TEMPLES REVIVAL

Gangai Kondan Mandap, Kanchipuram

2012-02-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

The GK Mandap as we call, or the Gangai Kondan Mandap in Kanchipuram, just opposite Sankara Mutt, where a big Hanuman is worshiped and where the annual utsavam happens and the traditional Umbrella Makers for the Varadaraja make them for ages, was in danger. We saw the lintel above the entrance hanging almost, wanting to fall off any moment. We immediately supported it with two poles and sought help from members and philanthropists. To our rescue the Lord himself sent his devotee, Shri Narayanan, a Power plant industrialist and our patron. He immediately took up the total cost of the project and after some dilly-dallying with the endowment officials, we finally got the approval and the work is on! The roof was over burdened with extra weight from the shops all around, who were dumping all broken walls and tubes, poles etc on the mandap for ages, as well as extra weight due to cement plastering done some years ago by some renovator, had weakened the structures. We have removed all the extra weight and the broken lintel is to be replaced with a 19 feet long single stone bolster, to be cut and shaped to size, sought from a quarry in Bangalore!

See the pictures here.

Cheranmahadevi Ramaswamy Temple

2011-11-09T09:25:00.000-08:00

When we visited Cheranmahadevi Ramaswamy temple (the locals call it Sermadevi and insist that's the right way to pronounce!) we were not aware that this temple has a 3 tiered Vimana. Having imposing Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, Hanuman sculptures right at the entrance and some interesting sculptures in the motif at the entrance, the temple stands clearly with tell-tale signs of a Vishnu temple, the Moolavar still is...

Later Nayakas had patronized and the Bronzes of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita, Hanuman would have been donated to this temple for Urchava Moorthis' worship, but unless we ask the Bhattar to show us above, allow us to climb up the stairs to have a look at the other two tiers, one can never imagine the Vimana having within itself the layers where Original stucco with their sheen lost and mutilated, lie there as a glaring example of the neglect we have on such rare beauties. Leave along the antiquity, but where are the real Vishnu Bhakthas? While we enter the Cheranmahadevi village, we see a contract of sorts, on the right a Vishnu temple renovated with all the jarring colours and spoils, and far off at the banks of Thamirabarani, on the left the elegant Bhaktavatsala temple renovated and maintained by the A.S.I. Not daring to enter the one in the right, with its gory sight, we visited last time the Bhaktavatsala temple, and this temple too.

When Pradeep Chakravarthy had written about the sad plight of this temple, we were asking ourselves, "Was there a Vimana with three tiers?" Yes, true but sad.

While climbing on the stairs, we saw two parts of Chola inscriptions, and atop, we saw the abandoned Deities all waiting in silence for someone to spruce their looks up! Ironically, this made us learnt a lot on how the stucco using lime mortar, wood as supporting beams and coconut coir as binders were used to construct and make the deities. Faded original paintings were also carrying the sad story within and waiting for some sensible restorer to uplift them.

The roof weather coarse had also eroded, showing signs of leakage. Inside the temple, all stone walls and pillars were white washed, making sure that none of the intricate carvings were made to be seen.

Mr.Ali, a self made archaeologist and heritage lover, who has some large collection of coins and stamps, also an artist drawing sketches from this temple says, " I frequent this temple, whenever I want to energize myself. This is my cradle. I can't bear this agony of seeing it crumble. Will I see the light of the day, the restored temple, before my light goes off?," asks he, tears rolling off his eyes. Dumb struck, we had no answers.

Look at the pictures

We are only heritage lovers as he is, but want to tell the world about this temple and ask all who are concerned, to bring in funds to renovate this magnificent temple. We do not blame the endowments department or the state and central archaeology departments, as they do not have a data base of how many such temples lie across the state nor a foresight of what to do to save a heritage temple. Enough of blame game, we wish only all concerned open their eyes. As a study of contract, we see within Cheranmahadevi (Mr. Ali corrects me again, Sermadevi!) one spoilt renovation, one excellent renovation and one neglected heritage temple! Such is the state of heritage here! Hope the Lord himself shows us the way and answer our queries.

Pathai and Kalakkad visit

2011-11-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

Post-Symposium, we were worried about the poor response from the Tirunelvelians, who pride themselves about their soil. Dr. Thanumurthy living now in Mumbai, hails from a typical hamlet, Pathai, near Sermadevi enroute to Kalakkad, where we have seen the murals before, on the inner walls of each tier of the temple Gopuram.

There is one Kulasekaranathar temple in Tenkasi wherein the walls were sand blasted and member Poornima and her father Mahadevan raised hue and cry to stop that, but they failed stopping the Giovernment machinery - no pun intended, it is the sand blasting machine ;) But they became our active members and inform us about happenings in Tirunelveli district.

Now, when Dr.Thanumurthy called us for inspecting the Kulasekaranathar temple in his village Pathai, the right opportunity came on 14th and 15th of October, 2011, to visit this Kulasekaranathar!

On inspection, we found the weather coarse totally fragmented, stones at corners and walls fallen apart, mostly white washed with lime. The Vimanas were quite good. An estimate has been worked out with help of our friend civil Engineering entrepreneur member Shri. Durai from Thoothukudi and has been sent to Dr. Thanumurthy. The village ponds were dry and villagers claimed that the rains failed them.The day we went, the hamlet kissed the first rush of rain from heaven! Blessed we were and the village, thanks to Kulasekaranathar, as the rains were a good sign for things to come. The local Uzavarappani team had done their best to maintain the temple and they were very helpful in assisting us during the inspection.

Few photos from Pathai temple...

From there we tread to Kalakkad, to see the recently finished Gopuram and inspect the murals. The villagers had claimed to maintain the same as they were, and said REACH will be allowed to restore the mural paintings. We have informed them an estimate to restore the paintings. When we visited, we were told that the Sudaii Bommais were falling off from the Gopuram, due to monkeys' menace; the reason was something else. The quality of Sudai bommais were inferior and plaster of paris had been used liberally to finish off (!) the work! Why blame the monkeys, as we had indeed encroachedtheir territory? The Kalakkad Mundandurai Tiger reserve forest is just behind this temple. We were asked by our member SS Mani, to give an estimate to renovate the Murugan Shrine within the temple premises, but there was not much problems, except some polished tiles were laid in front of the shrine. We said the tiles may be removed if possible. Apart from that we observed many inner vimanams and gopurams were plastered with cement and the tell tale signs of overburdened pillars cracking were oblivious signs of fatigue, which needs to be attended too. Sand blasting had cleaned off many intricate carvings of most of the sculptures in the pillars, but the recent renovation committee claimed that sand blasting was done during the earlier Kumbabhishekam!

Worst part, many murals which had bulged and cracked, had been filled with lime mortar by some generous sthapathi! Leave alone this pathetic way of filling the murals, he had also patched the flooring with the paintings in many places along the corridors where the murals were available within the temple Gopuram.

Is it ignorance or negligence? Only the incumbent Lord Sathyavaheeswara knows! We had offered our services for photo documentation and proper restoration to the village temple committee and are awaiting their answers.

The photos here are self explanatory!

The surprise part of this tour came somewhere else, and those spots were Pappankulam and Sermadevi. Let's see in the next blog these surprises!

Latest update of Uttaramerur temple

2011-08-25T22:41:00.001-07:00

The construction is almost over, and the compound wall is now raising up.

See the photos here

Stone Vimana temple lying in ruins..

2011-08-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

Go on Bangalore Highway, off. Ocheri, some 7 kilometers you will land at Pudhur Village. Interestingly en-route to this breathtaking Vikrama Chola Temple (1118 AD), you come across 2 Shiva Temples and a Vishnu Temple belonging to the Nayaka Period, also lying uncared and in ruins.

Cross Palar river where sand quarrying with Dippers are going on, on the pretext of excavating land for building a bridge...

And you suddenly come across this Beauty lying amidst a Sugar Cane field...

Here They Are

Ramesh Shivan, an ardent shiva devotee, working in T.N. E.B, who mobilizes Uzavarappani groups for cleaning temple in and around Kanchipuram, is keen on seeing this temple back in shape. People please contact reach.foundation.india@gmail.com for donations, to renovate this beautiful temple. 80G IT exemption available for all Indian donors.

Rare Bronzes revealed in Vepenjeri renovation.

2011-08-15T20:10:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday we unearthed rare bronzes in Vasthu Deva Pathi Sowmya Narayana Perumal temple, which we are renovating from scratch. The report in TOI and the photo links are here for you to see:

Rare Bronze sculptures unearthed at Vepenjeri Prumal Temple during excavation.
Please click on the following link to read the item:

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQ0gvMjAxMS8wOC8xNiNBcjAwNDAy&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
Comment: ECR temple Bronze excavation

For AOL users: http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQ0gvMjAxMS8wOC8xNiNBcjAwNDAy&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom">http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQ0gvMjAxMS8wOC8xNiNBcjAwNDAy&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom

And the photos are here taken soon after the excavation

And here is BBC Tamil's interview and photos on this finding.

Save ancient Early Chola temples - article in Dinamalar

2011-06-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

The article in Times of India dated 7th June 2011

is here.

Poigainallur - The first ever stone temple?

2011-05-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

We came across last year this temple in Poigainallur, on the Chennai Bangalore Highway, not to be confused with the Korakka Sidar's Poigainallur, which is mentioned as the Paadal Petra sthalam (meaning in Tamil, the place sung by the Saivaite saints). Member Lakshminarayanan, an ardent devotee and temple renovator prefers to call this small temple as the real Paadal petra sthalam, which is closer to Kanchi, the land of temples. The Chandikeswara sculpture here looks too old (at least 1400 years old?) which also drives home the point, that this temple is the few of the first made Katrazhi ( கற்றளி) in the combination style with the middle layer being brick, lime mortar?

Our choice also would be the same, as this temple is exactly on an imaginary line, if drawn from Kanchi to Thiruvalangadu. Imagine the saints walking from Kanchi towards Thiruvalangadu, would have never missed this spot! The flaked stone has slight reminiscences of some inscriptions, and the stones and the construction has clear signs of early period work. Regrouping these stones and raising the foundation would be a week's job, and we're aiming at that! REACH wishes to complete restoring this temple within this May 2011.

Then comes another temple may be some 150 years old, but is also in ruins. This is a private property and we believe the brothers would come to terms, to re-build this temple soon.

The surprise package of the village is this relief panel, in which all devatas come and Epigrapher Shri. S. Ramachandran says that this is a very rare panel and is the earliest forms of worship which proves the antiquity of the village. This panel was kept in obscure place in a Kali temple which also had some sculptures belonging to the Sapthamatrika set, few of them missing.

Photos are here to see.

Kidangarai - Ancient Pallava temple revealed

2011-05-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

Those who were not following the earlier posts see

Now with a small team of locals lead by our excavator Shri. Parandaman, the trees were safely cut and removed. The Shiva Linga could be seen well. A west facing Pallava Temple, fully built with brick was exposed and the excavation is on. A small budget of Rs. 10.00 lakhs is estimated for rebuilding this temple using similar styled brick mortar and we seek help from all to complete this project. By Deva Prasnam, an interesting aspect got revealed. The Lord is named RuNa Hara Iswar meaning One who removes debts and the Ambal, as AbarNa again meaning remover of debts. The two ponds nearby were revealed as RuNa hara theertham and Dana AGarshana Theertham,interestingly meaning a dip in one will get rid of your debts and the dip in the other gets you wealth!

Last Saturday was Shani Pradosham. This year is marked with this one and the only Sani pradosham. We had elaborate Puja done by the villagers and all had opportunity to do Abhishekam on the Linga. A wonderful site to see.

The Photos after tree removal are here to see.

Kamarasavalli temple renovation now in REACH's hands

2011-04-16T02:34:00.000-07:00

News in Times of India dated 21st April 2011

We are happy to announce that the famous Kamarasavalli temple renovation work has been given to REACH FOUNDATION by Sri Balambika Seva Samithi and the Mahalakshmi Charitable Trust of Chennai, who are known for their renovation efforts. Our stressing the temple renovators to maintain the heritage values and aesthetics have now borne fruits and now both the trusts are joining hands. The effort is spear headed by none other than Dr T. Satyamurthy on the technical front and on the execution and planning by our own Sundar Bharadhwaj @SPS!

His company would take up the construction work and anything which comes beyond the budgeted estimate by the Mahalakshmi Charitable trust would be hopefully done by REACH and other heritage enthusiasts and lovers.

A puja is to be performed in Kamarasavalli on 20th by noon 11 AM. Those who wish to join this coconut breaking ceremony may please do attend and we all together pray the almighty to give us strength and wealth to sustain and complete this land mark goal.

Thanks to Mahalakshmi Charitable Trust for entrusting this conservation work to us. Civil engineers, structural engineers and architect members who want to join this effort for some decent earnings which also would give you an opportunity to work on heritage conservation may write a private email to REACH to: reach.foundation.india@gmail.com, showing their consent for this work, and also explain their skill set.

A brief with photographs is given below, on and about Kamarasavalli.

Kamaravalli Chaturvedimangalam which is now known as Kamarasavalli is located in Trichi District on the northern bank of the Coleroon (Kollidom), 22.5 km from Kilappaluvur, in Lalgudi-Tanjavur route.

Located in Ariyalur taluk, via Thirumanur. Pin code – 621715. The Temple must have existed during the period of Aditya in brick structure and in stone during Rajaraja period.

Latitude
:11.177

Longitude
:78.83949

Pin Code
:621715

District
:Ariyalur

State
:Tamil Nadu

The presiding deity is known by different names in different periods. If he was called Tirunallur Mahadeva in the 10th century, later he came to be called Karkotakesvaram Udaiya Nayanar. The Godess is Balambigai.
According to the sthala purana, Karkkodga worshipped the Lord here. The legend also says that King Parikshit cursed the Great Serpant,Karkodaka. Suffering from serious illness worshipped the
The temple faces east. The main temple has a tri-tala vimana with round sikhara. Its adhistana (basement) and garbha grha are of stone. The superstructure is of brick and mortar. The garbha griha is 4.9 M square in area.
The ardhamandapa projects 7.3 M forward. There is a later mukha mandapa as well. On the external walls of the garbha griha are panels of miniature sculptures (friezes) of fine workmanship.
There are sculptural representations of various deities in the deva koshtas of the temple.These include Ganapathy, Agasthya, Ardhanareeswara, Lingodbhavar, Kankalamurti, Bhikshatanar, Brahma, Durga .
There are sub-shrines for Ganapathy, Subrahmonia and Chandeswarar. There is an Amman Sannidhi in the forecourt which is a later addition during the Pandya hegemony in 14th century.
The temple has many palm sized miniatures representing sivalila.
In the north-east corner adjoining the main mukhappu (facade) of the temple, there is a Koothambalam stage, beyond which there is a tunnel (which is closed now).
Inscriptions
Kamarasavalli Epigraphs:

ARE 61 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the north wall of the central shrine in the Karkotakesvara temple. Records in the seventeenth year of the Chola king Parakesarivarman alias Rajendra Choladeva ( AD 1039) gift of land to the temple of Tirunallur Mahadeva.

ARE 62 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the same wall. An incomplete record of the Chola king Rajakesarivarman alias Rajarajadeva I, dated in his twentieth year, Kanya, Wednesday, Krittika, corresponding to 20th September, A.D. 1004. Mentions an assembly of eighty persons.

ARE 63 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the same wall. Records in the twenty-ninth year (AD 1014) of the Chola king Rajarajakesarivarman alias

Rajarajadeva I gift of fifteen kalanjus of gold for a lamp to the temple of Tirunallur Mahadeva at Kamarasavalli-chaturvedimangalam, a brahmadeya in Mirai-kurram which was a subdivision of Vadagarai-Rajendra-sirhha-valanadu.

ARE 64 /1914. (Tamil.) On the same wall. Records in the twenty-sixth year of the Chola king Rajaraja-Rajakesarivarman (Rajaraja I) gift of ten kalanjus of gold to the temple treasury for a lamp to Mahadeva of Tirukkarkotakisvaram at Tirunallur in Kamaravalli-chaturvedimarigalam, a brahmadeya in Virai-kurram.

ARE 65 /1914. (Tamil.) Sakkiyar Koothu on Thiruvadhirai:

On the same wall. Dated in the reign of the Chola king Parakesarivarman alias Udaiyar Sri Rajgndra-Choladeva I. Records in his twenty-ninth year, Rishabha, Wednesday, Ardra, RY 21 corresponding to May 6, A.D. 1041, gift of land by the great assembly of Kamarasavalli-chaturvedimarigalam to Sakkai Marayan VikramasOlan for performing the dance (Sakkai kuttu) thrice on each of the festivals Margali-tiruvadirai and Vaigasitiruvadirai.

Interestingly Margali Thiruvadhirai is also the natal star of Rajendra 1.

ARE 66 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the north, west and south walls of the same shrine. A record of the Chola king Rajakesarivarman alias Tribhuvanachakravartin Kulottunga-Choladeva I. Records in his twenty-seventh year, Tula, su. di. 10, Sunday, Satabhishaja, corresponding to(18th October 1097), gift of land for a flower garden by the assembly of Kamaravalli-chaturvedimarigalam, a brahmadeya in Viraikurram which was a subdivision of – Jaya vindoha Chola valanadu. The land had been waste and it was now given for the garden tax-free, and the assembly resolved to bear the burden in case the tax (irai) was levied.

ARE 67 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the west wall of the same shrine. Records in seventeenth year Chola Rajaraja III( Ad 1213) a sale of land in Vannam alias Madhurantakanallur, a devadana village belonging to the temple of Karkotisvaram-Udaiyar, in Virai-kurram, a subdivision of Vikrama-sola-valanadu.

8 . ARE 68/1914. (Tamil.) Akkaradilai On Thiruvadhirai: On the same wall. Records in the fifteenth year of the Chola king Rajaraja-Rajakesarivarman (Raja raja I) gift of land for the offering of akkaradalai on the festival day of Margali-tiruvadirai.

ARE 69 of 1914. (Tamil.) Margahzhi Archanai with Lotus:On the same wall. A record of the Chola king Rajaraja-Rajakesarivarman alias Rajarajadeva 1 records in his twenty-second year, Dhanus, su. di. 9, Monday, Revati, gift of tanks and ponds by the Mahasabha for supplying red lotuses daily during the month of Dhanus to the Mahadeva temple. The date corresponded to December 2, A.D- 1006.

9.ARE 70 of 1914. Sandal paste for every Kala Puja: (Tamil.) On the same wall. Records in the twenty-fourth year of Rajakesarivarman alias Raja-Rajarajadeva I gift of 4 mas of land for sandal paste (l pala every sandi) to Tiru-
nallur-Mahadeva of the temple of Tirukkarkotisvaram at Kamara (sa0 valli-chaturvedimarigalam by a native of Priyadhlramarigalam.

10.ARE 71 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the same wall. Records in seventeenth year and thirty-seventh day of king Rajarajadeva (III) a sale of land. .

11.ARE 72 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the west and south walls of the same shrine. A record of the Chola king Parakesarivarman alias Rajendra-Choladeva I, dated in his eighth year, Tula, Friday 9, Sravana, corresponding to October 9, A.D. 1019. Records gift of land. The assembly is stated to have met at the temple of Sri-
Kayilasamudaiyar in this village.

