That what i am telling to daughter who is insisting that we have to visit thailand, singapore. My advise to her go nook and corner TN to real perspective of who we are. The fight is on let us see who wins who loses.

My son who was dreaming about Switzerland tour is now hooked on to Himalayas. Only thing which he does not like much is the religious places we generally include during the tour.

Similarly Western Ghats. Even after 40 years of trips, I still find it new & fresh every time I visit.

Enna Illai indha Thiru Nattil ?

Enna Illai indha Thiru Nattil ?
Ellame irukku sir.. Koil vasale 50 pichaikaranga.. Parking-perule kollai karanga.
"Special ticket"-nu sollikittu kaasu pudungravanga..
thattule 10 rs potta than prasadam kodukuravanga..
Kovil-ku pona, nimmathiya irukka vidame, inthe kollaikaranga thollai...

Ellame inthe thiru natil irukku..:lol:

Come on krish,

There no denial that it has to change but like it the way it is. It is economical issue it will change.

There no denial that it has to change but like it the way it is. It is economical issue it will change.
i do not want to hijack the thread.. but this is the reason i hate both kazhaga parties.
99% of the temple has good assets. If they properly maintain them, there is no need for "Special ticket", archanai ticket, parking ticket.
normally my family tend to avoid going to temples on festival days, due to these non-sense things. normally we will not do any archanai in those big temples which is another day time robbery.
i still remember my visit to thirunallar temple, a week after Sani peyarchi with my wife who was pregnant.
Damn it.. I lost all the respect to those "ass ho..." in the temple.

Enna Illai indha Thiru Nattil ?

Namaku namma mela Nambikai Ella. Namma lla mudium Ethirkallatha matha mudium kira nambikkai illa. Unity illa.

i do not want to hijack the thread.. but this is the reason i hate both kazhaga parties.
99% of the temple has good assets. If they properly maintain them, there is no need for "Special ticket", archanai ticket, parking ticket.
normally my family tend to avoid going to temples on festival days, due to these non-sense things. normally we will not do any archanai in those big temples which is another day time robbery.
i still remember my visit to thirunallar temple, a week after Sani peyarchi with my wife who was pregnant.
Damn it.. I lost all the respect to those "ass ho..." in the temple.

This were i want ramadev, Sankarachraiyar like person has to concentrate. What we need is temple sotthu becho. Expecting everything from government is too much in my opinion. It is just the trick shift the blame. Let us move this to AA.

i do not want to hijack the thread.. but this is the reason i hate both kazhaga parties.
99% of the temple has good assets. If they properly maintain them, there is no need for "Special ticket", archanai ticket, parking ticket.
normally my family tend to avoid going to temples on festival days, due to these non-sense things. normally we will not do any archanai in those big temples which is another day time robbery.
i still remember my visit to thirunallar temple, a week after Sani peyarchi with my wife who was pregnant.
Damn it.. I lost all the respect to those "ass ho..." in the temple.
I dont understand the link between temple properties and special tickets. They are to just split crowd. Most of the times both queues move in same pace but without categorization people will tend to enter the one they think will move fast! TN temples arent the only ones charge archanai tickets!! Where did Dravidian parties come here? Before that my grand parents were not allowed to enter temple. Only exempt was my paternal grandad because of his color :lol:. Dravidian parties are cool in this aspect.

DP,
there are plenty of temples in Delta.
Thanjavur:
Palace, Big temple. on the way to Thiruvarur, you can see Punnai Nallur Mari amman temple. to relax little bit, you can visit Thanjavur Siva ganga garden too.(not much there.) but it might be refreshing change from seeing temples alone. it is just backside of the temple.

To Kumbakonam side:
1. Thittai Raja Guru temple, Thirukarukavoor Amman,Patteswaram Durgai amman, Dharasuram Temple, Kumbakonam Kumbeswaran koil, thirunageswaran koil(Rahu), Uppliappan koil, Ayyavadi Prathyangara Devi(similar to Sholinganallur Prathyangara Devi) it is just few kms from uppli appan koil. If you have time, please visit Thiruvidai maruthur temple and Thirubuvanam Sarabeswarar temple, ThiruCherai Perumal temple
Suryanar Koil(suryan), Kanchanur(sukran)
Gangai konda Cholapuram is on separate route (kumbakonam-Jayankondam)..

2. Mayiladuthurai: Mayuranathar temple, Vaideeswaran Koil(Angarahan), Sirkashi Sattayppa Nathar temple, Chidambaram Natarajar, and then Pitchavaram boating.(dont miss this)

Thanjavur-Thiruvarur-Mayiladuthurai side:
Alangudi(Guru), Thiruvarur temple, Sikkal Shanmuganathar, Koothanalur Saraswathi, Thirumiyachur Lalithambigai, come back to Peralam and then to Thirunallar,
Thiruvenkadu(Budhan), keezhaperumpallam(Kethu)

Thiruvaiyaru side:
Thiruvaiyaru Aiyarappar temple(very big temple), Thingalur(Chandran),

I would suggest you to wait for 2-3 months more, (once you get water in the rivers).. that will make the trip more enjoyable wiith greenary, bath @ Cauvery.

Chennai-Thanjavur -Thiruvarur-kumbakonam-Mayiladuthurai -CDM-Chennai.

Sad that u missed Thirunangur and 11 garuda sevai ... :( :)

Sad that u missed Thirunangur and 11 garuda sevai ... :( :)
sorry DP. am not underestimating Thirunangur.
CP is having limited time schedule. so i have given as much as famous temples.
am yet to visit Thirunangur, but i visited Raja mathangi temple. it is near Thirunangur?

Can Srirangam temple get world heritage site status?
The Hindu, 16-Aug-12 (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article3776209.ece)

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01178/16THTEMPLE_1178881f.jpg


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.

Ellame irukku sir.. Koil vasale 50 pichaikaranga.. Parking-perule kollai karanga.
"Special ticket"-nu sollikittu kaasu pudungravanga..
thattule 10 rs potta than prasadam kodukuravanga..
Kovil-ku pona, nimmathiya irukka vidame, inthe kollaikaranga thollai...

Ellame inthe thiru natil irukku..:lol:

As I have told you many times, please come out of the Negative mind set.

You are putting yourself in sorrow by this way. Then your thinking gets clouded by all these and so decisions.

Why dont you shift to India and work for all these if you feel so strong about it ?

My Policy:

First accept things as they are even though we are against it. Not all are equal and nowhere only good will happen.

Then understand why it is happening.

Then plan what we can do for mitigation ? Can we do it alone or with others ?

Join or start a group and wet your shoes.

Do not bother about the results. Because even if we get 5% results, it is achievement.

As I have told you many times, please come out of the Negative mind set.
.
well Sir,
If i talk about actual situation happening on the ground, is it a negative mind set? :).
am sorry, if it conveys that meaning.
I have went these temples extensively and gave the list. I can go and talk about their prides.
before somebody pounches on the "paid darshan" and day light robbery in the temple, i have wrote it. thats it.


Why dont you shift to India and work for all these if you feel so strong about it ?
nane irunthu irunthu ippo than vanthurukken. I was there extensively 10 years in chennai.
my stay here is also counted in months.

Ellame irukku sir.. Koil vasale 50 pichaikaranga.. Parking-perule kollai karanga.
"Special ticket"-nu sollikittu kaasu pudungravanga..
thattule 10 rs potta than prasadam kodukuravanga..
Kovil-ku pona, nimmathiya irukka vidame, inthe kollaikaranga thollai...

Ellame inthe thiru natil irukku..:lol:

The Paid Entrance ticket inside temple differentiates people for wrong reason. Cannot see this in Kerala.

But I would suggest Krish, to visit temples which are away from the city and which are not crowded for the REAL experience

The Paid Entrance ticket inside temple differentiates people for wrong reason. Cannot see this in Kerala.

But I would suggest Krish, to visit temples which are away from the city and which are not crowded for the REAL experience
+1. small temples are not the issue. big famous temples irukke...abbabba...
we used to visit lot of temples in around delta more frequently.

Thirubamburam near kumbakonam Temple is famous for both Rahu & Kethu. this temple is oflate getting famous.

Yes wlbkng. Planning to go with project mates next month

banner podura mathiri Thanjai big temple, Sri rangam ranganathaswamy kovil photo pidinga.... 7 yrs ayidichi.. still we have not taken big temple, srirangam, madurai banner's up.

Some pics from Kumbakonam - along with some details,,, Beautiful Kumbakonam Memories....

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151046582399794&set=a.10151046581649794.454410.563939793&type=1&theater

From FB

How to reach Sittanavasal in Pudukottai district from Trichy by Public Transport...

How to reach Sittanavasal in Pudukottai district from Trichy by Public Transport...

There are good amount of buses from pudhukottai. Sometimes freq is less too. That depends on the time we go there. Route board will have the name as annavasal. I remember seeing buses from trichy also. Anyways nothing much to see there.. From main road we walked a km to reach the cave paintings area.

Courtallam gets Tamil Nadu’s biggest eco-park (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article3824960.ece)

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01190/27THECOPARK_1190190f.jpg

Set up over an extent of 37.23 acres in Tirunelveli district at a cost of Rs.5.73 crore



The State’s biggest eco-park has come up in a picturesque spot at Courtallam, a popular destination of tourists,down South.

Established over an extent of 37.23 acres in Tirunelveli district at a cost of Rs.5.73 crore, the park, adjacent to the famous ‘Five Falls,’ is awaiting a formal inauguration. The farm belonging to the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency (TANHODA) has been converted to accommodate the park.

Some of the attractive features of the park are adventure-play area, sunken garden, fern garden, royal drive, bamboo avenue, rock garden, children play area, murals, butterfly garden, eco pond and stream walk.

The Agency is also setting up two gardens at Yercaud: a botanical garden and Kurinji genetic heritage Garden, besides Paalai genetic heritage garden at Achadipirambu in Ramanathapuram district on an investment of about Rs.24 crore. TANHODA maintains seven parks and gardens in the State and 49 farms are under its control.

The botanical parks and gardens serve as study centres for students and attract large number of tourists, while these farms serve as model demonstration centres to the local growers. An official of TANHODA told The Hindu, “Courtallam eco-park is the biggest park in the State. Civil works are over and it will be thrown open to public very soon. We have completed 60 per cent of work in the upcoming parks in Yercaud and 50 per cent in Paalai Genetic Park. The remaining work will be completed before September and the facilities will be made available to the public before the next flower show in May”.

The garden improvement works at Bryant Park, Anna Park and Chettiar park in Kodaikanal, costing Rs.1.13 crore, have been completed in shortest time, the official adds.

Wow.. Nice work!

Br08PVEaQvs

For more : Playlist (http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiBZ9p8IpcH1LHFCFrZ48cn-ObkaYqbZb&feature=view_all)

Valparai Sholayar Dam

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8346/valparai.jpg

Source: Dinakaran

^^^ Photo paarthaale kuliruthu. Sooda oru yelakkai (with milagu) tea sollunga.

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/6286/cardamomtea.jpg

xg-imacmk1c

RQaOmtOy_h4

^^^ Photo paarthaale kuliruthu. Sooda oru yelakkai (with milagu) tea sollunga.

:cheers:

Maritime museum soon at Mamallapuram




http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/maritime-museum-soon-mamallapuram-906

A preliminary Techno Commercial Report has been prepared and submitted by AMET University.

Latest Tourism initiatives

http://www.tn.gov.in/seithi_veliyeedu/pr27Sep12/pr270912_563.pdf

Infra boost for 7 tourism clusters

http://www.asianage.com/chennai/infra-boost-7-tourism-clusters-212

Thiruvanamalai time lapse

NtQEyZf76dQ

Tamilnadu timelapse - Chennai, Madurai and Thanjavur

K5u3AV1aPr4

This place is called as Poolampati - 50KM from Salem towards Cauvery basin.. Mountain side is Erode dt and this bank is Salem dt.

There is no bridge connecting Salem and Erode dt here.. After Mettur, Bhavani is the next major bridge for 4-wheelers. It would be awesome if SH builds a bridge here and also it can be developed as tourist spot.

Water level will be always high here because of small barrage in downstream.

One of the scenic place on cauvery basin! But th Bhagiyaraj padam pounu pounuthaan ingae thaan eduthanga.

I guess the transmission line is new one from Mettur new thermal power plant to Erode region sub station.

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247630_293194440789116_236894212_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/57931_293194574122436_274324221_n.jpg

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/523052_293194620789098_1848368503_n.jpg

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253098_293194647455762_1294315488_n.jpg

FB, beautiful salem

^^ :cheers1: oozum!!

Looks cool. TFS Arul.

Tamilnadu timelapse - Chennai, Madurai and Thanjavur



Very nice :cheers:

Five TN places in UNESCO World Heritage status tentative list

Five sites in Tamil Nadu, including famous Lord Sri Ranganathar temple in Srirangam, have been included in the tentative list by the Union Culture ministry for UNESCO's world heritage status, Union Culture Minister Kumari Selja said Sunday.

The 17th century Fort St George in Chennai, Chettinad, Kazhugumalai rock sculptures and Pulikat Lake were the other sites in the list, she told reporters here.

Replying to question Selja, on a tour of heritage sites in south Tamil Nadu, said the Centre would examine inclusion of sites for heritage status if the local government and administration sent proposals.

The Minister, who visited the Saraswathy Mahal library, said it had many invaluable materials and pledged the Centre's support to maintain them with global standards.

She also said she visited nearby Thirubuvanam, known for its silk sarees, 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.

http://english.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.DLL/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentId=12617980&programId=1073750974&tabId=1&contentType=EDITORIAL

This place is called as Poolampati - 50KM from Salem towards Cauvery basin.. Mountain side is Erode dt and this bank is Salem dt.
FB, beautiful salem
Awesome shots.. superb place..

Coimbatore website earlier hosted an online booking for outing place near CBE that includes boating , lunch in a river. not sure still if it exists.

self deleted.

Honble Chief Minister inaugurated an Eco Park in Courtallam, Tirunelveli District through Video Conferencing


http://www.tn.gov.in/seithi_veliyeedu/pr15Oct12/pr151012b.jpg

For details: http://www.tn.gov.in/seithi_veliyeedu/pr15Oct12/pr151012_615.pdf

Honble Chief Minister inaugurated the renovated parks in Kodaikanal, Dindigul District through Video Conferencing

http://www.tn.gov.in/seithi_veliyeedu/pr16Oct12/pr161012_618.pdf

From a Thai paper..

Heritage in the heat


The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, easily accessible through direct flights to Chennai, offers the Thai tourist a wealth of cultural and religious sites to explore

Hot and humid all the year around, most tourist agencies recommend November to February as the best time to visit Chennai, when temperatures drop to a very manageable daytime maximum of 29 degrees Celsius.

We go in April, when the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu is gearing up for summer, stepping off one of Air Asia's new direct flights from Bangkok to the so-called "Gateway to South India" into a sweltering 37 degrees C.

The bustling city, formerly known as Madras, is well known for its shopping opportunities but our guide smilingly tells us that souvenir hunting will have to wait until the end of our junket as, for the next few days, we will be feasting our eyes on some of the state's most famous cultural and religious monuments.

Up early the next morning, we board the coach for Sri Ekambaranathar Temple in Kanchipuram where we meet a group of Chennaiite Buddhist novices at the gate. They are busy donning white robes and tell us they are here for a summer camp to learn dharma. We shed our shoes and join them in making our way gingerly over the cloth-covered stones and pebbles lining the long path from gate to temple, taking occasional evasive action to avoid the places where cows have left their mark.

This large Shiva temple, one of the oldest in the city and, at 57 metres high, the tallest in South India, is awe-inspiring by its very vastness. Constructed by the Pallavas and improved upon by the Chola and the Vijayanagara kings, it has five Prakarams (enclosures) and boasts 1,000 pillars along the hallway and 1,008 Siva Lingams on the walls. Another point of interest is a 3,500-year-old mango tree under which, according to Hindu mythology, Kamakshi Amman married Lord Shiva. In Sanskrit, Ekambaram literally means "One Mango Tree" with "eka" being "one" and "amaram" the word for "mango tree".

Opposite the mango tree is a wall covered with the words of Hindu devotional songs, among them "Thirupavai" and "Dhevaram".

The drive to Sri Vaikuntha Perumal Temple allows us to see something of life in Kanchipuram, a bustling city that doesn't seem all that different from provincial Thailand with stalls piled high with vegetables and fruits jostling for position along the sides of the streets and lots of yellow auto rickshaws that resemble the Thai tuk-tuk. The Indians though, seem far fonder of the car horn than the average Thai, with a cacophony of honking warning pedestrians and cows to get out of the way.

Ninety minutes later, we arrive in Mahabalipuram where we check into a hotel for the night before touring the seventh-century port city the next day. The first attraction we visit is the World Heritage monuments of Mamallapuram featuring pancha rathas or five chariots, namely the Draupadi, Arjuna, Bhima and Dharmaraja standing in the west, and Nakula-Sahadeva ratha in the south.

Hewn from the granite rock face, Draupadi is a hut-styled vimana, Arjuna has two tiers with an octagonal shaped neck and head, Bhima is called "Sala Vimana" and has a tilted boat similar to a sala. Dharmaraja ratha is the tallest with three tiers, and Nakula-Sahadeva is called the "Gaja-prishta Vimana" and has an elephant standing beside it.

The next stop is Arjuna's Penance, known as The Descent of Ganga", a massive open-air bas-relief monolith 29 metres long and 13 metres high. It showcases more than 100 figures of gods and flying celestial creatures, birds and animals, including giant elephants, along with human beings and saints.

We walk through the forest towards Krishna's Butterball on the hillside, which reminds me of a similar stone at Wat Pluang in Khao Kitchakut National Park, Chanthaburi. Not far from here is Varaha Cave with its Indian rock-cut architecture that has four impressive carvings of Vishnu, Gakalakshmi, Trivikama and Durga.

We take a break at a stone carver's village and before moving towards the Shore Temple on the shore of Bay of Bengal, one of most photographed monuments in India but badly ravaged by the wind and sea.

Shore Temple comprises three shrines, the two most prominent ones dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It was designed to grasp the first rays of the rising sun and to spotlight the waters after sunset. We arrive late morning, so miss the best but our guide consoles us by taking us off for an Indian-style Chinese lunch.

During the meal, he tells us that the food in south India is prepared with coconut cream like in south of Thailand while in the north, milk is used.

Exhausted by the heat and sated from our feast, we sleep on the journey to Pondicherry, a peaceful city with a French influence that can still be seen in the grand colonial mansions, beautiful boulevards and names of roads.

Goubert Avenue, which runs parallel with the Serenity Beach, is home to a four-metre high statue of Mahatma Gandhi surrounded by eight granite pillars. The beach itself is 1.5 kilometres long and is popular with walkers, joggers and those who just want to chill, all of them happy to take advantage of the vehicle-free zone every evening to enjoy the pleasant breeze off the Bay of Bengal.

Our Pondicherry hotel is also near some bookshops offering titles at great value and with a discount to boot.

Back to Chennai, the guide keeps his promise and drops us off at Central Market for a spot of shopping before heading back out to the airport.

The writer's trip was sponsored by AirAsia.


http://www.nationmultimedia.com/travel/Heritage-in-the-heat-30192418.html

Look how AirAsia is promoting us.. :laugh:

Look how AirAsia is promoting us.. :laugh:

The writer's trip was sponsored by AirAsia.

Murli ...itha highlight panna maranthuteenga ..:lol:

On My Visit from Kanyakumari on Oct 2 took these pic in my Xperia Ray, if clarity is low please excuse on the upcoming days will try to do my best.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--I46gSTX8d4/UIABXtTNcEI/AAAAAAAAAXY/mShIwiXcWT0/s800/2.jpg
Link (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--I46gSTX8d4/UIABXtTNcEI/AAAAAAAAAXY/mShIwiXcWT0/s800/2.jpg)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P_Daexno3Zo/UIABYDli7NI/AAAAAAAAAXs/Tz1hX8HtX_g/s800/3.jpg
Link (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P_Daexno3Zo/UIABYDli7NI/AAAAAAAAAXs/Tz1hX8HtX_g/s800/3.jpg)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EKRif7FFHtA/UIABYogkalI/AAAAAAAAAXg/3S027MfyYJU/s800/4.jpg
Link (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EKRif7FFHtA/UIABYogkalI/AAAAAAAAAXg/3S027MfyYJU/s800/4.jpg)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Pl8cfVIloFk/UIABZKiIo8I/AAAAAAAAAXo/GKJG-Q3vF7I/s800/5.jpg
Link (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Pl8cfVIloFk/UIABZKiIo8I/AAAAAAAAAXo/GKJG-Q3vF7I/s800/5.jpg)

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1rxdAKibVnQ/UIABZ8cEjiI/AAAAAAAAAX0/xGDDb7SyFUo/s800/6.jpg
Link (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1rxdAKibVnQ/UIABZ8cEjiI/AAAAAAAAAX0/xGDDb7SyFUo/s800/6.jpg)

^^ Superb Arun... The clarity looks good to me :)

:cheers: quaintly sexy^^

**Same News but in The Hindu**



http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01241/16TYLIBRARY_01_1241766f.jpg

Proposals to the tune of Rs.1.65 crore have been submitted to Union Ministry of Culture for giving a facelift to Saraswathi Mahal Library here. The proposals were handed over by K. Baskaran, Collector and Director of the Library, to Kumari Selja, Union Minister of Housing, Urban Poverty Alleviation and Culture when she visited the library recently. The proposals include digitisation of manuscripts and books in the library (at a cost of Rs. 50 lakhs), computerisation of the books and manuscripts (Rs. 30 lakhs), improvement of museum (Rs. 20 lakhs), improvement of readers section (Rs. 5 lakhs), translation of Sanskrit books (Rs. 20 lakhs), conservation of rare books and paintings (Rs. 20 lakhs) and improvement of storage facility (Rs. 20 lakhs).



The library which houses 70,000 books uses ‘autolib’, software to facilitate online cataloguing facility. Due to lack of trained staff, the work could not be continued. The computerisation work needs to be continued to help researchers and to facilitate online cataloguing, the proposal said. Similarly the library has published 62 volumes of catalogues for library manuscripts. To take them online, cataloguing details should also be computerised.


The library museum also needs to be modernised with provision for new showcases and lighting facility. Readers section needs to be improved with separate seating facility, air conditioning, and OPAC (online public access catalogue). The library has quite a number of illustrated manuscripts, drawings and rare books which need curative conservation. The work can be done with the help of National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property, Lucknow, the proposal said.



The library, one among the few medieval libraries that exist in the world, is a repository of culture and is a treasure house of knowledge built by the successive dynasties of Nayaks and Marattas of Thanjavur. The Encyclopaedia of Britannica in its survey of Libraries of World mentions the library as "the most remarkable library in India".



During the reigns of Nayaks of Thanjavur (1535-1675 A.D), the library was formed and developed in the name of "Sarasvati Bhandar" (Collection place of manuscripts). The Maratta Kings later developed the library into a Royal Palace Library till 1855. Rajah Serfoji II, Maratta king can be rightly called the architect of the library as he enriched the library with his personal collection of books and manuscripts and developed it.

...

TN sanctions Rs 4 cr for cleaning Ooty lake

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/tn-sanctions-rs-4-cr-for-cleaning-ooty-lake/article4030345.ece

Killiyur(salem) falls : Courtesy Dinamalar (http://www.dinamalar.com/photogallery_detail.asp?id=32&nid=5985&cat=Album#.UJVxgoWmAjE)
சுற்றுலா பயணிகளை அசத்தும் கிளியூர் நீர்வீழ்ச்சி: ஏற்காட்டில் தொடர் மழை காரணமாக சீசன் களைகட்டியுள்ளது. பகல்பொழுதில் மேகமூட்டத்தின் இடையே, கிளியூர் நீர்வீழ்ச்சியில் வெள்ளி நீர் அருவியாய் கொட்டுகிறது. இதனால் சுற்றுலா பயணிகள் கூட்டம் அதிகரித்துள்ளது.
http://img.dinamalar.com/data/uploads/ELARGE_20121103010253.jpeg

TTDC eyes Marina for maritime heritage museum

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/ttdc-eyes-marina-for-maritime-heritage-museum/article4064997.ece

Season picks up in Kodiyakarai

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/2954/ce0711mn14tnjl.jpg

^^very nice

http://photogallery.outlookindia.com/images/gallery/20121030/tamil_nadu_1_20121101.jpg

Wake Up And Smell The Coffee

Spends a few days in rural bliss watching coffee beans ripen and silk cotton pods burst deep in the Palani hills

We have been driving for three hours from Coimbatore airport, resigned to the flat, dry landscape, to the vegetation consisting largely of thorny bushes, relieved by brief glimpses of windmills standing tall in clumps of coconut palms. Pannaikudi in Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu, seems just another signpost but after we pass it the landscape begins to change. In the last hour of our journey, we start ascending the Palani Hills and the forest begins—hesitantly at first and then it starts to grow thicker. The road grows very quiet and we don’t encounter another vehicle or even a passer-by as we climb bend after bend, except for a very old man cleaning out the dried flowers in the roadside temple with large idols of Ganesha and Kartikeya. Occasionally, we pass clusters of houses that make up the villages, till a rusty board announces that we’ve reached Manjalparpu. We fork off to the left and rattle uphill on a stony path through coffee plantations and, when we reach, I am quite unprepared for the unostentatious beauty of the house that sits lightly on top of the hill. A column of wooden pillars supports the sloping Mangalore-tiled roof. The building itself is low-rising and the roof is punctuated with small turrets, supported by carved wooden brackets. The effect is created by the elevation and the elegant proportions of the building and, for the eye that has grown accustomed to polish, the natural, unvarnished texture of the wooden walls. This is the Rajakkad Garden hotel, an eighteenth-century Kerala-style house that was transported from its original location in Kottayam and rebuilt painstakingly in the middle of a fifty-acre coffee plantation. This is the hotel’s first season, the first year that it has been opened officially to guests.
Robesh George, Rajakkad’s youthful on-site manager, is my host and guide. Dressed in a traditional white mundu and bush shirt, and courteous of manner, he is reverential towards the house and enthusiastic about his plans for the estate. The house began its life as Pallam Palace, the summer residence of the erstwhile Travancore royal family—a padinaru kattu house or a house with sixteen courtyards. It was brought to Rajakkad Estate and reassembled back in 2003, and after much consideration and a facelift from a team of workers from Pondicherry and the local villages, it was opened as a hotel this year. The original wooden construction, with interlocking beams and wooden runners intersecting the framework and holding up the structure—no nails have been used—has been retained as much as possible or reproduced, right down to the hatches in the wooden walls through which the royal ladies in seclusion could watch special events or even the world go by. The trick to the unvarnished look, Robesh informs me, is linseed oil which retains the light colour of the wood, while cashew oil is used for the inside of the structure for it produces a darker hue.

http://photogallery.outlookindia.com/images/gallery/20121030/tamil_nadu_2_20121101.jpg

The eight guest rooms, almost identically appointed, are grouped round the main courtyard. Side by side with the traditional architecture, the simple black oxide floors and the terracotta-tiled passageways, there is a stylised aesthetic at work, and a practical and informed eye to the facilities. The eye for detail is there everywhere—in the dining chair that fits comfortably in the small of your back, in the earthen-hued carpets from Samarkand, the glass carafe with the perfectly ground stopper or the paintings in the rooms, whether it is the scene from Krishna’s Braj in my room or the potentate from Karaikudi in the next. But it is the bathroom that merits a special mention. The lighting is clever and energy-saving —fairy lights that hang on the silver-edged mirror and LED strip lights stuck discreetly on the wooden frame. The bathing area is separated from the rest of the bathroom by a raised threshold—no fussy bath curtains, glass cubicles or ceramic tiles and the taps, thankfully, turn only in two directions, either left or right with arrows clearly pointing out hot from cold.

http://photogallery.outlookindia.com/images/gallery/20121030/tamil_nadu_7_20121101.jpg

The pods of the silk cotton have burst and the pathways through the coffee plants are strewn with soft white down. Robesh is giving me a conducted tour of the plantation. At 3,500 feet, the elevation of Rajakkad is perfect, Robesh says, the air is pure and healthy, not as rarefied as in the higher reaches, so you can breathe easily and you don’t feel tired. Which is why, he adds, the Kenyans, who live in similar highlands, win the marathon. The estate grows Arabica and some Robusta and their coffee is completely organic, with goat droppings and cow dung as manure. It is not easy to sustain an organic plantation, Robesh explains, the crop takes time to yield and you need a buffer zone to shield it from the pesticides used by the uphill plantations. But they want to persist. Already, the plantation has extended into a farm with vegetable plots, goats, cows, chicken and even turkeys, which are a big draw with children who visit. Robesh looks forward to meeting all the needs of the hotel with the fresh organic produce from his farm and of marketing his own boutique cheese and lemon marmalade, which would mean greater employment opportunities for the local community. We walk past and duly note the check dams, the rainwater tanks and the natural wells, and arrive at the coffee-drying yard. A couple of turkeys are strutting about. The male, his feathers all fanned out, his red-and-blue wattle displayed to beady perfection, is trying to impress the plain female. Do you breed them for your table, I ask Robesh. He looks at me with gentle dispproval. We do not eat our pets, he replies.

In the evening, I watch Arul, ‘King of Soups’, cooking our dinner. There are pieces of pumpkin and slivers of garlic simmering in a pot—by sleight of hand, and a little cream, he will transform it into an unbelievably tasty soup in a few minutes. The next day I sample his carrot-apple soup, again very simple and very good. Arul’s speciality is South Indian and Continental food. Over the next two days he lays out his wares—the perfectly cooked drumstick sambar, bowtie pasta in basil and tomato, beetroot-apple salad and fruit mousse stand out. Arul has computer courses under his belt but he likes cooking best. By experimenting on his own, and with some ingenuity and imagination, he has developed quite a repertoire. He runs the kitchen with Panneer, his assistant. Both are light of step and perfect of timing. Just as you’ve finished one course, they appear at your elbow with the next. The service at the hotel is much like that—they anticipate your needs and so there’s little you want, and are helpful without getting in your way. All of them, including Robesh, have no formal training, picking up their skills on the job. The hotel has a permanent staff of eight and other than Arul, they are all from Manjalparpu, the village at the bottom of the estate, or the villages around, as are the workers on the farm. The oldest is Meenakshi, bent but quite spry, whom I will see first thing in the morning, sweeping up the leaves. It makes her happy to come here, Robesh says, and we give her work that is light enough for her to do.

I wake up in the morning to birdsong—a full-fledged concert, and have my coffee in a terrace at the edge of the garden, watching a couple of giant squirrels chasing each other on a silver FIR. The garden around the hotel, which has the minimally-interfered-with look, as if its natural features have been embellished to show them to advantage, has been crafted by a specialist from Auroville and forms a very effective setting for the wooden walls and columns of the house.

A three-hour walk through the plantations and the forest, up to a dramatic view point, is promised for the morning and we set off with a machete and a bottle of water. Panneer, Arul’s assistant in the kitchen, and Pandian are my guides. The machete is not to defend ourselves against wild animals or hack our way through the forest but to cut down a ripe jackfruit if we can find one. As for wild animals, the wild boar and the gaur (Indian bison) can be quite a nuisance, Pandian explains, and the multicoloured saris that we find stretched across bushes and fences are a means of deterring them. The sari flapping in the dusk is meant to bamboozle the bison into thinking that resourceful humans are at large, but the bison seem to have seen through the trick.
The hill slopes here have no leeches, Pandian assures me, even though it has rained, you find them further uphill. We walk through other plantations—Trichy man estate 600 acres, Chennai man estate 100 acres, local man estate 10 acres, through coffee-drying yards and sheds. It takes us an hour to reach the view point, where we encounter what Pandian calls ‘the mist problem’. The valley is completely covered and the mist is rushing up to meet us. So we head to Elephant Point lower down to a sheer drop and there we get a sweeping view of Dindigul and other towns in the plains, and the hills stretched out like an elephant with its trunk raised.

The machete comes in handy on the way down, to clear the lantana bushes that block our path and finally, Panneer finds the jackfruit he is looking for —ripe and low-hanging. With one stroke he slices it in the middle and the segments are just the right golden colour. After we have had our fill, we leave the fruit on the side for the monkeys and bison to finish.

As the only guest in the hotel I have the run of its sixteen courtyards and I make the most of it. Nothing can induce a sense of calm, a feeling of all being well with the world, as the symmetry of evenly paced columns and still water in a pebble-lined pool. I laze in the many cosy nooks so thoughtfully set up round the courtyard; I watch the fish swimming in the water and the wooden parrots preening themselves on their stoop; I sit on the planter’s chair with my feet up on the rests (with a mental apology to my mother for having succumbed to sloth). I browse through the books in the library, which again has a hand-picked collection of fiction, art and natural history—and a touch of the Raj, in the souvenirs from Fry’s Chocolates, dating back to the pre-war times—and it occurs to me that this would be a perfect place for a writers’ or artists’ retreat. I stroll through the pathways in the estate and see that the white silk-cotton has been mulched into the mud after the night’s rain. All too soon the day has ended and it is time for another of Arul’s excellent meals.

