போற்றப்படும் ஆண்டாள், ஸ்ரீரங்கத்துக்கு வந்து ரங்கநாதரின் திருவடிகளில் ஐக்கியமானார்.அதனால் ஸ்ரீவில்லிப்புத்தூர் போலவே ஸ்ரீரங்கத்திலும் ஆண்டுதோறும் ஆடிப்பூர உற்சவம் வெகு சிறப்பாக கொண்டாடப்படுகிறது. குறிப்பாக ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில், ஆடிப்பூரத்துக்கு முன் தொடர்ந்து ஒன்பது நாட்கள் ஆடிப்பூர உற்சவம் நடக்கிறது.ஸ்ரீவில்லிப்புத்தூரில் நாளை (23ம் தேதி) நடக்கும் ஆடிப்பூரம் மற்றும் தேரோட்ட திருவிழாவுக்காக, ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில் இருந்து "வஸ்திர பகுமானம்' நேற்று மாலை அனுப்பி வைக்கப்பட்டது.ஆண்டாளுக்கான பட்டு வஸ்திரங்கள், மலர், பழம் உள்ளிட்ட மங்களப் பொருட்களை, ஸ்ரீரங்கம் இணை கமிஷனர் கல்யாணி, கோவில் ஆஸ்தான பட்டர் சுந்தர் உள்ளிட்டோர் நேற்று அனுப்பி வைத்தனர்.

source: Dinamalar (http://www.dinamalar.com/district_detail.asp?id=512949)

The Thayumanavar Temple is a temple situated in the Rockfort complex in the city of Tiruchirappalli, India. The temple is situated close to the base of the Rockfort and was constructed by the Pallava king Mahendravarman I in the 6th century AD. Within the temple, there is a 100-pillared wall. The vimanam of the shrine is covered with gold.

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Thayumanaswamy Temple at Trichy

According to another mythology, a pregnant woman named Rathnavathi is nearing labor and she suffers in enormous pain as her mother who is to help her has not yet arrived. The pregnant women suffers alone and pleads to God. Then Lord shiva takes the form of her mother and helps her in the pregnancy. Thus, the Lord was praised as “Thayum Ana Swamy” (The Lord who could act like a Mother) and hence the temple began to be called as “Thayumanaswamy temple”. Around 200 steps need to be climbed to reach the beautiful temple. The paintings on the ceiling is amazing. The structure of the temple shows the excellent art in olden days. The temple has many small shrines inside, but major shrines is for Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Mahalakshmi.

Tiruchirappalli, was earlier known asThirisirapuram, as a Rakshasa called Thirisiran worshipped Lord Shiva here.

There are also stories that since there are three peaks on Rock Fort, occupied by three Gods Shiva, Parvathi & Vinayakar (Uchi Pillaiyar), the place was called Thiri-sikarapuram and later called Tirisirapuram.

This place was also known as Sirappalli, Rishabachalam & Dhakshina Kailasam during ancient days.

The Rock Fort hill is beleived to be formed lakhs of years back (Archeology and Scientific Sources).

As per the mythology, once there was a great tuffle between Aadhiseshan and the wind God Vaayu, on who is more powerful. Aadhiseshan encircled the Maha Meru hill (Himalaya) and challenged Vaayu whether he can take Himalayas off his clutches. Vaayu tried much and accepted his defeat.

It is said that during the fight, there had been a lot of natural calamities like floods, cyclone etc. And 3 pieces of the mountain broke and flew off to different places. Out of the 3 peices which flew off, one is this Rock fort at Trichy. The other two are at Triconamalee (Ceylon) and Sri Kalahasthi (AP).

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The Temple

Arulmigu Thayumanavar Swamy temple (Also Chevvandhinadhar) is situated on the Rock Fort enroute the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple at the hill top, at the heart of today’s Trichy city.

According to legend, there was a woman living on the other side of river Cauvery, who visited this temple everyday. She had been visiting the temple for many years, which she continued to do even during her pregnancy.One day after she finished the Dharshan, she found that the river was flooded and she cannot cross the river. As she waited for the river flow to subside, she developed severe labour pain. People around stopped her from going back home. She was thinking of her mother who can help her in labour.

Lord Shiva came to her in disguise of her mother and helped her in delivering the child safely and disappeared. Later her actual mother came asking about her, the woman realised that it was Lord Shiva who came to her rescue in disguise.

http://templesinsouthind.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/thayumanavar.jpg?w=199

As Lord Shiva himself served her devotee as her mother, here the main diety is called as “Thayumanavar” (God, who is also the “Mother”)

The same incident is celebrated as a festival called “Chettipenn Maruthuvam” festival on the 5th day of Chithirai Festival at the temple.

The name of the Ambaal is “Mattuvarkuzhali”.

Once you climb around 200 steps from foot hill of the “Malaikkottai”, you can reach Thayumanavar temple.

The temple is said to have built during 3rd Century by Pallavas. This temple was occupied by Jain Saints and later was destroyed by Mahendravarman and Shiva Temple was re-constructed by him.

Pregnant women and their husbands pray Lord Thayumanavar for a safe labor and offer Plantains to the God after delivering healthy baby.

One can see people carrying “Vazhaithaar” all the way up to the temple and after its offered to Thayumanavar, they distribute to other devotees in the temple.

Thirugnana Sambandhar, Thirunavukkarasar, Manickavaasagar & Thayumanavar have written many hymns in praise of Lord Shiva here.

Thiruchi is well connected by ample trains and buses from Chennai and other parts of Tamilnadu. Lots of buses ply from both Central & Chathram bus stands of Trichy. One can alight at Main Guard Gate or Theppakulam to reach the temple.

We begin the temple tales series with the Thayumanavar Temple in Trichy. Shiva is the primary deity here and the temple itself is at the foothills of the Rock Fort in Trichy. The legend of Thayumanavar goes:

Once upon a time, there lived a couple at the edge of the forest near what are now the Rockfort hills. The man was woodcutter in the forest and very poor. The couple were very devoted to Lord Shiva and visited his temple that was across the river in the village nearly every day.

One day the woodcutter’s wife approached him and said, “I am going to have a child.” The woodcutter and his wife were extremely happy and eagerly awaited the child. Every day, the woman would go to the temple and pray for the well-being of the baby. As the time approached for the baby to be born, the wife said, “I had better write to my mother in the neighboring village and ask her to come soon and be with us. That way I will have help when the baby arrives.”

That evening after the wife had sent word to her mother in the village, there was a great storm. Lightning rived the sky and the the river’s waters rose alarmingly.

“Oh dear,” said the woodcutter, “I hope our little hut survives this storm. I should put up more thatches before our baby arrives.” Eating their dinner in silence, watching the pounding rain, the couple continued to plan for when the baby would arrive and change their lives.

They fortified their door, raised up their mattresses off the floor so everything wouldn’t be cold and wet and went to bed. Suddenly in the middle of the night, the woodcutter’s wife shook him awake. Looking confusedly around, he got up saying, “Wha..?” But before he could finish his sentence, he saw the look of intense agony on his wife’s face and realized what was happening. The baby was arriving that very night. But they had no help and the village closest to them was across the river!

“Go get some help”, panted his wife. “I will hold on. Don’t worry. Just hurry and try to find some woman who can help me.”

The woodcutter hurriedly got dressed and stepped out into the rain. He could not see anything in front of him, so dark was the night and so heavy the rain. He stumbled on and on in the direction of the village that he knew that was on this side of the river hoping to find a midwife there. Suddenly he stopped. “Wait! I seem to have seen that tree just a few minutes ago. Where am I? Have I been walking in circles all this time?”

The woodcutter was well and truly lost in the forest. Cursing his bad luck he retraced his steps some way and then righted his course. But he had lost precious time. Sending up a prayer to Shiva to keep his wife and child safe, he pressed on.

Back at the hut, his wife was struggling to stay strong. “I wish I had sent for my mother earlier. There is no hope she would have started off today to come and be with me right away. O Lord, only you can take care of me now until my husband gets back with the midwife.”

Her pain grew worse and she was ready to collapse, when suddenly there was a knock on the door. When she opened it, there stood her mother! “How did you come so quickly after getting my letter?” asked the woodcutter’s wife.

“Oh, I had already started from home,” said her mother. “I knew you were in need and didn’t wait for you to call on me.” A grateful woodcutter’s wife collapsed in her mother’s arms. When she recovered, she saw her beautiful baby and her mother was nowhere to be seen. It was still dark outside but the rain had become a gentle drizzle. “Mother must have stepped out to get something,” she thought, while admiring her little baby. And she fell back asleep.

The woodcutter meanwhile had located a midwife in the other village and had come rushing back as fast as he could. But he worried he was too late. Dawn was breaking over the horizon as they reached the little hut. To the woodcutter’s joy, he heard the sound of a baby from within. “I think the baby has arrived already. Let us go and make sure my wife is all right.”

As he and the midwife entered the hut, his wife saw them and demanded, “Where have you been? I was really struggling and then suddenly my mother appeared. Thank god for that! Did you see her outside?”

“Your mother?” said the puzzled woodcutter. “There is no one outside. Are you sure you weren’t just hallucinating?” His wife glared at him and said, “I am telling you. She said she had started even before she got my letter. Ask her when she gets back. Maybe she went to bathe in the river.”

Just then, her mother entered the hut. “How are you doing?” she asked her daughter. “Oh you had the baby already? I got your letter yesterday and would have come except the river was in spate and I could not cross until this morning. Even for that the boatman took a lot from me!!!”

“Then who was the person who came to help me?” wondered the woodcutter’s wife. “It must have been the lord Shiva, come to help me in my time of need when I called for him.”

From that day on the deity of the temple, an imposing shivalingam, was called “Thayumanavar” (one who took the form of a mother)

-TP ADMIN

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source:TP_ADMIN/TP

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/12559204.cms
Freemasonry — a 280-year-old organization, has stood the test of time. TOI dwells into the reasons for its continued existence.

Freemasonry — a 280-year-old organization, has stood the test of time. TOI dwells into the reasons for its continued existence.

Freemasonry in Trichy dates back to the year 1765, when captain Egmund Pascal formed Lodge Tiruchirappalli No 3, the second oldest lodge to be formed on the coast of Coramandel. Now, there are almost 150 brothers who belong to the vibrant population of Trichy and are part of the four lodges in Trichy. They constitute people from various strata of society — businessmen, advocates, doctors, professors and the like. What brings them together is the organization's principle. Initially, they were regarded as a secret cult, carriers of messages. However, what prevails now is more of self-improvement sessions. Senthil Kumar, the ruling master of Lodge Tiruchirapalli 203 says the practice is all about personal development. "

There are many stories about how freemasons are a secret organization, who had secrets that were passed and transferred or buried within their lodge walls. We do retain the masonic mysteries, rituals and ceremonies that fascinate many, but we do not divulge them. Also, we no longer function that way, the objective here is that of a personal development to make a good man better. It is like going in for a self-improvement course or engaging in some quality life changing lessons."

To become a mason, one must be a believer of the supreme being no matter the religion. One must be above 21 years and, most importantly, come at his free will. There are also background checks to see if the candidate is strong and being part of the organization would not affect or alter his social life. The reason for people from high society being a part of it is attributed to the moral standards that it preaches. Sundararajan Vidhya Shankar, an advocate and a regional grand organist shares his experience about his first masonic meeting. "I learnt about this through my friends who are members here. I joined out of my own interest and there are not many organizations that give you this kind of satisfaction. We have a monthly meeting and they teach us the virtue of spirituality and charity. I believe that the drive to lead a decent life comes from within and that is what keeps everyone going."

A walk into one of the lodges in the cantonment area makes you wonder about the way things have been preserved here. The chairs, the masonic tools and symbols, the temple (that is what they call the place where they conduct the ceremony) has not lost its charm. Ramesh Kamak, a businessman and the past master of Lodge Trinity 171 tells that the reason for its survival is the fact that it has never changed its rituals and continues to spread the same message since its existence. "The reason for its survival or existence despite the amount of distraction and the technological advancement lies in the fact that it has chosen to be consistent. The constancy of its ideas, the way we adhere to it verbatim, the ritual ceremony and no political clashes remain the biggest positive factor in it."

Most Trichiites plead ignorance on mason meetings and groups in the city. Sylviana Rajkumari, an engineering student, says, "I had no clue that the group existed here considering the fact that I have practically spent my entire life in Trichy. I have read about it in the books, but being here in the city has aroused my curiosity — to know more about them. I just hope to get an entry into one of their lodges to appreciate the ancient artefacts they possess."

Source : TOI (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-23/travel/31300687_1_masonic-rituals-political-clashes)

^^Is such group exist in Trichy. Look at the comments from all over the world!

A new "ROMAN CATHOLIC church"., built opposite to Balaji nagar, Tanjore Highways,Thiruverumbur.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/208833_364860900248851_1646213955_n.jpg

source: MR.RAJA/TP

Air Chief Marshal H S Moolgavkar's Photo Collection

At the end of its first tour of operations in Burma, No.1 Squadron moved to Begumpet in March 1942. After about a month, the Squadron moved with its Lysanders to Trichy in the south. In June 42, Pilots of the Squadron were earmarked for Hurricane conversion and went to Risalpur to the 151 OTU for training.

In September and October 42, the pilots went to Karachi to take up delivery of various Hurricane Mk 1 aircraft and prepared to fly to Trichy. During the move to Trichy, the CO-designate Flt Lt Henry Runganadhan was killed when the Hudson he was travelling in crashed. Command was taken over by Sqn Ldr SN Goyal. One of the Flight commanders during this period was Flt Lt Arjan Singh.

The Squadron settled down in Trichy in October 42 and was to spend nearly an year in working up on the Hurricanes. Within a month of its moving there, the Tigers took part in 'Exercise MINX', which involved Army Cooperation flights. For the exercise, the Squadron flew to Arakonam airfield on Dec 8th, 1942. It was there taking part in operations till Dec 21st, 1942 when it moved back to Trichy.

The Photographs on this page are from the collection of Air Chief Marshal HS Moolgavkar, who as a young Pilot Officer was with Jumbo Majumdar in Burma during its first tour. Moolgavkar was a Flying Officer when he took many of the photographs on this page with his box camera.

Moolgavkar's personal aircraft, Hurricane AG291 'Dolly' is seen here in many of the photographs here.

The Officers
S/L SN Goyal (CO)
F/L Arjan Singh
F/L E Nazirullah
F/O YV Malse
F/O HS Ratnagar
F/O HS Moolgavkar
F/O Satyanarayana
F/O Ananthanaryana
F/O Sk Ibrahim
P/O Noel Ruxton Murcott
P/O Anand Ramdas Pandit
Our Thanks to Air Chief Marshal Moolgavkar for providing these photographs exclusively to Bharat Rakshak.

Hurricane at Trichy - A shot of a Hurricane from the rear

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Galleries/3504-2/Hurri-Trichy.jpg


Trichy Mess before dinner time

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Galleries/3518-2/Trichy-Mess.jpg

Source : http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Galleries/History/WW2/Moolgavkar/

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01152/22july_tasrins05_p_1152612e.jpg

The park at Grand Anicut in Thanjavur district will be improved at a cost of Rs.2.8 crore under the Government of India-assisted tourism development scheme.

According to Public Works Department (PWD) engineers, an interpretation centre will be constructed at a cost of Rs.55 lakhs, a fresh water aquarium at a cost of Rs.6 lakh, and display of historical events will be done at a cost of Rs.48.58 lakh.

Children theme park with water slides will be developed. Yet another important feature will be providing telescopic arrangements for children at a cost of Rs.1lakh. Landscaping will be done at a cost of Rs.30 lakhs. Footpaths will be provided to approach all the tourist spots in the Anicut. Compound wall will be constructed around the park.

Other works include construction of wayside public conveniences, construction of toilets for ladies, gents and differently abled, construction of dressing and cloak rooms, installation of hand rails , illumination, and direction boards.

Tenders will be called soon , the PWD engineers said.

Grand Anicut canal banks from Irwin Bridge near Big temple to the bridge on Gandhiji road will also be improved with pathways, flooring and illumination at a cost of Rs.1.28 crore.

Pathway for a distance of one kilometre from the bridge across Grand Anicut canal on Gandhiji road up to Nagai road has been completed.


Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3681233.ece)

^^One of the major Hangout Place for Trichy is getting Developed

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01155/25july_tysms08_THE_1155570e.jpg

A large number of devotees witnessed the 'theppam' (float) festival at Sri Akilandeswari- Jambukeswarar temple at Thiruvanaikovil in the city on Wednesday and offered worship.

The idols of Lord Jambukeswarar and Sri Akilandeswari were brought to the float where special 'pujai' was performed. The idols, along with Panchamurthi, were taken around the tank five times marking the significance of the festival.

Elaborate arrangements were made for the smooth conduct of the festival.

source: MR.RAJA/TP

TRICHY: Aura, a Trichy-based women's forum is conducting a car rally on August 5, in an effort to impart disciplined driving and navigational skills to motorists. The uniqueness of this 75-km route rally is the participants would to have drive through muddy roads, navigate dirty sectors and steer clear of a road full of animals.

The rally will have the usual TSD (time, distance and speed) model and each car will have a driver, a navigator and a passenger. Interestingly, the participants get penalty points for either being early or being late to a particular time control point and the penalty is more for being early than being late.

There will be two categories: an all-women "Eve on Wheels," and the "Fun Wagon" that will have at least one woman as a driver or the navigator. Styled as Fastrak'12, the rally will have three groups: expert, regular and novice. A participant, who might have been part of a winning team (trophy winner) in any previous rally, will be graded as an expert. A mere participation in any car rally before would qualify a participant to be a regular and a participant who had not taken part in any rally will be considered a novice.

The organisers will give participants a speed chart indicating the average speed at which participants should travel and the speed limit would vary from distance to distance.

All participants would be given a tulip chart giving the distance and direction and one has to meticulously follow that. Meanwhile, integrating time, speed, and distance, one has to achieve his goal. Rajeshwari Ramakrishnan, one of the organisers of Aura, said the rally, now in its third year, expected a participation of about 75 cars. An entry fee of Rs 500 in addition to fulfilling other norms will be collected. All the participants along with their cars and required documents should be present at the National College, Cantonment, Trichy by 2pm on August 4 and the car joining the rally should have at least two seat belts and essentially an odometer in working condition that could be zeroed.

Rajeshwari said attractive prizes would be given in both categories and each category would entail three prizes each. "A total of Rs one lakh is reserved for prize amount, but what is more important is the fun of participation," she added. The rally will be conducted by the Madras Motor Sports Club.

source:MR.RAJA/TP

ஸ்ரீரங்கம்: திருவானைக்கோவில் ஸ்ரீஅகிலாண்டேஸ்வரி கோவிலில் ஆடி வெள்ளி விழா நடந்தது. இதில் பல்லாயிரக்கணக்கான பெண்கள் திரண்டு வந்து அம்மனை தரிசித்தனர்.
திருவானைக்கோவில் ஜெம்புகேஸ்வரர் ஸ்ரீஅகிலாண்டேஸ்வரி கோவிலில் நேற்று இரண்டாவது ஆடிவெள்ளி விழா நடந்தது. இதை முன்னிட்டு அதிகாலை இரண்டு மணிக்கு நடைதிறக்கப்பட்டு ஸ்ரீஅம்மனுக்கு சிறப்பு பூஜையும், அலங்காரமும் சிறப்பாக நடந்தது.அதிகாலை முதல் பெண்கள் தங்கள் கைக்குழந்தைகளுடன் நீண்ட வரிசையில் நின்று அம்மனை பயபக்தியுடன் தரிசித்தனர். பக்தர்கள் கூட்டம் நிரம்பி வழிந்ததால் பாதுகாப்பு பணிக்கு ஏராளமான போலீஸார் குவிக்கப்பட்டு இருந்தனர். ஆடி வெள்ளி அம்மனை தரிசித்தால் திருமணமாகாத பெண்களுக்கு திருமணம் நடக்கும் என்பது ஐதீகம்.ஏற்பாடுகளை கோவில் உதவி ஆணையர், கோவில் பணியாளர்கள் செய்திருந்தனர்.

source: Dinamalar (http://www.dinamalar.com/district_detail.asp?id=517210)

TRICHY: Adiperukku, which is celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month of 'Aadi' (August 4) will be for the first time celebrated in an artificial canal on the banks of Cauvery at Ammamandapam, since the river has gone totally dry.

The hope that water would be released from the Mettur dam well in time to celebrate the festival on August 4 was on Friday washed away as the public works department (PWD) expressed its inability to get water released from Mettur.

Legend has it that the festival assumes greater significance when celebrated at 'padithurai' (the stone steps) on the banks of Cauvery at Ammamandapam in Srirangam, where officials estimated a lakh of people, particularly the newly-married, and the about-to-be married would throng, to take part.

The farmers, who were under heavy burden on account of the water shortage for irrigation made a petition to the chief engineer, PWD, Trichy region, Ganesha Marachan to get water released before the festival and he was reported to have told them that he would intimate the government.

However, Marachan told TOI on Friday that the government has taken a decision not to release water from Mettur for the time being. The government is already releasing 1200 cusecs for the purpose of drinking in the downstream districts.

"Now, it is too late. Even if water is released from today (Friday), it would not reach Ammamandapam by August 4. Moreover, it will take at least 20,000 cusecs of water a second so that it would touch the banks of Ammamandapam on August 4, and such an idea was discounted by the government," he said. The fact that the Ammamandapam falls within the chief minister's constituency did not carry much weightage. "The need for drinking water weighed more than a celebratory bath," he explained.

However, the city corporation has decided to make alternative arrangements for the festival. "A 5X3 meter artificial canal would be built with cement slabs that will have a depth of one metre," corporation commissioner V P Thandapani said. The water would be flowing slowly and the arrangement would be purely temporary, he said. "The artificial canal will serve the purpose for floating the ceremonial 'Akal Vilakku (clay lamp) on the water on the D-day, and one will have the feel of the river," Thandapani explained.

source:MR.RAJA/TP

மண்ணச்சநல்லூர்: சமயபுரம் மாரியம்மன் கோவில் மேம்பாட்டு பணிகளை எம்.எல்.ஏ., பூனாட்சி அதிரடியாக ஆய்வு செய்தார்.
அம்மன் வழிபாட்டுத் தலங்களுள் முதன்மையானதாக விளங்கும் சமயபுரம் மாரியம்மன் கோவிலுக்கு நாள்தோறும் தமிழகத்தின் பல்வேறு இடங்களிலிருந்து ஆயிரக்கணக்கான பக்தர்கள் வழிபட வருகின்றனர்.
இதனால் ஏற்படும் நெரிசலை சமாளிக்க கோவிலில் விரிவாக்கப் பணிகள் நடந்து வருகிறது. மூன்று கோடியே 50 லட்ச ரூபாய் மதிப்பீட்டில் நடந்து வரும் வடக்கு பிரகார மண்டப விரிவாக்கம், முடிகாணிக்கை, மண்டபம், அமாவாசை மண்டபம், பக்தர்கள் ஓய்வு மண்டபம் ஆகியவற்றின் கட்டுமான பணிகள் நடந்து வருகிறது.
மண்ணச்சநல்லூர் எம்.எல்.ஏ., பூனாட்சி கோவில் மேம்பாட்டு பணிகளை நேரில் சென்று பார்வையிட்டு ஆய்வு செய்தார்.

source: Dinamalar (http://www.dinamalar.com/district_detail.asp?id=517938)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/thumb/msid-15235279,width-300,resizemode-4/Ramzan-treats-jpg.jpg

The gastronauts in the city are all in for a cheer as Ramzan is here and all that one can think of is the list of delicacies that gets imported into Trichy during this season...

Trichy caters to a diverse population — we have the Gujaratis celebrating their dandiya nights and lavish spreads, Christians fasting for lent and, of course, there are many different ways of celebrating festivals like Diwali and Holi. Now, it is the turn of the Muslims to rejoice as it the season of Ramzan and the feasts that they enjoy like in any metro is the same. The other communities join them, too, with the iftar feasts.

While fasting and prayers form an equally important aspect of the month, it is impossible and also incomplete to talk about the holy month of Ramzan without mentioning the variety of food that is on offer in the city. There is a blend of royal Mughlai flavours and spiced-up culinary traditions of a religion bent on traditional values and customs.

Mohammed Abubacker, who runs a popular mall in the city, has introduced the city foodies to the delectable Hyderabadi Haleem, which forms an important part of the festive meals of the Dakhni Muslims.

The nutritious mutton broth, which is traditionally known as paya, has caused quite a rage in the city it is now enjoyed by youngsters and adults alike. "We have chefs who prepare it for us and we make sure it has the actual Hyderabadi flavour and essence. The process is elaborate and that is the reason we do not cook it here - but it seems to be a hot. We are doing it second time this year and we are hoping it becomes bigger next year."

One can also enjoy a variety of dates, fruits and other dessert items which are imported into the city. "The Muslim shops now sport a lot of ingredients for preparing the Mughal dishes of the traditional age. Now it is a good time to experiment with these dished because at other times you do not usually find these basic ingredients," says Farha Habib, who likes to experiment with all types of cuisines.

These dishes are not just available at fancy eateries but also on the streets, which is where most of the youngsters like to frequent. Many of them in the city also call this a 'trip to heaven' as they get to have dishes like biriyani and kebabs, which are made with extra spice and care just for the season. Apart from the kebabs and tikks, there's also a lot of south Indian touch to the feasts, with vadais and even buttermilk, to aid in the digestion of all the heavy and spicy food.

While the feasts can cause many of the city's foodies to go overboard, the dieticians say that when one is fasting, one needs to ensure they have the right food when they break the fast. Lakshmi Kandasamy, a dietician, says that kanji acts as a cooling agent and is the best thing to break a fast. While kids and adults fast during the same time it is also advisable to make your body get the fluids it needs during the evening and dawn hours. "Drinking as much as water required and eating the right proportionate rather than stuffing oneself is necessary. Fried and spicy food is surely the pick of the season but should be compensated with a lot of fluids which will be able to withstand the climatic conditions of the region," reasons out Lakshmi.

In fact, many of the youngsters and elders in the city are all looking at this health aspect, with them going in for more fluids, dry fruits and fruits when they breat their fasts.

Ramzan, in Trichy, continues to be of traditional feasts, with a hint of modernity.

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food/food-reviews/Iftar-treat-for-the-city/articleshow/15235205.cms)

http://tm.dinakaran.com/pdf/2012/07/29/20120729b_001107006.jpg

source:TP_ADMIN/TP

Hi Friends,
"Trichinopoly" on the header is no spelling mistake. Many of us living in Trichy really dont know the real story of what happened in trichinopoly in the years 1600 - 1900 AD. Its mostly grandmother stories. Now here is one Mr.K Vijayaraghavan, a leading Industrialist from Trichy who has done extensive research on this subject and has developed an awesome Video documentary comprising of extremely rare photographs of Trichy from the archives and copies of very early days "Cine films" on Trichy. Needless to say, this will of great interest to you and your family, and you will be totally amazed to see how our now familiar landmarks of trichy once looked like.
The programe is scheduled for SUNDAY, August 5th @ 5pm at The Hallmark Business School Hall. Entry is free and open to all Trichy Trekkers members,family,children and friends. Dont miss this one !!

To enable us to organise seating arrangement for all, we have opened an online regsitration form on our website. Please go to our website and look for the "Seminar on Trichy's history" link. The program will be for about 90mins.

PS: For those of you who dont know where The Hallmark Business School campus is located, here it is:
a. Take the Dindigul Highway
b. Drive by the Skoda Car showroom (about 10 mins from Central Bus stand)
c. After that, 500mtrs on your right, you will see a small Hallmark signboard before the new RTO office
d. take that right side road and 1.5kms to the Campus.

Punctuality is one thing that Trekkers of Trichy are famous for, so when we say 5pm, we mean it !!

Regards
Ramesh Kamak

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/6489/akil1.jpg
http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/2452/akil2.jpg

source:TP_ADMIN/TP

With the Cauvery river sporting a dry look this year, Tiruchi Corporation is making temporary arrangements at the bathing ghats along the river at Srirangam and the city for devotees to take the customary holy dip on the occasion of Aadi Perukku on Thursday.

Normally, the river would be in full flow at this time of year. But the poor storage position at the Mettur reservoir offering no scope for release of water for irrigation this season, Aadi Perukku is expected to be a subdued affair in the delta districts this year. Newly weds, in particular, throng the river to take a holy dip and offer prayers.

Over the past few years, the corporation has been busy erecting three borewells around the Amma Mandapam bathing ghat in Srirangam to pump water into a narrow temporary canal that has been dug up on the river bed, using earthmovers, to allow people to take their holy dip. This apart, pipelines fitted with sprinklers have also been erected to enable people to have a shower on the river bed.

With people expected to turn up early in the morning, additional lighting arrangements have been made at Amma Mandapam, Odathurai and Thillai Nayagam bathing ghats.

The corporation has also arranged for special medical camps and drinking water supply at the bathing ghats. Additional sanitary staff would be deployed at the bathing ghats to clean up the places on a continuous basis on Thursday.

Mayor A.Jaya and Corporation Commissioner V.P.Thandapani inspected the arrangements being made for the festival along the river.

source: The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3715713.ece)

^^Its pity to see the river still with sand, thinking of the moments i swam in the waters:ohno:

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01163/01aug_tysgnns03_aa_1163636e.jpg

http://epaper.dinakaran.com/pdf/2012/08/03/20120803a_002106010.jpg

http://epaper.dinakaran.com/pdf/2012/08/03/20120803a_002106005.jpg

source: MR.RAJA/TP

A trip to Sithanavasal Caves is a pleasurable experience for those that yearn to learn.

Sithanavasal Caves is a rock-cut Jain monastery located at around 60kms from the city - it is an ideal place for a Sunday morning trip. Maintained by the ASI it also sports many attractions in the complex which helps kids have their fun quotient.

A rock-cut Jain temple named Arivar-Koil was carved here which sports paintings made during the 9th century. The most important reason to visit these caves is the paintings. The other attractions are finding out the mysteries behind the vibrating Om and how the Jain monks had lived during the 9th century.

The fresco paintings are similar to the ones found in Ajanta caves and are made using vegetable dye have now disappeared and disfigured due to vandalism until the ASI took over in 1958. There are 287 steps which lead to the top of the hillock, which has around 17 rock beds where the monks used to rest. The ascent to the top gives you a panoramic view of the small town below dispersed with small agricultural fields and lakes. It would make up for a good rock climbing session and prove to be fruitful with the scenery and impressive architecture on top. The historical monuments are a treat to the visitors who want to indulge themselves in a bit of history of the Jain and Pandya periods. Apart from these there are also two parks one the recreational park while the other is a Tamil Divine park and a recreational park which can be a good spot to click holiday pictures. There is also a small lake created for boating.

Though family picnics to such places can be wonderful, a small trip with students accompanied by a historian would be a great hit. You can also engage in historical walks, nature walks along the smaller water bodies where one can spot different birds. This makes up for an ideal mix of history, nature and architecture.

Quick facts:
Route: Enroute to Pudukottai.
Travel time: One hours and 30 mins.
Things to carry: Cameras, umbrellas, water bottles.
Timing: Throughout the day.
Activity: Bird watching, boating, rock climbing, trekking.
Places nearby: Pre historic megalithic burial sites, smaller rock cut caves.

Source : TOI (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-19/travel/31766767_1_jain-monks-rock-cut-ajanta)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/12896620.cms

Meet Syed Abdul Jalal, whose house has a collection of some rare artefacts from the last two decades.

A peek into the house of Syed Abdul Jalal transports you to another world. The resembles an old ware house filled with collectibles of all shapes and sizes. Syed Abdul Jalal, a senior sections engineer at the Golden Rock railway station has been collecting antique pieces for more than two decades now. His collections include - steam locomotives, musical instruments, stamps, coins, gramophones, cigar lighters, clocks, cameras etc.