12. 73 /1914. (Tamil.) On the same walls. A record of the Chola king Rajakesarivarman alias Tribhuvanachakravartin
Kulotturiga-Choladeva I, dated in his twenty-sixth year, Makara, su. di, 13, Thursday, Ardra (=January 10, A. D. 1096). The assembly makes provision for festivals and sri-bali in the temple of Sri- Kailasa alias Rajendrasola-Isvaramudaiyar. It resolved that one kuruni of paddy from irrigated fields, one kuruni from lands grow-
ing varagu and sesame one nut from every kamugu and one lamp-oil from the owners of every manai was to be collected from the village.

13. 74 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the south wall of the same shrine. Dated in the reign of the Chola king Rajaksarivarman.
Records in his fifth year, Makara, Friday, Punarvasu, gift of land for Chitari, Akil, Sandal, camphor Neriyasam for fumigation,by Balasiriya-Bhattan Sllan Kuttan of Adanar, a devadana and brahmadeya in Innambarnadu.

14. 75 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the same wall. Records gift of two stones by Kadan Adigal of Arunalur.

15. 76 of 1914. Samaveda during Abhishegam during Margazhi thiruvadhirai.(Tamil.) On the same wall. Records in the thirteenth year of the Chola king Rajaraja-Rajakesarivarman, " who destroyed the ships at salai " (Rajaraja I) gift of fifteen kalanjus of gold, the interest on which was to be given to those who recited the Talavakarasamaveda on the day of Tiruvadirai in the month of Margali before the God's bath. Details of the
method of recitation given.

16. 77 of 1914. (Tamil.) Amavasya Bhojanam:On the same wall. Records in the seventeenth year of the Chola king Rajaraja-Rajakesarivarman (Rajaraja I) gift of gold for the midday offerings by the madhyastha of the village on the new-moon days. Kamaravalli-chaturvedi mangalam is mentioned as a brahmadeya in Vadagarai Rajaraja-
valanadu.

17. 78 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the same wall. A record of the Chola king Parakesarivarman, dated in his ninth year, Dhanus, Thursday, Krittika. Registers gift of land for conducting the services of sribali and tiruppalli eluchchi. Mentions Kodandarama vaykkal.

18. 790/1914. (Tamil.) On the north wall of the mantapa in front of the same shrine. Records that the mantapa was constructed by Araiyan Tiruvararigamudaiyan Appaninum-nalla Sembiyadaraiyan of Pudukkudi.

19. 80 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the same wall. A record of the Chola king . . . Chakravartin Vikrama-Choladeva(
1135). Records in his fourteenth year gift of land. Built in at the end. Mentions that Venkadan Pandararigamudaiyan alias Neriyudaichchola Pallavarayar, a native of a village in Marudadunadu, a subdivision of Venkunrakottam in Jayarigondasola-mandalam, was also present in the assembly.

20. 81 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the same wall. A record of the Chola king Parakesarivarman alias Tribhuvanachakravartin
Vikrama-Choladeva (11 35) in his fourteenth year, relating gift of ten kalanjus of gold for a lamp to the temple of Tirukkarkodaisvaramudaiya-Nayanar at Kamarasavalli-chaturvedimarigalam in Viraikurram, a subdivision of Vikramachola-valanadu.

21. 82 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the south wall of the same mantapa. An incomplete record of the Chola king Tribhuvana-
chakravartin Kulothunga Choladeva (I), dated in his fiftieth year. Records gift of money for three lamps. States that Kamarasavalli- chaturvedimarigalam was a brahmadeya in Viraikurram, a sub-division of Vadagarai UlaguyyavandasOla-valanadu.

22. 83 /191 4. Thamboolam for Ardha Jamam:Tamil. On the same wall. Records in the tenth year of the Chola king Tribhuvanachakravartin Kulotturnga Choladeva (III), " who was pleased to take Madurai (Madura), " gift of money for a lamp and midnight offerings and for betel- leaves, areca-nuts, a knife (kilikatti) and a pair of scissors to the
God and Goddess by a native of Alarigudi.

23. 84 /1914. (Tamil.) On the same wall. Records in the fiftieth year of the Chola king Rajakesarivarman alias Tribhu-
vanachakravartin Kulotturiga-Choladeva I, gift of land for worship by the assembly to the temple of Ti ruvagattisvaram udaiya - Mahadeva at Valavan-Puliyarigudi *in Vadagarai-Ulaguyyavan- dasola-valanadu. Mentions the irrigation channels Kodandarama- peruvaykkal and Avanigandharva-vaykkal.

24. 85 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the same wall. Records in fourth year of the Chola king Vikrama-Choladeva gift of money
for a lamp to the temple of Tirukkarkoti-lsvaramudaiyar at Kamadavalli-chaturvedimarigalam in Miraikorram, a subdivision of Jeyavinoda-valanadu.

25. 86 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the same wall. Records that Araiyan Tiruvararigamudaiyar alias Sembiyadaraiyar of Pudukkudi covered this mantapa with flat tiles.

26. 87 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the same wall. Dated in the reign of the Chola king Rajakesarivarman alias Tribhuvana-
chakravartin Kulottunga-Choladeva II. Records in his third year, Simha, su. di. 12, Thursday, Sravana (= August 22, A.D. 1135), gift of land for two lamps.

27. 88 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the east wall of the first prakara of the same temple. Records in the tenth year of the
Pandya king Jatavarman Tribhuvanachakravartin Vira-Pandya- deva assignment of certain customs duties on articles of merchandise for repairs to the temple of Tirukkarkotisuramudaiya-Nayanar at Kamadavalli-chaturvedimarigalam, by the people of the eighteen countries and the seventy-nine valanddits.

28. 89 of 1914. (Tamil.) Saturday Oil Bath: On the entrance into the gopura of the same temple, right side. Records in the twenty-second year of the Chola king Tribhuvanachakravartin Rajarajadeva, gift of oil by the oil merchants for bathing the God with it, on Saturdays.

29. 90 0/1914. (Tamil.) In the same place. Records in the sixteenth year of the Chola king Tribhuvanachakravartin Raja- rajadeva, gift of a silver forehead-plate by a native.

30. 91 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the same entrance, left side. A record of the Chola king Tribhuvanachakravartin Rajarajadeva, III. Records in his nineteenth year, Vrischika, su. di. II, Wednesday, Satabishaj, corresponding to October 4, A.D. 1234 , gift of oil for lamps.

31. 920/1914. (Tamil.) On the east wall of the Ganapati shrine in the same temple. Records in the eleventh year of the
Chola king Tribhuvanachakravartin Rajarajadeva that the assembly of Kamadavalli-Chaturvedimarigalam arranged to have the village administration (grama-karya) attended to by those who consented to vacate their seats by the year, according to the old custom.

32. 93 of 1914. (Tamil.) On the north wall of the same shrine. A record of the Chola king Tribhuvanachakravartin
Rajendra Choladeva II. Records in his fourteenth year, Vrischika, ba. di. 5, Thursday, Punarvasu ( = November 6, A.D. 1259), gift of land for maintaining a flower-garden to the temple of Kamadavalli-chaturvedimarigalam in Virai-kurram in Vadagarai-Vikrama Chola-valanadu.

33. 94 /1914. (Grantha and Tamil.) On the same wall. Records in the fifth year of the Hoysala king Pratapachakravartin Vira-Somesvara that the king in settling the dispute between the temple managers and a private individual regarding the ownership of the village Vannam alias Madhurantaka-nallur, decided that it should be enjoyed as a temple property.

34. 95 /1914. (Tamil.)Sambandar Madam: On the east, north and west walls of the Chandikesvara shrine in the same temple. A record of the Chola king Tribhuvanachakravartin Rajendra-Choladeva, dated in his twelfth year . . . su. di., Friday. Registers gift of land to the Tirujnanasambandan-tirumadam by Kunrarikilan Tiranavukkarasu- devan, a native of Urrukkattu-kottam .

35. 95 1914. (Tamil.) On the east, north and west walls of the Chandikesvara shrine in the same temple. A record of the Chola king Tribhuvanachakravartin Rajendra-Choladeva, dated in his twelfth year . . . su. di., Friday. Registers gift of land to the Tirujnanasambandan-tirumadam by Kunrarikilan Tirana vukkarasudevan, a native of Urrukkattu-kottam in JayarigondasOla-nianda- lam and a devotee of the temple.

Gurukkal stays in the temple. No Vahanam.

Contact person – Mr V Raghunathan of Sri Balambika Seva Samithi, who stays in Mumbai. 09867792299.

Special Info:Appar Bronze with cymbals in hand – dated to 10th Century by DR R Nagaswamy.

Photos taken by member Shriram during his visit there.

Contact person in REACH FOUNDATION: J. Chandrasekaran: 944444 1181

Andhra Pradesh Temple visits - 2

2011-04-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

February 17, 18 and 19 -2011.

Visits to Dharmalingeswara group of Temples in Darupalam, Vishnu temple at Srikurmam, Narasimhaswamy temples at Simmachalam and again to Mangalagiri.

The Dharmalingeswara group of temples are totally neglected temples belonging to the late 11th to 14th centuries and are in constant threat due to the illegal mining happening in the hillocks that surround the temple valley.

Floors have moved away, pillars falling apart and the inscriptions gleefully white washed for ages. All this were highlighted during the joint visit done with the local Dharmalingeswara trust personnel and the endowments department officials.

Thanks to Chilkur Rangarajan and Shri. Vizag Dhiwakar deserve praises and thanks for bringing this temple to our attention and to that of the AP endowments department. The Commissioner had shown special interest and has promised help soon.

Here are the photos of Dharmalingeswara temple Dharupalam.

The problems were common feature in other temples we visited. Srikurmam, Mangalagiri etc. Heavy weather coarse, white wash and heavy usage of modern materials. If these are removed and original structures brought back to life, we can save all these temples.

In Srikurmam, the murals of Oriyan style exist only in this temple, not even in Orissa! They must be at least 300 years old and electrical wiring and white wash all around were marring the beauty of this temple. The mandapa also had heavy weather coarse.The Roads department were to renovate using modern materials and God sake, we went there a day before, to stop the tendering process of the modern renovation! We thank Srikurmam Vishnu for this endeavour. The star turtles also are bred in this temple vicinity and the forest department was forcing few enthusiasts to send the turtles to the forest. Luckily a recent court order has made the tortoises stay back in this temple, having the typical Oriyan style of temple architecture.

Shri. Dhandapani the ASI engineer, and the team climbed atop the mandapa to dig and expose a small portion of the heavy weather coarse to prove that the dead lime is still inside, cement had not blend with the weathering and worst, vegetation roots have spread inside and were playing havoc in breaking away the structures!

Srikurmam photos are here to see

Simhachalam temple is well maintained except for the heavy weather coarse we explained earlier. Some stitching of the North Western pillars of the sanctum also needs to be done. Otherwise, we can proudly say that this is one of the well maintained temples in AP, with minimum alterations and modernization.

Here are the Simhachalam photos.

During our Tirupathi workshop we had visited the Vakulamma temple in the Tirupathi Bangalore Highway, just located at the outskirts of the Tirupathi town. Sad plight and the temple atop a small granite hillock is left hanging, as there is no way to climb up and reach the temple. The Vimana and the Gopura seen from below show the masterly work done by the Vijayanagara craftsmen in lime which is still intact, in spite of abandonment and growth of vegetation. heavyquarrying is going on all around and like a rat eats away all the crumbs around a big bun, the merciless quarry men have broken and chipped of huge chunks of granite from all around, and the temple is left high and dry, literally. When Venkateswara is happy in Tirumala and Tirupathi, his hapless mother Vakulamaligai alias Vakulamma is left sobering in this temple atop this cliff, always surrounded by the hounding 'click click sound of chisels and hammers all throughout the day and night :( Will the endowmenys board save this temple, make a way to go atop and start poojas there?

Photos of Vakulamma Devi temple, Tirupathi

Hope the trips, reports and the action to be taken by the endowments department will save the temples mentioned above.

The Andhra Pradesh temple visits -1

2011-04-14T05:15:00.000-07:00

Moopidevi, Machilipatnam and Mangalagiri visits:

January 26th Dr T Satyamurthy the founder and PRO Chandrasekaran visited the Moopidevi Subrahmanya temple, another devi temple at Machilipatnam and the Mangalagiri Narasimhaswamy temple.

In Moopidevi temple, modernization was done to the maximum way and the temple plinth has sunk below the ground level of the current tar road on its front. So the tiles has not allowed the rain water to seep through and normally stagnates.

REACH suggested that the plinth around the sanctum at least be exposed and a bridge like entry point be given around to go into the sanctum. Water should be allowed to seep into the ground and not stagnate.

In the devi temple, the renovation is done by utmost care by the temple authorities, the royal family from Machilipatnam, related to our REACH AASAI Chairman, Shri. Ravi Sam.

In Mangalagiri temple, the front tower at the temple blow the hillock, needs to be exposed, by removing the additional weights like cement flooring of each tier, the huge sign boards and the signage done at the footage of the tower. This would save the Gopura, as old as that of the ill-famed Kalahasti temple.

The front mandapa also needs rectification. The heavy weather coarse wrongly done needs to be removed and relaid using lighter lime mortar and to a minimal level.

We again visited Mangalagiri temple on the 19th of February along with ASI staff who are honorary advisors in REACH too. They studied the Gopura and strictly recommended removal of additional materials and expose the original wooden structure with which the whole Gopura has been built. Plans are also afoot to build the Gopura on the East side too with the help of structural engineers consulting from the IIT.

Here are the photos.

Moopidevi temple

Devi Temple, Machilipatnam

Mangalagiri

Heritage Symposium 2011 in Tirunelveli

2011-04-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

The symposium on dos and don’ts of temple cleaning and conservation, restoration, to educate and create an awareness among the temple cleaners (Uzavarappani members) from various parts in and around Tirunelveli was conducted on 27^th March 2011, in Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu.

The venue was Sri Sringeri Sharadha Kalyana Mandapam, at Sivapuram Street near the Tirunelveli Railway Station. This Mandap, run and maintained by the Sringeri Mutt had a good ambience and the facilities were good. The Mandapa’s Dharmadigari, Shri. Nataraja Iyer and Shri. Kasi Viswanathan the coordinator from the Mutt charged us a very nominal fee for electricity and cleaning, informed to all the media men and had sent invitations for their members to utilize this opportunity to know more on temple conservation. They had also put a huge digital banner for this occasion.

REACH members hailing from this region popularly called as Tirunelveli Seemai in Tamil, Shri. Kalakkad S.S. Mani and Shri. R.Ramsundar @ Chandru (who also showed us his ancestral house in Kallidaikurichi) were the coordinators for planning and executing this function with precision and élan.

25^th night we had the right starter to unfold more interesting things to come. Trustee P.N. Subramanian and his wife, Mrs. Anu Subramanian were relaxing in their home misreading the return ticket time and hardly had 20 minutes to reach the station. Quick brain storming made us tell them they better reach Tambaram, as the train would be there in half an hour’s time, after leaving Egmore. As luck would have it, or call God’s golden hand (like Maradona’s Golden hand in the football world cup match) somebody had pulled the emergency chain in the compartment to make a running couple join their kid who was in the train! So, the train started from Egmore some 7 minutes late, which was good enough for our leading pairs of this story to catch up in Tambaram!

The driver of Mr. PNS was more confident and he drove like the auto rickshaw driver seen in the James bond Advertisement in Manila driving an auto rickshaw through mad crowds!

PNS was praying that his new car does not incur a huge bill for that race driving and other experienced members who own cars assured Toyota makes would never wear down that badly and he can cherish his moment of thrill and suspense and not worry about the car! Anu was feeling like she enacted an unbelievable climax scene and never thought she could make it to the D-day!

26^th March, Saturday morning we reached Tirunelveli junction and were accommodated at the Kalyana Mandapam itself. We had planned for a one day heritage trip to cover both important temples as well as some dilapidated temples which need care.

We first went to Chermadevi, (as spelt by history enthusiast Muhammad Ali, a retired teacher who is spending his life on such temples and their history, a native of this small hamlet). There is Bhaktavatsala Temple, well maintained by the ASI, belonging to Chola (Rajendra -1, 1012- 1041), patronized by later Pandyas as well as the Vijayanagara and Nayaks as well. We spent some time analyzing the structures and epigraphs in the temple. As usual Epigraphist Ramachandran was at his best reading out some rare epigraphs for us. The deity, standing alone is a rarity and had the sure marks of a late Nayaka sculpture, but locals say the sculpture would have been replaced later. The standing Vishnu has a serpent hood above his head. The Maha Mandapa has a safe room on its floor, and members Chandra, Ramsundar, Ramnath and Gopalan braved to go in and come out. Epigraphist Ramachandran, as ever, young in mind, also went in. The height of the safe room was hardly 2.5 feet and the width by length some 8 x 6 feet. As people keep telling that there is a tunnel leading to another temple or city, which is mostly untrue, normally such rooms were made to save the jewels and main deities from invaders, which were nothing but ancient locker rooms!

Dr. T. Satyamurthy reminded his earlier days, when he and K.K. Ramamurthy used to walk a long path and struggle through the ruins of this temple to locate parts and pieces, for restoring them. Today it is remains a temple worth the visit and has all the typical ASI trademark, spick and span. While coming from Tirunelveli to Chermadevi, another temple just opposite to the location of this Bhaktavatsala temple, a Vishnu temple stands out for showing as an example, of HOW NOT TO RENOVATE A TEMPLE! Funded by some local corporate, the renovators were using all materials that are taboo for heritage stuff, like acrylic paints, heavy cementing and finally a gory look. We did not have hearts to go into the temple, fearing we may get into fist fights with those who were renovating. So much for the passion of our REACH members on preserving heritage with all its original ingredients!

After this visit, we went to Ramasamy Temple located in Chermadevi itself, which Mr. Muhammad Ali was talking about. Liberally coated with white wash and renovated some years ago with loads of heavy cemented brick bats and weather course, this temple needs immediate cleaning and then documenting. The ceilings of the Mahamandapa have all the scenes of Ramayana sculpted in granite and those were also not spared, with white wash! There is a single pillar with Rama, Seetha and Hanuman sculpted within itself. The front fascia of the temple dwara also has some interesting sculptures like calf and cow, frog, snake etc. Wonder why these were carved atop at such vintage point!

By noon, we proceeded to Thirupudaimarudur which stands majestically besides the river Tamirabarani. Photographs inside the temple were strictly not allowed, which makes enthusiasts not get an opportunity to share the beauty of this temple in full through internet. But the seven tiered Gopuram has plenty of mural paintings which have many interesting paintings starting from mythology till recording the trading of various countrymen through Indian seas. The colours, the shades used to show different races, men, their clothing and style is mind boggling.

Among the wooden carvings seen in this tower, one may miss out the famous mysterious siddha if one does not see the miniatures carved atop carefully. Men, animals, gods and apsaras all in one go need more than a day to understand and assimilate the beauty into our minds.

The noon lunch was ready at the spacious guest house of retired Chief Justice Shri. Ratnavel Pandian, the first REACH Heritage awardee, who hails from this village. Tress of all shades and fruits abandoned painted storks nurtured and bred here are a sight to see. We had hands full of Gooseberries picked from the farm house.

After this we went to Kallidaikurichi to see the streets were the shooting of the anniyan song, “Andan kakka kondai kari”, in which the first house belongs to the family of our member Ram Sundar.