When I retire to my room and close the door, I notice the fat, circular wooden hinges on the top. I draw the latticed screen that separates the veranda, the garden and pretty much the whole estate from my room. I switch off the lights and listen to the sounds from the darkening garden. I can hear a lone motorcycle making its laborious way uphill. A firefly has found its way inside and is blundering about, a point of flickering light in the darkness. There is a distant growl of thunder and soon it begins to rain.

http://cms.outlookindia.com/Uploads/Outlook%20Traveller/2012/20121101/map_tn_20121101.jpg

Getting there

By Air : Nearest airport is Madurai (80 Kms)
By Train : Nearest Railway junction is Dindigul (50 Kms)
By Road : Frequent buses from Vathlagundu

The property

Rajakkad Garden Hotel (9487444333; rajakkadestate.com) has eight bedrooms (Rs 7,500 or Rs 8,500 per head per day, depending on the room. Inclusive of breakfast, dinner, tea/coffee and guided walks. There are special summer offers and the house can also be rented by small groups). The best time to visit is from October to April but it is pleasant all year round. Set menus are offered at the hotel, with the cuisine largely being South Indian and Continental.

Gulf of Mannar | The real pearl of the South


http://www.livemint.com/r/LiveMint/Period1/2012/11/24/Photos/mannar2--330x220.jpg

http://www.livemint.com/r/LiveMint/Period1/2012/11/23/Photos/G-Gulf-of-Mannar-24-Nov-(web).jpg

http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/JR3S0TxvFCoi0cLRDXaIcN/Gulf-of-Mannar--The-real-pearl-of-the-South.html

Anamalai Tiger Reserve reopens for tourism

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Anamalai-Tiger-Reserve-reopens-for-tourism/articleshow/17396014.cms

here is some video footage showcausing the majestic sculptures at Srirangam Temple :):)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZTTfoXzVwA&feature=player_embedded

http://epaper.dinakaran.com/pdf/2012/11/06/20121106a_005106009.jpg

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

The Tourism Ministry of India and TN Govt has proposed 4 Tourism Circuits

out of these 4 circuits,the following has been accorded as the priority important circuit owing to enormous tourism potential and resources in this region-------------this includes investment and expenditure of 100's of crores of rupees

Priority Circuit: Trichy-Tanjavur-Kumbakonam-Mayiladuthurai-Vaitheswarankoil-SirkhaziChidambaram- Virudachalam- Tholudur

the move will enhance excellent Tourism infrastructure and amenities and recreation,landscaping and beautification projects


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/001.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/004.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/005.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/006.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/007.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/008.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/009.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/010.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/011.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/012.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/013.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/014.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/015.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/016.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/017.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/018.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/019.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/020.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/021.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/022.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/023.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/024.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/025.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/026.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/027.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/028.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/029.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/030.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/031.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/032.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/033.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/034.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/035.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/036.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/037.jpg




source: http://tourism.gov.in/writereaddata/CMSPagePicture/file/marketresearch/Tentavely%20Identified%20circuit%20for%20various%20states/new/Tamil.pdf


:banana::cheers::cheers:

Excellent find Siva.. TFS :cheers:

====================

Small doubt.. Namma TN le temples vitta tourists ku vera onnume illaiya?? Too much domination by temples in the above list..

Konjam entertainment um venum pa makkaluku!!

Apart from Temples

Western & eastern ghat circuit can be made covering major hills stations and eco areas:

Eastern Ghats:
Yelagiri-Yercaud-Kollimalai-Pachamalai-Kalrayan

Western Ghats 1:

Ooty-coonoor-Kotagiri-Topslip-Valparai

Western Ghats 2:
Kodaikanal-Meghamalai-Srilvilliputur(Sanctuary)-Courtallam-Manjolai-kalakad

Excellent find Siva.. TFS :cheers:

====================

Small doubt.. Namma TN le temples vitta tourists ku vera onnume illaiya?? Too much domination by temples in the above list..

Konjam entertainment um venum pa makkaluku!!

^^Yes you are right..

But we have the pleasure of having the most number of classic temples in the country(or probably in the world)..Thats unique to our land...western ghats terrain is another good thing to exhibit by introducing some circuit over there..

Personally, I find temples slightly boring .. Especially when forced to go on those religious tours with parents and elders.

We need to exploit our vast coastal area.. One of the most underdeveloped sphere.. Tremendous potential to make them tourist hotspots, especially the area btwn Chennai and Pondi..

Personally, I find temples slightly boring .. Especially when forced to go on those religious tours with parents and elders.

We need to exploit our vast coastal area.. One of the most underdeveloped sphere.. Tremendous potential to make them tourist hotspots, especially the area btwn Chennai and Pondi..

murlee sir----------please read the last 5 slides in that PDF file

the answer to your queries are quiete there

i think, there is a sufficient blend of entertainment based tourism and religious tourism in TN----though, i accept religion dominates more---it is good only , according to me.---------------because,TN Temples history are really awesome and gorgeous....................:cheers:

Excellent find Siva.. TFS :cheers:

====================

Small doubt.. Namma TN le temples vitta tourists ku vera onnume illaiya?? Too much domination by temples in the above list..

Konjam entertainment um venum pa makkaluku!!

thanks murlee:)

TFS Sivaraja

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01290/mphhsoma7_jpg_JPG_1290032g.jpg

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01290/mphhsoma2_jpg_JPG_1290031g.jpg

A chance detour leads Soma Basu to a memorial and a balmy day at the beach at Kundakal

Rameswaram is a pucca holy town swamped by pilgrims round the year. There are numerous temples that dot the coastline that make it even more popular. I leave Madurai with warnings that the beaches in Rameswaram are dirty, with no activities or adventure tourism to speak of. I hope the waves, the wind and the sand will make it worth my while. After all it is flanked by the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. It has to be an inspiring experience.

It turns out to be just that, and I almost miss it.

Next to the town’s check-post, beside a huge flexboard, is a small — and almost invisible — board which says ‘Vivekananda Memorial’. I decide to investigate. After about three kilometres down a narrow winding path, I spot a brightly painted building in red and orange standing tall, right on the golden beach. The liquid blue ocean is in the background and all I hear is the lap of waves. It instantly feels good. This is the village of Kundakal.

An old man sits alone on a wooden bench and waves me inside the memorial, after selling me a five rupee ticket. Inside the high ceiling hall is a tall bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda and on the walls are stories from his life. The village and this memorial are significant as it is here that Vivekananda entered India after addressing the World Religious Parliament at Chicago. The tour of the memorial does not take more than 15 minutes, even if you are meticulous and go about it in a thorough way. It is a good feeling to pay homage to Vivekananda. Outside, a feast awaits the senses.

The sea creates a spontaneous sense of peace. The memorial and the pervading agarbatti fragrance around this unexplored and unrecognised stretch of sea line creates an almost spiritual ambience. The beach is clean and the water a lovely blue. It is not difficult to spend the entire day here in solitude, watching the endless dance of the waves against the shore. A huddle of fishing boats bob silently nearby. Two tiny islands in the distance complete the scenic backdrop. The sand feels soft as powdered sugar underfoot.

The old man from the memorial reappears and explains how the sea is always calm here and home to a variety of coral reefs, marine algae, sea cucumbers, starfish, sponges and crabs. May be that is why a small marine museum has been constructed next to the memorial. It is scheduled for inauguration next month.

As the sun comes down, seagulls swoop down. The colour of the water darkens and there is a spectacular sunset. I have no regrets about not making it all the way to Rameswaram. The unplanned detour to Kundakal was perfect. I return home humming Led Zeppelin’s ‘Down by the Seaside…’

Getting there

Rameswaram is well connected by road, air and train. The nearest airport is Madurai, 174 km.

Where to stay

There are several low budget hotels in Rameswaram town

http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/sun-sand-and-solace/article4170701.ece

Niceee... Like the marine museum idea too!

Will surely visit next time I go to Rameshwaram.

Siva good find. Actually there is a massive interest not only TN people even people from Andhra,karnataka and Kerala are coming in good amounts for all the variety of temples for all gods and occasions.

Even other religious place also can be covered like Velankani and Nagore.

Truly shows our history and integration with Trichy Int airport people start their journey from trichy.:cheers:

I wish this tour should end in some Karikudi Chettinadu palace resorts to make it complete package.

Is Velankanni well known to people outside TN??

Whenever I talk to my Northie friends, Rameswaram and Madurai Meenakshi temple are the ones (religious related) they immediately identify with TN. Was disappointed that even Tanjore Big temple is not that much well known among them.

We are really bad at marketing.. We can really market Vellore Golden temple too which has its own USP..

^^I am having this feeling from long time ago..

I am sorry to say this,
but i could not understand whats that much special things tourist are finding in Madurai and Rameshwaram temples comparing to other temples in TN.

There are temples with similar features and structures to Madurai and Rameshwaram ones, but people dont know it. Even these places too would have not been marketed by govt, but they would have grown on its own.

Govenment should take serious steps to show people about the rich heritage and history of many other temples all over tamilnadu. I hope this circuit brings about the required change in the minds of people.

,,as a lover of history and tourism , i myself find here sad to hear which temples get much attention ?

friends---all are GOD ------:)

to be frank, each temple has its own credit----Srirangam is the biggest temple in India ( biggest functioning hindu temple )---its gopuram is also the biggest--------Everyone knows it and thousands of people visit everyday

madurai meenakhi temple-------in UNESCO list

tanjore temple---------famous for nandhi and mind blogging gopuram

rameshwaram---biggest corridor

the list goes on.........................

so , let us enjoy what GOD gave us in the form of such historical temples :):):)

Siva good find. Actually there is a massive interest not only TN people even people from Andhra,karnataka and Kerala are coming in good amounts for all the variety of temples for all gods and occasions.

Even other religious place also can be covered like Velankani and Nagore.

Truly shows our history and integration with Trichy Int airport people start their journey from trichy.:cheers:

I wish this tour should end in some Karikudi Chettinadu palace resorts to make it complete package.

del

TFS Sivaraja

thanks kannan sir :)

Siva good find. Actually there is a massive interest not only TN people even people from Andhra,karnataka and Kerala are coming in good amounts for all the variety of temples for all gods and occasions.

Even other religious place also can be covered like Velankani and Nagore.

Truly shows our history and integration with Trichy Int airport people start their journey from trichy.:cheers:

I wish this tour should end in some Karikudi Chettinadu palace resorts to make it complete package.


thanks alot chennaidesi :)

,,as a lover of history and tourism , i myself find here sad to hear which temples get much attention ?

friends---all are GOD ------:)

to be frank, each temple has its own credit----Srirangam is the biggest temple in India ( biggest functioning hindu temple )---its gopuram is also the biggest--------Everyone knows it and thousands of people visit everyday

madurai meenakhi temple-------in UNESCO list

so , let us enjoy what GOD gave us in the form of such historical temples :):):)

Friend, Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple is not in the UNESCO list..!

Only Tanjore Brahadeeshware temple and Mamallapuram finds a place in this list..! We're struggling here, to make our people, realise this & to take necessary steps to add 2500+ years temple in the UNESCO list.

Also, Tanjore temple is the biggest Hindu temple in India, not the Srirangam..Srirangam has credits for largest temple gopuram.

Thanks for sharing the good news siva.
There are plenty to explore Tourism in Delta.
Temples served different purposes. there are lot of amazing things, stories, paintings, sculptures etc.
but what most of us are doing, list down 10-15 temples in a day and we are in a hurry to finish it up.
How many people know the excellent stone works in Aavudiyar temple near Pudukkottai or Dharasuram temple?
I felt even Thanjavur palace with wonderful 2 towers are yet to be promoted. Such a big palace, right in the heart of the city, cries for attention.
Rameswaram known for its connection with Kaasi, is very famous.
Madurai meenakshi amman, Srirangam temple, Palani temple are known for "holy" "divine" reasons, whereas Thanjavur Big temple is promoted only on its Architectural, sculptural marvel along with its marvel size.

Any of you, plan to visit Thanjavur Big temple, please plan it during Navrathiri Holidays. Goddess is beautifully decorated with every avathar every day. People who stay near to Thanjavur, please visit on Saraswathi Pooja day, where Goddess Brahanayagi is decorated with saraswathi avatar.

Grand Anaicut, Cauvery near Thiruvaiyaru, drive on vennar bank, drive between paddy farms is awesome.

Friend, Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple is not in the UNESCO list..!

Only Tanjore Brahadeeshware temple and Mamallapuram finds a place in this list..! We're struggling here, to make our people, realize this & to take necessary steps to add 2500+ years temple in the UNESCO list.

Also, Tanjore temple is the biggest Hindu temple in India, not the Srirangam..Srirangam has credits for largest temple gopuram.


del.............

^^I am having this feeling from long time ago..

I am sorry to say this,
but i could not understand whats that much special things tourist are finding in Madurai and Rameshwaram temples comparing to other temples in TN.

There are temples with similar features and structures to Madurai and Rameshwaram ones, but people dont know it. Even these places too would have not been marketed by govt, but they would have grown on its own.



Deepu,

Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple is famous for its unique architecture with so many idols & sculptures..Paintings in the temple interiors & ceilings speak the tamil history. Also It's not only the temple architecture, Foriegners are attracted for the town-planning also(around temple upto Veli streets).

Just have a look at this thesis submitted by an Architect Ms.Dipitha Dileepan..This itself will speak why Foriegners are more fond of Madurai and not the other temple towns.

http://www.coroflot.com/dipitha/Academic-Thesis

Rameswaram has its own reasons..First of all, Its history in Ramayana & with Ramar-Sita-Ravana & its close proximity to Srilanka had made it famous. Secondly, It's a beautiful Island with many interesting attractions like Theerthams, Floating rock (?!), Temples, Ramar Patham etc towards which a huge North Indian crowd are more interested.Thirdly, a true place for Nature Lovers - It is a wonderful feeling, seeing the Blue waveless Sea at an afternoon standing in the middle of Pamban road bridge.. I will never miss this experience whenever I go to Rameswaram..!! Adding to it, the beauty of Pamban rail bridge + Dhanushkodi town history.

Above everything, Tourists coming for a TN pilgrimage tour used to come to Madurai by train/flight,Stay at Madurai, go around Madurai temples for a day & then proceed to Rameswaram & again go back to their place via Madurai.It has become a routine/default procedure for many of them. Tour Operators are plying a numerous number of vehicles from Madurai to Rameswaram & Kodaikanal everyday as dailytrip..You can realise this if you roam around the Streets around Madurai temple like Town hall road, Nethaji road, West Vadampokki street, Dhanappa mudali street etc which have numerous number of budget hotels, in the early morning (around 5:30-7:00am).

Madurai is conveniently accessible to almost every tourist places around like Kodaikanal,Rameswaram,Thekkady etc. which is the main reason for all-around the year Tourist flow to the City.

As you said, TTDC is doing its least in tapping TN's potential..Madurai can be explored very well in all 3 major areas i.e (i) Hill Stations by connecting it with Meghamalai, Sirumalai, Rajakkad estate etc. (ii) Temples by connecting all nearby temple and (iii) Palaces & Museums by connecting such places all-around. TTDC is sitting idle without doing anything.

Friend, Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple is not in the UNESCO list..!

Only Tanjore Brahadeeshware temple and Mamallapuram finds a place in this list..! We're struggling here, to make our people, realise this & to take necessary steps to add 2500+ years temple in the UNESCO list.

Also, Tanjore temple is the biggest Hindu temple in India, not the Srirangam..Srirangam has credits for largest temple gopuram.

stop comparing temples my friend------------this is very bad on GOD's part .................

no one here is comparing except you

you cant say that foriegners are coming to a particular place only in large numbers-------------------then what about srirangam, rockfort, tanjore temple, velankanni, rameshwarm, etc, etc

this is just for your info:
friend------because tanjore has the name periya kovil, some think like that including you-------tanjore is world famous for its marvellous architecture and temple design

but , the real fact is Srirangam is the biggest and largest functioning hindu temple in the whole world :)

angor watt in cambodia is actually the largest in world---since that temple is inactive, Srirangam got this status



just google it and you will know the result

here are some sample links:

Biggest Hindu temple in the world

Srirangam is famous for its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus (especially Vaishnavites) and one of the largest temple complexes in India. According to the temple's website, Srirangam can be considered the biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world as it covers an area of about 6,31,000 m². (156 Acres) with a perimeter of 4 km (10,710 ft).[1] Srirangam claims to be the biggest functioning temple, because Angkor Wat is the biggest but non-functioning Hindu temple in the world.
The Srirangam temple complex is composed of 7 concentric walled sections and 21 gopurams . The gopuram of the temple is called the Rajagopuram and is 236 feet (72 m) tall, the tallest in Asia. Myth has it that the coast of Sri Lanka can be seen from the top of the gopuram


http://www.flickr.com/photos/zedzap/3464331336/



it is a very good GK QUESTION known all over india and world :)

still you have doubt ,ask anyone who knows history and all temple GK details well to get it clarified

i am telling again and again that all temples has its own glory and speciality

so , let us all leave it and pray to all GOD for peace and harmony :cheers:

Is Velankanni well known to people outside TN??

Whenever I talk to my Northie friends, Rameswaram and Madurai Meenakshi temple are the ones (religious related) they immediately identify with TN. Was disappointed that even Tanjore Big temple is not that much well known among them.

We are really bad at marketing.. We can really market Vellore Golden temple too which has its own USP..

Many Srilankan tourists visit Velankanni, every year. It's sad Tanjore big temple is not being well marketed by TTDC. Vellore Golden temple is also unique & it needs promotion.

I heard the same trust is planning 7 such temples all over TN, each one in Silver, Platinum etc..Not sure that it might be a rumour also. But, the trust is planning to open a Medical College in Vellore.

@Sivaraja - TFI, B/w you can edit & replace your Old post with new content. No need to repeat it again.

Thanjavur Palace with its advantage of Saraswathi Mahal(library), Sangeetha Mahal(once upon a time, it was beautiful auditorium and with a good set up of open ground, other museum, Dharbar Hall with Paintings..
These all are gifted.
TTDC or ITDC has to develop a master plan, improve that area with beautiful lawns, get the dedicated area for parking near the Peter's school ground, cut down the through traffic will be awesome.
Sangeetha Mahal can be promoted as a beautiful auditorium with its advantage of these neighbourhood.

Look at the way, St.Louis Arch is marketed.

Folks,
Lets leave the number game here. Every place has its own heritage, culture, Tourism importance. Lets be proud that we are blessed with so many things around our place.

Ramanathapuram beaches are beautiful but no one marketed it well
Other than that we do not have anything significantly different from rest of the country

Microsoft Innovation Centre launched at JCET (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/microsoft-innovation-centre-launched-at-jcet/article4170570.ece)

Jayaram College of Engineering and Technology at Pagalavadi near Thuraiyur in Tiruchi district celebrated the privilege of having a Microsoft Innovation Centre (MIC) on its campus on Wednesday.

The MIC was launched by Microsoft’s Country Head Joseph Landes. The College Chairman M.Subramanian exchanged MoU documents with Mr.Landes in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor of Anna University, Chennai, P.Kaliraj. The MoU signifies Microsoft’s rating of the college as a primary institution among self-financing colleges in the country. The rating followed development of 108 ‘Windows 8’ applications by staff and students and their active participation in all contests hosted by Microsoft Corporation. They participated in the windows store as part of Windows Apps Fest Guinness Record. The MIC at the college will be among 92 such centres worldwide, facilitating collaboration on IT-based research and development, product development and management, technology advancement, professional training, industry partnerships, placement opportunities, skill management, knowledge transfer, and strong industry-institute interactions. The College, according to the Principal, N.Kannan, will get all the resources from Microsoft campus in Hyderabad, for vibrant functioning of the MIC. The MoU ceremony in Chennai was telecast to jubilant staff and students in the college through video-conferencing. Mr.Landes appreciated their efforts for getting the MIC started on the campus.

Prof.Kalidas said that Central and State governments were keen to promote research and innovation on campuses right from undergraduate level.

TN really lags in promoting tourism to this world. We still have many virgin places in our state that is yet to be discovered. We can take Meghamalai a very good example because this place was a virgin land for many years which was recently discovered and thrown as a tourist spot.

How many of us knows that the second largest district Nagapattinam has enormous tourism potential which is famous for its unique style and historical places. We definitely need couple of days to spend on the following places.

* Poompuhar (A port city during Chola empire)
* Nagore
* Velakkanni
* Vedaranyam
* Kodiakkarai (Point Calimere)
* Sirkazhi
* Mayiladuthurai
* Tharangambadi (The Danish fort built by the Dutch, the only in South India for Dutch where other places were ruled by British)
* Sikkal
* Vaitheeswaran Koil
* Ananthamangalam

Note : I have updated most important places only, there are still more to go.

This belt really in need of attention for the development in tourism

+1 to all who say we suck at marketing..

Sometimes I think, if Kerala had not been there as our neighbour, our tourist arrivals ( especially international) would be far less than what we receive now.

TN really lags in promoting tourism to this world. We still have many virgin places in our state that is yet to be discovered. We can take Meghamalai a very good example because this place was a virgin land for many years which was recently discovered and thrown as a tourist spot.

How many of us knows that the second largest district Nagapattinam has enormous tourism potential which is famous for its unique style and historical places. We definitely need couple of days to spend on the following places.

* Poompuhar (A port city during Chola empire)
* Nagore
* Velakkanni
* Vedaranyam
* Kodiakkarai (Point Calimere)
* Sirkazhi
* Mayiladuthurai
* Tharangambadi (The Danish fort built by the Dutch, the only in South India for Dutch where other places were ruled by British)
* Sikkal
* Vaitheeswaran Koil
* Ananthamangalam

Note : I have updated most important places only, there are still more to go.

This belt really in need of attention for the development in tourism



great compilation of nagai tourism potential Isham :)

really this belt deserves much more attention :)

Srirangam- North-South Gopuram views

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01178/16THTEMPLE_1178881f.jpg

Is Velankanni well known to people outside TN??

Many christians in Kerala, Goa and Mumbai i.e particularly west coast Christians are very much aware of Velankanni temple and they do visit atleast once a year. i.e. is the reason railways has introduced Vasco-Velankanni weekly train and also operating specials from Mumbai to Velankanni every year.


Whenever I talk to my Northie friends, Rameswaram and Madurai Meenakshi temple are the ones (religious related) they immediately identify with TN. Was disappointed that even Tanjore Big temple is not that much well known among them.

We are really bad at marketing.. We can really market Vellore Golden temple too which has its own USP..

^^I am having this feeling from long time ago..

I am sorry to say this,
but i could not understand whats that much special things tourist are finding in Madurai and Rameshwaram temples comparing to other temples in TN.

There are temples with similar features and structures to Madurai and Rameshwaram ones, but people dont know it. Even these places too would have not been marketed by govt, but they would have grown on its own.

Govenment should take serious steps to show people about the rich heritage and history of many other temples all over tamilnadu. I hope this circuit brings about the required change in the minds of people.

i.e. because Rameshwaram is one of the holy places in line with Kashi. So devotional hindus from north make a compulsory visit to Rameshwaram.
Madurai and Kannykumari got into this Rameshwaram circuit along with the holy trip plan and got promoted by tour operators.

You will be suprised that Indian railways volantairly introduced Kannyakumari-Rameshwaram over night train via Madurai without any demand/request from TN people. This is to satisfy the north Indian tourists visiting the Rameshwaram, Madurai and Kanyakumari circuit. And the train is running full. The popularity was there for more than 100yrs and was not marketed or boosted by TN gvt or Madras presidency.

Even people within TN plan for a circuit in south TN.. they cover like this. Madurai-Rameshwaram-Tiruchendur-Kanyakumari-Tirunelveli/Kutralam-Srivilluputhur-Madurai. Northies cover it as Madurai-Rameshwaram-Kanyakumari-Madurai.

For North Indian Hindus, they get Mukthi if they bring water from the Ganges and mix it with the Ocean at Rameswaram. They have to take bath at all the theerthams (fountains / wells / ootru) in and around Rameswaram to complete the pilgrimage. They will take holy water & sand from Rameswaram back to mix at the Ganges

For South Indian Hindus, they have to take the sand & water from the Rameswaram Ocean and mix it at the Ganges river in Kashi.

Doing the ceremonial rites for the ancestors at Gaya is a must for all Hindus at least once in a life time (similar to Muslims undertaking Haj ).

The Hindus are also supposed to renounce what one likes the most at Gaya. I use to make fun at my father as he renounced Bitter Gourd (But he likes Bitter Gourd very much) :lol:

My grand father went to Badrinath by walk from Srivilliputtur. Those days due to poor transport & poor facilities along the way, those who used to undertake such journeys were considered as Dead as very few could return to their native place. So they always take the pilgrimage towards the fag end of their life after completing their parental duties.

He used to narrate those incidents along the way which are still fresh in my mind. Imagine people along the way feeding pilgrims like him for free all through the year.

We may even notice now that pilgrims going to Thirupathy (even rich people) coming for alms to neighbours and along the way houses. Great way to teach humility.

Keeping the religious beliefs aside, great way to integrate the two regions through pilgrimage and make them humble in real world.

In Badrinath, one of the Char Dhams in Uttaranchal state, the priests are from Kerala (Traditionally).

In Kashi, Tamil Chettiar Community has many assets and has traditional rights in the temple.

In south near all famous traditional temples , Marwaris, Gujaratis,and similar clans have built choultries and they are almost free for all.

I also enjoyed the hospitality of Sikhs in Amritsar and at many places deep inside the himalayan region - remote places too - providing hot water for bath & drinking and hot & tasty food for strangers. Heavenly feeling at those very low temperatures.

Pilgrimage is the invisible chord that binds India together even during this rough & tough times.

Tanjore district or the entire Delta region is uniquely known for one reason

-----------it has exclusive temples catering to all recognised 9 planets , according to Tamil Mytology and Hindu Religion :) :cheers:

here is the list of them


Surya (sun)
Suryanar Koil
Chandra (moon)
Tingaloor Koil
Chevaai (mars)
Vaitheswaran Koil
Budhan (mercury)
Tiruvenkadu
Guru (jupiter)
Alangudi
Shukran (venus)
Kanchanoor
Shani (saturn)
Tirunallar
Rahu
Tirunageswharan
Ketu
Keezhperumpallam


Suryanar Koil
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/suryanar.gif
SURYANAR KOIL Situated 21 kms from Swamimalai is the Suryanar Koil built by King Kulothunga Chola I in the year 1100 AD. This temple is dedicated to Sun God Surya who is known as the giver of health, success and prosperity. Every year in mid January, the harvest festival is celebrated in thanksgiving and to honour Surya.


Thingaloor Koil
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/tingaloor.gif
THINGALOOR Though there is a question about when this temple was built, historians agree that it must have been in existence since before the beginning of the Bhakti period, which was well before the seventh century A.D. Dedicated to the Moon or Chandran in Sanskrit and Thingal in Tamil, a visit to this temple is said to grant a comfortable and long life. In astrology, Chandran is the planet that removes stress and sorrow.

Vaitheswaran koil
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/vaitheeswaran.gif
VAITHESWARAN KOIL With the Vaitheswaran Koil, there is a special shrine dedicated to Ankarakan or Sevvai or Mars. The belief is that if prayers are offered to Ankarakan, he will bestow valour, victory and strength to the person. Upon entering the temple, devotees first go the Siddhamrita tank. The water is said to have curative properties for various skin ailments. There is also a widespread belief that a visit here would remove obstacles that delay marriage.


Tiruvenkadu
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/tiruvenkadu.gif
THIRUVENKADU There is a reference to this temple in Valmiki’s Ramayana. Therefore it is said that the oldest part of the temple is more than 3000 years old. Dedicated to Budhan or Mercury this temple in Thiruvenkadu makes up the last of the Navagraha Temples. Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect.
Alangudi
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/alangudi.gif
ALANGUDI This is regarded as a Guru sthalam or Jupiter where Lord Dakshinamurthy is held in great reverence. The shrine attracts a large number of devotees when Jupiter transits between zodiac signs. Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, is said to have been reborn on the banks of the Amrita Pushkarini within the temple precincts before being reunited with Shiva.
Kanchanoor
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/kanjanur.gif
KANCHANOOR This Shiva sthalam is associated with Sukran or Venus and is maintained by the Madurai Adhinam. It is located in a quiet hamlet of Thiruvaavaduturai.This shrine is also referred to as Palaasavanam, Brahmapurai and Agnisthalam. Brahma is said to have had a vision here of Shiva's wedding with Parvati. Men visit to pray for the well being of their wives.
Tirunallar
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/tirunallar.gif

THIRUNALLAR This is the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Sani or Saturn. When the planet Saturn transits between zodiac signs, literally millions throng this shrine. The legendary King Nala is said to have been relieved of his afflictions, which were due to the malefic influence of Saturn, after worship in this temple. Of the numerous tanks theertams, the Nala theertam is the most important one. By bathing here, it is believed that one is washed off all kinds of misfortune and afflictions.
Tirunageswharan
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/tirunageswaram.gif
TIRUNAGESHWARAM This vast temple known is for its shrine to Rahu, one of the nine celestial bodies in the Navagraha. A legend has it that the mythological serpents Adiseshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Legend also has it that King Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Thirunallar.
Keezhperumpallam
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/keezhaperumpallam.gif

KEEZHPERUMPALLAM This is an ancient Shaivite temple and legend has it that Kethu, the other planetary node of the nine celestial bodies worshipped Shiva here. Rahu and Kethu are associated with the legend of the serpent that helped Lord Shiva churn the milky ocean. There is a shrine dedicated to Kethu in this temple.


http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/navaghraha.gif


source: http://www.trichytravels.com/temple.htm

Why is that all the navagraha temples are there in TN? Is there any such temples in North of India?

^^Esp in the Chola country (esp Tanjore dt and maximum upto chidambaram)...

There is a big story to it...You may know the Chola dynasty was the once to embark the largest construction of any religious structure in the world..the got all the specialists of Hindusim down here to commence..during their era all of these temples were built..Temples were traditionally constructed in father's reign or son's reign..they had a Vision sir..(Most of all during later chola's period from vijayala's rule)

You should always remember non of the Indian Dynasty has done this ever to the Indian society..We should always be proud of what the Cholas did to India..

Nice question by the way..:)

http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/navaghraha.gif


[B]source: http://www.trichytravels.com/temple.htm

I hail from that 3-4 triangle .. Not only navagrahas , it is also the only region to have more than a dozen temples out of 108 thirupathis ...:)

TFS Siva...:)

What is the status of Highway developments from Tanjore to Nagapattinum...

Is it 4 way ?

''ARIYAMAN BEACH''ramathapuram,rameshwaram,kilakkarai area's marina, beach unlike marina
very typical of ''palk strait'' it is not choppy with big waves but very serene like a 'wave pool'(pen kadal)shielded by
srilanka,the most natural picturesque beach of tn(the sand is like powder)vey popular with locals:-
http://www.rameswaram.com/images/ariyaman.jpg
http://www.environment.tn.nic.in/SoE/coastal_gallery/ariyaman_beach_mandapam.jpg
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6224/6210829105_f0110f1cbd_z.jpg
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/51314568.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmKzQJ5juZw/T4MLSFRygXI/AAAAAAAAAaU/xba4m3uHOcQ/s1600/P8100082.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtsxrB_FGcM

the tn govt need to adopt this beach and turn it into a world class one,fitting the tourist place

^^^^^^
kindly help me resize the last picture

True these kind of no wave beaches are rarity in Tn and govt can make it really big in tourism.

Tanjore district or the entire Delta region is uniquely known for one reason

-----------it has exclusive temples catering to all recognised 9 planets , according to Tamil Mytology and Hindu Religion :) :cheers:

here is the list of them


Surya (sun)
Suryanar Koil
Chandra (moon)
Tingaloor Koil
Chevaai (mars)
Vaitheswaran Koil
Budhan (mercury)
Tiruvenkadu
Guru (jupiter)
Alangudi
Shukran (venus)
Kanchanoor
Shani (saturn)
Tirunallar
Rahu
Tirunageswharan
Ketu
Keezhperumpallam


Suryanar Koil
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/suryanar.gif
SURYANAR KOIL Situated 21 kms from Swamimalai is the Suryanar Koil built by King Kulothunga Chola I in the year 1100 AD. This temple is dedicated to Sun God Surya who is known as the giver of health, success and prosperity. Every year in mid January, the harvest festival is celebrated in thanksgiving and to honour Surya.


Thingaloor Koil
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/tingaloor.gif
THINGALOOR Though there is a question about when this temple was built, historians agree that it must have been in existence since before the beginning of the Bhakti period, which was well before the seventh century A.D. Dedicated to the Moon or Chandran in Sanskrit and Thingal in Tamil, a visit to this temple is said to grant a comfortable and long life. In astrology, Chandran is the planet that removes stress and sorrow.

Vaitheswaran koil
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/vaitheeswaran.gif
VAITHESWARAN KOIL With the Vaitheswaran Koil, there is a special shrine dedicated to Ankarakan or Sevvai or Mars. The belief is that if prayers are offered to Ankarakan, he will bestow valour, victory and strength to the person. Upon entering the temple, devotees first go the Siddhamrita tank. The water is said to have curative properties for various skin ailments. There is also a widespread belief that a visit here would remove obstacles that delay marriage.


