Indian Columbus

Could the resplendent Lord Rama of Ayodhya be as breathtaking as the divine Sri Ramaswami of Palayankottai? It seems that, to cater to the devout who cannot make the journey to Ayodhya, he chose to reside in Palayankottai. Join me as I explore the intricate details of the temple graced by one of Tamilagam's most exquisite murtis as the presiding deity. The Ramaswamy temple, believed to have its origins possibly in the later Pandya era, around the 1200s or 1300s, has seen significant additions and renovations spanning centuries, extending up to the present day. A captivating east-facing Rajagopuram extends a warm welcome. A weathered dwarapala guard is found at the entrance, while the fate of his counterpart remains a mystery. Passing through a mandapa, we approach the primary sanctum, facing south, which enshrines a striking stone image of Lord Rama, flanked by Lakshmana and Sita. Additionally, we encounter the snapana metal images of this divine trio, accompanied by Hanuman, ever ...

Here lies an untold story, a fragment of history known to very few. It's quite possible that I may be the first to shed light on this intriguing site. What appears today as a bustling commercial street in Tirunelveli Town, known as Theppa Kulam Street or Satyamoorti Street, was once a serene Agraharam. Nestled within this bustling thoroughfare is a modest temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. At first glance, this temple may seem like any other small roadside shrine, easily overlooked by hurried passersby. However, it carries a fascinating narrative that bridges the gap between the Gujarati community and Tirunelveli. The Gujarati community of Tamil Nadu has a rich history and tradition. Kheda, a district near Ahmedabad in the Gujarat state, is home to the Khedawal Gujaratis, a Brahmin community with a distinctive identity. In the early 18th century CE, a group of Khedawal Gujaratis migrated to Tamil Nadu, leaving a legacy that intertwines their fate with this southern land. The exact p...

Nestled beside the serene Tamraparani river, Thimmarajapuram is a tranquil village enveloped in a sense of profound calm. This picturesque hamlet boasts a charming agraharam that faces a quaint temple, providing an idyllic setting for those seeking solace. It's hard not to envy the villagers who lead such meaningful and peaceful lives amidst this serene backdrop. Thimmarajapuram, located merely 4 kilometers from Tirunelveli Junction, derives its name from Thimmaraja, a noble chieftain who once held sway over the Tirunelveli region during the Nayaka dynasty. A devout follower of Tirupati Venkatachalapati, he commissioned the construction of a temple dedicated to his beloved deity in the very township named after him—Thimmarajapuram. The presiding deity of this sacred shrine is  Kalyana Srinivasa, flanked graciously by Sree Devi and Bhoo Devi on either side. He stands majestically, holding a conch and a discus in his divine hands, adorned with a resplendent golden belt securing a Cha...

Tirunelveli's Culinary Jewel - The Cherished Local Delicacy. When you find yourself in Tirunelveli, the question isn't where to find Halwa, but where to find the absolute best. Amid the numerous choices, Iruttu Kadai Halwa emerges as the unrivaled champion. Join us in this article as we delve into the history and traditions of this beloved shop. The saga of Iruttu kadai Halwa in Tirunelveli began with a Rajasthan family in 1900, and to this day, it remains a family-run establishment. Remarkably, the shop preserves its global reputation for delivering a mouthwatering, top-tier taste. Curiously, you won't find any flashy signage or branding outside the store. It's still celebrated for its iconic dimly lit interiors, a practice rooted in history that spans a century. Back in the day, the shop operated by the soft glow of candlelight, and later, under the feeble radiance of a zero-watt bulb, giving rise to its name, Iruttu kadai, which translates to "Dark shop" in...

Many might be aware of Shri Muthuswamy Dikshitar, one of the Carnatic music trinity, having composed a kriti in praise of Kantimati, the presiding Devi of Tirunelveli's primary temple. However, within this same town, Dikshitar penned compositions in reverence of both the God and Goddess of a temple, a lesser-known fact even among the locals. This temple's significance deserves to be celebrated! Nestled along the enchanting banks of the Tamraparani River, near the Thaippoosa Mandapam, within the locality of Kailasapuram, stands the grand Kailasanathar Temple. Despite its impressive size, this temple houses a limited number of deities and attracts relatively few regular visitors. Dating back to the 1700s, the temple is believed to have been constructed by a wealthy individual named Kuruththu Chettiar. He built this temple, along with its fortification, as a gesture of gratitude to the one who relieved him of his stomach ailment. You can find his likeness on a pillar near the flag...

In Palayankottai, there exists a treasure trove of heritage structures, some hidden in plain sight. Yet, it often escapes notice that the Siddha Government College building, housing the Principal's office, is also a piece of history. This architectural gem, named the King Edward VII Memorial, was erected in 1936 with public funding. In a bygone era, it served as the operational theater and X-ray facility for the government hospital situated on these very grounds. The foundation stone for this edifice was solemnly laid by Lord Erskine, the Governor of Madras Presidency. Adding to the allure of this college is a contemporary but exquisitely crafted sculpture of a Siddha figure gracing the entrance of the campus, serving as yet another compelling attraction. Palayankottai's heritage often lies in plain view, awaiting those with an eye for the past. Happy travelling.