Then we proceeded to Adichanallur where remains to get excavated further to unearth the sites enormity of size and civilization, once existed. The site predominantly was a burial sites, which had three tire of burial done. After Alexander Rhea in 1906 it was our founder T.Satyamurthy who excavated this site during his service with the ASI, to find out many remnants of bye-gone civilization. The dates are similar to that of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. He and Mr. Ramachandran lamented that the huge site, across the road also needs to be unearthed and also some 54 other sites in and around this region to expose fully the antiquity of this region. Unfortunately neither the central nor the state archaeology departments force the Government to fund for such projects of international importance. Just before leaving the site, we saw the upper rim of a buried pot, but due to paucity of time, we had to rush further. One day may be one group of REACH members would excavate this site!

Then we went to Sri Venkatachalapathy Temple at Krishnapuram, known for its famous pillar sculptures. Sad part, the watchman acted very peculiar, opposing us taking snaps of the famous pillar sculptures, but we were wondering how come the photos are very much available in the internet!

The mythology the watchman was pouring out was mostly fictious and had nothing in tune with the real facts from the figures. After persuaded efforts and giving him our credentials and contacts, including the HR&CE commissioner himself, he relented and allowed us to photograph.

The front Mandapa also has some beautiful sculptures of Rathi, Manmatha and warriors. Sand blasting done recently had its own loss, as well as thick oil was smeared on the sculptures to mask the ill-effects the sand blasting.

The night was spent by few members by arranging chairs, tying banners and a fortunate few who had their forty winks intact!

There was a press note on Saturday 26^th March in the vernacular Tamil Dinamalar, detailing about proposed heritage wardens’ meet.

Again the in the morning, few went to the Nellaiappar temple and few served around to make last minute arrangements. Heritage wardens started to turn up as early as 8 a.m.

The reception and registration was taken by the Tirunelveli conveners. Registration of new members and data on old dilapidated temples in and around the district were also recorded in separate papers.

After lightening the kuthivilaku by the chief guests, the meeting started off with an invocation by Shri. Senthilandavan Ayya, a senior Uzavarappani member from Nagercoil.

Dr. T.Satyamurthy, REACH founder welcomed all members on behalf of REACH and gave a brief on how REACH is imparting knowledge to the rural folks and creating awareness on how to restore and maintain heritage temples. He also emphasized that if the old building materials were available, the cost also would be minimal, only involving skilled ASI trained workers to re-lay the stone structures. On making lime sculptures around the Vimana one has to study the period, the style and replace them with similarly looking ones. He mentioned Tirunelveli as Purna Bhoomi and hence close to his heart.

The Nellai Chapter of REACH was opened officially by Sri Nambirajan in presence of other chief guests.

Sri Nambirajan, the Superintendant, of ASI Trichur Circle, also a native of Tirunelveli district was the Chief Guest. He shared his experiences in conservation by presenting a PowerPoint and also extended his help in giving consultation for those who sought his office’s help in technical expertise. The representatives of Sringeri Mutt, Shri. Natarajan and Shri. Kasi Viswanathan also addressed the gathering. They reminded us that the Sashtiabhdapoorthi of the Sringeri Seer, Shri. Bharathi Theertha Swamigal is being celebrated all across the globe and it was a coincidence and the almighty’s wishes that they had to collaborate with REACH to start the Tirunelveli Chapter to attend to dilapidated temples and monuments.

Shri. Kasi Viswanathan assured all his help and said that he had a list of temples in need, almost some 7000 temples, and was interested in sharing the data with REACH. He also had identified Sthapathis from local areas who work adhering to the Sastras and old architectural practice, and also at an affordable cost.

There was power point presentation by Shri J. Chandrasekaran, the secretary and P.R.O of REACH on the start and the current growth of REACH. He said it was a coincidence that the first Heritage wardens’ symposium was also conducted at Tatvaloka, again another body of the Sringeri Mutt, Teynampet, Chennai. His PowerPoint showed how negligence and official apathy spoilt the very basics of heritage conservation.

Shri Ramachandran, REACH historian and epigraphist, an authority on epigraphs insisted on how inscriptions depicted in various temples highlighted by him clearly explain the stanzas of the history and the deep knowledge the makers had in as well as in the temple history. He requested the restorers to at least appreciate the real methodology and the hard work the workers had put in those days, and not re-arrange the stones with which the temples were built.

Dr Padmanabhan, reminisced how at the instance of Dr T Satyamurthy, had started an information centre in Nagercoil. He lamented that the Pandya history is not well projected compared to the other famed Cholas and Pallavas.

Mr. Aravind Neelakanthan the editor of tamilhindu.com and the author of a twelve year researched book on fault line of Aryan Invasion, spoke how temples centric town planning were done and his powerpoint was bedecked with ancient texts and sketches.

Mohammad Ali of Chermadevi spoke of his interest in Hindu temples and their art and architecture marvels. Sri K.K. Ramamurthy Ex ASI Tirunelveli region shared his experiences

Sri Naveethakrishnan, an Uzavarappani enthusiast, from the village Eral cautioned the propaganda done by other religious heads and insisted the importance to prevent conversion to evolve a temple centric activity in all villages.

Shri. Kalakkad Chandrasekaran shared is experiences and invited Uzavarappani members to further do cleaning of their huge temple.

Sri Nellai Nedumaran could not make it to the function but had sponsored for the food expenses of this event.

In his concluding address, Dr T Satyamurthy on behalf of REACH thanked everybody who had made arrangements for the meeting, the participants and the guests of the function. He wished every member collect the data of all dilapidated heritage structures in this region and start working on them to enable us find out how best we can find solutions to renovate them. Shri. Durai, the member of Tamil Heritage Foundation, having their deep presence in the net, as a Google group called Mintamil, observed the proceedings along his enthusiastic wife. When we talked to them later, they revealed that this meeting opened their eyes in many fronts, and would surely chip in, being a civil contractor, on temple conservation more actively in days to come. He was the one to report on Manimurthiswaram Ganesh temple, as soon as we were back to our places!

Sri S.S. Mani of Kalakkad made the vote of thanks thanking everybody for their participation

After lunch, most members attended the live reporting on the dilapidated conditions, the reasons and the methods to renovate duly explained by K.K. Ramamurthy, Shri. Dhandapani, Shri. Nambirajan, all from ASI, Trichur, as well as by Dr. T. Satyamurthy himself.

The return on the same night by train to Chennai also had its share of climax! Mrs. Satyamurthy had not brought her ID card, but the Ticket examiner was generous enough to glance at passport of hers, got through the email of her daughter. Ramnath and SS Mani punched their laptops and wireless net cards to get the same in their emails, thanks to the frantic call of Dr T Satyamurthy to his daughter in US! Communication is the key to development and we saw that in real life experience! Did someone say 2G? We just heard it as 3 cheers, when the Ticket examiner agreed and walked away!

The photos taken by PRO Chandra, of the 26^th heritage trip are here to see.

Bakthavatsala Temple

Ramaswami Temple

Adichanallur

Kallidaikurichi

Thirupudaimarudhur

Krishnapuram

The photos of the function are here to see, courtesy Kallidaikurichi, "oye" Shri. Ramsundar@ Chandru :)

Another temple seeking restoration

2011-01-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

A crumbling treasure in Pullalur

It was almost noon and despite my folks showing various signals that it was past their endurance point, I was lost amidst the treasures of kanchi kailasanthar temple, when the jolt of my ( ok loan from Dad) samsung handphone brought me back to my senses.

“Vijay, come over on Kanchipuram Arakkonam route, am waiting near Tirumalpuram railway station. ” It was heritage enthusiast K.S. Shankaranarayanan. We were to go and try and cover the Early Chola temple in Tirumalpuram. Little did i realise what the rest of the day held in store for me. Halfway through, the landscape got the best of my brother’s ford and my folks. Quick decision to send them on their way back to chennai and i shifted to shankar’s vehicle. The next two hours was an amazing experience but that post will follow shortly, as what we witnessed later on during that day, churned our insides out. The image has been haunting me every since, and i sincerely hope and pray that there can be something that we can all collectively do to save this astounding structure from crumbling to dust.

What and where is this structure that i talk of ? Its an area that has surprisingly witnessed two historic battles. ofcourse, the name Pullalur, wouldn’t register as a Panipet would do, however a little flashback - for those who have read Kalki’s Sivagamiyin sabatham - thanks to Pavithra for the online English translation - am sure Sivagami & Gundotharan along with Pullikesi and Narasimha Pallava would come back to refresh our memories.

Sivagamiyin Sabatham - Battle at Pullalur

The site also witnessed an astounding defeat of the British by Tippu and the french in 1780 - read more from Sri Muthiah’s -

The story of Two Obelisks.

Ok, enough of the location, what you are going to see below is possibly a ….

No self publicity here. You will understand the reason for me posing here after a couple of progressive longer shots ! Now, where am ?

Hmm, lets zoom out a bit more.

We were actually returning after visiting the temples in worship in Pullalur, when from inside these bushes Shankar spotted this structure. When we enquired around, the villagers mentioned ” Oh, that’s our tonsured Vimana ( mottai Gopuram)”

It was only when we went nearer, that we could gauge the actual scale of this beauty.

The lower base has been subject to parasitic activity - obviously the bricks have been put to ` better’ uses.

The towering tower really started overpowering us with its imposing presence, like an aged warrior, despite its visible marks of valor, it still held its head high in the skies. We counted six tiers capped by a beautiful shikara ( the top dome is missing now)

There were still a few Sudhai ( lime & mortar) sculptures on the Vimana.

Despite all the destruction around it, centuries of obvious neglect spawning a profusion of vegetation eating into it - the real beauty of this Vimana came to us. What we cannot delivery today, with the best of engineering talent, machines, science, technology, advances in materials - this lonely edifice proclaimed its mastery in silence, with a profound sense of grief and overpowering sadness that enveloped us, touching a raw chord in our hears was its core, which revealed itself to us in a powerful manner as we stepped inside the Vimana.

The engineering skill of the ancients - it was still picture perfect, the sacred geometry of the tiers were still doing their duty. But in that, they seem to place an appeal to us. Duty bound to their task, despite the main deity not being present, they conveyed the essence of the Omnipresent. The Tamil equivalent of the central core of a temple is called the ” karu varai” which essentially means a mother’s womb - such a profound significance for a name and the selfless dedication that is associated with it. Can we do something in return?

http://www.poetryinstone.in/2011/01/04/a-crumbling-treasure-in-pullalur.html

Thanks to Vijay for bringing this to notice.

Cheruvi-Sricity-Temple-visit

2010-10-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

Sri City Developers who are owning a BIG S.E.Z site at outskrtis of tamilnadu border, on the Nellore Highway, at TADA, have a social responsibility team and their Chief Mr.Vishwanath invited REACH team to visit two ancient temples lying with their project site, in village Cheruvi for suggesting renovations.

We were happy to receive a warm welcome from the Sri City team as well as visit the site on October 9, 2010. Our PRO Chandrasekaran visited the site on behalf of REACH.

The temple tower is imposing and tall, but the maha mandapas, artha mandapas and sanctum sanctorum of the Vishnu temple there was in total dilapidated condition. Vegetation has grown over there and villagers claimed that the idols were shifted to some other temple, century ago! Except for the two dwarapalakas standing on either side of the Maha mandapa no sculptures were there! We were frantically checking for the signs for ascertaining the period of the temple, when to our joy found the boar, moon, sun and the sword symbol, which clearly states this to be aVijayanagara period temple, in one of the pillars!

Just close by, another Shiva temple, with the devi intact but the Shiva linga turned upside down was found and it is interesting to note that the builders, developers, Sri City owners themselves were keen on restoring these temples soon. A meeting with their M.D Shri.Reddygaru is awaited and after that we will keep you posted with the renovation/ restoration efforts soon!

Here is the slide show of the temples.

Chandra turns priest in Kidangarai!

2010-10-22T20:57:00.001-07:00

Pls see

http://reachactivities.blogspot.com/2010/10/chandra-turns-priest-in-kidangarai.html

Article in Pudaiya Thalaimurai on temples of South

2010-08-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

The Pudiya Thalaimurai magazine covered a cover article on the after effect of Kalahasti and the reporter had an elaborate article covering the trevails of Tamilnadu temples. Our founder Dr. T. Satyamurthy had given a detailed report as well as I (Chandra) shared the centre piece photo) of the cracked lintel stone of Varadaraja Perumal East tower, which is unfortunately not yet repaired, but only white wash (to our eyes?) is going on without mending the cracks.. Also, the claim of the IIT academician does not stand any weight. Negligence and use of cement to further add weight to the already cleaving Gopura is the root cause. The cover picture is of the Perumathur temple which I took while returning from the Chidambaram Symposium.

Please see the link here.

Pullamangai - the miniature marvel now becoming more worser

2010-08-02T00:26:00.000-07:00

Pullamangai @ Pasupathikoil, as it is called by the locals, situated next to Ayyampettai on the Kumbakonam - Tanjavur highway, is a treasure trove for iconography, sculpture, temple art and miniatre lovers. This temple was renovated with shoddy knowledge and now there are more vegetation seen than before. We from REACH saw this temple, before we went to Mathur, the temple at the forest, situated at stone's throw distance from this temple.

A Early Chola architecture, epitome of miniature art this Pullamangai temple, also a Padal Petra Sthalam (பாடல் பெற்ற ஸ்தலம்) will soon loose its beauty if we allow mindless renovations. Trees are now full grown, which needs immediate removal. The over-done terrace tiles should be removed and the scrappy 'Salas' done should be replaced with well carved stone Salas.

The latest photos taken at Pullamangai by Chandrasekaran the PRO of REACH and Shriram's photos en-route to Mathur Vishnu temple shows the state of affairs today.

Old blogs(1,2,3,4) from our Moderator Chandrasekaran and few other interesting blogs 1 & 2 explain this temple in detail, but allowing it to detoriate is a serious crime to the future generation and to the everlasting Chola fame. Any listeners?

Mathur- temple in a forest

2010-07-30T04:42:00.000-07:00

Mathur, near Pullamangai alias pasupathi Kovil, next to Ayyampettai on the Tanjore- Kumbakonam Highway, really is a place where a huge forest ad-measuring some 100 acres, keeps beneath its covers a huge Vijayanagara period Vishnu temple under its green covers! Until the retired Headmaster of the Ayyampettai school, Mr. Selvaraj told us, we were not aware such a huge temple would be lost in time.

Dr Satyamurthy, Chandra and Sriram the REACH team ventured into the forest to find to our greatsurprise and immense sadness the state of this brick temple. Led by the enthusiastic Head Master Mr. Selvaraj and his student, we have no words to describe this temple. They claim it is a private land, and we wonder how it can be? wither the archeaology department or the HR&CE department should look into taking possession and REACH is ready to restore this temple, which is believed to buried under sands when the mighty Cauveri changed tracks and flooded the entire Mathur area some 200 years before!

May be after Cauveri, Headmaster Selvaraj, it is the REACH team which bothered to enter and see the temple in such state of affairs!

REACH P.R.O Chandrasekaran sent his photos for you all to see

Member Sriram has sent his Picasa album for us to see...

Ruined Temple inside a Forest

pasupathi kovil -

25 juil. 2010
de Shriram

This small village is called Mathur near Pasupathi Kovil in Thanjavur District... (72 kms from Tiruchy). Here we discovered a ruined 80ft tall brick temple tower mid of a forest...it was interesting and adventurous to visit such a place and it was sad that such a huge temple is in ruined status :( here are some of the photos for you... shri

Message of Shriram:

Tekkalur Temple renovation

2010-06-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

All heritage enthusiasts and Vishnu bakthas are invited for the Vishnu Temple Samprokshanam (Kumbabhishekam) Consecration ceremony to be conducted on 24th of June 2010. The invitation is here for you all to see. This place is about 12 kilometres from Tiruttani bus stand.

REACH renovated this temple in record 30 days with a budget of just 1.60 lakhs. The committee is celebrating and also adding for for Corpus to maintain the temple and do nithya poojas for another 1.5 lakhs. Members may see the invitation for the details and do the needful.

Update as on July 2010: Please see the consecration ceremony photos HERE

REACH TEAM

Top priority in saving - need HELP

2010-06-14T01:37:00.000-07:00

Dear All,
Even though thousands of temple are in south India, few are very rare in terms of size, antiquity, rare artifacts, sculptures and mythology behind it.

We give below few rare and beautiful temples which need HUGE donors and philanthropists to take up. Many may belong to the said village or town, and they can bring back their ancestral temple back to glory. Most of them lie in and arounbd Kumbakonam and we think that one must have a permanent office at KUMBAKONAM to foresee renovation and have a technical team there planted at Kumbakonam if we really want to take up all these work in gusto. Any Kumbakonam residents may donate space for office to kick start these projects...

We prioritize in terms of magnitude of renovation work in that order, but in no way one is less important than the other, all need funds URGENTLY. Click on the temple's name, you'll be guided to the picasa photo album of the temple.

1. Thukkachi - Near Kuthanoor Saraswathi temple near Kumbakonam.

This is a 7 prahara mandapa temple with rare sculptures and the irony is the Swami is called Abadh Sahayeswarar (one who saves you from danger) but the temple of the Lord is itself in danger. Many hands have knocked the doors of ASI and state archeaology, we wonder why they do not take up such rare temple. A beautiful 6 feet tall Sarabeswarar (believed in modern days the one who will ward of court cases and legal problems to his devotee, myth has another story to say).

2. Kamarasavalli

The name suggests the meaning Essence of Love. But do anyone today really love heritage? If that is so, how can they see this temple crumbling before their eyes and also build a bad gaudy cement vimana over the shrine to further damage the site? Sculptures and icons, pillars are bound to be robbed off if care is not taken. Total re-estimation and renovation is a MUST

3. Manambadi

This is a never- miss temple on the Chennai Kumbakonam Highway where in this village comes just before another historical place called Sholapuram. This comes on the left when you travel from Chennai before entering Kumbakonam. The highways department had crudely cut through the high way across the temple but thank GOd this Rajendra Chola temple (900 years old) with inscriptions first time mentioning the word TAMIL and some eloquntly carved goshta devatas are lying uncared.

4. Poundareegapuram or Pundareengapuram, near Uppliappan Kovil, has some excellent goshta devathas, especially the Ardhanareeswara, Gajasamhara murthy and the breath taking Mahishasura Mardhini. Luckily the stones which have fallen apart are seen around and a full relaying of the weather coarse above the roof top needs a full re-lay up and pointing and grouting of the granite structure..

5.Periamarai which has the rare white stone Shiva Linga.

Those who care for our heritage please spread the word and start working towards funding on each project specifically. REACH has IT exemption (80-G) for Indian donors and for NRIs who can donate through their Indian friends and relatives.

Perumathoor a temple near Chidambaram

2010-06-11T00:26:00.000-07:00

Perumathoor Vishnu temple struck us by its imposing temple Gopuram making us wonder if it was made of trees! So muach vegetation and worser on closer look the base granite structures were stones pulled out from some other erstwhile Shiva temple and relaid to build the foundation of a Vishnu temple, ages before. So it seems wrong temple renovations happened earlier too :(

Now, when REACH members were returning from the symposium conducted for Uzavarappani members in Chidambaram, 0n 7-3-2010, the noon itinerary had this temple visit and live demonstration of how to use tree killer chemical to uproot vegetation on Gopurams and Vimanas. Now after taking it up for renovation, thanks to the effort of REACH Chidambaram chapter chief Mr. Aruneswaran, the M.D of Hotel Akshaya at East Car Street,. Chidambaram, the progress of removing trees and renovation has been rapid. The photos are here for you to see.