Tiruvenkadu
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/tiruvenkadu.gif
THIRUVENKADU There is a reference to this temple in Valmiki’s Ramayana. Therefore it is said that the oldest part of the temple is more than 3000 years old. Dedicated to Budhan or Mercury this temple in Thiruvenkadu makes up the last of the Navagraha Temples. Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect.
Alangudi
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/alangudi.gif
ALANGUDI This is regarded as a Guru sthalam or Jupiter where Lord Dakshinamurthy is held in great reverence. The shrine attracts a large number of devotees when Jupiter transits between zodiac signs. Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, is said to have been reborn on the banks of the Amrita Pushkarini within the temple precincts before being reunited with Shiva.
Kanchanoor
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/kanjanur.gif
KANCHANOOR This Shiva sthalam is associated with Sukran or Venus and is maintained by the Madurai Adhinam. It is located in a quiet hamlet of Thiruvaavaduturai.This shrine is also referred to as Palaasavanam, Brahmapurai and Agnisthalam. Brahma is said to have had a vision here of Shiva's wedding with Parvati. Men visit to pray for the well being of their wives.
Tirunallar
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/tirunallar.gif

THIRUNALLAR This is the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Sani or Saturn. When the planet Saturn transits between zodiac signs, literally millions throng this shrine. The legendary King Nala is said to have been relieved of his afflictions, which were due to the malefic influence of Saturn, after worship in this temple. Of the numerous tanks theertams, the Nala theertam is the most important one. By bathing here, it is believed that one is washed off all kinds of misfortune and afflictions.
Tirunageswharan
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/tirunageswaram.gif
TIRUNAGESHWARAM This vast temple known is for its shrine to Rahu, one of the nine celestial bodies in the Navagraha. A legend has it that the mythological serpents Adiseshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Legend also has it that King Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Thirunallar.
Keezhperumpallam
http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/keezhaperumpallam.gif

KEEZHPERUMPALLAM This is an ancient Shaivite temple and legend has it that Kethu, the other planetary node of the nine celestial bodies worshipped Shiva here. Rahu and Kethu are associated with the legend of the serpent that helped Lord Shiva churn the milky ocean. There is a shrine dedicated to Kethu in this temple.


http://www.trichytravels.com/temple/navaghraha.gif


source: http://www.trichytravels.com/temple.htm



Faboulus :cheers:

Govt can really make it big by more marketing.

Siva please post this in Indian tourism thread.
During my last visit to India I came to some temples in Delta region and I saw this in one temple. Already lot of people from Kar, Andhra i could see there.

Only one Gurudura and Budditist temple is missing.

^^

the prresent Govt is taking very great steps to promote this navagraha tourism :)

it is offering special tourist packages for this tourism from Trichy, Tanjore and Kumbakonam

In Trichy there, are numerous Tourist agents and associations offering exclusive 2 day package for a visit to all these navagraha temples to Foriegners who land at Trichy International Airport

Also, Recently Govt has finalised the proposal of operating AC Double Decker Buses for tourists and Foriegners From Trichy to almost all important temples in Trichy and delta region including the navagraha temples-----------will be in action very soon

:cheers::cheers:

here are some info on Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple--------------Perumal Malai hills, Thuraiyur----------Known as Then Tirupathi( South Tirupathi) -------Built by Grandson of Karikala Cholan who built the world famous Kallanai

it is one of 108 divya perumal Temples

PRASANNA VENKATASALAPATHI TEMPLE, THURAIYUR

Arulmigu Prasanna Venkatachalapathi temple lies at the top of Perumalmalai that lies 960 feet above ground level in pachaimalai hills, 3 km from Thuraiyur in Tiruchirappalli district.

This temple is said to be constructed by the grand son of Karikal Chozhan. The kings are later named as Karuppannar and Veeraswamy and are worshipped in the temple .Musical pillars are seen here. The stone sculptures of ten avathars of Lord Vishnu are here. The Goddess here is named as Alamelumangai Thayar..All the Saturdays of Tamil month of 'puratasi' (September-October ) are celebrated in a grand manner, during which time more number of pilgrims are visiting this temple .Hundreds of devotees are taking part in the Girivalam procession around the Perumalmalai hillock on all full-moon days.


http://www.tn.gov.in/trichytourism/large-image/thurayur1.jpg


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SkdD_yoLe5w/TSXvVlTP5VI/AAAAAAAACuk/xlwc31ZNzfE/s1600/IMG_4613.JPG

es
Thursday, January 6, 2011




Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Perumal temple at Perumal malai

The temple is at the top of Perumalmalai hills, 5 kms from Thuraiyur.

This place is known as ‘Then Thirupathi’ of Trichy due to the many similarities to Thirupathi. There are seven hillocks to cross; Alarmelmangai Thayar is having a separate shrine; Govindharaja perumal in lying posture is having a temple at the foot hill; and there is a village known as Nagalapuram 5 kms away. Perumal malai is 960 feet high with 1532 steps to climb. There is also a motorable road to the top. It will take about 15 minutes in vehicle and about an hour in walking through steps. The temple was constructed by one of the grand sons of Karikala chola.

The king, as per the advice of his Guru, meditated here to attain moksha and got the dharshan of Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal in marriage posture. The King was also blessed to be with the Perumal and Thayar as the kshetra balan (the man of the place). He is now known as Karuppanna Swamy or Veerappa Swamy and is having a separate shrine between the shrines of Perumal and Alarmelmangai Thayar. The prime deity here is Alarmelmangai Thayar and there are separate shrines for Alarmelmangai Thayar and Padmavathi Thayar. Thulasi is being given as prasadam in the Perumal shrine, Viboothi (holy ash) is being as prasadam in the Karuppannar shrine. In the Shobana mandapam, there are wonder musical pillars and beautiful sculptures of the ten avatars of Mahavishnu and others on the pillars. The foot print of the Perumal is installed at the base of the hill in a mandapam along with Garudan in a standing posture. It is said that having a dharshan of this Perumal’s footprint is equivalent to having a dharshan of the Perumal at the hill top. Also, Govindaraja Perumal temple is situated at the base of the hill. Hundreds of devotees take part in the Girivalam around this hillock on full-moon days. In Purattaasi month devotees climb the shrine every saturday shouting "Govinda, Govinda" in chorus.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9jShRa64Lq0/Ta5PPmPslrI/AAAAAAAAA-A/1r3G_tDoUeU/018.JPG


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mfERACTKmtA/Ta5PSs6-YQI/AAAAAAAAA-A/bdr_yIryLow/s640/019.JPG


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GS4IqirUQp0/Ta5PUnNkfuI/AAAAAAAAA-A/5zQIi6LlpMs/s512/020.JPG


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DZPoxugEqug/Ta5PY_o3s3I/AAAAAAAAA-A/27bu_ydb418/s640/022.JPG


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4Sf7O5pQ_M0/Ta5PhUFEu3I/AAAAAAAAA-A/GstMRuwrF4E/s640/027.JPG


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3982964659_2406d397cc.jpg


http://www.flickr.com/photos/rajushanthi/3982964837/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/rajushanthi/3983727204/


http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/small/61785730.jpg




source and courtesy : many web sources esp T.K ramesh , Raja in Flickr

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


:cheers::cheers:

One of the old temple which was unknown for few years, now getting famous for shrine for both Rahu+Kethu. It is Thirupamburam , which is in between Near Kollumangudi.(Karaikkal-Kollumangudi).

Sri vanchiyam Temple in Tiruvarur Dt,(near to Nannilam) is considered to be Mukthi Kshetram,and it has dedicated shrine for Lord Yama.

Koothanur Saraswathi Temple, Thirumiyachur Lalithambigai temple are getting more tourists nowadays.
Its high time that TTDC should have packages from Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Trichy with a dedicated package.
They can market it through website and other medias.
They can execute it by joining hands with numerous cab operators in that region.
There will be plenty of people who like to take a train to MV or KUM, or TJ and take a few temples with that package.

^^Esp in the Chola country (esp Tanjore dt and maximum upto chidambaram)...

There is a big story to it...You may know the Chola dynasty was the once to embark the largest construction of any religious structure in the world..the got all the specialists of Hindusim down here to commence..during their era all of these temples were built..Temples were traditionally constructed in father's reign or son's reign..they had a Vision sir..(Most of all during later chola's period from vijayala's rule)

You should always remember non of the Indian Dynasty has done this ever to the Indian society..We should always be proud of what the Cholas did to India..

Nice question by the way..:)
+100. simple & straight forward explanation sir.

but there are lot of temples for Navagrahas' outside TN too, which are famous in those region,
I heard Saniswaran temple in Maharastra is very famous.
Kalahasthi temple and 1 more temple for Guru near Chennai(but in Andhra is also famous).
I think Konark is temple for Sun.
but they are not centered around 1 region.

whereas these Navgraha temples are centered around 1 region.
Important thing, is they have individual shrine for the Navagrahas in that temple.

PS: lets not begin another fight here on Chola, Chera, Pandiya and Pallava Dynasty. Everbody has contributed as per their regional culturual thing at that time.

a special focus on Danish ( Tranquebar ) Fort------------a marvellous tourist place


video footage :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=cm-h2P3dSCA#t=202s

http://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=14&ved=0CIABELgCMA0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dcm-h2P3dSCA&ei=5UbEUNCoOobUrQfg64CwBw&usg=AFQjCNF0F1eElCEjpGoB1H4vAh4OssBkTg&cad=rja


Danish Fort
To visit the past, one does not always have to hop into a time machine. Sometimes history lives on in tiny forgotten nooks and crannies of the earth, waiting to be rediscovered. As it does in Tranquebar, a sleepy fishing village of Tamil Nadu. Known originally as Tarangambadi the place of the singing waves Tranquebar owes its name and identity to the Danes who made it one of their major trading ports in the early 17th century. Though this is a little known chapter of Indian history, the magnificent examples of Danish architecture scattered around stand as silent testimony to their presence.
Incidentally, Tranquebar has another claim to fame – the first Tamil Bible was printed here thanks to the efforts of Danish missionary Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg who arrived in 1706 and built the New Jerusalem Church, just over a decade later.
This is the first Danish-built structure that greets the eye on entering King’s Street if one discounts the less significant baroque archway at the entrance to the town which is inscribed with the royal insignia and the year 1792. But the most important structure by far is the 400-year-old Fort Dansborg, complete with enclosing stone walls and cannons facing the sea. Dansborg was in fact one of Denmark’s biggest forts second only to the more famous Kronborg located in the town of Elsinore, the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. By 1755, rough seas destroyed much of the fort and it remained in a dilapidated state till 2002, when a group of Danish volunteers started the process of restoration and the Indian government followed suit. An archaeological museum has been set up within the fort’s premises which show cases marine exhibits and other memorabilia.
Now a part of the fort is being converted into a heritage hotel by none other than the famous Neemrana Group, Which has perfected the art of restoring ancient masterpieces. Aptly named Bungalow on the Beach, the hotel is set to be operational before the end of the year. Going by the standards set by their past efforts, one can safely say, that the new hotel will offer more than a chance to discover a piece of Denmark. It will offer tranquility in great style.




http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/ba/8e/14/danish-fort-tranquebar.jpg


http://www.compasssignaturetours.com/south-india-vacation/gifs/danish-fort.jpg

http://www.tnarch.gov.in/images/mon-forts/f6-pic2.gif



http://www.tnarch.gov.in/images/back.gif DANISH FORT

The history of Tranquebar could be traced back to the beginning of the Common Era. Ancient Sangam classics like the Purananooru, Natrinai and Agananooru refer to Poraiyar, the near by town, as a port town i.e. munturai. It continued to play an important role in the history of Tranquebar till 19th century.


The earliest reference to Tarangambadi occurs in a 14th century inscription, mentioning the place as Sadanganpadi alias Kulasekarapattinam. It was a commercial port attracting traders from different countries. The port has given access to inland trade from early times as it is situated on the mouth of Uppanaru.


http://www.tnarch.gov.in/images/mon-forts/danish.gif
View of Danish Fort
http://www.tnarch.gov.in/images/mon-forts/f6-pic2.gif
Inner view of the Danish Fort

The coramandal coast from Nangur to Nagapattinam, has been an active international commercial and cultural centre from about 3rd century BCE. At the beginning of the 17th century, many European countries like the British, the French, the Dutch and the Danes, vied with each other in establishing maritime trade with India and formed respective East India companies. The Portuguese settled at Nagapattinam in 16th century CE, also seems to have frequented the port of Tarangambadi.

The Danish East India Company was established at Copenhagen, Denmark in 1616 CE. The King of Denmark sent Danish Admiral Ove Gedde, as his Ambassador to India with two ships, and with the help of a Holland captain Roeland Crape. Roeland Crape was able to impress the then king of Thanjavur, Raghunatha Nayak. The letter of friendship was written on a golden leaf resembling that of a palmleaf, in Tamil language with the signature of the king Raghunatha in Telugu. This golden letter of friendship signed in 1620 CE is now preserved in the Royal Archives, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Location: Tranquebar (Tarangampadi) is situated 30 km from Myiladuthurai, in Nagappatinam District.









sources: google images

http://www.nagapattinam.net/danish_fort.php


http://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g1119849-d1434829-Reviews-Danish_Fort-Tharangambadi_Tamil_Nadu.html


:cheers::cheers:

TFS Siva...:)

What is the status of Highway developments from Tanjore to Nagapattinum...

Is it 4 way ?

Its two way only....last week i travelled on that stretch...the road was in very bad condition especially from thanjavur-tiruvarur stretch with lot of pot holes...for me this was the worst NH road i ever travelled in tn....I heard NHAI planning to start 4 way work next year...

Friend, Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple is not in the UNESCO list..!

Only Tanjore Brahadeeshware temple and Mamallapuram finds a place in this list..! We're struggling here, to make our people, realise this & to take necessary steps to add 2500+ years temple in the UNESCO list.

Also, Tanjore temple is the biggest Hindu temple in India, not the Srirangam..Srirangam has credits for largest temple gopuram.

Unesco Temples:

There are three temples which comes under world heritage list in the great Living Chola Temples
1. Brihadeeswara Temple Tanjore
2. Airavateswara Temple Darasuram Kumbakonam
3. Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Mamallapuram Group of Monuments
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Western Ghats are the other Unesco sites in Tamilnadu

we have so many places in TN. all that it needs a vision on TTDC.
Thenprambur near Thanjavur
From FB: this will be a awesome sight seeing trip..
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/189100_546568562036447_190906664_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/418048_546567695369867_333121700_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/418142_546567028703267_1482596379_n.jpg

friends, do you know why Vekkaliamman Temple in woraiyur (the most famous and ever busy Shakthi/kali temple after samayapuram) has no shelters or top coverings for Goddess Shakthi??

here is the answer

till now, Goddess bears all sunshine, rain to herself without having shelter



Vekkali amman temple-Woraiyur

This temple is in woraiyur ,and there is no shelter for goddess.

Amman is facing north side and it is believed by ancient kings that gods and goddess who is facing north will bless the kings with victory in battle.

Hence kings worship this temple before going to battle.

Sarama rishi lived in woraiyur having wonderful garden,with rare flowers.He used to worship thayumanavar swamy of trichy everyday offerring garland made of flowers from garden.

A local florist pranthakan saw beauty of flowers,and started taking from the garden ,to keep himself in good book of the king.

The sage found that he is culprit and complained to king.King did not hear this.

With much grief sage went to Thayumanavar praying to put an end to his activity.

Lord turned wild after hearing this and god was facing east till then ,he turned facing west with powerful eyes emitting anger which resulted in huge sand storm and spoiling whole city.

All places were covered with sand and all went to goddess and prayed.

Goddess prayed to thayumanavar to subside his anger ,and storm stopped,many houses were without shelters.

hence goddess decided to live in a temple without roof,until everyone gets shelter.


source: officially it is written in the temple -------------- http://templestravelogue.blogspot.in/2012/09/vekkali-amman-temple-woraiyur.html

Nice story!

Murlee, you have plenty of stories behind the temples.

source:

http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/abouttp.html


About Thanjavurpaintings [/URL]
Welcome to the unique and colourful world of Thanjavur paintings. This school of paintings originated in Thanjavur during the reign of the Marathas in the 16th century. It existed from 17th to 19th Century, and had a limited output. Today, this tradition is kept alive by a few hundred dedicated artists mostly based in Tamil Nadu, India.
What is Thanjavur Painting?

Thanjavur paintings basically signify paintings created using a style and technique, which originated in Thanjavur during the maratha period in the 16th century.

http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/krishna/krishna15.jpg A typical Thanjavur painting would consist of one main figure, a deity, with a well-rounded body & almond shaped eyes. This figure would be housed in an enclosure created by means of an arch, curtains etc. The painting would be made by the gilded and gem-set technique - a technique where gold leaves & sparkling stones are used to highlight certain aspects of the painting like ornaments, dresses etc.

The painting would be bright & colourful and breathtakingly beautiful. The impact in a darkened room is that of a glowing presence. While most of the paintings would depict the Child Krishna and his various pranks, paintings of other deities were also created.

Over a period of time changes have occurred in the stylization - for example, the figures are no longer round. Presiding deities of various famous temples are also being depicted in the paintings. The technique is now more in use than the style.

Traditional Thanjavur paintings are possessed as heirlooms.


http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/top.gif (http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/abouttp.html#whatistp) History & Evolution

http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/ganesh/ganesh1.jpg THANJAVUR PAINTING is a peculiar, ancient, miniature type of painting named after the place Thanjavur [called Tanjore in English] in Tamil Nadu, a southern state of INDIA. Thanjavur district is famous for various arts and crafts in which paintings are ranked high among the other arts like Thanjavur Toys, Thanjavur Plates, etc. Its origin dates back to the Nayak & the Maratha period in the 16th century.

The Maratha rule of Thanjavur lasted for about 2 centuries from the late 16th century. The Thanjavur school of painting evolved in a period full of political chaos in South India. Thanjavur Paintings flourished under the patronage of the Nayak & Maratha princes in the 16th to the 18th centuries.

The art was practiced by two main communities namely - the RAJUS in THANJAVUR and TRICHY[a city near THANJAVUR] and NAIDUS in MADURAI[a city ruled by PANDIYAS]. The artists [Rajus & Naidus] who are originally Telugu speaking people from "Rayalseema" region, moved to Tamil Nadu in the wake of the Nayaks rule of Madurai & Tanjore. The paintings were rooted in tradition and innovation was limited. The art was sacred to those master craftsmen who chose to be anonymous and humble.

Paintings were done on materials like wood, glass, mica, exotic media such as ivory, murals and manuscripts. Most of the paintings were of Hindu deities & saints. Other courtly & secular portraits were also created.

The early paintings were embedded with real Diamonds, Rubies and other precious stones. Later, use of semi-precious & artificial stones gained popularity. There are some examples of this art in the "Saraswathi Mahal Library", in Tanjore set up & developed by KING SARFOJI. This monarch, who reigned from 1798 to 1832, to whom we owe the "Ganesha shrine" in the "Tanjore Big Temple", played an important part in the history of the art of his times. http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/saraswathi/saraswathi1.jpg

Thanjavur paintings are found in the following great literatures.

1. Sanskrit work Prabotha Chandrodayam has a few pages of Thanjavur Paintings.

2. Marathi translations of Mahabharath & Bhagavatham which are works of the painter Madhava swami dated 1824 A.D.

3. Paintings of Gods & Goddesses occur in the wooden covers of every part of an edition of the "Rig Veda" made in King Sarfoji's time.


http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/top.gif (http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/abouttp.html#top) [U] How Thanjavur Paintings are made ?

Thanjavur Paintings are made on canvasses. The CANVAS for a Thanjavur painting is usually a plank of wood (originally wood of the Jackfruit tree was used, now it's plywood) over which a layer of cloth is pasted with arabic gum. The cloth is then evenly coated with a paste of limestone and a binding medium and let to dry.

http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/brush.gif The canvas is now ready for painting. The artist then draws a detailed sketch of the painting on the canvas.

A paste, made of limestone and a binding medium, is used to create 3D effect in embellishing and ornamenting the theme using a brush.

Gold leaves and gems of varied hues are used in selected areas like pillars, arches, thrones, dresses, etc. The shine and glean of the gold leaves used by the Thanjavur style paintings last forever. Finally, colours are applied on the sketch. In the past, artists used natural colours like vegetable dyes, whereas the present day artists use chemical paints which enhance the sharpness and provide better shade contrasts.

The old Tanjore artists restricted their scope to divine figures and used to mix their natural colours. The modern ones have, of course, no need to do so. What has survived in this convention is the choice of colours for painted personalities or objects.

For outlines dark brown is usually used. Red is favoured for the background. Scholars say that a red background is the distinctive mark of Tanjore paintings, but green is also sometimes used. Lord Vishnu, appropriately enough, is coloured blue, and Lord Nataraja chalk white. http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/krishna/krishna4.jpg Yellow is used for the Goddesses. The sky, of course, is blue, but black is employed on occasions. There are conventions in regard to the use of embossing and bejewelling. But these do not appear to be followed very strictly these days. Often individual preference settles the matter.

The portrayals of the figures in the paintings are breathtakingly brilliant. Almost all the figures have rounded bodies and almond-shaped eyes, which is unique to THANJAVUR PAINTING. The traditional thanjavur artists have a flair for ornamenting the figures with jewellery and ornate dresses. Thanjavur paintings are notable for their adornment in the form of glass pieces embedded in parts of them.

Frames
The frames(teak wood) used for Thanjavur paintings are of two types.
1. The wooden type wherein plain type of wood is used. 2. The Chettinad type which are more ornamental with designs. Instead of breakable glass, "transparent acrylic sheets" are used to avoid breakage during transit.









http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue.gif
(A collection of 169 paintings)
(Click on the paintings to see the entire collection) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/ganesh/ganesh18.jpgGanesha Collection(28 paintings)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cganesh.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/krishna/krishna34.jpgKrishna Collection(48 paintings)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/ckrishna.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/rama/rama3.jpgRama Collection(10 paintings)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/crama.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/hanuman/hanuman3.jpgHanuman Collection(3 painting)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/chanuman.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/guruvayur/guruvayur3.jpgGuruvayurappan Collection(3 painting)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cguruvayur.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/balaji/balaji5.jpgBalaji Collection(16 paintings)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cbalaji.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/lakshmi/lakshmi3.jpgLakshmi Collection(12 paintings)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/clakshmi.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/saraswathi/saraswathi2.jpgSaraswathi Collection(6 paintings)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/csaraswathi.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/andal/andal1.jpgAndal Collection(2 paintings)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/candal.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/muruga/muruga2.jpg (http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cmuruga.html)Murugan Collection(4 paintings)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cmuruga.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/shiva/shiva1.jpgShiva Collection(2 painting)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cshiva.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/kamatchi/kamatchi2.jpgAmman Collection(14 paintings)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/camman.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/meenakshi/meenakshi2.jpgMeenakshi Kalyanam Collection(4 paintings)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cmeenakshi.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/kuru/kuru3.jpgBhagavad Gita Collection(3 painting)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/ckuru.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/avatharam/avatharam1.jpg Dasa Avatharam Collection(1 painting)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cavatharam.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/iyappa/iyappa4.jpgAyyapan Collection(4 painting)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/ciyappa.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/narshima/narshima1.jpgLakshmi Narasimhan Collection(1 painting)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cnarshima.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/srinathjee/srinathjee1.jpgSrinathjee Collection(1 painting)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/csrinathjee.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/gurunanak/gurunanak1.jpgGurunanak Collection(1 painting)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cgurunanak.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/shirdisai/shirdisai1.jpgSai Baba Collection(1 painting)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cshirdisai.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/mary/mary1.jpgMother Mary Collection(1 painting)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cmary.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/ramanuja/ramanuja1.jpgRamanuja Collection(1 painting)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cramanuja.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/panels/5deities1.jpg Panels Collection(1 painting)
(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cpanels.html) http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/catalogue/general/procession1.jpg General Collection(1 painting) Where to use?

Pooja Rooms
Thanjavur paintings can be used in pooja rooms where they help to enhance the divinity of the room. As the paintings retain their brilliance for decades, they are ideal for use in pooja rooms.

Front Offices
Thanjavur paintings can be placed in front offices, hotel receptions, drawing rooms and other public places. They blend well with any decor and add a touch of class and elegance to the place.

Gifts
Thanjavur paintings are unique as gifts. They are ideal gifts for occassions like house-warmings, weddings and other social & religious functions.

Corporate Gifts
Thanjavur Paintings make ideal corporate gifts.

(http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/cgeneral.html)
:cheers::cheers:

Pallava Cave Temples of Trichy (http://puratattva.in/2010/10/01/pallava-cave-temples-of-trichy-36.html)



Introduction – There are two cave temples at Trichy which can be attributed to the Pallavas. One cave had been excavated by the Pallava king Mahendravarman I as supported by the inscriptions around this. Another cave temple does not have any inscription, however on basis of the design and architecture, most of the scholars have assigned this to the reign of Narasimhavarman I Mamalla. We will look into the details of both the cave temples in this article.

Lalitankura Cave Temple – This is cave temple of Mahendravarman I is the farthest one from the Pallava capital, Kanchipuram. It is believed that Mahendra would have got this part of the land from his father Simhavishnu. Simhavishnu, who in turn,would have taken this from the Cholas. Why Mahendra came this far to excavate this temple is not very certain. However it can be inferred that Trichy would have been the last major town in the southern boundary of his kingdom, hence he might be interested to leave his mark there. Another reason for this may be because of association of Kaveri with this town. Kaveri is seen as an integral part of the Cholas, once Pallavas conquered over them, they would have liked to commemorate this. Though Simhavishnu did defeat the Cholas but at his time cave temple architecture was not present in this part of country. Hence when Mahendra started this long-lasting architecture, he did one such construction at this site as well to leave his legacy and mark of victory in the land of the Cholas. Trichy did not remain with Pallavas for long time, after Mahendravarman I this part of the country came under Pandyas or remained under the independent Muttaraiyars till Pallava power extended over it again a century later.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9kcL3b2rax4/TKIVnBU65hI/AAAAAAAACw4/jUXzESs8YfI/s640/IMG_0042.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9kcL3b2rax4/TKIVnBU65hI/AAAAAAAACw4/jUXzESs8YfI/s640/IMG_0042.JPG)Upper Cave Temple


Cave Temple and its Architecture – This south facing cave temple shows various advancements over the first such attempt in Mandagapattu. From its style and design, this would have been the latest construction from Mahendravarman I. This is located on the hill, locally known as Uchchi-p-pillaiyar-malai (hill with Ganesha temple at top) or Rockfort. This is about 200 meters above the ground and is reached by steep flight of steps. The front façade is supported on four pillars and two pilasters, thus forming five openings. The pillars are in usual Mahendra style, cubical top and bottom with intermediate octagonal shaft. The lower cubical parts of the pillars are adorned with lotus medallions. However the upper cubical parts are having various designs in circles, instead of lotus medallions. This feature is seen only in this cave temple of Mahendra. The potikas (corbel) above the pillars are molded with a median patta (band). This corbel style is seen in later Pallava constructions. K R Srinivasan writes that this feature resembles with the cave temples of Pandya origin, as in Tirumalapuram cave temple. This façade has been cut inwards of the cave, resulting in overhanging cornice. The cornice is devoid of any architectural element such as kudu or mini-shrines etc. This deep cutting in on the rock face gave space to construct a three-step staircase in middle front of the cave so reach the platform of the shrine. The stair case is flanked with makara parapets on either sides. The oblong hall inside is of 30 feet in length, 15 feet in width and 9 feet in height. There is another row of pillars behind the front row. This row also has four pillars and two pilasters. The faces of lower cubical part has lotus medallions while the faces of upper cubical part have various designs in circles. In these designs we find females, animals like elephant, swan etc. The arrangement of this inner row is same as of the façade row of pillars.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KeVQ1ylzj5E/TKL2-yJSntI/AAAAAAAANQg/3LFJ8k5NLKo/s1600/1.JPG (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KeVQ1ylzj5E/TKL2-yJSntI/AAAAAAAANQg/3LFJ8k5NLKo/s1600/1.JPG)Inner Shrine


As the cave is facing south, hence an inner shrine, of 8 feet square and 7 feet high, is cut on the eastern wall of the mandapa (hall). The shrine has a three step stair case in front to reach over to the platform. The platform (adhisthana) is comprised of, from below to top, jagati (in red color), tripatta-kumuda (in orange color), recessed kampa (in violet color), recessed kantha (in sky-blue color), another recessed kampa (in violet color) and projecting pattika (in light green color). Above the platform are four pilasters, forming three niches. The middle one is made into an entrance and the side niches have dvarpalas. The pilasters of the door shows pretty good advancement in architectural style as we observe various components of the pillars found on these pilasters, features which were not seen earlier in Mahendra’s time. These features include various components as suggested by earlier shilpa-sastras i.e. Mayamatam. Above the cornice are characteristic arrangement of three kudus, the middle one is in exact middle of the main entrance and others are in middle of respective niches. Inside the cell are two cavities made in the floor. One hole, about 2 feet square and 2.5 feet deep, would have been for Shivalingam. Another cavity, north of the first hole, is of about 2 feet by 1 feet and 9 inches deep. This would have been for an image of Parvati, as suggested by an inscription of this cave. Some authors, as A H Longhurst, took the inscription such as this second cavity is to house an image of Mahendravarman I, however later scholars, like K R Srinivasan, explained the inscription as this image is of Parvati but not Mahendravarman I. From the arrangement of the holes, it seems that Parvati would have been facing the central deity, in posture of worship perhaps. We will discuss about this inscription later in our article.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H0US-Dz4yoQ/TKIYMek8TnI/AAAAAAAACyU/r6kctCi2m7U/s640/IMG_0009.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H0US-Dz4yoQ/TKIYMek8TnI/AAAAAAAACyU/r6kctCi2m7U/s640/IMG_0009.JPG)Shiva as Gangadhara


Major feature and attraction of this cave temple is a huge bas-relief carved on its western wall. Below the platform we see a design similar to the rails seen in Buddhist stupas. This rail design is similar to Amaravati stupa, it may be that Mahendravarman or some of the artist/architect have seen such a design and implemented here. However this is just an assumption on the basis of similarity over the design pattern. This bas-relief depicts Shiva as Gangadhara. Shiva is shown standing in tribhanga posture, with one leg firmly set upon the ground while the other leg is resting above the head of a gana. The left hand of the gana supports the ankle of Shiva’s leg while his right hand is carrying a snake. Shiva is shown with four hands, upper right hand is holding a tress of his hair, upper left hand is holding an akshamala, lower right hand is carrying a snake and lower left hand is on waist. On his right, Ganga, depicted in a female form, in anjali posture is shown descending over to his tress. Shiva is shown wearing a long jata-makuta, makara kundala in his ears, valayas and keyuras (bracelets). On his jata-makuta, left side is shown Chandra (moon) and right side is a skull. He is also wearing a yajnopavita. His lower garment is hanging till his ankles with many folds. Corresponding to Ganga, on left of Shiva, is an animal. A H Longhurst identifies this with a deer, however it is much ruined now. There are two flying vidyadharas which are wearing similar ornaments as Shiva. Their one hand is raised in adoration while other hand is on their waists. Below at the base are shown two devotes kneeling on their feet. Both the devotees are almost similar except the yajnopavita they are wearing. The left one is wearing four strands of sutra-yajnopavita while the right one is shown wearing vastra-yajnopavita. Their one hand is raised in adoration while the other hand is on waist. They both are shown wearing folded long lower garments. Behind these two kneeling devotes are two rishis, as evident from their beard and jata. Their one hand is raised in adoration. Many scholars agree that this is one of the best representation of Gangadhara, and one of the most magnificent piece of art of the Pallavas. This is taken as precursor to the bas-relief panels of Mahabalipuram.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KeVQ1ylzj5E/TKMBnjtOQlI/AAAAAAAANQk/bItPvBqBkag/s1600/4.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KeVQ1ylzj5E/TKMBnjtOQlI/AAAAAAAANQk/bItPvBqBkag/s1600/4.jpg)Dvarapalas


Dvarapalas of the cave – There are no dvarpalas on the front façade. But the inner shrine has a set of dvarpalas. Both the dvarpalas are identical in style and posture. They are almost facing front but slightly turned towards the shrine. Shown in tribhanga posture with one leg on the ground and another is bent at the knee joint. They are standing over the support of their club where palm of one hand is above the handle of the club, which is almost inside the armpit. Another hand is stretched along the side of the club. Top of the club, at the joint of the handle and the heavy base, is a snake entwining over that part. Both are shown wearing yajnopavita, valayas, keyuras, patra-kundalas and necklace. Above the head is jata-makuta, with jata-bhara behind their head.
Inscriptions of Lalitankura Cave Temple – There are many inscriptions found in this cave shrine. They are inscribed on the pillar faces, over the beam and on the walls. We will have a look at the various inscriptions found in this cave. First we look at the inscriptions on the outer row of pillars. These inscriptions are detailed in South Indian Inscriptions Vol XII, number 8 & 9.
Proper right pilaster – वञ्जवलव (Vanjavalav)
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KeVQ1ylzj5E/TKMCI-jM_CI/AAAAAAAANQo/k_ta0z-cy0c/s320/3.JPG (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KeVQ1ylzj5E/TKMCI-jM_CI/AAAAAAAANQo/k_ta0z-cy0c/s1600/3.JPG)
First Pillar – There are inscription on the top, middle and bottom part of the pillar. The inscriptions on middle octagonal shaft are engraved on three faces out of the eight.
Top Cubical Part - सर्व्वभ[त] (Sarvvabha[t])
Middle Shaft -
तरदण्ड् (taradand) | नित्यविनीत: (nityavineetha) | निबम्बु (nibambu)
तनुम्पुनोमि (tanumpunomi) | निरपेक्ष: (nirpeksha) | नयम्बु (nayambu)
तुकानु (Tukanu) | निल्वुलेनेयम्बु (nilvuleneyambu) | न….कु (na…ku)
तो…का (to…ka) | णैहिकमुत्रिक: (naihikamutrika) | नरापश (narapash)
Bottom Cubical Part - द…कु (da…ku)
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RAFmgN-hafs/TKIV0iAHGtI/AAAAAAAACxA/_dRNxzTAn-k/s320/IMG_0027.JPG (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RAFmgN-hafs/TKIV0iAHGtI/AAAAAAAACxA/_dRNxzTAn-k/s512/IMG_0027.JPG)
Second Pillar – There are inscription on the top, middle and bottom part of the pillar. The inscriptions on middle octagonal shaft are engraved on three faces out of the eight.
Top Cubical Part - संकीर्णजातिः (sankeernajaatih)
Middle Octagonal Shaft -
विरसः (virasah) | अनित्यरागः (anityaragah) | वम्बु (vambu)
व्यवास्थतः (vyavaasthath) | अनुमानः (anumanah) | वुका (vuka)
व्यवसायः (vyavasaayah) | अवनिभाजनः (avanibhajanah) | [व्ला]पु ([vla]pu)
Bottom Cubical Part - चि[त्ति]….प्पु[लि] (chi[tti]….ppu[li])
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RAFmgN-hafs/TKIV7SH3o9I/AAAAAAAACxE/4Vq5K7Qferg/s320/IMG_0026.JPG (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RAFmgN-hafs/TKIV7SH3o9I/AAAAAAAACxE/4Vq5K7Qferg/s512/IMG_0026.JPG)
Third Pillar – There are inscription on the top, middle and bottom part of the pillar. The inscriptions on middle octagonal shaft are engraved on three faces out of the eight.
Top Cubical Part - सत्यसन्दः (satyasandha)
Middle Octagonal Shaft -
कतुन्क्तायु (katunktayu) | अभिमुरव: (abhimuravh) | वेसाथ (vesaatha)
क[तु]न्तरम्बु (ka[tu]ntarambu) | अकरुणः (akarunh) | वन्कि….. (vanki….)
कं…..पु (kam…pu) | अलबल (alval) | वन्कः (vankah)
Bottom Cubical Part – पिणःपिनःअक्कु (pinhpinhakku)
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KeVQ1ylzj5E/TKMDjPGJLmI/AAAAAAAANQs/JHTGiGhzQS0/s320/6.png (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KeVQ1ylzj5E/TKMDjPGJLmI/AAAAAAAANQs/JHTGiGhzQS0/s1600/6.png)
Fourth Pillar – There are inscription on the top, middle and bottom part of the pillar. The inscriptions on middle octagonal shaft are engraved on three faces out of the eight.
Top Cubical Part - ललितान्कुर: (lalitankurah)
Middle Octagonal Shaft -
मैकु (maiku) | [च]लम्बु ([cha]lambu) | ऐमुकु (aimuku)
कष्ट (kashta) | किलम्बु (kilambu) | ऐथि (aithi)
कु….म्बु (ku….mbu) | म्लायु (mlaayu) | कुहकः (kuhakah)
वम्बर (vambar) | वावे…ति (vaave…ti) | [वु]नाथ: ([vu]nathah)
Bottom Cubical Part – कुचग्राणः (kuchagranah)
Proper left pilaster – लक्षितः (lakshitah)
Now we look at the inscriptions on inner row of pillars. There are very few inscriptions, found on inner row of the pillars, as compared to the front row.
Proper right pilaster - गुणभरः (gunabharah)
First Pillar -
Top Cubical Part - अन्क्कपासु (ankkapasu)
Middle Octagonal Shaft - तो…. (to…..)
Second Pillar –
Top Cubical Part – आसेट्ति: आय[न्ति]”: (aasetti aayan[ti])
Middle Octagonal Shaft - ते…. (te….)
Third Pillar –
Top Cubical Part - आलुप्तकामः (aaluptakamah)
Middle Octagonal Shaft - ते[थ] (te[tha])
Fourth Pillar –
Top Cubical Part - [आहार्य्यबुद्धि]: ([aahaaryyabuddhi]h)
Middle Octagonal Shaft – क…… (ka….)
Proper left pilaster – on inner face of this pilaster
1 स्वस्ति श्री [||] महेन्द्रविक्रमः swasti shree [||] mahendravikramah
2 मत्तविलासः मयमयक्कु mattavilasah mayamayakku
3 म…मा…. महामेघ m…ma… mahamegha
4 मन्प्रावु मिदेल्चु…. manpravu midelchu….
5 मुर्खविज्ज मोग्गर murkhvijja moggar
6 [महिचे]थ्थकारि [mahiche]ththakari
7 …[पन्द] च…[चे]…मु… ….[pand] cha….[che]…mu…
8 चु…….सा[र्थ्थ]….. chu….saa[rththa]……
9 …….[सम्ब]रुतु …..[samb]rutu
10 [विडे]……न्वु [vide]…..nvu
11 damaged
12 …………………….णाल ………………naal
There is a verse inscription found on the beam of the inner row of the pillars which gives the name of the cave shrine.
Verse in Sanskrit -
इति जगति विदितनाम्ना ललितं ललितान्कुरेण [पल्लवपतिना]
क्रतिना कारित्मेतल्ललुतान्कुर पल्लवेश्वरगृहं[हितं]
In English script -
iti jagati viditanamna lalitam lalitankurena [pallavapatina]
kratina karitmetallalutankura palleveshvaragriham[hitam]
Translation –
“It should be known that this Lalitankura-pallaveshvara-griham is constructed by the king Lalitankura.”