An old fashioned man who believes in the saying 'old is gold' says he has put his heart and soul into this hobby. Ask him how he developed interest in the hobby, he says he owes it all to his father, "My father would ask me to preserve newspaper clippings related to railways so it could help me keep updated on the industry. However, I ended up collecting a lot of other items which eventually made me a collector. I now visit the flea market every week. "Besides newspaper clippings, stamps and coins, I have a boxful of artefacts reminiscent of stories that we have heard from our grand parents - like the highly ornamented brass basin which was used as a washing bowl for the son in law who came home for lunch in the olden days.

His collections date back to 1981. His most prized possession is the book - 'General Rules of Railways - Calcutta Edition', published during 1890. You also get to witness the transitional phase of certain antique products like his cigarette lighters - beginning from the early ones till the modern day lighters, he has all of them. It is about his liking for all things old that made him passionate about the hobby. "I have many who mock behind me about my passion, but I seem to be have this obsession that keeps me pushing for more. I have more than twenty iron boxes filled with artifacts, but the desire to have more has not stopped. Man's greed to have more than what he already has is true in my case," he grins.

At times, he showcases his models in exhibitions to educate students. "I conduct exhibitions during the summer so students are benefited. It's an opportunity for them to learn more about the artifacts and history. It's a great pleasure to make them realize how we have grown through the years." Prod him if he would want to transfer it as a family legacy, he says, "I don't believe in restricting it to my family. It would be great if this can be put to good use than to just keep it hidden." I want this rare stuff to be preserved in a place where more people can learn about these," he signs off.

Source : TOI (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-28/people/31451513_1_lighters-hobby-stamps-and-coins)

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Trichy Times explores the city's flea markets and the various little treasures found there.

Rummaging through piles of 'rubbish' is what normal people would call it. But here we have a bunch of antique enthusiasts, with an eye for ancient things.

Remember the brouhaha when Vijay Mallya bought Tipu Sultan's sword for a whopping amount of Rs 1.5 crore? Just like that, Trichy too has its fair share of collectors. The city has a few streets which sells and trades such goods like the one near Murugan talkies - which has now reduced to a mere mountain of unused things. But, the crazy art lovers stick to old principles of networking among themselves and trade things belonging to the bygone era.

Some collect it for passion, some for the aesthetic sense, many as an investment, while others as family legacies however, they all are collectors with pride. Dr. Ramachandran Perumal, a plastic surgeon who has been collecting since 1989, says, "It is about appreciating art and carrying the glory of one's own history and lineage - I share a past with all my possessions which are now irreplaceable. Usually, we read about a legend or a myth in books and we believe them. But what happens when you see it right before your eyes? You feel absolutely proud. I try to dig out as much information I can about the product before I buy one. I do not see it as an investment but a legacy that I would like to pass onto my sons."

It is a tricky market, where you can get conned easily. Which is why people are generally advised to check before buying a piece. There are industries which furnish antique goods and give you the look and feel of an old product while they cant also distort a new piece by acid treatments or burying the products in sand. They then look like replicas of products making it very difficult to distinguish it from the original unless you are that educated about the product. Dr Ramachandran goes on to add that, "One should always bear in mind that the seller is always intelligent - they will go to any means to give you the product. It is the golden rule of buying. Buyers beware!" Details are an important factor here if you want to extract information about an original artifact. Books on such subjects can be easily found in stores.

The sellers are usually the ones who are tired of their collections and are looking to sell what they have. However, such people are not generally in for the money. They do it out of passion. S Anand Karthik, who owns an art gallery in the city, says he had given away his entire collection of cameras for a meagre sum. "I had a wide collection which I had inherited from my father. Earlier it was not about the money or the investment, it was more about how people appreciated each other for their love to collect. I stopped collecting four years back and parted with my belongings as it was becoming difficult to maintain and I did not want it to rot away. So we gave it away to curio shops and friends. Though it was emotional, I also feel happy as it is now in a safer place."

While many sell or part with their collectibles there are some like Syed Abdul Jalal, a railway employee whose collections date back to different eras and wishes to display them. Ask him about what he proposes to do with his collection and he replies with a nod, "I am planning on a permanent heritage exhibition or a space where students can come in and get to know about the past. I want it to be a place of information where students can come and be entertained through appreciating art. His most prized possession of today's date is the General Rules of Railways - Calcutta Edition published in 1890 which he shows off with pride.

Source : TOI (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-31/travel/31851820_1_flea-markets-product-art-lovers)

A nature resort and many other nature inspired ideas can be enjoyed in this region which is part of Manapparai. Maliyadipatti, is a small village which carries you from the clutches of urbanization and transports you to a heavenly atmosphere. A short drive from the city, the most important attraction here is the Portuguese church St.

Thomas Shrine which dates to 1659. Heavily inspired by the West, the church's architecture is a structure that one cannot miss. The church still maintains records of the first Christians who travelled around the region and the legend behind it is captivating. A walk up the hillock will take you to the church which has a panoramic view of the small town below. It stands tall to this day and is surrounded by lush greenery which provides a green cover for a small picnic and a nap. Apart from these there are other scenic locales nearby like a hanging - bridge which was constructed in a peculiar way, different from modern day bridges.

If you are a shutterbug, you can visit one of the railway lines that go between two hills which is a rare sight in this part of the region. The locals claim that such engineering and railway work is said to be found in the Western Ghats and not in this region. Another famous tourist spot is the Ponaniyar Dam which is also located at a short distance from Malaiyadipatti between two hills Perumalai and Semmalai. This is a perfect spot for a small excursion during the monsoon season with boating and bird-watching as interesting activities. It is said that there a lot of migratory birds which come here during the monsoons. Manapparai Murukku is quite famous throughout the state and is a must taste snack — do not forget to grab a bite while you're here!

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/A-Portugese-connect/articleshow/15057118.cms)

More at : Maliyadipatti – The Hill of the Holy (http://puratattva.in/2011/01/08/maliyadipatti-the-hill-of-the-holy-25.html)

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While the world has moved on to faster, more expensive ways of travelling, there is a group of ageing men in Srirangam who still pedal their customers over short distances. While the surviving group of cycle rickshaw drivers may soon become part of the temple island’s history, they themselves remain nonchalant. “From nearly 200 rickshaws, we stand reduced to less than 50 ,” says Chinnayan, who adds that it wouldn’t be too long before even these vanished from the roads. Among the oldest rickshaw drivers in Srirangam, Chinnayan has witnessed Tiruchi’s transition from using bullock carts and cycle rickshaws to autos and two-wheelers.

The rickshaw men at Srirangam have managed to survive the vehicular onslaught by sticking to their neighbourhood: “We depend on the residents here who make it a point to visit the temple at least once in a day,” says R. Selvaraj, another old timer. They do only short trips between five to six kilometers in and around Srirangam, and charge almost half the price of an auto ride, he adds.

A combination of factors like the temple, wider roads, lesser vehicular traffic and the short distances have made it viable for the cycle rickshaws of Srirangam to stay on. “However, elsewhere in Tiruchi, cycle rickshawdrivers probably couldn’t survive the rapid increase in population and motor vehicles,” he believes. Today, the only other places where cycle rickshaws can be spotted are the main guard gate and Gandhi market areas.

The steep rise in fuel prices, the absence of bargaining battles and the fact that they are clean modes of transportation have tipped the scales in favour of the cycle rickshaws of Srirangam. “I’d rather take a cycle rickshaw than an auto because they are cheaper and safer,” says N. Raghavan, who added that auto drivers charged minimum fare of Rs.40 irrespective of distance. For R. Sathya, the manual labour involved and the age of the drivers (55 to 60 years) makes her want to give them the money they ask for. “Besides, it does make you feel like you’re helping the environment in your own little way, every time you take rickshaw ride.”

Despite the continuing flow of customers, the rickshaw drivers manage to make only Rs.100 to 150 in a day. “Many of us here drive rented rickshaws and pay twenty rupees per day as rent,” says Xavier. The fact that most parents have switched to auto from rickshaws to take their children to school, has reduced their income further. “We try to compensate by doing trips throughout the day and also by occasionally working as daily wage labourers,” he says.

With most of their children working or studying, the rickshaw men know they are probably the last generation of cycle rickshaw drivers in Srirangam. “Though I studied up to class XI, I was more fascinated by the bullock cart, and later the cycle rickshaw when I was young,” says Chinnayan. The business, according to him, was so brisk back then that it was almost a good career option. “But now it’s nowhere close.”

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article3724926.ece)

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Hazrat Syedna Sultan Syed Baba-e-Nathar Sarmast Tabl-e-Aalam Dhool Samandar Hussaini Suharwardy is one of great Sufi grand saints of India, who came to Trichy more than 1100 years ago and was the first Sufi to bring Islam to South India & Srilanka.His mausoleum is one of the most potent source of barakat in India.

Hazrat Dada Nathar Auliya was named as Sultan Syed Mataharuddin by his parents and he was a king of Istanbul who abdicated throne in search of Murshid (Spiritual Preceptor).He was commanded by Hazrat Mohammed Rasoolallah (Peace be Up on Him) to spread Islam in India. He was a Qalandar (Unmarried saint) came to India along with 900 Qalandars to spread light of Islam - Sufism.

During this time, he is said to have performed miracles. Along with his kalandars, he came to Tiruchirapuram, which is now known as Tiruchirappalli, and led a pious saintly life with his Qalandars in a flower garden there. Nathar Vali united with Almighty on the 15th of the month of Ramdan in Hijiri 417. This date is commemorated as his urs (death-day), and the first 17 days of Ramadan are celebrated in his honor, by Muslims, Christians, and Hindus, one the eve of the kanduri festival, where they seek his blessings.

source: TP_ADMIN/TP

அறநிலையத் துறை அதிகாரிகள் கூறிய தகவல்: கோடிக்கணக்கில் வருமானம் ஈட்டும், 189 கோவில்களில், ஆண்டுக்கு சராசரியாக, 72.12 கோடி ரூபாய் வருமானம் ஈட்டித் தந்து, பழநி தண்டாயுதபாணி சுவாமி கோவில், முதல் இடத்தை பிடித்துள்ளது. சமயபுரம் மாரியம்மன் கோவில், 33.52 கோடி ரூபாய் வருமானம் கொடுத்து, இரண்டாம் இடத்தில் உள்ளது. திருச்செந்தூர் முருகன் கோவில், 19.80 கோடி ரூபாயும்; திருத்தணி சுப்பிரமணிய ஸ்வாமி கோவில், 16.09 கோடி; திருவண்ணாமலை அருணாச்சலேஸ்வரர் கோவில், 13.54 கோடி;
ஸ்ரீரங்கம் அரங்கநாதர் கோவில், 12.21 கோடி ரூபாயும் வருமானம் தருகின்றன. அதேபோல், மதுரை மீனாட்சி சுந்தரேஸ்வரர் கோவில், 11.65 கோடி; ராமேஸ்வரம் ராமநாத ஸ்வாமி கோவில், 9.89 கோடி; சுசீந்திரம் தாணுமாலயன் கோவில், 5.87 கோடி; திருவேற்காடு தேவி கருமாரியம்மன் கோவில், 5.62 கோடி ரூபாய், அரசுக்கு வருவாய் ஈட்டித் தருகின்றன. இவ்வாறு அவர்கள் கூறினர்.

more news @ http://www.dinamalar.com/News_detail.asp?Id=524645

-Prasanna/TP

^^Its nice to see Samayapuram with high revenue leading many famous temples, hope the Tourism department promotes these too.

அறநிலையத் துறை அதிகாரிகள் கூறிய தகவல்: கோடிக்கணக்கில் வருமானம் ஈட்டும், 189 கோவில்களில், ஆண்டுக்கு சராசரியாக, 72.12 கோடி ரூபாய் வருமானம் ஈட்டித் தந்து, பழநி தண்டாயுதபாணி சுவாமி கோவில், முதல் இடத்தை பிடித்துள்ளது. சமயபுரம் மாரியம்மன் கோவில், 33.52 கோடி ரூபாய் வருமானம் கொடுத்து, இரண்டாம் இடத்தில் உள்ளது. திருச்செந்தூர் முருகன் கோவில், 19.80 கோடி ரூபாயும்; திருத்தணி சுப்பிரமணிய ஸ்வாமி கோவில், 16.09 கோடி; திருவண்ணாமலை அருணாச்சலேஸ்வரர் கோவில், 13.54 கோடி;
ஸ்ரீரங்கம் அரங்கநாதர் கோவில், 12.21 கோடி ரூபாயும் வருமானம் தருகின்றன. அதேபோல், மதுரை மீனாட்சி சுந்தரேஸ்வரர் கோவில், 11.65 கோடி; ராமேஸ்வரம் ராமநாத ஸ்வாமி கோவில், 9.89 கோடி; சுசீந்திரம் தாணுமாலயன் கோவில், 5.87 கோடி; திருவேற்காடு தேவி கருமாரியம்மன் கோவில், 5.62 கோடி ரூபாய், அரசுக்கு வருவாய் ஈட்டித் தருகின்றன. இவ்வாறு அவர்கள் கூறினர்.

more news @ http://www.dinamalar.com/News_detail.asp?Id=524645

-Prasanna/TP

^^Its nice to see Samayapuram with high revenue leading many famous temples, hope the Tourism department promotes these too.

Trichy has two temples with high revenues -Samayapuram & Srirangam...Lot of pilgrimages visit these temples, even from North India, particularly Srirangam. Pilgrimage circuits should be developed in these areas.

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சென்னை: உலக பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் பட்டியலில் சென்னை செயின்ட் ஜார்ஜ் கோட்டை, திருச்சி ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர் கோயில், பழவேற்காடு (புலிக்காடு), சிவகங்கை செட்டிநாடு போன்றவை இடம் பெறுகின்றன. இதற்கான நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. வரலாற்று சிறப்பு, தொன்மை, பழமை, கலை, பண்பாடு, கலாசாரம் ஆகியவற்றில் சிறந்து விளங்கும் நகரங்கள், இடங்கள், தலங்கள் போன்றவற்றை உலக பாராம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் வரிசையில் யுனெஸ்கோ நிறுவனம் சேர்த்துள்ளது. உலகமெங்கும் மொத்தம் 962 இடங்கள் பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்களாக அறிவிக்கப்பட்டு பராமரிக்கப்படுகின்றன. இந்தியாவில் வரலாற்று சிறப்பு, தொன்மை பழமை வாய்ந்த பல இடங்கள், கட்டிடங்கள் போன்றவை இருந்தாலும் பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் மற்றும் பாரம்பரிய இடங்கள் பட்டியலில் குறைந்தளவு இடங்களே இடம் பெற்றுள்ளன. இந்நிலையில் பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் பட்டியலில் சென்னை செயின்ட் ஜார்ஜ் கோட்டை, திருச்சி ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர் கோயில், திருவள்ளூர் மாவட்டம் பழவேற்காடு (புலிக்காடு) சிவகங்கையில் உள்ள செட்டிநாடு போன்றவை இடம் பெறுகின்றன. கடந்த சில நாட்களுக்கு முன் சுற்றுலாத் துறை, பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் பட்டியல் சேர்க்கை குழு சார்பில் சிறப்பு கருத்தரங்கு ஒன்று சென்னையில் நடந்தது. இந்த கருத்தரங்கில் பல்வேறு மாநிலங்களை சேர்ந்த ஆர்வலர்கள் கலந்து கொண்டனர்.

இதில் சென்னை செயின்ட் ஜார்ஜ் கோட்டையை பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் பட்டியலில் சேர்ப்பது குறித்த பரிந்துரை கட்டுரையை பேராசிரியர் ஸ்ரீராம் சமர்ப்பித்தார். அதே போல பெர்ணார்டு டிராகன் என்பவர் செட்டிநாடு குறித்தும், ரூப்மதி ஆனந்த் என்பவர் ஸ்ரீரங்கம் கோயில் குறித்தும், சேவியர் பெணடிக்ட் என்பவர் புலிக்காடு குறித்தும் தங்களது பரிந்துரை கட்டுரைகளை அளித்துள்ளனர். உலக பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் குறித்த ஆலோசனைக்குழு தலைவர் சுஜித் பானர்ஜி இந்த கட்டுரைகளை பெற்றுக்கொண்டு, கட்டுரைகளை மத்திய அரசின் கவனத்துக்கு கொண்டு சென்று இந்த இடங்கள் பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் பட்டியலில் சேர்க்க நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்படும் என்று தெரிவித்தார்.

Good work by mr. roopmathi anand, Hope the temple gets the tag for a good development.

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சென்னை: உலக பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் பட்டியலில் சென்னை செயின்ட் ஜார்ஜ் கோட்டை, திருச்சி ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர் கோயில், பழவேற்காடு (புலிக்காடு), சிவகங்கை செட்டிநாடு போன்றவை இடம் பெறுகின்றன. இதற்கான நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. வரலாற்று சிறப்பு, தொன்மை, பழமை, கலை, பண்பாடு, கலாசாரம் ஆகியவற்றில் சிறந்து விளங்கும் நகரங்கள், இடங்கள், தலங்கள் போன்றவற்றை உலக பாராம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் வரிசையில் யுனெஸ்கோ நிறுவனம் சேர்த்துள்ளது. உலகமெங்கும் மொத்தம் 962 இடங்கள் பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்களாக அறிவிக்கப்பட்டு பராமரிக்கப்படுகின்றன. இந்தியாவில் வரலாற்று சிறப்பு, தொன்மை பழமை வாய்ந்த பல இடங்கள், கட்டிடங்கள் போன்றவை இருந்தாலும் பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் மற்றும் பாரம்பரிய இடங்கள் பட்டியலில் குறைந்தளவு இடங்களே இடம் பெற்றுள்ளன. இந்நிலையில் பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் பட்டியலில் சென்னை செயின்ட் ஜார்ஜ் கோட்டை, திருச்சி ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர் கோயில், திருவள்ளூர் மாவட்டம் பழவேற்காடு (புலிக்காடு) சிவகங்கையில் உள்ள செட்டிநாடு போன்றவை இடம் பெறுகின்றன. கடந்த சில நாட்களுக்கு முன் சுற்றுலாத் துறை, பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் பட்டியல் சேர்க்கை குழு சார்பில் சிறப்பு கருத்தரங்கு ஒன்று சென்னையில் நடந்தது. இந்த கருத்தரங்கில் பல்வேறு மாநிலங்களை சேர்ந்த ஆர்வலர்கள் கலந்து கொண்டனர்.

இதில் சென்னை செயின்ட் ஜார்ஜ் கோட்டையை பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் பட்டியலில் சேர்ப்பது குறித்த பரிந்துரை கட்டுரையை பேராசிரியர் ஸ்ரீராம் சமர்ப்பித்தார். அதே போல பெர்ணார்டு டிராகன் என்பவர் செட்டிநாடு குறித்தும், ரூப்மதி ஆனந்த் என்பவர் ஸ்ரீரங்கம் கோயில் குறித்தும், சேவியர் பெணடிக்ட் என்பவர் புலிக்காடு குறித்தும் தங்களது பரிந்துரை கட்டுரைகளை அளித்துள்ளனர். உலக பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் குறித்த ஆலோசனைக்குழு தலைவர் சுஜித் பானர்ஜி இந்த கட்டுரைகளை பெற்றுக்கொண்டு, கட்டுரைகளை மத்திய அரசின் கவனத்துக்கு கொண்டு சென்று இந்த இடங்கள் பாரம்பரிய சின்னங்கள் பட்டியலில் சேர்க்க நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்படும் என்று தெரிவித்தார்.

Good work by mr. roopmathi anand, Hope the temple gets the tag for a good development.

Great to hear that the Srirangam temple is going to be a UNESCO world Heritage Site, They should have done it long back..

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The Srirangam temple complex fulfils six out of 10 criteria for declaration as a world heritage site of UNESCO, according to an expert Roopmathi Anand.

The complex, spread over 150 acres, is a masterpiece of human creative genius. It is an exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or a civilisation. Also, it exhibits an important interchange of human values over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world on development in architecture or technology monumental arch and town planning. These are some of the criteria that the temple complex has met, says Ms. Anand.

She goes on to add that the complex is an outstanding example of a type of building, architecture or technological ensemble, which illustrates significant stages in human history. It is directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions with ideas or beliefs with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance besides situated in areas of exceptional natural beauty.

Last week, Ms. Anand, who has been a consultant for several government agencies, made a presentation on the temple complex before the Advisory Committee on World Heritage Matters (ACWHM) attached to the Union Culture Ministry. Having studied several world heritage monuments, Ms. Anand is convinced that the Srirangam temple complex has all qualities to be included in the revised tentative list.

In general, Tamil Nadu deserves to have several sites in the UNESCO list of heritage sites, she says, adding that she has been carrying out in-depth study of the Srirangam temple complex for several years.
List not updated in last 10 years

Steve Borgia, adviser, ACWHM says, “The world heritage list, comprising Indian cities, has never been updated in the last 10 years. Moreover, it did not have any representation from the southern States.

“Hence, we have decided to hold meetings all over the country. We would like to discard the old list and come out with a new set of 30 sites. The new list will be presented at the South Asian Regional Workshop to be held in New Delhi next month and the final list will be ready by December.”

To have good number of participation from all stakeholders, the ACWHM invited representatives from the State government, colleges, trusts, non-governmental organisations, INTACH, the ASI and conservation architects.

“Tamil Nadu was very well represented at the conference. The State also sought the world heritage tag for Fort St. George, which is the first fort to be built outside of England by the British. The recognition should have been given to Fort St. George long ago,” he says.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article3776209.ece

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Id-ul-Fitr, known as Festival of Charity, was celebrated with usual gaiety and religious fervour, inspiring compassion and brotherhood across the central districts on Monday. The Id marks the end of holy month of Ramzan, when Muslims fasted throughout the day for all the 30 days.

A large number of Muslims participated in the Id Qutba prayers in the city and other parts of the district. The biggest congregations were witnessed at the Idgah Maidans at Cantonment and the Fort Station Road where Muslims offered special prayers. Other major congregations were witnessed at the Chowk Mohamadiya Mosque, Town Hall, NM Mosque Palakkarai, NSB Road Hasan Bagh Mosque, Hazrath Nathervali Durgah Mosque, Tennur High Road Mosque, Tennur General Bazaar Mosque, and Arabic College Mosque.

Religious scholars who delivered special ‘bayan' before the commencement of the prayer, congratulated the Muslims for observing the fast continuously for a month obeying the orders of Allah.

Ramzan is a month of patience and sympathy. The reward of patience is paradise. They called upon the Muslims to maintain unity and not to fall prey to the tactics of fissiparous tendencies which were bent on dividing the people in the name of caste and religion.

At the end of the prayer, a special ‘dua’ was recited for promoting communal harmony and world peace. A large number of people of other faiths visited the Idgahs and mosques to greet the Muslims on the joyous occasion of Id.

Before leaving for prayer, Muslims distributed ‘Sadaqatul Fitr' special charity to the poor to enable them too to take part in the celebrations.

Special prayers were offered at Idgahs and mosques situated in the Muslim-dominated areas like Thuvarankurichi, Manapparai, and Inamkulathur.

source:MR.RAJA/TP

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A magical red coat whose pocket sprouts an unending stream of one rupee coins; a poor boy who chances upon it and lavishes it on himself and his friends; and the consequences he faces when his secret gets exposed: this in short is the synopsis of ‘Adisaya Kotu’, the inaugural short film of the Children’s Short Film Festival organised by the Tamil Nadu government. With an aim to introduce school children to the culture, lifestyle, environment, and health status in places outside Tamil Nadu, the State government periodically conducts short film festivals with a special focus on children. Inaugurated at Kalaiarangam, the first leg of the festival will screen seven child-oriented short films of acclaim at theatres across the city.

Launching the festival, Collector Jayashree Muralidharan said, “While learning combines visual and auditory elements and the capacity to memorise, the visual components have the greatest impact on a child’s mind.”

She hoped that the short films, which also feature places of interest around the country, held a number of takeaways for the young audiences across the district. With 10 of the city’s theatres hosting 60 shows (between August 22 and 24), the festival hopes to reach a total of 41,000 children from Tiruchi district. Besides Tiruchi, Erode and Villupuram are the two other districts targeted this year for the festival.

All screenings are free of cost and students are escorted to the theatres by their schools.

The seven films chosen for the festival include: Hayat; Prince and Crown of Stone; Krish, Trish and Balti Boy; Adisaya Coat; Vetri Paadhai; Ayesha Mudalil Neengal and Santosh Sivan’s critically acclaimed Malli.

During the second leg of the festival, between August 27 and 29, the said films will be screened at 10 theatres in the rural areas of the district. Also present at the inaugural ceremony were Mayor A. Jaya, MLAs M.Paranjothi and R.Manohar.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3809827.ece)

Tirupati Sri Venkateswara Perumal with Goddess Sridevi and Godees Boodevi will come to Srirangam on August 24 2012 (Friday)

Special Puja, Aradhana for Lord Balaji will be held at Sringeri Mutt in Srirangam. On Aug 25th Theerthavari will be held at River Cauvery in Amma Mandapam.

Special Yagam, Latcharchanai, Unjal Utsava, Ekantha Seva will be held on August 26th (Sunday).

source:TP_ADMIN/TP

The idols of Sri Srinivasa Perumal, Sri Bhoodevi and Sri Sridevi from the Tirupathi temple will be brought to the Cauvery in Srirangam for a special ‘theerthavari’.

The ‘theerthavari’ ritual for these idols, said to be first of its kind to be performed in the Cauvery at Amma Mandapam in Srirangam, will be performed for one-and-a-half hours on August 25 from 7.30 a.m.

The ‘theerthavari’ ritual is the special feature of the three-day ‘Sri Venkata Prasannam Booloka Vaikunta saptha prahara pradakakshana vaibhavam’ being organised under the ‘Dasa Sahitya project’ of Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams.

Devotees are familiar with Sri Srinivasa Kalyanam being organised at different places across the country but this is said to be the first time that the idols are being brought to Srirangam for the ‘theerthavari’ ritual.

Poorna Pushkala, president of Saptha Prakara Committee, which coordinates the arrangements for the ‘vaibhavam’, said that the idols of Sri Srinivasa Perumal, Sri Bhoodevi and Sri Sridevi would be brought to Srirangam and would be kept at the marriage hall at Sringeri Sri Sankara Mutt from Friday evening for public darshan.

On Saturday, a series of rituals on ‘Suprapatham’ and ‘bhajan’ besides a discourse would be held from 4.30 a.m. to 6 a.m. at the marriage hall.

The idols would be brought back to the marriage hall. In the forenoon, a discourse would be delivered by Sri Anantha Theerthachariar, special officer for the project.

A book in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada would be released.

In the afternoon, ‘divya nama sankeerthana pradakshnam’ and dance by devotees would be performed at Ranga Ranga prakaram at the Uthira Street.

In the evening, ‘Ekantha sevai’ and ‘oonjal sevai’ would be performed.

On Sunday, the devotees would take up ‘sapthaprakara pradakshanam’ at 4.30 a.m. from the Rajagopuram. A special ‘yaga’ called ‘Purushothama yaga’ and ‘Laksha Pushparchanai’ would be performed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the marriage hall on Sringeri Sankara Mutt campus.

No vehicles would be allowed to park in the vicinity of Sringeri Sankara Mutt these three days to facilitate the devotees have the ‘darshan’ of the idols, K. Vishnu Sagar, secretary of the committee, said. G. Chandrasekar, joint secretary, said that a large number of volunteers would regulate the queue.

With the idols being kept in Srirangam for three days, devotees would have the darshan without much difficulty.

source:MR.RAJA/TP

திருச்சி, ஆக. 23: திருமலை திருப்பதி தேவஸ்தானத்தின் தாச சாகித்ய திட்டத்தின்கீழ், முதல்முறையாக வெள்ளிக்கிழமை "ஸ்ரீவேங்கட பிரசன்னம்' நடைபெறவுள்ளது. ஸ்ரீரங்கம் அம்மாமண்டபம் சாலையிலுள்ள சிருங்கேரி சங்கர மடத்தில் வெள்ளிக்கிழமை இரவு 7 மணிக்கு திருவேங்கடப் பெருமாள் தரிசனம் நடைபெறுகிறது. அடுத்த நாள் 25-ம்தேதி சனிக்கிழமை அதிகாலை 4.30 மணிக்கு சுப்ரபாதம், பஜனை, உபன்யாசம் ஆகியவையும், தொடர்ந்து காலை 7 மணிக்கு அம்மா மண்டபம் காவிரியாற்றில் திருமஞ்சன தீர்த்தவாரி நிகழ்ச்சி நடைபெறுகிறது.

காலை 10 மணிக்கு சிருங்கேரி சங்கர மடத்தில் ஸ்ரீரங்க மகாத்மியம், சப்த பிரகார மகாத்மியம் ஆகியவை நடைபெறுகின்றன. மாலை 4 மணிக்கு ரெங்கா ரெங்கா கோபுரம் அருகிலிருந்து, உத்திர வீதிகளில் 3,000 பக்தர்களின் சங்கீர்த்தன பிரதக்ஷனா கோலாட்ட நிகழ்ச்சி நடைபெறுகிறது. இரவு 7 மணி முதல் சிருங்கேரி சங்கர மடத்தில் சகஸ்ர தீபம், ஊஞ்சல் சேவை, ஏகாந்த சேவை ஆகியவையும், புத்தக வெளியீடும் நடைபெறுகின்றன.

26-ம் தேதி ஞாயிற்றுக்கிழமை அதிகாலை 4.30 மணிக்கு ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ராஜகோபுரத்திலிருந்து 3,000 பக்தர்களின் சப்த பிராகார பிரதட்சணம், காலை 7 மணி முதல் சிருங்கேரி சங்கர மடத்தில் புருஷோத்தம யாகம், லட்சம் புஷ்பார்ச்சனை, மங்கல ஆரத்தி ஆகியவை நடைபெறுகின்றன. இதற்கான ஏற்பாடுகளை திருமலை திருப்பதி தேவஸ்தான நிர்வாகமும், ஸ்ரீரங்கம் சப்த பிராகார குழுவும், ஸ்ரீ பரதகலா அகாதெமியும் செய்துள்ளன.

வெவ்வேறு மாநிலங்களைச் சேர்ந்த திருமலை திருப்பதி பக்தர்கள் 3000 பேர் தங்குவதற்காக ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில் 4 மண்டபங்களில் ஏற்பாடுகள் செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன. இத்தகவலை தாச சாகித்திய திட்டத்தின் ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ஸ்ரீவேங்கட பிரசன்னம் நிகழ்ச்சியின் ஒருங்கிணைப்பாளர் பூரண புஷ்கலா தெரிவித்தார்.

source:N.Prasanna/TP

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From a queen’s court to young scholars frequenting a schoolroom, to presently housing precious artefacts, the Rani Mangammal Hall breathes of history through the ages.

‘D o you know where is the government museum?’, a question that draws responses ranging from blank stares to deep frowns from locals even in the vicinity of the museum. A mention of Town Hall or the Fort Police Station as landmarks apparently rings a bell as comprehension dawns on relieved countenances.

When you enter the Tiruchi Government Museum housed in the Mangammal Mahal or Rani Mangammal Durbar Hall, the tainted walls and commonplace technical stuff eclipsing the motif decorated dome ceiling and white pillars, force you to conjure up the opulence of a bygone era. The dome, resembling a flower petal with motifs and vegetable paintings only heightens the creative exploration.

It is amazing to travel back in time to picture that a Queen once held court here. From being the grand audience hall of an admired sovereign, the structure has played host to government offices and school rooms in the British era to currently housing artefacts bearing testimony to a vast timeline. The hall accommodates a mélange of objects including stuffed animals and birds, stone sculptures, coins fossils, prehistoric tools, agricultural implements and Thanjavur paintings.

Rani Mangammal was the consort of Chokanatha Nayakkan of the Madurai Nayaks, who is accredited with erecting the Palace, which incorporates the Queen’s audience hall - the most prominent of the remnants. Standing south of the towering Rock Fort, the palace of the Nayaks was referred to as Nawab’s Palace during the occupation of the Nawab. Incidentally, Chokanatha is believed to have pillaged materials from the Tirumala Nayak Palace in Madurai to construct the Tiruchi palace in the mid seventeenth century.