 St. John's College, a prestigious institution in Palayankottai, formerly known as the "Manchester of Tamil Nadu," boasts a fascinating origin intertwined with another historic educational establishment in Tirunelveli, Schaffter School. The roots of this renowned college can be traced back to a modest Anglo-vernacular school established by the Church Missionary Society in 1844. This unassuming institution, initially known as the English School in Palayankottai and later as the CMS School in Vannarpettai, operating out of a leased building. This small seedling would eventually grow into the recognized academic powerhouse known as St. John's College. During the same period, Rev. Henry James Schaffter, born into a family with a strong legacy of educational service in the Tirunelveli district, pursued his own educational journey in Ireland. After obtaining his M.A., Rev. Schaffter returned to Tirunelveli in 1871. He became a faculty member at C.M.S. English School on Cour...

If you've been to Palayankottai or call this town home, you've likely noticed the prominent Lourdunathan Statue. But have you ever delved into the backstory of this statue? Who exactly is Lourdunathan? Let's take a closer look... It all traces back to a distressing incident involving two professors from St. Xavier's College who faced severe attacks at the Palai Police Station. After learning this news the following day, the students initiated the strike. They decided to proceed with a complaint to the District Collector, and as they embarked on a procession towards his office, they encountered a police barricade at Sulochana Mudaliar Bridge. The situation escalated, and the police initiated a harsh lathi charge on the students. In the midst of this turmoil, Lourdunathan, one of the students, jumped into the deep waters of the Tamraparani River from the right side of the bridge, ultimately losing his life. In a solemn procession, the students carried Lourdunathan's l...

Robert William d'Escourt Ashe, famously known as Ashe Durai, held the position of District Collector during the British Raj. Born on November 23, 1872 CE, in Ireland, Ashe arrived in India in 1895. He assumed office as the District Collector and Magistrate of Tirunelveli District in 1908. Ashe played a pivotal role in the closure of the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company, operated by freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram Pillai. He was also responsible for levying sedition charges against V.O.C and Subramanya Siva. Furthermore, he issued orders to open fire on freedom fighters protesting against the conviction of national leaders. In response to Ashe's actions, a group called the Bharata Matha Sangam devised a plan to assassinate prominent British leaders. Vaanchinathan, a 25-year-old hailing from Senkottai, was part of this organization. He received three months of pistol training from VVS Aiyar in Pondicherry. On June 17, 1911, Ashe, accompanied by his wife Mary Lillian Patterson, ...

Imagine standing before a church that emanates not just elegance, but a history drenched in resilience, determination, and unwavering faith. This is precisely the aura of the Clarinda Church in Palayankottai, near Tirunelveli. It's not just a place of worship; it's a testament to human strength and devotion. Centuries ago, a young woman named Kokila, hailing from a Marathi Brahmin family, embarked on a journey that would change her life forever. She was married to a wealthy man from Thanjavur. Sadly, her happiness was short-lived, as her husband passed away. But what sets Kokila apart is her incredible story of rescue. According to popular belief, she was saved from the funeral pyre of a Sati—a practice where widows were immolated—by a compassionate British soldier named Henry Lyttleton. He couldn't turn a blind eye to her dire circumstances, and this act of compassion set the stage for an extraordinary journey. Kokila and Lyttleton found in each other not just companionshi...

Rhenius Aiyar, affectionately known as the "Apostle of Tirunelveli," was a remarkable German-born missionary of the Church Mission Society (CMS). His pivotal role in the history of Palayankottai is commemorated by his tomb, a testament to his enduring legacy. Born in Germany, Charles Theophilus Ewald Rhenius felt a divine calling to become a missionary at a young age. In the early 19th century, the Church Mission Society was seeking missionaries for Dr. John's Schools of the Danish Mission in Tharangambadi, India. Among the volunteers, Rhenius and Schnarre were chosen and underwent 18 months of missionary training in England. They embarked on their journey to India in February 1814, making Rhenius the first CMS missionary to arrive in India. Upon their arrival in India, Rhenius and Schnarre received Tamil language training. However, Rhenius was soon redirected to Madras to serve in the CMS Mission in Madras. He established schools in Black Town and surrounding villages, c...

Palanyankottai, steeped in history, is believed to have been the site of a fortress dating back a millennium, originally held by the Pandyas. Over time, it passed into the hands of the Palyakars and later came under British control. The British repurposed the fort's structures for administrative functions. Notably, the Municipal siren, erected in 1948 and inaugurated by PS Subramania Pillai, still stands as a testament to that era. The elevated structurehas long flights of steps on either side.During the British colonial period, a Police Station, known as the Medai Police Station, was established within the fortress. Though there are lock-ups as part of the police station here, the locals confuse them to be the prisons where Oomai Durai, Veera Pandiya Kattabomman's brother, was imprisoned. There is no truth to that.  However, in more recent times, the Police Station was relocated to a new location, allowing for the comprehensive renovation of the entire fortress, including its ...

What captivates the senses more profoundly - the timeless allure of Tirunelveli, the meandering grace of the Tamraparani River, or the divine presence of Rajagopala Swami, enshrined within the temple's embrace on the riverbanks? This hidden gem, nestled away from the bustling crowds, holds within its sacred precincts one of Tirunelveli's most exquisite treasures - Sri Rajagopala Swami. C.N. Village, a quaint hamlet in Tirunelveli Junction, cradles an ancient temple dedicated to Rajagopala Swami. The temple, resplendent both in its exterior and interior, stands distinguished without the grandeur of a towering gopura. Instead, it graces the entrance arch with exquisite stucco images of Rajagopala, accompanied by the divine consorts, Rukmini and Bhama. An immaculate and charming Agraharam adorns the temple's forecourt, remarkably preserved, making it one of the few unaffected Agraharams in the state. As you enter the east-facing sanctum, you'll be greeted by the eternal be...