Compare with Perumathur Gopuram before the trees were removed... with the current status of the Gopuram after the trees were removed in May 2010 !

Efforts are on to constitute a local committee and then renovate with least cost..

REACH team

TEMPLES REVIVAL: Vepathur - Village Vishnu temple

2010-06-10T22:28:00.000-07:00

TEMPLES REVIVAL: Vepathur - Village Vishnu temple

http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/06/11/stories/2010061151440400.htm

Vepathur - Village Vishnu temple

2010-06-09T04:10:00.000-07:00

The antiquity and heritage value of a rich village lies in its contents. Compared to the University of Prayag (Allahabad) was another non-descript village in Tamilnadu, near Kumbakonam which boasted of the best University quoted in ancient texts! The greatest of all seers Kanchi Mahaswamigal, H.H. Shri. Chandrasekara Saraswathi mentions this in one of his lectures, Deivathin Kural (தெய்வத்தின் குரல்) and wonders who would unravel the mystery around the small hillock lying in this village. Indeed, he was the one who pointed out that the hillock is not what it is, but a submerged Vishnu temple of the pre-Pallava era (560 AD) and wished that some one would come and renovate the temple in its original style and glory. His prophecy had indeed come true that our founder Dr T. Satyamurty has now taken up the task of expediting, and re-exposing the huge three tiered Vishnu temple. Many findings were unraveled and the work is on... Members interested can have a visit to this village which is just 7 kms from Kumbakonam. This is what Dr Satyamurthy reports on this temple:

KANCHI SEER’S VISION ON VEPPATTUR

“Among the Educational and philosophical centers of Ancient India, Prayag, modern Allahabad in UP and Veppattur in Tamil Nadu stand as contemporary centers of par excellence during the early Pallava period” says the Kanchi Seer Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati. Besides other literary evidences, he bases his research on the ancient temple remains “Vittirunda Perumal Koil”(Vishnu temple) in the village datable to pre Mahendra Varman period (560CE). This brick temple constructed with out the use of stone indicates its earlier phase and remains of Pallava Paintings are still traceable in the main sanctum here. It was one of the well established Chaturvedi Mangalams that flourishes during Pallava, Chola and Vijaya Nagara period.

This may be the only known Pallava period brick temple in Chola mandalam as the Cholas converted all earlier brick temples to stone ones during their rule. Cholas and the Vijayanagara rulers also patronized the temple by embellishing the temple with mural paintings of their period. A lithic record Rajendra Chola datable to 1021 CE inscribed over the Ardhamandapa walls of Vedapurisvara temple at Thirukazhitittai, located in the adjacent village mentions this place as Vempattur, alias Sri cholamartandachadurvedi Mangalam.

(Deivatin Kural Part IV, pp 302-303 (1985) ,Chennai) & ARE 292 of 1908

Originally stucco seated Vishnu adorned the sanctum, but subsequently during 17^th CE probably it was found to be destroyed and replaced with a stone seated Vishnu. The reason for abandoning the temple is not known but in spite of even no care it survived all the natural calamities and vandalisms and stand in skeletal remains of the Pallava period.

It is remembered by the villagers that during the beginning of the last century the stone sculpture of Vishnu was brought down from the top of the sanctum to prevent its destruction from the falling temple. Sri Chandrasekhara Saraswati who visited the temple sometime during the middle of the last century wishes that the temple should be rebuilt. Again during 1990 there was another attempt to shift the stone sculptures to another temple and Mahaswamiji asked the villagers to shun away from such proposal and felt that it will be rebuilt with ancient glory and asked them to try all possibilities.

Recently the temple Renovation committee requested the REACH FOUNDATION to take up the conservation of this ruined temple. The HR& Ce department has given permission to the village committee headed by Shri.Srinivasan. On inspection it was found that the temple remains cannot be re conjectured as the original plan. Elevations are not traceable. As a preliminary step the debris are being cleared more scientifically to expose the remains. It is stupendous task as the debris are subjected to natural calamities like rain and heat and completely got buries under a blanket of accumulated earth. Very skillful digging only will bring back the original shape of the temple.

Initially even laborer was not ready to approach the temple and carry out retrieval operation as they scared that the overhanging bricks of the shrine may collapse. However the presence of archaeologist like us has encouraged them and now the ancient balustrade steps and front mahamandapa with the balipita Gardhasana etc.

A close observation of the Vimana remains indicate in the inner core for binding the bricks lime was used and for the outer core mud plaster was applied. The mud plaster was so thin like a filmy layer that it cannot be seen from outside. This made the outer brick façade look like joint less metal-mould finish appearance. The present status of the temple indicate that whenever there were external shear thrust on the Vimana the outer core moved with out transforming the force to the inner core. The embellishments like Karnakuta etc have collapsed but the inner core survived all calamities and vandalisms. This technique protected the Vimana for the past 1500 years. We bow down to the knowledge of ancient Indian Architects.

See the beauty lying before your eyes...

Pictures of

Stage 1 in April

Stage 2 in April end 2010

Stage 3 in May 2010

Stage 4 in July 2010 most of the outer prahara walls excavated and the shrine dug down another 2 meters almost! The outer most wall is almost 50 x 50 meters...!

Stage 5 in July 24th/25th to find out the real soil level and digging out stone age artifacts...

Periakoil status as on 15-05-2010

2010-05-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Member Kodandaraman sent these updates. Dr.T. Satyamurty and Chandrasekaran J went to inspect the site y'day and some 20 days more work, we should see the Perumal temple at Periakoil near Seyyar complete!

You are invited to view Raman's photo album: Periakoil Status on 16-05-2010

Periakoil Status on 16-05-2010

Apr 8, 2010
by Raman

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100 pillar hall -Varadaraja Perumal temple progress

2010-05-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

See more photos here

The roof terrace of the 100 pillar hall in Varadaraja Perumal has been re-done after removing the spoilt lime weather coarse and was relaid and the stucco figures of Garuda on all 4 corners, the parapeet wall cordons and the front tower gopura mukha with Varadaraja Perumal, Sridevi, Bhoodevi Stucco as the centre piece were restored back to life.

Latest updates: See the flooring done around the mandapa, as the mandapa work is almost over as on June 2010.

100 pillar hall renovation reported in TOI

2010-05-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

yesterday's Times of India Chennai edition carried out a detailed report on 100 pillared hall at Varadaraja Perumal temple, Kanchipuram

See this link.

Masilamani nathar temple going worser...

2010-04-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Masilamani Nathar temple at Tharangambadi suddenly has some spurious action going on. Cries of destroying the artifacts and pillars, temple remains below water is falling to deaf ears and a private construction company called Mubarak construction is doing permanent damage by dumping huge granite rocks on and above the temple artifacts, without caring for the antiques and their retrieval.

We tried to call the commissioner HR&CE who had ordered for the temple renovation but I was told not to 'advise'him and he knows the best! The roaring sound of the bulldozers and cranes can be heard hear too far away in Chennai as my mind has already gone there spending sleepless nights so far.Trying to get any reporters to report the plight of Masilamani Nathar temple fast, both TOI and The Hindu reporters are yet to wake from their slumber :(

Local INTACH official Mr. Asaithambi has sent me these photos and is also praying that some miracle intervention from Lord Shiva himself should stop such barbaric act in the renovation!

This is my personal attempt and blog and REACH has nothing to do with my attempts. We have told the archaeology minister for state Shri. Thangam Thennarasu to talk to Shri.Periakaruppan the minister for HR&CE to stop this dumping. Let's hope good sense prevails to the men in power!

Uttaramerur temple progress as of 14th April 2010

2010-04-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

The panoramic view of the Uthiramerur temple as on Tamil New year day is
here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rajushanthi/4523225582/

The other photos of Uthiramerur temple:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rajushanthi/sets/72157623735290123/

Regards,
Raju

Arasar Koil, Edamachi and Kidangarai temple visits

2010-04-15T04:25:00.000-07:00

Arasar Koil comes on the road which turns right from the Padalam X road on the GST highway just after the Uttaramerur Vandavasi X road junction. Some 6-7 kilometers in, we can come across the Puliparakoil where a Shiva temple is under renovation and presumably wrong sthapathis and apathy (paucity of ever growing demand for funds from spurious sthapathis) have made the renovation a stand still. Inscriptions thrown out, least regard for preserving heritage structures and style, dwarfed Gajabrushta Vimana and all horrible ways of temple renovation stands a testimony to teach us 'how NOT to renovate' a temple!

For photos see here and Raju's elaborate blogs here and here.

But our destination was Arasar Koil (photos), where our founder had already visited and begged the authorities not to demolish the strong vegetation grown stone structures.After some political storm, and in fightin, we believe now the temple is in under good governance and we were called again by the famous Raju's temple blog - Rajendran Ganesan and also were informed by the great renovator of temples - Shri.Vadapalani S. Ram murthy.

Now that the stones which were part of the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Vishnu shrine is torn apart and the Thayar temple is damaged further but thank her, the temple stones are not pulled down, we have taken measurements and some old photos for reference to re-estimate the cost of renovation and will be reporting back soon to the authorities the cost for renovation.

En-route just half a kilometer before reaching Arasar Koil temple, you can see a 800 AD Kali relief with a Saivaite holding a Shiva Linga on his head, and a Swayambu Shiva Linga with an over sized Avudai (Base stone) . Dr.Satyamurthy REACH founder confirmed the age of the relief and also the Svayambu status of the Shiva Linga and said we can make a small shrine for these two rare pieces of art and antiquity, while renovating the Arasar Koil Vishnu temple.

Also we found a Shiva Linga shown to us by Arasar Koil bhattar Shri.Kannan in the near by Pathoor village. The mid-day meal scheme attendants of the primary government school nearby were requested to do at least an abhishegam daily and offer the food before serving to the children. Even though they are coverts (Christians) now, they readily agreed to do the abhishegam daily and offer food as requested. Rajendran@ Raju of temple visits blog and Suresh and Chandra did abhishegam on seeing the Shiva Linga. Back to the highway, we were just dumb founded on having mixed experiences - seeing a Kali relief of 8th century and a Swayambu Linga, doing abhishegam for the Pathoor Shiva Linga and then seeing how bad a temple renovation can go wrong, in Puliparai Koil and how one stands testimony to wrong demolition of the sanctum (Perumal sanctum) and another waiting for renovation in Arasar Koil.

Then we went to Edamachi (எடமச்சி) which comes on the Uttaramerur - Thirumukoodal road where the young girl Sathya has made a great transformation of a ruined temple into an almost complete one in a month's time. Unaware of the technical issues two vimanas have already sprung up above the Shiva shrine and the Murugan shrine. There are still roots of vegetation seen around as well as some seepages from the ceilings. Chandra along with Dr Satyamurthy, REACH founder visited again and we from REACH FOUNDATION had suggested to work out a saving mechanism : Grout cement liquid into the crevices by a pumping machine and close all gaps, scrapping the top weather coarse again where ever the seepages are seen and also apply tree killers once more where the vegetation have sprung up. One sthapathi had been put on the job and he should be working from 16th April 2010 the time when this blog is released! The costs are sponsored by Raju himself and the machine and chemicals by REACH.

The photos of Edamachi temple visit are here.

On the way to Edamachi, we had seen a idol resembling Murugan but later we were told by Dr Satyamurthy that it may be a warrior who sacrificed his life for some great work or saving the village, or war fare whose statue is kept on the Samadhi. Chenna Veera and Vel are missing but only a cross held club can be seen as well as the hillock temple behind, which made us think the statue was that of Bala Dhandayudha pani (Murugan).

Raju has written all the details of this girl of Edamachi and her saga well in this blog and also the story of the small girl Thilagavathi doing Puja for the Shiva Linga whose temple is buried beneath the same spot at Kidangarai.

Dr Satyamurthy opined that proper excavation would bring out the Pallava period Shiva temple sanctum sanctorum out and the Chandikeswara is the rare piece of art which also belongs to the 8th century AD.

We will update on the renovations regualarly here and in our main web URL www.conserveheritage.org

Tekkalur Vishnu temple renovation starts on 31st March- near Tiruttani

2010-03-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

We are starting the renovation work of Tekkalur Perumal temple near Tiruthani. This temple is 800 years old but the idols seem to be much older. The vimana and the top weather coarse, ceiling all needs to be re-done after removing vegetation.

We are doing this at a shoe string budget of 1.67 lakhs and completing it before April 2010 end! Just a month.

The pictures are here for you to see .

REACH Team

Periakoil renovation Status as on 27-03-2010

2010-03-27T10:53:00.001-07:00

You are invited to view Raman's photo album: Periakoil Status 27-03-2010

Periakoil Status 27-03-2010

Mar 21, 2010
by Raman

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Periakoil status as on 20-03-2010

2010-03-20T07:40:00.001-07:00

You are invited to view Raman's photo album: Periakoil Status on 20-03-3010

Periakoil Status on 20-03-3010

Jan 20, 2010
by Raman

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Message from Raman:

Adiyen,

Photos taken today morning uploaded. Kindly click on the below link to see the status.
Daasan
Kothandaraman

New Perumal Koil renovation work started at Periakovil, near Seyyar

2010-03-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Mr. Kothandaraman and his dedicated members in their village trust, our patrons have entrusted the work of Periakoil Perumal temple renovation work to us.

His email reads as seen below:-

Adiyen,

By the grace of the almighty, dismantling of Mandapam stones started today by Reach Foundation.

Photos uploaded pls click on the below link.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=RamanAlbums&target=PHOTO&id=5448501371077739058&aid=5448499297285114609&authkey=Gv1sRgCJrs98PH_OaiDQ&invite=CI2jxp8H&feat=email

Hardware materials required for the stone work purchased at CHEYYAR and handed over to the team.

Long waiting period is over now. We will be visiting periakoil during weekends to understand work in progress.

Request to forward your contributions to trust account to complete the renovation work at the earliest.

Cheques/DD may be drawn in favour of

PERIAKOIL NITHYA KALYANA VARDAR TRUST payable at CHENNAI.

For Direct transfer of funds

Name of the Bank: INDIAN OVERSEAS BANK

BRANCH : Nanganallur

S. B A/c No. :15920100000 6383

Branch Code : 1592

Address :

C/o P S KOTHANDARAMAN

NO.2, 26^TH STREET

THILLAI GANGA NAGAR

CHENNAI – 600 061.

PHONE : 09444376082

Daasan

Kothandaraman(Raja)

You are invited to view a photo from Raman's photo album: Periakoil status on 14-03-2010

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--
J Chandrasekaran
P.R.O, REACH FOUNDATION

visit:
www.conserveheritage.org
http://templesrevival.blogspot.com
http://reachhistory.blogspot.com

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Hundred Pillared Hall at Varadaraja perumal temple, Kanchipuram

2010-02-27T21:41:00.000-08:00

The thickly lime coated 100 pillar hall at Varadaraja Perumal temple is being cleaned and the lime spoiling the beauty of the sculptures are already removed in the first stage of the project. Now the top stones which are dismantled are removed, worn out lime weather coarse are scrapped and would be re-coated with fresh water proof lime.

Photos are here to see

Uttaramerur temple progress as of February 2010

2010-02-27T21:38:00.000-08:00

The Artha Mandapa and Maha Mandapa are now being completed,with the top stones coming up covering all the important areas. The photos are here to see

Uttaramerur-updates - finished stuccos figures & stitching of granites!

2010-02-27T09:45:00.000-08:00

Uttaramerur Kailasanathar temple restoration and renovation work progress news as on - Jan 2010

The renovation of Kailasanathar temple at Uttaramerur has started attracting press and public far and wide.
As on January 2010, all the stucco (limestone) figures and figurines have been completed on the vimana and few are given here in this link for you to see.

The same day, some important modern techniques were used to restore the heritage structure, thereby bridging modern techniques to save ancient marvels!
After a year full of research and consultations, testing and recording the stitching of granite using Stainless steel rods and proving their strength while being used as a stitching material along with a binder material made of epoxy, stones which lie below and the foundation level have been successfully retained without being rooted away, thus saving crores of rupees and time in removing all the stones used to build the temple! I.I.T Civil Engineering department Prof. Mathews and his PG research student Ms. Anupadma, and the company which provided the drilling and filling materials M/s.HILTI deserve our thanks and appreciation for their co-operation and services.

Cracks appearing at the bottom most part of the foundation, were 'stitched' using grooved Stainless rod thus the cracked granite stone is put back to a single repaired stone thus becoming integral using epoxy based grouting compound to bond the stainless steel rod with the granite core.
1) Drilling holes diagonally so that the hole passes through both halves of the broken granite...

2) After which the holes are cleaned to remove all the powdered granite chips and slurry
3) Then comes the pumping in of the epoxy putty grouting material

4) And the insertion of the grooved Stainless steel rod,

5) filling the holes with the same ground granite powder..

and ahoy..The crack is 'stitched'...

Renovation of Puliyur Perumal Temple

2010-01-03T17:28:00.001-08:00

The Varadaraja Perumal temple at Puliyur, Kovilpalayam, near Karur (Trichi) was taken up for restoration by REACH FOUNDATION. The temple which was in ruins, is in the ancestral village belonging to the M.D of KUMUDAM Publications, a vernacular and popular Tamil magazine from Tamilnadu.

The visit and estimation was done in June 2009, and was started by July 2nd week.

The report submitted by our founder to the Kumudam Magazine M.D was as below:

Puliyur village located on the banks of Amaravati River is an ancient settlement of Vedic Scholars and the Cholas made many grants for the maintenance of Siva temple and the community. The Varadaraja temple in the Village could have been the contribution of the late Vijayanagara Kings probably constructed towards the later part of the 16^th Century. The temple in dilapidated condition to day was originally a Garbhagriha, Ardhamandapa, mukhamandapa and a Mahamandapa.

The Tayar Sannadhi towards the south of the main shrine could have been added little later.

The Garbhagriha proper is simple ekatala Vimana of Nagara style and the Ardhamandapa resembles the Kadambanagara Variety. A close examination of inner brick corbels make us to find a striking similarity with that of the Orrissa architecture. The mahamandapa in all respects is a copy of Jaganmohan of orrissa temples. The front stone mandapa is simple prototype open hall but a very imposing structure. Probably the temple dedicated to Vishnu was constructed after the Pattern’s pilgrimage to Puri the great temple of Jagannath.

The Tayar Sannadi is a square sanctum, but completely dilapidated and the super structure is now missing. The stone walls are out of plumb and many stone slabs are found to be pilferaged from the site. It also has a simple front stone mandapa, but completely fallen in debris.

The site was thoroughly inspected and the following conservation measures are suggested.

Due to vegetation growth, and non maintenance, the roots of trees have made gap in the superstructure and the walls. The door lintels of both garbhagriha and jaganmonan had cracked. However the is no damage to the plinth and the foundation. This can be set right by underpinning the gaps and resorting to grouting wherever necessary.
Deplastering of the entire roof including the Vimana, Ardhamandapa and jaganmohan and watertighteneing is necessary.
The front stone mandapa requires reconstruction. It should be dismantled carefully after documentation and reset with new foundation base. All the existing stones should be reused and missing slabs should be replaced with new ones .Jajja should be provided with the available members and missing Jajja can be replaced with new ones.
The Roof of the Tayar Sannadi and the stone walls have collapsed. The remaining architectural members should be documented and dismantled carefully and reconstructed with the same stones. A simple ekatala Vimana similar to that of the main shrine.
The front stone mandapa of the Tayar sannadi should be reconstructed worth the same available slabs.
Both the shrines should be provided with stone flooring.
The Vimana and the galadevatas should be done with lime mortar and no separate coloring is necessary and the color should be added to the lime mortar itself.
The works can be finished with a period of five to eight months depending on the availability of correct granite stones and lime in time.
The Prakara wall may be done separately.