Rani Mangammal was one among the scattered solitary stars dotting the firmament of male monarchs of Tamil Nadu. She was no transient star, as history will always remember her for her able administration and initiation of development works such as roads, temples and tanks. The daughter of Lingama Nayaka, a general under Chokanatha army, Mangammal was forced to rule Madurai Nayaka Kingdom as Queen Regent on behalf of her infant grandson. For eighteen years, Mangammal bravely weathered political storms including Mughal threats of invasion.

F.R.Hemingway in the Trichinopoly Gazetteer mentions that the palace ‘surmounted by octagonal dome with colonnades all around’ was occupied by the stationary sub-magistrate during his time. While Lewis Moore, another historian has recorded that the Palace housed government offices during British time. According to Moore, after repairs carried out on the Palace in 1878, the plan of converting the Audience Hall to a municipal office was abandoned. Instead, the schoolrooms of the Normal School functioned from here during mid 19 th century.

The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm and entry is permitted for a nominal fee of Rs.5. Exhibitions on numismatics, sea life and artifacts are held here on a regular basis.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/mp/2011/04/29/stories/2011042951071300.htm)

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The holy ‘theerthavari’ for the idols of Sri Srinivasa Perumal, Sri Bhoodevi and Sri Sridevi of Tirumala temple was performed in the waters of Cauvery in Srirangam on Saturday.

Amidst religious fervour and with devotees glorifying Lord Govinda, special ‘abhishekam’ using milk, curd and other holy materials was performed for about half an hour from 8 a.m. A large number of devotees standing in the waters of the Cauvery at the Amma Mandapam bathing ghat, were seen around the deities, offering worship .

Gripped with devotion, a number of women formed a circular human chain in the waters, dancing and singing in praise of Lord Srinivasa Perumal and the Cauvery. Many were seen taking a holy dip in the waters and splashing the waters at each other, indicating their joy over the rare occasion being witnessed in the Cauvery.

It was a sea of humanity at the Amma Mandapam bathing ghat and sharp showers the district has been experiencing for the past few days ensured adequate flow of water in the area. A cross section of devotees who celebrated the ‘Aadi Perukku’ at this ghat, said that paucity of water was witnessed during that festival early this month. With the idols being decorated with 'thulasi' garlands and kept at an elevated position , the deities were quite visible even for devotees standing at a distance on the banks of the ghat.

On the sand mound at a distance, a number of devotees were rendering devotional songs along with ‘kolattam’. This is the first time that the idols from Tirumala are being brought to Srirangam for the ‘theerthavari’ marking the three-day ‘Sri Venkata Prasannam Booloka Vaikunta saptha prahara pradakshana vaibhavam’ under the ‘Dasa Sahitya project’ of Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams. At the end of the ‘theerthavari’, the idols were taken to the marriage hall venue on the campus of the Sringeri Sankara Mutt in Srirangam.

The ‘theerthavari’ is being performed at Cauvery in Srirangam in the wake of the ‘malai madham’ of this year's Aavani which witnessed two New Moon Days (Ammavasai). “While one set of idols is used for ‘theerthavari’ at Tirumala, the other set has been brought to Cauvery in the wake of the ‘malai madham’”, says Poorna Pushkala, president of Saptha Prakara committee. Devotees desirous of offering donation in the form of rice and other commodities can contact Ms. Poorna Pushkala by dialling 7373999744.

“The commodities will be used for feeding hundreds of devotees who have come from Tirumala Tirupathi along with the idols,” she says.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3823716.ece)

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Superstar Rajinikanth has been a part of many superhit songs in his illustrious career but even now, one song among all these hits stands out for its sheer bliss-like quality. Mannan had this song titled Amma Eendrazhaikaadha, written by the legendary Vaali, sung by K.J.Yesudas and composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraja.

Vaali is particularly proud about having written this song, even considering his illustrious career that has spanned so many decades. He says that this song has entirely been engraved on the stones of the famous Ayyappan temple in Trichy. This song is also being played all day long in the speaker system at that temple. Vaali is pleased even more, because Rajaji's famous 'Kurai Ondrum Illai' song has also been engraved on a nearby stone.

This is indeed one such timeless song that will be special as long as Tamil cinema exists.

The temple authorities have made arrangements for the inauguration of the 14-hour ‘annadhanam’ scheme by Chief Minister Jayalalaithaa on September 3. From the current one-hour ‘annadhanam’ programme from noon to 1 p.m., the scheme will commence at 8 a.m. and will continue till 10 p.m.

Additional utensils have arrived at the temple. Finance Minister O. Pannerselvam announced on the floor of the Assembly that the day-long ‘annadhanam’ scheme would be launched at Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy temple and Sri Dhandayuthapani temple in Palani. At present, 200 persons benefit from the ‘annadhanam’ at the Srirangam temple.

source:MR.RAJA/TP

Though there is a three-thousand-strong Malayali population in Trichy city, plus another thousand employees in and around BHEL, they do not normally celebrate Onam to coincide with the traditional date. The president of the Malayali Association of Trichy, M A Abdul Kareem, told TOI that malayalis would celebrate the festival somewhere in October, and the exact date was not yet fixed.

Meanwhile, a large number of students in and around Trichy engineering colleges celebrated Onam with a riot of colours and a massive Pookkolam at Dhanalakshmi Sreenivasan College, Perambalur. There may not be Onathumbikal, but the mood was brought alive as the women were in traditional attire and sang to their heart's content.

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Trichy-defers-Onam-to-Oct/articleshow/15920320.cms)

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'Subramanya Ganapathy’ will be the centre of attraction.

Every year, Vinayaka Chathurthi festival brings a seasonal business for artisans; they make the different forms of Lord Ganapathy and work overtime at least for two months ahead of the festival. Apart from labour, they also invest a few lakhs of rupees on materials, pinning their hope on some profit in return for their efforts.

Melakondaiyanpettai near Tiruvanikovil accounts for a large number of artisans who have been involved in the trade for decades. Every year they ensure some innovation in design, style and form of Lord Ganapathy.

“Till last year, the designs of idol included ‘Nandi Ganapathy’, ‘Mooshika Ganapathy’, ‘Simha Vahana Ganapathy’, ‘Shiva Ganapathy’ and ‘Bala Ganapathy’. This year, we have added new forms and the most important among them is ‘Subramanya Ganapathy’ showing Lord Ganapathy holding Lord Subramanya to the left side of the idol,” says A. Kuzhandaivel who has been in the business for the past several decades.

His brother, A. Prabakaran says the idols made of plaster of paris are brought from different places, including Villupuram, Kancheepuram and Bhuvanagiri by trucks at least two months ahead of the festival. “It takes at least 15 days to align together the head, trunk, hands and legs of the idol.”

Later, a group of skilled painters from different places, particularly Puducherry, work on the idols.

“The prices of enamel paint and wages for labourers have increased manifold, resulting in a hike in investment,” says Mr. Kuzhandaivel. The price per 20 litres of paint has shot up from Rs.1,800 last year to Rs.2,500 this year.
K. Manoharan, a painter, says that idols of different sizes and heights catering to the needs of people were available at Kondaiyampettai. “The height varies from five feet to 15 feet. It all depends upon your economic affordability and taste,” the artisans say adding that the price ranged between Rs.3,000 and Rs.10,000.

Every artisan invests about Rs.3 lakh in anticipation of some profit. Many of the colourful idols were seen covered with tarpaulin sheets. “We have to take every care to protect the idols, particularly from rains,” Mr. Kuzhanidaivelu explains. The artisans are confident of selling all the idols.

source: N.Prasana/TP

Site for Yatri Niwas-Tourist Home @ 42.32 Crores- Waiting for inaguration by CM :cheers:

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Site for Appartment in Srirangam @ 22 Crores- Waiting for inaguration by CM

last week

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snap taken today

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^^Works going fast, heard CM is to visit on 7th?

Amma Mandapam- Walkway under construction- JJ Colour :lol:

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^^Works going fast, heard CM is to visit on 7th?

CM coming on 13th Sep....

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ஹெல்மெட் போடாமல் போனாலோ, செல்போனில் பேசிக்கொண்டு டூ-வீலரில் போனாலோ டிராஃபிக் சிக்னலில் நிற்கும் போலீஸார் அலேக்காகப் பிடித்து ஃபைன் என்ற பெயரில் தாளித்து விடுவார்கள். திருச்சி மாநகர போலீஸார் ஃபைன் வாங்கி, வாங்கி டயர்ட் ஆகிவிட்டார்களோ என்னவோ... ஃபைனுக்குப் பதிலாக புதியதாகப் பாடம் நடத்த ஆரம்பித்து இருக்கிறார்கள்.

திருச்சி மாநகரின் பத்து முக்கிய நெரிசலான சாலைகளின் ஓரத்தில் முளைத்து இருக்கின்றன திடீர் ஷாமியானா பந்தல்கள். காலையிலும் மாலையிலும் டிராஃபிக் அதிகமான நேரங்களில் அந்த வழியே செல்லும் ஹெல்மெட் அணியாத, கார் சீட்பெல்ட் போடாதவர்களைப் பிடிக்கும் போலீஸாரும், கூடவே திருச்சி கல்லூரிகளைச் சேர்ந்த என்.எஸ்.எஸ். மற்றும் என்.சி.சி. மாணவர்களும் நேரு யுவகேந்திரா சமூக அமைப்பு இளைஞர்களும் சேர்ந்துகொள்ள... போக்குவரத்து விதிமுறைகளை மீறியவர்களைப் பிடித்து வந்து ஷாமியானா பந்தலை நிரப்புகிறார்கள். பந்தலிலேயே நடக்கிறது சாலைப் பாதுகாப்பு வகுப்பு.

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''நமக்குக் கிடைச்சிருக்கிற இந்த வாழ்க்கை விலை மதிப்பில்லாதது. அப்படிப்பட்ட வாழ்க்கையை ஒரு போன் காலுக்காக இழக்கிறது எவ்வளவு அபத்தம்? போன் பேசிக்கிட்டு நீங்க வண்டி ஓட்டும்போதும் ஹெல்மெட், சீட் பெல்ட் போடாம வண்டி ஓட்டும்போதும் ஆபத்துக்குப் பக்கத்தில நீங்க பயணிக்கிறீங்க. விபத்துங்கிறது உங்களுக்கே தெரியாம நடக்கிற விஷயம். உடம்புல எங்கே அடிபட்டாலும் ஒரு மாசமோ, ரெண்டு மாசமோ சரியாகிடுவீங்க. ஆனா, தலையில அடிபட்டா உடனடி மரணம்தான். இரண்டாவது சாய்ஸ் கோமா ஸ்டேஜ். உயிரோட இருந்தும் பிரயோஜனம் இல்லை. சீட் பெல்ட் போடாம கார்ல போனீங்கனா நேரா ஹாண்ட் பார்லதான் மோதுவீங்க. இதயத்துல அடிபட்டா எப்படி சார் பிழைப்பீங்க?'' என்று அட்வைஸ் செய்ய... ஆரம்பத்தில், கடுப்புடன் அமர்ந்து இருந்த கூட்டம் கொஞ்சம் கொஞ்சமாகத் திகிலடைகிறது.

வகுப்பை முடித்த கையோடு, ''இனிமே ஹெல்மெட் இல்லாம, வீட்டைவிட்டு வராதீங்க சார்'' எனச் சொல்லிப் பெயர், வண்டி எண் உள்ளிட்ட தகவல்களைப் பெரிய லெட்ஜரில் குறித்துக்கொண்டு அனுப்பி வைக்கிறார்கள்.

15 நிமிட வகுப்பு முடிந்து வெளிவந்த பாலக்கரை ராஜனிடம் பேசினோம். ''காலேஜ்ல படிக்கிறேன். ஹெல்மெட் போடாததுக்காக நிறைய டைம் ஃபைன் கட்டி இருக்கேன். ஆனா, இந்த டைம் இவங்களோட அணுகுமுறை ரொம்பவே புதுசா இருக்கு. சொன்ன தகவலைக் கேட்டா கொஞ்சம் பயமாதான் இருக்கு. இனி ஹெல்மெட் இல்லாம வரமாட்டேன் சார்'' என்கிறார்.

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போலீஸாரோடு வகுப்பு எடுக்கும் பணியில் இருந்த தேசியக் கல்லூரியின் என்.எஸ்.எஸ். மாணவர் நெல்சன் மண்டேலா, ''இதுக்காக எங்களுக்கு ஒரு நாள் முழுக்கப் பயிற்சி தந்தாங்க. சாலைப் பாதுகாப்பு நிபுணர்கள், மருத்துவர்கள், போலீஸ் அதிகாரிகள் எல்லாம் ஏகப்பட்டத் தகவல்களைச் சொல்லிக் கொடுத்தாங்க. காலையில கல்லூரிக்குப் போயிட்டு மத்தியானம் இங்கே வந்துடுவேன். ஆரம்பத்தில் முகத்தைச் சுழிச்சுக்கிட்டு உட்கார்ந்து இருக்கிறவங்க, நாளாக,நாளாக தேடிவந்து பாராட்டிட்டுப் போறாங்க. இந்த வழியா போகும்போது 'ரொம்ப நன்றி தம்பி’னு சொல்லிட்டுப் போறாங்க. நிறைய பேரை மாத்திட்டோம்னு திருப்தியா இருக்கு'' என்கிறார் சந்தோஷமாக.

''என்ன சார் திடீர்னு?'' என்று மாநகர துணை கமிஷனர் (குற்றம் மற்றும் போக்குவரத்து) செல்வகுமாரிடம் கேட்டேன். ''கமிஷனரோட ஆர்டரின் பேரில்தான் இந்த விழிப்பு உணர்வு முகாம் நடக்குது. போக்குவரத்து போலீஸாரோட சேர்ந்து 300 மாணவர்களும் கிளாஸ் எடுக்குறாங்க. ஃபைன் போடாம, விபத்து பத்தின விழிப்பு உணர்வை ஏற்படுத்துறோம். இது ஆரம்பிச்சதுக்கு அப்புறம் மாநகர்ல விபத்து குறைஞ்சு இருக்கு. ஒரு மாசம் இப்படி பண்ணலாம்னுதான் ஆரம்பிச்சோம். வரவேற்பைப் பார்த்தா ரெண்டு மூணு மாசம் இந்த வகுப்புகளை அதிகரிக்கலாம்னு ஐடியா இருக்கு'' என்றார் பொறுப்பாக!

Source : Vigadan (http://en.vikatan.com/article.php?aid=23571)

TRICHY: The Ganapathi festival fever is catching up with Trichy. The elephant god now comes in various postures and dazzling colours. "Ganapathi Tharisanam 2012," a spectacular exhibition, was inaugurated by corporation commissioner V P Thandapani on Wednesday and would be on until September 19, the official Vinayagar Chathurthi Day.

Last year, the day was celebrated on September 4, a Sunday, and many people heaved a sigh of relief. But this year, the immersion day comes a little later on September 21, a Friday. If Friday is inauspicious for immersion of the Lord as the Trichy Federation of Vinayagar Chathurthi Festival deems, the grand finale will be held on Saturday. But there is a catch here too. There are purists who hold that the immersion should be strictly held on the third, or the fifth day from the day the Lord is installed at one's home. The federation has put up a demand with the local police to stretch it to Saturday, and to start the festival on the evening of September 18 to make the Saturday, the odd fifth day. Normally, the police give permission for only three days.

More importantly, the delayed festival this year comes as a boon because the water in the Mettur dam will be released only on September 17. It will take at least three days for the stream to reach Mukkombu, the upper dam, some 18 km from Trichy, and it would flow under Trichy's Cauvery bridge just in time for the immersion. So a day's delay would still be advantageous. S Kannan, organizing secretary of the federation, recalled that a decade ago, there came a situation when there was no water flow in the Cauvery in Trichy, and all the Ganesha idols to be immersed were collected at the National College grounds and then taken in giant trucks to available water bodies or even to the nearest seashore.

Meanwhile, the Poompuhar exhibition has specially made Ganesha's statues in papier-mache, clay, marble, soap, granite, gemstones, terracotta, rose and sandalwoods. The price ranges from Rs 50 to Rs three lakh. A special attraction of the exhibition is the Pancha Muga Vinayagar made of bronze, priced at Rs 2,43,001. The exhibition is open from 10 am to 8 pm including Sundays. "By purchasing these Ganesha idols in its various forms, one would help artisans and craftsmen for their hard work," said Thandapani.

source:N.Prasanna/TP

Devotees in and around Tiruchi had a rare opportunity this past week, when the idols from Tirumala Tirupati temple were brought to Srirangam, and theerthavari, with the water from River Cauvery, was performed for deities such as Srinivasa Perumal, Bhoodevi and Sridevi of Tirumala temple.
Considered the first of its kind, the theerthavari was performed under the ‘Sri Venkata Prasannam Bhooloka Vaikunta Saptha Prahara Pradakshana Vaibhavam' organised through the ‘Dasa Sahitya project’ of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.



Special abishekam

Prior to the theerthavari, a special abhishekam with milk and curd was performed to the idols in the morning at 8 a.m. There were two groups - one consisting of women who danced and sang the praise of Lord Srinivasa Perumal while others performed the ‘kolattam.’



The idols decorated with thulasi garlands were kept at an elevation.
The theerthavari utsavam was performed in Srirangam in the wake of the ‘malai madham’ of this year’s Aavani, which witnessed two Noon Moon Days (Amavasya).



“While one set of idols is used for theerthavari at Tirumala, the other set has been brought to Cauvery in the wake of the ‘malai madham,’” says Poorna Pushkala, president of Saptha Prakara Committee, which coordinated the vaibhavam.



Spread over three days, the vaibhavam was marked by special homam and pushpa archanai.
The devotees also marched through the sapthaprakara (seven prakarams) at Srirangam, in the last leg of the vaibhavam.



http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/article3865346.ece

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There is something special about the ubiquitous south Indianfilter coffee that die-hard fans swear by. We find out what the daily dose of caffeine means for them.

Call it coffee, espresso, kaapi or anything you want but every south Indian would wish to wake up to these sinful, little cups of coffee served the traditional way. Trichy has had a long standing affair with this traditional cup of south Indian filter coffee and is home to some of the best coffee spots.

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Unlike the ones that we see in the movies, with beautifully decorated posh interiors, these stalls have been owned for generations and still remain quaint and crowded and serves coffee the 'old school' way. Starting as early as five in the morning some areas in the city are full with customers who regularly drop in after morning walks, like Ravindran Sankaran, a railway employee who has his coffee and can never skip the habit. "It is instilled in me to get my morning dose of caffeine while I get hit by the morning news here.

The filter coffee is so much different if taste, smell than the instant ones and I never actually like the instant powders. We have la little club of sorts and get chatting; it is a great way to start your day with such gusto."

Couches, television sets, air-conditioned rooms and well-designed interiors have not claimed their space in the city even with the case of youngsters. The Aathikudi Coffee Club has been serving their cup of coffee since 1916 and it is now run by the fourth generational owners. Once the favourite hangout spot for many yesteryear celebrities like Shivaji Ganesan, MR Radha, Gemini Ganesan it still remains the same old-fashioned shop filled with little wooden tables and stools. Youngsters who come here sip up this divine drink and have a chat at the "famous round table" which was once shared by stalwarts in the Tamil cinema industry. Chandrashekharan Sriram, who owns a shop quite close to NIT, explains that students do enjoy a cup anytime. "They do not mind that there are no spaces to stand as long as the coffee is good. They do have a good time and I have students who come here regularly, I try and make the shop different as I sell other stuff to keep them interested."

To people who adore the city they never complain about the absence of coffee houses and cafe spots like Sriram Krishnamoorthy, a businessman who was brought up in the city, says, "The strong scent of coffee served in the small traditional 'davaras' transports you to heaven with just one sip. With a view like the Srirangam Rajagopuram in front of you and the flavorful morning coffees nothing can beat the experience at least to people like me who have been born in the city. So we Trichiites never complain about the lack of hangout spots for coffee as long as we have the concoction right."

If you are a true blue coffee lover get sipping on this sinful cup of soul stirring coffee the south Indian way!

The filter kaapi Coffee was introduced by Baba Budan to south India in the 17th century and became very popular under the British Rule.

The south Indian filter coffee is made from dark and roasted coffee beans which is heavier and more pure (70-80%) with chicory (20-30%), and is quite popular in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The most commonly used coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta grown in the hills of Nilgiris District, Yercaud and Kodaikanal; Coorg, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan in Karnataka, and the Malabar region in Kerala.

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The Sri Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple and its surrounding areas at Thiruvanaikovil in the city would get a facelift soon under a tourism development project.

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa laid the foundation stone for the project, among others, at a government function in Srirangam on Thursday. The project has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs.3.58 crore.

The temple is one of the ‘panchabootha sthalam’ and is visited throughout the year by tourists and devotees.

A proposal for implementing the project was forwarded to the State Tourism Department some months back and the project has been sanctioned now after some pruning.

According to sources, the project would involve improvements to the temple and its surrounding areas, landscaping, improvement of inner streets (‘ul veedhis) and lighting arrangements around the temple.

Construction of a rest-shed at the temple, developing the temple tank and its beautification, and renovation of the 1000-pillar mandapam and construction of public toilets inside and outside the temple complex would form important components of the project. A substantial portion of the project fund would be spent on improving the roads on the south and north inner streets; provision of lighting arrangements around the Sannidhi street, inner streets, and the link roads, and pavements along the north, west, and south inner roads at Thiruvanaikovil.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/article3895953.ece

-TP Admin.

Images from Trichy Trekkers Kolli Hills 1 Day trek Trip on Sep 2nd 2012 (Sunday)

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tp_admin, Trichy portal

Who would not want to wake up to the chirping of birds and soothing morning breeze? With farm tourism becoming the in thing in the city, farmhouses around Trichy are gearing up to provide that unique experience to the tourists.

These farmhouses seems to be popping up in every nook and corner of the outskirts of the city and those who have been yearning for that rural experience are all heading to spend their weekends there.

Sriram Krishnamoorthy, who owns a farm house in the city, says that he had always wanted a place to spend quality time with family away from the city. "Trichy is blessed with fertile soil, so when I invested in a house outside the city, I also made sure to cultivate the surrounding areas. I visit the farmhouse along with my friends and family. We just go there cook, eat, talk and relax, far away from the maddening city crowd."

Such farm experience packages are gaining popularity in the city and travel agents are cashing in on the trend. Whether it is to explore the city's temples, go trekking or relax under the monsoon weather, Trichy's farmhouses have everything on board, "We have a group of Swedish students who visit us every year and stay with us to understand the Indian culture better. They return home inspired after looking at our lifestyle. So I provide them with the essence of rural India by taking them to the nearby villages in Trichy,"says Santhanam Rajagopalan, an environmentalist.

Augustus Manimaran, a construction engineer who owns one such house, which is built with environment-friendly materials says that he is having the time of his life. "I have always wanted to retire peacefully and my farm house is my dream project. I have begun taking a walk around the place with my dog, visiting the place with friends and relaxing in nature's lap."
Constructed beautifully and nestled in acres of paddy fields Augustus, has also allowed it for commercial renting. "Not everyone can afford to build such houses, so renting them out for commercial purposes, has now caught the city by storm," he says.

Jerome Francis, an engineering student says that it's great break and transports them in to a different world altogether. "Such retreats are great for friend's reunion, we meet up in one of my uncle's houses, which has a pool and is surrounded by lush greenery. We spend the day there just catching up on old stories."

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/Farm-tourism-is-in/articleshow/16397397.cms

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Clicking is all that there is to it, sceptics may dismiss the art of photography. But with boom of digital cameras, photo sharing websites and applications, photography has suddenly become everyone’s cup of tea. For amateur photographers today there are dime a dozen venues to expose talent, thanks to online photography contests that allow enthusiasts from smaller cities and towns to compete on par with ones in metros.

Too much of a good thing?

Magazines, online portals, college festivals and journals conduct contests which require entrants to send photographs by e-mail or upload them directly on a social networking site like Facebook. The simplicity of the entire contest makes it viable to anyone who owns a camera. “These contests are a form of self-expression as they allow amateurs to find the photographer in themselves,” says Ben Christopher, winner of a national-level online contest. “They help amateurs measure their potential with works of others from around the country. But the other side of the coin is the explosion of contests that has deteriorated the value of photography which a fine art that demands skill, talent, patience, hard work and creativity,” he rues.

It is true that contests have become exceedingly common with almost all cultural symposiums and technical festivals conducted by colleges holding a photography contest. As they are part of a larger event, sometimes they are not judged by professionals or fail to adhere to standard guidelines is a common grouse.

An online contest not only expands the territory of participation but allows experts from around the globe to judge the event, says Pranav Chheda, coordinator of the online event underway as part of ‘Festember’ where a New York based photographer would judge the finalists. The event drew close to 500 entries.

Such online events come attached with challenges of their own, particularly ensuring originality of the work, admit organisers of such events. There are computer programs to deduct camera, lens specifications and software used to edit the photograph but they may have pitfalls of their own. This may not be possible when directly uploading a photograph on say, Facebook, notes Pranav.

For anyone active on a social networking site it is not uncommon to receive requests asking to ‘like’ a photograph. Deepak Srinivasan, editor of digital youth magazine Pulse 72 +,which had a Valentines Day photograph contest for the cover page, says contests with ‘likes’ as the only parameter are below par. “If the number of likes is the only criterion, then it is the person with the maximum friends who wins, not the one with the best photograph.” Such contests are more of public relations exercises targeted at attracting more visitors to the site. “They are intended to promote popularity of the organisers, festival or publication rather than new talent.”

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3905810.ece)

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Vinayagar Chathurthi festival was celebrated with religious fervour across central region on Wednesday. A large number of devotees offered worship to Lord Ganapathy at various shrines in the city.Elaborate arrangements were made for the regulation of queue at Rockfort Sri Thayumanaswamy temple, where hundreds of devotees offered worship to Sri Uchi Pillaiyar. The rituals commenced with the offering of a ‘Periya Kozhukattai’ to the presiding deity atop the Rockfort. A group of temple employees brought the ‘Periya Kozhukattai’ at about 9 a.m. and reached the sanctum sanctorum at about 9. 45 a.m. where the ‘kozhukattai’ was offered. Devotees from different parts of the State were present.

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Philately expo boasts of first ever revenue stamp, printed in 1860, among other artefacts

The monthly initiative of Tiruchi Philatelists Association to probe various themes through stamps has taken an interesting departure from the norm this time around. Though stamps are part of the exhibits, the spotlight is on documents of pre-independence India, predominantly dating back to the Victorian era.

The latest expo has two sections – the initial frames cataloguing printing errors challenge one’s attention to detail while the subsequent ones holding coffee coloured documents offer a peep into colonial India. Both exhibits are prize winning entries of an advanced philatelic capacity and are sure of hooking legal experts, those involved in commerce or trade and anyone with a penchant for records of a bygone era, according to association members.

Can you spot the bloopers?

Titled ‘Errors and omissions’, secretary of the association, J. Raghupathy’s cache reveals both blatant and diminutive errors caused by a printer’s negligence on stamps and postal stationery like postcards and inland letters.

Most of the errors can be spotted only on a sheet of stamps and are spotted by collectors who purchase stamps in bulk. “Error spotting is part of philately and is proof of how meticulously they study stamps,” says P.Soundararajan, president of the association. While many of the slip-ups can be spotted with the naked eye, it requires a magnifying glass to zero in on the error in some instances.

Though some bloopers nullify the value of the stamp, they escape the eye and end up at post offices including denominations cut off, perforated line running across the face of the stamp, mirror images, printing on cellotape, change of hues in multicoloured stamps, smudging or spread of ink and even an ‘India’ with a missing ‘I’.

Most of the errors were caused by negligence or dust in cylinders when stamps were printed through the photogravure process until the 1990’s. Though errors have reduced with digital printing, bloopers emerge every now and then, says Raghupathy.

The fiscals exhibits with documents and revenue stamps are vignettes of British India. “Fiscals are a relatively recent branch in philately; stamp papers and revenue stamps are also sold through post office,” says Soundararajan, the owner of the exhibits.

Among the exhibits are the first revenue stamp in India released on June 14, 1860 printed in pinkish paper with a lilac crown watermark and share certificates from the nineteenth century, hundi papers, foreign bills, promissory notes and shipping documents. A document issued by City Corporation of erstwhile Rangoon interestingly has a stamp featuring Rameshwaram temple.

Sale deeds with stamps from two annas to two hundred rupees offer an insight into registration fees and property prices during pre independence India.

Telegrams with stamps from an era where cost of the telegrams was indicated by special stamps, are also displayed. The Expo is on till October 15 at the Philatelic Bureau, Head Post Office, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on all working days of the post office.

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திருச்சி: திருவானைக்காவலில், 20 ஆண்டுக்கு மேல் தனிநபரால், மறைக்கப்பட்ட விநாயகர் கோவில், விநாயகர் சதுர்த்தியன்று மீட்கப்பட்ட சம்பவம், பக்தர்களை மகிழ்ச்சியில் ஆழ்த்தியுள்ளது. பஞ்ச பூத ஸ்தலங்களில், நீர் ஸ்தலமாகக் கருதப்படுவது, திருச்சி திருவானைக்காவல் அகிலாண்டேஸ்வரி ஜெம்புகேஸ்வரர் கோவில். 1,000 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன், செங்கோட்சோழனால் கட்டப்பட்ட திருத்தலம் இது. கிழக்கு நோக்கிய சுந்தர பாண்டியன் ராஜகோபுரம், மேற்கு நோக்கிய குலோத்துங்க சோழன் ராஜகோபுரம் உட்பட, ஐந்து கோபுரங்கள், நீண்ட, அழகிய, ஐந்து பிரகாரங்களைக் கொண்ட சிறப்புக்குரியது. கோவிலின், ஐந்தாவது பிரகாரத்தின் தென் மேற்கில், பசுபதி விநாயகர், தென் கிழக்கில், நன்று தரும் விநாயகர், வடமேற்கில், செங்கணி விநாயகர், வடகிழக்கில், திருநீலகண்ட விநாயகர் சன்னிதி என, பிரகாரத்தின் ஒவ்வொரு மூலையிலும் விநாயகர் சன்னிதிகள் உள்ளன. கோவிலின், நான்காவது பிரகாரத்தின், தென்மேற்கில், சித்தி விநாயகர், தென்கிழக்கில், ஆனந்த விநாயகர், வடகிழக்கில், ஈசான்ய விநாயகர் என, மூன்று மூலைகளில் விநாயகர் சன்னிதிகள் உள்ளன. வடமேற்கில் இருக்க வேண்டிய விநாயகர் சன்னிதி மட்டும் காணவில்லை.
கடந்த, 20 ஆண்டுக்கு மேலாக மறைந்திருந்த, வடமேற்கு பகுதி விநாயகர் சன்னிதியை கண்டறிய, சிவனடியார்களும், சில தன்னார்வ தொண்டர்களும், ஒரு மாதமாக தீவிர முயற்சிகள் மேற்கொண்டனர். திருவானைக்காவல் இந்து சமய அறநிலையத்துறை அதிகாரிகளிடம் புகார் அளித்தனர். அதன் விளைவாக, தி.மு.க., பிரமுகரான அர்ஜுனன் என்பவர் மகன் தனபால், கோவிலை மறைத்து வைத்திருந்த, "ஆஸ்பெஸ்டாஸ் ஷீட்'டை, அதிகாரிகள் அகற்றினர்.
கோவிலின் அருகே கட்டப்பட்டிருந்த கழிவறையை இடித்தனர். வடமேற்கில் இருந்து, "மீண்டு' வந்துள்ள விநாயகர், "அகஸ்திய' விநாயகர் என, சில சிவனடியார்கள் தெரிவித்தனர். "கோவில் பாதையை ஆக்கிரமித்து, தனபால் கட்டியுள்ள மாடிப்படி மற்றும் கோவில் பின்புறம் உள்ள ஆக்கிரமிப்புகளை உடனடியாக அகற்ற வேண்டும்' என்று திருவானைக்காவல் அதிகாரிகளுக்கு, சிவனடியார்கள் கோரிக்கை விடுத்துள்ளனர். கடந்த, 20 ஆண்டுகளாக உரிய பராமரிப்பின்றி, பூஜை, புனஸ்காரங்கள் இன்றி கிடந்த, விநாயகர் சன்னிதி நேற்று முன்தினம் சுத்தப்படுத்தப்பட்டது. விநாயகர் சதுர்த்தி விழா கோலாகலமாக கொண்டாடப்பட்டது.

source: Dinamalar (http://www.dinamalar.com/News_Detail.asp?Id=551259)

hi friends ! it is high time we make use of our very own and marvellous musuem.

i think all of us reading this , should first go the musuem and see what awesome collections it possesess and inturn tell others to visit it.

entry fees is just 5.

please , please do visit it, we should be really blessed to see the wonderful collections . :)

make the musuem in trichy very popular and always overflowing with heavy patronage. :)

TRICHY is not only a modern retail hub of tamil nadu , but it is also the citadel of tradition and culture . :cheers:

trichy is a perfect blend of modernity and historic culture and tradition. :cheers:



source:http://www.trichy.com/travel/museum.htm

It is located in Rani Mangammal Mahal near Super bazaar ,Trichy. The museum will be open on all days except Fridays .Time 10.00 Hrs to 17 Hrs. Entrance fee for Indians Adult Rs.5 Children Rs. 3 Students Rs.2 Foreigners Rs.100.1 There are so many sculpures like Mahavirar, Buddha, Vishnu etc. It has fossil, pre history megalithic, Paleolithic and Neolithic tools, Earthern moulds for metals, ;Inscriptions and palm leaf manuscripts, insects, reptiles, birds, mammals. Ancient sculptures like thirumal crawling krishna, thirumal with consorts, devi, durga, saint manickavasagar, Nataraja and chandra sekar are here. Tribal model of pachamalai hills, Thanjavur painting , Coins of India etc are also here.