There are two long verse inscription found on the pilasters on either side of the bas-relief of Gangadhara. This inscription is very important as it gives the explanation of the relief and few birudas (titles) of king Mahendravarman I which are also found in his other cave temples. This inscription is detailed in South Indian Inscriptions Vol I, inscription number 33 & 34. The number in that volume are interchanged, such that 34 is actually the start of the inscription and 33 the later part. We will also keep the same number to avoid any confusion.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KeVQ1ylzj5E/TKVh0x6dxJI/AAAAAAAANQ0/7tKWyWp7Vn4/s320/1.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KeVQ1ylzj5E/TKVh0x6dxJI/AAAAAAAANQ0/7tKWyWp7Vn4/s1600/1.jpg)
Inscription number 34 -
1 Sail-endra-murddhani sila-bhavane vichitre
2 sailin=tanum Gunabharo nripatir=nnidhya [|]
3 Sthanum vyadha[tta] Vi[dhi]r=esha yathartha-samjnam
4 sthanuh svayan=cha saha tena jagatsu jatah [|| verse 1]
5 Griham=akrita Starumallo girindra-kanya-
6 pater=ggirav-asmin [|] girisasya girisha-
7 [sam] jnam=anvartthikartum=arthapatih [|| verse 2]
8 Vibhutin=Cholanam katham=aham=avekshe-
9 ya vipulam nadim va Kavirim=avani-bhavan-ava-
10 sthita iti [|] Haren=oktah pritya vibhur=adisa-
11 d=abhramiliham=idam=Manu-pra [khyo rajye] ga (gi)ri-bhavana-
12 m=asmai Gunabharah [|| verse 3] Nirmmapita [m=itti muda]
13 Purushottamena sailim Harasya tanum=aprati-
14 mam-anena [|] Kritva Sivam sirasi dharayat=atma-
15 samstham=uchchaih-sirastvam=acha[lasya] kritam krit-a-
16 rttham [|| verse 4]
Translation -
Verse 1. When king Gunabhara placed a stone-figure in the wonderful stone-temple on the top of the best of mountains, he made in this way Sthanu (Shiva) stationary and became himself stationary (i.e.immortal) in the worlds together with him.
Verse 2. King Satrumalla built on this mountain a temple of Girisha (Shiva), the husband of the daughter of the king of mountains, in order to make he name Girisha (i.e. the mountain dweller) true to its meaning.
Verse 3. After Hara (Shiva) had graciously asked him : “How could I, standing in a temple on earth, view the great power of the Cholas or the river Kaviri ?” – king Gunabhara, who resembled Manu in his manner of ruling, assigned to him this mountain-temple, which touches the clouds.
Verse 4. Thus having joyfully placed on the top (of the mountain named Sira) a matchless stone-figure of Hara (Shiva), which he caused to be executed, that Purushottama, who bore Siva fixed in his mind, made the loftiness of the mountain fruitful.
Some points of ponder in above inscription -
Verse 1 states that Mahendra made Shiva stationary here and in turn made himself stationary as well. E Hultzsch and A H Longhurst interpreted this as Mahendra placed his stone image next to Shiva’s stone lingam. Lockwood interpreted that the Shiva in Gangadhara panel in turn also depicts Mahendravarman, hence both stationary at same place. K R Srinivasan is also of the opinion that there was no image of Mahendra placed with Shiva here. The second socket inside the shrine, where earlier scholar suggested an image of Mahendra would have been placed, was actually made to house an image of Parvati, as clear from verse of inscription 33.
Another point is how to explain the term ‘great power of the Cholas‘ in verse 3 of this Pallava inscription. Simhavishnu won this part of country from the Cholas, and Mahendra got this from him in inheritance. From this information, I deduce that the relation between these two dynasties were not very good, or better I say not that good that you will praise about them in your inscription. Does this suggest that the relations during Mahendra’s time were somehow maintained in good terms? No proof as such to support this. Another thing, this place was under Pallavas when this temple was excavated, in that case why would they inscribed that Shiva wants to view the great power of the Cholas but not of Pallavas?
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KeVQ1ylzj5E/TKVh_dZexLI/AAAAAAAANQ4/NAJu8v57tpo/s320/2.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KeVQ1ylzj5E/TKVh_dZexLI/AAAAAAAANQ4/NAJu8v57tpo/s1600/2.jpg)
Inscription 33 -
1 Kavirin=nayan-abhirama-salilam=ara-
2 ma-mala-dharam devo vikshya nadi-priyah
3 priya=[gu] nam=apy=esha rajyed=iti [|] sasam-
4 ka Girikanyka pitri-kulam hitv=eha manye gi-
5 [rau] nityan=tishthati Pallavasya dayitam=etam bru-
6 vana nadim [||] Gunabhara-namani rajany=anena li-
7 ngena lingini jnanam [|] prathatan=chiraya loke vi-
8 paksha-vritteh paravrittam [||] Chola-vishyasya sailo-
9 maulir=iv=ayam maha-manir=iv=asya [|] Hara-griham=eta-
10 j=jyotis=tadiyam=iva Samkaram jyotih [||] Sila-[kha]re-
11 na janita Satyasandhasya bhautiki [|] Murttih kirttima-
12 yi ch=asya krita ten-aiva sasvati [||] Nishkri[shya] chala[sa]-
13 madhayi [Gunabha]re bhaktih


Translation -
Verse 1. Being afraid, that the god who is nadi-priya (fond of rivers – Shiva), having perceived the Kaveri, whose waters please the eye, who wears a garland of gardens, and who possesses lovely qualities, might fall in love (with her), the daughter of the mountain (Parvati) has, I think, left her father’s family and resides permanently on this mountain, calling this river the beloved of the Pallava (king).
Verse 2. While the king called Gunabhara is a worshipper of the linga, let the knowledge, which has turned back from hostile (vipaksha) conduct, be spread for a long time in the world by this linga !
Verse 3. This mountain resembles the diadem of the Chola province, this temple of Hara (Shiva) its chief jewel, and the splendour of Samkara (Shiva) its splendour.
Verse 4. By the stone-chisel a material body of Satyasamdha was executed, and by the same an eternal body of his fame was produced.
Some points to ponder on above inscription -
In verse 1, Kaveri is said to be the beloved of the Pallava king. However in inscription 34 verse 3, Kaveri is mentioned with the Cholas, though no specific relation is specified there. Another thing of interest is term nadi-priya (lover of rivers). The representation of this nadi-priya is reflected in the Gangadhara panel, signifying Shiva’s love with Ganga, which is adorning the same wall on which this inscription is engraved.
In next verse, verse 2, we see a term linga. K R Srinivasan suggests that this term, linga, does nor mean Shivalingam here but image of the god. He says that we do not see any mention of Shivalingam in contemporary hymns of saints and also do not find any such symbol in Pallava temples of Mahendra’s time. Hence it should be taken that Mahendra installed a stone image of Shiva but not Shivalingam.
In the same verse, as above, we also find mention of Mahendra’s turn towards Shiva from some other hostile faith. This hostile faith could be Jainism, as accepted by many scholars. Saint Appar is seen contemporary with Mahendra and also was responsible to turn the king into Shaivism. In our previous article, we came to know that Mandagapattu (http://msg4saurabh.blogspot.com/2010/09/mandagapattu-first-cave-temple-of.html)is accepted as the first cave temple excavated by Mahendravarman I and he dedicated that shrine to Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. When Mahendra was turned to Shaivism from Jainism then it is expected from him to excavated temples for Shiva. However he did not do this, instead he excavated many temples dedicated to Trinity and Vishnu, along with Shiva. K R Srinivasan says that it seem Mahendra was a tolerant follower of Vedic (Brahmana) path and later he became ardent Shaiva. Hence his first temples were for trinity, later one for Vishnu and many of his last temples were dedicated to Shiva only. He further states that theory of Mahendra’s conversion by Appar to Shaivism is based upon a much later work, Periyapuranam, and also on the identification of Gunadhara as to same as Gunabhara.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TrbiLss_YD8/TKd7bTsUAvI/AAAAAAAAC7A/rnKGDbQBYIg/s640/Trichy%252520101-41.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TrbiLss_YD8/TKd7bTsUAvI/AAAAAAAAC7A/rnKGDbQBYIg/s640/Trichy%252520101-41.JPG)Lower Cave Temple


Lower Cave Temple – This cave temple is locally called as Lower Cave Temple and is located near the entrance to the Rockfort complex. This cave temple is excavated on an almost vertical scarp of the rock. Due to its almost vertical alignment, there would have been very less cutting to prepare it for excavation. The front façade is supported on four pillars and two pilasters. The pillar is constituted of cubical saduram, octagonal kattu, padma-bandha, kalasa, tadi, kumbha and virakantha. This pillar style seems to be the transitional design from cubical saduram and octagonal kattu pillar style of Mahendra to slender padmasana based oma octagonal shaft with other design elements. Lotus medallions on cubical base are missing, except on one phase of the pillar. The pottika (corbel) above the pillar is curved but without roll and median patta. In the kapota (space under the cornice) we see a horizontal frieze of bhuta-gana. Among these we find a monkey faced gana. The pillars and the pilaster are of similar design. The hall inside is of 25.5 feet in length and 12 feet wide. There are two shrines on two side walls. The back wall is divided into five niches.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KeVQ1ylzj5E/TKeConplikI/AAAAAAAANRI/7OeOMcYJkW8/s320/Pillar.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KeVQ1ylzj5E/TKeConplikI/AAAAAAAANRI/7OeOMcYJkW8/s1600/Pillar.jpg)
Various architectural parts of the pillar are shown in this picture.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LwLkoIwMCgg/TKd70QtF1hI/AAAAAAAAC7U/_5WVZupBoLA/s512/Trichy%252520101-46.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LwLkoIwMCgg/TKd70QtF1hI/AAAAAAAAC7U/_5WVZupBoLA/s512/Trichy%252520101-46.JPG)Inner Shrine


The shrine on side wall has an extended mandapa supported on two pillars. The platform has a horizontal frieze of elephants on the topmost band. The platform is reached by three flights of steps, however the last step is not a chandrashila (moonstone). The front of the shrine has three niches formed between three pilasters. The middle niche is turned into the entrance while the other two niches have dvarpalas. Above the pilasters, on the cornice, we see two kudus. Though we did not find kudus on front façade of the cave but on the inner shrine this design element is found. Inside the shrine is a hole in the floor, perhaps to enshrine a Shivalinga. However the hole for water outlet is perhaps done later as its position is quite awkward, near the left dvarpala. In such a case the plan to put Shivalinga was not originally in but this arrangement was done in later times.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qhwTD-sbFmo/TKd7-cCmNhI/AAAAAAAAC7g/tYznqZ7Lc5Q/s640/Trichy%252520101-49.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qhwTD-sbFmo/TKd7-cCmNhI/AAAAAAAAC7g/tYznqZ7Lc5Q/s640/Trichy%252520101-49.JPG)

Dvarapalas of this shrine are carved in semi-front profile, turned towards the shrine. Both are standing is similar tribhanga posture over the support of their club. They are wearing long crown with jata-bhara behind the head. Both are wearing a necklace, bahu-valaya, bracelet, yajnopavita. The features of the figures are not very clear due to much damage they suffered as well as they were not completely finished it seem. The club of the left dvarpala is resting above his feet, feet firmly resting on the ground. Hence he is not standing on the support of his club which is seen from his stance as well. The club of right dvarpala is firmly resting on the ground. The stance of this dvarpala is very similar to the dvarpalas seen at Mahendra’s caves. His one leg is bent at knee. The club handle is almost in his right arm-pit while the palm of another hand is above the handle. His another hand is stretched along the club. Both the dvarpala’s clubs are entwined by a serpent. The features of dvarpalas suggest that the shrine is dedicated to Shiva.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rsKY7n7OIfY/TKd77qw4HbI/AAAAAAAAC7c/xuGCzF8oZ6s/s512/Trichy%252520101-48.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rsKY7n7OIfY/TKd77qw4HbI/AAAAAAAAC7c/xuGCzF8oZ6s/s512/Trichy%252520101-48.JPG)Dvarapala


There are two dvarpalas on the side wall, on either side of the shrine. However these dvarpalas do not look like dedicatory guardians of a deity that’s why there position is also not proper. They are carved in front profile without any weapon. They are with two hands, one of which is rested on their waist. One hand of left dvarapala is raised in adoration while one hand of right dvarapala is in kataka mudra. They are shown wearing yajnopavita, necklace, bahu-valaya, keyuras. One dvarapala is wearing long crown and another seems to be having a karanda-makuta.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IR0HJNY7g1w/TKd8lMgdrlI/AAAAAAAAC8A/59cfawwLt2U/s512/Trichy%252520101-56.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IR0HJNY7g1w/TKd8lMgdrlI/AAAAAAAAC8A/59cfawwLt2U/s512/Trichy%252520101-56.JPG)Ganesha


On the back wall of the hall are carved five niches. The first niche is carved an image of Ganesha. This could be taken as the first such representation of Ganesha in Pallava art during Mahendra and Mamalla period. Another smaller representation is found in Ramanuja Mandapa (http://puratattva.in/2010/08/04/mahabalipuram-the-workshop-of-pallavas-part-ii-44.html) at Mahabalipuram (http://puratattva.in/2010/08/03/mahabalipuram-the-workshop-of-pallavas-part-i-45.html)where Ganesha is seen in bhuta-vali under the cornice. Ganesha is shown standing in sambhaga posture with two attending ganas near his feat. The sculpture is much damaged hence not all attributes of that can be explained. Ganesha is seen with four hands, in upper left hand is perhaps a noose, while the upper right hand might be having ankusa (elephant goad). The lower hands were perhaps above the gana heads. The ganas are carved in very crude proportions as can be seen from their body parts. The same applies to the figure of Ganesha as well. One gana is holding a snake in his hand. Ganesha is shown wearing a necklace, bahu-valayas, keyura, yajnopavita and a karanda-makuta. There are two flying vidhyadharas above in the panel. Their one hand is on waist and another is raised in adoration.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kk2utnOblqk/TKd8s4YdUrI/AAAAAAAAC8E/esCfHAaDs0c/s512/Trichy%252520101-57.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kk2utnOblqk/TKd8s4YdUrI/AAAAAAAAC8E/esCfHAaDs0c/s512/Trichy%252520101-57.JPG)Subramanya


Next niche has an image of Subramanya. A H Longhurst identified this with Shiva however it was a wrong identification. In one upper hand he is holding an akshamala, the other upper hand attribute is not very clear. One lower hand is on waist (katyavalambita) and another lower hand is in abhaya mudra. He is shown with a karanda-makuta, necklace, bracelets, valayas and yajnopavita. Tangles of his lower garments are flowing on either side in folds. There are two attendants on either side of him. There are two vidhyadharas above on the panel with one hand raised in adoration. Second hand of left vidhyadhara is on his waist while of the right vidhyadhara is holding a flower. The execution of the sculpture is not very good in comparison with other magnificent pieces of arts from same dynasty, the Pallavas.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9OJtEG5bpHA/TKd88N_H3wI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/rCVhRduzsFA/s512/Trichy%252520101-59.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9OJtEG5bpHA/TKd88N_H3wI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/rCVhRduzsFA/s512/Trichy%252520101-59.JPG)Brahma


The next niche has an sculpture of Brahma. Brahma is shown standing in sambhaga posture while two devotes are shown near his feet on the ground. In his four hands, the upper left hand has rosary and upper right hand is akshamala. Lower right hand is in abhaya mudra and lower left hand is on waist. He is wearing a karanda makuta above his head where as his three heads are visible in the sculpture. A yajnopavita, necklace and valayas are also worn by him. His lower garment reaches till his ankles in folds. One devotee is shown seated in yogasana. He wearing a jata-makuta and a yajnopavita. His one hand is resting on his thigh and another hand is in vyakhana mudra. His features depict the saintly character. Another devotee is seated with one bent leg at knee. He is offering something to Brahma, as seen from his posture. He is also wearing a jata-makuta and a yajnopavita. There are two flying vidhyadhara above in this panel, with their one hand raised in adoration. Second hand of left vidhyadhara is on his waist while of the right vidhyadhara is holding a flower.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JuDnLEInJLk/TKd9L1tJkEI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/Z-dknbHrUBk/s512/Trichy%252520101-61.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JuDnLEInJLk/TKd9L1tJkEI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/Z-dknbHrUBk/s512/Trichy%252520101-61.JPG)Surya


The next niche has an sculpture of Surya. He is standing in sambhaga posture and there is a large halo behind his head. Above the head is a long makuta and a jata-bhara behind his head. He is wearing makara-kundala, hara in his neck, bahu-valaya in his arms and keyuras in his wrists. There is a yajnopavita worn across his waist. In his four arms, upper left arm is having a rosary while upper right hand is holding a akshamala. Lower left hand is on waist and lower right hand is in abhaya mudra. He is standing on a slightly raised platform. Near his feat are two devotees. Both are seated in similar fashion, with one leg bent at knee. It looks as though they are holding something in their hands to offer to the deity. They are wearing similar ornamentation as of Surya. One devotee is wearing a coiled bracelet however another one is with flat bracelet. They wear patra-kundala, necklace and a yajnopavita. There are two vidhyadhara on top of the panel, in similar fashion as seen in previous niches. One hand of theirs is raised in adoration and in another hand both are holding a flower.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X5BmVYJw-w0/TKd9bgyETqI/AAAAAAAAC8g/KlQLyHnXJ9c/s512/Trichy%252520101-63.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X5BmVYJw-w0/TKd9bgyETqI/AAAAAAAAC8g/KlQLyHnXJ9c/s512/Trichy%252520101-63.JPG)Durga


Next and the last niche has an image of Durga as Kottavarai, goddess of war. She is standing in sambhaga posture above a raised platform. She is wearing a karanda-makuta, patra kundala, three necklaces, bracelets and bangles. She is shown with four hands, upper right hand is holding a chakra (discus) and upper left hand is not carved completely. Lower left hand is on waist and lower right hand is in abhaya mudra. Compared to her slender waist, her hip portion is quite broad in measurement. I am not sure whether the idea of the sculptor was to carve a broad hip female or it is due to the inexperience in female figure proportions. She is wearing a breast-band. There are two devotees sitting near her feat. One on proper left is offering a flower while one on proper right is trying to offer his head by cutting it with some sword like weapon. He has held his hair by one of his hand to make the head stable while slitting it through. This kind of self-sacrifice was in practice during those days, especially during the worship just before the start of a war. One such practice was nava-khanda where a devotee to the king offers nine parts of his body to the goddess for victory of the king over his enemies. These devotee figures are not complete hence many of their attributes are not visible, such as ornamentation on their body. There is only one vidhyadhara in this panel, other one was left unfinished. This vidhyadhara on left side has raised one hand in adoration and another hand is having a flower. A similar representation can be seen in Mahabalipuram (http://puratattva.in/2010/08/03/mahabalipuram-the-workshop-of-pallavas-part-i-45.html), in Varaha Cave (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ySueSFJcHPuauKOHLZc2XA?feat=directlink) and in Draupadi Ratha (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5KcRLVCfHZI-Ky4yGB6I5Q?feat=directlink).

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1XXCoAaVwSE/TKd-FlfzMqI/AAAAAAAAC88/dAznfDvXS-4/s640/Trichy%252520101-69.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1XXCoAaVwSE/TKd-FlfzMqI/AAAAAAAAC88/dAznfDvXS-4/s640/Trichy%252520101-69.JPG)Another Inner Shrine


On the adjacent side wall of this last niche is another inner shrine of this cave. The arrangement of this inner shrine is similar as the other shrine which is on opposite wall of this shrine as have been discussed earlier in this article. There is a mandapa in front of this shrine which is supported on two pillars in front. The mandapa is constructed over a raised platform which can be accessed via three step stair case constructed in front. The uppermost band of this platform has a horizontal frieze of elephants and lion all around the three sides. There are two kudus (horse shoe window) on the front cornice of this mandapa. The front of the shrine is divided into three niches by four pilasters. The middle niche is turned into the entrance while the other two niches have dvarpalas. The corner pilasters are almost like pillars the only difference is that those are not cut completely on all sides. Similar to the first inner shrine, here also we find two dvarpalas on either side of the shrine. They are similar to the side dvarapalas of opposite wall, one hand on waist and one raised above in adoration.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1_yCd9x-YLM/TKd-f9oXsZI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/N5lQH2ymSRM/s512/Trichy%252520101-73.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1_yCd9x-YLM/TKd-f9oXsZI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/N5lQH2ymSRM/s512/Trichy%252520101-73.JPG)Vishnu


Inside the shrine is bas-relief of Vishnu. He is standing in sambhaga posture with two devotees near his feet. He is depicted with four hands, upper right hand holding chakra, upper left hand holding shankha, lower right hand is in varada mudra and lower left hand is in katyavalambita mudra. He is wearing a long kirita-makuta, makara kundala, necklace, bracelets, keyuras, valaya and a yajopavita. His lower garment is reaching till his ankles with many folds, it is tied at his waist and two tangles are on either side. Two devotees, one male one female, on either side are sitting with one leg bent at knee. Male devotee is wearing jata-makuta, makara kundala, sutra-yajnopavita. Female devotee is with karanda-makuta, patra kundala, bracelets, bangles and necklace. Both are holding a flower in one of the hand to offer to the God, while the other hand is resting on their thigh. There are two flying ganas on top of the panel, on either side of Vishnu. Both are wearing jata-makuta and yajnopavita. One hand of theirs are raised in adoration and another hand is on near their waist.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-o_T0OGduU8o/TKd-N9urtdI/AAAAAAAAC9A/zrVjCwohpV8/s640/Trichy%252520101-70.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-o_T0OGduU8o/TKd-N9urtdI/AAAAAAAAC9A/zrVjCwohpV8/s640/Trichy%252520101-70.JPG)Dvarapalas


Dvarpalas of this shrine are Vaishnava in features as they do not have any club with them. Proper right dvarpala is more finished as compared to proper left one. The right dvarpala is standing on one feet above the ground and one feet is bent at knee and placed above the head of a gana. He is wearing yajnopavita, bracelets, valaya, necklace and jata-makuta with jata-bhara. One hand is holding a snake and another hand is near his mouth. The left dvarpala is standing turned towards the shrine. He also wearing similar ornaments as of his right counterpart. His one hand is raised in adoration and another hand is on his waist. The sculptures are not completely finished as seen the left work near their feet.


References:


Beck, Elisabeth (2006). Pallava Rock Architecture and Sculpture. Puducheri. Sri Aurobindo Institute of Research in Social Sciences. ISBN 8188661465
Dubreuil, G Jouveau (1917). Pallava Antiquities. Madras. Asian Education Services. ISBN 8120605713
Longhurst, A H (1930). Pallava Architecture 3 vols. Archaeological Survey of India.
Mahalingam, T V. Inscriptions of the Pallavas. New Delhi. Agam Prakashan.
South Indian Inscriptions Vol I. Archaeological Survey of India.
South Indian Inscriptions Vol XII. Archaeological Survey of India.
Srinivasan, K R (1964). Cave Temples of the Pallavas. Archaeological Survey of India.

Web References:
1. Nagaswamy, R. Mahendra’s Inscription At Tiruchirapalli. Tamil Arts Academy. Retrieved from http://www.tamilartsacademy.com/articles/article09.xml




source link: http://puratattva.in/2010/10/01/pallava-cave-temples-of-trichy-36.html




^^^^

what an amazing piece or art works by pallavas in Rocks in Trichy-------------ithu than Malaikottai(Rockfort)

Excellent and highly potential tourist specialist ---attracts many foriegners especially:)

:cheers::cheers:

RANJANKUDI KOTTAI------------Ranjan Kudi Fort----------about 50 kms from Trichy -in Trichy---Chennai NH--situated in perambalur district

Photos taken by PREM sir----President of TIDES ----when he visited the place today


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13083429.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13083511.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13083555.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13083613.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13083649.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13083735.jpg



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13083755.jpg



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13083820.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13083844.jpg



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13083857-1.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13083908-1.jpg



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13083923.jpg



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13083930.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13084422.jpg


^^^^

what a marvellous and amazing place it is---------definitely a potential tourist spot

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

WOW.. thanks for the pictures.
If it is developed, it can be a 1 nice outing place during Weekend.
with our people slowly changing towards weekend outing, travel and leisure,
this place surely can get good patronage.

TFS Siva & thanks to Prem too for these wonderful photos...

Lot of places in around Trichy need facelift including Ranjan Kudi Fort, Thirumayam Fort, Chithanavasal etc...

thanks krish and kg sir:)

the credit should go to Mr.Prem for these amazing photos


surely ranjan kudi kottai will become a hot tourist spot very soon :cheers:

hi , friends, here is a new website on info about temples and tourist spots in and around kumbakonam in tanjore district

since, it is copy-protected-----i am not able to copy any images or info

so please, see and leuisurely go through all the informations

it is really stunning and amazing to see such glorious temples all around a single region



the link is : http://www.kumbakonam.info/


Enjoy, visit them and Explore them

:cheers::cheers:

some updates on the Zoological Park shaping up in MR Palayam In Trichy District-------------the project has once again taken a practical shape---thanks to present TN Govt

Here is the Elephant Rescue Centre under construction at this Park

the images and photos were taken by TIDES President Mr.Prem when he went to visit the park yesterday


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13103558.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13103545.jpg

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13103539.jpg

courtesy: Mr.Prem ----President of TIDES

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Focus on Ponnaniyaru Dam ---------------a lovely,peaceful ,amazing and beautiful excursion and tourist spot ----near manaparai in Trichy District

it can be explored much better-----------now, due to this present TN Govt----the area is getting a much needed facelift to attract many tourists and entertainers :)


TIDES President Mr.Prem----recently visited the place and took some lovely images



PONNANIYARU DAM

Ponnaniyaru dam is situated south of Tiruchirappalli. It is 24 kms from Manapparai and 9 kms from Vaiyampatti. Ponnaniyaru dam is built across perumal malai and Chemmalai . This dam site is an ideal place for excursion.


Short Treks in the nearby hillock- Environment Camps - Nature Cure centers - Fishing (in season) - Forest Rest House available( Food stuffs to carry)
Wild Life: Snakes / Birds/ Bears /Bats/


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/14092012345_zpsa3f6663a.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/14092012346_zps136f7ed5.jpg



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/14092012347_zpsc654ee39.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/14092012348_zps927b9763.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/14092012349_zpsdf0737cd.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/14092012350_zps8500692a.jpg



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/14092012351_zpsf852d728.jpg



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/14092012358_zpsd1cc25cb.jpg



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/14092012359_zps7e7d4df4.jpg




http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/14092012360_zpsbf663966.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/14092012373_zps5cea9c2c.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/14092012379_zps60568ee2.jpg

photo courtesy: .Prem sir

:cheers::cheers:

Friends,

Some of my clicks at Madurai Corporation ECO park Thiruparankundram (TPK). One of the Hang out destination for tourist people who comes to Madurai.

Really a well planned peaceful, pleasant, pollution free environment at foothills of TPK with spacious parking. People spending nice time with their family, youths having get together, tourists relaxing, Children enjoying in their play area, with Musical fountain.

Entrance Ticket for Adult costs Rs. 20 & Rs. 10 for Children (Including for Musical fountain show)

All together good initiative by Madurai Corporation/Tourism Department, Access to people from GST road will be difficult till ROB construction at both entrance of TPK completed...

Lets walk around ECO park and have happy weekend.…



ECO Park at Foothills of TPK


http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/9223/75547576.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/812/75547576.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/8392/95188145.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/211/95188145.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

AMPLE SPACE FOR PARKING

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3879/42308737.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/707/42308737.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

AT ENTRANCE

http://imageshack.us/a/img717/9639/40509315.jpg



http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/7305/29231132.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/801/29231132.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

PATH WAY

http://imageshack.us/a/img705/6970/71063478.jpg

PART OF ECO PARK

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/5296/12298761.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/577/12298761.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

CHILDREN PLAY AREA

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/5786/53634960.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/836/53634960.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

WHICH ONE IS BIGGER FLOWER OR HILL

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7829/39028098.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/17/39028098.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/2607/81704865.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/81704865.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

ECO PARK AT NIGHT

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/8387/79660406.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/594/79660406.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://imageshack.us/a/img13/9531/75188236.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img4/6223/56971193.jpg

MUSICAL FOUNTAIN

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/15/98812495.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/10/98812495.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://imageshack.us/a/img402/5999/21325087.jpg

Where it is located?

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/6261/ecof.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/705/ecof.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)



TPK ECO PARK LOCATED 7 Km from Madurai at foothills of Tiruparankundram Hill.
Surrounded by very soothing pollution free environment & cool breeze.