In all respects it should be re-conjectured to be temple of 450 years old.

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

The progress is rapid with the support of the Kumudam family and the skilled inspection and review plans given by our founder Dr.T.Satyamurthy under the workmanship of Sthapathi Balan who also does work for ASI.

We last visited in November/ December and the work is almost complete and will be most probably consecrated by Feb/March 2010.

This is REACH's 8th project in heritage temple restoration.

The pictures are here for you

Seyyur visit on 20th December 2009

2009-12-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

REACH Member Nandakumar Selvaraj was given a 11th hour distress call to go and document the whole of Seyyur (in ECR road) the next day, on 20th December 2009. Epigraphist Mr.S.Ramachandran, local Jamindar Mr. Ramkumar who had invited us to study the Seyyur shiva temple, Sthapathi Johnson who is doing the stone rework in Uttaramerur all went to Seyyur by decided time and schedule. God willing, there was a miraculous escape for the occupants of the car by which they were traveling and got escaped with mild injuries, but undeterred, they all proceeded to see the temple and document the temple, the sculptures and also the epigraphic details (inscriptions).
Nanda indeed took some great photos and we hope this temple will soon be renovated by REACH.

Nandakumar wrote in his earlier email:

While talking with Ramachandran Sir, our epigraphist from Reach foundation, during a trip to Seyyur in the weekend, he had mentioned about an inscription indicating a Chola Parikgrammam in the Seyyur village near Madhurantakam. He also mentioned Parikgrammam refers to a Military training academy, similar in lines of Officers Training academy at St. Thomas mount. I would have mentioned Kandalur Salai, but it is yet to be proven beyond doubt of it being a military or martial arts academy.

If anyone has any details of Parikgrammam @ Seyyur, please do post them.
I could also notice the similarity of Seyyur to that of Uttiramerur in terms of layout, organization of temples around the town/village. Siva temple here is also in ruins similar to that of Uttiramerur. Siva temple is referred to as Kailasamudiyanathar's Rajendira Choleswaram. Inscriptions around the Sanctum sanctorum start from Raja raja (I or II?), Rajadhi raja, Kulotunga and Vikrama chola. As per Ramachandran sir, Temple itself would date to later Pallava period, due to the stylistic nature of the idols, while the inscriptions belong to the Chola period. Interesting thing to note
is that none of the inscriptions have the meykeerthi or birudas, but start with the "swastisri", followed by the King's name, year from coronation and the details of endowment.

Other interesting points:
1. 3 endowments belonging to 4 generations of kings, have trustee with
similar names. Kulothunga's inscription is dated to his 44th reignal year.
2. Endowments are for 12 goats(3 inscriptions).
3. Details of the poojas to be performed for various months are also noted, along with the mention of "Pazhangasu" meaning "old coins". References to Diravi type of coins are also noted.

Also Seyyur has a small but beautiful Vijayanagara built Murugan temple. This temple has been praised by Arunagiri nathar as Seyyur murugan pillai tamil. This information was given by Ramachandran sir.

Seyyur can be reached from ECR and is about 12 kms from the junction to Alambarai and 20+ kms from Sadras.
==================================================================
Members living near or old inhabitants from Seyyur can contribute, to this rebuilding cause.

Uttaramerur temple in Heritage India Magazine Nov 09

2009-11-12T07:24:00.000-08:00

'Heritage India' published from Pune (India) is a prestigious and well documented magazine which is available in all leading book shops and mals in India and abroad. This is also made available in airport lounges, and in-flight services. The magazine has published a 2 page story about the renovation of Uttaramerur Kailasanathar temple with good photographs. We wish all readers support REACH in all our endeavours. Our volunteer P.R.O J. Chandrasekaran has contributed the article and the photographs to the magazine.

Mr. Vijaykumarof Singapore, amidst his busy work schedule always takes up time to write on Indian sculptures and temples in his blog. He has done a wonderful compilation of the Uttaramerur temple in his latest blog. REACH thanks Vijay for his wonderful and timely blog.

Neyveli Agneeswarar Temple renovation

2009-10-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

REACH FOUNDATION normally does not support temple building which are done with modern techniques and also renovations which are new and not heritage temples. But a special exception is Shri. Vadapalani Ram murthy's renovation efforts and his latest temple renovations. He is a 70 year old-young lone warrior who always strives hard for ruined temple identification and rebuilding. This episode catches up the latest renovation of a Shiva temple at Neyveli which is a village close to the Poondi Reservoir, and it is believed that the 18 siddars worship Lord Agneeswarar daily in formless form! Miracles are happening daily and we were also witness to few of them! Readers willing to donate to this cause can contact Mr. Ram murthy on his number 9940398648 and REACH Chandrasekaran on his number 944441181. The brochure both in English and Tamil are scanned and shown here.

Aaroor Vishnu temple explored

2009-10-15T23:04:00.000-07:00

Brothers Shri. AVS Raja and Shri.AVS Baabu of vernacular magazine Amudasurabhi (Tamil) of the Shriram Group companies, were keen on renovating the ancient temple in their ancestral village Aaroor near Soraiyur on the Seyyar Aarani Road. They sought the advise of REACH FOUNDATION to unearth the temple's history and inscriptions. Our founder Dr T Satyamurthy and PRO Chandrasekaran made a preliminary visit and to their joy and pleasure, it was found that the temple was certainly a new find for scholars as the inscriptions on the wall were not yet deciphered. Reading few Pallava and few Parantaka Chola inscriptions REACH sent its team of inscription students (from AASAI- the educational wing of REACH FOUNDATION) along with their main Epigrapher and Historian S. Ramachandran on 4th October 2009 to unveil the findings. The sanctum sanctorum was dug around and was cleaned by the enthusiastic villagers. Out of 13 inscriptions some 4-5 were estempaged and read out. New facts of the Bengal connection (Bangalanaadudaya பங்கள நாடுடைய...) and the connection of Lada desam kings with that of the Cholas were found wanting of more digging out of the inscription stones which were buried. The name of the adorning deity Vishnu also added to the puzzle. Aeindra puratthu vishnu grahaperumal or Aeichatra perumal,(அஇந்திரத்து விஷ்ணு அல்லது அஇச்சத்திரத்துப் பெருமாள்.. ) is not yet deciphered. Both names have greater ramifications even if either of them are true!!!

REACH FOUNDATION along with the support of the local villages, their councilor, their PR person Ms. Jayashri has planned for elaborate exploration and research and further decided to renovate the temple for them.

The inscription students (some 19 of them) were very happy on making this field trip as they had hands on training on as how to take estempages on stone inscriptions, preparing the ink/ lamp black mix and applying the wet paper on to the surface before taking on the estempages. REACH FOUNDATION thanks the Aaroor villages and the Shriram group- Amudasurabhi directors for sponsoring this filed trip and making the world know on these excellent Pallava- Chola historic marvel and for bestowing it the privilege of restoring the temple. The Shiva temple nearby is also under ruins and REACH will take up restoration and renovation of the Shiva temple in succession to the work of Vishnu temple.

REACH in Kalki Magazine

2009-09-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

Flickr or Picasa, or group file attachments, it is becoming difficult to share files as the limits are to less from either of the above sites. So, we are posting the article in jpeg form which mentions about the work of REACH and thanks to the editor and the reporter of Kalki Tamil Magazine for this good coverage. Small mis-quote is that the Varadaraja Perumal temple is more than 2000 years old and only the 100 pillar Mandapa is of Vijayanagar Period. The reporter had mentioned the temple itself as that of Vijayanagar period. Any way, thanks for the magazine to cover our story to reach more readers and join hands with us

Alternate method to clean granite pillars and structures.

2009-07-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

The Vishnu Temple after the Aavin milk dairy, at Semmenjeri, at OMR Chennai, had an unique problem.The 16 pillared mandapa before the main shrine and the two 4 pillared mandaps before the Thayar and Andal Sannidhi were fully covered with thick coat of paint. Later the trustees of the temple, found that it looked ugly and they approached REACH FOUNDATION for removal of the paint, without affecting the structure and material composition of the granite pillar.

We took up this challenge, brought in geological experts, researcher from IIT in civil, our founder trustee Dr. T.Satyamurthy and P.R.O Chandra devised a method to clean the mandap in 2 days and one night using paint stripper first and then blasting them off with high pressure water jet. Normally this cleaning is proven and faster, against the conventional cleaning of granite walls and pillars for which HR & CE uses sand blasting ruptures the surface and develops fine cracks. The sculptures on the pillars were also retained to the finest details by this method. Thanks to the trustees Mr. Srinivasan and Mr. Kannan who gave us the opportunity to do this and develop a far more safe and clean technology than sand blasting.
See the photos here.

Renovation of Anoor Shiva and Perumal Temples

2009-07-12T06:39:00.000-07:00

We had visited Anoor or Annoor near Chingelpet after seeing the report of TOI on 7th of June 2009.

Founder Dr.T.Satyamurthy, Epigraphist S. Ramachandran, Members S. Natarajan and PRO of REACH FOUNDATION J.Chandrasekaran visited after consulting with Mr.Devarajan the man spear heading the renovation at Anoor. The photos are loaded here.

Exciting were the reliefs of Ganesha and Jyestha Devi along with Gomukan and Agni Devi found on the temple walls, which proclaim the ancient nature of this temple. Near by is the ASI maintained Munkudumi Eswarar Temple which has also some elaborate sculptures and this ws also one of the temples renovated durting Dr. Satyamurthy, our founder's tenure in ASI.

Estimation is ON and we expect to take this up after completion of Uttaramerur Kailasanathar Temple, which would be completed by August end.

Subsequent trip details by our epigraphist S. ramachandran and the news that appeared in THE HINDU

Pazaverkaadu heritage trip to revive 2 temples - 31-05-2009

2009-06-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

None would have forgotten the Adinarayana perumal temple visit in 2006.

Now the message of REACH had reached this villages and the Rural Public are cleaning and maintaining the temples,but dilapidation is rapid. Unless we act fast, these two laterite stone built temples , 1) Adi Narayana perumal Temple and 2) Samaya Iswarar temple will soon collapse.

See pictures here.

The sad plight of the erstwhile Chola temple, the Chintamanieeswrar Temple in Sattankuppam, alias Koviladi island near Pazaverkadu or Pulicat is now not seen but a modern temple standing at the site, show casing how best a temple SHOULD NOT BE MADE! Acrylic paints, blunt shrines and colourful sign boards atop make the temple a mockery. Neglected a discarded inscriptions stones can be seen in the above photo album and REACH had already informed the State Museum to pick up those and keep safe in their custody, as the temple has no chance of fixing them back again in their original position!

Member Ashok had sent a photo album in pdf format and member Ragothaman had written on this temple heritage trip in his blog.

Good news is that 5 member team from Art of Living lead by Mr. Shriram and Ms. Raji Swaminthan joined us for this heritage trip. We hope the message will make an attempt to make the Hon'ble Shri Shri Ravi Shankarji to address his world wide audience and disciples at least now to adopt one heritage village each, for its 'temple centric' improvement and renaissance. Kumudam also published a story on these two temples and we hope now things will turn around and the fruit will be borne by both REACH and the villagers for renovating these shrines.

Ashok's pdf photo compilation and the Kumudam story in vernacular language (Tamil) is filed in our yahoo group files section.

Mr. Ratan had sent new picture albums to be viewed here and here.

Mr. Ram Sundar alias Chandru shares his album here

Uttaramerur Temple updates - May 2009

2009-05-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

See pictures of Lime mortar work going on...

and a new find...

We had been walking above a raised mud bund always to have entry and access into the sanctum sanctorum. When cleaned, that turned out to be the Chandikeshwara shrine's foundation!!!

See pictures..

The chandikeshwara shrine base seen.. Old picture where workers gain access and now ...!

Lime Removal at Varadaraja PerumalTemple

2009-05-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

Please visit

http://reachhistory.blogspot.com/2009/05/lime-removal-at-varadaraja-perumal.html

Symposium for temple_cleaners and heritage wardens held

2009-01-30T11:37:00.000-08:00

Pls read

http://reachhistory.blogspot.com/2009/01/symposium-for-heritage-wardens-held.html

held at Kumbakonam, 11th January 2009 - Sunday

Uttaramerur Temple renovation

2008-10-13T01:41:00.000-07:00

http://reachhistory.blogspot.com/2008/06/uttaramerur-temple-renovation-by-reach.html#links

Please join yahoo groups temple_cleaners, or visit
www.conserveheritage.org to support the cause.

Another 9th century AD temple at ECR Road, same name, same history!

2008-07-03T23:05:00.000-07:00

Please see the post Temple at ECR Road

There is yet another ancient temple in the middle of river Palar on ECR road. The name of the moolavar is 'Kanakambika udanurai Kailasanathar. The picture is attached.

This is apparently constructed during the 9th century AD by Niruthuga varma pallavan. There is archeological evidence to this effect. The unique thing is both temples are like twins, both having same mythology and sequels and now both temple needs attention and little bit of renovation.The one at Palar bed seems to get flooded during rains and so we have to make a bridge from the bank. Member V.S. Ravikumar had sent simulated 3D drawings and we'll be visiting them soon and find out more similarities and history behind these temples.

Now, many from the same Seyyur Taluk have come forward to show us temples in similar fashion.

Good news is that the Natham Parameswari Mangalam temple has been well maintained after the initial cleaning done by us and the Vadapalani Uzhavarappani group.

Rotary Club of Central Adithya under presidentship of Mr.Karthik a leading builder and our REACH founder Mr.PNS, has adopted this village under their villages adoption scheme and now sanitation, schooling, huge temple tank cleaning, front mandap restoration and many other things to uplift the villagers is being undertaken. And that's what REACH strives to do! Bringing in changes to the people around the heritage site, making the real Rural Education And Conservation of Heritage (for what REACH stands for!).
The photos in order are: The Natham temple top view, Inauguration of the village wing of Rotary, the huge temple tank to be taken up for cleaning and the front mandap which would be restored soon. This adoption programme happened way back in March 2008 and we are sorry for the late reporting, as we were tied up with so many things.

News on temple renovations and REACH Foundation

2008-06-15T22:22:00.000-07:00

Software professionals take up cleaning of temples
Nov 28, 2007
http://www.hindu.com/2007/11/28/stories/2007112859880300.htm

Restoration of 1,200-year-old temple to begin soon - Uttaramerur
Jun 01, 2008
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/01/stories/2008060156281500.htm

June 4, 2008

http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/04/stories/2008060461001100.htm

the work for Uttaramerur Kailasanathar temple has started. Please see
http://picasaweb.google.com/reach.foundation.india/UttaramerurKailasanatharTemple

Cleaning of Natham Temple at ECR near Kalpakkam

2007-11-27T20:07:00.002-08:00

When we got a call from the Shri. Srinivasan of Vadapalani Temple Cleaners Group, (Hindu Aalayangal Sutham Seyyum Narpani Mandram), saying that their cleaning to be done at Parameswarimangalam near Seyyur on ECR Road, will be totally different and a treasure trove for archealogical lovers, we were wondering whether it was an understatement! This place is some 8 kms from Kalpakkam. So, member Chandrasekaran called upon Deepika and archeology student and Mr. Raveen, the Zoology Professor of Thambaram Christian College who was interested in archaeological excavations to come to this village. Member Guruvelevan’s I.T. friends from TCS, Krishnan Bala, Sitaraman, Sundararaman, Janakiraman,Vijayakumar and Ganesamurthy also wanted to help us out in the temple cleaning activity!

Trustee member P.N. Subramaniam, as usual, was the first one to visit along. Entering Parameswarimangalam@ Natham through the non-descript road which takes a right turn from the main ECR road, opposite the road to Kadalur (not the other Kadalur; this is a hamlet near the shore with similar name) and asking several passers-by made us think otherwise, but on reaching the temple site and having a glance at its grandeur and the size of the land around, made us feel very pathetic of its current state. A towering vimana, stone made mandap with sanctum sanctorum, engraved with full of inscriptions inside-out, at sides, on path walks, pillars, the front mandapa etc. The dwara palakas, among whom one has fallen down, due to nature empowering their stature, the broken sinha (lion) bedded pillar which has the rarest of pallava grantha inscriptions, all made our head reel for a while.

The Nandi, stark in contrast by size and colour was facing the opposite side and not towards the lingam. The icon stood out against passage of time and so were the sculptures inside the sanctum sanctorum. The bronze icons some 30 in numbers, were all exposed without much of safety. The priests, who are doing pooja here for generations, lamented the situation and requested that at least the bronzes be kept under safe custody, by making grilled gate safe with lock and key.

During the Muslim invasion in yester years, this temple was targeted in particular as it was parallel in size as that of the Thirukazhukundram temple in the nearby region. No wonder all the sculptures are broken, the pillars and stones from walls are pulled out and few have made way to build a mosque at a nearby place. Crossing a paddy filed nearby, the villagers showed us how the pillars and stones with inscriptions are used in the mosque. A Persian writing has been written across and some new interest has made some of the local Muslims start over again rebuilding this 500-year-old open mosque again. The villagers are not claiming the pillars and stones back to the temple fearing antagonizing their brethren, even though there are hardly few Muslim families within the village. The local Muslims can at least return back the stones and pillars which bear the inscriptions, as they are the proof of historical evidences of what this place was and the temple was in those days! See photos

The series of stone inscriptions from the base starts with Pallava Grantham, earlier inscriptions and above which periodically Kings have updated their contribution one after the other, till the later Cholas of this region. If only an epigraphist student comes down to write down all the inscriptions here, they would end up spending at least some 3 months to decipher and complete the project! And eventually they’ll master epigraphy, as all samples are very much within the same premises!!

The statues inside are also unique. The Devi, Parvathi worships Shiva in Lakshmi form, bearing lotuses in both hands! The weapons usually found in Parvathi’s hands are missing.

The legend goes like this:

As Parvathi took Lakshmi roopam (form), Shiva advised her to worship Vishnu and was turning away from Parvathi and was walking facing the East, towards the coast. As the mercury levels rose, Shiva got thirsty. A 5-headed serpent appeared from nowhere and gave shade to Shiva’s head, as an Umbrella, and a cow gave here milk to quench the thirst of the Lord. This milk started oozing out and started running like water, and so the name of the adjacent river, Paalaar (Paal in Tamil- milk).

There are seven lingams surrounding the sanctum sanctorum. When we visited, few were found missing, and few covered by Thorns and bushes. The members cleared away and thorns and put many a lingam, back to position. The seven lingams are: Kailasanathar, Sampakeswarar (As this place was once a forest full of Sampaka Flowers and trees), Arunachaleswarar, Jagadeeswarar, Ekambaranathar, Valmika nathar, Vyakra Padeswarar. See photos

Statues around the ‘Goshtams’ are also 7 unlike 5 in many places. Facing South we could see Biktchadanar, Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthi and facing West we see Lingothbhava. Facing North are Brahma, Durga and very rare, Hari-Hara statue, where both Shivan and Vishnu are in form merged form! So, saptha lingams and saptha gostams, for us to see! See photos

The Murugan Statue here is also unique, devoid of arms. He carries Brahma’s items, the Atshara Malai and kamandalam. (Gindi Kaksha Subrahmanyam). This was when Muruga asked the meaning of Pranava Mantra to Brahma. Brahma could not answer young Karthikeya @ Murugan. Getting angry, Muruga imprisoned Brahma and took the task of Creation.