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collections regarding trichy musuem


1) 3,000-year-old burial urn found in Trichy installed in museum

source : http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-18/madurai/31360820_1_museum-houses-curator-urn


TRICHY: A burial urn dating back 3,000 years was unearthed near Lalgudi recently. The urn was on Tuesday officially added to the exquisite collection of the Trichy museum by district collector Jayashree Muralidharan. The district museum was set up in 1982 on the government's principle of providing museums to all districts, and it was the third in the state after Salem and Madurai. In order to provide room to the increasing collections of sculptures, bronzes and fossils, the museum was shifted to the historical Rani Mangammal Durbar Hall in 1998 that had been built by Chokkanatha Nayak in 1666.


In fact, the 41-inches-tall burial urn with a circumference 104 inches at its widest middle with a conic bottom was first spotted on October 30 last year near a present day burial ground on a roadside poromboke land in the nondescript Pallividai, falling under Madakudi village panchayat. Its VAO made arrangements to carefully excavate it without damaging it in any way. Pudukottai curator S Panneer Selvam who is also in charge of Trichy museum told TOI that he brought it to the notice of the commissioner of museums who directed the Trichy district collector take possession of the ancient artefact and restore it to the museum. Panneer Selvam said the urn belonged to "megalithic culture" in which people used to keep the bones of the deceased, weapons he used, and different food grains of the era in the urn and buried them. The conic bottom stands testimony to the fact of it being buried underground. There were 10 types of burials and this practice was prevalent until AD 200, the curator said.


2) also see http://www.attractionsinindia.com/Trichy/Museums/Government_Museum_In_Trichy.html

3) world famous travel to india website

http://www.indiatravelnext.com/trichy/government-museum-of-trichy.html

Government Museum of Trichy

Travel To India (http://www.indiatravelnext.com/) > Trichy (http://www.indiatravelnext.com/trichy/) > Government Museum Of Trichy Trichy in Tamil Nadu is very famous for its interesting tourist spots. The Rockfort temple, Mannika Vinayakar temple and the government museum of Trichy are very popular among the tourists visiting Trichy.
The Trichy government museum is located at Rani Mangammal Mahal. It is located near the super Bazaar of Trichy, in the heart of the town in Bharathidasansan. The museum has an excellent collection of beautiful sculptures of Mahivira, Gautam Buddha, Lord Vishnu, etc. the museum also houses very interesting fossils, prehistoric Megalithic tools, Paleolithic tools and Neolithic tools. In addition to these, there are earthen moulds for metals, inscriptions and palm leaf manuscripts. There is an interesting collection of insects, birds, mammals that is worth watching. There are some very artistic and rare sculptures on display in the Trichy government museum. These include the Lord Thirumal as crawling Krishna, Thirumal with Concerts, Goddess Durga, saint Manickavasagar, Nataraj and Chandra sekhare on display. Some very rare Bronze and stone statues are housed in the museum and these belong to ancient Tamil art.


There is a separate section of Tribal things in the museum. There is a very nice model of Pachamalai hills on display. There is some very excellent work on display which has some Thanjavur paintings. Also on display are some very rare and ancient coins of India. It is a visual delight for people who are interested in coins.


The museum is open on all days except public holidays. The weekly off is on Saturday. The timings of the museum are from 10 am to 5pm. The entry fees are Rs 5 for adults and Rs 3 for children. The fees are Rs 3 for students and for foreigners it is Rs 100.


Trichy has a well-developed transport system and it is well connected to important places in the state. Trichy has an international airport that has flights to all the important cities in India, different territories and neighboring countries. Like Malaysia, Sri Lanka and other countries. This airport is the second best after Chennai airport for connectivity and there are flights to Colombo from this airport. Trichy is a Hub of Southern Railways and it connects Tamil Nadu to other southern states. There are trains to Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, etc. There are many private buses and state travel buses connecting Trichy to various places. Since Trichi has a strategic location, as it is centrally located in the state, you can get bus to any part of the state.


There are state run DCTC town buses. These cover the areas from Trichi to places like Musiri, Pudukkottai, Viralimalai, and Vallam. The city has a wide network of mini buses and city buses.


If you decide to stay in Trichi, accommodation is easily available. There are luxurious hotels in Trichy, Budget hotels in Trichy and economy hotels in Trichy. There are lodges in Trichy and Railway retiring rooms in Trichy. Youth hostels in Trichy also offer a comfortable stay in Trichy. Trichy resorts are also very luxurious and provide you with all the modern facilities and very comfortable accommodation in Trichy.








4)also see http://travel.mapsofindia.com/travel-destination-finder/trichy-tours.html




i have taken time to highlight the histiric importance of musuem.


i have visited more than 10 times.


i want all others to tell their relatives sons, school friends, college friends to go and visit it.

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01215/21sep_tyosg02_LOCA_1215845e.jpg

Ravi, a Tiruchi based artist has travelled to Chennai, Bangalore and New Delhi to exhibit his paintings but like the proverbial prophet he is not hailed in his own city. Shivakumar, a self-made artist with no professional training, wants to see his works up against the walls of city’s art lovers.

“Finally city based artists like me have a local gallery that displays and sells our art,” says Ravi, echoing the sentiments of his fellow artists, five of whose paintings are up at the art expo organised by Kalanjiyam, a six-month old gallery dealing with paintings exclusively done by local artists. The maiden expo featuring works of five artists from Pudukottai and Tiruchi has kept in mind the conservative spending habits and aesthetic tastes of local customers.

Affordable art

With over 500 works priced between Rs.600 and Rs.15, 000, the expo aims to create awareness that art is not always priced prohibitively. “We want to send the message that works of indigenous talent are available at affordable rate,” said A.Suresh, proprietor of Kalanjiyam. According to Mr.Suresh, not less than 20 upcoming artists have registered with the gallery.

The works of each artist is distinctive by the techniques and themes explored. Chinnappa’s art, akin to the cubism form, is like looking through a prism or stained glass. Themes like symbols of Tamil culture depicted through various means, including Bharathanatyam mudras are concealed by geometric patterns in bright colours.

With a mythological theme running through his works, Ravi’s art is a ‘blending of drawing and painting’. Bold lines made by the inverted end of a paintbrush brush are etched over paintings to give the impression of an engraving. D. Ramamoorthy’s charcoal paintings reflect his obsessions with crows. Why crows? “Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder and crows are more interesting to observe than say peacocks; their habits are intriguing,” says Ramamoorthy whose works reflect his observation of the birds.

‘Village’ Mookaiya crayon sketches with wavy lines infuse a wild abandon in depictions of a puffing steam engine, wild bull at a jallikattu and a horse at the race course. Soft hues, water lilies and floral motifs in knife-cut paintings are Shivakumar’s forte. “A sketch of the Rockfort is guaranteed to sell. It is Tiruchi’s brand tag and everyone wants a piece for themselves. To capture this market, an artist has to balance creative instinct with popular taste. That is the only way I can ensure all my paintings are sold,” he admits candidly.

Creating appreciation

The gallery is an opportunity to experience art first-hand, says Ramamoorthy. “If children are brought here, it may inspire them to draw and discover their talent.” Adds Ravi, “our ultimate aim is to cultivate an appreciation for art in the city so that upcoming artists need not always flock to metros to find takers.”

Catch the expo at Jamal Building, 7th cross, Thillai Nagar, before September 26 anytime between 10 am and 8 pm.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3925041.ece)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/16491073.cms

When women have stepped into every possible territory hitherto dominated by men, can trekking remain behind? An all-women trek to Thalamalai Hills that was recently organized by one of city's trekking clubs and fitness centres, had women participating in large numbers and was declared a major hit among women in Trichy. Cashing in on its success, namma Trichy is planning to offer city's fitness enthusiasts more such programmes.

Thenmozhi Ravindran, who was part of the fitness studio that organised the trek and the brain behind the concept, says that such treks, test the physical and mental ability of women. "Not everyone who takes part in such treks, hit the gym regularly. It is all about mental strength and how much one is capable of doing mentally and physically."

Ramesh Kamak, member of the Trichy Trekking Club tells us that he never thought that women would be so co-operative and would enjoy trekking to this extent. "It usually takes a frequent trekker around five hours to complete the uphill climb, but these women did it in three and half hours. Since most of them were new to the whole idea of trekking, they were all very excited. It was an opportunity to explore their wild sides."

Savithri Saravanan, another organiser, says that they are planning more such treks and it is a delight to be with such a group. "We had great fun though the climb was tiring; it was nice to catch up with other women of similar interests. And since it is an all-women trek, we look out for each other and understand better about how much we can do."

It now looks like this all-women trek has paved way to many trekking expeditions in the city. "Trekking has now become an integral part of the life of Trichiites. We plan something or the other every month — including bike treks, adventure sports, and photo treks. We usually have a good turnout of at least 40 - 50 people for each trek and the club is growing to become a massive social network in the city. Earlier only a handful of them participated as they considered themselves unfit both physically and mentally, but now these adventure sports have become reason enough to spend time," says Ramesh.

With another trek on September 30 and October 1 on the anvil to Yercaud, Trichy is becoming one trekking destination.

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/Trekking-fever-catches-up-in-Trichy/articleshow/16491073.cms)

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source: TP_ADMIN/TP

TTF ( TRICHY TRAVEL FEDERATION) -------photo exhibition



Exhibition captures essence of Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01219/25SEP_TYAVINS01_TR_1219009e.jpg

An ancient face softened by twilight and belief, captured in prayer; a raging bull trying to shake off a man and his hopes of triumph; and a bright yellow saree picked up by the unbridled wind blowing through a dry riverbed: these were the prize winning entries at a photography contest-cum-exhibition organised by Trichy Travel Federation (TTF) in the run up to World Tourism Day.

Held at Hotel Femina, the photography exhibition hoped to capture film facets of Tiruchi, Thanjavur and Pudukkottai districts with potential for tourism. Announced in August, the contest received 250 entries from across the State categorised under three themes- rural life, culture and festivals, and temples and monuments.

“While the pictures had to be taken in locations within Tiruchi, Pudukkottai and Thanjavur districts alone, the contest was open to anyone who could handle a camera,” says M. Ponnilango, vice president, Trichy Travel Federation. Organised for the first time, the two-day exhibition brought to a close the celebrations organised by TTF towards World Tourism Day, slated to be observed on September 27.

Talking about his experience, Sridhar Bharathi, one of the prize winners, recalls getting into trouble with devotees at Kuzhumaaiyi Amman temple festival at Puthur. His picture, which shows the temple priest drinking blood directly from a sacrificial goat in the midst of fervent devotees, captures the moment from a vivid proximity. “You are generally not allowed to photograph the ritual and when they saw me taking pictures a scuffle broke out,” he says.

Among the 50 photographs showcased at the exhibition, nine were selected as prize winning entries. “A two-member panel judged the photographs for technical superiority and reflection of the theme,” said Mr. Ponnilango. While the first prize winners in each category will be given air tickets to Colombo or Singapore, the second prize winners can choose between two nights at Kodaikanal or Yercaud; and the third prize winners get dinner coupons worth Rs.1000 for Hotel Sangam, Hotel Femina and Hotel Ramyas. The prizes will be given away by Collector Jayashree Muralidharan on September 27 at the finale event to be held at Hotel Sangam.

The first prize winners were S. Chidambaram (rural life), Sridhar Bharathi (culture and festivals), and C. Ramasubramanian (temples and monuments); the second place winners were S. Akilan (rural life), J. Ravishankar (culture and festivals), and K. Ashok Kumar (temples and monuments); and the third prize winners were K. Rajiv Gandhi (rural life), C. Ramasubramanian (culture and festivals), and M. Venkatachalam (temples and monuments).


source: today's hindu newspaper

courtesy: Mr. raja sir of trichy portal

:banana::cheers:

youth heath mela 2012--------second mela in TN here in trichy after chennai :cheers:


Event to educate students on making healthy lifestyle choices

How often are young people a part of the debate on health issues, particularly on lifestyle related disorders like obesity, diabetes and hypertension that have crept into our everyday lexicon? Perceived to be in the acme of life and enjoying the bounty of health, youth and adolescents are seldom the target of health initiatives.

But with the rise of non-communicable diseases in recent years, ‘catch them young’ has been the catchphrase to rein in lifestyle related diseases. Conceived along this line of thought is ‘Youth Health Mela 2012’, an initiative by a consortium of organisations, directed exclusively at young people in schools, colleges and corporate organizations.

Model food court

The initiative carried out under the aegis of V.Shantha, chairman, Cancer Institute, Adyar,is taking root in Tiruchi after its launch in Chennai as a five-day event, earlier this year, in February.

Spread over three days, interactive stalls, debates, symposiums, academic sessions and contests are arranged to educate youth on making healthy lifestyle choices a way of life, right from an early age.

A model food court is set to offer guidance on nutritional choices appropriate to age and development.

The key areas of focus will be substance abuse, nutrition and diet, fitness and exercise, personal and environmental hygiene, according to Arun Seshachalam, event secretary and director, comprehensive cancer care network. V.Jaypal, chairman, GVN hospital, is president and M.Chenniappan, cardiologist is vice-president of the organising committee.

The event will take place at K.A.P.Viswanatham Higher Secondary School between September 28 and 30. Visit youthhealthmela.in for more details. The Hindu is the print media partner of the Youth Mela.

Youth Health Mela Trichy 2012 Date : 27th to 29th September 2012 details @ http://youthhealthmela.in/activites1.html


courtesy: Mr. Raja sir of trichy portal

:banana::cheers:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/Orlow_%28Diamant%29.jpg/200px-Orlow_%28Diamant%29.jpg

The Orlov diamond 189.62 carats (37.924 g), is a large diamond that is part of the collection of the Diamond Fund of the Moscow Kremlin. The origin of this resplendent relic – described as having the shape and proportions of half a hen's egg. This diamond and a similar gem served as the eyes of the deity in the temple. Legends hold that a French soldier who had deserted during the Carnatic wars in Srirangam[29] disguised himself as a Hindu convert and stole it during 1747.

source: SriRangam temple wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Ranganathaswamy_Temple,_Srirangam)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/Shri_Ramanujar_pics_2.jpg/200px-Shri_Ramanujar_pics_2.jpg

Ramanuja was a theologian, philosopher, and scriptural exegete. He is seen by Śrīvaiṣṇavas as the third and most important teacher (ācārya) of their tradition (after Nathamuni and Yamunacharya), and by Hindus in general as the leading expounder of Viśiṣṭādvaita, one of the classical interpretations of the dominant Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy.[53} Ramanuja denounced his family life and went to Srirangam to occupy the pontificate – Srirangam became the strong hold of him and his disciples.[54] The doctrine of Vishishtadvaita philosophy, Sri Bhashyam was written and later compiled by him over a period of time.[55] During his stay in Srirangam, he is said of have written "Gadhya Thrayam", which is recited in the temple during the ninth day (Panguni Uttaram) of the festival of Adi brahmotsavam. The temple is a center for the Vishishtadvaita school where Sanskrit Vedas and Tamil works are preached and taught with great reverence. He attained divinity in Srirangam. His Thaan-ana Thirumeni (the symbolic body) is preserved and offered prayers even today after 8 centuries. The disciples of Ramanuja got his permission to install 3 metallic images, one each at Sriperumpudur, Melkote and the third, at Srirangam.[56] The shrine is found in the fourth prakaram (outer courtyard) of the temple and the idol is preserved in the temple by applying saffron and camphor every six months in a ritualistic style. He is found seated in the Padmasana (yogic sitting posture), depicting the Gnyana-Mudrai (symbol of knowledge) with his right palm. "Kovil Ozhugu" is a codification of all temple practices, religious and administrative, shaped and institutionalised by Sri Ramanuja after receiving the due rights from Sri Thiruvarangathamudanar. A stone inscription to this effect is installed in the Arya patal vasal (main gate before the first precinct).

source: SriRangam temple wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Ranganathaswamy_Temple,_Srirangam)

hi friends ! good morning.

i think all of us know TRICHY CANTONMENT area as Retail hub where innumerable branded showrooms of national and international outlets, many shopping malls, hypermalls, BIG MEGA MART, MAX lifestyle , schools, colleges, etc, etc :banana::cheers:

the area juristication of TRICHY CANTONMENT includes all the areas coming under TRICHY-620001 PINCODE including central bus stand and raiway junction and .

it excludes only the palkarai, pon nagar and karumandapam areas under trichy-1 pincode.


but the other face of trichy cantonment is very interesting and of high historic significance. :cheers:

it was the residential area of BRITISH army during their rule in india. in this cantonment they stay premanaently , have godown for weapons and guns, ammnuitions.

this eventually led to the formation of INDIAN ARMY REGIMENT ( TRICHY REGION) which covers 15 districts in TN which is now functioning backside of MARY BROWN outlet in whopping more than 200 acres and in MANNARPURAM in 250 acres.

here are a few links to explain the history of TRICHY cantonment

1) http://blog.mapsofindia.com/2012/03/23/the-story-behind-
cantonments-in-india/


The word “Cantonment” comes from the French word “Canton”, which means corner or district. The word is often abbreviated to the more convenient “Cantt”. In South Asia, cantonments also refer to permanent military stations. Most cantonments in the world can be found in Bangladesh, India ,Pakistan, South Africa, Singapore, Ghana, Sri Lanka and Nepal.


In British India, important cantonments were located in cities such as; Ahmedabad, Belgaum, Bangalore, Ambala, Kanpur, Bathinda, Delhi, Pune, Sialkot, Secundrabad, Trichy and Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan). Meerutwas the most important and biggest cantonment in North India after head quarters in Rawalpindi. In the 18th and 19th century, cantonments were viewed largely as temporary, but in the 20th century they became permanent garrisons and were established by the military reforms of Lord Kitchner in 1903 and the Cantonment Act of 1924.


2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantonment


:):):)

hi friends ! good afternoon.


a very good news for tourism lovers and for the overall tourism development of trichy city.

the foriegners , visitors from other states and ofcourse our city visitors would soon be guarded a very warm reception and hospitality in world class level. :)


the central goverment has granted initial sum of 2.5 crores for setting up tourism information centre and huge auditorium in srirangam at a cost of 5 crores. works starting shortly. :cheers:


here is a detailed news

source:

http://www.dailythanthi.com/article.asp?NewsID=760773&disdate=9/26/2012


:banana::banana::cheers::cheers:

Car festival draws thousands to Gunaseelam

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01220/26SEP_TYAVINS01_GU_1220087e.jpg

Sixty feet in height and weighing nearly 50 tonnes, the temple car at Gunaseelam Prasanna Venkatachalapathi temple towered over the crowd in anticipation: the car festival at the temple’s ongoing Brahmotsavam drew devotees from surrounding villages. With Prasanna Venkatachalapathi, the presiding deity, set to enter the decorated car at 5 a.m., people began arriving at the temple during the early hours of Wednesday.

As the sky lightened, the area around the temple began wearing a festive look: men, women and children in their festival finery; stalls peddling sweets and savouries, fancy items and gifts, balloons, toys and joy rides; flowers, fruits and miniature clay lamps stuffed with solid ghee and wicks among other things.

One of the two important festivals at the temple, the Brahmotsavam car festival packs in religious fervour along with a dozen ways to celebrate. “This being my kula deivam temple, I have been coming here since my childhood,” says 53 year old K. Muthusamy from Kuruvampatti.

For A. Veluchamy, this is the tenth successive car festival at Gunaseelam he has brought his giant wheel to: “I had my giant wheel custom made at a workshop in Tiruchi ten years ago, but today I can only get repairs done- there is no one left to build these anymore.” Abdul Mustafa at the sweets stall says he set up shop three days ago and took around a week to prepare the various treats which included multicolour sweet boondhis, sakkara sev, halwa, mixture and maida biscuits among others.

At the appointed time, the procession of the car around the temple began with the breaking of 108 coconuts. As its teak body began rolling over, a low rumble of prayer ran through the crowd which moved alongside the car like a single entity.

A group of devotees followed the car with their angapradhakshinams as well. Though the crowd began to wane by noon time, it came back with full force in the evening to witness the theerthavari.

“While the temple is said to be nearly 5,000 years old, records of the temple car festival exists for around 200 years,” says K.R. Pichumani Iyengar, who belongs to the family that has traditionally run the temple trust. The Brahmotsavam festival which began on September 17 is slated to go on till September 28.

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Courtesy: Raja, Trichyportal

the central goverment has granted initial sum of 2.5 crores for setting up tourism information centre and huge auditorium in srirangam at a cost of 5 crores. works starting shortly. :cheers:
[Source] (http://www.dailythanthi.com/article.asp?NewsID=760773&disdate=9/26/2012)

சுற்றுலா மொழிபெயர்ப்பு மையம் அமைக்க ரூ.3.17 கோடி ஒதுக்கீடு (http://www.dinamalar.com/News_Detail.asp?Id=555206)

சுற்றுலாப் பயணிகளுக்கு உதவும் வகையில், ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில் மொழிபெயர்ப்பு மையம் மற்றும் கலையரங்கம் அமைக்க, முதல் கட்டமாக, 2.53 கோடி ரூபாயை, மத்திய அரசு ஒதுக்கியுள்ளது. வண்டலூர், அண்ணா உயிரியல் பூங்காவில், "நைட் சபாரி' கண்காட்சி துவக்குவதற்காக, மத்திய அர” நிதி ஒதுக்கிய நிலையில், இந்த திட்டம் கைவிடப்பட்டது. அதற்கு பதில், திருச்சி மாவட்டம், ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில், சுற்றுலாப் பயணிகளுக்கு உதவும் வகையில், மொழிபெயர்ப்பு மையம், கலையரங்கம் மற்றும் புதுக்கோட்டை மாவட்டம், ஆவுடையார் கோவிலில் சுற்றுலா மேம்பாடு, கட்டமைப்பு வசதிகளை மேம்படுத்த, 10 கோடி ரூபாயில் தமிழக அர” திட்டம் தீட்டியது. :cheers:இதற்கான நிதி கேட்டு, விரிவான அறிக்கையை, மத்திய சுற்றுலாத் துறைக்கு, தமிழக சுற்றுலா கமிஷனர் அனுப்பினார். அறிக்கையை பரிசீலித்த மத்திய சுற்றுலாத் துறை, வண்டலூர், "நைட் சபாரி' திட்டத்தை கைவிட்டதற்கான விளக்கத்தை கேட்டது. தமிழக அரசு, தன் விளக்கத்தை அளித்த நிலையில், ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில் அமையும் சுற்றுலா மொழிபெயர்ப்பு மையம் மற்றும் கலையரங்கத்தை கட்டுவதற்கான நிதியை வழங்க ஒப்புதல் அளித்தது. இதன்படி, மத்திய அரசின் நிதி உதவியாக, 3.17 கோடி ரூபாயை வழங்க முடிவு செய்து, முதல்கட்டமாக, 2.53 கோடி ரூபாயை வழங்கி உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது. இத்திட்டப் பணிகளை, 24 மாதங்களில் முடிக்க வேண்டும்; மாவட்ட கலெக்டர் பணிகளை கண்காணிக்க வேண்டும்; நிதியை அப்பணிகளுக்கு மட்டுமே பயன்படுத்த வேண்டும் என்பது உள்ளிட்ட உத்தரவுகளையும், மத்திய சுற்றுலாத் துறை பிறப்பித்துள்ளது.

Social Clubs of National Institute of Technology – Tiruchi (NIT-T): Apekshaa, Pupil for Pupil Committee, and Sprit-ed have joined hands this year to celebrate ‘Joy of Giving’ week with grandeur from October 2 to 8.

The ‘festival of philanthropy’, an annual celebration that saw 2,00,000 school children volunteering nation-wide to make a difference last year by participating in ‘Design for Change’ contest, is expected to create a bigger impact this year. The ‘Acts of Giving’ could be as simple as giving a household worker a day off, according to the organisers.

At NIT-T, a fund-raising drive initiated in the campus by the Institute Director S. Sundarrajan integrates the philanthropic participation of BHEL employees as well. Dr. Sundarrajan made the first contribution in one of the donation boxes in the campus. The activities will be as under:

October 2: Gala for Kids, a mega event for children of numerous orphanages in and around Tiruchi. Children will be given opportunities to showcase their latent talents and unleash joy, supplied with quality food, and given free health check-up. An entertainment show by NIT-T’s dance troupe will kickstart the festival.

October 3: Thanks-giving Day will be celebrated by organising musical night and various fun events for non-teaching staff and their families in recognition of their vital support system they provide.

October 4: KalpavrikshaSthapana – planting of wish trees in prominent places in Tiruchi, and conduct of awareness about the goodness accruing from the concept.

October 5: Free eye-screening camp in the campus.

October 6: Charity entertainment show by troupes of NIT-T in BHEL campus.

October 7: Annadhana – visit to Malarchi Ashram to make food donations for mentally-challenged inmates. October 8: Vasradhaan – donation of clothes to various orphanages and old age ashrams.


Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/nitt-students-eager-to-create-impact-during-joy-of-giving-week/article3948308.ece)

Prime Minister's daughter in Trichy to explore temple heritage (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Prime-Ministers-daughter-in-Trichy-to-explore-temple-heritage/articleshow/16608382.cms)

TRICHY: Upinder Singh, the eldest daughter of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, and her husband Vijay Tankha came to Trichy on Saturday morning and visited the three famous temples and the Grand Anaicut, Kallanai. They will [COLOR="red"]continue to Thanjavur from Trichy on Sunday morning.

The couple landed in Trichy railway junction around 6.30 am on Saturday by a Madurai Express train. They drove straightaway to Circuit House in Trichy amid security from the Special Protection Group (SPG) and the local police. Following a brief stay at Circuit House, their trip started with a visit at the Rockfort temple around 8.30 am. They climbed the steps and reached atop the hill, capturing scenes all along with their camera. They worshipped Sri Uchipillaiyar and Sri Thayumanaswamy on the hill. After finishing their visit in Rockfort temple, they descended after more than one-and-a-half hours. Then they proceeded to the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple around 11 am.

Srirangam temple executive officer (EO) S Kalyani and other officials welcomed the guests of honour and arranged for a special darshan. "Both of them were inquisitive about the sculptures and structures of the temple, which dates back many eras. They enjoyed visiting the 'Thousand Pillar hall'. We arranged for a translator to explain the features of the temple in Hindi. They had already done research on this subject before coming here," Kalyani told TOI.

Their next trip was to Thiruvanaikaval Sri Jambukeshwarar temple. They had darshan in the temple and left for Circuit House around 12.30 pm. After a short stay there, they visited Grand Anaicut in Kallanai around 5 pm.

They will visit Thanjavur on Sunday morning and reach Chennai by October 5 after visiting Chidambaram, Cuddalore and Kancheepuram, said the police.

^^

http://www.dailythanthi.com/thanthiepaper/3092012/FE_3009_MN_02_Try_27.jpg

some important news regarding butterfly park in trichy.




Mysorean to design Butterfly Park in Tamil Nadu
Lawrence Milton, TNN | Sep 28, 2012, 10.14PM IST

MYSORE: An alumnus of Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (Cava) has bagged a project to create models of butterflies for the proposed Tropical Butterfly Park in Tiruchirappali, Tamil Nadu.

Jagadish Gangadikar, 29, has been approached by Tamil Nadu forest officials to create models of 180 different varieties of butterflies to be displayed at the proposed conservatory. Each model of butterflies will be over 10 feet wide, and the work is expected to start in October.

This is for the third time that the city's sculptor, who has created various models at Mysore Zoo, is getting offer from Tamil Nadu in as many years. Earlier, Jagadish created a model of great Indian hornbill near waterfall, animal murals at an interpretation centre in Coimbatore in 2009 and a life-size elephant model at an elephant rescue centre in Trichy in 2011. Now the forest officials of the neighbouring state want Jagadish to beautify the Butterfly Park. His models have been approved, and he is expected to get the work order soon.

Jagadish, son of P Manjunath and Kalpana, has been working with the forest officials in Mysore since his college days. In his seven-year-long association with Mysore Zoo, he has designed the entrance points to the enclosures of chimpanzee, reptile and meerkat.

His works have been admired by many. One of the admirers, senior Tamil Nadu forest official Anwar, invited Jagadish to Coimbatore for a project in 2009. Thereafter, he was transferred to Trichy.

Jagadish's drawing teacher Akilanka has been an inspiration to him. After seeing Jagadish's works, his high school teacher motivated him to pursue a career in the field of arts and suggested him to join Cava. Jagadish wants to continue work in wildlife area.

Anklets for Dasara jumbos

Jagadish has been designing anklets for Dasara elephants for the past three years. He made the anklets in brass when he got the first order in 2010. This year, he is making heavy-guage anklets of copper and zinc. The tradition of putting anklets started three years ago. Jagadish says he is making anklets four each (of 3kg) for three elephants

source link: times of india

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city ... 593303.cms (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Mysorean-to-design-Butterfly-Park-in-Tamil-Nadu/articleshow/16593303.cms)


very happy to see the speedy measures taken . very soon we will witness a world class tropical butterfly park in trichy taking tourism in trichy to world class level http://www.trichyportal.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif :cheers:

The iron from Srirangam

ARUNA V. IYER



TIRUCHI, September 28, 2012





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The makers of iron utensils say that their business is over a century old

Besides its towering rajagopuram, religious lore and interesting architecture, the Srirangam temple is renowned for a few things heavy, black and glistening with coconut oil that rubs onto your fingers: made from iron in an assortment of sizes and shapes the kitchen utensils sold at the temple are a must-buy for most visitors.


“This business is over a 100 years old and at one point there were five shops selling iron dosa kallus, illupachattis, aruvamanais, appakarais and murukku kozhais among other things here within the temple,” says 76 year old Radha Bai, a regular at the temple. Among the two surviving shops that still sell the utensils, Das Irumbu Kadai boasts of a clientele that includes ministers, actors, politicians and top government officials like former Chief Election Commissioner of India, T.N. Seshan, M.K. Stalin, Manorama, Delhi Ganesh, Devayani, Madan Babu and Tiruchi Sekar among others.