How to Get there?


Local public/private transport available from Thiruparankundram Murugan temple.



My suggestion have a pleasant walk from Murugan Temple (hardly 0.5 Km) with sceneric view around TPK hills. Entrance cost applicable for ECO park including Musical fountain show from 6:30 PM.
For those who want to reach from Airport/Avaniyapuram, Enjoy Self drive by your car on a road having number of turns & bends covered by pleasant green viridity on either side.

Do's & Dont's



Have Cameras to shoot your pleasant memories. Musical fountain is worth watching
Don't Miss Cave temples adjacent to ECO Park.(Peacocks paradise, If you are lucky you can see Endangered species of white peacock))
Those who like trekking, please do visit Thiruparankundram Dharga/Kasi Vishwanathan temple at hill top. (Beware of monkeys).
Enjoy the aerial view of Madurai (Only a part of city) from the top of hills.
Plastic is strictly prohibited in these area.

National Fossil Wood Park----------about 60 kms from Trichy

hi friends

again a very hard work done by our Prem sir---TIDES President

he went to much potentil Tourist spot---National Fossil Wood Park ---in Perambalur--ariyalur border-----about 60 kms from Trichy

http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/images/GSIimages/Locsatta.gif


National Fossil Wood Park in Sattanur, Perambalur District contains large trunks of petrified trees of Upper Cretaceous age (100 m.y). The trees belong to conifers (non-flowering) that dominated the land vegetation during the period. The fossilised tree trunk at Sattanur measures over 18 m in length.

It is situated about 700 m north of the village which can be approached by NH-45 connecting Chennai with Tiruchchirapalli upto Siruvachchur village. From Siruvachchur an unmetalled road connects Sattanur village which is about 14 km eastward.


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13093441_zps3ce6a8a1.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13093521_zps5b3e3855.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13093704_zpsaf9fa088.jpg



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13093731_zps12aa2c4b.jpg



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13093753_zps1c3fd431.jpg



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13093827_zps68707c2c.jpg



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13093910_zpsea58ff99.jpg

photo courtesy: Prem sir

^^^^

it is very lovely place where we can see very r^^are fossil specimens of old ages ---all of them embarked on wood

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Wow... Fascinating updates!! Thanks guys.. U don't get to see these places much in media..

1st time hearing about the National fossil wood park.. Pretty awesome!

Great work Siva and Karthik (Maduraiguy). As murlee said many of us might have not known about these info.

There are still many undiscovered places in TN which can be found by us, esp SSC and other forum members and show this world about TN's potential towards tourism and history.

thanks murlee and isham :)

here is a very very special info guys

Manavai Kutrallam--------------Courtrallam like Falls in Manaparai in Trichy District-----------an ideal place for recreation , enjoyment and tourist enjoyment during weekends

SEA trust at Manapparai started a most auspicious and pleasant swimming pool and meditation pyramid particularly for budding blooms to entertain in Manavai Kutralam. This has been founded by Y.Pankiraj fine arts master, the chairman of the trust. The sculptures found here are made up of woods are also the creative magnum presentation of Y.Pankiraj. It provides a cool swimming facility to entrain them by means of the apt facilities provided. The Pyramid available here is the prima facie to all to get meditation and the place is attracting more people to sit a little while to get cordial pleasure. People once attending there are returning back again and again because of that most glory present in the pyramid not to disclose in terms of words, but only by means of experience they had.

The cost of entry per half an hour is Rs. 30/- only.

For more details contact : 9965897649


http://www.manaparai.in/images/Photo_Gallery/Manavai_Kutralam.jpg

the pyramid for medidation
http://www.manaparai.in/images/Photo_Gallery/Pyramid_in_Manaparai.jpg

here is the video footage of Manavai Kutralam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=X-QkahgEmPk


source: http://www.manaparai.in/Fun_Entertainment.htm




^^^^^^
this fine recreation and peace loving medidation place-----------open during all weekends in August---February ----------open daily during March---August Season


i am planning to visit it within 15 days

what an excellent place-----------the much Fascinating and amazing recreation and leiusure centre with medidation for Trichy---just 35 kms from city limits



:cheers::cheers:

National Fossil Wood Park----------about 60 kms from Trichy



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-13093827_zps68707c2c.jpg



Thanks for the pics Siva.

few(5+) years before I saw these fossil trees at Thiruvakkarai when my father was working at vanur(Villupuram District). Not sure if the fossils woods are moved from Thiruvakkarai now.

season started at Vedanthangal and Karikili.

Vedanthangal -->

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8361/8277999252_ee867ec53f_k.jpg

Peak season starts from Jan end and lasts till Feb end.

thanks ceeznic and TFS vedanthangal updates :)

it is very lovely indeed :cheers:

here is a very very special info guys

Manavai Kutrallam--------------Courtrallam like Falls in Manaparai in Trichy District-----------an ideal place for recreation , enjoyment and tourist enjoyment during weekends

SEA trust at Manapparai started a most auspicious and pleasant swimming pool and meditation pyramid particularly for budding blooms to entertain in Manavai Kutralam. This has been founded by Y.Pankiraj fine arts master, the chairman of the trust. The sculptures found here are made up of woods are also the creative magnum presentation of Y.Pankiraj. It provides a cool swimming facility to entrain them by means of the apt facilities provided. The Pyramid available here is the prima facie to all to get meditation and the place is attracting more people to sit a little while to get cordial pleasure. People once attending there are returning back again and again because of that most glory present in the pyramid not to disclose in terms of words, but only by means of experience they had.

The cost of entry per half an hour is Rs. 30/- only.

For more details contact : 9965897649


http://www.manaparai.in/images/Photo_Gallery/Manavai_Kutralam.jpg

the pyramid for medidation
http://www.manaparai.in/images/Photo_Gallery/Pyramid_in_Manaparai.jpg

here is the video footage of Manavai Kutralam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=X-QkahgEmPk


source: http://www.manaparai.in/Fun_Entertainment.htm




^^^^^^
this fine recreation and peace loving medidation place-----------open during all weekends in August---February ----------open daily during March---August Season


i am planning to visit it within 15 days

what an excellent place-----------the much Fascinating and amazing recreation and leiusure centre with medidation for Trichy---just 35 kms from city limits



:cheers::cheers:


^^^^

when contacted-----------they said that they are constructing a Boarding lodge and other facilities to stay there for days to practise meditation---and also for other Foriegn tourists who are thronging Trichy and other Delta area using Trichy International Airport due to its very excellent connectivity and potential

:cheers:

Sittanavasal--------------One of the amazing marvels of heritage and Treasure in India ---------about 56 kms from Trichy ----in pudukottai district

Photos taken by PREM sir----President of TIDES ----when he visited the place last week

http://www.herenow4u.net/fileadmin/v3media/pics/Jain_Temples/sittanavasal_02.jpg



the Meditation and Yoga centre----------where our Slogas gets echoed giving a divine feeling

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14103945_zps02f89c85.jpg

this is the place where Monks and Jaints Preached their religion practising meditation and attaining Mukthi

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14093026_zpsb3c27c0f.jpg

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14092940_zps7926593c.jpg

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14092934_zps27fc199a.jpg

various rock cut marvels and wonders

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14100254_zpsa14fe8d7.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14094947_zps904dba00.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14094916_zpscf9432be.jpg



http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14093154_zps98ffa7aa.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14093036_zpsd3c6a6c0.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14092908_zpsf6be9f2a.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14092808_zpse3a5ff72.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14092611_zpse96ea878.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14092517_zps64e32f91.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14092404_zps722faac7.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14092352_zps34f895ab.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14092035_zps9f802cba.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14091911_zps1c5f3bd7.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14091753_zpsd225d1c6.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14091648_zps4102ac90.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14091648_zpsa37ea24b.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14091615_zps287631f0.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14091407_zpsa162bfee.jpg


http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/sivaraja1/2012-12-14091351_zpsaeeecf28.jpg


About Sittanavasal

Sittanavasal is a rock cut temple near Trichi in Tamil Nadu. It is located at a distance of just 58 kms from trichy and is one hours drive from the place. The temple belongs to the 6th century AD and the site has some ancient monasteries of the Jain Tirthnkars.

The place ranks among the great treasures and heritage of the country

Sittanavasal is the corruption of Sit - tan - va - yil in Tamil language which means the Abode of great Saints. There are fine fresco paintings on the rocks and the caves. These paintings are the typical 9th century paintings of the Pandyan period. These pictures have detailed pictures of fish, animals, ducks, gatherings of the people, people gathering lotus flowers from a pond, two dancing figures, etc. All these inscriptions on the cave date back to the 9th and 10th century.

Apart from the twin historic caverns atop the hill, the surrounding areas have numerous dolmens and stone circles, pre-historic megalithic burial sites, more caves and small rock-cut temples


photo courtesy: prem sir




^^^^^^
the present TN Govt has allocate good funds and schemes for renovation and facelift which is at present is undergoing there

this is a very Elegant,Peaceful,Gorgeous place of Tourism very near to Trichy which keeps our mind fresh and pure ---free from hectic day to day buisness

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

thanks karthik(madurai guy),and sivaraja for your posts.

Pachaimalai-------------------The Astonishing and Gorgeous Hill Station and tourist spot in Trichy District-----------it is gaining Great patronage nowadays with excellent potential as a tourist spot---------thanks to some good developments taking place there by the present TN Govt



Pachaimalai, also known as the Pachais, are hills which are part of Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu in Trichy district. Located near 11°11′N 78°21′E / 11.18°N 78.35°E / 11.18; 78.35. Pachai in Tamil means green. They are much greener than some of the other hills in the vicinity.

VeeraRamar Dam is located in these hills on Kallar.
Rivers include Kallar and Sweata Nadi. Waterfalls include Mangalam Aruvi, Koraiyar Falls and Mayil Uthu Falls. There are also indigenous tribes, such as the Malayalis, who trade some of their surplus hill produce to the towns below on the plains, trading for items not available in the hills. Jackfruit is one a popular seasonal agriculture produce from this area.


http://www.tiruchirapalliinfo.in/comfiles/myfiles/pachaimala/9f1df8fcf45bbfa8732c10c77b7f0e23.jpg


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HtZNt3-gbs8/TzVbQkzTIcI/AAAAAAAAEqA/6jo7is7YZ_4/s1600/04052008868.jpg


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1vbNzcSnhY/TzVbRV7rRaI/AAAAAAAAEqI/79XLEZqPawo/s1600/28TYTH_PACHAMALAI_-_489521f.jpg


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rG6FLOJ0s3I/TzVbSob_KbI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/ouDy60zNvcg/s1600/DSCN1800.JPG



http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AEhnlyKCjKM/TzVbUsX9bkI/AAAAAAAAEqg/XYZZGwnnx8k/s320/pacha1.jpg



http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5wscI5MXSE/TzVbVszjoBI/AAAAAAAAEqo/aRlsv0cUVg8/s1600/puli.jpg


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lcC34_1gzc8/TS3wt3A60cI/AAAAAAAACDA/hqTK8hjPRAQ/s1600/191220101911.jpg


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lcC34_1gzc8/TS3vTZjC3JI/AAAAAAAACCo/LCUZKi8u5t8/s1600/191220101901.jpg


Pachai malai is a hill station in tiruchy district.It's a place that has to be safeguarded from the intrusion of we urbanpeople. A hill station out of thoughts. The visit there took me miles back seeing the life out there. The way of life that exists took me years back...

With no much Intrusion of modern technologies the lifestyle there seems to be something extraordinary which we can even never dream of. The calm polite air that exists throughout the hills without pollution, no much machined vehicles, people busy with their farm work alone never bothered of what goes around.

I have a feel that the name of the hills actually was derived from the look of it. The system of agriculture was so pure that the fields were manually ploughed with bullocks and the entire family was engaged in getting their own fields ready for the plantations..

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QPyptt0WuIU/T9g6-E5I3GI/AAAAAAAAAZY/WAaPe7uAGSc/s1600/03HIDDEN_911153f.jpg


http://www.tiruchirapalliinfo.in/comfiles/places/a947caab4368ce296703eb0cb5c076b7/gallery/354e2e95e94f7567fb9758661ddc8660.jpg


https://www.morebooks.de/assets/product_images/9786131963/big/1387026/pachaimalai-hills.jpg?locale=gb

source : several websites and
http://raasetrust.blogspot.in/2011/01/pachai-malai.html


:cheers::cheers:

Puliancholai-------------------Another Amazing and Gorgeous tourist spot in Trichy District-----------it is also gaining Great patronage nowadays with excellent potential as a tourist spot---------thanks to some good developments taking place there by the present TN Govt


----------------------------------------------------

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.,




http://www.tn.gov.in/trichytourism/large-image/puliancholai1.jpg


http://www.tn.gov.in/trichytourism/large-image/puliancholai5.jpg


http://www.tn.gov.in/trichytourism/large-image/puliancholai2.jpg

http://www.tn.gov.in/trichytourism/images2/hotel1.jpg


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1-fFUZdlRo/T04C1RLpMhI/AAAAAAAAF2I/m4lefP5DKoM/s1600/Akash+ganga+waterfall.jpg


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HrWB2ywNn0/T04D513i9rI/AAAAAAAAF24/c4KGoLWu0qo/s1600/%E0%AE%86%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%AF+%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%99%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%88+%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%80%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%80%E0%AE%B4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9A%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%BF.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVXb6acpMjs/T04DcUXcgBI/AAAAAAAAF2o/YQ_vpwvBUOo/s1600/Akash+Ganga+waterfall+(2).jpg


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bUh0NCA1lAU/T04EUsLtzlI/AAAAAAAAF3I/6dZmSJ6_A6k/s1600/On+top+of+the+1,100+mts+kolli+hills+peak.jpg


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15k6yD7P6p4/T04EgiBI-gI/AAAAAAAAF3Q/9OFfTgIKHiE/s1600/View+from+Kolli+hills+1,100+mts+peak.jpg


http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j7bnq8AJx-w/STkH-rFaYbI/AAAAAAAAAQU/-JPqm6tNi10/DSC00678.JPG


http://file1.hpage.com/001810/72/bilder/puliancholai.jpg


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-payeX0tk8nU/T04E0VyC1II/AAAAAAAAF3g/LY5pjv-ARKU/s1600/View+of+Akash+ganga+waterfall+from+Kolli+hills+peak.jpg

http://industrialtour.com/wp-content/themes/directorypress/thumbs//Puliancholai.jpg


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4700107710_40aa0507dd.jpg


http://farm1.staticflickr.com/156/347661787_e329b149bb_b.jpg



sources and courtesy: Flickr website and many more websites








to add beauty to my posts------------------------the following article as posted in Hindu Buisness Line Yesterday


Puliancholai beckons nature lovers R. Balaji


http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2002/12/17/images/2002121701351701.jpg
Puliancholai, at the foot of the Kolli hills range, a new destination for nature lovers.
THURAIYUR, Dec. 16


AMIDST the reserve forests at the foot of the Kolli Hills in Thuraiyur taluk in Tiruchi district, Puliancholai is a hamlet of about 30 families, and 10-15 teashops hoping to make it big.



Densely wooded, with large tracts of wild flowers of various hues, birds chirping and a murmuring forest stream, it is the stuff that nature lovers dream of. All this and a local `siddhar', an expert in herbal cures, according to the villagers, is what the villagers are depending on to help them.



Their dreams could become reality if the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department's plans come true.



The department hopes to develop the area as a nature/eco tourism spot, with a large dose of trekking and a bit of recreating thrown in. The Government recently sanctioned a Rs 35-lakh scheme with 50 per cent contribution from the Central Government.:cheers:

Mr T. Govindaraj, who runs a teashop at Puliancholai, hopes the project, one that the villagers have been waiting for a long time, will become a reality. For, now the teashops cater to those who drop in occasionally from nearby towns like Thuraiyur and Tiruchi.



Also, during June and July, a string of devotees come there to trek up to a Shiva temple about 12 km into the forest. Other than the teashops, their main livelihood is in marginal agriculture and gathering the fruits that grow wild in the forest to sell to local markets.



According to tourism department officials, the spot can be developed as a major trekking centre. Over 20-25 routes can be developed, and students from nearby colleges have responded with enthusiasm to trekking organised by the department. :cheers:



Kolli hills are known for their medicinal herbs, and health tourism with nature cure systems thrown in is a major possibility. A few kilometres into the forest, in the higher hills, there are water falls, part of a river system that feeds the stream at Puliancholai. The stream known locally as Iyyaar or Kallaar, grows into a wild river during rains, and is believed to have medicinal properties.



The spot could either be developed as a stand-alone destination for the nature lovers or one of a chain of spots to which a package tourist could be treated.



A few hours travel by road would take one to Pachaimalai, another hill range, with equal potential for nature tourism. There is a 150-ft waterfall that could be developed as a tourist spot in Pachaimalai.


In the neighbouring Perambalur district there are areas like Vettakudi and Karavatti bird sanctuaries. Puliancholai can be approached from Tiruchi, about 70 km away, Thuraiyur about 30 km is a major town or from Erode and Namakkal.



The area is rich in cultural heritage, being the centre of Chola architecture. Numerous temples, monuments, and other examples of architecture unique to that area dot the region, they said.



A regular visitor to Puliancholai, Dr A. Relton, Staff Advisor, Nature Club, Bishop Hebbar College, Tiruchi, told Business Line, that it was an undisturbed area of scrub jungle and riverine forests rich in wildlife.


The place is a major attraction for students and young nature lovers.



The nature club members therefore restrict themselves to short trips.
With sufficient facilities, longer and more detailed programmes could be arranged. Pachaimalai nearby could also be developed along similar lines, he said.



According to the officials, the tourism department hopes to provide facilities like health resorts, rest houses, dormitories, bus services and drinking water supply.





source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2002/12/17/stories/2002121701351700.htm


^^^^
Puliancholai--------------a Treasure of Tourism and recreation cum excursion place in Trichy for foriegners and other tourist and nature lovers----------where natural Sceenary and Waterfalls add to the beauty of renowned Trekking by college students all over TN there

:cheers::cheers:

"... to add beauty to my posts------------------------the following article as posted in Hindu Buisness Line Yesterday..."

that HINDU article was published 10 years ago. Did the TTDC develop puliancholai yet?

"... to add beauty to my posts------------------------the following article as posted in Hindu Buisness Line Yesterday..."

that HINDU article was published 10 years ago. Did the TTDC develop puliancholai yet?


somberi----------just visit that place now and you will witness the developments there


articles about puliancholai are published now and then-----------------i just found that one in 17th december buisness line edition----------link given


Slowly and Steadily------------Puliancholai is witnessing Handsome Developments

Recently , Govt Sanctioned some 5 crores for developments and another 5 crores to promote as a medical tourism


It is a Fine Hill Resort and Tourist Spot in Trichy------------free from hustle and bustle of City-side

:cheers:

From collector-CM conference

1. Muthupettai in Tiruvarur District will be developed as an “Eco-Tourist Centre”.

2. ECO Tourism will be promoted at Pachamalai Hills in Trichy District.

3. Avalpoonthurai in Erode District will be developed as a tourist area including Boating and a Park.

4. Mega Tourism Project at Manavanur in Kodaikanal will be taken up.

http://www.tn.gov.in/seithi_veliyeedu/pr19Dec12/pr191212_453.pdf

View tower at Mettur dam

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/525071_316134545161772_1673176275_n.jpg

owner: Manikandan, Beautiful Salem Face Book

^^^^
TFS , arul sir :)



as per TN Govt order yesterday

1) Fossil musuem will be set up in Ariyalur---------About 50 kms from Trichy


2) Pachamalai Hills in Trichy will be developed as an Eco-Tourism place along with Trekking


^^^^^^

just few days back--------------i focussed and posted pictures of the above mentioned 2 places

Thanks to God and Jaya Mam ---------------for taking Great steps to promote tourism in these 2 places

Really , it will be a treasure for all nature , history, Recreation and Tourism Lovers abroad



:cheers::cheers:

Today is Vaikunda Ekadasi---------------so let us all invoke GOD's blessings to safeguard this earth and bring in happiness and prosperity in everyone's life



here are some of the special features of Srirangam Temple----------Largest functioning Hindu Temple in the world ------published today in Hindu Newspaper

i have scanned it and displayed here

it deals with

1)Amazing History, heritage and culture of Srirangam

2) Majestic various development , Tourism and Infrastructural works underway at Srirangam like Yatri Niva,,,,Butterfly Park,,,Zodiac Garden,,,Roof shelter pathway , etc


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8362/8302444529_92b08a99e6_h.jpg



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8082/8302443393_c3a084a06c_h.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8303496948_90f09cc819_h.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8303496420_2b10148403_h.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8303495806_647f3d4312_h.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8075/8302439593_12170c10bf_h.jpg



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8302438897_569ae359e0_h.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8496/8303492414_34c713c89a_h.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8075/8302437543_7ccb894ef2_h.jpg



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8302436999_f91991da65_h.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8221/8302436473_82866b8bb2_h.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8302438897_569ae359e0_h.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8492/8303495190_b6a1a98c53_h.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8359/8303490058_f403c23e5f_h.jpg




^^^^^^
The Majestic and Amazing Stature of Srirangam is clearly explained here


Being a CM Constituency, it is undergoing Amazng idevelopments in Infrastructural and Tourism Developments-----Taking Srirangam to World- Class



thus , Trichy is called as Cultural and Heritage Capital of TN


:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Sivaraj good finds...I would suggest you can collate all these information in a seperate thread" Places in Tamil nadu" . It can have some photo, history, nearest big city, how to get there, Entry fee, holiday. The thread name will appear in searches for people looking to visit Tamilnadu.

Thiruvalluvar Statues in Tamilnadu

bTmYpNAAfkA

பாரம்பரிய திருத்தலங்களுக்கு வருகை தரும் சுற்றுலா பயணிகளுக்கு ரூ. 10 கோடியில் அடிப்படை வசதி: ஜெயலலிதா உத்தரவு

தமிழக அரசு வெளியிட்டுள்ள செய்தி குறிப்பில் கூறி இருப்பதாவது:-

வாழ்வில் சுவையும், சுறுசுறுப்பும் நல்குவதில் சுற்றுலா முதன்மையிடம் வகிக்கிறது. சுற்றுலாவின் மூலம், இயற்கை அழகு மிளிரும் இடங்களையும், வரலாற்று புகழ்மிக்க இடங்களையும், பாரம்பரியமிக்க திருத்தலங்களையும் பொதுமக்கள் கண்டுகளிக்கின்றனர்.

அறிவுப் புரட்சிக்கும், சிந்தனைக் கிளர்ச்சிக்கும் சுற்றுலா வழிவகுக்கிறது என்று சொன்னால் அது மிகையாகாது. இப்படிப்பட்ட சிறப்பு வாய்ந்த சுற்றுலாவின் முக்கியத்துவத்தை கருத்தில் கொண்டு முதல்-அமைச்சர் ஜெயலலிதா தமிழ்நாட்டில் உள்ள பாரம்பரியமிக்க திருத்தலங்களுக்கு வருகை புரியும் சுற்றுலா பயணிகளுக்கு தேவையான அடிப்படை வசதிகளை ஏற்படுத்தித் தர உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளார்.

அந்த வகையில், அரியலூர் மாவட்டம் கரைவெட்டி பறவைகள் சரணாலயத்தில் 30 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும், கோயம்புத்தூர் மாவட்டம் கல்லாற்றில் 25 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செல விலும், திண்டுக்கல் மாவட்டம், சானார்பட்டிசெங்குறிச்சியில் 45 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும், சேலம் மாவட்டம் வடசென்னிமலை கோவிலில் 25 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும்,

சிவகங்கை மாவட்டம், இடைகாட்டூர் தேவாலயம், பிரான்மலை, நாட்டரசன் கோட்டை, ஏரியூர் மருந்தீஸ்வரர் கோவில், திருப்பத்தூர் பரியா மருந்தீஸ்வரர் கோவில், ஆகிய இடங்களில் 1 கோடியே 57 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும், திருவண்ணாமலை மாவட்டத்தில் தவளகீரீஸ்வரர் ஆலயத்தில் 25 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும்..

திருவாரூர் மாவட்டத்தில் திருக்கொள்ளிக்காடு சனீஸ்வர ஆலயம், ஆவூர் பசுபதீஸ்வரர், பஞ்சபைரவர் கோவில் ஆகிய இடங்களில் 40 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும். திருநெல்வேலி மாவட் டத்தில் சங்கரன்கோவில், பொட்டல்புதூர், மொகைதீன் தர்காவில் 96 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும், விழுப்புரம் மாவட்டம், கல்வராயன்மலை, கோமுகி அணை கூத்தாண்டவர் கோவில், ஆகிய இடங்களில் 69.16 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும், ராமநாதபுரம் மாவட்டம், நயினார்கோவில், உத்தர கோசமங்கை, ஓரியூர் ஆகிய இடங்களில் 91.50 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும்.

திருவள்ளூர் மாவட்டம், பெரியபாளையம் பவானி அம்மன் கோவில், சிறுவாபுரி முருகன் கோவில், ஆகிய இடங்களில் 1 கோடியே 56 லட்சத்து 14 ஆயிரம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும், தேனி மாவட்டம் கும்பக்கரை அருவியில் 44 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும், ஈரோடு மாவட்டம் அந்தியூர் வரட்டுப்பள்ளத்தியில் 30 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும், நாமக்கல் மாவட்டத்தில், திருச்செங்கோடு அர்த்த நாரீஸ்வரர் திருக்கோயிலில் 50 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும்,

வேலூர் மாவட்டம் விரிஞ்சிபுரம் சிவன் கோவிலில் 35 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும், திருப்பூர் மாவட்டம், தாராபுரம் ஆஞ்சநேயர் கோவிலில் 31.20 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும், திருச்சி புளியஞ்சோலையில் 50 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவிலும், ஆக மொத்தம் 10 கோடி ரூபாய் மதிப்பீட்டில், அங்கு வரும் யாத்திரிகர்களுக்கு தேவையான அடிப்படை வசதிகளான பயணிகள் தங்குமிடம், குடிநீர் வசதி, உணவுக் கூடம், பொருள் வைப்பறை, கழிவறை வசதிகள், அணுகு சாலைகள் போன்ற பல்வேறு பணிகளை நிறைவேற்ற முதல்- அமைச்சர் ஜெயலலிதா உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளார்.

நாமக்கல் மாவட்டம், பரமத்தி வேலூர் வட்டம், ஜேடார் பாளையத்தில் உள்ள அண்ணா பூங்காவில் படகு குழாம் அமைத்தல், ரெயில் பூங்கா அமைத்தல், கம்பிவேலி அமைத்தல், குளியல் அறைகள் கட்டுதல், விளையாட்டு உபகரணங்கள் வாங்குதல், சுற்றுப்பாதை அமைத்தல் போன்ற பல்வேறு மேம்பாட்டுப் பணிகளுக்காக 4 கோடியே 56 லட்சம் ரூபாய்க்கு நிர்வாக ஒப்புதல் வழங்கி முதல்-அமைச்சர் ஜெயலலிதா உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளார்.

இதில் முதல் தவணையாக 3 கோடியே 64 லட் சத்து 80 ஆயிரம் ரூபாயினை விடுவித்தும் முதல்- அமைச்சர் ஜெயலலிதா உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளார். திருச்சிராப்பள்ளி மாவட்டம், ஸ்ரீரங்கம் வட்டத்தில் காவிரி ஆற்றின் கரையில் அமைந்துள்ள முக்கொம்பு என்ற இடம், தமிழகத்தில் உள்ள சிறந்த சுற்றுலாத் தலங்களில் ஒன்றாகும்.

இங்கு வருகை தரும் சுற்றுலாப் பயணிகளின் வசதிகளுக்காக இங்குள்ள பூங்காக்களை அழகுபடுத்துதல், விளக்கு வசதிகள், தங்கும் விடுதி, கழிப்பிட வசதிகள், வாகனங்கள் நிறுத்துமிடம், நீர் விளையாட்டுக்கள் ஆகிய கட்டமைப்புகளை 3 கோடியே 10 லட்சம் ரூபாய் செலவில் உருவாக்க முதல்- அமைச்சர் ஜெயலலிதா உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளார்.

சுற்றுலா தலங்களுக்கு மக்கள் வருகை அதிகரிப்பதற்கு முக்கிய காரணியாக விளங்குவது, நல்ல சாலைக் கட்டமைப்பு வசதிகளாகும். இதனைக் கருத்தில் கொண்டு, சுற்றுலாத் தலங்களை இணைக்கும் சாலைகளை நெடுஞ்சாலைத் துறையின் மூலம் மேம்படுத்த 10 கோடி ரூபாய் நிதி ஒதுக்கீடு செய்து முதல்-அமைச்சர் ஜெயலலிதா உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளார்.

இதன் அடிப்படையில், 35 லட்சம் ரூபாய் மதிப்பீட்டில் சிவகங்கை மாவட்டம் மலைக்கொழுந்தீஸ்வரர் கோவில் சாலை, 62.50 லட்சம் ரூபாய் மதிப்பீட்டில் பிரான்மலை தேரோடும் வீதியில் சிமெண்ட் கான்கிரிட் சாலை அமைத்திடவும், ஏரியூர் மலை மருந்தீஸ்வரர் கோயில் கிரிவலப்பாதையில் சுற்றுச்சுவர் மற்றும் சிமெண்ட் சாலை 16.50 லட்சம் ரூபாய் மதிப்பீட்டில் அமைத்திடவும், கள்ளிப்பட்டு பஞ்சாயத்து பெரிச்சி கோவில் தேவாலயம் சாலையை 39.60 லட்சம் ரூபாய் மதிப்பீட்டில் அமைத்திடவும்,

விழுப்புரம் மாவட்டம், திருவக்கரை செங்கமேடு சாலையை அகலப்படுத்தி சுற்றுச்சுவர் கட்ட 45.00 லட்சம் ரூபாய். நாகப்பட்டினம் மாவட்டம், தில்லையாடி ரெயில்வே சாலையை மேம்படுத்திட 22.50 லட்சம் ரூபாய், விருதுநகர் மாவட்டம், மகராஜபுரம் அழகாபுரி சாலையிலிருந்து தாணிப்பாறை சாலை வரை அகலப்படுத்த 80 லட்சம் ரூபாய், திருவாரூர் மாவட்டம் செங்காந்தி சேத்தியாகுறிச்சி சாலையை மேம்படுத்திட 62 லட்சம் ரூபாய், திருச்சிராப்பள்ளி மாவட்டம், மேலவயலூர் சாலையை (முருகன் கோயில் சாலை) மேம்படுத்திட 52 லட்சம் ரூபாய்,

பெட்ட வாய்தலை அருள்மிகு மத்யானீஸ்வரர் கோவில் கான்கீரிட் சாலையை மேம்படுத்திட 25 லட்சம் ரூபாய். புதுக்கோட்டை மாவட்டம், ஆவுடையார் கோவில் வடக்கு ரத வீதி மேம்பாடு மற்றும் காலகம் ஆவுடையார் கோவில் பீடர் சாலை மேம்படுத்திட 55 லட்சம் ரூபாய். விராலிமலை இலுப்பூர் ஆலங்குளம் சாலை மேம்படுத்திட 1 கோடி ரூபாய், ராமநாதபுரம், ராமேஸ்வரம் நம்புநாயகி கோயில் சாலையை மேம்படுத்திட 50 லட்சம் ரூபாய், நம்புநாயகி கோயில் கிழக்குமேற்கு சாலையை மேம்படுத்திட 50 லட்சம் ரூபாய்.

திண்டுக்கல் மாவட்டம், கொடைக்கானல் வட்டக்கானல் முதல் ‘டால்பின் நோஸ்’ வரை சாலை மேம்படுத்திட 92.95 லட்சம் ரூபாய், ஈரோடு மாவட்டம் சென்னிமலை பெருந்துறை - காங்கேயம் சாலையை மேம்படுத்திட 1 கோடியே 20 லட்சம் ரூபாய், நீலகிரி மாவட்டம் ஊட்டி கைகட்டி முதல் மேலூர் ஓசையட்டி சாலையை மேம்படுத்திட 91.95 லட்சம் ரூபாய், என மொத்தம் 10 கோடி ரூபாய் செலவில் சுற்றுலாத் தலங்களை இணைக்கும் சாலைகள் மேம்படுத்தப்படும்.

அரசின் இந்த நடவடிக்கைகள் மூலம் இந்த இடங்களுக்கு வரும் சுற்றுலாப் பயணிகளின் வசதிகள் மேம்படும்.

இவ்வாறு அதில் கூறப்பட்டுள்ளது.
MAALAIMALAR

http://www.maduraiday.com/
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/madurais-culture-history-to-be-celebrated-every-year/article4268766.ece

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/PUBLICATIONS/DM/MADHURAI/2013/01/05/index.shtml?ArtId=267_005&Search=Y

^^

Yet another festival for "Festival city"....:yes:

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3082/logogvh.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/35/logogvh.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

"Ma Madurai Potruvom" ("Celebrate Madurai"). will be celebrated every year on the month of February.



Three days celebration starts on Feb 08 2013 and comes to end on Feb 10 2013.



Day one starts with Marathon & Igniting of "Festival deepam" with Festive torch collected from various historical monuments in & around Madurai. As a sign of declaration of "Celebration starts".



Day two, Starts with Symposiums, Conferences & competitions for schools & college students based on Madurai history.
Third day ends with Rally explaining the "Glory of Madurai", Cultural events, Huge gathering of public at Vaigai river Bank with Cracker show on nights sky.:)


This festival will be a knowledge feast for Historical & tourist lovers. A chance for us to know glory of one of our oldest living Indian city.