Other statues to be noted are the Rama, Lakshmana , Sita statues made of single stone, the Shaivaite saints Sambandar and Sundarar as well as Bhairava, Surya, Sani and Anjaneya.

The festivals conducted here are Pancha murthi Abhishekam during the Tamil month of Chitrai Poornima day, as well as the wedding function of Soundarya Nayaki and Sambakeswara, In month of Avani, Vinayak Chaturthi, in Purattasi Navarathri and Karthika Somavaaram, (4 Mondays of the month of Oct-Nov) The arudra darshan in the month of Margazi, and Sivarathri in them month of Masi. Regular monthly Pradosha Poojas are conducted. The local priests who are working here for generations, lament that the HR & CE department hardly cares for the repair and maintenance of this temple as well as do not take steps to get their due of rice or cash which the temple land leasees need to give back to the temple every year. Renovating this beautiful historically important temple would need nothing less than 20 lakhs and the statues and inscriptions scattered around can be properly collected and gathered in the front mandapa. The front mandapa is also in the verge of collapse. The facades of the mandapas are lying strewn all around the Mosque near by. The Hindu Aalayangal Suththam seyyum Narpani Mandram members were really energetic and skilful. While a few trained youngsters with ropes tied on their waist sprung to action, climbing on the tower, cleaning and applying yellow lime plaster along, the kids around tried their might to remove thorns and grasses using sickle! The older ladies were busy cleaning the utensils, brass lamps and pooja vessels and the younger ones busy cooking food for all volunteers and making garlands for the deity. Not to be left behind, some eager members pulled out all thorny trees and bailed out the missing lingams! Few muscled men even erected the strewn idols straight back to their position. See photos

The I.T guys were not left behind. From TCS, under the reference of our REACH member Guruvelevan, some eight members had come their and were sparing their best efforts in handling sickles and crowbars, not fearing the after effect of back pains, as they are the ones who are handling mostly the soft mouse and key board buttons! See photos

The Government should have a separate body to encourage and fund such NGOs who are interested in restoring heritage structures and temples. The HR & CE or the State Archaeology department, or for that reason the Tourism Department can come together to encourage this type of activity and to give funds to such groups who get themselves involved in such noble act of preserving our heritage. Student Deepika lamented that at least some 50 to 60 graduates who had done Archaeology course and job less. Why can’t the Government agencies involve them along with NGOs like R.E.A.C.H and pay them some decent stipend to enable them undertake the data collection of such heritage buildings, working on estemblage of inscriptions, conservation work, etc.? See photos

The latest addition to this episode:

Flash News - 02nd Dec,2007

Member trustee P.N.S again took his friends Rao (who is a contractor at nearby Kalpakkam Power Plant) and Seyyur Karthik, the Rotary President and also son-of the soil(!) a leading builder to show them this temple. Mr.Karthik had assured that he will see if he can adopt the village for prosperity and also see if a grill gate can be provided to protect the Panchalokas!

Kundrathur Valeeswarar Temple Cleaning and restoration -II

2007-11-13T08:06:00.000-08:00

On 4th November Sunday, we were determined to re-look the Kundrathur Valeeswarar temple, determined to see to that our cleaning work doesn't go waste. We went back to clean in spite of heavy rain. A JCB was put in force and braving cold and rain, some snakes, a band of young volunteers lead by Mr. Muthumani cleaned the whole premises.
We vowed not to go to any other temple for cleaning until or unless we complete the construction of this temple is complete. See in the right side the temple before and after removing trees!

Again, last Sunday,11th Nov- we had excellent progress. Estimation by Mr. Kanniappan from ASI, inscription estampage and deciphering by retired State Archeology epigrahist Mr. Krishnamurthy assisted amply by applicator Murugesan and member Chandra and some young boys from the volunteering group, Tree killer chemical application by Chandrasekaran on the 2 trees at the very place where the Shivalingam should come, as well as further land levelling and cleaning done by Muthumani's young band of volunteers - all went in ONE GO!
Plus member Ashok gave jobs to two poor people there, one girl Ms.Bhuvaneswari, who is about to complete her M.Phil in Biotechnology but
not getting a good job in her field and another man
Shekhar who's family is now maintaining the make shift temple. He was given the office attender job while Bhuvaneswari will join as coordinator in Mr. Ashok's Corel draw Academy. So, a whole- some day where progresses in all front happened due to the grace of the deity Valeeswarar who is now blessing us to complete this project in full swing! Bhuvaneswari, her 4 sisters and widow mother who have their hut just opposite to the temple premises have agreed to maintain a garden which we would be bringing up within the temple land.

The next agenda is on the ground to avoid further growth of plants and weeds. Both are estimated to cost nothing less than Rs.1,00,000.00. Well wishers please talk to builders, construction line philanthropists to donate in kind or to fence the whole place and to lay sand cash, or material. The photos are loaded in our yahoo group's (temple_cleaners) photo files, as well.

Reach us at reach.foundation.india@gmail.com

Cleaning activity at Paappanchatram, near Chennai

2007-11-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

It was raining non-stop albeit not heavy but quite continuous. Weather forecasters warned of cyclonic depression in the Bay of Bengal, last Sunday the 28^th of October, 2007. Undeterred by such natural problems, a group of volunteers, numbering close to 100 men and women, some children too, thronged the Shiva – Krishna temple at Paappaanchatram, lying on our left on the Bangalore Express Poonamallee High road just opposite Queensland. Was it a Pradosham day or an Ekadasi? No. They had come to clean this twin temple, which was fully covered with bushes and thorns, uncared but for a relentless old priest Shri. Duraiswamy Shivacharyar.

This man, the Shivacharyar is the lone ranger, bearing the torch of devout pooja in both the temples. Even though he has Kattalai (Hereditary right) in the Kanchi Ekambareswarar temple, this priest, has stayed back to see this temple have at least pooja once in a day for both the deities. He has some source for income, through the nearby factories, as they call him for pujas, his sons too assisting him in this endeavour. But then, why should we feel sorry for this temple? The reason is obvious. Kanchi Paramacharya, Shri. Mahaperiyava had stayed in this temple for 2 or more months often praying to both the deities, Krishna and Kasi Viswanatha, as well as the Adi Sankara statue within the temple. He had blessed this priest of good contented life but due to encroachment and usurping of this temple land (350 acres, that!) by almost all the villagers, the temple has no income and the only rue this Shivacharyar has is to see back this temple in its full form, repairing the broken stone walled sanctum sanctorums. The front mandapas are intact, but for the leaking on the roofs and the external line of the stoned sanctum has given way for trees and creepers. If we leave it as it is, sure that the stones will give away, making the tree usurp the sanctum, the Kasi Bana lingam and other deities within the temple premises!

Children were resting in the priest’s house, reciting slokas and Thevaram Hymns, taught by a self taught teacher, few women were preparing food and few shared their might in cleaning the sanctum sanctorums with broom and brush, as few more cleaned the brass vessels meant for pooja. The men showed their best prowess and strength by chopping of the trees and clearing the bushes. By noon, both the temples almost threw open their sheer beauty and neat construction, the master piece being the Thulasi madam made of stone! Two big serpents never bothered this group of men and they stay put at the entrance of the Krishna temple, so that the volunteers had to enter both the temple through the Shiva temple entrance door!

The battle between rain and men was finally won by these devout men who finally made both the premises clean.

The story of how this twin temple was built goes like this:

Two couples from Othadi at Andhra Pradesh, Venkaiah, his wife (name unknown) and Venkatasubbaramayyar, his wife Venkatasubbalakshmi, both brothers and their wives respectively had no heirs. Praying to the almighty, they were asked to go to Kasi and get their wishes fulfilled. While returning from Kasi, a sage called them and told them that because their forefathers indulged in adultery and bad deeds, the family now suffers but the good time has come now for them; He handed over two banaa (round shaped stones) and asked them to build a Hari-Hara Kshetram at the place where the Lord orders them to do so! The brothers, both simple and obedient took the stones carefully down south, and were almost completing their pilgrimage. Their last stop was Sriperumbudur where they met the Acharya Ramanuja and were returning back towards Chennapatna (now Chennai). But as destiny could have it, they had to rest that morning at this place, Paappaan chatram (earlier name is unknown; it is because of these brothers who bought the whole land and constructed the temples, marriage hall, guest houses and an agrahara street there, this was called as Paappaan chatram (Brahmin Choultry). When they kept the stones down and did their morning prayers and tried to lift the stones back, the stones didn’t move, but the stones turned to ash colour! They heard the Almighty’s voice to build their favourite temple there, in this same spot! Remembering the Kasi sage’s words, the brothers immediately called the villagers, narrated their story and took permission to build the temples there. Both were affluent and wealthy. So, they switched their permanence from Othadi to Paapaanchatiram. This happened in the year 1802! The stone inscription is an evidence to this event, which says in details the lands donated for this templeand also curses those who if they usurp the Lord's property, would have the sin equivalent to that of killing 1000 brahmins and 1000 cows at Kasi, on the banks fo Kaveri. Are the land encroachers and usurpers listening to these curses?

Even though the elder brother didn’t have a sibling, the younger one, Venkatasubbaramayyar had siblings and the generation flourished.

The Shiva shrine has the Kasi Viswanatha Lingam, Visalakshmi Amman, Adi Sankara as deities and the Krishna Temple boasts of a beautiful Krishna, playing flute with Rukmini and Satyabama on either side. Another Goverdhan Krishna, Ramanujar Shrines are also within the mandap. The priest has added few years before the Navagraha Sannidhi, after the Paramacharya's visit.These Navagrahas are also rare, with all adhipathi (lord) posing with their wives and consorts (vahanam)!!

Lands pertaining to this temple were registered in 1864 in Coimbatore (so says the priest) and ironically, as explained before, those who enjoy the temple lands never turned back and did something for these temples. Till date, except the good local E.O who belongs to HR &CE department (good as he does not object to any repairs and work at this site, that’s all!!!) and some local countable good Samaritans, the temple premises continues to lie uncared, and it has become an annual ritual that any of the few Uzhavarapani groups (temple cleaning groups) identify this temple ND DO SOME CLEANING. This time, when the above mentioned devout “Aalayam Suttham seyyum Uzhavarapani mandram” (of Vadapalani) leaders called us to be with them while the cleaning goes on, we took a vow to see to that the repairs are undertaken and pujas continue.

As it was raining we could not use our wonder tree killing chemicals on them, as water would dilute the killing effect. We are planning to go on a sunny day and kill the trees which are collapsing the walls of the sanctum sanctorums.

This volunteer group goes to such places in a open lorry (big wagon which can carry 100 persons standing) and all hail from worker class and middle class families. Even though they may not have heavy purses to throw around donations to build temples, the ground work they do to clean the temple is a hard task and a great work of sweat and devotion. It was really a great site to see them work relentlessly braving the chillness and the rain. REACH supports all such groups and are in constant touch with them. We have already procured the tree killer chemicals in bulk, sickles, ploughs and knifes to cut bushes, trees etc. to enable distribute these among all such groups, whenever they need and also inspire the locals to decide to rebuild the temple which gets cleaned.

Symposium for "Heritage Wardens" conducted

2007-08-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

The one-day symposium conducted by R.E.A.C.H FOUNDATION on 05th August 2007, for the “Heritage Wardens” (Temple Cleaners @ Uzhavarapani Groups in Tamil),at the Tattvãloka Auditorium at Eldams Road, Teynampet, had an overwhelming representation and response, that people from far flung places like Thiruchendur, Thiruvannamalai, Tranquebar @ Tharangambadi, Kumbakonam, had come for this occasion.

First and foremost, a word about the hall. It symbolized more like a sanctum sanctorum of the Holiness. Jagadguru Shringeri Swamigal. This hall is run and maintained by the Shringeri Mutt. The cleanliness, their code of conduct (like removing and keeping foot wear only at the racks provided at the basement of the hall, where car parking also exists, switching of mobiles, not allowing food into the auditorium) was appreciated by many. The hall’s ambience was perfect, clean and compact. The seating, sound system and the provision for projection of PowerPoint presentations, all provided by this auditorium are commendable. No dangling wires, open tapes or bad patches anywhere! Also the interior done is at its best, making the whole atmosphere serene.

We need to mention a special thanks to Shri. T.R.Ramachandran for allowing us to use this auditorium free of cost and his team members who were well harmonized to carry forward the proceedings without any hiccups.

The programme started bit late than usual, as audience came in slowly. First the Kuthuvilakku (Traditional Oil Lamp made of Panchaloga) was lit by our Chief Guest Kalaimamani, Silai Meetta Semmal Shri. Dr. R.Nagaswamy, the pioneer in Archaeology who has many credits to his name, and the former Director of Tamilnadu State Archaeology. This was followed by lighting of the lamp, by T.S.Sridhar IAS, who is the secretary of Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, and then by Shri. Ramachandran the Trustee of Tattvãloka, Dr. T. Satyamurthy, the founder trustee of REACH FOUNDATION.

As it was the “Sani Peyarchi”, many quoted that as a reason for not attending this function. If only they had come across the hymns in Tamil which starts, as “ naal en seyyum , Kol en seyyum,” (meaning, the days, stars, or planets cannot do anything adverse to one, who holds the feet of Lord Muruga) as well as the one from KolaRu Thirupadigam, “ Gnaayiru, Thingal, Sevvai…(meaning, all these seven days are alike, when we only think of Lord Shiva). With these verses the compere Shri. Chandrasekaran started off the programme.

The first programme of the agenda was singing of the invocation and welcome song written by Kavi Yogi Shuddhanandha Bharti, by Shri. Sargurunadan, the Oduvar of Mylai Temple. His sweet voice rendered the song with such a strong flow and vibration, which set the tempo to the remaining part of the day. The Founder Trustee honoured him with a shawl.

Then came to Welcome Address by the founder Dr.T.Sathyamurthy. He said that after the inauguration of the web site www.conserveheritage.org as well as the on-line course for reading inscriptions launched by The Governor on 16th June, 2007, he was almost certain that this programme for the heritage wardens also should be conducted to achieve what REACH aims for. Many Government sanctions were made available for rebuilding heritage sites, but the problem was that, none had the right database which tells us about the number of temples which are in ruins, their location, the estimated funds requirement, etc. So, the main objective of this function was to collect database of temples, which needs attention.

He also stressed the need to have a common knowledge centre, to impart technical know how to all the rural folk who want to rebuild heritage sites/ temples. He lamented the use of cement at least for the vimana, which can be spared. He insisted that vimana made of traditional material like limestone at least doesn’t damage the Shiva lingam if it collapses, whereas the cement domes form a solid mass and falls straight to knock off the Deity itself!

He wanted all the district level pioneers doing temple cleaning to start the branches of REACH in their respective places, to spread the knowledge base.

Then spoke Shri. T.S Sridhar, IAS, who was very lavish in his praising the efforts of REACH. He said that unless the private-public partnership doesn’t happen, the lost temples couldn’t be brought back to glory. He said that not only Kerala is God’s own country, but also whole of India, is really God’s own country. He was inviting proposals from all public to recommend sites of tourist interest. He wanted the sites to be kept clean.

Shri. T.R. Ramachandran who was at the dais as the trustee of Tattvãloka, said that he was really happy to know that their auditorium was put to use for such great causes. He lauded and remembered the work of the Chief Guest, Shri. R.Nagaswamy, as he had contributed articles about temples, temple architecture, stone inscriptions, iconography, murals of Indian temples etc, as articles to their magazine, Tattvãloka, from Mumbai, for almost 7 full years! He said that he was happy to see his friend after a long time in the same dais.

To represent the Uzhavarapani groups, Shri. Komal V.Sekar addressed the gathering. His real life experiences of being an ordinary man to become a man possessed to undertake the daunting task of rebuilding temples, his narratives and hardships, made the audience experience the journey as he tread in the past. He said that ignorance, being the key; many people depended on Sthapathis who were quacks and did not do justice to their work, nor recommend the right material which should be used for. He said he had seen before his eyes, Vimanams made of cement falling and damaging the deity. He also wanted to bring to attention the plight of the archakas who are living in great hardship, as the Government is turning a blind eye towards them. He suggested a novel model, of having common accounts like Shiva temples, account, Vishnu temple accounts, Amman temple accounts, so that all temple money got pooled to one account, thereby, the salaries and other maintenance expenses can be equally distributed to all temples, any given time.

Trustee H Chandrashekhar lauded the work of the foundation and said that he was happy to get associated with this noble cause.

Trustee Shri. Hariharan recalled his earlier days, when he was asked by the Maha periyava, the senior pontiff of Kanchi, Shri. Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi, to build a small temple for a Shiva Lingam at a roadside at Kanchi. Without uttering a word, he did that. Later when his father was stopped from being admitted to Cancer hospital, and was saved for next six years without a hitch, Hariharan said, he knew what divine power was, and to his surprise the Kanchi Maha Periyava named the Shiva Lingam as “Brahmanya Lingam”, his father name being Subramanian! He also remembered the old days, when he found only divine intervention made him take efforts to rebuild the Madipakkam Shiva temple. So, as a trustee, he said it was the divine call, even though he knew less of history, which got associated with REACH, to rebuild temples.

The highlight of the day was the effortless and eloquent address by Shri. Kalaimamani Dr. R.Nagaswamy. A doyen in archaeology, the man who brought out more Stone inscriptions, one who restored the Thirumalai Nayak Place in Madurai, the Thiruvannamalai temple to name a few, and the one who is called as “Silai Meetta Semmal” (the man who brought back our statues). The reason for the last adage is that, it was Dr. R.Nagaswamy, arguing in the London court to get back some stolen idols (Shiva puram if the writer remembers correctly). The judge who heard the argument hailed his deep knowledge in the subject and ordered immediate return of the statues to the Indian Government.

He said that unless the awareness of retaining the culture comes from within, we couldn’t restore heritage. He quoted an example of a rare vimana, he saw in Kumbakonam, where in the renovators were hells bent on finishing the carved brick made one, with cement. He pleaded with them to leave it as it is, as that would be the rarest of vimana where carving was done on bricks. But the damage was done. He quoted that in Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia, and even in far off Greece, Hindu culture prevailed and was nurtured. He quoted seeing a Coin of Greek King Agathocleus which was some 2700 years old, having the Greece king’s name on one side, but also having Lord Krishna’s image on one side and that of Balarama’s on the other side!

He also condemned the use of cement for patching up between stone inscriptions and walls. This was not needed as well as was spoiling the legibility of the inscriptions.