Sitting within the shop, surrounded by stacks of dosa kallus, owner R.S. Selvaraj explains why the Srirangam utensils were so popular: “Just by their weight one can judge the quality of the iron used to make these utensils,” he says before bending over to pick a particularly large dosa kallu. A black circle with a hint of gradual depression to the centre, the dosa kallus weigh between one to five kilos each and have diameters ranging between eight to fifteen inches. “The heavier and wider the kallu, the lesser chances of the dosa or adai getting burnt,” he says. Similarly, the chattis and kuzhais, appakarais and sevai naazhis come in a wide range of sizes and weights. "None of them have any chemical coatings, which makes them not only safe, but also good for the body because they indirectly add iron to the diet," says Selvaraj.



The two shops indirectly keep alive groups of traditional utensil makers in the city: “For each item here, there are separate aacharis, who fashion them at workshops to sell to us,” says Selvaraj. The workshops, which were earlier located in and around Srirangam, began moving to the outskirts as the city’s population grew and complaints of noise pollution against them increased, according to Selvaraj. Today, most of them are located at places like Anna Nagar, Ariyamangalam and Yedamalaipattipudur.
However, there is one workshop near the Srirangam railway gate and A. Rangarajan, a traditional utensils aachari takes us through the process of making a murukku kuzhai: “The iron is heated to red hotness within the ulai (clay oven), taken out and placed on top of a stone called the panai kallu, or around the karavai (cylindrical rod with a tapering edge) where it gets beaten with a hammer into shape,” he says. Each utensil requires the labour of at least two men and the aruvamanai and the muruku kuzhai are among the toughest to make, according to him.



With the workshops moving on to electric blowers that fan the fire within the oven, they too are affected by the erratic power situation in the state. “Though we are at the workshop between 7 a.m. to 5p.m., the number of actual work hours has drastically reduced and we have fallen back on our delivery schedules,” says Rangarajan. While the shops within Srirangam temple are his main customers, his workshop also supplies to sellers at Kumbakonam, Chennai and Madurai.



Back at the temple, Selvaraj says he is unsure about the future of his business: “My children are now doing their engineering degrees and will find regular jobs; and the profits we make are getting smaller by the day, because people are not willing to pay more for plain iron,” he says. Housed within space rented out by the temple, the shop depends heavily on the flow of devotees and tourists for its business. To support his income, he has added a range of non-iron kitchen products like phulka making gauzes, graters, cutting knives, other metal utensils, juice squeezers and miniature kitchen toy sets for children among other things. However, he adds, “I will not set up a shop outside the temple because my utensils will lose their brand value and their most regular buyers.”


source and link: http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/society/the-iron-from-srirangam/article3945684.ece

Mysorean to design Butterfly Park in Tamil Nadu
Lawrence Milton, TNN | Sep 28, 2012, 10.14PM IST

MYSORE: An alumnus of Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (Cava) has bagged a project to create models of butterflies for the proposed Tropical Butterfly Park in Tiruchirappali, Tamil Nadu.

http://www.trichyportal.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif :cheers:

Butterfly park u/c in Srirangam

Tamil Nadu government has proposed to set up a butterfly park in Srirangam at a cost of over eight crore rupees in 10 hectare area in Upper Anaicut Reserve Forest.

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Photo's by: tr_Admin, Trichyportal

wonderful pictures and updates by tp admin sir.

thanks kg sir for posting it here.

very eagerly waiting for the opening of this butterfly park in trichy shortly to enjoy one of GOD'S loveliest creations ( butterflies) dancing to nature's tunes :cheers:

This is going to be a good spot.

here is one fine article about MAHATMA GANDHIJI'S relation with TRICHY and his visits to trichy. :)





Retracing Mahatma Gandhi’s footsteps

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As the nation observes the birth anniversary of the ‘father of nation’, we decided to look at his association with Tiruchi, a city that had its small but significant role to play in the freedom movement. Determined to retrace his footsteps, we revisit well-known and forgotten sites that bear the Mahatma’s stamp, giving up their layers of dust, dirt and oblivion just in time for a spring –cleaning on Bapu’s birthday.

In the market place

Manoeuvring through the lanes redolent of fresh turmeric and vegetable waste, we follow a quest to discover the origin of the name behind one of the state’s largest markets. Rathinavel Thevar is said to have invited Gandhi to lay the foundation stone of the Gandhi Market. Though we look in vain behind mounds of tomatoes at various plaques, the foundation tablet is elusive.

Finally, right opposite the clock tower, we find a tea shop and sundry vendors who assure us they know what we are looking for. Four men move large wooden crates and gunny sacks and behind bundles of coriander at the bottom of the wall, is a plaque with obscure lettering. Scrubbed with water the stone tablet in Tamil reads, ‘Gandhi Market opened by Mahatma Gandhi in the Puratassi month, Prabhava year’, which is around 1927.

Seat of ahimsa

A few kilometres away, right behind the gates of the Srimati Indira Gandhi College, is a sprawling knotted peepal tree. The ‘Gandhi Tree’ as the plaque reads, states that beneath its leafy shade Gandhi addressed students and staff in 1932. At that time, the campus housed the National College which moved to its current premises later. According to Muthusamy, former principal, National College, Saranathan, a nationalist and the then principal of the college invited Gandhi to the college to speak to students.

Gandhi is said to have visited Tiruchi five times, says Soundararajan, president, Tiruchi Philatelist’s Association. The association released a special cover in 1987 commemorating the 70th anniversary of Gandhi’s first visit in 1917. Where did Gandhi stay during his visits? Local lore leads us to the erstwhile bungalow of surgeon and nationalist T.S.S Rajan behind the salt satygraha memorial on Mc Donalds Road. The India Post office operates from the building today. The weather-beaten building has a narrow but sturdy wooden staircase that leads to a room on the first floor with Karaikudi tiles and bright green shutters. A sketch of the Mahatma and another of the Dandi March find a place in the room. Kamala Ramasamy, wife of T.S.S Rajan’s grandson relates anecdotes to confirm that the bungalow was indeed Gandhi’s choice of residence. “I was told that Gandhiji once opened an x-ray unit in Rajan thatha’s clinic. There was a barber Govindan from Srirangam who claimed that he shaved Gandhi, showing off a towel that Gandhi presented to him.”

Final resting place

Our trail ends at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital which was named so in 1950 owing to the Gandhi Asthi Mandapam right next to it. The mandapam, a quiet spot on a bustling road houses Gnadhi’s ashes and is topped with a slab with two words ‘Hey Ram’. It is an annual tradition of the Seva Sangam, women’s welfare organisation founded on the first death anniversary of Gandhi, to pay homage to the Mahatma.

Seva Sangam members tell us that the ashes of Gandhi that were scattered on the major rivers of India were brought to Tiruchi to be immersed in river Cauvery. T.S.S.Rajan brought them in two urns, which are still retained by family as souvenirs.

courtesy: admin sir of trichy portal.

source link:
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp ... 956951.ece (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/retracing-mahatma-gandhis-footsteps/article3956951.ece)

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Photos by: tp_admin (taken today)

^^superb effort and great pictures and updates http://www.trichyportal.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif http://www.trichyportal.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

wish srirangam goes world class in another 15 months time with this yatri nivas, butterfly park and many other development projects. :cheers:

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A recipe for a chocolate soup, thulasi straight from the precincts of Srirangam temple handed out by an amiable bookseller, a heap of eco-friendly bags, some stretching and balancing exercises, and of course a ton of books later, it is clear that ‘Trichy Book Fair’ affords an experience that may appeal equally to the serious bibliophile and the ravenous bookworm or the bargain hunter and the casual browser.

The first outing of Trichy Book Fair organised by National Book Trust, India, along with the Rotary Club of Tiruchi and the district administration may not have everything on your list, but ensures you carry something home.

With a whopping 175 stalls, the book fair is bigger and better in terms of numbers, variety and presentation than many regular affairs.

Apart from good walking shoes and a few balancing tricks (in case you end up with more than two parcels), the fair demands time and patience, particularly if you belong to the tribe that swears by English as the proportion of exclusive stalls stocking English books is easily less than 20 per cent.

Ambling amidst book covers

Granted that today you can ‘just Flipkart it’, but in a city where bookstores have been converted to retail outlets or books are relegated to nooks in stores that pile up gifts, stationery and what-not, the fair lets you rediscover the long-lost pleasure of ambling through the spacious carpeted corridors, ogling covers, reading excerpts and running fingers through spines of hardcover and paperbacks.

For readers of Tamil literature, the range is all encompassing, including Sahitya Akademi recipients, historical novels, pulp fiction, poetry and translated works.

Cooking, health and astrology are among the popular fare, obvious by their recurrent presence in any number of stalls. On the other hand, while those on the lookout for some big names in Indian writing in English and Booker Prize winners may draw a blank, popular bestsellers are easy to find including J.K.Rowling’s just released ‘Casual Vacancy’ and the recent works of Orhan Pamuk, Paul Coelho and Jeffrey Archer. Romance, fantasy and popular fiction abound.

Classics for a song

Other than a handful of multimedia stalls, the fare for children include Indian tales, illustrated picture books and condensed editions of masterpieces.

The highpoint of the fair are exclusive sections catering to spirituality, Marxist writings, history, art, psychology and philosophy. For those who visit fairs for strictly academic purposes, there are entrance exam preparation guides, sample papers, engineering, science and coding and programming reference books.

Bargain hunters can get classics and masterpieces for a song and collectors may stumble upon interesting anthologies.

Baskets, carts or trolleys to cart books can make the experience a pleasurable one, just as more table fans would make it breezy despite the number of ceiling fans which hover many feet above the stalls. Some sellers would do good to follow the route of the majority of stalls that hand out eco-friendly bags to make the fair a plastic-free zone. The fair is underway at St.John’s Vestry Anglo-Indian School grounds till October 14 between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.

“I once contemplated turning into a Naxalite or a politician. I wanted to find some way to question injustice and corruption. Should I take up a gun or a knife? Should I write poetry or take to art? I decided to make films,” was filmmaker A.R.Muragadoss’ candid revelation on his return to his alma mater – Bishop Heber College – in the city.

In an address that was soul-baring, motivational, and reflective in parts, the director of blockbusters such as ‘Dheena’, ‘Ghajini’, ‘Ramana’ and the recent ‘Ezham Arivu’, recounted his days as a student of B.A.History in the college. The celebrity alumnus was at the college to felicitate a NSS contingent of 60 students and three staff, headed by senior NSS programme officer P.Rajkumar, who walked for 12 days from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to recreate the historic Dandi March.

‘Never won a single contest’

“I believe that a film can bring is social change just like a photograph changed the course of the Vietnam War.” All his movies he pointed out had a stirring message to convey and the inspiration stemmed from his college days. “My professors always made it a point to talk about contemporary issues, corruption, and inequalities while teaching history in the classroom.” The discussions were the crux of his formative years on college and transformed him from a reticent kid with an inferiority complex to an angry student who wanted to question the wrongs. Quoting from his Vijayakanth starrer ‘Ramana’, he said ‘A nation’s fate is in the hands of its students.”

Alluding to the re-enactment of the Dandi March, he said, “It is not enough to retrace Gandhi’s footsteps, we have to achieve what he finally did – freedom. In our case, freedom from corruption.”

Murugadoss had the young audience applauding every nostalgic reference to his salad days spent in the city. “I participated in many inter collegiate competitions, but I never won a single one. I represented the losing side back then, but today I am an achiever I have always hoped I would meet or read about those who won the first, second, and third prizes. They were much more talented than me but they did not take the risk.”

He urged students not to settle for routine jobs or remain contented with leading an ordinary life. “Take a risk. Do something different. When you take a risk, there is a 50-50 chance than you may win or lose. But if you don’t, your life is a 100 per cent failure.”

P.Kumar, Member of Parliament, honoured the team who re-enacted the Dandi march. Mr.Rajkumar, recorded the journey fraught with emotions and challenges through a montage. Saha, radio jockey, Hello FM, appealed to Murugadoss to translate patriotic gestures of heroes of the Kargil War and 26/11 attacks on celluloid to inject patriotism into youth.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/directors-cut-dont-lead-an-ordinary-life-take-risk/article3980361.ece)

here are some very interesting details of pictures about PULIANCHOLAI , PACHAMALAI .

all are taken from this website:http://www.tn.gov.in/trichytourism/puliancholai.htm

1) PULIANCHOLAI:


PULIYANCHOLAI TOURIST CENTRE :

On the foot hills of kollimalai ,a place of scenic beauty is the puliyancholai ,72 kms away from Tiruchirappalli via Thuraiyur filled with full of greenish trees and tamarind groves .This forest region is cool and green with added attraction of the stream. The stream is the natural bathing area for the tourists throughout the year.

There is a water falls in the higher hills which is called Akaya Gangai, Besides ,the water here has medicinal value .The 18 th day of the Tamil month Adi is the time for worshipping the river here and more people visit Puliyancholai that day . Accommodation of two resorts and one Dormitory Building are available here. Puliyancholai to Agasa Gangai Falls(Hill top)is five hours hard Trek.One can have fantastic views of Million years old curved rocks, Dolmens, Pithukkuli Cave, different shaped big stones, forest produces on the way and at the Top plain - Honey, Guava, Orange, Mustard, Fenugreek, Garlic, Paddy, Maze, Millets, Jack fruits (more than 12 varieties) etc.,

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Dolmens-Puliancholai Hills

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HOTEL


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2) PACHAMALAI HILL STATION

Pachamalai is a green hill range ,just 80 kms north of Tiruchiraplli via Thuraiyur. Pachai means Green and malai means mountain.Pachamalai which spread with a few ranges is a haven of the tribal of this region with unique culture and way of life.It's altitude is 500 meters to 1000 meters above msl.This mountain range has in itself different small regions like Thenpara nadu,kombainadu ,Aathi Nadu and Vannadu. It is a good hill range for trekking, to enjoy nature and the animal life .Small streams and falls add colour to these hills .

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really these are must seen places in trichy.

:cheers::cheers:

Butterfly park, a leap towards conservation endeavour

Students should play a key role in sensitising the masses to the conservation of environment, said I. Anwardeen, District Forest Officer on Wednesday.

At a function to mark the distribution of prizes to winners in various competitions held to mark the observance of World Wildlife Week, he said that the forest department has been implementing various programmes in the district.

About four lakh saplings have been planted and the proposed butterfly park would be a gift to the district. :cheers:

He appreciated the students who had participated in the painting and elocution competitions held to mark the observance of the week. He called upon the students to create awareness among their neighbours of environment protection.

K. Balamurugan, Passport Officer, gave away the prizes to the winners. In an interactive session with students, he spoke on the need for expanding the forest cover in the State. Simultaneously, steps should be taken to check felling of trees. D. Paul Dhayabaran, principal of Bishop Heber College, and A.V. Venkatachalam, Conservator of Forests, Tiruchi circle, spoke.

courtesy: Mr. Raja of TP

source: today's hindu paper

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“Like a tree, we must each find a place to grow and branch out,” reads the rear of his visiting card. Its philosophic tenor spills over to the man, who incidentally dominated the screen space as a villain and a character artiste, and held his forte for decades, when heroism ruled the roost. For the uninitiated, meet Radha Ravi, the man who brought certain dignity and grace to on-screen villainy and held his own against the mighty heroism of Tamil filmdom.

On a private visit here, the actor had a free-wheeling chat with The Hindu on films, politics, and beyond . Having successfully imputed his trademark persona to his on-screen roles, Radha Ravi now dons a different role.

He has just been selected by the State of Malacca in Malaysia for its prestigious State award ‘Datuk’.

Incidentally, he is the first Tamil artiste to be conferred the award. Shahrukh Khan received the award earlier. Mr.Ravi would be travelling to Malaysia soon to accept the award. With a slew of Tamil films currently in his kitty, Radha Ravi has just completed “Thittam” a Malaysian Tamil film.

“Malaysian Tamil movies are amateurish, with songs picked up from our old Tamil movies and inserted in between. For the first time, this movie has been made with music composed and lyrics written for the film,” he says. “The movie may not be technically sound, but has been made with good technicians.” He desires to lend his experience and expertise to the rudimentary Malaysian Tamil film industry. With close to four decades in movies, has he contemplated making a foray into direction? Indeed, Radha Ravi is working on directing a project.

“It is set to be produced by a big producer, whose identity I would not want to reveal at this stage,” he says. The seed for the story has lingered with him since mid-70s. And it has been tailor-made for Mr.Ravi and his sister Radhika.

“The story revolves around a brother-sister duo, and could be played by none other than my sister Radhika,” he says. And the politician in the man does not shy away from his political positions.

Was it right to expect actors to join ranks with causes, when they work across languages? Radha Ravi does concede that conflicts exist.

“It is sad to see actor Ambareesh (Kannada star) leading the protests with Mandya farmers (in Karnataka) against release of Cauvery water. He started his career in a Tamil film. But again, he has his compulsions being the MP from Mandya.”

So is the case with many actors. “I cannot expect actor Prakash Raj, who is versatile across languages to express solidarity with a cause,” he says.

Then, how would he justify Nadigar Sangam stonewalling actor Asin for making a promotional trip to Sri Lanka? Radha Ravi does feel that it was bad judgement on her part to make the trip despite Nadigar Sangam’s opposition. ‘This was when Amitabh Bachchan chose not to attend IIFA held in Sri Lanka after our appeal.’ However, I’m opposed to being harsh on actors and insinuating identity politics on them. After all, they have compulsions to work in all languages, he says. On actor Seeman’s political foray, Mr.Ravi is happy that there are people who feel passionate about a cause.

“However, my advice to him often is that do not be harsh on actors for not joining the cause. And his acidic political tone is just his style of talk. That should not offend people,’ says Mr.Ravi.

Admired as much for his on-screen versatility, Mr.Ravi has also often received that occasional flak for his off-screen outspokenness.

“There is a subject and an object. They forget the object, and focus on the subject – Radha Ravi,” he says.

And it has affected his movies. “I’ve done 290 movies and have lost 200 movies for my outspokenness.” There is a philosophic tenor that belies his political candour. “My judgement will give me a friend and an enemy. I cannot go on with a profit and loss account,” says Ravi. And as one hops out, one cannot but sway to the mental hum of Poove Shen Poove – the song that he lip-synced, and one that almost eclipsed his vast repertoire of characters by its sheer melody that soothed as the touch of the first rains.



Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/the-man-who-brought-dignity-and-grace-to-villainy-on-screen/article3986573.ece)

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Arrival of migratory birds to the sanctuary at Karaivetti in Ariyalur district has been on the rise in the last four years and a total of additional 206 species have been spotted in the area.

The species, among other things, include bar-headed goose, greater spotted eagle, and a large number of species of ducks, said A. Relton, staff advisor, Nature Club attached to Bishop Heber College.

Talking to The Hindu on Wednesday, Mr. Relton said that till four years ago, Karaivetti sanctuary was noted for 204 popular species.

In the last four years, an additional 206 species have been spotted there.

The bar-headed goose could have come from the Himalayas, Russian region or Siberia; and greater spotted eagle from Kazakhstan or Mongolia; while the ducks are mainly from Europe.

Varieties in ducks

The varieties in ducks include shoveller, grey lag goose and pin-tailed duck all from Europe, blue-winged teal from Siberia, and tuffed duck from Siberia.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/arrival-of-winged-visitors-on-the-rise/article3986575.ece)

Archmat 2012

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An Art & Architectural product exhibition is to be held on the 12th, 13th & 14th of October 2012 at Kalaignar Arivalayam, Karur Bye pass Road, Tiruchirappalli. The event is being organised by The Archtrust-Tiruchirappalli and The Indian Institute of Architects -Tiruchirappalli. The biannual event is being held for 8th time at Trichy.

The idea behind organising such an event is to create knowledge of the materials available besides exposure and awareness to appreciate an art work.

Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction form, space and ambience that reflect functional, technical, social and aesthetic considerations.

It requires the creative manipulation and coordination of material, technology, light and shadow. Architecture also compasses the pragmatic aspects of realising buildings and structures, including scheduling, cost estimating and construction administration.

Good architecture is possible only with cooperation of well-informed clients. A wider definition may comprise all design activity, from the macro-level (urbal design, landscape architecture) to the micro-level (construction details and furniture).

As documentation produced by architects, typically drawings, plans and technical specifications, architecture defines the structure and/or behaviour of building or any other kind of system that is to be or has been constructed.

Art work including murals, wooden sculptures, Tanjore paintings, clay sculptures, caricature, clay jewellery, wooden jewellery, silk thread bangles and jewellery are also exhibited. Other exhibited materials include floor & wall Tiles, Electrical fittings, Doors, ply woods, Kitchen Cabinets, Water Proofing components, granites, pipe materials, ornamental glass works etc.

Trichy positioned to the centre of the state is poised for growth and development in the years to come could be planned with eco friendly one. :cheers:

The exhibition will benefit the manufacturer, who will come into contact with potential customers who are planning to built, as they are personally invited by the respective architects. The architects will be present at the exhibition venue to help their clients choose the right materials during the days.

Efforts is made to expose fading art of our place and provide a platform for artists and artisans to exhibit their skill and also let the public have first hand experience in seeing them work as well as seeing the end products.


courtesy: Mr. Raja of TP

source: today's hindu paper

Flower business all set to bloom across Trichy

TRICHY: The Srirangam wholesale flower market in Trichy, known for its famous garlands, is gearing up for an increase in flower sales from the start of the Navaratri festival that is round the corner.:cheers:

Flower sales saw a decline during the Tamil month 'Purattaasi' when no temple festival and auspicious functions take place at homes. Interestingly, there is always a demand for flowers irrespective of rate.

This flower market has been satisfying the needs of people for many decades. Flowers like Jasmine, Champanki, Chrysanthemum, wild jasmine and Pichi are made available for making garlands to offer to deities. Srirangam garlands are unique for their precision. These garlands are made using banana tree fibre by tying Viruchi (red), Champak (white) and Maruvam or Thulasi or Saamanthi (white) flowers.

Even though the garlands are usually made with these flowers in all places, Srirangam garlands are welcomed for their quality.

However, flower sales have not been impressive in the current month as it is considered inauspicious to hold festivals in temples and functions at homes. Hence the flower price is under control as of now. But it is expected to skyrocket once Navarathri begins on October 16.

"Wholesalers in the market are receiving flowers from Ettarai, Thoppu, Kuzhumani and Mannachanallur in Trichy district as well as from Salem and Bangalore. We are getting Rs 150 to Rs 200 for 1 kg of Jasmine. People can now get Jasmine for Rs 10 per 100 buds. But the price would go up shortly. A kg of Jasmine will cost Rs 1,000 approximately during Navaratri. Likewise, the rate of other varieties of flowers would also be hiked. Nevertheless, people, especially women, love to wear them," said P Arunachalam, a flower vendor from Srirangam.

He also said, "Though people always like flowers, cultivation in Trichy district has declined due to labour shortage in the fields. Since flowers are imported from Bangalore and Salem, we are able to do business. Moreover, there is always a demand in the market for Manoranjitham, Senbagam and Paarijatham flowers which are known for their fragrances."

A shop run by V Raju in the market brings pride to the Srirangam wholesale market as he has been supplying approximately 40 kg of 'Viruchi' flower to the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam (TTD) for poojas daily. In addition to that, as many as 30 specially designed 'Sigamani', 'Saligramam' and 'Thirubababaram' garlands are being sent to TTD twice a week.

"I am proud to send flowers from our shop in Srirangam to TTD for the past 10 years. We consider it virtuous to send flowers to Lord Venkatachalapathy," said Raju.

"Nowadays, most modern-day women refrain from wearing flowers. Flowers are being used for poojas as a large number of people prefer to go to temples in search of peace of mind. Many of them use flowers for decorations at home. Earlier, full moon day and new moon day were chosen for poojas. Of late, people are choosing 'Theipirai Ashtami' (the eighth day after the new moon day) as per instructions from astrologers. So, the market for flowers is always good," added Raju.

courtesy: Mr. Raja of TP

^^This could be the only article regarding the flower market of Srirangam and the flower production of Trichy in recent times. I remember famous one Thathachiar thottam from where fruits and flowers are grown, but dont know where is it exactly.

Hope they stop importing from other places and make the market special with only flowers of the Trichy soil.

^^This could be the only article regarding the flower market of Srirangam and the flower production of Trichy in recent times. I remember famous one Thathachiar thottam from where fruits and flowers are grown, but dont know where is it exactly.

Hope they stop importing from other places and make the market special with only flowers of the Trichy soil.

The Thathachariar Thottam is in Mambazha Salai, Tiruvanaikoil. This used to be one of the famous places in TN for mangoes. But it has converted into plots few decades ago and now only a part of the place is still being green with coconut trees and gardens. You can notice this place once you cross the River Cauvery in train towards Srirangam station on the left hand side.

SRIRANGAM TEMPLE to be declared as WORLD HERITAGE SITE SOON

:cheers::cheers:

ஸ்ரீரங்கம் கோவிலை உலக பாரம்பரிய சின்னமாக அறிவிக்க உத்தேசம்:மத்திய அமைச்சர்
பதிவு செய்த நாள் : அக்டோபர் 14,2012,18:52 IST

கும்பகோணம்: ""மகாமக குளத்தின் புனிதத்தை, பொதுமக்கள் போற்றி பாதுகாக்க வேண்டும்,'' என மத்திய அமைச்சர் குமாரி செல்ஜா தெரிவித்தார்.இது குறித்து கும்பகோணத்தில் நிருபர்களிடம் மத்திய நகர்ப்புற வீட்டுவசதி, வறுமை ஒழிப்பு மற்றும் கலாச்சாரத்துறை அமைச்சர் குமாரி செல்ஜா கூறியதாவது: சோழர் காலத்திய சிற்பங்கள் மிகவும் அற்புதமாக உள்ளது. இதை போற்றி பாதுகாக்க வேண்டும். தஞ்சை பெரியகோவில், தாராசுரம் கோவில்கள் போல், திருபுவனம் கம்பகரேஸ்வரர்கோவில், துக்காச்சி ஆபத் சகாயேஸ்வரர் கோவில்களின் கட்டமைப்புகள் ஒரே மாதிரி இருப்பதால், இதுகுறித்து முன்மொழிவுகள், கருத்துருகள் வந்தால், இந்திய தொல்பொருள் ஆய்வுத்துறை பராமரிப்பது குறித்து முடிவு செய்யப்படும்.



சென்னை புனித ஜார்ஜ்கோட்டை, மகாபலிபுரம் புலிக்காடு ஏரி, சங்கரன்கோவில் கழுகுமலை, ஸ்ரீரங்கம் கோவில், செட்டிநாடு பங்களா ஆகியவற்றை, உலக பாரம்பரிய சின்னமாக யு*னெஸ்கோவால் அறிவிக்க உத்தேசிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.இவ்வாறு அமைச்சர் கூறினார்.


source link: http://www.dinamalar.com/News_Detail.asp?Id=565365

a wonderful article about Trichy in CAPER----- India's largest and
No 1 tourism operator

http://www.capertravelindia.com/images/pageslider-img/tamilnadu-trichy-sri-ranganathaswamy-temple.jpg


http://www.capertravelindia.com/images/pageslider-img/tamilnadu-trichy-rock-fort-temple.jpg


Trichy, the fourth largest city of Tamilnadu is also known as Tiruchy and Tiruchirappalli. Situated on the bank of Cauvery, Trichy is a city that enjoys richness in every aspect. Being an industrial and educational hub, this amazing city attracts the youth and the growing sector, whereas rich culture and historical monuments allure tourists across the globe. :cheers:



Hindu festivals and traditional welcome add some more flavour to the Trichy tour. This famous land has gained immense appreciation for artificial diamonds, hand loom cloth, cigars, glass bangles and wooden and clay toys. Trichy enjoys international popularity for a brand of cheroot which is known as Trichinopoly cigar.
Spots That Fascinate


Temples
Rock Fort temple is the most famous temple complex in Trichy. It houses different temples in its complex including Thayumaanavar, Maanikka vinayagar and Uchchi pillayar temples. Bird eye view of Trichy can be experienced from here.Spell bound architecture of the history can be witnessed at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple,which is the most popular temple of Trichy and represent sleeping form of Lord Vishnu. Jambukeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and known as a sacred place of five elements.


Some other major temples include Gangaikondacholapuram, Viralimalai Murugan, The Maariamman, Tiruvanaikkaval, Gunaseelam Vishnu, Vekkaliamman and Vayalur Murugan Temple.
Churches


St John's Church and St. Joseph’s Church are the two most popular tourist attractions that are known for their beauty, spirituality and also for their old architecture.

Other attractions of Trichy

Government Museum, Kallanai Dam, Mukkombu, Jaamiya Masjid, Puliyancholai, and Thablay Aalam Baadsha Dhargah are also must to visit during you travel to Trichy.


When to Visit:
The sacred city of Trichy welcomes its tourists throughout the year but the best time to travel here is considered in between the month of October to March.


Accommodation:
Trichy tour can be enjoyed with the accommodation facility in budget, mild range and splurge hotels.
How to Reach:
By Air
Tiruchirapalli Airport is counted among the busiest airports. All major service providers facilitate travellers with regular domestic as well as international flights.
By Road
Tourist who travel to Trichy can take bus services from any nearby city. A wide network of roads connects Trichy with all important cities.
By Rail
Southern railway service connects Trichy with frequent service to and from different cities of Tamil Nadu and all prime locations of the country.


:) :cheers::cheers:

source link: http://www.capertravelindia.com/tamilnadu/trichy.html

Medicinal plant conservation area proposed at Pachamalai (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/medicinal-plant-conservation-area-proposed-at-pachamalai/article3998053.ece)

Rich in natural vegetation and comprising a large number of endemic, endangered and vulnerable plant species, the vast patch of ‘Kannimar Shola’ in the scenic Pachamalai hills has been identified as a zone of significant floral diversity by the State forest department.

The department has proposed to accord a special status to the nearly 200-hectare ‘Kannimaar Shola’ area and designate it as a Medicinal Plant Conservation Area (MPCA) for in situ conservation of medicinal plant species and other plant species in natural habitats by involving the local community in the hills.

The ‘Kannimar Shola’ area is a unique wet evergreen forest type in the eastern ghats with medicinal plants diversity, and other rare and endangered plant species.

The thick vegetation acts a central habitat for many birds and different species of butterflies.

Having identified the vast patch as a biodiversity hot spot and as an MPCA, the department will soon forward a detailed project to the National Medicinal Plants Board, a statutory body, seeking funds for in situ conservation of natural vegetation most of which were being used by the tribals for making traditional medicines.

The conservation strategy would be devised with active involvement of the local community by constituting joint forest management committees and protect the area from biotic factors of degradation such as illicit felling of trees, grazing, fire and destructive methods of collection of medicinal plants, says District Forest Officer I. Anwardeen.

The department has also proposed to carry out a floristic survey of the area to determine the species composition and identify rare, endangered and threatened listed plant species besides monitoring their regeneration status. Complete documentation of the species is also proposed to be done once the funds are sanctioned.

There are 11 MPCAs in different places in Tamil Nadu including in Kodaikanal, Kolli hills in Salem, Top Slip near Pollachi, Alagarkoil in Dindigul, Pechiparai in Kanyakumari, and Thenmalai in Tiruppatur. Mr. Anwardeen said MPCAs are reserve forest sites of high biodiversity value and known for their medicinal plant diversity.

Union minister for culture, Kumari Selja on Sunday visited famous temples around Kumbakonam and said that the culture ministry has included five sites in Tamil Nadu, including the famous Lord Sri Ranganathar temple in Srirangam, in the tentative list for the Unesco world heritage status.

She was on a heritage tour to Thanjavur on Saturday and on Sunday she visited some famous temples including the Lord Iravatheeswarar temple in Kumbakonam. Later, addressing media persons in Swamymalai, Selja said that Fort St George in Chennai, Kazhugumalai in Tirunelveli district, Chettinad in Sivaganga district and Pulicat Lake in Tiruvallur district are the other four sites included in the list for world heritage status. Moreover, if the state government and the local administration send the proposal, the Centre would consider them for inclusion of the sites in the world heritage status list, she added. The minister said that the culture ministry would consider an appeal by the district collector to maintain the Saraswathi Mahal library on a par with international standards. She also visited the nearby Thirubuvanam, known for its silk saris and wanted the traditional industry to be kept up. Similarly, she noted achievements of the bronze idol industry here and said orders were being received from world over.