The celebration is expected to provide useful insights into the days of yore of Madurai, which is considered the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu.

We invite "history, tradition and antiquity lovers" to tour Madurai during this celebration organized by Madurai Mayor, Collector & Commissioner.:) :cheers:

Rope Car or Train Facility to Rockfort is on the Cards

Officials are coming soon to Rockfort to take a Survey and Finalise the Project

http://www.dinathanthiepaper.in/712013/FE_0701_MN_13_Try_18.jpg



courtesy: Mr.Raja of TP

Source: Today's Dailythanthi Paper


^^^^^^

Very Eagerly expecting and Hoping for the best this time around ------------as either a Rope Car or Train Facility is sure to come


This will Take Tourism in Trichy and Rockfort to a Different Level

:banana::cheers::cheers:

Design for the Butterfly Park in Srirangam


http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01068/TY03BUTTERFLY_1068961f.jpg




The conservatory is being established to foster conservation of butterfly species and educate public about its significant role in maintaining ecological equilibrium.



The initial funds that have been allocated would be utilised for formation of footpath to a length of 750 metres with adequate cross drains; erection of borewells for drinking and domestic water requirements; installation of reverse osmosis plant; creation of lawn and rock garden as part of landscaping; installation of halogen lamps and garden lights; construction of ponds; formation of artificial streams and installation of self reflective sign and information boards.
25 hectares

Markings for creation of individual facilities inside the conservatory, which will come up in a total area of 25 hectares, have been done taking the help of a consultant. Estimates were under preparation and the initial works would start in a couple of months after floating tenders, says the District Forest Officer I. Anwardeen.



The conservatory will encompass various facilities including indoor butterfly conservatory, outdoor butterfly conservatory, breeding laboratory, nursery and shade nest house, host plant farm, interpretation facilities, children's park, ‘raasi and nakshathra vanam', tourist infrastructure facilities and an administrative office. Host, nectar and roosting plants would be raised inside the conservatory for the butterflies. :cheers:


The Forest Department would rope in entomologists and botanists to provide technical support and guidance in the establishment and maintenance of the conservatory, says Mr. Anwardeen. . The total cost of the project is Rs.8.6 crore.



courtesy: Bajk sir

source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2686432.ece

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/article3369435.ece



^^^^

though this news was published long back--------------i want to put now, since it has details of what is coming in Butterfly park and its Design

the works are Going at Full Swing----------hope it is declared open soon

when opened, it will be a treasure for both Nature and Tourism Lovers all over the world------------a Great Attraction in Trichy Boosting Tourism and Economic Infrastructural Development


:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Butterfly Park in Trichy Update-----------as on 7/1/2013

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2882/butf2c.jpg

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/8752/butf1c.jpg



courtesy: admin sir of TP



^^^^

Very Happy that the Butterfly Park work is going on in Full Swing :)

Eagerly Waiting for the Inaguration very soon

Also
1) Nakshatra Gardern -----------------Depicting all 27 Stars is coming up near to it



The Entire Butterfly Park is to Provided with Train Traction Facility as in the case of Anna Zoological Park in Chennai---------------To Facilitate Tourists to see the Park Fully by Train


:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Special Focus On Tiruvanaikoil------------------One of the Pancha Booda Stalams of Lord Shiva -----------Situated in Trichy City

Sri Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple of Thiruvanaikoil:

Thiruvanaikoil temple is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams (signifying the 5 natural elements) and represents water ('Neer'). The other four temples are Kalahasti for wind ('Kaatru'), Tiruvannamalai for fire ('Neruppu'), Kanchipuram for earth ('Mann', 'Bhoomi') and Chidambaram for space (“Aagayam”). As this temple represents water this is also called as 'Appu sthalam' and the Shivalinga ('Swami') here is called as 'Appu Linga'. Even today you can see water oozing out near the Shivalinga idol in the temple. The goddess of this temple is 'Akilandeswari' ('Amman'). The Amman is also called as Akilandanyaki. Akilandeswari is pronounced as 'Akilam - Aanda – Eswari' (Akilam – Universe, Aanda – Ruler, Eswari – Goddess)


River Cauveri runs through Trichy and separates Trichy and Srirangam. Cauveri is split into two rivers , Cauveri and Kollidam in Kallanai.Cauveri gracing Srirangam reaches Thiruvanaikoil a Shiva temple where Shiva is in the form of Water.(Jalagandeshwarar) ( One of the panchaboodhams) . The river cauveri flows under the temple and always graces the temple Deity. When the river flow in Cauveri increases ,the water level in thiruvanaikoil also increases.


Chola King “Ko Chengot Cholan” (He is also called as Chenkannan) constructed this temple in 1st Century B.C. Ko Chengot Chola had built 70 other Shiva temples all over Tamil Nadu and he is one among the 63 “Nayannmars” (Holy Saivite saints). Thiruvanaikoil temple was built according to 'Saiva Aagama Sasthra'. According to Saiva Agamam, the temple reflects the human body and the idol of Lord Shiva is considered as the soul. Many other kings like Pandiyas and Nayakars of Madurai later renovated this temple.

The 2nd and 3rd praharams were built in 13th century A.D. and the 4th Praharam was constructed in the late 13th century A.D.

There is eight other “Kodi Maram” (flag masts) in this temple in the 3rd praharam. Apart from the main huge “Kodi Maram” in front of the Lord and one in front of Devi Akilandeswari.

Thiruvanaikoil temple was built in an area close to 18 acres and measures 2500 feet by 1500 feet. The temple has five “Praharams”. All the temple “Madhils” (wall) are 35 ft. high and 6 ft. thick and measures 2436 feet by 1493 feet. The “Swami” (Shivalinga) is installed facing West and “Ambaal” (Akilandeswari) facing East.


Meaning Of Thiruvanaika:

According to the legend there was once a forest of jambu trees in the place of modern Tiruvanaikka. Nearby was a tank called Chandratheertha which was filled by water from the river Cauvery. Since Lord shiva appeared as a Lingam under one of the trees. The lingam came to be called the Jambulingam.There were two Siva Ganas (Siva's disciples who live in Kailash): 'Malyavan' and 'Pushpadanta'. Though they are Shiva Ganas they always quarrel with each other and fight for one thing or other. In one fight 'Malyavan' cursed 'Pushpadanta' to become an elephant on earth and the latter cursed the former to become a spider on earth. The elephant worshipped the Lingam with flowers and with water brought in its trunk. The spider too worshipped the Lingam, spinning out a web over the Lingam to prevent leaves of the tree from falling on it. The spider's web appeared to be unclean for the elephant and it destroyed the web. As an elephant worshipped Shiva here, this place came to be known as Thiru Aanai Kaa (thiru means holy, aanai is elephant, kaa (kaadu) means forest).Later the name 'Thiruaanaikaa' become 'Thiruvanaikaval' and 'Thiruvanaikoil'.

There are many mandapams in the temple, a 1000 Pillar (This Mandapam is on the North West corner of the 3rd praharam. To be precise its on your left when you enter the temple) and a 100 Pillar Mandapam (this is on the North East corner of the 3rd Praharam), Vasanta mandapam (The mandapam is surrounded by pool of water where Lord Shiva and Goddess Akilandeswari are worshipped on summer evenings), Somaskandha mandapam, Nataraja mandapam, Trimurthi mandapam, etc. The thousand-pillared mandapam looks like a chariot.

View of the 3rd praharam in the temple, an example for Thiruvanaikoil temples architectural marvel
http://www.thiruvanaikoil.com/images/praharam.jpg


Thousand Pillar Mandapam
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yYYmN48PFso/SuFBBHVt6EI/AAAAAAAAAWc/eGWp9jwpReg/s320/Sculpture+In+Thousand+Pillar+Mandapam+_+Thiruvanikaval.jpg

Thiruvanaikoil Tower with Sculptures
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yYYmN48PFso/SuFBBfCODTI/AAAAAAAAAW0/wf1828RVQy0/s320/Sculptures+In+Thiruvanakaval+Tower.JPG


Beautiful Sculptures In Thiruvanaikaval Ther
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yYYmN48PFso/SuFBBUveTMI/AAAAAAAAAWs/kKDvYO8seiM/s320/Sculptures+In+Thiruvanaikaval+Ther.jpg

Closer View of Awesome Temple Tower with colorful Sculptures
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yYYmN48PFso/SuP2D66pDvI/AAAAAAAAAXY/ah6dWg6uQlg/s320/Closer+View+of+Tower+Sculptures.JPG

A Sculpture in Thiruvanaikoil Temple
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yYYmN48PFso/SuFBBI_-faI/AAAAAAAAAWk/AehxfvEzRuM/s320/Sculpture+Thiruvanaika+%21.jpg

http://www.yesyescabs.com/images/Thiruvanaikovil.gif


Inner Corridor of Jumbukeshwarar temple
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/45912262.jpg

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/45903446.jpg


http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/45903558.jpg

Beautiful Prahara mandapam of Jambukeswarar temple
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/45903588.jpg


http://www.religiousindia.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Thiruvanaikaval-Mandabam.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--S_mbcp5SLA/T9Q4LjxUitI/AAAAAAAAC-8/T5tFYIEkyjo/s1600/Srirangam_Jambukeshwara_temple_5.jpg

http://www1.sulekha.com/mstore/estamani/albums/Srirangam/Srirangam2007Jan%20070.jpg


http://img1.dinamalar.com/Kovilimages/T_500_314.jpg


Sources and Courtesy: Different Google Images and Tiruvanaika.Com Website




Trichy is Blessed and Gifted by God to have one of the Five Holy Pancha Booda Stalams of Lord Shiva----------Also Serving as a Marvellous and Majestic Tourist , Heritage Place for the Tourists and Foriegners



:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Thiruvaiyaru Sapthasthanam Festival(happens during summer. where we will get the temple car for7 temples

Site for second rope car inspected (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/site-for-second-rope-car-inspected/article4294138.ece)

The proposed second rope car unit at Sri Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple at Palani will carry 1,200 to 1,400 pilgrims to the hill temple in an hour, according to R.B. Udayakumar, Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Assurance Committee.

He along with the committee members was inspecting a site identified for the second rope car station on Wednesday.

Sophisticated technologies will be adopted for the second rope car station to ensure full safety and quick transportation.

The proposals had already been sent to the government for sanction.

Memorial for Karikala Chozhan too, announces Jayalalithaa (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/memorial-for-karikala-chozhan-too-announces-jayalalithaa/article4309466.ece)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday inaugurated a memorial for Colonel John Pennycuick, the British engineer who built the century-old Mullaperiyar Dam to solve the drought situation in the Vaigai delta region in the 19th century.

The memorial has a bronze statue of Pennycuick, and has been constructed amid the scenic Western Ghats at Lower Camp here at a cost of Rs 1.25 crore. The dam is said to have been completed in 1895.

Tamil Nadu and Kerala are locked in a bitter row over the 118-year-old dam, with the latter wanting to replace it with a new one citing safety reasons while Tamil Nadu has held that the dam is strong. A case is on before Supreme Court.

During the simmering row with Kerala over the safety of the dam last year, Ms. Jayalalithaa had announced constructing the memorial for the Britisher over a 2500 sq.ft area.

She had then said people had placed a demand for constructing a memorial for Pennycuick to show their gratitude since the dam had been functioning well.

Ms. Jayalalithaa expressed confidence of a favourable verdict from the apex court in the wake of its appointed empowered committee vouching for the safety of the dam.

“In its report (the committee) has clearly said that the dam is safe and the storage level could be increased to 142 ft (from 136 ft) and then on upto 152 ft after taking up necessary works. I believe Supreme Court will rule in favour of Tamil Nadu based on this report,” she said in her address.

The Chief Minister noted that Pennycuick had sold his property back in England for completion of the project amid lot of difficulties including stoppage of funds from then British administration and natural calamities.

She also announced naming the upcoming Bus Stand at Theni after the British colonel.

Ms. Jayalalithaa refuted DMK chief M Karunanidhi’s charge that her government had not taken up maintenance of the 133 ft tall Thirvuvalluvar statue at Kanyakumari, saying chemical coating was given in 2004 and 2008.

The foundation stone for the statue of the Tamil saint-poet was laid by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai in the presence of then chief minister M G Ramachandran in 1979 and even during her rule in 1991-96 Rs 1.28 crore were released for various works connected with it. Mr. Karunanidhi cannot claim entire credit for erecting the statue, Ms. Jayalalithaa asserted.

She also announced constructing a memorial for legendary Tamil king Karikala Chola for building the 2000 year-old ’Kallanai’ (dam) over Kollidam river, which is still strong. She described the dam as an “engineering marvel.”

^^ fantastic. nice initiative. Long pending, deserved one.

^^ Yenna sir ? Manimandapam katturathu, Bus-stand-ku Penny cuick name vaikirathu - Ithunaala enna benefit ?

Frankly, these manimandapams will be left unnoticed due to poor maintanence/negligence by timebeing..They will not develop/promote it as a tourist spot also.

I remember one such Manimandapam being built & opened at Madurai KK Nagar by MK during his last regime..It was the big news among tamil literary experts when opened but now, most of the times It's locked (or) being a habitat for beggars and anti-social elements in night.

I couldn't find any meaning in spending people's money for Mani mandapams..Rather, Govt. can build an educational institution (or) bring some industry to core theni district (Border areas where literacy is still poor) which can help the people.

Memorial for Karikala Chozhan too, announces Jayalalithaa (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/memorial-for-karikala-chozhan-too-announces-jayalalithaa/article4309466.ece)



^^^^

Wow......................This is a Great Thing

Thanks to TN Govt for this :)

Very , Very Happy that Kallanai Gets a Memorial for Karikala Cholan

This would add yet another Beautiful Cap in the Feathers of Kallanai and its Amazing Tourism Potential


:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Karikala Memorial is a good thought from tourism perspective. But they should have more than a statue. IMHO, it should be a facility to foster interests in history, have models of the dam and other achievement of Karikala.

We have so many useless memorials for junkie politicians. Whether we build one or not, I think Karikala has carved in name in the form of a still functional dam.

Gilli, unlike others, mani mandapam built for Raja Raja cholan is good and still it is one of the hangout place for the visitors and locals in Thanjavur. not sure, how it is now, but i am hearing that still it is good.
So, if Karikalan's mani mandapam built upto the standard, that will be good. I think the park is renovated.

As satchi pointed out, in the Mani mandapam, they keep the history of Karikalan, his achievements, history about Grand Anaicut dam.

Grand Anaicut is 1000 yr old, still it is going strong.

Grand Anaicut is 1000 yr old, still it is going strong.

Thanks to the British administrators who strengthened it.

Gilli, unlike others, mani mandapam built for Raja Raja cholan is good and still it is one of the hangout place for the visitors and locals in Thanjavur. not sure, how it is now, but i am hearing that still it is good.
So, if Karikalan's mani mandapam built upto the standard, that will be good. I think the park is renovated.

As satchi pointed out, in the Mani mandapam, they keep the history of Karikalan, his achievements, history about Grand Anaicut dam.

Grand Anaicut is 1000 yr old, still it is going strong.



del

Raja Rajan Mani mandapam is maintained well (as per small city standards).
Well lit and clean. The structure is unique (not the typical pwd design).
It has a dark little museum (like a dungeon) with some interesting information on Chola adminsitration and few stone inscriptions.
And it has a small playground which is an evening hang-out area for children amd young mums.

Raja Rajan Mani mandapam is maintained well (as per small city standards).
Well lit and clean. The structure is unique (not the typical pwd design).
It has a dark little museum (like a dungeon) with some interesting information on Chola adminsitration and few stone inscriptions.
And it has a small playground which is an evening hang-out area for children amd young mums.
Thanks Anniyan. I have not been there for the past 3 yrs. somewhat i forget to ask my father and relatives who are there now, on enquiring how it is.
Power cut problem, IRCTC reservation pesarathukke time seri agiduthu. :lol:

silai vakkanum intha style arasiyalukku.

இன்று காணும் பொங்கல் முக்கொம்பு, காவிரி ஆற்றில் பலத்த போலீஸ் பாதுகாப்பு

பதிவு செய்த நேரம்:2013-01-16 14:28:52

திருச்சி: திருச்சியில் காணும் பொங்கலையொட்டி இன்று காவிரி யாறு, முக்கொம்பு உள் ளிட்ட பொதுமக்கள் கூடும் பகுதியில் பலத்த போலீஸ் பாதுகாப்பு போடப்பட்டுள்ளது.தைப்பொங்கலை அடுத்து மாட்டுப்பொங்கல் வெகு விமரிசையாக கொண்டாடப்படினர். இதற்கு அடுத்த நாளான இன்று கொண்டாடப்படும் காணும் பொங்கல் தினத் தில் குடும்பத்தினர் மற்றும் உற்றார், உறவினர்களுடன் நீர் நிலைகள் மற்றும் சுற் றுலா தலங்களுக்கு செல்வார்கள். தாங்கள் கொண்டு வந்திருக்கும் உணவு பொருட் களை உற்றார் உறவினர்களுடன் உண்டு மகிழ் ந்து உற்சாகமாக பொழுதை கழிப்பது வழக்கம்.

திருச்சியில் சுற் றுலா தலங்களான முக்கொம்பூர், கல்லணை, காவிரி மற்றும் மலைக்கோட்டை ஆகிய இடங்க ளில் பொதுமக்கள் அதிகளவில் கூடுவர் என்ப தால் இப்பகுதியில் பலத்த போலீஸ் பாதுகாப்பிற்கு ஏற் பாடு செய்யப்பட்டுள் ளது.

சுற்றுலா தலங்கள் மற் றும் கோயில்களில் 500க்கும் மேற்பட்ட போலீசார் பாது காப்பு பணியில் ஈடுபடுத்தப்பட உள்ளனர்.காணும் பொங்கலை அடுத்து பொதுமக்களிடம் மற்றும் இளம்பெண்களிடம் அத்து மீறி நடந்து கொள்வோர் மீது கடும் நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்படும் என போலீ சார் எச்சரித்துள்ளனர்.


courtesy: prasanna sir of TP

source: http://www.dinakaran.com/District_Detail.asp?cat=504&Nid=142674



^^^^

English Translation:

As today is Kanum Pongal Day, Thousands of People are Expected to Come and Visit and enjoy their Leisure Time in the Tourist Destinations in Trichy such as Mukkombu,,,,Kallanai,,,Cauvery River Bed and Rockfort Temple :cheers::cheers:

so Security has been Tightened and Increased in these areas

Avaniyapuram Jallikattu (Bull Taming) - a Glimpse

Cross posting from Madurai SSC Forum (Posted by Madurai Gilli)
Photos Credits :- Mr.Guna Amuthan

Controversial apart... Our Tamil traditional Bull Taming at Avaniapuram/Palamedu/Alanganallur attracting considerable number of Tourists all over the world to Madurai of Tamilnadu....

Hundreds of bulls from Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Sivaganga, Salem, Pudukottai, Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Virudhunagar and Ramanathapuram districts took part in the event.


Festival Stage


https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/205967_402419963178275_1698956738_n.jpg

Police Security

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/582242_402419869844951_731609163_n.jpg

Bull Fighters
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/580732_402420306511574_847180708_n.jpg

Man Vs Wild (Bull)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/541795_402421429844795_812291446_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/394901_402421549844783_1302247395_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/530808_402421546511450_1635977938_n.jpg


https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227656_402448343175437_127046695_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/431257_402449263175345_910391521_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/299656_402448749842063_1828908322_n.jpg

Bull fighters relaxing
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/546771_402449269842011_2085386469_n.jpg

A file photo of "The Hindu" which shows Foreign tourists Enjoying Bull fighting from gallery at Alanganallur Last year

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9995/foriegn.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/17/foriegn.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Wow.. :eek: Amazing pics by Guna amuthan.

Loved this one especially..

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227656_402448343175437_127046695_n.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/2608/jayasri.jpg

திருச்சி மாவட்டம் அந்த நல்லூர் ஒன்றியம் கொடியாலம் கிராமத்தில் நடைபெற்ற பொங்கல் சுற்றுலா விழாவிற்க்கு வெளிநாட்டு சுற்றுலா பயணிகளுடன் மாட்டு வண்டியில் பயணம் செய்யும் மாவட்ட ஆட்சியர் ஜெயஸ்ரீ முரளிதரன். :):):)

Courtesy: prasanna sir of TP

source: dailythanthi

Tourists have a taste of Pongal in Madurai

MADURAI, January 16, 2013
Foreign tourists in Madurai had a taste of Pongal, the harvest festival, at Melakottai near Tirumangalam on Tuesday. The Department of Tourim organised an “äuthentic” Pongal festival in a village setting for the benefit of visitors from abroad. Around 180 international tourists availed of the opportunity to celebrate Pongal with villagers.



“It is a fascinating place and the people here are fantastic. They are proud of their culture and they are keen to showcase it. It is an amazing experience and we love it,” said a couple from the U.S.A.



Photos from The Hindu
Tourists dancing with ‘karagattam’ artists and a visitor dancing with a ‘poikkal kuthirai aattam’ dancer


http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/8074/16macitypongal21332008g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/846/16macitypongal21332008g.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)


Foreign tourists preparing sweet pongal in the traditional way at Melakottai near Tirumangalam.


http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4828/16macitypongal11332007g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/27/16macitypongal11332007g.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)


Language was no barrier for the residents of Melakottai who welcomed their foreign guests


http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/8878/16macitypongal31332009g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/401/16macitypongal31332009g.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/tourists-have-a-taste-of-pongal-in-madurai/article4312011.ece

^^

Happy to note Tamilnadu Tourism Department organizing Pongal festival for foreigners in Tamilnadu villages. But sad part is we people (Not all) sitting in front of TV seeing special programs and failed to celebrate our own festival as foreigners does...

Gilli, unlike others, mani mandapam built for Raja Raja cholan is good and still it is one of the hangout place for the visitors and locals in Thanjavur. not sure, how it is now, but i am hearing that still it is good.
So, if Karikalan's mani mandapam built upto the standard, that will be good. I think the park is renovated.

As satchi pointed out, in the Mani mandapam, they keep the history of Karikalan, his achievements, history about Grand Anaicut dam.

Grand Anaicut is 1000 yr old, still it is going strong.

Kallanai is a good hangout place for Trichy as well and maintained well. My parents go to Kallanai every year during Christmas, since its on the way to Poondi maatha bascilica.

Clean Mahabs project to pilot tourism drive (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Clean-Mahabs-project-to-pilot-tourism-drive/articleshow/18054859.cms)

CHENNAI: Earlier, they ran behind local authorities to get the garbage cleared from streets and keep the place plastic-free. Now, Mamallapuram residents will have officials and experts coming to them to find out how the historic town can be kept clean with local participation.

As part of an initiative to keep tourist spots spic and span, tourism department officials and members of the Indian National Trust For Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) will visit Mamallapuram soon to find out what the problems are and how they can help locals. "We want to keep areas around the monuments clean with the participation of the community," says a senior official.

Once details are collected from various stakeholders, a report will be prepared detailing how such an effort can be replicated at the Brihadisvara temple in Thanjavur, Sri Ranganathar Swamy temple in Srirangam, Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Arunachala temple in Tiruvannamalai, the historic Rameswaram and Tranquebar, and popular hill stations Ooty and Kodaikanal.

"Most temples are maintained well but garbage is dumped on adjoining streets, whether it is the Meenakshi temple in Madurai or the Kapaleeswarar temple in Chennai," says S Suresh, convener of Intach's Tamil Nadu chapter. Intach considered the idea of keeping surrounding areas clean after many foreign tourists told them they were put off by the approach road to many historic spots. "Effort was taken to clean the street leading to the Madurai Meenakshi temple, but in a few hours it was littered by people who got out of it," he says.

Neglect happens in case of monuments that are not maintained by the Archeological Survey of India or the state archaeology department. "Parts of the Thanjavur Maratha Palace not under the state archaeology department are not maintained," he says. Portions of the Danish Fort in Tranquebar, areas surrounding the Thirumalai Nayak Palace in Madurai and monuments in the Nilgiris are in a bad shape.

The problem becomes acute when local authorities don't get help. "Eight years ago, garbage removal was a problem in Mamallapuram as it grew as a tourist town. The situation is under control now with the help of an NGO," says V Murugesan, councillor. Now, the authorities and activists are thinking of ways to keep plastic off the streets though a ban came in force in 2011.

Tourism department officials say they are convinced that community participation is inevitable to keep the place clean. "That is why we are keen to set up local volunteer groups to prevent vandalism and help preserve monuments," says an official.

Kalugumalai to get a facelift

Tuticorin, January 17, 2013

Kalugumalai, a selection grade town panchayat in Kovilpatti taluk, will get a facelift. It is a tourism spot known for its historic monolithic rock structure. District administration is setting up a sanitary complex at Rs.12 lakh, desilting water bodies at Rs.80 lakh through National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). Collector Ashish Kumar had inspected these works here recently, A. Subramanian, president, Kaluumalai Panchayat said. Almost 90 per cent of desilting had been completed in Ambaloorani tank, Keelakulam tank, Katu Nayakkan tank and Mayanam tank. A walking track would be created around the tanks and added that road works were in progress at a cost of Rs.14 lakh.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/kalugumalai-to-get-a-facelift/article4315170.ece

http://kalugumalai.com/

Some of Web images of Kalugumalai


http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5477/kalugu1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/11/kalugu1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)


http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/9966/kalugu2.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/853/kalugu2.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Wow.. :eek: Amazing pics by Guna amuthan.

Loved this one especially..

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227656_402448343175437_127046695_n.jpg

Whoa!...Shud post this in Indian Sports thread.

Troupe from Chennai brings on stage 13 different pieces

TIRUCHI, January 17, 2013
ARUNA V. IYER

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01333/16jan_tyavi01_D_TY_1333075e.jpg
dazzling duo:Dancers from Chennai performing at Tiruchi Tamil Sangam on Tuesday.PHOTO:R.M. RAJARATHINAM.


In a hallway accustomed to strong voices and informed opinions, the audience was treated to a symphony of salangai (dancing bells), indigenous music and eloquent expressions: Gramathugeetham, the dance recital staged by Shivakalalayam Academy of Indian Performing Arts marked the 57th anniversary of Tiruchi Tamil Sangam. :):cheers:

The programme also roped in Tamil Sangam’s Pongal celebrations and presented through dance the various aspects of life in the villages of Tamil Nadu.

Beginning with Isai Thamizh, a pure classical piece on the evolution of Tamil music and musical instruments, the recital went on to depict an array of home-grown dance forms such as kummi attam, kavadi attam, oyilattam, and lambaadi attam.

First performance

Performing in the city for the first time, the troupe from Chennai brought on stage 13 different pieces that were themed around the antics of Krishna, the devotees bearing kaavadis, the lives of kuravars and paambattis, and the joy surrounding the harvest season among others.

While most of the songs were sourced from elsewhere, the harvest dance song was written and set to tune by S. Shivakumar, who runs Shivakalalayam along with his wife and dancer, Shailaja Shivakumar.

Choreographed by the couple the pieces subtly combined the nuances of classical dance within the broader framework of folk dance and were all preceded by small introductions.

The 12-member troupe put forth performances that were in sync and high in energy.

While the opening piece focused on the evolution of music, the finale appealed for world peace and hoped the love for arts would bring the world together.


source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/troupe-from-chennai-brings-on-stage-13-different-pieces/article4315236.ece

Pongal Tourism Festival in Trichy--------------Pongal on traditional platter for visitors from abroad

STAFF REPORTER

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01332/16JAN_TYAVINS01_TY_1332929e.jpg
gala time:Foreign tourists on a bullock cart with Collector Jayashree Muralidharan, at Kodiyalam village.— PHOTO:R.M. RAJARATHINAM.

While the rest of the district celebrated ‘Kanum Pongal’ by visiting their relatives and having picnics at Mukombu, the people of Kodiyalam stayed put in their village busy with preparations for a grand event: the State department of tourism was bringing over 70 international tourists to their village and their job was to offer on a platter the culture behind celebrating Pongal, the harvest festival. :):cheers:

Jointly organised by the district administration, the event hoped to give the visitors from countries like France, Poland, Holland, U.S.A., U.K., Malaysia, China, the Netherlands, Ireland and Israel, a slice of Tamil arts and culture. The traditional welcome with aarthi and garlands; the bullock cart ride into the village on paths flanked by paddy fields; the display of the intricate and colourful kolams; and the servings of the traditional pongal dishes seemed to capture the fancy of the tourists. “We sent out invitations to the various hotels tourists are staying at asking them to participate in the Pongal celebrations at Kodiyalam,” said Collector Jayashree Muralidharan, who took part in the festivities. The Collector also walked the tourists through the village, explaining the rituals behind the four-day festival, the usage of rice flour to draw the kolams, the significance of celebrating a harvest festival and worshipping of cows and bulls among other things. Referring to ‘jallikattu’, the bull taming contest famous in Tamil Nadu, she said, “The winner of ‘jallikattu’ was once seen as the ideal groom for a bride because of his display of courage in front of a raging animal.”

The villagers had also set up an arts and culture corner, where the foreigners were given demonstrations in making pottery, Thanjavur paintings and art plates, terracotta statues, thalayatti bommais (toys), garland making. The kili josiyam stall, however, drew the biggest crowds.

While many of the tourists expressed their gratitude for the villagers’ hospitality, Maria Jawlowska from Poland won the hearts of the locals by speaking in Tamil. “I love the way in which you have welcomed us into your village and shown us a glimpse of your lives,” said Maria, who has completed her graduation in Tamil at Poland. Presently, she is part of an exchange programme at the department of Tamil at Annamalai University. The day wound up with folk dance performances and the traditional uriyadi sport, where blindfolded men tried to break a pot tied up in air with a pole.

Prizes were distributed to winners of a ‘kolam’ contest organised as part of the celebration.


source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/pongal-on-traditional-platter-for-visitors-from-abroad/article4314842.ece

From cave temples to drawing rooms

OLYMPIA SHILPA GERALD

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01332/tyosg02_sittana_TY_1332932g.jpg

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01332/tyosg02_sittana_TY_1332931g.jpg
artistic endeavour:The depictions of Sithannavasal murals displayed in Tiruchi.PHOTOs:R.M. RAJARATHINAM.


Seventh century

Sittanavasal, a cave temple, was an abode for Jain saints, excavated around the seventh century. The paintings here are regarded among the finest examples of murals in caves and said to resemble the works in Ajanta and Ellora. “When we talk about talk about cave paintings in India, we immediately think of Ajanta and Ellora. But closer home we have Sittanavasal, whose frescoes resemble the famous caves in Maharashtra,” says Suresh, proprietor, Kalanjiyam, Tiruchi-based art gallery that is sponsoring local artists to take up the project.

“The monument has been the focus of maintenance and restoration only recently. Many of these paintings have been vandalised by shepherds and sundry visitors and only traces of some paintings remain,” rues artist Village Mookaiya, who earned his sobriquet owing to rustic themes of his paintings. The paintings have been done using vegetable dyes and include lotus ponds, birds, women dancers.

Team of city-based artists is recreating Sittanavasal murals on canvas
Lotus ponds, elephants and dancers painted on caves more than a millennium ago may make a re-appearance in drawing rooms of 21st century households, thanks to a team of city-based artists who have taken up the task of recreating murals of Sittanavasal on canvas.

“These paintings are yet to come to light as few visit the site and photography is not permitted,” says Kumar Shankar, an artist who reproduced three works, exhibited at a city expo recently.

30 paintings

Kumar along with the team hopes to familiarise art lovers and households with the works of antiquity. Around 30 paintings have been planned, according to Mr. Mookaiya. Apart from recreating the murals, the team comprising four Tiruchi-based artists would sketch the Jain stone beds and caves that Sittanavasal is known for.

The paintings have been done on acrylic as it dries faster than oil colours, said Kumar. “I did a small pencil sketch on the spot and did the painting later. As the paintings are barely visible, they can be recreated only by artists who have studied them and possess in-depth knowledge of anatomy and techniques used,” says Mr. Kumar, a Kumbakonam Arts College graduate who spent time researching the murals. The artists have invested a touch of imagination in the choice of colours.

“I was keen on reproducing the murals on canvas but I did not have the opportunity or backing to do so until Kalanjiyam offered support,” says Kumar, underlining the necessity of support for local artist


courtesy: Mr.Raja sir

source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/from-cave-temples-to-drawing-rooms/article4314847.ece





Very Happy that Sittanavasal is Recieving the much needed Attention----------------It is a Treasure of Ancient Arts and Culture. Its Rock cut Caves Atttract a lot of Foriegn Tourists all over the world

It is Classical and Marvellous Tourist Centre

Thanks to Trichy Based Kalangiyam Team for these Excellent efforts and Endeavours :)


:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Foreign tourists enjoy Pongal festival the traditional way (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/foreign-tourists-enjoy-pongal-festival-the-traditional-way/article4314854.ece)

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/6664/16jantasri04p161332936e.jpg
Manojipatti village near Thanjavur was a hub of activity on Wednesday.

It was celebration time with foreigners also participating in the Pongal festival organised by the State Tourism department. Women drew ‘rangolis’ of various themes and colours, while foreigners joined women of the village in cooking Pongal.

Much to the delight of foreigners – about 150 of them from United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, United States of America and Italy – they were taken in bullock carts from Upparigai mandapam to the Muthumariamman temple, venue of the festival. They were given a traditional welcome by Collector K. Baskaran.