His PowerPoint presentation showed how he restored the Danish Fort in Tharangambadi, and how the new administrators of the fort had built new buildings near by the old ones. Also a water tank for Tsunami victims was built too close to the ancient Fort site. He said, any vibrations or digging in the vicinity of an ancient site, would damage the heritage building and such acts should be condemned and banned. The main focus was the uncared Masilamani Nathar Temple at Tharangambadi (Tranquebar). In spite of this ancient temple, being a rarest Shiva Temple in seashore, Government apathy and negligence had totally shattered this temple. The bund wall built to protect the nearby Fort also funneled the seawater to throw itself on the temple. Tsunami accelerated the problem and now the whole temple made of granite stone lies shattered. Shabby patch up work done by PWD, not withstanding, he called the experts to join hands in restoring this temple. A representative of Tharangambadi had come to the function and he agreed to the point that a joint committee of experts only can solve and rebuild the temple, and not simple civil departments of the Government

The climax of the day was the powerful PowerPoint of Shri. P.S. Sriraman, the ASI man, from Madras Museum. He was one of the key men who digitized and documented the fresco paintings in the Tanjore Brahadeeswara Temple, during the tenure of Dr.T.Sathyamurthy as the Chief in ASI.
He started the presentation by showing few ruined temples like those seen in Brahmadesam, Brahadesswara Temple in Tanjore as well as in Gangai Konda Cholapuram and the after effect of rebuilding, by using slides “Before” and “After”. This got a round of applause. He meticulously explained what one should not do:
Not to throw away the stones and bricks lying around,
Not to remove idols,
Not to allow plant and creepers grow,
Not to use acrylic paint or cement, etc.

He said using brain one could utilize 90% of the ruin material and re-use them to rebuild the temple. This needs careful planning and sorting of the available materials. He said more of public participation is necessary to restore temples as Government is always short of funds and skilled manpower. He quoted the example of Manjunatha Dharamasthala Temple Renovation Trust, which has a well-planned public-private participation. After identifying a temple, the get drawings and estimation made, get the written agreement of the locals allowing the trust to take over the temple site, visit frequently the site to inspect the work-in-progress and thereby see to that the temple is restored in the right manner with a transparent system prevailing throughout. Now the Karnataka Government had started giving their identified heritage sites to the Dharamasthala Trust for restoration!

He said REACH FOUNDATION is ready to give technical expertise to create plans, drawings, estimates, ideas to renovate the right way; what is needed is the public participation in collecting funds, or materials, use them in the righteous manner to enable the restored heritage temple be good for the next 1000 years!

The programme ended with the national anthem followed by a simple but tasty lunch comprising Sugar Pongal, Sambar Rice, Pappad and Curd Rice.

REACH FOUNDATION is planning to conduct such seminars and symposiums in each district, and create an awareness campaign among rural public. If the might of public support and the skill of these archaeologists join together, we are sure most temples will get restored and a renaissance of our Dharma will soon emerge.

Tharangambadi Masilaamani Nathar Temple

2007-06-03T01:13:00.000-07:00

Visit on 18th of March, 2007

This writer could not continue writing this travelogue, as his mind used to wander back to Tharangambadi and think of the lone Shiva Lingam in the darkest of midnights staring at the sea, with just the shrine around him. We regret the delay in presenting this to all readers. Few weeks before, there was an article in Tamil Daily Dinamani by Mr.Kirungai Sethupathi about this temple, which has been well documented.

The Tharangambadi Masilaamani Nathar Temple, also called as Kulasekarapattinam in Silappadigaaram, where Kannagi is introduced in this place where the Chettiyars did commerce, is today a non-descript place with the ASI board at the entrance. This Temple built in 1305 A.D by Maravarman Sundara pandya exhibits outstanding architectural skills. This is explained well in this web page.

The Temple is in total ruins, with the stark contrast to the Danish fort which is fully made of mud and lime stone. The Danish Government, the Christian missionaries who are in full force doing there job of spreading their religion around and INTACH (which has bought its own house near the temple spot) are doing their bit in the name of conservation.

Members Chandrasekaran and Sundhar Athreya were not aware of what was in store. But the sight of the ruins and the waves hitting the only left piece of history, the sanctum sanctorum broke the silence claiming, “Sea ...me, see me!”

The top temple Vimanam, sliced and thrown into the sea talks its own story to tell. Whom and what to blame? The tsunami, the care takers of the temple HR and CE, or the poor Hindus who do not have much to contribute to the might of rebuilding the temple..?

When we had informed the villagers well in advance about our intentions of taking note of the situation there and our intention to help them in rebuilding the temple, another flood of people thronged from all walks of life, the fishermen village heads, teachers, artisans, lawyers and Hindu activists..! Name a kind, you could see them there. Before starting our discussion, one member invoked Lord Shiva in a loud and clear voice, singing the Thevaram by ending it with chants of Aum (Om) thrice. When all were silent, the sea waves lashing the shores also synchronized with this Omkaaram! Both sounds merged and created a magical and mystical aura around, as all became more attentive in the progress of the discussion.

Then Sundar Athreya gave a fiery and though provoking speech on why and how we need to work relentlessly on Temple Renovations and understanding our own culture through these living Heritages.

After a lengthy discussion, the villagers requested us to talk to the HR and CE commissioner’s office at Chennai to utilize the funds sanctioned recently in the current Tamil Nadu Budget in the right way, by reclaiming the sand that has been washed away and fill the inundated sea water within the old temple campus ( this is a non-entity now, the temple boundary, as mentioned by few old members is existing only in our memory or in the minds of people who have good imagining powers, by comparing the wall of the adjacent Dutch fort!) with the 50 lakh sanctioned to the HR and CE as well as the 3 crore odd Indian rupees sanctioned for building a bund wall to stop further erosion across the sea, a post-tsunami relief fund also in a transparent way.

REACH foundation is approaching the appropriate Government bodies to discuss these issues and it would be a welcome step if the Government missionary runs hands in hand with the confidence of local people, with the technical help of REACH foundation coming forward, free for them! Of course, some haphazard patch up is going on in the name of renovation, within the temple premises, which none of the people we met, liked. There is also a Government proposal to shift the temple to inner area, which is also not liked by the locals. They wish the Government to speed up the restoration act with the help of technical group like REACH and are willing to cooperate in all means to see the temple get back its sublime glory!

This is one of the few temples in South India on a sea shore, and the second one in whole of India next to Somnath. The villagers wish that this would become the Somnath of South, where bakthas would throng in masses daily and the place become a great tourist attraction for this temple as well as for the Dutch treat (fort) near by.

We also visited the nearby Shiva temple, owned by a private family, being restored by INTACH. There was a beautiful Bhairava Statue as well as another unknown idol. (The writer could not know).

Can experts name and identify that? There was also another Vishnu temple nearby, which at least had a proper temple building, but uncaring people had made it totally unkempt. We requested the villagers to at least clean this temple at the earliest. One member came forward to operate the temple bell here on a daily basis, morning and evening at 6.O’clock.

We bid adieu to all promising to do our best. Before that, we entered the sanctum sanctorum. The Shiva Lingam and its serene look towards the sea had its own eerie effect. The other consorts of the temple are kept safely in a nearby house donated by a kind hearted Brahmin and pujas continue till date. The site of Sapthamatrikaas itself talks about the ancientness of this temple. (Sapthamatrikaas were the most ancient form worshipped by Hindus)

The name of the Lord and his Devi are sweeter than the serenity around. Masilaamani nathar – meaning Jewel without a blemish and Aram Vazhartha Nayagi – Dharma Rakshambikai in Sanskrit – The Goddess who patronized truth and law – Will the current rulers restore these Gods in their righteous place?

There is this Thevaram sung by Appar,

"Maasil Veenaiyum Maalai Madiyamum

Veesu Thendralum Veengila Venilum

Moosu Vandarai Poigayum Pondradey,

Eeasan Endhai Inayadi Neezhaley!"

( Faultless Veena Hymns, Evening Moon, The cool Breeze, the righteous season, honey bees buzzing around the flowers in the ponds, Oh, Shiva, surrendering your lotus feet makes me feel all these)

We do not know at what context and situation Appar sung this, but believe this should have come from him in this serence surroundings, the sea, the breeze and the silence around the Shiva Lingam.

Also read the Tranquebar Map and Conversions in Tharangambadi

And see how the temple was once upon a time! Here, with the front mandap

Kundrathur Valeeswarar Temple Restoration Work on 16th Dec 2006

2006-12-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

It was a destined day for REACH foundation temple_cleaners team to reach Kundrathur Valeeswarar temple on this 16th of December 2006.

As written in my tamil blog, it is so rich in heritage but the most ruined and not in spot light- this small hillock and its surroundings in Kundrathur. As usual, the Samarpanam volunteers turned up as well as another lone volunteer Mr.Danasekaran, all the way from Maraimalainagar who is a member of “Hindu Aalaya Suttham Seyyum Iraipani Mandram” having its office at the ShivaTemple, Vadapalani. I say ‘destined’, because on reaching there, I was not knowing which local guy I would contact, the one who would carry along this task of communicating with us, about the development of the temple work! Lo, came there a passer by, slowing down his bike.

He enquired, “Hey, who’s that? What have you come for?”
I replied, “Just planning to clean the surrounding of the temple and thinking of reconstructing it. I belong to REACH foundation”
“Thank God, He sent you! This was my child hood dream (he must be some where around 40 years) envisioning this temple to be a good one, re-built! What a coincidence! I am just going to arrange for my father’s 80th birthday celebrations, hurrying to call friends, relatives and happened to pass by through this short cut lane, to avoid the longer route! And my name is Chandrasekaran,I work for a nearby factory… and whjat’s your name?”
I replied, “Chandrasekaran”.
He retorted, “No sir, I amnot asking you to repeat mine; I asked your name.”
I again said bit louder,” We both have same name!”

I continued, “By the way. Who else can supervise things here afterwards? I need someone, preferably a senior guy?"

He replied,”It was in my mind. I will call him. He is longing to re-do this temple and was also involved in the construction of the nearby Vishnu temple along with his brother Baskar,” and he rang the other man. He left, giving his numbers, asking to call anytime, for any need.
I thanked him, he left. I turned around, just to receive the other man summoned by Chandrasekaran (local guy)
Me: " Namaskaram. I am happy you came immediately. I am Chandrasekaran from REACH. Shall we start?
He said in a surprised tone, “ I am also Chandrasekaran!!!” C lead C to meet another C!”
I said, "Add one more! Lord C (Shiva) decided to do this way today. So C made C to meet C and C in Kundrathur, to reconstruct His temple!”

As per the history on the stone inscriptions, it says that this temple belongs to the Maruthuva Andhanar (Doctor-Brahmins). Some intercept it as a community who did intercaste marriage, but some claim it as the Brahmins who were medicine- doctors by Profession (like those of Variyaars or Arya Vaidyans from Kerala).

A deaf and dumb volunteer, who now takes care of the make shift temple and the Shiva Linga there along with few neighbours did a fantastic job of cleaning along. We hired 7 locals who actually spoil the temple premises by dumping waste and garbage, by paying them heavily. That would have struck the right-cord! Now, they have promised that they would not misuse the temple land. Though heavily encroached upon, the neighbouring land owner over the side at which the temple front was facing, claimed that he had documents to prove that the land was his since 1800. (I was to ask what about the years before, but controlled my mouth, as I was keen on bargaining some piece of land for fencing around the sanctum sanctorum, at least a 10 feet passage. The elder Chandrasekaran knew him already and took me to bargain with him. He readily agreed!

Then, the speed picked up and by noon 11:30 we were finished with the cleaning.
We all members wound up by visiting the nearby Murugan temple at the hillock as well as the Perumal temple, as it was the Margazhi month. All temples seem to be built during the Kulothunga Chola period. The wooden piece top fascia carving kept aside inside the sanctum sanctorumof the Amma shrine within the Vishnu temple, is a great feast to our eyes.

Now the next step would be to take some civil estimators to get the cost of reconstruction worked out, and who knows… some more Chandrasekarans may join the workJ Keep a watch on this site for updates…

Chandrasekaran
On behalf of REACH Foundation team

New blog for REACH Foundation for history and cultural lovers!

2006-12-19T19:03:00.000-08:00

We have started another blog ONLY to write articles on the historical, cultural heritage and our glorious past! Articles and photgraphs pertaining to any historical site, informations, travelogues and articles arewelcome!
As usual, the temple visits will be updated here in this blog. Pls do visit http:reachhistory.blogspot.com

R.E.A.C.H Foundation.

Latest on Azinjivakkam and Pudhu Gummidipoondi temples.

2006-08-25T01:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Dr.Satyamurthy, some skilled men from his department volunteered to get an access of the cost and works for these 2 temples. The Azinjivakkam Panchayat president Mr.Baskaran and Pudhu Gummidipoondi Panchayat President Mr.Selvaraj, cooperated very well with us for carrying out the estimates, by getting ladders, measuring tapes etc. The estimates will be soon reviewed by our President Dr.Satyamurthy himself and an application will be forwarded to the concerned E.O and Commissioner of HR&CEfor further permission for re-buidling the Pudhu Gummidipoondi temple. As for Ajinjivakkam, a swamiji who had started the renovation work, from Andhra has to be met to work out a consensus, as to how we can proceed with the work, without demolishing and retaining the old temple tower.

The Azinjivakkam temple photos:-

beautiful vimanam

Kaali at the tower

added unwanted load on the top (which was not in the original- this has to be removed as per experts advise)
--->

Small but beautiful

Pudhu Gummidipoondi:
Inside the sanctum sanctorum!!!
Bronze Nataraja

Shiva Bronze

The shrine-Shivalinga in dark :(

Senjippanambakkam ShivaTemple

2006-08-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

Senjippanambakkam ShivaTemple (in English):

Enroute Tiruttani from Chennai central, next to Kadambattur lies Senjippanambakkam. Very close to the railway station, a thin lane goes into the village and suddenly from no where, appears a beautiful temple (almost intact) studded between thorny trees and enroached land, a Shiva temple. The hand painted name says as "Kailasanathar temple" but the temple is devoid of Puja.

The deity Shiva linga is lying out in gay abandon and the avudai (the stone encircling the Shiva linga) also lies somewhere outside. The sanctum sanctorum was so dark, that we could not make out the deities, but thanks to Chandru's good flash and digital stuff, we came to know on looking the prints that a Vishnu statue (in seated position) is also seen inside the Shiva temple!!

The architecture is a marvel and seems to have been done by the Hoysala Nayaks, and this temple must easily be one built in 1600-1700 A.D. The Bichadanar and Shiva sculptures are intact and what this temple needs is just retrieving the surrounding land and a regualr puja. A small girl and her mother from the nearby hut are performing the Puja daily to the Linga lying outside. But ironically, a local Hindu Group had come out with a Naga temple,adding a suffix with all names in Hindu lexicon.. "Naga Vinayaka, Naga Murugan,Naga Ayyappan, Naga Navagraha, Naga Agasthya, Naga Amman.. and so on.." and have managed to build a cinema -setting like Man-Made Snake Mound into which these so called Naga Gods are seen! The temple attracts good crowd and the family which handles that temple is minting money. Sad, a plight, the Shiva temple is ignored. The local councillor could not be contacted as the time we went was election time. Repeated calls ended futileand our team hopes that one day we will again go to the village and try to mobilize local support for this temple to regain its lost glory soon!!

In Tamil:

சென்னையிலிருந்து திருத்தணி செல்லும் ரயில் மார்க்கத்தில், கடம்பத்தூருக்கு அடுத்து (திருவள்ளூர்ருக்கு அடுத்து மூன்றாவது நிறுத்தத்திலுள்ளது செஞ்சிப்பணம்பாக்கம்! ரயில் நிலையத்திலிருந்து தடுக்கி விழுந்தால், நேராய் ஒரு பெரிய முட்புதர்கள் நிறைந்த பெரிய நிலப்பரப்பு வரும். அதில் திடீரென முளைத்தார்போல், கண்ணில் படுவது, அழகான கோபுரம் கொண்ட சிவாலயம். ஆனால், அதன் சிவலிங்கங்களில் இரண்டிலொன்று வெட்டவெளியில் நெட்டுகுத்தலாய் ஆவுடையின்றி ஆகாய பூசை (வேரென்ன, மழை பெய்தால் அபிஷேகம், காற்றடித்தால், எதேனும் இலைகள், பூக்கள் விழுந்தால் அர்ச்சனையென கிடக்கிறது!

நுழைவாயிலில், இந்து அறநிலையத்துறையினர் எதோ பூசைக்கான கட்டணம் எழுதியதுபோலுள்ளது. அங்கும், ஒரு மொட்டை ஆவுடை கிடக்கிறது; உள்ளே அதிசயமாக, சிவலிங்கத்துடன், ஒரு பெருமாளின் சிலையும் காணப் பெற்றோம்!

ஆனால், அதுவும் காமிராவின் வெளிச்சத்தில்! அத்தனை இருட்டு! கோபுரம், மிக நேர்த்தியாக உள்ளது. நாயக்கர் காலத்து கோபுரம் (1600-1700 கி.பி) அழகிய பிச்சாடனர், தக்ஷிணாமுர்த்தி சுதை சிலைகள் நிறைந்த கோபுரம்; நடுநடுவே முட்செடிகள், உடைக்க முற்படும் ஆலஞ்செடிகள்! சுற்றிலும் ஆக்ரமிப்பு! இதுதான் செஞ்சிப்பணம்பாக்கம் சிவன் கோயில்! மிக அருகிலேயே, சீரியல் சினிமா தோற்கும் அளவுக்கு ஒரு பெரிய செயற்கை பாம்புப்புற்றினைச் செய்து( கிட்டத்தட்ட 30 அடி உயரம்!) அதில் பல நுழைவு வாயில்கள் வைத்து, எங்கு காணினும், நாகவிநாயகர், நாகஐயப்பன், நாகஅம்மன் என்று எல்லாக் கடவுள்கள் பெயரிலும் நாகத்தை சேர்த்துக் கொண்டு, ஒரு சூப்பர் செட்-அப் அமோகமாக கடவுள்கள் பெயரில் விற்பனை ஆகிக்கொண்டிருக்க, இந்த காலச்சின்னமான சிவன் கோயில் கேட்பாரற்று காலச்சின்னாபின்னமாகக் காத்திருக்கிறது! நாம் போன நேரம் தேர்தல் நேரம் என்பதால் அப்போது ஊர் தலைவர் யாரிடமும் பேச முடியவில்லை. எனவே, மீண்டும் உழவாரப் பணி செய்ய செப்டம்பர் மாதம் படையெடுக்கத்திட்டம்!

Chandrasekareswara Temple-Pudhu Gummidipoondi

2006-07-25T04:42:00.000-07:00

Pudhu Gummidi Poondi Chandrasekareswara Temple Cleaning - 16/07/2006

The day started of with a roaring Chandra Travels van, which took us to the spot at around 8 AM. Courtesy the archaka, the temple was kept open. The Village President had promised at least 50 persons- man power but none were in sight. When called, he cited an excuse that he had a family function that day and so all village folks had gone there! What a start! Undaunted by the work, the enthusiastic bunch of volunteers, totaling 18 members, mostly the 'Samarpanam' volunteers, who are all software engineers, tried to test their hands with 'hardware' that day! Yes, by the word hardware, I mean sickles, crowbars, axes etc.! Cutting and chopping the compound of approx 10.000 square feet was almost cleaned within a span of 5 hours!! Half the work done, when we were wondering how the whole periphery would be covered before noon, there appeared a guy called 'Murugan' claiming to be a worker in a nearby factory and a friend of the Village President himself! He voluntarily took a sickle, started cutting off with gusto and his speed was such that the rear left half of the temple premises was cleaned by him single handedly!

He also helped members climb atop the roof of the temple and cut off deep rooted trees which were piercing into the limestone roof. Seeing him, our energy soared to greater height and the premises was cleaned as scheduled. Senior member V Sekar came with his friends and added luster to the idols available in the outside mandapam. Adding luster? Ya, yes, he applied til oil on all the vigrahas! He also tried to sort out all the flowering plants apart from the thorny weeds and bushes. He helped volunteers identify such plants add raise earthern bund around each plant.