Commenting about plans of announcing Kumbakonam Mahamaham as a national festival, she said that the ministry had no such proposal at the moment. She said that the people should also extend their cooperation to the government to maintain the purity of the Mahamaham tank.

Source : TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Srirangam-temple-among-five-Tamil-Nadu-sites-in-Unesco-tentative-list/articleshow/16815967.cms)

NBT goes all out to motivate regional language publications

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The National Book Trust (NBT), India, under the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, is going all out to motivate the regional language publications to participate in a big way at the World Book Fair scheduled at Pragathi Maidan in New Delhi in February next year. Until its last edition, the World Book Fair organised by NBT, was held once two years. Following overwhelming response from book lovers, it was decided to make it an annual affair.

The NBT has already launched an exclusive World Book Fair 2013 website to create awareness on the forthcoming expo, Mr.T.Mathan Raj, assistant editor (Tamil), NBT, told The Hindu here on Sunday. The book fair organised by NBT concluded here yesterday.

50% discount

To rope in more regional language publishers, the NBT has been providing 50 per cent discount in stall rent . NBT has also come forward to provide one stall free of cost to each regional language publishing association .

In Tamil Nadu, this offer has been made to BAPASI, which has been organising Chennai Book Fair successfully every year.

The regional publishing houses, which will find the rent of stalls too high, can take advantage of this offer, to display their works.

He said that every year one country will be accorded the status of ‘guest of honour country’ at the World Book Fair.

For the February 2013 fair the honour has been bestowed on France.

The theme of the forthcoming fair is ‘tribal literature’ and the NBT has planned to register indigenous literature in a big way at the World Book Fair.

Platform for discussion

The World Book Fair will provide a good opportunity to regional publishers to meet renowned writers and publishing houses of world languages, with whom they can hold negotiations on vital issues of copyright, and forge links.

Referring to the Tiruchi Book Fair, which the NBT organised for the first time in association with district administration and Rotary Club of Tiruchi, he said that the fair was a big hit and the locals wanted to extend the expo by some more days.

Mohammed Hussain, president, Rotary Club of Tiruchi, said that the fair had gladdened the book lovers of Tiruchi and neighbouring districts and publishing houses that had put up stalls. :cheers:

courtesy: Mr.Raja of TP

source: today's hindu paper

http://www.dailythanthi.com/thanthiepaper/18102012/FE_1810_MN_02_Try_42.jpg

this refers to Srirangam temple ippasi month festival .

courtesy: admin sir of TP

here is some good article reflecting trichy's tourism potential

Local travel is flavour of this festive season

BANGALORE: Footloose Bangaloreans are heading to shorthaul destinations this festive season.

The hill stations of Ooty, Kodagu, Kodaikanal and Wayanad are hot favourites. And leading travel providers say it's simply because such tours are both easy on the pocket and time. Some travellers opt to visit remote locations, accessible only by road or rail, and prefer to stay at homestays instead of five-star properties.

"The most popular destinations this festive season include Kodaikanal, Bandipur, Munnar , Alleppey, Kumarakom and Kovalam and the average holiday lasts six days," said Karan Anand, head (relationships), Cox & Kings Ltd.

With air travel becoming costly, travellers are checking out tourist attractions within the state or close by whenever they can as it's an affordable way to take a break from the daily grind.

"This year, we're seeing a demand for destinations like Kodaikanal, Ooty and Mysore. There's also demand for other domestic destinations like Puducherry, Madurai, Mahabalipuram and Tiruchirapalli," said Neelu Singh, COO of an online travel service provider.

Bangaloreans have started packing their bags. From Friday , many are out of the city and will return only by Wednesday . A few will come back by next weekend.

"It's always a pleasure to revisit Coorg. This hill station always mesmerizes me and it's the first name that comes to mind at the thought of a short trip. Travelling within the state gives me the option of spending less and rushing back to Bangalore if there's some urgent matter to be handled," said Smita Mathur, an IT professional travelling with her husband and child to Kodagu district for four days.

For some, it's also time for spiritual refreshment: holy towns like Srisailam in the Nallamala Hills, Andhra Pradesh and Shirdi in Maharashtra have reported a large number of bookings. For those who want to venture a little farther and have a vehicle, there's always Matheran.

Preferred destinations

Kodaikanal, Bandipur, Mysore, Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kovalam, Puducherry, Madurai, Mahabalipuram, Tiruchirapalli, Shirdi, Srisailam, Matheran

Going local

Over 400 domestic destinations are being explored by Indians, according to recent study

Indians are going local across the country, saving on time and money

courtesy: Mr. Raja from TP

source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Local-travel-is-flavour-of-this-festive-season/articleshow/16876208.cms

:cheers::cheers:

Travel agents take a virtual ‘roadshow’ to popular spots

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From the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, a luxurious five star medical health resort situated in the beautiful foothills of Alps in Switzerland to the popular tourist destinations in the world’s biggest archipelago-Indonesia-and exotic beaches and natural islands in Maldives, the travel trade industry here was taken on a virtual tour during a presentation on Saturday.

The participating travel agents also had a peek of some of the leading international hospitality chains at the ‘Roadshow’ organised jointly by the New Delhi headquartered Outbound Marketing in association with the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), South Tamil Nadu chapter here.

A first-of-its-kind initiative in Tiruchi showcasing tourism destinations in Indonesia and Maldives besides prominent global hospitality chains in the United States, United Kingdom and South Africa, the ‘Roadshow’ was aimed at introducing new and unique travel products, destinations and experiences to the travel agents to enable them to be relevant to today’s demanding consumers and market the products to the clients in tier –II cities.

One-on-one interaction

The ‘Roadshow’ provided a platform for travel agents of Tiruchi and those from other parts of the State to have a one-on-one interaction with the Indian representatives of the international hospitality chains such as the ACCOR Hotels, Choice Hotels Internationals, United States, Guoman and Thistle Hotels, UK and Sun International Hotels and Resorts in South Africa. :cheers:

The idea behind organising the event was to introduce travel agents with newer products and destinations in order to promote them to their clients, said Vasudha Sondhi, managing director, Outbound Marketing, in her opening remarks at the ‘Roadshow’.

In the 10{+t}{+h}year in this business, Outbound Marketing had planned to conduct similar ‘Roadshows’ in many cities across the country, Ms. Vasudha said adding that the events had already been organised at Coimbatore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Mysore, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

The response to the ‘Roadshows’ had been good and the travel agents were happy with the initiative, said Ms. Vasudha. Established in 2002, Outbound Marketing provides sales and marketing solutions to international hospitality chains, tourism boards and destinations.

The chairman, TAAI, South Tamil Nadu chapter M.S. Parramasivam said the ‘Roadshow’ was a first-of-its-kind initiative organised in Tiruchi for the benefit of the travel agents in order to expose them to newer destinations.


courtesy: Mr.Prasanna of TP

source : today's hindu paper

^^

a very good initiative indeed and a much needed one :cheers:
http://www.trichyportal.com/forum/styles/subsilver2/imageset/en/icon_post_report.gif (http://www.trichyportal.com/forum/report.php?f=3&p=24656)

http://www.dailythanthi.com/thanthiepaper/26102012/FE_2610_MN_03_Try_52.jpg
:cheers:
courtesy: Mr.Raja sir of TP

http://m.timesofindia.com/thumb.cms?msid=16978480&width=600&height=500

TOI takes you through street foods that must not be missed this shopping season. The bright lights of busy stores go off after a busy day of sales. At this time, a walk in the city's commercial streets opens up a whole new world of food right before one's eyes. Stalls selling parottas, biriyani, fried meats, vegetable stew and many other street foods seem to spring up magically as dusk falls.

Economical, quick and accessible, street food fills your tummy and sets your taste buds on fire any time, any day. "After browsing scores and scores of shops, visiting these food stores is heavenly. Sometimes we go out just to eat during the late evenings rather than shopping," says an engineering student, Poornima R. To the foodie, Trichy can boast of dishes that date back many decades like the Burmese noodles which are served in the same way as it was once traditionally prepared. The owner of this noodle stall was a resident of Burma who migrated to Trichy, starting the shop in 1981.

Some food shops have ruled the tummies for decades and are famous in the city. "I can't think of a better place for biryani than 'Raoji's'. The food is over the minute the stall opens. I have seen scores of people waiting in queue for the food. The accompaniments that come along are as yummy as the main dish. That is why you are supposed to eat the food right here on the streets rather than collect parcels," quips Rajesh Punjabi, a financier. Most feel the true essence of street food is lost if it is packed up to be eaten at home. It is not just about the taste, but relishing the sights, sounds and smells that makes this a joyous experience for many.

Street food gets most people salivating as it is flavourful, fragrant and most improtantly — it is fresh. One reason for the freshness is that there are no leftovers... the food is prepared on the same day as it is served. Some regulars have been visiting the stalls since childhood, but to others there is the joy of a happy discovery. Some stalls play with local flavors and customize their food according to different palates. Gopi Chinnapa, an MCA student, says, "I ask for extra pepper in my eggs while some of my friends prefer extra onions... our tastes keep changing and the cook patiently follows this. That is the main reason these shops have so many fans. Even if we try making this food at home, it somehow never matches the tastes here!" Well said! Street food is truly a reminder that variety is the spice of life!

^^^^

this is my favourite shop.

i will make my stomach emty during sundays and visit this outlets once in 15 days to have a mouthful dish.

the taste is the hallmark of this shop:cheers:

http://m.timesofindia.com/thumb.cms?msid=16978480&width=600&height=500



Gnyabagam Varudhe !!! Gnyabagam Varudhe !!!

The best noodles I have ever tasted on the streets. :banana:

Festival of sacrifice celebrated with gaiety :)

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01250/27oct_tysms04_B_TY_1250608e.jpg

Special khutba prayers marked Eid-ul-Zuha, popularly known as Bakrid, in various parts of the central districts on Saturday. The festival marks the completion of the annual Haj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam. A large number of young and old, in new attire, offered special prayers in the Eidgahs and mosques in the city, towns and villages.

Muslims offered prayers in the Eidgah Maidan in the cantonment area, Nawab Mosque, Big Chowk, Hazrath Nathaharvali Dargah Mosque, N. M. Mosque, Palakkarai, Jamal Mohamed College Mosque, Jailania Mosque and Subramaniapuram. The prayers were also held in the mosques in the major towns of Manapparai, Thuraiyur and Musiri.

In Thanjavur town, Muslims offered prayers in various mosques, including Jumma Mosque on the bank of the Grand Anicut canal, Eidgah Mosque in VOC Colony, Medical College Road Mosque and Athahar Mahalla Mosque.

The prayers were held in the mosques in Muslim dominated towns of Nagore, Muthupettai, Koothanallur, Papanasam, Pandavaradai and Rajagiri. The festival is also known as ‘festival of sacrifice’. The highlight of the festival is that Muslims after the prayers sacrifice goats.

It is a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's great test of obedience to Allah, who ordered him to sacrifice the person dearest to him. Hazrath Ibrahim decided to sacrifice his son Ismail, at Mina, near Makkah.

As the great religious leader was on the point of applying the sword to the throat of his dear son, it was revealed to him that the exercise was merely a test of his faith in Allah, and that he could sacrifice a ram instead.

The sacrificial meat was distributed to the poor and relatives. People from all walks of life greeted the Muslims.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp ... 039932.ece (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/festival-of-sacrifice-celebrated-with-gaiety/article4039932.ece)

courtesy: admin sir of TP

Thiruvallarai Temple - Duraiyur Road

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Random Shots @ Srirangam

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East Gopuram
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Samayapuram Temple Gopuram

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^^
cool pictures kg sir:)

samayapuram temple is getting a facelift of Rs 18 CRORES from tourism department.

srirangam is gonna changing its face to world-class tourist spot.

:banana::cheers:

Fantastic pictures of Srirangam gopuram. Thanks Kg.

Was this picture taken from Rams Maris?

http://epaper.dinakaran.com/pdf/2012/10/31/20121031g_014106011.jpg

^^Yes is from Raams Maris only, new city skyline is awsome.

Hope some more high rises comes around.

But this shows people are in want of houses in the city more.

Was this picture taken from Rams Maris?

http://epaper.dinakaran.com/pdf/2012/10/31/20121031g_014106011.jpg

wow ! rocking and scintillating view.

the uyyakondan river channel cutting across it is really superb.
:cheers:

^^Yes is from Raams Maris only, new city skyline is awsome.

Hope some more high rises comes around.

But this shows people are in want of houses in the city more.

Thanks. I too thought it was from Rams Maris.

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01255/02FR_DRAMA_SYED_1255097f.jpg

The highlight of the seventh anniversary of the Tiruchi Mavatta Nataka Nadigargal Sangam was the conferring of the titles, ‘Kalai Semmal’ and ‘Valar Ilam Kalaignar’ on the senior and budding stage artists, respectively. Rasu Maduravan, film director, conferred the titles on them at a function held at the Rasika Ranjana Sabha auditorium in Tiruchi recently.

While ‘Kalai Semmal’ award was conferred on M.S. Jagan, Sinivasan, A.P.S. Manimaran and K. Varadharajan, ‘Valar Ilam Kalaignar’ award was conferred on K. Barakath Ali and A. Ahmed Ibrahim.

Jagan said that he left his house in Mayiladuthurai at a very young age due to his interest in theatre and joined the ‘Sri Vairam Drama Troupe,’ Chennai. He acted in all the plays staged by Kallal Ramanathan, husband of renowned comedian, Manorama. He had also acted in various plays starring yesteryear stars such as S.A. Natarajan, T.R. Ramachandran, Angamuthu, ‘Kuladeivam’ Rajagopal and ‘Kallapart’ Natarajan. He launched his own ‘Kalaivani Nataka Sabha’ and staged plays in various parts of the State. On spotting his talent, R.S. Manohar made him a member of his troupe. In the recent past he acted along with K. Bhagyaraj, Sangili Murugan, Goundamani and ‘Pasi’ Sathya.

Various awards

G. Sivan Srinivasan’s ‘Karumari Creations’ has staged plays across the State for the past three decades. His troupe has been recognised by the Government of India and his dramas, focused on creating an awareness, were staged more than 4,000 times. He also had the opportunity to stage a drama promoting national integration in the presence of the then President of India late R. Venkatraman. He was the recipient of Culcon Award, Malcolm Heritage award, Wisdom International award, Perunthalaivar Kamarak award, Puducherry Government award etc. He had also acted in Cho Ramaswamy’s ‘Enge Brahmanan’ and 990 episodes of the TV serial ‘Roja’ produced by AVM. At present he is acting in different serials being telecast by Jaya TV, Vijay TV, Zee TV, etc.

Manimaran launched his drama career along with a group of friends at the age of 22. Due to financial crisis, all his friends abandoned him. But he continued his quest and boldly staged the play ‘Thangaiah? Thaarama?, which was a big hit. Under the auspices of Muthamizh Kalai Mandram he staged more than 30 plays. Besides acting, he was also in charge of story, dialogue and direction. Some of his plays that were staged have won prizes in the competitions held in Thanjavur, Tiruchi, Neyveli, Puducherry, Erode, Nagapattinam, etc. His drama troupe ‘Tamizhannai Kalai Mandram,’ which he promoted later won the best drama award in the contest conducted by South Indian Film Actors Association. Manimaran, who is 75-years old, is still active in the drama field.

K. Varadarajan began his career in theatre in 1983 through the play, ‘Sumangali.’ He has staged more than 500 plays so far and scripted about 15 social plays. He launched many drama schools in Namakkal, Salem and Erode districts. He won the ‘Kalai kaavalar’ and ‘Kalaiperarasu’ awards.

K. Barakath Ali of Ramanathapuram district and A. Ahmed Ibrahim of Madurai, are disciples of Madurai Tipu Sulthan. Barakath Ali had acted as hero in the drama ‘Pudhu Kathal.’ This role fetched him the outstanding actor award. Ahmed Ibrahim is also a good cameraman.

http://www.thehindu.com/arts/theatre/on-stage-with-zest/article4054355.ece

^^A big cheers for these guys:cheers::cheers:
Still such old arts are kept alive by such peoples:)

எம்எல்ஏ வலியுறுத்தல் மலைக்கோட்டை கோயிலுக்கு இழுவை ரயில் விட வேண்டும்

திருச்சி, : மலைக்கோட்டை கோயிலுக்கு இழுவை ரயில் அமைக்க வேண்டும் என்று எம்எல்ஏ மனோகரன் வலியுறுத்தியுள்ளார். திருச்சி கிழக்கு தொகுதி எம்எல்ஏ மனோகரன் சட்டப் பேரவையில் நேற்று பேசியதாவது:

திருச்சி மலைக்கோட்டை சுகப்பிரசவ பிரார்த்தனை தலமாகவும், சுற்றுலா மையமாகவும் உள்ளது. இங்குள்ள உச்சிப் பிள்ளையார் கோயிலுக்கு உள்ளூர், வெளியூர், வெளிநாடுகளில் இருந்து தினமும் ஏராளமானோர் வருகை தருகின்றனர். இங்கு வரும் முதியோர் மற்றும் மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகள் மலைப்படிகளில் ஏறி, இறங்க சிரமப்படுகின்றனர். அவர்களது சிரமத்தைப் போக்கும் வகையில், மலைக்கோட்டை கோயிலுக்கு இழுவை ரயில் இயக்கப்பட வேண்டும் என்று பொதுமக்கள் பல ஆண்டுகளாக கோரிக்கை விடுத்து வருகின்றனர். இது தொடர்பாக நீண்ட காலமாக ஆய்வு செய்து வருகின்றனர். எனவே இழுவை ரயிலை அமைத்து தர வேண்டும் என்று திருச்சி மக்கள், பக்தர்கள் சார்பாக கேட்டுக் கொள்கிறேன்.

இவ்வாறு அவர் பேசினார்.

courtesy: prasanna sir of TP

ராஜகோபுரத்தை மறைக்கும் அடுக்குமாடி கட்டிடங்கள் ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில் கட்ட தடை அதிகாரிகள் ரகசிய கணக்கெடுப்பு


திருச்சி,: ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில் ராஜகோபுரத்தை மறைக்கும் விதமாக அடுக்குமாடி கட்டிடங்கள் கட்டுவதற்கு தடை விதிக்க அதிகாரிகள் ரகசிய கணக்கெடுப்பில் ஈடுபட்டுள்ளது தெரியவந்துள்ளது. பூலோக வைகுண்டம் என அழைக்கப்படும் ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர் கோயில் உலக பிரசித்த பெற்ற ஆன்மீக தலமாக விளங்கி வருகிறது. 108 வைணவ திருத்தலங்களில் முதன்மையானதாக திகழும் இத்திருத்தலத்தின் ராஜகோபுரம் 13 நிலைகள், 13 செப்புக்கலசங்களுடன் 236 அடி உயரம் உடையது. இக்கோயிலுக்கு தமிழகம் மட்டுமின்றி, பிற மாநிலங்கள் மற்றும் வெளிநாடுகளைச் சேர்ந்த ஏராளமானோர் தினமும் வந்து செல்கின்றனர்.


இந்த கோயில் காவிரி மற்றும் கொள்ளிடத்திற்கு இடையே அமைந்துள்ளதாலும், வழிபாட்டு தலங்கள் அதிகமாக உள்ளதாலும் ஸ்ரீரங்கம் பகுதியில் குடியிருக்க பெரும்பான்மையான மக்கள் விரும்புகின்றனர். இதனால் இந்த பகுதிகளில் வீடுகளை வாங்கவும், வாடகைக்கு பிடிக் கவும் கடும் போட்டி நிலவி வருகிறது. இதனை பயன்படுத்தி, ஸ்ரீரங்கம் பகுதியில் அடுக்குமாடி குடியிருப்பு களை கட்டி விற்பனை செய்ய கட் டுமான நிறுவனங்களும் ஆர்வம் காட்டி வருகின்றன. தற்போது ஸ்ரீரங்கம் பகுதியில் நூற்றுக்கும் அதிகமான அடுக்குமாடி குடியிருப்புகள் உள்ளன. மேலும் அதிகளவில் அடுக்குமாடி குடியிருப்புகள் கட்டும் பணி வேகமாக நடந்து வருகிறது. இதற்கிடையே ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ராஜகோபுரத்திற்கு அருகே 40 மீட்டர் தொலைவுக்கு எந்த கட்டிடமும் இருக்கக்கூடாது எனவும், அதன்பின் ஒரு கிலோ மீட்டர் தூரம் வரை 9 மீட்டர் உயரத்திற்கு மேல் (ஒரு தரைத்தளம், 2 மேல் தளங்கள் மட்டும்) கட்டிடம் கட்டவும் தடை உள்ளது.

இதனை பொருட்படுத்தாமல் பல மாடி கட்டிடங்கள் அதிகளவில் கட்டப்படுவதால், தூரத்தில் சாலைகளில் இருந்து பார்க்கும்போது ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ராஜகோபுரம் மறைக்கப் படுவதாக பக்தர்கள் புகார் எழுப்பி வந்தனர். இதைத்தொடர்ந்து, ஸ்ரீரங்கம் பகுதியில் கோயிலுக்கு அருகே எத்தனை மீட்டர் தூரத்தில், எத்தனை அடுக்குமாடி குடியிருப்புகள் அமைந்துள்ளன, அவற்றின் உயரம் என்ன, அவற்றில் ராஜகோபுரத்தை மறைக்கும் வகையில் அமைந்துள்ள கட்டிடங்கள் எவை என்பது பற்றி தற்போது ரகசிய சர்வே எடுக்கப்பட்டு வருகிறது.

இதுபற்றி அதிகாரிகளிடம் கேட்டபோது, ஸ்ரீரங்கம் பகுதியை மேம்படுத்தும் நடவடிக்கையை தமிழக அரசு மேற்கொண்டு வருகிறது. அதன் ஒருபகுதியாக ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில் இனிவரும் காலங்களில் வானுயர்ந்த அடுக்குமாடி குடியிருப்புகள் கட்ட தடை விதிப்பது பற்றியும், புதிய கட்டிடங்களுக்கு கடுமையான கட்டுப்பாடுகளை விதிப்பது பற்றியும் ஆலோசனை நடத்தப்பட்டு வருகிறது. அதற்காகவே இந்த கணக்கெடுப்பு நடத்தப்படுகிறது என்றனர்.

courtesy: prasanna sir of TP

http://epaper.dinakaran.com/pdf/2012/11/06/20121106a_005106009.jpg

^^
SRIRANGAM going world-class in Tourism and the facilties on par with TIRUPATHI

this will rope in more and more foriegn and and national tourist vistors , thus magnificiently increasing the potential and patronage of international flights and tourism potential

:banana::cheers::banana::cheers:

courtesy: Mr. Raja of TP

‘Fight for conservation begins at home’

G.SATHYAMOORTHI


Face-to-face programme on rejuvenation of water bodies in Tiruchi

Home-grown wisdom:Vanitha Mohan, managing trustee, Siruthuli, speaking at a seminar organised by Inner Wheel Club of Tiruchi Malaikottai and Inner Wheel Club of Tiruchirapalli in the city on Tuesday.

: Every citizen can contribute towards conserving water and give back something to Nature, Vanitha Mohan, managing trustee of Siruthuli, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to protect water, said here on Tuesday.

“Begin your endeavour towards this at home,” she urged the public of Tiruchi. “The government or the corporation alone cannot do everything and it is you – the individual – who plays a crucial role,” she added.

Speaking at the face-to-face programme, organised by Inner Wheel Club of Tiruchi Malaikottai and Inner Wheel of Club of Tiruchirapalli, on ‘rejuvenation of water bodies in Tiruchi’, she pointed out that though 75 per cent of the planet is water, only one per cent is potable .” Of that, 70 per cent goes to irrigation and 22 per cent to industry.

Thus only 0.08 per cent is available for drinking.”

She posed an important question haunting administrators and planners – are moving towards an era of thirst?

Heading the NGO with its headquarters in Coimbatore, she explained the predicament of the “Manchester of South India” which faced water scarcity during the beginning of this century.

“As we were pushed to the wall, we decided to take on the challenges despite a lot of discouragement and thus Siruthuli was born, meaning a small drop. Every drop conserved could mean a lot.”

Outlining the major objectives of Siruthli, she said it focused on water resources management, afforestation, waste management, and creating awareness among citizens lest the programme would fall on its face.

She explained how removal of encroachments and demarcation of embankments of water sources played a crucial role. Besides, by removing silt from tanks, Siruthuli could reclaim as much as 230 million cubic feet of water, she added.

Terming tanks important, she spoke on the importance of rejuvenating them. Besides removing silt from anicuts, creating new water bodies would also be required.

By going in for a watershed development project, she said every drop of rainwater could be saved.

By constructing rain water harvesting (RWH) structures, she was certain a substantial amount of water could be saved. For instance, she said 100 mm rainfall on one hectare could help harvest one million litres of water.

She outlined the salient features of an aquifer atlas and said they had proved to be a boon in Coimbatore. “The groundwater level which was 150 ft in May 2005 improved to touch 40 ft in May 2012.”

Several areas where water level was below 150 ft in 2003-04 saw the level rise to 20 to 50 ft in 2012, she added.

Underlining the need for afforestation, she said a large number of children suffered because of air pollution and trees would prove to be “lungs of life”.

Hence, Siruthuli’s “pasumai payanam” aimed at planting 1.50 million saplings and so far 0.3 million have been planted. Its latest programme is “growing green lungs for the city (urban forests).” She outlined how her organisation had launched a major drive in this regard including a special programme for children under the title “Sittukkaludan Siruthuli”.

Under the programme, a number of schoolchildren are enlightened about these issues every Friday .

Ms.Mohan dwelt at length on the importance of utilising biodegradable waste generated at home to raise kitchen gardens. While no biodegradable waste should be allowed to go out of one’s home, she stressed the need for rejecting plastics.

Corporation Commissioner V.P.Thandapani spoke on the threat of dengue and how it could be averted if women could avoid keeping fresh water containers open.

Kalaimani Arunn, president, Inner Wheel Club of Malaikottai, presided.

source:http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/fight-for-conservation-begins-at-home/article4073101.ece

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01261/06NOV_tyosg03_R_TY_1261073e.jpg

Walk on:A.Alexander Mohan, IG, central zone, taking part in a rally on road safety and eye donation along with students in the city on Monday.PHOTO: M.SRINATH

Rally turns spotlight on road safety, eye donation

STAFF REPORTER

Strap up seat belts and helmets while driving, stay off cell phones and abide by traffic regulations, were some of the reminders issued by A. Alexander Mohan, inspector general of police - central zone, before flagging off a rally on road safety and eye donation organised by all Lions Clubs of Tiruchi here recently.

Around 1200 persons, including NCC cadets and NSS volunteers from various city schools and colleges, took out a rally highlighting two issues requiring increased awareness. The ‘mega rally for journey for sight and road safety’ commenced from Khadi Craft, opposite Tiruchi Junction and culminated at St.John’s Vestry A.I. H.S.School. R.Murugesan, district governor, Lions District 324- A2 felicitated participants.

Pamphlets distributed

Students distributed pamphlets with succinct slogans like ‘one eye donation can make two blind people see’. N.Shanmugavel and K.Prem, vice district governors and S.Vedhanayakam, district chairperson, Journey for sight and S.Chezhiyan, district chairperson, Road Safety participated.

Courtesy: Mr.Raja of TP

SOURCE:http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rally-turns-spotlight-on-road-safety-eye-donation/article4073100.ece

Ninety, and bowing away!

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01262/09FRTKR_1262587f.jpg

A nonagenarian all right, but his mental agility and age-defying prowess on the violin tell a different story. Fiddling away with zest, T.K. Ramamurthy, senior of the two inimitable ‘Mellisai Mannargal,’ who rocked the Tamil film music scene of the 1960s, says, “This is the most unfriendly instrument you can come across. A beginner’s struggle with it is inexplicable. Of course, it can be unbearable for those around him also, because it could squeak like a mouse, mew like a cat or grunt in anger, if you don’t use it properly. You have to keep pampering it the entire time.” The witty explanation is followed by more melodious bowing.

M.S. Viswanathan and T.K. Ramamurthy were the South’s answer to Shanker and Jaikishen, the famous twosome of Hindi cinema. “Viswanathan wanted us to get together. But we didn’t quite expect such success,” TKR travels down memory lane.

Walking down Mount Road, Chennai, after a show at Midland theatre, MSV suddenly turned towards his colleague and asked, “Why don’t we work like Shanker and Jaikishen, as a duo?” TKR was sceptical. “I’m happy with my violin. I’ll play for your songs just as I do for other composers,” he said. But Viswanathan refused to give up. That they went on to create timeless tunes for decades to come is too well known to dwell upon. But how did they actually function as a twosome? “We worked in tandem. I’d add nuances to his compositions wherever I could, introduce notes, play the violin and conduct or sit in the chamber. Even a minor error couldn’t escape my ears. I’d immediately identify the doer and the deed,” he laughs.

Much-deserved recognition is now coming the Mellisai Mannargal way, long after they scaled the pinnacle! Though their genius is still celebrated by fans, their greatness hasn’t been lauded at the highest levels. “I believe in Time or Destiny as you may call it. If you and I are seated together talking today it’s because He has decided so,” philosophises the master musician.

For all his virtuosity TKR seems an egoless person. “I’ve always been so,” he says. Their debut was with N.S. Krishnan’s ‘Panam.’ Initially it was to be ‘Ramamurthy-Viswanathan.’ “It was NSK who said Viswanathan-Ramamurthy sounds better. ‘You are senior to him so you can be behind him, supporting him,’ he said. I had no issues,” recalls TKR.

Matter of Destiny

The split came in 1964, during the making of ‘Aayirathil Oruvan,’ after a partnership that lasted nearly 700 films. “Destiny separated us,” is always his reply to queries about the estrangement. “But it brought us back together too.” MSV suggested they bury the hatchet and join hands again. They reunited for the Satyaraj film, ‘Engirundho Vandhaan,’ which met with a lukewarm response.

During another function in honour of TKR, Ms. Jayalalithaa complimented him for his mastery over the violin. “Yeah, she mentioned my playing for the ‘Kann Pona Pokkilae’ number,” TKR’s voice spells enthusiasm. “All violin solos in the re-recording and songs of our films were played by me.”

TKR went on to compose music for 20 films, including ‘Saadhu Mirandaal’ and ‘Thangachchurangam.’ Many of the songs became very popular – ‘Ammano Saamiyo,’ in the Jayalalithaa starrer, ‘Naan,’ for instance. “At a function some time ago, the CM enquired, ‘How are you, Ammano Saamiyo?’ ‘You have changed my name, ma!’ I replied,” chuckles the veteran.

Tiruchi is the place he hails from. The family had renowned violinists. “We lived near Malaikottai there. My grandfather Govindasamy was a famous violinist. So was my dad Krishnasamy,” he says. That explains his initials. “Yes ‘T’ is for Tiruchirapalli,” the pride in his voice is evident. “I studied at E.R. High School.” TKR began playing on the violin rather late, when he was in his teens. “ :):) :cheers:

But I would practise on the instrument for nearly 18 hours a day! My grandfather would place it at his bedside, wake up from his sleep in the wee hours and start bowing, while I always kept it hanging down from a wall. Even now, I’m in touch,” he says and goes on: “A Western musician once said, “Even if you are proficient, when you don’t play on the violin for a day, your family will know it. On the second, your neighbours will notice that you are losing hold. The third day, your friends will sense the discord, and on the fourth, the world around you would realise the nadir you are reaching.”

Among his children, Srinivasan alone is a violinist like his dad. TKR’s father was part of the orchestra of many films, and naturally the son who accompanied him saw his interest veering towards film melodies. After a stint with HMV, where C.R. Subbaraman was the composer, and later with Sudarsanam, TKR left for Coimbatore with Subbaraman. “My father was my guru. But Subbaraman was my mentor too,” he says. It was there that he met MSV, who was working as S.M. Subbiah Naidu’s assistant.