The foreigners joined children and women in dancing, singing and other such festivities. Mr.Shuldze from Germany said, “I am so happy to see the rich culture and tradition of Tamil Nadu. It is colourful and enchanting.”

James Stephen from France echoed his thoughts. Uriyadi and put making was demonstrated for the foreigners. Folk dances were performed. Karagam, Poikkal Kuthirai, Mayilattam, are the items performed. There were performances by troupes from Kerala and Karnataka.

MLAs M. Rangasamy, M. Rathnasamy, Duraikannu, S. Suresh Kumar, District Revenue Officer, R. Ramamoorthy, Tourist Officer, participated in the function. The function was organised by the district administration and south zone cultural centre.

திருச்சி முக்கொம்பில் காணும் பொங்கலையொட்டி குடும்பத்துடன் குவிந்த மக்கள் ஊஞ்சலில் ஆடி மகிழ்ந்தனர்

பதிவு செய்த நாள் : Jan 16 | 08:43 pm

திருச்சி

காணும் பொங்கலையொட்டி திருச்சி முக்கொம்பில் மக்கள் குடும்பம் குடும்பமாக வந்து குவிந்தனர். அவர்கள் ஊஞ்சலில் ஆடி மகிழ்ந்தனர்.

http://www.dailythanthi.com/dt/sites/default/files/newsarticleimages/VA14-16-1.JPG

காணும் பொங்கல்

பொங்கல் பண்டிகையின் மூன்றாவது நாளான நேற்று காணும் பொங்கல் விழா சிறப்பாக கொண்டாடப்பட்டது. காணும் பொங்கல் தினத்தன்று திருச்சி மற்றும் அதன் சுற்றுப்புறங்களில் வசிக்கும் மக்கள் சுற்றுலா தலமான முக்கொம்பு மேலணைக்கு செல்வது வழக்கம். வழக்கம்போல் நேற்றும் முக்கொம்பில் சுற்றுலா பயணிகள் கூட்டம் அலைமோதியது. குடும்பம் குடும்பமாக பஸ்களிலும், வேன், மற்றும் கார்களிலும் குவிந்த மக்கள் அங்குள்ள பார்க்கிலும், மரத்தடிகளிலும் அமர்ந்து பொழுது போக்கினார்கள்.

உணவை ருசித்தனர்

வீட்டில் தயாரித்து கொண்டு வந்திருந்த வித விதமான உணவுகளை மரத்தடியில் அமர்ந்து சாப்பிட்டு தண்ணீர் இல்லாமல் மணற்பாங்காக காட்சி அளித்த காவிரி ஆற்றின் அழகினை ரசித்தார்கள். பெண்கள் மற்றும் குழந்தைகள் முக்கொம்பில் உள்ள ஊஞ்சல்களில் ஏறி ஆடி மகிழ்ந்தனர். சிறுவர், சிறுமியர்கள் பல்வேறு பொழுதுபோக்கு சாதனங்களில் விளையாடினார்கள்.

காணும் பொங்கலையொட்டி திருச்சி சமயபுரம், ஸ்ரீரங்கநாதர் மற்றும் மலைக்கோட்டை உச்சிப்பிள்ளையார் கோவில்களிலும் மக்கள் கூட்டம் அலைமோதியது.



source: http://dailythanthi.com/node/108750


^^^^^^

English Translation:
Thousands of Tourists and People Including Youth, Children and Women came in Large numbers to Mukkombu in Trichy on the eve of Kanum Pongal

They all enjoyed well playing in the parks and other playing accessories

some spend themselves under tree shades and watched the dry beauty of Cauvery----------------If Water was there , it could have been more Majestic

Similarly, Thousands of People Throng other Popular Toursit Destinations in Trichy like Kallanai, Rockfort ,Srirangam..............



:cheers::cheers::cheers:

World famous Alanganallur Bull Taming...

Photos Credits:- The Hindu

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3685/al1u.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/221/al1u.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/7847/al2b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/694/al2b.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/9554/al3l.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/831/al3l.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/6175/al4f.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/402/al4f.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

NEWS FROM DINAMALAR

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/228/foriegnalanga.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/69/foriegnalanga.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

^^

Tourist from Abroad sharing their experience about Bull Taming festival at Alanganallur

Engineer "Bull fighter"

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/8854/engineera.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/521/engineera.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)


(http://imageshack.us)

திருச்சி அருகே கிராமத்தில் பொங்கல்விழா கரகாட்டம் ஆடி, பொங்கல் வைத்து வெளிநாட்டு பயணிகள் கொண்டாட்டம் மாட்டு வண்டிகளில் அழைத்து செல்லப்பட்டனர்




பதிவு செய்த நாள் : Jan 16 | 08:55 pm
திருச்சி


http://www.dailythanthi.com/dt/sites/default/files/newsarticleimages/O-P-1_0.JPG

திருச்சி அருகே கொடியாலம் கிராமத்தில் கிராமிய கலை நிகழ்ச்சிகளுடன் நடைபெற்ற பொங்கல் விழாவை, மாட்டு வண்டிகளில் சென்று வெளிநாட்டு சுற்றுலா பயணிகள் ரசித்து பார்த்தனர்.

பொங்கல் விழா

தமிழர்களின் பாரம்பரிய அறுவடை திருவிழாவான பொங்கல் விழா தமிழகத்தின் பல்வேறு பகுதிகளிலும் அந்தந்த மண்ணுக்கே உரிய பெருமைகளுடன் சிறப்பாக கொண்டாடப்படுவது வழக்கம்.

தமிழகத்தின் மத்திய பகுதியான திருச்சியில் கிராமிய வாசணையுடன் நடைபெறும் பொங்கல் விழாவை ஆண்டுதோறும் வெளிநாட்டு சுற்றுலா பயணிகள் கண்டு ரசித்து வருகிறார்கள். வழக்கம்போல் இந்த ஆண்டும் திருச்சியில் சுற்றுலா துறை மற்றும் கலைபண்பாட்டு துறை சார்பில் நடைபெற்ற பொங்கல் விழாவை கண்டு களிப்பதற்காக அமெரிக்கா, இங்கிலாந்து, பிரான்சு, ஆலந்து, அயர்லாந்து, இஸ்ரேல், மலேசியா ஆகிய நாடுகளில் இருந்து 72 சுற்றுலா பயணிகள் வந்து இருந்தனர்.

வெளிநாட்டு சுற்றுலா பயணிகள்

திருச்சியில் உள்ள ஓட்டல்களில் தங்கி இருந்த இவர்கள் அனைவரும் 2 சொகுசு பஸ்களில் நேற்று காலை திருச்சியில் இருந்து சுமார் 20 கிலோ மீட்டர் தொலைவில் உள்ள கொடியாலம் என்ற கிராமத்திற்கு அழைத்து செல்லப்பட்டனர். அவர்களுக்கு கொடியாலம் கிராம எல்லையான ரெயில்வே கேட் அருகில் மாவட்ட நிர்வாகம் மற்றும் கிராம மக்கள் சார்பில் சிறப்பான வரவேற்பு அளிக்கப்பட்டது. ஒவ்வொருவருக்கும் தனித்தனியாக செவ்வந்தி பூ மாலைகள் அணிவிக்கப்பட்டது. சிலம்பாட்டம், புலியாட்டம், கரகாட்டம், மான்கொம்பு ஆட்டம், மயிலாட்டம் ஆடிய படி கிராமிய கலைஞர்கள் அவர்களை ஊர்வலமாக அழைத்துச்சென்றனர்.

மாட்டு வண்டியில் பயணம்

சொகுசு பஸ்களில் இருந்து இறங்கிய வெளிநாட்டு சுற்றுலா பயணிகள் அனைவரும் கிராமத்து வாகனமான மாட்டு வண்டிகளில் ஏறினார்கள். அவர்களுடன் ஒரு மாட்டு வண்டியில் திருச்சி மாவட்ட கலெக்டர் ஜெயஸ்ரீ முரளிதரனும் ஏறிக்கொண்டார். ஜல்... ஜல் என்ற கழுத்து மணி ஓசையுடன் காளைகள் வண்டியை இழுத்துச்செல்ல கலெக்டரும், வெளிநாட்டு சுற்றுலா பயணிகளும் முகத்தில் புன்னகை தவழ கொடியாலத்தை நோக்கி ஆனந்த பயணம் செய்தனர்.

ஆரத்தி எடுத்து வரவேற்பு

கொடியாலம் அக்ரகாரத்தில் அவர்களது மாட்டு வண்டிகள் வந்து நின்றதும் பெண்கள் ஆரத்தி எடுத்து நெற்றியில் திலகம் இட்டு அவர்களுக்கு வரவேற்பு கொடுத்தனர். இதனை தொடர்ந்து செங்கல் அடுப்பில், விறகு தீ மூட்டி மண் பானையில் தண்ணீர் மற்றும் புத்தரிசி இட்டு பொங்கலிடும் நிகழ்ச்சி நடைபெற்றது. பொங்கல் எப்படி தயாரிப்பது என்பதை கிராம புற பெண்கள் விளக்கி கூற அவற்றை அருகில் இருந்து வெளிநாட்டு பெண்கள் ஆர்வமாக கேட்டனர். பொங்கல் பானையில் பொங்கி வழிந்த போது பெண்கள் குலவையிட்டனர்.

பெண்கள் ஆட்டம்

இதனை தொடர்ந்து கலை நிகழ்ச்சிகள் நடைபெற்றது. பொய்க்கால் குதிரை, கரகாட்டம் மயிலாட்டம், புலியாட்டம் ஆடிய கிராமிய கலைஞர்களுடன் வெளிநாட்டு பெண்களும் சேர்ந்து ஆட்டம் போட்டனர். கூடை பின்னுதல், பாய் முடைதல், தலையாட்டி பொம்மை செய்தல், கூடை பின்னுதல் போன்ற வேலைகளில் ஈடுபட்டு இருந்தவர்களை வெளிநாட்டு பெண்கள் அதிசயமாக பார்த்தனர். சில சுற்றுலா பயணிகள் கிளிஜோசியம் பார்த்தனர். விழாவில் கலந்து கொண்ட சுற்றுலா பயணிகள் அனைவருக்கும் பொங்கல் மற்றும் இனிப்புகள் வழங்கப்பட்டது.

விழாவில் மாவட்ட சுற்றுலா அதிகாரி தண்டபாணி, ஓட்டல் உரிமையாளர்கள் சார்பில் வாசுதேவன், ரத்னகுமார், மற்றும் பொன் இளங்கோ, டாக்டர் அஷ்ரப், அந்த நல்லூர் ஊராட்சி ஒன்றிய ஆணையர் தமிழ்செல்வன், ஊராட்சி தலைவர் மருதை உள்பட பலர் கலந்து கொண்டனர்.


source: http://www.dailythanthi.com/node/108747


வெளிநாட்டினர் பங்கேற்ற சுற்றுலாப் பொங்கல்!
By dn, திருச்சி
First Published : 17 January 2013 09:43 AM IST

மாவட்ட சுற்றுலாத் துறை சார்பில் வெளிநாட்டினர் 72 பேர் பங்கேற்ற சுற்றுலாப் பொங்கல், திருச்சி மாவட்டம், ஸ்ரீரங்கம் வட்டத்திலுள்ள கொடியாலம் கிராமத்தில் புதன்கிழமை நடைபெற்றது. விழாவில் வெளிநாட்டினரின் பேச்சு கிராம மக்களை வெகுவாகக் கவர்ந்தது.

திருச்சியில் தங்கியிருந்த அமெரிக்கா, அயர்லாந்து, போலந்து, பிரான்ஸ், போலந்து, மலேசியா, இஸ்ரேல் உள்ளிட்ட நாடுகளைச் சேர்ந்த 72 பேர் கரூர் சாலையிலிருந்து கொடியாலம் கிராமத்துக்கு மாட்டு வண்டிகளில் ஊர்வலமாக அழைத்துச் செல்லப்பட்டனர்.

மாவட்ட ஆட்சியர் ஜெயஸ்ரீ முரளிதரன் வெளிநாட்டினரை வரவேற்று, சிலம்பாட்டம், கரகாட்டம், மான் கொம்பு ஆட்டம், மயில் ஆட்டங்களுடன் இவர்களை ஊருக்குள் அழைத்துச் சென்றார்.

கொடியாலம் கோமளாம்பிகை கோவில் வளாகத்தில் ஊர் மக்களின் கோலப்போட்டி நடைபெற்றது. பொங்கல் விழாவையொட்டி கிராமத்தில், தஞ்சாவூர் தட்டு தயாரித்தல், வண்ண ஓவியங்கள் வரைதல், வீணை தயாரிப்பு, கீற்று முடைதல், கூடை பின்னுதல், பானை செய்தல் போன்றவையும் செய்முறை விளக்கமாகச் செய்து காட்டப்பட்டன.

பிறகு ஊர்த் திடலில் பொங்கல் வைக்கப்பட்டது. கிராமப் பெண்கள் கும்மியடித்தனர். தமிழ்நாட்டில் 4 நாள்கள் நடைபெறும் பொங்கல் பண்டிகை குறித்து மாவட்ட ஆட்சியர் ஜெயஸ்ரீ முரளிதரன், வெளிநாட்டினருக்கு ஆங்கிலத்தில் விளக்கினார்.

தொடர்ந்து வெளிநாட்டிலிருந்து வந்திருந்த சுற்றுலாப் பயணிகள் பேசினர். போலந்து நாட்டைச் சேர்ந்த மரியா தமிழில் பேசியது கிராம மக்களை வியப்பில் ஆழ்த்தியது. அங்கு, தமிழில் இளநிலைப் பட்டம் பயின்றதையும், தற்போது அண்ணாமலைப் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில் சான்றிதழ் படிப்பு ஒன்றையும் அரசு உதவித் தொகையுடன் படிப்பதை அவர் குறிப்பிட்டார்.

பிரிட்டனைச் சேர்ந்த லிண்டா பேசும்போது, தமிழ் வம்சாவளியைச் சேர்ந்தவரை திருமணம் செய்து கொண்டு 40 ஆண்டுகள் வாழ்ந்தாலும் தமிழ்நாட்டுக்கு வருவது இதுவே முதல் முறை என்றபோதும் கைத்தட்டல்கள் குறையவில்லை.

தொடர்ந்து இஸ்ரேல் நாட்டைச் சேர்ந்த லூசி, பிரெஞ்சு நாட்டுத் தீவுப் பகுதியைச் சேர்ந்த ரிச்மேன் ஆகியோரும் பேசினர். இதில் ரிச்மேன் தனது மூதாதையர்கள் தமிழர்கள் என்பதைக் குறிப்பிட்டார்.

சுற்றுலாப் பயணிகளின் முன்னிலையில் கலை நிகழ்ச்சிகளும், பானை உடைத்தல் போட்டியும் நடைபெற்றது. கோலப்போட்டிகளில் வென்றோருக்கு வெளிநாட்டினரைக் கொண்டு பரிசுகள் வழங்கப்பட்டன.

சுற்றுலாத் துறை அலுவலர் இரா. தண்டபாணி உள்ளிட்டோர் பங்கேற்றனர்.


source: http://dinamani.com/edition_trichy/trichy/article1424025.ece
^^^^^^

English Translation:

Large number of Foriegn Tourists participated in Pongal Tourism Festival in Kodiyalam Village near Mukkombu in Trichy

As a mark of great Hospitality and humility and simplicity, District Collector Jayashree Muralidaran also travelled in bullock Carts along with the Foriegn Toursists to the place

There Foriegn Tourists Enjoyed all Traditional ways of handling Pongal Festivals reflecting great tamilian culture


:cheers::cheers:

Whoa!...Shud post this in Indian Sports thread.
^^

Thanks Chennai Yorker...for sharing this post in Indian Sports thread...:)

திருச்சி ஸ்ரீரங்கம், சமயபுரம் கோவிலில் தைப்பூச திருவிழா கோலாகல துவக்கம்

பதிவு செய்த நாள் : ஜனவரி 18,2013,01:25 IST

திருச்சி: ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர், சமயபுரம் மாரியம்மன் கோவில்களில், தைப்பூச திருவிழா கோலாகலமாக துவங்கியது
.
பூலோக வைகுண்டம் என்று போற்றப்படும் ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர் கோவிலில், பூபதி திருநாள் எனப்படும் தைத்தேரோட்டம் வெகு பிரசித்திப் பெற்றது. தேரோட்டத்துக்கான முகூர்த்தக்கால் நேற்று காலை ஊன்றப்பட்டது. இன்று காலை, 6.20 மணி முதல், 7 மணிக்குள், மகர லக்னத்தில் கொடியேற்றத்துடன் தைப்பூச திருவிழா துவங்குகிறது.
வரும், 21ம் தேதி மாலை, 6 மணிக்கு, நம்பெருமாள் கருட வாகனத்திலும், 24ம் தேதி திருச்சிவிகையிலும், உபயநாச்சியார்களுடன் பூந்தேரிலும் எழுந்தருளி, பக்தர்களுக்கு ஸேவை சாதிக்கிறார். 25ம் தேதி குதிரை வாகனத்தில் நம்பெருமாள் எழுந்தருள்கிறார்.

முக்கிய திருவிழாவான தைத்தேரோட்டம், 26ம் தேதி நடக்கிறது. அதிகாலை, 3.30 மணிக்கு, நம்பெருமாள் உபய நாச்சியாருடன் புறப்படாகி, 4 மணிக்கு தைத்தேர் மண்டபத்தை அடைகிறார். 5.50 முதல், 6.20 மணிக்குள், மகர லக்னத்தில் தேரில் எழுந்தருளுகிறார். 6.30 மணிக்கு தேர்வடம் பிடிக்கும் வைபவம் நடக்கிறது.

சமயபுரம்
சக்தி ஸ்தலங்களில் முதன்மையானதாக சிறப்பித்து கூறப்படும், திருச்சி சமயபுரம் மாரியம்மன் கோவிலில், தைப்பூசத் திருவிழா, நேற்று காலை, 7.30 மணியளவில், மகர லக்னத்தில், தங்க கொடிமரத்தில் கொடியேற்றத்துடன் துவங்கியது.

கொடியேற்ற வைபவத்தில் ஆயிரக்கணக்கான பக்தர்கள் பங்கேற்றனர். அன்று மாலை, உற்சவ அம்மனுக்கு அபிஷேகமும், மஹா தீபராதனையும் நடந்தது. இரவு, மர கேடயத்தில் அம்மன் எழுந்தருளி, திருவீதியுலா வந்து பக்தர்களுக்கு அருள்பாலித்தார்.

தொடர்ந்து, 25ம் தேதி வரை, காலை, மாலை இருவேளைகளும் அம்மன் புறப்பாடாகி, பல்லக்கு, சிம்மம், பூதம், அன்னம், ரிஷபம், யானை, சேஷ வாகனங்களில் எழுந்தருளி, திருவீதியுலா வந்து, மீண்டும் மூலஸ்தானம் சென்றடைகிறார்.

வரும், 25ம் தேதி, பிரசித்திப்பெற்ற தை தெப்போற்சவம் நடக்கிறது. மாலை, 5 மணிக்கு, உற்சவ அம்மனுக்கு அபிஷேகம், 7 மணிக்கு மஹா தீபராதனை நடக்கிறது. இரவு, 8 மணிக்கு, திருத்தெப்பத்தில் அம்மன் எழுந்தருளி, பக்தர்களுக்கு அருள்பாலிக்கிறார்.

இரவு, 11 மணிக்கு, திருவீதியுலா வந்து ஆஸ்தான மண்டபத்தை சென்றடைகிறார். மறுநாள் (26ம் தேதி) காலை, 9 மணிக்கு, கண்ணாடி பல்லக்கில் அம்மன் புறப்பாடாகி, வழிநடை உபயம் கண்டருளி, நொச்சியம் வழியாக வடதிருக்காவிரி (கொள்ளிடம்) சென்றடைகிறார்.
அரங்கன் சீர்
26ம் தேதி மாலை, 6 மணிக்கு, அம்மன் தீர்த்தவாரியும், 7 மணி முதல், 9 மணி வரை, பக்தர்களுக்கு தரிசனமும் அளிக்கிறார். இரவு, 9 மணிக்கு, அண்ணன் ரங்கநாதரிடமிருந்து, தங்கை சமயபுரம் மாரியம்மன் சீர் பெறுகிறார்.

அதிகாலை, ஒரு மணிக்கு, மஹா அபிஷேகம் கண்டருளும் அம்மன், 3 மணி முதல், பக்தர்களுக்கு சிறப்பு அலங்காரத்தில் காட்சியளிக்கிறார். 27ம் தேதி காலை, 6 மணிக்கு, கொள்ளிடத்தில் இருந்து, கோவில் ஆஸ்தான மண்டபத்தை அம்மன் வந்தடைகிறார்.

அம்மனுக்கு அபிஷேகம் நடந்தபின், கொடி இறக்கம் மற்றும் அம்மன் திருவீதியுலாவுடன் தைப்பூச திருவிழா நிறைவடைகிறது. விழா ஏற்பாடுகளை, இணை கமிஷனர்கள் ஸ்ரீரங்கம் கல்யாணி, சமயபுரம் தென்னரசு மற்றும் கோவில் பணியாளர்கள் செய்கின்றனர்.


source: http://www.dinamalar.com/district_detail.asp?


^^^^^^
English Translation

Thai Poosam Festival Commences in Srirangam and Samayapuram--------------2 world famouus Vaishnavite and Shakthi Temples Respectively in Trichy District

The most important event called Thai Therottam ----------falls on Jan 26th at Srirangam and Jan 25th at Samayapuram
:):):)

http://epaper.dinakaran.com/pdf/2013/01/20/20130120a_005106007.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5871/tr16.jpg



courtesy: admin sir of TP


^^^^

English Translation :


People are anxiously and Eagerly waiting for the completion and Inaguration of the Railway Musuem and Entertainment Park in Trichy Railway Junction Premises


The following are under Construction

1) Railway Musuem----------Which will have rare collection of all Railway related articles and models------Also , it will host many Historic things

2) Entertainment Park----------------------an Entertainment Park for the General Pubic which will also have Toy Train Models, Engine models --------------------It will be an Ample Park which Trichy People are expecting for a long time to spend their leisure Hours Joyfully


Very Eagerly waiting for the Speedy Completion of the Railway Musuem and Park at Trichy Railway Junction


:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Friends,

There are Many Historical monuments in Tamilnadu. One such Monuments Thirumalai Naicker Palace (Known for its Mega Pillars) in Madurai under the control of Tamilnadu Archaeology Department, belongs to 15th Century was renovated and attracting Many tourist people to Tamilnadu. And one should never miss to visit...:).

Its one of the few existing Palace in India, designed by Italian architect based on Indo-Saracenic & European architecture (A fine blend of Indo Muslim & European architecture).

Sad part is, Now we are having only a part of whole Palace named Swarga Vilasam. The other part named Ranga Vilasam was believed to be demolished by "Chokanatha Naicker" grandson of "Thirumalai Naicker", and materials where taken to Trichy. Further demolition of Palace was stopped in 1858 by Lord Napier Governor of Madras state during British rule.

The Existing structure of this palace is believed to be just 1/4 th of the whole palace.

Entrance to Palace cost Rs.10 for Indians & Rs.50 for Foreigners. If you want to take camera it cost Rs.40.

Many have saw this palace in Cinemas or even directly. But still, I love to take you all to newly renovated Palace of Madurai.

So, Kindly bare with me...:)...Lets move on....

History at Glance

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/6655/2history1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/842/2history1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Mahal Entrance

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/4678/0entrance1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/809/0entrance1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Main Hall

http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/8272/1mainhall1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/607/1mainhall1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

MEGA Pillars Even Sumo wrestlers can hide Themselves :lol::lol:

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/5605/3pillars1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/705/3pillars1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/2258/4pillars1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/42/4pillars1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/1825/5pillars1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/849/5pillars1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Continues...

Renovated Ceilings with Indian artistic work

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1750/6ceiling1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/204/6ceiling1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/1264/7ceiling1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/62/7ceiling1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8184/8ceiling1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/145/8ceiling1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Cont...

Minute Art works in Palace

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/5906/9minuteartwork1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/690/9minuteartwork1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/781/10minuteartwork1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/89/10minuteartwork1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3866/12minuteartwork1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/339/12minuteartwork1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6976/13minuteartwork1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/233/13minuteartwork1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

cont...

Thanks for your Patience :)

Replica of King's Throne kept at Dharbar

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/2202/11throne1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/841/11throne1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Museum At Palace

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/5526/14museum1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/441/14museum1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Nataka Salai or Drama hall of King, Now changed to Museum where some old paintings, Ancient sculptures of 10th Century A.D displayed...

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/5893/14amuseum1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/823/14amuseum1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Some of the old paintings & Photos of palace kept at Museum

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4522/15old1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/138/15old1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5567/16old1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/707/16old1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/472/17old1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/707/17old1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Pottery of Megalithic period

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/7981/20vesselsofmegalithicpe.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/198/20vesselsofmegalithicpe.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Photos of Thematic Epigraph museum....
Evolution of "Classic divine Thamizh" language...and much more to be continued...:)

Epigraph & Sculpture at Palace museum

Board kept at the entrance of Museum
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2379/21tamilsangam1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/201/21tamilsangam1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

^^

"Classical Divine Thamizh" Language was developed by Pandya dynasty by forming three Association/club known as Thalai Sangam, Idai Sangam, Kadai Sangam.



Thalai Sangam/ First Association was formed at "Kabadapuram" Old Capital of Pandya dynasty. Now engulfed by Ocean.
Idai Sangam/ Second Association was formed at "Korkai or South Madurai". (Pandya dynasty then shifted their capital to Madurai after Kabadapuram vanished by ocean.)
Kadai Sangam/ Third Association was formed at "Present Madurai"

Books name AGATHIYAM, IYNTHIRAM of Thalai Sangam become extinct... Those books are believed to be older than our oldest Thamizh grammer "Tholkappiyam"...


http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6279/22tamilsangam1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/26/22tamilsangam1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Where is/was Then Madurai?

Evolution of our language from 3rd Century B.C to 19th Century A.D

:cheers::cheers: (Evolution Over a period of 2300 years)



http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/9267/23tamilevolution1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/28/23tamilevolution1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

^^

Tourist from abroad were amazed to see script of our language... But our beloved citizens have scribbled their love stories over it....:ohno: :bash:...take a close look, you will be able to find in wall & that yellow board...

I myself saw one girl writing something over newly renovated pillar....:bash:....

SCULPTURES of 10th Century A.D

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/3057/24sculptures10ad1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/24sculptures10ad1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7738/25sculptures10ad1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/20/25sculptures10ad1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Newly renovated Park around Palace

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/4357/26park1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/267/26park1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/4058/28park1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/152/28park1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/3428/27park1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/33/27park1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

^^

Thank you dudes for your glance at one of our Historical Monuments....:cheers:

Travel Bug ???

Visit http://ecologin.org/

Where is/was Then Madurai?

^^ Then Madurai was said to be in "Ilamooriya" Continent, South of Kanyakumari - the tamil predominant continent quoted in literatures as got sinked in Indian Ocean. There are few evidences having "Kumariyaaru" and "Pakruliyaaru" as the Perennial rivers of that continent, one flowing through Then Madurai.

Great Pictures on Madurai Palace - Thanks Karthick !

Please vote for Jan 26th R Day Banner

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1584279

Mega Music Festival in Trichy in December 2013 on the lines of Margazhi Music Festival of Chennai --------------Conducted by Department of Arts and Culture


Lifetime achievement award conferred on senior artiste

TIRUCHI, January 22, 2013
M.BALAGANESSIN

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01336/20jan_tymbg01_a_TY_1336898e.jpg
recognition:R. Gunasekaran, second from left, Deputy Director of Arts and Culture, presenting the 'TCM lifetime achievement award' to J. Venkataraman in Tiruchi on Sunday.photo: A. Muralitharan

Conferring of ‘TCM Lifetime Achievement Award’ on J.Venkataraman, a noted vidwan and ‘pallavi’ master, was the highlight of the day-long celebrations organised by Tiruchi Carnatic Musicians, a facebook forum of a group of musicians, in the city on Sunday. The award is in honour of his unique style and his contribution for the promotion of carnatic music.

A citation presented on the occasion described him as a champion of the ‘Alathur’ tradition of music and attributed his popularity to his expertise in ‘pallavi’.

He had conducted workshops and demonstrations on ‘ragam, taanam, pallvi’, at various institutions and sabhas. The Music Academy, Madras, conferred on him the title ‘Sangita Kala Acharya’. Mr.Venkatarakan retired as an ‘A’ grade artiste of the Tiruchi station of All India Radio.

During his stint at the AIR, he had organised numerous music shows and thematic programmes. He was also involved in radio programmes for training learners in music.

Presenting the award, R.Gunasekaran, Deputy Director of Arts and Culture, lauded the TCM facebook members for organising the function. He referred to the hard work put in by Mr.Venkataraman in achieving the accolades in his life

. Referring to the contribution of Tiruchi region in promoting carnatic music, he said that the Department of Art and Culture would organise a music festival in the city in coordination with the musicians in the region some time around December this year on the lines of the ‘Margazhi music festival’ in Chennai. :):cheers:

He appealed to young musicians and music learners to participate. T.V.Ramanujacharlu, violinist, said that Mr.Venkataraman was noted for his handling of ‘alapana’, and was respected by eminent artistes.

S.Thiagarajan, secretary, Sri Sathguru Sangeetha Sabha, Tiruchi, K.Ramesh, managing trustee, Nadhadweepam Sangeetha Gurukulam and Trust, and R.Thayumanavan, mridangam vidwan, spoke on Mr.Venkataraman’s commitment to the cause of promoting carnatic music.

In his acceptance address, Mr. Venkataraman said his life has not been a bed of roses and he had to toil hard to achieve perfection. He said he was guided by his father K.V.Jayarama Iyengar, and Alathur Venkatesa Iyer, an eminent exponent, to whom he dedicated his achievement. I was blessed with good mentors and disciples, he recalled. He specifically narrated an incident to drive home the rigorous practcse he endured to learn the Alathur style. He offered to extend all assistance to music learners and members of TCM.

Later, Mr.Ramanujacharlu delivered a lecture cum demonstration.


courtesy: Mr.Raja of TP

source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/lifetime-achievement-award-conferred-on-senior-artiste/article4331217.ece


^^^^^^
Wow....................This is a Great News

Very eagerly waiting for this Grand Festival in Trichy in December 2013

:cheers::cheers:

‘Set up museum at yatri nivas’

TIRUCHI, January 22, 2013
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

The Cauvery Delta Farmers Welfare Association has urged the State government to set up a museum at the ‘yatri nivas’ that is under construction at Srirangam.

In a memorandum to Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa, the association’s working president V.Rajaram, referred to the recent unearthing of ancient idols at the site and said that these idols should be displayed at the nivas for the benefit of tourists and pilgrims. He also pleaded for introduction of sound and light gallery at the nivas. Programmes such as live telecast of rituals being performed at Sri Ranganathar temple should be introduced, he said.


Courtesy: Mr.Raja of TP

source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/set-up-museum-at-yatri-nivas/article4331271.ece




^^^^^^
A very Good Suggestion by the Cauvery Delta Farmers :)

Hope , Jaya accepts it and immediately sanctions a Musuem and Sound and Light Facility at Yatri Nivas in Srirangam

Hoping for the Best

:cheers::cheers:

This is one of the few example where the new temples are built in old architecture style with government support.

This temple at Mecheri, Salem dt belongs to TN HR and CE. It took 15yrs to built this temple...

=========================================================

SALEM, January 24, 2013

Over one lakh witness temple kumbhabishekam in Mecheri

TNSTC had operated special buses for the benefit of devotees

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01340/sa24_kumbh_GK86_SA_1340254e.jpg
The kumbhabishekam of Arulmigu Badrakaliamman Temple at Mecheri in Salem was held on Wednesday.- PHOTO: E. LAKSHMI NARAYANAN

Over one lakh devotees witnessed the kumbhabishekam of Arulmigu Badrakaliamman Temple in Mecheri Taluk here on Wednesday morning.

The temple, built in 12th century, is under the control of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. The renovation and restructuring work of the temple began in 1999 at a total cost of Rs. 15 crore, of which government contributed Rs. 2 crore.

Led by Inspector General of Police (West Zone) T.P. Sundaramoorthy, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Salem Range Sanjay Kumar, Superintendent of Police Ashwin M. Kotnis, around 800 police personnel were posted for duty on the temple premises.

Surveillance cameras

Surveillance cameras were installed at many places, as police personnel monitored the movement of the crowd from two towers.

Transport department operated special buses for the benefit of devotees and annadhanam was held at many places.

Minister for Highways and Minor Ports Edappadi K. Palanisamy, Minister for HR and CE M.S.M. Anandan, Collector K. Maharabushanam, senior police officials, government officials participated in the Kumbabishekam

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/over-one-lakh-witness-temple-kumbhabishekam-in-mecheri/article4338628.ece

Is there any specific reason for painting the gopurams in white colour rather than the traditional multi colour paints... I recently saw Thiruchendur Murugan, Madurai Meenakshi and Rameshwaram temple gopuram were in white colour..

Dear Friends,

Kindly Click on the Madurai banner at the top and rate it 5-star so that we can try coming in top 100 banners.

Please pass this message to your friends and our neighbourhood friends..:)

Friends, we all Know that Tanjore is Very Famous For its Big Temple


BRIHADEESWARA TEMPLE


Category : UNESCO
Period : 1010 A.D.
Credits : ASI (http://asi.nic.in/)







BRIHADEESWARA TEMPLE, THANJAVUR




ABOUT
WHERE TO STAY
TOURIST OFFICE


Virtual Tour of Brihadeeswara temple, Thanjavur - through our website you can walk-around the Brihadeeswara temple virtually and get feel of being there in the temple.