As a dosha parihara for cutting trees, members were asked to water those flowering plants. The dry leaves and bushes were set fire and removed off. But after the pooja, our wait turned to agony- for a darshan of the deities. The pundit in charge of the temple was busy in handling the jostling village crowd, who have come from far off villages like Ponneri, for what? Do you think it is for the temple darshan? No, it is for soothsaying and dosha parihara, horoscope seeking etc. The pundit hardly entered the temple, even for a glimpse of the cleaning work going on!
When we forced him to spare a 10 minute break, he was in his best of moods scolding the officials, one of our volunteer and also the system, for keeping him like this, more like a beggar; he claimed his salary is due from 1990 and also the village EO hardly gives any money for the temple. HE also claimed that precious statues, around 38 in numbers are inside the sanctum sanctorum but most Sthri idols were devoid of a piece of cloth. There was a theft attempt also, we believe. So, the pundit hardly opens the main door! The 'forced' pooja was conducted to the beautiful Valli Devasena Sametha Subramaniya Swamy and to the Ambal at the outer mandap. Member PN Subramaniam, almost donated most of the tools cost, which has now become the property of our trust. The balance was shared by the members. Member V Sekar brought all pooja items and Vastrams for the deities. The next follow up would be with the E.O.of the said temple, along with the Village President. Our Author and President of the trust Dr.T.Satyamurthy had promised that he will chalk out a plan to face the officials and spell out the plan for permanent opening of this temple in near future.

9. MAANGADU-VELLISWARAR-SUKRA-VENUS

2006-07-06T10:15:00.001-07:00

Sukra Sthala (Venus) :- Vellieeswarar Temple at Maangadu.
Location: Near the famous Maangadu Amman Temple

For ages the temple was in ruins, but now the current Trust of the nearby famous Maangadu Mariamman Temple, have understood that the Shiva Linga (Vellieeswarar) here was worshipped by the Parvathi in penance seen at Maangadu Amman temple itself.
Aftermath, the story goes beyond as Vishnu who solemnized the marriage of Shiva-Parvathi thereafter, also has a near by temple here. This Vishnu carries the jewels for the marriage in his hands!
All the three temples are near by (Vellieeswarar, Maangadu Amman, Vishnu).
It is said that Sukra worshipped the Lingam here.

It is believed that those who have eye ailments will surely get cured by worshipping the lord here.
The temple is undergoing major face-lift now but the Poojas continue. The temple will be opened to common public by October this year.

8.KOVUR- BUDHAN-MERCURY

2006-07-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

Budhan Sthalam - Kovur Thirumeyneeswarar Shiva temple is the Budhan (Sthalam. The entrance is picturesque with an array of houses and tall Asoka Trees on either side.

This temple has the unique Maha Vilvam as its Sthala Vruksham. (Sacred tree in the temple) which has bunch of 27 leaves in one single stalk!!!

This is the place where Saint Thyagaraja sang the Kovur Panchartanam on Shiva.
This temple tank also needs to be cleaned.

7. PORUR-GURU-JUPITER

2006-07-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

Guru sthala-(Jupiter) - Porur Ramanadeswarar Koil,

This temple is the situated in Eswaran Koil Street. This is also called as Uthara Rameswaram, and is being maintained beautifully. Well lit, the main Shiva Linga well decorated and taken care off. What is missed is the history and the stones bearing the inscriptions! We saw few stone carvings scattered near the temple well and it took some time for us to clean the mud covering the scriptures.
A guy who popped in said “ Many such stones were there. When the front Mandap was rebuilt using Mosaic, such stones ended up as base stones for it!" What an end to these scriptures!
The alternate to this Gurusthalam, is the Shiva Temple at Kundrathur.

6. GERUGAMBAKKAM - KETHU

2006-07-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

Kethusthalam -Gerukambakkam

Location : At the left side of the road in the Kovur- Kundrathur Road.

At the left hand of the entrance we see a separate Snake idol worshipped as the Kethu shrine.

The Amman strikes your sight as it is facing the entrance. So, big, majestic,beautiful!

The Goddess attracts your concentration and attention. Only those who see it will believe it!! So, powerful is this Adi Kamakshi Amman and the Shiva here is Neelakandeswarar.

5. POZHICHALOOR-SATURN-SANI

2006-07-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

Agastheeswarar Koil at Pozhichalur – was also called as Thugazh Chola Nallur. This temple has a separate Sani Statue.

The presiding Goddess is Anandavalli Thayar and the Lord is Agastheeswarar . This temple is also called as Vada Thirunallaru, and is a renowned Nadi Pariharashthalam.

People around say that foreigners, North Indians throng this temple to do parihaara for their Dosha if informed through Naadi Josyam!

The temple is a 12th century architecture. It is said that the Sivalingam appeared when the native Mudaliars ploughed the land.

4. KUNDRATHUR-RAAGHU (Thirunageswaram)

2006-07-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

Thiru Nageswaram Koil is at Kundrathur .

This temple is believed to be built by Sekkizhaar ( who wrote Periya Puranam) Clan.

Here the Nagabharanam around the linga is supposed to be the Rahu for worship. The temple and its tank are clean and well maintained.

This place is also called as VADA THIRUNAGESWARAM

3. POOVIRUNDAVALLI-(Poonamallee)-SEVVAI-Angaraka-Mars

2006-07-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Poonamallee @ Poovirundhavalli - Sevvai - Mars

Thayal Nayagi Udanurai Vaitheesaran Koil ( Goddess named as Thayal Nayagi and the Shiva called as Vaideeswaran, is the Sevvai @ Angaraka Kshetram – (Mars) .

The temple is lavish, big and well maintained. Here the temple has a separate Sevvai Padam (legs) and a statue of the Sthala Vruksha Thaazhi Panai Maram (Thazhi Palm) and also 3 Chakrams which were established here by the Adi Shankara (Sri Chakram, Subramania Chakram, Shanmuga Chakram) near the Subramania Swami Sannidhi.
The munmandapam near the Shiva Shrine has beautiful carvings on the roof. The South entrance has some interesting sculptures on either side.

The temple tank needs to be cleaned.

2. SOMANGALAM- CHANDRA-MOON

2006-07-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

Somangalam Chandra (Moon) sthala

Location: Sandwiched in a place between the road from Kundrathur to Sriperumbudur.

This has Somanatheeswarar as the main deity. The Chandra adorning Shiva is worshipped.

A legend says that the Nandi was cursed to look the opposite side, as it got over confident and thought that it was better than the Lord Himself on winning a war against invaders!!

This temple also ahs an unique statue of BRAHMA SUBRAHMANIAR – Subramania who did the work of Brahma, while Brahma was put behind bars, by Subrahmania himself!! When Brahma came to Kailasa, the abode of Shiva, the young Subrahmania @Karthikeya, stopped Brahma on the way. Brahma showd arrogance and challenged Karthikeya, saying that he was one among the Trinity, doing the job of a Creator and none dared to stop him.

Karthikeya asked the meaning for Aum (pronounced as OM). Brahma could not decipher the meaning of this Pranava Mantra.

To condemn his ignorance and arrogance, Brahma was imprisoned and Karthikeya took the mantle of a creator for a while!

The priest here is for the 11th generation FROM THE SAME FAMILY which is doing Pooja for ages! There were few idols sctattered around the temple.

The sthala vriksha here is “Sarakondrai”.

1. KOZAPAKKAM-SURYA-SUN

2006-07-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Agastheeswarar Koil – Kozapakkam, is the Surya shrine, (Sun)

Location: This lies sandwiched in the link road between the Kundrathur and Mount Poonamallee High Road.

The unique feature is that the three main deities The Sun God, Bairava Idol and the Shivalingam (to be seen through Salaram (window) all at the same time. Many stone scriptures are seen scattered all around the temple. The landscape and garden around this temple is maintained excellently well.

Local folk say that due to the power of Surya (Sun God) here, most of the inhabitants have secured Government jobs!

A beautiful water pond is in front of the temple.

NAVAGRAHA STHALAAS NEAR CHENNAI !!!

2006-07-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

When one of our members was challenged by an anonymous mailer that we "ignored" to see real ruined temples, and not taking effort to revive them, we felt stumped!The writer nick namd himself as 'Kundrathooran' and claimed that there were 9 navagrahasthalas, within 10 km radius of Kndrathur, we wanted to trace those temples. Luckily the writer had listed those temples, but without locations! Members Chandrasekaran, Madan, Sethil Raja and Ram Sunder decided to take a trip and were on real hunt. The striking similarities were which we could not resist to inform:-
1. Most temples are Chola Period temples,
2. All had GAja Brushta Vimaanas and sanctum sanctorums (semicircular with the face flat- meaning that looked like the back of an elephant), and we were told that some 108 temples were built simultaneously by the Chola Clan, almost with the same set of artisans, who built similar temples in the Tanjore belt.

We were happy to see that most temples were in excellent condition and were well maintained, except for a few:-
The Porur Ramanadeswar Temple, even though claimed as Guru Sthala, did not have any uniqueness, but few opined that the Kundrathur Shiva temple (see our earlier blogs), had a huge Dakshina Murthy, which fits the bill to be named as Guru - Kshetra or Sthalam.Some stone scriptures were lying aside in the Porur temple and a person told us that most such stones were buried beneath the newly built marble plaform of the front mandap!

The Gerugambakkam Temple was devoid of all Vimaanaas, and the temple needs immediate cleaning and a boundary wall is a must to avoid encroachment.

Otherwise, the anonymous writer was false in his observation, that those temple were in ruins; but it was a boon in disguise that we could reveal to our readers that there existed the Navagraha temples well within the periphery of Chennai and one need not go all the way to Tanjore district for Dosha Parihara or for worshipping the 9 constenants!!

More Photos from Pazhaverkadu temple

2006-04-18T03:23:00.000-07:00

Deep Routed roots making a sandwich between walls of the amma shrine

Monkey act in the pillar carved intricately!!

Front Mandapam crowned by trees

The alwars in a row inside the inner mandapam in their basking glory after an oil bath taken after ages!!

Pazhaverkadu Adi Narayana - Vishnu temple

2006-04-18T02:19:00.000-07:00

Pazhaverkadu was called as Pulicat, because the Dutch found it difficult to pronounce! Vela trees were so abundant there and hence the name. Many trades and communities thrived here long ago, including those of British, Dutch and Chinese.

On 16th April,2006, we went for the Adi Narayanaswamy Vishnu temple .
Pazharverkadu was also known as Pralaya Kaveri and Mallapatnam as per the 16th century Telugu stone inscription found above the entrance of the Goddess shrine. This temple has been built by a Telugu man called Balavandakulu.

The entrance is striking and even though the gopuram is missing, the main entrance with the walls on either side looks like an entrance of a fort!

This is a mini-Angorvat! In all sense, because
• the temple is ancient, Vishnu temple
• has intricately carved Ramayana on its roof cross beams, close to the ceilings, having figures not taller than 8 inches and
• has roots of trees penetrating all around the temple, as if a big Asura is usurping the temple for his great hunger!! The roots of arasa trees have played havoc with this temple. The roots have gone deep into the vidanam and are almost uprooting the stone ceilings and are making the pillars fall apart. It is high time the temple should be taken up for restoration by the ASI, as,

The most striking feature and may be the first of its kind seen in Tamilnadu is that the whole temple is built using Laterite only!
The roofs are made up of stone.The Vimanam are mixture of limestone and bricks
We were fortunate to have Mr.T.Satyamurthy, ex-Superintendent Archaeologist with us, for this trip. He has formed a new foundation by the name R.E.A.C.H (Rural Education And Cultural Heritage Foundation) having our members as a part of the forming committee.

This Laterite stone is normally found only in coastal Malabar, Goa etc. More details on the stone, the other famous heritage monuments built on Laterite can be seen in the URL:-

http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jul82005/realty11502200577.asp

This temple, which is on the verge of collapse, is located next to a mosque. Is it otherwise? Because the walls of the old temple was similar and running further to cover the mosque too. May be half the temple land now is a mosque! Curiosity killed us, so we peeped into the mosque and were shocked to find that the stone pillars in the mosque were strikingly similar to those in the temple, except that those were green-washed (not white washed?).

The fact that children are totally clueless and innocent about religions became true.
During identification trip, it was a Muslim boy who led us correctly to the temple. Now, when we surged ahead for the cleaning operation, it was two boys Ahmad and Rafiq who offered themselves to dust off the idols of Alwars, Acharyas, Ram,Lakshman and Sita. The Rama idol is broken, and the bow and arrow are missing. There was once a separate sannidhi for Rama to the right of the main sannidhi, which has now collapsed.

These two Muslim buys carried water in plastic pots which were almost equal to their own weight! Their interest in work and dedication could not be seen among the senior villagers, who gathered inside the temple, in the second half of the cleaning operation. Atleast fifty people gathered and only fifteen men got into the act of cutting down the trees that were seen encompassing the temple.

First comes a small mandap with the garuda facing the main shrine.

The mandap leading us to the temple has beautiful carvings of dancers and the dasavatara. On one of the pillars was a carving of a monkey eating a jackfruit and above it a carving of 4 monkeys juxtaposed, which when seen with part-hidden, looks like a single monkey.

Similarly there were many carvings like a mermaid, man-beast, man with several head etc, which seems like as if the sculptor had carved out evolution itself on these pillars!

The deity was Adi Narayana Perumal, flanked by Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The utsavars had been removed to a newly built Varadaraja temple for safety reasons. The Lord in this temple is seen in a standing posture, with the sankhu and chakra in his upper hands.

His lower right hand is Abhaya hasta and the lower left hand rests on His thigh; he is flanked by Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

Outside the sannidhi is a small but beautiful idol, whose lower right hand is Varada hasta and whose lower left hand rests on the thigh. He too is flanked by Sreedevi and Bhoodevi.

The Amman shrine and Andal Shrine are seperate on either side of the main mandap and Vimanam. We had to cut the trees to find out whether these two mandaps really exist!
The bali peetam itself is a beautifully carved structure, with steps leading to the top of the bali peetam from all four sides.

The members dusted off and oiled all the idols. New vastrams and saris were bedecked on the moolavar, and sweet pongal, other ritualistic offerings were made and an elaborate Pooja was made by our member. An archaka cam running hearing the sounds of men inside the temple, and later took over the poojas. He was happy that his Perumal was getting a royal treatment which was long due, but bemoaned that due to the apathy shown to this temple by Government and local public.

It seems that the temple was popular with the villagers and till 1988 a priest used to come from Ponneri and Laksharchnais, Navaratri puja and other pujas were conducted regularly. The last samprokshanam was in 1979.

The temple is rich in heritage and artistic value, but lacks care and maintenance. It has only two acres of land in Thaangalperumpalam, a village that is a few miles away but its produce is insufficient for the maintenance of the temple.

Pazhaverkadu is also home to an ancient Shiva temple whose deity is called as Samaiya Eswaraswamy and Anandavalli, which is maintained (???) and adopted by the Government's Hindu Religious & Charities Endowment Trust. This is also in ruins, but is some what restorable.

There is a Subramania swamy temple which is some 150 years old built by some chettiars in nearby area, and also a 10th century Chola period temple is located in the nearby “Koviladi” island.

Many people including those from THE HINDU Magazine in 2004 and years before, the members of ASI, have recorded the condition of this temple and have sought immediate attention from the centre. It seems people in position have lost their senses!!

A Dutch fort ruins, some Christian and Muslim monuments, a bird sanctuary and a boating strip seen around this historical land, makes this spot ideal for a tourist outing and it is a surprise, why the Government is not showing any interest on this!?

Late in the evening, we spoke to the gathering and insisted that the villagers should call us, only after cleaning the surrounding to their best abilities, spruce up the place. Then, REACH would surely take up further renovation work.

In near future we would plan on how to approach HREC, ASI and /or other organizations, which can adopt this temple for renovation.

A special thanks to Ramakrishna mutt, and their member Mr. Kanakaraj, for providing us food and vehicle for this trip. In fact, the members felt at home in the small study centre run in Pazhaverkadu, by Ramakrishna mutt. The students, both boys and girls are taught formal education as well as about Hindu ideologies. Many have become graduates and are employed well and more are seeking employment after their graduation. The mutt runs a computer centre and also a self help group which makes hand made mats using eco-friendly materials. The mats were too good and many members bought them out instantly. A Muslim girl, wearing full gown, caught our attention. Members were wondering what she has to do in a Hindu Ashram?

This girl, whom the inmates nicknamed as Pazhaverkadu Niveditha stays for the whole day till she is forced to go back home, in the centre and serves everyone with brisk action and a permanent smile. All revere her with respect and pride! Indeed another instance of communal harmony!

While returning on the way, we visited the ancient Palaivana Nadhar temple, well maintained by the HR&CE Department, but as usual,it was so foolish of them that they had white washed all the stone inscriptions seen in abundance in and around the temple. The sthalapuranam is available in the temple itself.

Last but least, our special thanks also to Mr. G.Saminathan, an ASI member, who on the request of our advisor and Author of our newly formed R.E.A.C.H Foundation and Chief of ASI, Mr.Sathyamurthy, for giving us the details of history and stone scriptures from an old article written by their ASI staff, Mr.S.Krishnamurthy.

Venkaadu the final trip?

2006-04-11T05:11:00.001-07:00

The two days activities at vengadu involved unearthing all the pillars and stones with the help of JCB.

Day1 :-

Saturday activity started after the old man of the village offered pooja to the lingam. According to him, he has seen the temple with a mandapam on the southern side. Even during his yester years, people were hesitant to go inside the temple due to those thorny trees that housed lots of snakes. Also he said per his ancestors there are some copper plates beneath the lingam which describes the history and other facts about the temple.Couple of centuries back the temple should have been in glory with a chariot and the villagers adoring the god. The bells belonging to the chariot were supposedly still found in the other bigger lake of the village.The poor economic conditions of the gurukala and temple trustees drove them out of the village, who sold their lands to some reddiars and went to other places for living. Looks like from then on, nobody cared about the temple.

Thats a piece of history as heard from the old man. Coming back to the activity, it all started with uprooting the trees outside the pragaram on the southern side. Since the mandapam had been on the southern side, concentration of the debris were also more on the same side.JCB then started unearthing all the pillars from that side.The pillars that were unearthed were then placed outside the outer pragaram. By the fag end of the day we did manage to clear a lot of those stones and also tried to dig almost for a feet/two near the wall of the temple, just in case to check if there are any inscriptions.Unfortunately we couldn't find any.

Day 2 :-

To our surprise there were two JCB's and so with one we managed to clean the other parts of the temple while the other one removed the fallen stones from the mandapam. The garbha graham as you can see from the pic is pretty small to be cleaned using the machine and so was cleaned manually.

Since Prabhakar and I had some work we couldn't stay for the full day on sunday.

I have attached some of the pics that show the temple and its state as on sunday afternoon with Chandru taking care of the proceedings from then on.
He should be able to provide the other details about the activities.
I do hope that the cleaning was completed by the end of that day.
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Further to what Srivatsan reported above, Chandru reproted as:-

The findings and the level of work tobe done furhter is not a day's job, rather a month's task. Another old man reported to Chandru, that there had been 4 Shivalingas here once upon a time, but those were robbed off by plunderers.

So, we decided to call it a day and inform Dr.Subramanian of LDSF to call ASI and have proper security posted in this site, as this project turned out to be too big for our level of membership and strength.

We had informed ex-Superidendent Dr.Satyamurthy on this.