“Viswanathan was a class apart even then. He’s very talented,” TKR heaps praise on his colleague. “People think we are old and can’t deliver. Physically we may have aged, but music still runs in our veins. Mentally we are agile,” he says.

I second him, and take leave.

courtesy: admin sir of TP

http://www.thehindu.com/arts/music/nine ... 077596.ece (http://www.thehindu.com/arts/music/ninety-and-bowing-away/article4077596.ece)

India: a short-haul destination - The author of this article, Hector Dsouza, is President or L’orient Travels in Mumbai.

INDIA - Traditionally meant for long-haul travelers, India is rapidly turning into a weekend destination and destination for visitors from neighboring countries. Not surprisingly, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh bring in high numbers of visitors to the Indian subcontinent. Visits are short and more frequent in nature, and not necessarily restricted to winter months.

Among the many factors that are responsible for the increase in tourists coming in from neighboring countries is increasing accessibility as the prime reason for the rise in numbers. What transpired during the days of old isn't relevant any longer. In addition to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkatta, and Chennai, smaller cities numbering well over twenty are also connected by international flights. Srilankan Airways operates 84 weekly flights to India, while the number of international airlines operating from Bangkok to India has gone up to five. Visa on arrival facilities extended to a number of countries by India is yet another compelling reason to visit a truly incredible destination.

Trends over the past couple of years indicate travelers have less disposable time for vacationing, thereby settling for frequent short break vacations as compared to longer breaks. Working class populations the world over are putting in more hours of work than before, mainly because of recession, falling demands, and financial instability. These are precisely the reasons for a shift in consumer behavior towards vacationing, India being no different from the rest.

India is more a sub-continent than a country with diverse offerings from each of its 23 states. By virtue of being the seventh largest country, states are of decent sizes, having numerous attractions for short- and long-haul visitors. Twenty-nine world heritage monuments put India sixth on the list of leaders, with many other heritage sites vying for inclusion in the list. Not before long this number will go up.

India has the largest number of tigers in the world, besides a staggeringly long coastline interspersed with attractive beaches. The lower Himalayas forming an arc in North and East India complements the natural beauty, compelling visitors to visit a befitting destination many times over.

India is now an attractive proposition for weekend, MICE, and week-long holidays, with prime travelers coming in from neighboring countries bordering India - Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and to a lesser extent Bhutan and Pakistan. Besides accessibility, other factors contributing to the upturn is the variety that a number of cities have to offer in terms of monumental and architectural marvels, affordable and decent accommodation, luxury travel, and ample shopping facilities both for traditional and contemporary items at sprawling malls and at wayside stores.

Of late, restaurants offering international cuisine have sprung up, both in towns and in cities.Names of cities and towns that come to mind are Mumbai, Bengalaru, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Kochi, Nagpur, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Tiruchirapalli. A perfect blend of the old and the new can be found in most of the cities mentioned above, offering a tempting proposition to travelers from neighboring countries and those in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam. Similarity of cultures acts as a great catalyst, so it is little wonder these countries are leading the rush of visitors to India

Challenges remain, ranging from an insufficient number of convention centers to disorganized chaos in the big cities, especially when it comes to traffic management. Lack of night life and entertainment facilities tends to act as a dampener, though it needs to be mentioned that tourism is an accelerator for economic growth and is bringing about a change in attitude and rules. High taxation on all facilities, the lack of advanced amusement parks, and the lack of variety in food offerings does tend to affect tourism and movement to countries with lower prices and better offerings. There is no denying many of India’s neighboring countries like Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia as well as China and Dubai have attractive prices and often lure Indian travelers to these destinations for weekend and short-haul holidays. The anticipated turn around in bringing more visitors to India from these countries has not taken place at the required pace.

What will hold India in good stead is the fact it remains an unexplored destination, given the right marketing mix and push, improvements at ground level and enriching experiences will act as a perfect launching pad for bringing in a steady stream of visitors from neighboring countries, the curiosity factor, notwithstanding. India has begun to realize its own potential, and the day is not far off when back-to-back charters will step in to meet increasing demand.

Visitors realize India is too large a country to be “consumed” in one visit. A slice would initially suffice, and probably act as a precursor to visits of a longer duration in the future.

India is a “must-see” destination in the minds of many. For some it's a lifelong wish to gaze at the Taj Mahal at moonlight, for others it's trying to sight a tiger in a forest reserve, a few may have a spiritual quest for enlightenment, while many may want to experience it's riveting culture and exotic beauty. When seen from a distance, the map of India bears strong resemblance to a person standing with arms outstretched. It's a universal sign, symbolizing “welcome,” and a perfect invitation to the land of delightful surprises.

Source : http://www.eturbonews.com/32197/india-s ... estination (http://www.eturbonews.com/32197/india-short-haul-destination)

courtesy: admin sir of TP

^^^^

wow..........TRICHY is being listed in the WORLD TOURISM DESTINATION MAP and by renowned WORLD JOURNAL due to its own FASCINATING potential in all sectors

:cheers::cheers::banana2::banana2:

திட்டங்களுக்கு இடம் தேடும் நிலை:திருச்சி குறித்து அமைச்சர் பெருமிதம்

பதிவு செய்த நாள் : நவம்பர் 12,2012,04:19 IST

திருச்சி:

""தமிழக முதல்வர் ஜெயலலிதா, திருச்சி மாவட்டத்துக்கு அதிக முன்னுரிமை கொடுத்து, பல கோடி மதிப்பில் பல்வேறு திட்டங்களை செயல்படுத்தி வருகிறார். தொடர்ந்து அறிவிக்கப்படும் பல திட்டங்களை செயல்படுத்த இடங்களை தேடும் நிலை ஏற்பட்டுள்ளது,'' என்று அமைச்சர் சிவபதி பேசினார்.


திருச்சி கலெக்டர் அலுவலகத்தில் நேற்று நடந்த உலக கூட்டுறவு ஆண்டு விழாவுக்கு, கலெக்டர் ஜெயஸ்ரீ தலைமை வகித்தார். விழாவில் அமைச்சர் சிவபதி பேசியதாவது: திருச்சி மாவட்டத்தில் நடப்பாண்டு கூட்டுறவு சங்கம் மூலம், 175 கோடி ரூபாய் கடன் வழங்க இலக்கு நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்டு, இதுவரை, 31 ஆயிரத்து 827 உறுப்பினருக்கு, 112.48 கோ டி கடன் வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. இதில், 4,718 புதிய உறுப்பினருக்கு, 20.88 கோடி ரூபாய் பயிர்க்கடன், 7,327 தாழ்த்தப்பட்டோர் மற்றும் பழங்குடியினருக்கு, 35.18 கோடி ரூபாய் பயிர்க்கடன். மாற்றுத்திறனாளிகளுக்கு, 28.16 லட்ச ரூபாய், மகளிர் சுய உதவிக்குழுவினருக்கு, 1,439.39 லட்ச ரூபாய் உட்பட, பல்வேறு கடன்கள் வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளன. முதல்வர் உத்தரவின்படி, தொட்டியம் தொகுதி, நத்தம் கிராமத்தில், நடப்பாண்டு முதல் தொட க்க கூட்டுறவு வங்கி செயல்பட உள்ளது


. தமிழக முதல்வர் ஜெயலலிதா, திருச்சி மாவட்டத்துக்கு அதிக முன்னுரிமை கொடுத்து, பல கோடி மதிப்பில் பல்வேறு திட்டங்களை செயல்படுத்தி வருகிறார். தொடர்ந்து அறிவிக்கப்படும் பல திட்டங்களை செ யல்படுத்த இடங்களை தேடும் நிலை ஏற்பட்டுள்ளது. அந்தளவுக்கு மாவட்ட மக்கள் மீது முதல்வர் பாசம் வைத்துள்ளார்.
இவ்வாறு அவர் பேசினார். :cheers: :banana: :rock:

விழாவை முன்னிட்டு, பள்ளி, கல்லூரி மாணவ, மாணவியருக்கு நடந்த வினாடி வினா, ஓவியம், பேச்சு, கவிதை மற்றும் கட்டுரைப் போட்டிகளில் வெற்றிப்பெற்றவருக்கு கேடயங்களையும், 23 மகளிர் சுய உதவிக்குழுவினருக்கு, 47.25 லட்ச ரூபாய் மற்றும், 9 மாற்றுத்திறனாளிகளுக்கு கறவைமாடுகள் வாங்க, 3.32 லட்ச ரூபாய் என மொத்தம், 50.52 லட்ச ரூபாய் அமைச்சர் சிவபதி வழங்கினார். *மணப்பாறை ஒன்றியம் கொட்டப்பட்டி புதூரில் முழுநேர ரேஷன் கடை செயல்படுகிறது. தொப்பம்பட்டியை சேர்ந்த, 200க்கும் மேற்பட்ட குடும்பங்கள், 3 கி.மீ., தூரம் சுற்றிவந்து பொருட்கள் வாங்கும் நிலைமை இருந்தது. மக்களின் கோரிக்கைப்படி, ஸ்ரீரங்கம் சட்டசபை தொகுதிக்குட்பட்ட, தொப்பம்பட்டியில் பகுதிநேர புதிய ரேஷன்கடையை அமைச்சர் சிவபதி துவக்கி வைத்தார். கொட்டப்பட்டி புதூர் ரேஷன் கடையில் உள்ள, 762 ரேஷன் கார்டுகளில் இருந்து, 232 ரேஷன் கார்டுகள் தொப்பம்பட்டி பகுதி நேர ரேஷன்கடைக்கு மாற்றம் செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன. நிகழ்ச்சிகளில் மேயர் ஜெயா, எம்.பி.,குமார், எம்.எல்.ஏ.,க்கள் மனோகரன், பரஞ்ஜோதி, சந்திரசேகர், பூனாட்சி, துணைமேயர் ஆசிக் மீரா, கோட்டத்தலைவர் சீனிவாசன், மணப்பாறை யூனியன் துணைத்தலைவர் செல்வராஜ் உள்ளிட்ட பலர் பங்கேற்றனர்.

courtesy: Mr.Raja of TP


source: http://www.dinamalar.com/district_detail.asp?id=584638

This UK awardee has strong Tiruchi connection

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01270/15NOV_TYRKMNS01_TY_1270367e.jpg

Krishnadas Sukumaran, a former police staff with Staffordshire Police, United Kingdom, who recently won NBPA’s (National Black Police Association) award for ‘Outstanding Dedication to Community Enlargement’ has a strong Tiruchi connection.

Mr.Krishnadas, who is currently pursuing teaching and post graduate academics in ‘Politics and International Relations’ at Keele University, completed his schooling and under graduation in Tiruchi during the eighties before pursuing Masters in Social Work at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. He is an alumnus of three institutions in Tiruchi: Kendriya Vidyalaya No.1 where he studied up to 10th standard, R.S.K.Higher Secondary School (Higher Secondary), and St.Joseph’s College where he completed his B.A. in Economics in 1991. :) :cheers:

A strong background in rehabilitation and urge for community help accrued from his involvement in various social activities in Gujarat, Kutch, Jabalpur and Latur. Mr. Krishnadas once stood against the State of Maharashtra in one of the landmark public interest litigations, and has been a part of several legal interventions. During the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, he made his service available for the Times Foundation.

After marrying fellow social worker Jane, he moved to the UK where he has been associating with Staffordshire police interacting with Malayalees in the area creating awareness on multiculturalism and racism, the burning issues in UK, and promoting community cohesion initiatives and inter-faith dialogues.

A native of Mannur village in Palghat district of Kerala, he has settled in Newcastle under Lyme since 2002. Mr. Krishnadas is incidentally the first Indian Malayalee to be bestowed the honour. Usually the NBPA is awarded to natives of UK.

A nationwide organisation of African American Police Associations, NBPA, which has several chartered organisations throughout the United States and associate members in Canada, Bermuda, is dedicated to the promotion of justice, fairness, and effectiveness in law enforcement.

Its principal concerns centre upon law enforcement and the effect of those issues upon the community.

courtesy: Mr raja of TP

source: today's hindu paper

HINDU YOUNG WORLD QUIZ ------------------today at TRICHY sangam hotel------centre for 8 central and delta districts

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/5034/hindur.jpg

courtesy: admin sir of TP

:) :cheers:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gI8kMlhMecw/UKL0W8lsIUI/AAAAAAAAFyY/Xiaq5IqenQ8/s1600/HappyHome2012+ExhibitionDeccemberTrichy2.JPG


courtesy: admin sir of TP

:cheers::cheers:

All about getting inked

Gone are the days when tattoo piercing was done only in metros, as Trichy also has professional studios now. Tattoo expert Vijay Kumar, who was recently in the city for a tattoo workshop, says that youngsters are not always educated about the subject but want to just get a tattoo just for the trend.

Jack Percy, who tries to have a meaning for each tattoo says that in Trichy, people are not always aware of tattoo studios around the city.

more news @ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life ... 179554.cms (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/trends/All-about-getting-inked/articleshow/17179554.cms)

courtesy: prasanna sir of TP

Museum to conduct painting contest

The government museum here will conduct painting competition for school students as part of Children’s Day celebrations on November 24 and 25.

The competition will be held in four categories – category A: classes I to III; category B: classes IV to VI; category C: classes VII to IX; category D: classes X to XII.

The topics for category A are ‘birds’, ‘colourful flowers’ and ‘cartoon’; category B are ‘bus stand’, ‘a clean school’ and ‘village festivals’; for category C ‘a scene in the museum’, ‘our Tiruchi’ and ‘green forests’; and for category D ‘Railway junction’, ‘save electricity’ and ‘tourist spots’.

The competition for category’s A and C will be held at 10 a.m. on November 24 and category’s B and D on November 25. Government Museum is the venue for the competition in categories A and B and Townhall Girls Higher Secondary School is the venue for categories C and D.

Schools can nominate five students in each category. For details the educational institutions can contact 0431 2708809. To enable schools to register names of participants, the museum will function on all days till November 24, said a release of A. Periasamy, curator (in-charge).

courtesy: admin sir of TP

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp ... 107961.ece (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/museum-to-conduct-painting-contest/article4107961.ece)

Tiruchi AIR group singing contest for children

All India Radio will conduct group singing competition for Akashwani Award for children in two categories – in the age group of 5 – 12 years and 12 – 17 years.

A maximum of 20 youngsters can participate in each group. The accompanying artistes should not exceed three. There is no age ceiling for the accompanying artistes. Each group should render two songs – one in Tamil, and the second either in Hindi or Urdu. The duration of the song should not exceed seven minutes. Film songs are not permitted.

The candidates from Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Karur, Namakkal and Salem districts could collect the application forms from the Tiruchi Station of the AIR in person.

The filled in applications should be submitted to the Station Director, AIR, Bharathidasan Salai, Tiruchi – 620 001 on or before November 25. The applicants from other districts could contact the nearby All India Radio stations.

The competition will be held in three phases – at the station level, state level and national level, according to a press release of the Station Director of the AIR, Tiruchi, issued here on Saturday.

courtsey: prasanna sir of TP

source: today's hindu paper

சுற்றுலா பயணிகளுக்காக திருச்சியில் டபுள் டெக்கர் மொட்டை மாடி பஸ்


http://www.tamilmurasu.org/data1/TmNewsImages/Evening-Tamil-News-Paper_63541376591.jpg




சென்னை: சுற்றுலாப்பயணிகளுக்காக மொட்டை மாடியுடன் கூடிய டபுள் டெக்கர் பஸ் திருச்சியை மையமாக கொண்டு இயக்கப்பட உள்ளது. லண்டன் ஸ்டைல் டபுள் டெக்கர் பஸ்களை இயக்க சுற்றுலாத்துறை முடிவு செய்துள்ளது.


இந்த பஸ் முதல் முறையாக திருச்சியை மையமாக கொண்டு இயக்கப்பட உள்ளது. திருச்சி, பெரம்பலூர், அரியலூர், கரூர், புதுக்கோட்டை, தஞ்சை, திருவாரூர், நாகை மாவட்டங்களை உள்ளடக்கி இந்த பஸ் இயங்கும். திருச்சியிலிருந்து சுற்றுலா செல்லும் பயணிகள் இந்த மாவட்டங்களில் உள்ள முக்கிய இடங்களை பஸ்சின் மேல் தளத்தில் அமர்ந்து கொண்டே பார்க்கலாம். கீழ் தளத்தில் பயணிகள் அமரும் இடமும், அதையடுத்து நடுதளத்தில் புட்கோர்ட், டைனிங் ஹால், ஸ்நாக்ஸ் பார்லர், டாய்லெட், பாத்ரூம் வசதிகளும், மொட்டை மாடியில் சைட் சீயிங் வசதியும் இந்த பஸ்சில் இருக்கும்.


இந்த பஸ்களை என்ன வகை சுற்றுலாவில் பயன்படுத்துவது என்பதை தீர்மானிக்க சுற்றுலா ஆலோசகர்களை நியமிக்கவும் அரசு முடிவு செய்துள்ளது. இந்த ஆலோசகர்கள் திருச்சியை உள்ளடக்கிய 9 மாவட்டங்களில் உள்ள சுற்றுலா இடங்கள், சரித்திர முக்கியத்துவம் வாய்ந்த இடங்கள், ஆன்மிக இடங்கள், கோட்டை, மலைவாசஸ்தலங்கள், சரணாலயங்கள் உள்ளிட்ட இதர சுற்றுலா இடங்கள் எவை என்பதை கணக்கெடுத்து, ஒவ்வொரு இடத்துக்கும் மற்ற இடத்துக்கும் உள்ள தூரங்களை கணக்கிட்டு அதற்கேற்ப சுற்றுலாக்களை தீர்மானிப்பர். முதல் கட்டமாக திருச்சியில் இயக்கப்பட உள்ள பஸ்சின் வருமானத்தை கணக்கில் கொண்டு இதர பகுதிகளிலும் அறிமுகப்படுத்தப்படும்.




Source: http://www.tamilmurasu.org/Inner_Tamil_News.asp?Nid=36616




^^^^

Trichy region tourism growth reaching its peak growth .....

very soon we could see London Style double decker buses On the streets .....

it would take tourism to world-class

also , due to our Trichy International airport with more flights to several foriegn destinations (to 4 countries at present ) are under approval stage ...

this facillity would attract more no of foriegn tourists to TRICHY and Trichy region covering 9 districts ......

very eagerly waiting for it to make its first landing in Trichy


:cheers::cheers::banana2::rock:

ASI expo offers glimpse of world heritage sites (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/asi-expo-offers-glimpse-of-world-heritage-sites/article4117977.ece)


Hundreds of students witnessed the photo exhibition organised by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Big Temple here in connection with the world heritage week celebrations.

ASI has exhibited the photographs of great Chola temples, including the three world heritage sites of Big Temple in Thanjavur, Airavatheswaraswamy temple at Darasuram, and Big Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram. All these stone temples have beautiful sculptures, paintings, and epigraphs. Big Temple was built by Rajaraja Cholan, Darasuram Airavatheswarasamy temple by Rajaraja II, and Big Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram by Rajendra Cholan.

Photographs of Thirubuvanam temple and murals of Big Temple are also on display at the expo .

Heritage week celebrations are held from November 19 to 25. Competitions for students to create awareness of our rich heritage are planned.

On Tuesday, NSS volunteers of various schools, including Oriental Higher Secondary School, participated in the essay writing competition on Chola temples.

According to the ASI, the list of recorded world heritage sites now stands at 962 forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value.

In Tamil Nadu, the number of sites stood at 29 of which 23 are cultural and six are natural. It is unique that all the three stone temples built by Chola kings in Thanjavur and Perambalur district have got the status of world heritage status.

Union Ministry of Culture is trying to get world heritage status for Srirangam temple, Pulicat Lake, and Chettinad palace.

ASI expo offers glimpse of world heritage sites (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/asi-expo-offers-glimpse-of-world-heritage-sites/article4117977.ece)


Hundreds of students witnessed the photo exhibition organised by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Big Temple here in connection with the world heritage week celebrations.

ASI has exhibited the photographs of great Chola temples, including the three world heritage sites of Big Temple in Thanjavur, Airavatheswaraswamy temple at Darasuram, and Big Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram. All these stone temples have beautiful sculptures, paintings, and epigraphs. Big Temple was built by Rajaraja Cholan, Darasuram Airavatheswarasamy temple by Rajaraja II, and Big Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram by Rajendra Cholan.

Photographs of Thirubuvanam temple and murals of Big Temple are also on display at the expo .

Heritage week celebrations are held from November 19 to 25. Competitions for students to create awareness of our rich heritage are planned.

On Tuesday, NSS volunteers of various schools, including Oriental Higher Secondary School, participated in the essay writing competition on Chola temples.

According to the ASI, the list of recorded world heritage sites now stands at 962 forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value.

In Tamil Nadu, the number of sites stood at 29 of which 23 are cultural and six are natural. It is unique that all the three stone temples built by Chola kings in Thanjavur and Perambalur district have got the status of world heritage status.

Union Ministry of Culture is trying to get world heritage status for Srirangam temple, Pulicat Lake, and Chettinad palace.


thanks ganie for posting here :)

very eagerly waiting for the WORLD HERITAGE STATUS for SRIRANGAM :cheers::cheers:

Neat and clean scheme to maintain heritage sites

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

The State Tourism Department, in association with the Indian National Trust For Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), will form a five-member committee for cleaning and maintaining hygiene at heritage sites in the State, besides, marketing Tiruchendur Kanda Sashti festival in a big way.

Under the neat and clean programme, the department initially plans to cover Mamallapuram, Thanjavur Birhadeeswara Temple, Kanyakumari, Rameswaram, Tranquebar, Madurai Meenakshi temple, Srirangam temple, Tiruchi, Tiruvannamalai temple, Velankanni, Udhagamandalam and Kodaikanal. A meeting under the chairmanship of Tourism Minister S. Gokula Indira was held on Wednesday in which representatives of Archaeology Survey of India, Tourism Department, Municipal Administration, HR&CE, INTACH (Puducherry and Chennai regions) were present. It was resolved to prepare and submit an action plan within a week and form action committee at each site. It was also suggested to form friends of monuments group with the help of local self-help groups and collect cess along with the entry ticket by creating a separate fund account. The amount should be used for keeping the area neat and clean.

An official release said the five-member committee would carry out site inspection to implement the action plan in selected areas.

While expressing concern over the illegal encroachments by shoppers in Tiruvannamalai ‘girivalam path’ the members said necessary action should be initiated to clear them so that it would enable tourists/pilgrims to have free access to the pathway.

source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/neat-and-clean-scheme-to-maintain-heritage-sites/article4125356.ece

^^^^

a very good initiative and step :):) :applause::applause:

6,000 மீட்டர் திரியில் ஏற்றப்படுகிறது மலைக்கோட்டையில் 27ம் தேதி கார்த்திகை தீபம்
பதிவு செய்த நேரம்:2012-11-23 11:06:51


திருச்சி, : மலைக்கோட்டை தாயுமானவர் சுவாமி கோயிலில் 27ம் தேதி ஆயிரம் லிட்டர் எண்ணெய், 6,000 மீட்டர் பருத்தி திரியில் கார்த்திகை தீபம் ஏற்றப்படுகிறது.

திருச்சி மலைக்கோட்டை தாயுமானவர் சமேத மட்டுவார் குழ லம்மை கோயிலில் ஆண்டுதோறும் கார்த்திகை தீபத்திருவிழா சிறப்பாக கொண்டாடப்படுவது வழக்கம். இலுப்பை எண்ணெய், நெய், நல்லெண்ணெய் ஆகியவை ஆயிரம் லிட்டர், 6 ஆயிரம் மீட்டர் பருத்தி திரி ஆகியவை கொண்டு மலைக்கோட்டை உச்சியில் டவரின் மேல் அமைக்கப்பட்ட செப்பு கொப்பரையில் கார்த்திகை தீபம் ஏற்றப்படுகிறது.

இந்த விழா 27ம் தேதி நடக்கிறது. இதனையொட்டி 27ம் தேதி செங்வந்தி விநாயகர், தாயுமானவர், மட்டுவார் குழலம்மை உட்பட பஞ்ச மூர்த்திகள் புறப்பட்டு மாலை 5 மணிக்கு மலைகோட்டை உச்சியை அடைகின்றனர். அங்கு கார்திகை தீபம் ஏற்றப்படுகிறது. இந்த தீபம் தொடர்ந்து 3 நாட்கள் எரியும், பின்னர் பஞ்சமூர்த்திகள் என்.எஸ்.பி.ரோடு, மலைக்கோட்டை உள்வீதி, நந்திக்கோயில் தெரு, ஆண்டாள் வீதி ஆகிய வீதிகளில் உலா வந்து பக்தர்களுக்கு அருள்பாலிக்கின்றனர்.

விழா ஏற்பாடுகளை திருச்சி மண்டல கோயில் இணைஆணையர் இளம்பரிதி, கோயில் உதவி ஆணையர் ஜெயப்பிரியா மற்றும் கோயில் பணியாளர்கள் செய்து வருகின்றனர்.

source: http://www.dinakaran.com/District_Detail.asp?
Nid=120889&cat=504

^^^^
let LORD VINAYAKA invokes peace, harmony and prosperity in all human life's :):)

ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில் வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசி விழா: தூண்களுக்கு பதில் தென்னை மரம்!

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/9484/tn121122100731000000.jpg


திருச்சி:

ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர் கோவிலில், வரும் டிசம்பர், 13ம் தேதி துவங்கவிருக்கும் வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசி திருவிழாவுக்காக, ஆயிரங்கால் மண்டபத்தில் குறைவாக உள்ள தூண்களுக்கு பதில், தென்னை மரங்கள் நட்டு பந்தல் அமைக்கும் பணி துவங்கியது.

பூலோக வைகுண்டம் என்று போற்றப்படும் ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர் கோவிலில் ஆண்டுதோறும் மார்கழி மாதத்தில் நடக்கும், திரு அத்யயன உற்சவம் எனப்படும், வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசி திருவிழா, உலக பிரசித்திப் பெற்றது. பகல் பத்து, ராப்பத்து என, தொடர்ந்து, 21 நாள் திருவிழா நடக்கும். நடப்பாண்டு வரும் டிசம்பர், 13ம் தேதி துவங்கும் வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசி திருவிழா, ஜனவரி, 3ம் தேதி வரை நடக்கிறது. திருவிழாவில் முக்கிய நிகழ்வுகளான, சொர்க்கவாசல் என்ற பரமபத வாசல் திறப்பு, 24ம் தேதி அதிகாலை, 4.45 மணிக்கு நடக்கிறது. தங்கக்குதிரை வாகனத்தில் நம்பெருமாள் எழுந்தருளும் வேடுபறி வைபவம், 31ம் தேதியும், தீர்த்தவாரி, ஜனவரி, 2ம் தேதியும், நம்மாழ்வார் மோட்சம், 3ம் தேதியும் நடக்கிறது. வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசியையொட்டி, டிசம்பர், 14ம் தேதி முதல், தொடர்ந்து ஜனவரி, 2ம் தேதி வரை, மூலவருக்கு முத்தங்கி அலங்கார சேவை நடக்கிறது. வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசியன்று, திருமாமணி மண்டபத்தில் ரத்ன அங்கியுடன் நம்பெருமாள் எழுந்தருளி சேவை சாதிக்கிறார்

. அன்று காலை, 4.45 மணி முதல், இரவு, 10 மணி வரை சொர்க்கவாசல் திறந்திருக்கும். திருமாமணி மண்டபத்தில் தங்கக்குதிரையில் நம்பெருமாள் எழுந்தருள்வதால், ஆயிரங்கால் மண்டபம் சொர்க்கமாக மாறுவதாக ஐதீகம். ஆனால், "பூலோக சொர்க்கம் அழியக்கூடியது என்பதால், ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ஆயிரங்கால் மண்டபத்தில், 960 தூண்கள் மட்டுமே அமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன. ஆண்டுதோறும் வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசி திருவிழாவையொட்டி, ஆயிரங்கால் மண்டபத்துக்கு வெளியே, புதிதாக வெட்டப்பட்ட, 40 தென்னை மரங்களும், புது தென்னங்கீற்றுகளை கொண்டும், பிரம்மாண்ட பந்தல் அமைக்கப்படுகிறது. "பூலோக சொர்க்கம் அழியக்கூடியது என்ற ஐதீகத்தின் அடிப்படையில், விழா முடிந்த பிறகு, மரங்களும், கீற்றுகளும் அகற்றப்பட்டு விடுகின்றன.

வரும் டிசம்பர், 13ம் தேதி துவங்கவுள்ள வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசி திருவிழாவுக்காக, ஆயிரங்கால் மண்டபம் முன், 40 தென்னை மரங்கள் நட்டு, பிரம்மாண்ட பந்தல் அமைக்கும் பணி, நேற்று முன்தினம் துவங்கி தொடர்ந்து வருகிறது.



courtesy: prasanna sir of TP

source: dinamalar

^^^^

a very good move so that it looks greenary :):)

Shops around Trichy temple razed

TRICHY: In a significant development, the HR&CE department in association with the Lalgudi revenue officials razed a total of 85 shops that had been illegal constructed along the Samayapuram Maraiamman temple's compound wall. The shop lots slanting from the outer side of the temple wall have not only been obstructing movement of visitors to the temple, presently the third richest in the state, but were also hindrance to the expansion of the ancient temple.

The demolition operation lasted from dawn to dusk, and all "encroachments" on the southern and western praharams were removed. Mannachanallur tahsildar Bhavani who was part of the operation told TOI that the shops had been there for well over two decades, selling ritual and pooja items and other religious knickknacks. As the temple grew in popularity, the HR&CE recently sanctioned Rs 80 lakh to widen the praharam. "There was no resistance from the shopkeepers who were made to realize that their shops were unauthorized, and as such the question of providing alternative site does not arise," Lalgudi RDO Parthiban told TOI. However, a posse of around 400 policemen was pressed into service at sunrise, but they were withdrawn in phases as it was a smooth operation. "There are still around 150 shops in the immediate vicinity of the temple occupying either the temple or revenue land, and they would be removed in the coming days," said Parthiban.

Located on the Chennai-Trichy highway, the ancient temple became famous in relatively recent times, becoming the third biggest revenue earner in the state, after Pazhani and Tiruchendur. Yet, the ancient temple did not have basic amenities such as dormitories for devotees, toilets and parking lots. Now, a 26,188 sq ft Amavasai mandapam is under construction for Rs 1.1 crore, and another three-storey building with a tonsuring hall is being planned for Rs 65 lakh. The HR&CE department has also taken up construction of a two-storey guest house with a total of 32 suites as many devotees to the temple were forced to stay at Trichy, 15 km away. The expansion plan also includes a link road to the highway at a cost of Rs 12.5 lakh.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Shops-around-Trichy-temple-razed/articleshow/17356548.cms

http://epaper.dinakaran.com/pdf/2012/11/25/20121125g_017106016.jpg

tp_admin, trichyportal

^^

after a long time, very happy to see great renovation and development works on at samayapuram........................:) :cheers:

http://epaper.dinakaran.com/pdf/2012/11/25/20121125g_019106012.jpg



courtesy: admin sir of TP


advance , Karthigai Deepam wishes to everyone

May GOD enlighten everyone's lfe with prosperity :)

Spots in tourism sketch

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT


Students from different schools in the district exhibited their talent at a painting competition organised by government museum here. Spread over two days, the contest attracted about 500 students from standard I to Plus Two.

The topics were chosen based on the standard of their study to motivate them towards a particular topic. For instance, young children in the classes I, II and III were given the topics such as ‘birds’, ‘colourful flowers’ and ‘cartoon’.

The children exhibited their skills beyond their age. For instance, the paintings on ‘village festivals’ brought to light the rural environment along with a temple in a majority of paintings, says A. Periyasamy, curator of government museum. This was the 15th annual contest being organised as part of the Children’s Day celebrations.

R. Saravanan, a judge who selected the prize winning paintings, said that the topic ‘tourism centre’ and ‘temple festivals’ attracted a large number of students. Most of the students had chosen the Rockfort in the city as a tourism centre. A painting on Kallanai along with its builder Karikalan, a Chola ruler, contained every minute details of the dam, he said. Arivu and Ravi were the other two judges who selected the best paintings.