THANJAVUR

Brihadeeswara temple are attained prominence under the 9th-12th-century Chola rulers, who established one of their capitals here. the town maintained its importance in later times ans was a Nayaka strongholdin the 16th-17th centuries. The circilar fort surrounded by a moat dates from the 18th-century Maratha period. Within the fort stands the palace of the Nayakas, the celebrated Brihideeswara temple is situated to the south-west.

BRIHADEESWARA TEMPLE

Monumnetal in concept, design and execution, this temple is the greatest architectural achievement of the Chola era. It was a royal foundation inaugurated by Rajaraja I (c.985-1012), who personaaly donated the glided pot final at the summit of the tower.

The temple stands in the middle of a large rectangular court partly occupied by other smaller shrines. It is enteres on the easy through two gateways. The square sanctuary, which is surrounded by a narrow passageway, adjoins an antechamber and a long columned mandapa on the east, approached through an open porch. The double-storey pilastered walls of the sanctuary are aised ona high basement. This is adorned with yalis and makaras (top moulding) and covered with inscriptions relating the origins, construction and endowments of the temple. A seated gana supporrts a spout emerging from the sanctuary basement (north). In the middle of each side of the walls is a doorway flanked by guardian figures with clubs. Thw wall projections have niches occupied by fully modelled images, mostly of Shiva. Among the fines figures are Bikshatanamurti (east end of south wall), dancing Shiva (west end of north wall), Harihara (south end of west wall) and Ardhanarishvara (west end of north wall). Other divinities are carved in the semicircular niche tops. Attendant figures flank pilasters in pots that stand in the recesses.

The steeply pyramidal stone tower rises to height of about 66m (217ft). Thirteen diminishing storeys, each with pilastered walls, an eave and parapet, ascend dramatically to octagonal dome-like roof. Rajaraja's pot finial is still in place at the apex. The projection on the front (east) is partly obscures by later additions.

The walls of the antechamber are triplestoreyed, with doorways on the north and south sides. the acess steps are flanked by balustrades with curved tops and miniature figural panels on the sides. The long mandapa that extends eastwards is only partly completed; the sculptures in the wall niches are mostly unfinished. The entrance porch with an overhanging eave is an addition of the Nayak period; the peripheral columns are fashioned as earing beasts. The mandapa doorway in the porch is guarded by large figures with clubs.

In the middle of the sanctuary is a solossal linga 3.66m(12ft)high, which is elevated on a circular pedestal. The surrounding passageway is divided into chambers; sculptures here include a large standing Shiva image (north wall). Paintings also adorn the walls and ceiling, but these are only partly visible, being overlaid by later Nayaka murals. Among the Chola fragments are delicately coloured scenes of Shiva seated on a lion-skin with dancers and misicians, a royal visit to the temple at Chidambaram (west wall) and Shiva riding in a chariot drawn by Brahma (north wall). Carved on to the basement of the upper passageway walls is a series of 108 miniature dancers in different postures.

A short distance to the east of the temple is a tall lamp-column and a monolithic Nandi image sheltered by a 16th century pavilion. The pavilion has slender columns with carvings of devotees on the shafts. Among the subsidiary buildings is the Chandeshvara shrine, which faces southwards towards the main temple. The sanctuary of this small building is crowned with an octogonal roof; the basement and wall details imitate those of the main temple but on a smaller scale.

Another shrine north-west of the main temple is dedecated to Subrahmanya. This finely finished monument dates from the 17th century. It has delicately carved basement mouldings and wall pilasters. The parapet and tower are executed in in pilaster covered brickwork. A mandapa in the north-east corner of the enclosure belongs to the same era.

A treasury, museum and library are also included within the courtyard. Lining the enclosure walls is a colonnade with shrines for images of the Dikpalas. the two gateways on the east date from the Chola period. These impressive rectangular structures are dominated by pyramidal towers with vaulted roofs (the outer gateway is higher); sculptures are preserved on the upper storeys. Enormous guardian figures protect the east entrance to the inner gateway. Small carvings on the basement beneath illustrate Shaiva legends, such as the marriage of Shiva Parvathi, and Shiva protecting Markandeya.




Also, Tanjore is Famous for its Museums which have its Visitors all Across the Globe-----------------Here is a Document , i read from the Internet

This was Done as a Resaerch by Annamalai University Professor as an International Journal





http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8416862756_152539caa4_h.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8415765883_0cc0a1f566_h.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8473/8416861286_3fb24fea6a_h.jpg




source: http://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=21&ved=0CC4QFjAAOBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Faygrt.isrj.net%2FUploadedData%2F1057.pdf&ei=Fr0DUe6uBMftrAeK8IGYBQ&usg=AFQjCNFe_f1SBOX0ch9nOcqUarsamGzd7g&bvm=bv.41524429,d.bmk






:cheers::cheers::cheers:

^^

Yesterday I came to Thanjavore for my official work. I Visit Thanjai Big temple for first time. I was really impressed. I Entered the temple at around 8:10 PM only...I'm Unaware that temple will close at 8:30 PM itself...So I cant spend lot of time there. not more than 30 Minutes...

Really amazed to see Big statues of Nandhi & Lord Brihadeeswara statue.

My friend told me some of snippets about the temple...(Correct me if I'm wrong)...:)



He told that Chozha King Raja Rajan, Before starting any battle used to pray to Varahi Amman with his sword in big temple. And he remained undefeated in any battle.
Minute Art work in Lord Murugan shrine was built during Nayak period.
I saw one tree inside temple. which is believed to be a shelter of Lizard of lucky....
Tanjai big temple was built before British rule in India. But we can see one sculpture in Gopuram wearing glass & Hat.
Tomb at the top of the Gopuram was made of single rock...which weighs in Tonnes. Its still undiscovered that how could that Mega structure was laid at the top in those days without help of machines?....

I was really amazed about Architectural knowledge of our ancient Tamil Kings (Chera, Chozha, Pandyas)...And felt really proud...I want to visit big temple again when I come to Tanjai next time...:)



Some of my snaps at Big temple (All taken in rush at the time of closing, so not satisfied with my photos)



Gopuram with light at the top and moon :-)



http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/6136/towerfx.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/14/towerfx.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)


Lord Murugan Shrine built during Nayak rule


http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4871/muruganshrine.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/10/muruganshrine.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)


Mega Nandhi statue

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3299/nandhi.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/152/nandhi.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

^^Thanks for this, The acme of Chola (South India's) Architecture lay here :)

http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/vacant-shrines-mutilated-idols/article4364688.ece

One of these features is the construction of eight separate shrines for Ashta Digh Balakas, said to guard the eight directions, by Raja Raja Chola inside the temple complex with a separate tower (small vimana) for each shrine. These shrines were built according to Agama, Silpa and Vastu sastras. Raja Raja Chola installed Indira in the east, Agni in the south-east, Yama in the south, Niruthi in the south-west, Varuna in the west, Vayu in the north-west, Soma/Kubera in the north and Isanam in the north-east.

This article aims at motivating the ASI to allow the Palace Devasthanam to continue the established religious rites in the Brihadisvara temple as given in the Agama sastras. The construction of eight separate shrines for the Ashta Digh Balakas and the installation of their idols in their respective directions indicate the absolute devotion of Raja Raja Chola to them.

^^Seems ASI has locked the shrines for the Ashta Digh Balakas ,which was built by Rajaraja the great himself..Even I never knew its there..

Official theme Video of Maamadurai Potruvom

P8Ysvhxfsp4

Breathtaking Aerial view of Big temple (From FB)

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/397518_527449230619649_626608099_n.jpg

Thiyagaraja Aradhana Place Entrance

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/601237_10200505310458132_1268155046_n.jpg

Kanyakumari

Source: http://www.samyakkaninde.com/south_india.html

http://www.samyakkaninde.com/Trip_Reports/south_india/KK_Pano_ws.jpg

KodaiKanal, Mannavanur Village, Tamilnadu, India

Source: http://www.samyakkaninde.com/south_india.html

Panorama

http://www.samyakkaninde.com/Trip_Reports/south_india/Kodai_Pano_ws.jpg

http://www.samyakkaninde.com/Trip_Reports/south_india/_MG_6251.jpg

http://www.samyakkaninde.com/Trip_Reports/south_india/_MG_6219.jpg

http://www.samyakkaninde.com/Trip_Reports/south_india/_MG_6260.jpg

http://www.samyakkaninde.com/Trip_Reports/south_india/_MG_6249.jpg

Kanyakumari - Thiruvalluvar Statue with Vivekananda Rock in the backdrop

Copyright to Samyak (www.samyakkaninde.com) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/samyak/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/7969888774_1db4044f72_b.jpg

Sunrise

http://www.samyakkaninde.com/Trip_Reports/south_india/_MG_6389.jpg

from fB:
kumbakonam sarangapani temple Cart
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/14848_529580460406526_1881192113_n.jpg

சென்னைக்கு வயது 400-தான். மதுரையின் வயதோ 4,000-க்கும் அதிகம். தங்கள் நகரின் உண்மையான பெருமையை உணர்வதற்கும், பிறருக்கு உணர்த்துவதற்கும் 'மாமதுரை போற்றுவோம்’ என்ற விழாவை நடத்தத் திட்டமிட்டு இருக்கிறார்கள் மதுரை மண்ணின் மைந்தர்கள். மதுரை கலெக்டரான அன்சுல் மிஸ்ரா, ''வெறும் ஆயிரம் வருட வரலாற்றைக் கொண்ட நகரங்களுக்கு எல்லாம், 'மும்பை டே’, 'ஹைதராபாத் டே’ என்று விழா கொண்டாடு​கிறார்கள். ஆனால், வருஷத்தில் 293 நாட்கள் விழா நடக்கும் திருவிழா நகரான மதுரையில், இந்த நகரத்துக்கு என்று ஒரு விழா இல்லை. அந்தக் குறை இனி நீங்கப்போகிறது. இனி ஒவ்வொரு ஆண்டும் பிப்ரவரி மாதம் 'மாமதுரை போற்றுவோம்' என்ற பெயரில் விழா கொண்டாட இருக்கிறார்கள். அந்த நாளில், பூமிப்பந்தில் எங்கு குடி இருந்தாலும் ஆண்டுதோறும் இந்த விழாவுக்கு மதுரை தன் மைந்தர்களை அழைத்துக்கொள்ளும்'' என்றார்.
http://www.vikatan.com/jv/2013/02/mdrlod/images/SO32.jpg
''பிப்ரவரி 8, 9, 10 என்று மூன்று நாட்கள் நடக்கிறது விழா. மதுரையில் கண்டுபிடிக்கப்​பட்ட கல்வெட்டுக்களிலேயே மிகப்பழைமை​யானது அழகர்கோயில் அருகே ஒரு பாறையில் உள்ள http://www.vikatan.com/jv/2013/02/mdrlod/images/so33.jpgஎழுத்துக்கள்தான். 'மத்திரை’ என்று 2,400 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு எழுதப்பட்ட அந்தக் கல்வெட்டுதான், மதுரை என்று எழுதப்பட்ட முதல் எழுத்து. அங்கு இருந்து மதுரை தீபத்தை தொடர் ஓட்டமாகக் கொண்டு​வந்ததும், மதுரை விழா ஆரம்பம் ஆகிறது.
முதல் நாள், 'மதுரையைப் போற்றுவோம்’ என்ற தலைப்பில் மதுரையைப்​பற்றிய கண்காட்சி நடக் கிறது. அந்தக் கண்காட்சியில் தற்கால மதுரை, 100 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முந்தைய மதுரை, 500 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முந்தைய மதுரை, 1,000 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முந்தைய மதுரை, 2,000 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முந்தைய மதுரை எல்லாம் எப்படி இருந்தது என்று காட்டும் வகையில் தனித்தனியே முழு நகரத்தையும் முப்பரிமாணத் தோற்றத்தில் காட்சிப்படுத்த உள்ளனர்.
இரண்டாம் நாளில், 'தொன்மைப் போற்று​வோம்’ என்ற தலைப்பில் விழா நடக்கிறது. அதையட்டி மதுரை நகர் முழுவதும் அலங்கார வாகன அணிவகுப்பு நடக்கிறது. நிறைவு நாளில், 'வைகையைப் போற்றுவோம்’ என்ற பெயரில் வைகை ஆற்றுக்குள் கண்காட்சி நடக்கிறது. அதில் வைகை உற்பத்தியாகும் இடத்தில் இருந்து மதுரையைக் கடந்து செல்வது வரை முப்பரிமாணத் தோற்றத்தில் காட்சிக்கு வைக்க உள்ளனர். அதைப்போலவே வைகையில் எடுக்கப்பட்ட அரிதான புகைப்படங்களும் காட்சிக்கு வைக்கப்பட உள்ளன. அன்றைய தினம் வைகையைச் சுத்தப்படுத்தும் நிகழ்ச்சியும், ஆற்றின் இரு கரைகளிலும் பொதுமக்கள் தீபம் ஏந்தும் நிகழ்வும் நடக்க இருக்கிறது. இதற்கெல்லாம் முன்னோட்டமாக பள்ளி, கல்லூரி மாணவ, மாணவிகளுக்கான கலை, இலக்கியப் போட்டிகள் நடத்தப்பட்டு வருகின்றன. பிப்ரவரி 1-ம் தேதி, 'மதுரைக்காகத்தான்’ என்ற தலைப்பில் மராத்தான் ஓட்டமும் நடக்கிறது. விழாவில் மதுரை மக்கள் கலந்துகொள்ள வசதியாக 'லோக்கல் ஹாலிடே’ விடவும் ஏற்பாடுகள் நடக்கின்றன'' என்கிறார்கள் விழா கமிட்டியினர். மீனாட்சி அம்மன் கோயில் அறங்காவலர் கருமுத்து கண்ணன், நாவலாசிரியர் சு.வெங்கடேசன், கே.எஸ்.பரத் ஆகிய மூவரைக் கொண்ட குழு அமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
'காவல் கோட்டம்’ நாவலாசிரியர் வெங்கடேசனிடம் பேசினோம். ''நகரங்களில் அதிசயங்கள் இருக்கலாம். ஆனால், ஒரு நகரமே அதிசயமாக இருப்பது மதுரைதான். மதுரையில் உள்ள எந்த ஒரு வீதியும் 2,500 வருட வரலாறு கொண்ட வீதியாகத்தான் இருக்கிறது. அந்த வீதிகளுக்கு எல்லாம் வரலாற்றுக் காரணப் பெயரும் இருக்கிறது. பாண்டியன் அகழ் தெரு என்றொரு தெரு இருக்கிறது. அதன் வரலாறு என்ன தெரியுமா? பாண்டியர்களின் கோட்டையைச் சுற்றி அகழி இருந்திருக்​கிறது. நாயக்கர் மன்னர்கள் காலத்தில் கோட்டைக்கு வெளியிலும் மதுரையை விரிவுபடுத்தினர். அப்போது அந்த அகழி மூடப்பட்டது. பிறகு, அதுவே ஒரு தெருவாகி விட்டது. அதுதான் பாண்டி​யன் அகழ் தெரு. 'மதுரை விழா’ பழங்கதை பேசுவதற்கோ, தற்பெருமை அடித்துக் கொள்வதற்கோ அல்ல. மதுரையின் காவிய முகத்தை வெளிக் கொண்டு வருகிற, மற்றவர்களுக்குக் காட்டுகிற ஒரு முயற்சி. நாளைக்கேகூட ஒரு நகரம் முன்னேறிவிடலாம். ஆனால், இவ்வளவு பழைமையான, பாரம்பரியமான விஷயம் வேறு எந்த நகருக்கும் வாய்க்காது. 'இது தமிழ்நாட்டின் கலாசாரத் தலைநகர் என்பதை மதுரைக்காரர்களும், அவர்களுடைய வீட்டுப் பெண்களும், குழந்தைகளும், இளைஞர்களும் முதலில் உணர்ந்துகொள்ள வேண்டும். பிறகு, மதுரையின் பெருமையை மற்றவர்களுக்கு உணர்த்த வேண்​டும்' என்பதுதான் இந்த விழாவின் நோக்கம்'' என்றார்.
யானை வரும் பின்னே, மணியோசை வரும் முன்னே என்பதுபோல, விழாவுக்காக மதுரை விளக்குத்தூண், மேலவாசல் கோட்டை, பழங்காநத்தம் ரவுண்டாரா பகுதியில் வைக்கப்பட்டுள்ள முப்பரிமாண காட்சிகள் இருக்கின்றன. விழாவை எதிர்நோக்கிக் காத்திருக்கிறார்கள் மதுரை மக்கள்!
- கே.கே.மகேஷ்
படங்கள்: பா.காளிமுத்து


^^Tha Maa-Madurai Potruvoam Festival in Vikatan..


Nice to see these things happening in the City.Its kind of becomming like Chennai Day.Its definitely going to elevate the image of the city..Congrats to Anshul Mishra,Rajan Chellapa and the people of Madurai..


:applause::applause:

This temple is the main reason for my signature.. A masterpiece. :master:

All rights reserved by Yesmk Photography (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yesmkr/)


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8310381235_c87c16c530_b.jpg

Andha Orange colorthan real a pakkarache konjam odhaikkudhu.

Some chemical treatment to preserve the stones.

Evening sunset la pathu kitte irukkalam.

The Master Piece from the King of Kings..

Is this temple under ASI or TN govt?

ASI I think.

Except the sanctum sanctorum portion - which is with TN HRCE, I think.

Locals. Pl clarify.

^^Its Under ASI + the mgmt of Dharma Kartha (Maratha of Tanjore)

Its been debated last time.
thanjavur big temple and other temples around thanjavur area is under Thanjavur palace devasthanam. Thanjavur palace Devasthanam is now under Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments administration department, Tamilnadu.
Thanjavur palace Devasthanam is directly under Maratha dynasty(King sarfoji) in Thanjavur.

http://www.thanjavurpalacedevasthanam.com/

Chola dynasty has contributed immensely to tamilnadu in architecture. Thanjavur temple by Raja Raja cholan, Gangai konda cholapuram by his son rajendra Cholan, Grand Anaicut(still it is a marvel) by Karikal Chozhan, Dharasuram temple by Raja Raja chozhan II, 3000 Kalam.

^^
The Chola era was the Golden Age of Tamils..There is a book which we can write about their Contribution to Tamilagam/South-India and South Asia , When it comes to Art,Architecture,Mettalurgy,Navy,Trade,Religion,Philosophy,Literature and many many things..

They are a Ocean of Oasis..

Incredible India

India comes alive in Unseen India, a coffee-table book by Salim Pushpanath

India inspires photographers to click. Geography, religions, communities, lifestyle, food habits, clothing, celebrations… there is a treasure out there, seen and unseen, to be photographed. Photographer Salim Pushpanath has focussed on those not-so-regularly-photographed facets of the country in his book, Unseen India.

Salim, with over 20 coffee-table books to his credit – all targeted at the tourist, is elated that he has fulfilled a dream. “There are many most-photographed places and aspects of India. When I started working on the project, I referred similar books on India to ensure that I do not repeat those images. I’m happy with the result though the book might have covered only 70 per cent of what I’d envisaged,” says Salim, a planter and publisher as well.

Salim, a self-taught photographer, travelled by car along with his childhood friend, Azeez K.M., for the trip. “I didn’t take state by state. I had decided on the places to cover. Otherwise, a lifetime isn’t enough to travel and capture the uniqueness of this country.” The toughest was covering the Rohtang Pass-Ladakh route. “But then the highpoint was that we could cover the Spiti valley in all its glory,” adds Salim.

He stresses that more than anything else, the book journeys across India through its people. “No other country can claim such diversity when it comes to clothing, food, lifestyle and beliefs. Instead of presenting just places, I’ve covered India through the people from various areas,” he says.

For example, Gujarat’s images are composed of the Rabari community that live in bhunga huts in Kutch, salt workers of the Rann of Kutch, tobacco farmers, people in traditional Gujarati costumes and herds of Asiatic Wild Ass in the Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary. Snapshots of rituals from a Muslim wedding, ornate havelis, vignettes of rugged village life and the Pushkar camel fair paint Rajasthan in vivid colours.

Everywhere it is the people there who evoke the flavours and fragrances, life style and legends of that land. Child monks at Lamayuru Monastery in Ladakh throw light on the austere but awe-inspiring landscape of the place; while rickshaw pullers and the flower market of Kolkata depict the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Puri Jagannath Temple abuzz with devotees sketches the temple town; pictures of a wedding ceremony of the Chettiars, panoramic views from the Nilgiris and the majestic Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur depict glimpses of Tamil Nadu. Similarly, each place is discovered through the lives of the people and their surroundings.

Even touristy spots and monuments such as the Ajanta-Ellora caves, the Dal Lake, and the Taj Mahal have been presented in a different light, Salim says.

Closer home, in Kerala, it is the backwaters, Kovalam beach, Mohiniyattam dancers and Kathakali artistes and lush green tea plantations of Munnar that have made it to the book. His next book is on the old houses and palaces of Kerala.

Unseen India has texts in English, French and German, keeping the tourist in mind. Conceptualised and designed by Salim, and published by his own DEE BEE Info Publications, the book is priced at Rs. 1,200 (Rs. 950 for paperback edition).

http://www.thehindu.com/arts/books/incredible-india/article4385826.ece

Rural rendezvous

SUBHA J RAO

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01355/06cm2012-12-09-424_1355991g.jpg
Village Vignettes The calm waters Photo: Subha J Rao

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01355/06cmIMG_0824_2__JP_1355992g.jpg
Village Vignettes A field of sunflowers Photo: Subha J Rao

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01355/06cmIMG_0835_1__JP_1355993g.jpg
VILLAGE VIGNETTES A ride in a coracle Photo: SUBHA J RAO


Subha J Rao captures the rustic beauty of Poolampatti that has featured in many a film


Erumaipatti, Raakiampati, Vellandi Valasu, Billukuruchi… these are the villages one passes en route to the Poolampatti barrage. Even the nameless hamlets on the way throb with life. The fields are being watered and weeded; women keep an eye on the livestock as well as the bubbling rice pot; village dogs soak in the afternoon sun; and men unhurriedly chomp neem twigs.

Off the National Highway at Magudanchavadi is another — of sunflowers, birds, buffaloes and tender coconuts. A long drive, a right turn, and the Cauvery greets you. It stretches past as far as the eyes can see. Coconut trees frame it on the one side and sturdy naanal (reeds) on the other. The river cuts through two districts — Poolampatti in Salem and Nerinjipettai in Erode.

On the Nerinjipettai side, the ride towards the barrage even in the noisy boat, is perfect ‘me’ time. It is also a great photo opportunity. A few tourists pretend to be Titanic’s Jack and Rose. The water, the greenery and the bright light… everyone looks like a star in the making. Probably why, Poolampatti and the villages surrounding it have featured in many films, especially those by Bhagyaraj. Raasukutti, Pavunu Pavunu Thaan… locals reel off a list of movies that have been shot here. Some film sets have been left intact; the locals still use them.

On the Poolampatti side, two fishermen ready their coracles to fetch the day’s catch. In the shallow waters, smaller fish frisk about, and swoop in on any food thrown in.

There’s little to do other than sight-see. Once you are done with boating, drive to the barrage taking a road through the fields. Get on to the bridge for a view of the water from above.

POOLAMPATTI

Getting there

Magudanchavadi, en route to Salem, is about 140 km from Coimbatore. Take a left there, and drive on till Edappadi, 18 km away. Poolampatti is 11 km from there.

What not to miss

Take the ferry to Nerinjipettai (Rs. 5), walk down the village that cultivates paddy and cotton, and take a return ferry to Poolampatti.

Or, opt for a 20-minute ride on the bigger boat that takes you on a round of the water body. It costs Rs. 300 for a group of five people. An additional person is charged Rs. 50. You can drive up to the barrage, which is about a km from Poolampatti and take in the vast expanse of water.

Where to stay

Coimbatore, Erode or Salem. Poolampatti is just a couple of hours from Coimbatore and less than an hour from Erode and Salem.

http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/rural-rendezvous/article4389318.ece

http://www.incredibleindia.org/eri/Thadiyankudissai.php?site=Thadiyankudissai

http://www.incredibleindia.org/eri/Kazhugumalai.php?site=Kazhugumalai

http://www.incredibleindia.org/eri/Kurangani.php?site=Kurangani

Not sure, how many of you have noticed this in the Big temple...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_-7ZFubpLnCQ/TcUz8FsmflI/AAAAAAAAIZA/BoCmHkBy6Q0/s512/DSC_0600.JPG

What does it mean?

Thirparappu Falls, Kanyakumari

All rights reserved by Yesmk Photography (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yesmkr/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8460982496_c04174bcdd_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8459882863_f05638828b_b.jpg

Megamalai

Copyrights to : Vinoth Chander (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vinothchandar/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7347749188_2296351948_b.jpg

^^ Nice

Mookaneri Lake, Salem

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01353/04CMLAKENEW_1353750g.jpg

Source (http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/green-with-manush/article4382232.ece)

Valparai

http://l.yimg.com/g/images/icon_all_rights.pngVinmeen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vinmeen/)

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6186/6125110484_fb69f795d0_b.jpg

Dhanushkodi

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/7448504518_74140dcc63_b.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6I-Tifwfpg/TicTLnxbn0I/AAAAAAAAAA0/6ykslLanYyc/s1600/Tanjore+Temple+at+Night.jpg

A Beautiful Picture of Our Beloved Big Temple - A POSTCARD :)

Kadana Dam, Nellai

All rights reserved by Rajakrishnan (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rajaartoys/)
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2521/3985943457_47e7f8dc82_b.jpg

Senji Fort

All rights reserved by Arvind ( www.arvindbalaraman.com ) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/arvind_radha/)

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5024/5661680522_e1118ea6ab_b.jpg

Rural Nellai - Ambasamudram!

All rights reserved by Sankar Salvady (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sankars/)


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8312/8040387868_4cf305faaa_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6811177769_62dbb2a850_b.jpg

http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1412/5120326696_ca8d5cbc21_b.jpg

All rights reserved by Subbu_mahadevan (http://www.flickr.com/photos/subbu_photos/)

Thiruneermalai Temple

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8443/7953784618_e094f4c24a_b.jpg

Ravanasamudram, Nellai

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8085429495_5ae6ed6232_b.jpg

Murlee, TFS the wonderful pics :)

Gingee Fort

cc:me

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6613905881_e2b2cfbd98_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonevlion/6613905881/)
Gingee Raja Fort (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonevlion/6613905881/) by Bonevlion (http://www.flickr.com/people/bonevlion/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6613895165_d148d02d8f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonevlion/6613895165/)
Gingee Raja Fort (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonevlion/6613895165/) by Bonevlion (http://www.flickr.com/people/bonevlion/), on Flickr

Ramakkalmedu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramakkalmedu) in TN-Kerala border

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7759911690_47987e94f3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonevlion/7759911690/)
Ramakkalmedu (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonevlion/7759911690/) by Bonevlion (http://www.flickr.com/people/bonevlion/), on Flickr

cc:me

All rights reserved by Exploring India (http://www.flickr.com/photos/exploring_india/)[/B]

Agasthiar Falls, Tamil Nadu

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8321819336_0e59c61ef7_b.jpg

Manimutharu Falls

http://incredibleindiaphotogallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSC_3976.jpg

Karaiyar Dam

http://incredibleindiaphotogallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSC_4132.jpg

Source: http://www.incredibleindiaphotogallery.com/2011/11/weekend-drive-to-manimuthar-falls-manjolai-kuthiraivetti/:

Murali,
am not sure the Agasthiar falls is real one or photoshoped.
I been there and it does not look the same.

Ya.. Even I had some doubt. But the photographer has mentioned it so.. Maybe, this is not the main falls but some side stream?

All rights reserved by Bharani Eswaran (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bharanieswaran/)

Megamalai


http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6148/5976967159_05a7841d14_b.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6134/5964760392_cc98c1fd8d_b.jpg

All rights reserved by themargi (http://www.flickr.com/photos/themargi/)

Hogenakkal falls, Tamil Nadu

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2635/3925504159_85d5c72639_b.jpg

All rights reserved by Jchetan (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jchetan/)

Theni, Tamil Nadu

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2524/3966334872_5bf7403325_b.jpg

Wonderful shots. TFS Murlee.

கல்லணை(Kallanai) – oldest dam in the world. (http://tamilvaralaru.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/kallanai-ancient-dam/)
http://tamilvaralaru.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/kallanai_dam_trichy.jpg?w=500&h=375

Tamil Nadu to become adventure sports hub (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130215/news-current-affairs/article/tamil-nadu-become-adventure-sports-hub)

The aero and aqua adventure sports that had remained dormant for long are set to appear in a big way with the state government roping in the expertise of the National Adventure Foundation for introducing a series of programmes targeting varying age groups. The move will see the branding of Tamil Nadu as adventure sports hub.

Despite their immense potential, the adventure sports, except paragliding in Yelagiri, have not taken off. In the not so popular hill resort of Yelagiri, near here, paragliding is only an annual event and it has been sustaining owing to the interest of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) and a few adventure buffs. There has been a persistent demand to establish a training centre for paragliding and golf course in Yelagiri.

“We have plans to transform Tamil Nadu into a adventure sports hub. The biggest assets are our 11 boating yards spread across the state. They will be put to good use,” said Hemant Kumar Sinha, CMD, TTDC.

Speaking to DC on Wednesday, he said the corporation had identified Muthupet in Thiruvarur and Sulur lake in Coimbatore for establishing boat yards.

There would be separate sports targeting the children too. “At present, we are discussing with the operators and collaborating with NAF for introducing the adventure sports,” he added.

The New Delhi based NAF - a specialist in sporting activities - will provide technical guidance besides identify the right type of sports suited for the region and provide training too.

On the cards is to induct four additional water scooters at Mudaliarkuppam and Muttukadu boathouses near here, owing to popular demand. Keeping in mind the safety aspects, Sinha has made it mandatory for tourists availing boat rides to wear life jackets.

Tea circuit to connect Valparai, Nilgiris and Megamalai

Tamil Nadu is not merely about piping hot idlies and energising filter coffee. It has much more to offer on a platter. The rich tea plantations and few colonial structures tucked away in the vibrant Western Ghats are enchanting background for romantic or adventurous trips.

Cashing in on the potential, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) will soon introduce “tea circuit” connecting Valparai, Nilgiris and Megamalai with surrounding areas, for the first time, to lure more tourists, especially foreigners, in a big way. The lush green tea plantations, apart, treks, waterfalls, dams and other idyllic sylvan spots abound in these areas.

“This circuit will enable visitors to explore the history of tree plantation and bring them closer to nature and wildlife. We will give best of services to tourists. To popularise this circuit, the corporation will launch eco-tourism packages,” said Hemant Kumar Sinha, chairman-cum-managing director of TTDC.

This move, it is said, will not only give a fillip to the tea industry in the state but also encourage the locals to take up income generating activities related to tourism services.

“Besides, we will encourage tourists to explore the five UNESCO’s world heritage sites,” he added. Depending upon its success, the corporation would include the Munnar hill station in Kerala.

Known for its distinctively dark and intensely aromatic tea, Nilgiris has one hundred years of history in tea cultivation, whereas Valparai began tea and coffee cultivation began in 1846. But later in 1890 the Britishers raised tea and coffee on a large scale. The plantation dominated Megamalai, as the name indicates is a cool and misty mountain range in Theni district. Besides tea, it has cardamom plantations and is rich in flora and fauna.




http://d2yhexj5rb8c94.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/styles/article_node_view/public/15MEGAMALAI1.jpg
The lush green tea estate in Megamalai is a sight to behold. —DC

All rights reserved by Ram-R2R (http://www.flickr.com/photos/d3100makingmemories/)


Tuticorin Beach, Tamil Nadu

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8205332178_7b86690355_b.jpg

Aerial view of Srirangam covering all gopurams ......


https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/404552_429826067095255_269584786_n.jpg


courtesy: admin sir of TP

Poondy Matha Basilica

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8478057470_7f0f367bf7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057470/) SAM_3486 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057470/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8478057424_4fbc36468f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057424/) SAM_3485 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057424/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8367/8478057496_03765cf746.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057496/) SAM_3484 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057496/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8478057494_21de31f77d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057494/) SAM_3482 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057494/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8517/8476966923_aa8df66558.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8476966923/) SAM_3481 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8476966923/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8476966989_884bd8aacd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8476966989/) SAM_3480 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8476966989/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8476967085_780ebcda29.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8476967085/) SAM_3478 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8476967085/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8478057718_1fe2e33c2b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057718/) SAM_3474 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057718/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8478057742_c9f0177d8f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057742/) SAM_3472 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057742/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8476967075_52dc915c56.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8476967075/) SAM_3471 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8476967075/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8105/8476967111_00b84fb918.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8476967111/) SAM_3468 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8476967111/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8517/8476967133_ff1f878050.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8476967133/) SAM_3467 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8476967133/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8476967149_dde3526ca8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8476967149/) SAM_3466 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8476967149/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8478057866_8539958b15.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057866/) SAM_3465 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057866/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8478057878_aeca350158.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057878/) SAM_3464 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478057878/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8478059908_5d621fa461.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478059908/) SAM_3459 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478059908/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8478058106_d6d00fb158.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478058106/) SAM_3456 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66319733@N07/8478058106/) by ganesh anbu (http://www.flickr.com/people/66319733@N07/), on Flickr