S. Dhanasekar, a coordinator of the contest, said that since a large number of students participated in the event, museum authorities utilised the services of students of Holy Cross College.

There were not much paintings on the topic ‘save electricity’.

courtesy: Mr.Raja of TP

source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/spots-in-tourism-sketch/article4135608.ece

Elephants given a warm send-off

TIRUCHI BUREAU

Three elephants from the city were sent from here to the annual rejuvenation camp to be held at Mettupalayam, on Sunday. The temple elephants Akila aged 11 from Sri Jambukeswarar–Akilandeswari temple in Tiruvanaikovil, Andal aged 33 from Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, and Lakshmi aged 20 from Rockfort Thayumanaswamy Temple were sent for rejuvenation.

The elephants were brought from the temples to the office of the Joint Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR and CE) Department in Srirangam. Officials led by A. Ilamparithi, Joint Commissioner of HR and CE, supervised the arrangements for the transit of the elephants. S. Kalyani, executive officer of Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Thangamuthu, assistant commissioner and executive officer of Sri Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple, and G. Jayapriya, executive officer of Rockfort Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple, were present.

Thanjavur

Three temple elephants - Sengamalam from Sri Rajagoapalaswamy Temple at Mannargudi in Tiruvarur district; Dharmambal from Aiyarappar temple at Thiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur district; and Suligambal of Agneeswaraswamy temple at Thirupugalur in Nagapattinam district were sent to the rejuvenation camp .

Earlier, the elephants were made to board lorries in the respective temples at Mannargudi, Thiruvaiyaru and Thirupugalur, and brought to Tamil University in the morning. Pujas were performed to the elephants in the respective temples and the animals were garlanded. The elephants were received by S.Ilango, Joint Commissioner of HR and CE, at Tamil University, and sent to Mettupalayam. Mr.Ilango flagged off the three vehicles.

One elephant that missed the camp this year is Vellaiyammal of Big Temple in Thanjavur. Age came in its way and veterinary doctors advised not to transport the 62-year-old pachyderm.

courtesy: Mr.Raja of TP

source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/elephants-given-a-warm-sendoff/article4135607.ece

A pedestrian corridor between Amma Mandapam on the Cauvery river to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam is U/C Update 25.11.2012


http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8675/sri1.jpg


http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/8376/sri2z.jpg


http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/6685/sri3.jpg


courtesy: admin sir of TP


^^^^^^

Srirangam going world class due to Jaya effect :)


hope the entire shelter corridor project is finsihed within a couple of months


:cheers::cheers::rock:

Just see the number of busses standing from Amma Mandapam to Raja Gopuram...

Srirangam at its best period of developmets :cheers:

^^
For some reason one the biggest temple has been neglected for long and happy to see the much needed development happening.

Srirangam needs a bus terminus as most of the alley in and around temple is crowded with tourists vehicles.

^^
For some reason one the biggest temple has been neglected for long and happy to see the much needed development happening.

Srirangam needs a bus terminus as most of the alley in and around temple is crowded with tourists vehicles.

the project is a pet one from present Govt

hope it is completed at the earliest :) :cheers:

Great to see encroachments being removed around samayapuram temple.

some tourism news

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In an endeavor to offer new and unique experiences to travelers, SOTC for the first time has announced the launch of ‘Sacred South’ package to Trichy.

Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity. There are innumerable architectural attractions luring travelers to explore this destination from all across the globe.

The travelers can embark on a spiritual journey to pay reverence at sacred Thiruvanaikaval Jambugeshwarar Temple, Srirangam Temple, Rockfort Temple, Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Gunaseelam Temple, Tiruvellarai Temple, Samayapuram Temple, Tirupattur Temple and Uthamar Koil Temple.

This 2 nights/ 3 days package offers a perfect blend of scenic and spiritual sightseeing options for travelers thereby giving them an opportunity to rejuvenate their mind and soul. The highlight of the tour includes visit to the Trinities (Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma) – the Thrimoorthi with their power leading the devotees to the right path of divinity.


source: http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/PrintNews.aspx?NewsId=5466538847

^^^^^^
:cheers::cheers::rock:

some tourism news

SOTC -------India's Largest Tour Operator has introduced--------SACRED SOUTH --TRICHY" for the first time ever in South India----after understanding and analysing the scintillating tourism potential in Trichy



Embark on a spiritual journey to ‘Sacred South’ with SOTC

In an endeavor to offer new and unique experiences to travelers, SOTC for the first time has announced the launch of ‘Sacred South’ package to Trichy.

Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity. There are innumerable architectural attractions luring travelers to explore this destination from all across the globe.

The travelers can embark on a spiritual journey to pay reverence at sacred Thiruvanaikaval Jambugeshwarar Temple, Srirangam Temple, Rockfort Temple, Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Gunaseelam Temple, Tiruvellarai Temple, Samayapuram Temple, Tirupattur Temple and Uthamar Koil Temple.

This 2 nights/ 3 days package offers a perfect blend of scenic and spiritual sightseeing options for travelers thereby giving them an opportunity to rejuvenate their mind and soul. The highlight of the tour includes visit to the Trinities (Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma) – the Thrimoorthi with their power leading the devotees to the right path of divinity.


source: http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/PrintNews.aspx?NewsId=5466538847

^^^^^^
:cheers::cheers::rock:




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source: http://www.sotcboxholidays.com/ots/pro-dom-chen-trichy.asp


^^^^

:cheers::cheers::banana2:

Rockfort temple to be renovated (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rockfort-temple-to-be-renovated/article4142557.ece)

Rockfort Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple, one of the important shrines praised by great saints, will be renovated and preliminary rituals marking the renovation will take place in a few months, said A. Ilamparithi, Joint Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Tiruchi, who is also the Thakkar for the temple.

He told The Hindu here on Tuesday that an estimate was being prepared and the work on 'balalayam' - the preliminary arrangement marking the renovation - would be performed in course of time. The temple was renovated about 12 years ago and the renovation was due now, he said. A number of donors have come forward to take up the work for renovation, he added.

200 sanitary workers for Vaikunta Ekadasi festival

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01281/27nov_tysgnns03_TY_1281729e.jpg

The Tiruchi Corporation would hire about 200 sanitary workers on a temporary basis for being deployed in Srirangam during the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple scheduled to be held from December 13 to January 3.

Disclosing this at an official meeting to discuss the arrangements to be made for the festival that attracts a large number of devotees, Corporation Commissioner V.P.Thandapani also instructed the officials to ensure that all encroachments in the temple town, especially those around the temple, were removed ahead of the festival with the cooperation of police and temple authorities.

The ban on non bio-degradable plastics would be strictly enforced in the town. Additional water tanks would be placed at strategic locations and round-the-clock drinking water supply would be provided.

Adequate parking space and temporary toilets would be provided in the town during the festival. Special medical camps will also be organised.

Mr.Thandapani also instructed the officials to ensure cleanliness in the town.

Asick Meera, Deputy Mayor, Kalyani, Joint Commissioner of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, and other officials attended the meeting.


courtesy: admin sir of TP

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp ... 142562.ece (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/200-sanitary-workers-for-vaikunta-ekadasi-festival/article4142562.ece)

Devotees witness divine illumination

Special Correspondent



http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01281/27nov_tymbgns03_TY_1281728e.jpg light of life: Devotees throng Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple at Rockfort on the occasion of Karthigai Deepam in the city on Tuesday.Photo:M.Moorthy




A large number of devotees witnessed the Karthigai Deepam lit atop a cauldron made of copper atop Rockfort Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple on Tuesday.


Religious fervour pervaded the area when the temple bell rang and crackers were burst. Exactly at 6 p.m., the temple priest lit the lamp with devotees raising slogans in glory of lord Siva and lord Subramanya,
A. Ilamparithi, Joint Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, said that the preparation for the deepam commenced about a week ago.


About 6,000-metre-long cotton cloth was used for making the wick for the deepam, and about 1,000 litres of iluppai oil and gingelly oil besides ghee were used for burning the holy lamp which is visible in a radius of about five km throughout the night.


Later, the idols of lord Siva, lord Vinayaka, lord Subramanya, and Sri Chandikeswarar were taken in a procession through Rockfort Ul Veethi, Chinnakadai street, NSB Road, Nandikovil street, and Keezh Andal street.
Reciting verses from Tirumarai, a large number of devotees performed girivalam around Rockfort.


Tight police bandobust was provided for the smooth conduct of the festival.

courtesy: admin sir of TP

source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/devotees-witness-divine-illumination/article4142189.ece

திறப்புக்கு 4 லட்சம் பக்தர்கள் வருகை எதிர்பார்ப்பு: ஆக்கிரமிப்புகளை அகற்ற உத்தரவு
(http://www.dinamalar.com/district_detail.asp?id=595459)

திருச்சி: ""விடுமுறை தினத்தன்று சொர்க்கவாசல் திறப்புவிழா வருவதால், நடப்பாண்டு கூடுதலாக, ஒரு லட்சம் பக்தர்கள் உள்பட, நான்கு லட்சம் பேர் கோவிலுக்கு வருவார்கள் என எதிர்பார்க்கப்படுகிறது,'' என, கலெக்டர் ஜெயஸ்ரீ தெரிவித்தார்.

திருச்சி, ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர் கோவிலில், வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசி விழா, டிச., 13லிருந்து ஜனவரி, 5ம் தேதி வரை நடக்கிறது. சொர்க்கவாசல் திறப்புவிழா, டிச., 24ல் நடக்கிறது. இதுதொடர்பான அரசு அதிகாரிகளுடனான ஒருங்கிணைப்புக்குழு கூட்டம், ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர் கோவில் ஆயிரங்கால் மண்டபத்தில் நேற்று நடந்தது.

கூட்டத்தில் திருச்சி கலெக்டர் ஜெயஸ்ரீ பேசியதாவது:

நடப்பாண்டு கிறஸ்துமஸ் உள்ளிட்ட விடுமுறை நாட்களையொட்டி, சொர்க்கவாசல் திறப்புவிழா வருவதால், கடந்த ஆண்டை விட கூடுதலாக, ஒரு லட்சம் பக்தர்கள் கூடுதலாக வருவர். மொத்தம், நான்கு லட்சம் பக்தர்கள் வருவார்கள் என எதிர்பார்க்கப்படுகிறது.

கோவிலுக்குள், 24 மணி நேரம் குடிநீர் வசதி செய்ய வேண்டும். கூடுதலாக தீயணைப்பு வாகனங்கள் கருவிகள் வைக்க வேண்டும். மருத்துவத்துறை முதலுதவி மையம், ஆம்புலன்ஸ்கள் எளிதில் கிடைக்கும் செய்யும் வகையில் ஏற்பாடு செய்ய வேண்டும். ஸ்ரீரங்கம் அரசு மருத்துவமனையில் சிறப்பு டாக்டர்கள் தொடர்ந்து பணியில் இருக்க வேண்டும்.

கோவிலிருந்து, அம்மாமண்டபம் வரையிலான ஆக்கிரமிப்புகளை அகற்ற மாநகராட்சி நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும். அடையாள அட்டை வைத்திருக்கும் கோவில் ஊழியர்களை, போலீஸார் அனுமதிக்க வேண்டும். அதற்கு வசதியாக உள்ளூர் போலீஸாரை பணியில் அமர்த்த வேண்டும்.இவ்வாறு அவர் பேசினார்.

போலீஸ் டி.சி., செல்வக்குமார்: நடப்பாண்டு, 3,000 போலீஸார் பாதுகாப்பு பணியில் ஈடுபடுபவர். உத்தரவீதியில் பார்க்கிங் கிடையாது. சித்திரை வீதியில் வாகனங்கள் நிறுத்தப்படும். வெளியூர் வாகனங்கள் தேசிய கல்லூரி மைதானத்தில் நிறுத்தப்படும்.

மாநகராட்சி கமிஷனர் தண்டபாணி: 51 இடங்களில் தற்காலிக தொட்டிகள் அமைத்து, 24 மணி நேர குடிநீர் வசதி செய்யப்படும். நான்கு இடங்களில் தற்காலிக கழிப்பறைகள் அமைத்து, ஐந்து இடங்களில் நடமாடும் கழிப்பறை நிறுத்தப்படும். 207 இடங்களில் தற்காலிக மின்விளக்குகள் அமைக்கப்படும். நான்கு இடங்களில் தொடர் மருத்துவ முகாம் நடத்தப்படும். துப்புரவு பணியில் பிரத்யோகமாக, 200 பேர் தற்காலிகமாக பணி நியமனம் செய்யப்படுவர்.

திருச்சி கிழக்குத்தொகுதி எம்.எல்.ஏ., மனோகரன்: பக்தர்கள் வசதிக்காக மாம்பழச்சாலை, அம்மாமண்டபம், ராஜகோபுரம், திருவானைக்காவல் வழியாக கட்டணமில்லா சிறப்பு சுற்றுவட்ட பஸ்கள் இயக்க வேண்டும்.

ஸ்ரீரங்கம் மின்வாரிய செயற்பொறியாளர் ரெங்கராஜ்: சொர்க்கவாசல் திறப்புவிழாவையொட்டி டிச., 23, 24, 25 ஆகிய மூன்று நாட்கள் தடையில்லா மின்சாரம் வழங்க நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்படும்.

கோவில் இணை கமிஷனர் கல்யாணி: கோவிலில் வி.ஐ.பி., பாஸ் வழங்கும் வழக்கு, உயர்நீதிமன்றத்தில் நிலுவையில் இருப்பதால், திருவண்ணாமலை, திருச்செந்தூரில் வி.ஐ.பி., பாஸ் தரவில்லை. அதன்படி சொர்க்கவாசல் திறப்பு விழாவுக்கு நடப்பாண்டு வி.ஐ.பி., பாஸ் வழங்கப்படமாட்டாது. கோவிலில் வேலை செய்பவர்களுக்கு "டூட்டி' பேட்ஜ் வழங்கப்படும். அமைச்சர்கள், எம்.பி.,க்கள், எம்.எல்.ஏ.,க்கள் போன்ற மக்கள் பிரதிநிதிகள், ஐ.ஏ.எஸ்., ஐ.பி.எஸ்., ஆகியோருக்கு "பேட்ஜ்" வழங்கி தனி வழியில் செல்ல அனுமதிக்கப்படுவர்.

No VIP pass for festival this year
(http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/no-vip-pass-for-festival-this-year/article4145191.ece)

No VIP pass will be issued for the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival at Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple this year. This is the first time that such a decision has been taken.

Every year, a large number of people holding such passes crowd around Sandhanu Mandapam , causing huge problems for the authorities.

Presiding over a consultative meeting on the arrangements for the festival, Collector Jayashree Muralidharan said that any amount of effort to regulate pass holders did more harm than good. At times even temple staff and priests on shift duty were unable to reach their work spot as the police personnel at the entry points, denied permission. The Collector said only ‘duty badge’ would be issued this year.

Medical camps would be organised at three places – the museum, old thulabaram, and sandanamedai areas in the temple. A six-bedded in-patient ward would also be set up to attend to emergency cases. Three ambulances would be stationed at various places. V.P.Thandapani, Corporation Commissioner, said that protected water would be supplied at 51 places in Srirangam. Five mobile toilets and 10 temporary toilets would be set up. A total of 200 temporary sanitary workers would be appointed.

A.Jaya, Mayor, Parasara Tiruvengada Bhattar, Rotational Trustee, and A.Ilamparithi, Joint Commissioner of HR and CE, were present.

The festival falls on December 24 when the ‘Swarga Vasal’ would be opened at 4.45 a.m.

Uninterrupted power around Srirangam temple during Ekadasi (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/uninterrupted-power-around-srirangam-temple-during-ekadasi/article4145190.ece)

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/5955/28novtymbg01ety1282495e.jpg

Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) would ensure uninterrupted power supply for the area around Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple during the forthcoming Vaikunta Ekadasi festival, said Jayashree Muralidharan, Collector.

Presiding over the first round of consultative meeting convened at the 1,000-pillar mandapam of the temple to discuss the arrangements for the smooth conduct of festival, the Collector said the temple has six service connections and the six transformers around the temple would be monitored by a team of personnel round the clock. This apart, the TANGEDCO would deploy technical personnel on shifts to ensure proper functioning of 110 kv-capacity sub-station.

Uninterrupted power supply would be ensured throughout the temple area and the surrounding areas up to Ammamandapam during the festival. According to an estimate, about three lakh devotees offered worship to lord Ranganathar in Vaikunta Ekadasi last year. With the festival coinciding with public holidays and falling on December 24 this year, about four lakh devotees are expected to visit the temple during the festival this year.

The Collector advised police officials to issue passes to car owners of Srirangam so that they would be able to move without difficulty. Placards and hoardings showing the direction for entry and exit of vehicles in Tamil, Telugu, and English should be displayed prominently.

Ms.Muralidharan also advised BSNL authorities to enhance the capacity of communication network. “Communication among officials is important for ensuring smooth conduct of the festival. As officials are in the BSNL mobile phone network, additional boosters should be set up for ensuring communication without any technical hitch ,” she said. S.Selvakumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime and Traffic), said that all buses and vans carrying devotees would be parked at the National School grounds. Traffic exiting the town would be diverted through the road along the Coleroon bank. A total of 3,000 police personnel would be deployed during the festival. Watchtowers would be set up at important places.

Closed circuit television sets would be set up at strategic locations inside the temple and its functioning would be monitored by police personnel at their camp unit near the Ranga Ranga Gopuram. A plan to guide devotees on safety measures through a public address system is under active consideration. S.Kalyani, Joint Commissioner and executive officer of the temple, said that electrical circuits at a few places in the temple would be serviced at an estimate of Rs.4.50 lakh through a donor before December 10, well ahead of the commencement of the Pagalpathu festival.

R.Seshasayee, chairman of board of trustees, said that special permission would be accorded to senior citizens aged above 70 along with an attendant to have darshan at the sanctum sanctorum from 7 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. during the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival. He clarified that this was the first consultative meeting with the officials of various departments and the merits of the arrangements made during the last festival would be carefully evaluated and implemented this year too.

R.Manoharan, MLA, suggested that Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operate free special buses for transporting devotees in the city.

ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில் வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசி விழா 24ம் தேதி சொர்க்கவாசல் திறப்பு பாதுகாப்பு பணியில் 3 ஆயிரம் போலீஸ்
பதிவு செய்த நேரம்:2012-11-29 10:37:03


திருச்சி, : ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர் கோயிலில் வரும் டிசம்பர் 24ம் தேதி அதி காலை 4.45 மணிக்கு சொர்க்கவாசல் திறப்பு நிகழ்ச்சி நடைபெற உள்ளது. பாதுகாப்பு பணியில் 3 ஆயிரம் போலீசார் ஈடுபட உள்ளனர்.

108 திவ்ய தேசங்களில் முதன்மையானதும், பூலோக வைகுண்டம், என்றும் அழைக்கப்படும் ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாத சுவாமி கோயிலில் ஆண்டுதோறும் மார்கழி மாதத்தில் நடைபெறும் திரு அத்யயன உற்சவம் எனப்படும் வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசிவிழா மிகவும் சிறப்பு வாய்ந்தது. பகல்பத்து, ராப்பத்து என 21 நாட்கள் ஏகாதசி பெரு விழா கொண்டாடப்படும்.

இந்த ஆண்டுக்கான விழா வரும் டிசம்பர் 13 முதல் ஜனவரி 3 வரை நடைபெறும். முக்கிய நாட் களான திருநெடுந்தாண்ட கம் வரும் டிசம்பர் 13ம் தேதி நடைபெறும். பகல்பத்து டிசம்பர் 14ம் தேதி தொடங்குகிறது. மோகினி அலங்காரம் டிசம்பர் 23ம் தேதியும் வைகுண்ட ஏகா தசி டிசம்பர் 24ம் தேதியும் நடக்கும். அன்றையதினம் நம்பெருமாள் புறப்பாடு அதிகாலை 3.45 மணிக்கும், பரமபத வாசல் திறப்பு அதி காலை 4.45 மண¤க்கும் நடைபெறும். திருக்கைத் தல சேவை டிசம்பர் 30ம் தேதியும், வேடுபறி (குதிரை வாகனம்) டிசம்பர் 31ம் தேதியும் நடைபெறும். தீர்த்தவாரி வரும் ஜனவரி 2ம் தேதியும், நம்மாழ்வார் மோட்சம் ஜனவரி 3ம் தேதியும் நடைபெறும்.

மூலஸ்தான முத்தங்கி சேவை வரும் டிசம்பர் 14ம் தேதி முதல் ஜன வரி 2ம் தேதி வரை இருக்கும். வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசியான 24ம் தேதி நம்பெருமாள் ரத்ன அங்கியுடன் திருமாமணி மண்டபத்தில் எழுந்தருளியிருப்பார். அன்றைய தினம் காலை 4.45 முதல் இரவு 10 வரை சொர்க்கவாசல் திறந்திருக்கும்.

வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசி விழா தொடர் பாக நேற்று நடந்த கூட்டத்தில் இந்து சமய அறநிலையத்துறை இணைஆணையர் இளம்பரிதி பேசியது: வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசி திரு விழாவையொட்டி திருச்சி, கரூர், புதுகை, அரியலூர், பெரம்பலூர் ஆகிய மாவட்டங்களில் இருந்து கோயில் அலுவலர்கள் மற்றும் பணியாளர்கள் 100 பேர் வரை ஸ்ரீரங்கம் கோயிலில் பணியாற்றுவார்கள் என்றார்.

அப்போது ஒருவர் எழுந்து வந்து, பெருமாளுக்கு கைங்கர்யம் செய்து வரும் எங்களையும் போலீஸார் அதேபோலவே நடத்துகின்றனர் என ஆவேசப்பட்டார். அவரை மேடைக்கு அழைத்தபோது கூறுகையில், எனது பெயர் லட்சுமி நாராயணன். பெரு மாளுக்கு சேவை செய்யும் நாங்கள் வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசியில் போலீசாரால் பாதிக்கப்படுகிறோம். எங்களை சரியான முறையில் நடத்துவதில்லை. கடந்த 3 ஆண்டுகளாக இப்பிரச்னை அதிகரித்துள்ளது என்றார்.
கலெக்டர் ஜெயஸ்ரீ பேசுகையில், இதுபற்றி கடந்த வைகுண்ட ஏகா தசியின் போது எனக்கு செல்போனில் பலர் தொடர்பு கொண்டு புகார் தெரி வித்தனர். கமிஷனரிடம் இதுபற்றி தெரிவித்துள்ளேன். சித்திரை வீதியில் வசிப்போருக்கு அடையாள அட் டையாவது போலீசார் தரவேண்டும் என்றார்.

போலீஸ் துணை கமிஷனர் செல்வகுமார் கூறுகையில், வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசியில் பாதுகாப்பு பணியில் 3000 போலீசார் ஈடுபட உள்ளனர். குறைகள் களையப்படும். சித்திரை வீதியில் கார்களை நிறுத்தி வைக்க இடம் ஒதுக்க உள்ளோம். திருக் கோயிலுக்குள் வர 32 கதவுகள் உள் ளன. அவ்விடங்களில் திருக்கோயில் பணியாளர் மற்றும் போலீசார் சாவி யுடன் நிறுத்தப்படுவார்கள் என்றார்.

பார்க்கிங் வசதி
மாம்பழச்சாலை-அம்மாமண்டபம்-ராஜகோபுரம் வழியாக வாகனங்கள் சொர்க்கவாசல் திறப்பில் அனுமதிக்க மாட்டோம். வெளியூர் பஸ்கள், வாகனங்களை அண்ணாசிலை தேசியக்கல்லூரி மைதானத்தில் நிறுத்த பார்க்கிங் வசதி ஏற்பாடு செய்யப்படும். வாகனங்களை கொள்ளிடம் புறவழிச்சாலை வழியாக வெளியூர் செல்ல ஏறபாடு செய்யப்படும் எனவும் துணை கமிஷனர் குறிப்பிட்டார்.

source: http://www.dinakaran.com/District_Detail.asp?Nid=123665&cat=504


:cheers::cheers::cheers:

^^^^^^

festive atmosphere sets in Srirangam :)

with hosts of development and infrastructural actions being taken up for Vaikuntha Ekadesi festival-----Srirangam , once again is all set for another round of beautification and facelift


after all beautification and infrastructural projects being completed in and around Srirangam --------infrastructure and facilities at Srirangam would be on par with Tirupathi as per everyone's wish


:):cheers::banana:

here is some video footage showcausing the majestic sculptures at Srirangam Temple :):)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZTTfoXzVwA&feature=player_embedded


:cheers::cheers:

Better facilities for visitors at Srirangam this Ekadasi

TRICHY: This year, it is going to be a great challenge to control the crowd as Ekadasi, the opening of the heavenly gates in Srirangam, coincides with Christmas. As a result, the temple management has, to start with, suspended the issuance of VIP passes that was misused in previous years. However, the joint commissioner in charge of the temple, Kalyani, said badges would be issued to dignitaries.

District collector Jayashree Muralidharan has proposed the idea of constructing toilets inside the temple premises as in Tirupathi as older people had to wait for hours together to get the darshan of Sri Ranganathaswamy. The chairman of the board of trustees, R Seshasayee, has promised to take the idea forward and do the needful without upsetting the time-honoured traditions.

Jayashree has also instructed the police to issue vehicle passes to residents who live in the vicinity of the temple as traffic would be closed between December 23 and 25 from the Ammamandapam Road.

At the first round of consultations with all stakeholders, the collector gave a dressing down to BSNL which was more interested in selling simcards rather than providing telecom connectivity to people. "Since we all use BSNL, this is a must," Jayashree told a BSNL representative.

Since private vehicles will not be allowed beyond the start of Ammamandapam Road, Trichy East MLA Manoharan mooted the idea of the state transport offering free service to devotees from Ammamandapam to Tiruvanaikovil, the loop that intersects the Rajagopuram, the grand entrance to the temple.

State transport corporation's Trichy-based general manager N Pasupathy told TOI that the request for free rides was received at his office, and would be implemented with the help of a willing sponsor.

Another first this year would be the round-the-clock Annadhanam which would be extended to another 3,000 people a day, taking the total to 5,000 beneficiaries on a given day. Moreover, the coconut leaf thatching would be replaced with tin sheds to avoid risk of fire. The Electricity Board has assured that despite frequent unscheduled shutdowns, the temple would get uninterrupted power supply during the crucial three days of the festival and workers would be deployed at the transformers round-the-clock.

The deputy police commissioner (Traffic and Crime) S Selvakumar who took over a couple of months ago, said he was himself caught in the crowd last year and as a result had to beat a hasty retreat from the temple. "This year we will provide security with a 3,000-strong force and I will instruct them to deal with the public with kindness," he said.

Corporation commissioner Dhandapani was asked to remove roadside flower sellers from Sathaara Street and shunt them to the authorized market place that had been exclusively constructed but lying idle for more than 15 months now.

Extraordinary precautions are necessary as Srirangam was the scene of a major fire tragedy in which 64 people including a bridegroom were killed by a lethal blaze that devastated a marriage hall eight years ago. "But our Ranganathaswamy will save us all as always," said the district collector.

courtesy: Mr.Raja of TP

source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Better-facilities-for-visitors-at-Srirangam-this-Ekadasi/articleshow/17422294.cms

Yoga retreat reinforces body-mind coordination for Hong Kong team

R.KRISHNAMOORTHY

‘Perception of yoga in minds of learners keeps evolving’

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PERFECTION PERSONIFIED:Students of Hong Kong-based Pure Yoga International presenting a demonstration in the city on Friday.— Photo:M.Moorthy.

Opening their eyes after meditation on the lawns of the Thanjavur Big Temple to the resplendence of the full moon, members of a team from Hong Kong on a yoga retreat to Tiruchi were a delighted lot.

The joy of 38 members of Pure Yoga International knew no bounds while practicing yoga on the green lawns in natural conditions, a couple of days back.

They were thrilled at the beauty of practising yoga outdoors. In their thirties and forties and some of them even in sixties, the members comprising doctors, professors, flight attendants, lawyers and other professionals have been devoting every morning and evening of their week-long retreat to further tone up their body-mind coordination with yoga practice on the lawns of SRM Hotel.

This was the intended learning experience… Practising under sky, on the grass, in the midst of sound of ripples and chirping of birds, in the country where yoga originated, observed their master Debdatta Biswas, a senior teacher at Pure Yoga International and in-charge of the retreat.

Winner of several honours, including Champion of Champions in All India Yoga Championship 1987, Mr. Debdatta Biswas, better known as Deva internationally, says the perception of yoga in the minds of the learners keeps evolving. “Ten years back, people used to practise yoga to lose weight. Now they go deeper, identifying the connection of yoga with breathing, metabolism and spirituality.” The visitors belong to all faiths, Mr. Deva says adding that yoga though cultured by Hindus was universal.

First time in South India

After running his own yoga institution in India for about two decades, Mr. Deva who joined Pure Yoga International at Hong Kong in 2003 had so far accompanied yoga practitioners to Calcutta, Bihar, Jharkhand and other places in North India. For the first time the yoga retreat was conducted in South India at Tiruchi. :cheers::cheers:

“Yoga is all about body-mind coordination is of vital importance; mental rather than physical flexibility alone is the purpose of practising yoga. In the beginning do yoga in whatever way you like. There is no need to be systematic. Just sit on the mat. Yoga will come gradually with the discipline cultivated through making up the mind to sit down. Let mind come down, let the body know how to sit down. Slowly the experience of the charm of sitting down will set in.”

“Yoga is vast; it can be applied to every thing… sitting, talking, watching, and breathing. It helps to bring you to the present moment,” the yoga master explained.

Yoga is about balance of body and balance of mind. It helps one to set right the body system by keeping blood pressure and diabetes at bay. Of course, yoga is the agent for anti-ageing, says Mr. Deva pointing to the energy levels of sixty-year-olds in the group.

courtesy: Mr.Raja of TP

source: http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01285/30NOV_TYRKMNS01_TY_1285065e.jpg

A balancing act in water

Staff Reporter
http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01285/01DEC_TYGPR01_Y_TY_1285847e.jpg breathing afloat:M. Harini performing an ‘asana’ in water in the city on Saturday.PHOTO:R.M. RAJARATHINAM.




M. Harini knows a thing or two about balancing act. While performing ‘asanas’ requires rigorous practice even under normal circumstances, Harini does them afloat with ease.


A standard XI student of Montfort Matriculation Higher Secondary School, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai, she displayed her prowess by performing various ‘asanas’ such as ‘padmasana,’ ‘vrscikasana,’ ‘dhanurasana,’ ‘upavistakonasana,’ ‘virabhadrasana,’ and ‘vajrasana’ while floating on water at the swimming pool at Hotel Sangam in the city on Saturday.


She also enthralled the audience by floating with a flower vase on her forehead, reading a newspaper, and holding in her mouth a spoon with lemon. “I started four years ago, and now I can do 10 ‘asanas’ on water. I am practising to do more,” said Harini, who also took part in a yoga competition, held as part of yoga conclave being organised by the Department of Arts and Culture and Rudra Shanthi Yogalayam on Saturday. Appreciating the efforts of the youngster, R.P. Krishnakumar, yoga trainer, said that Harini would reach greater heights.


source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/a-balancing-act-in-water/article4155990.ece


^^^^

no words to describe her efforts-------Asanas , that too in water ---Really Awesome-----:applause::applause::applause:

Tracking walkers joy- Newly constructed Corporation park rear side of the Fort Railway Station at Thillai Nagar in Tiruchi.

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courtesy: admin sir of TP

source: today's hindu paper

^^^^
a very much needed one getting into a practical reality very soon :)

the park will be officially opened in jan 2013 by our CM ----------Just waiting for the small herbs, trees and saplings planted inside the park to grow well as it will give a greenish scenery and nice cool air and beauty

this info was collected from the park officials from TIDES President Mr.Prem sir when he visited it yesterday

:cheers::cheers: