Indian Columbus

Nestled on the banks of the enchanting river Tamraparani, Tirunelveli is a treasure trove of distinctive and captivating temples, and among them, the Ambalavana Swami temple in Manur stands out. While I've previously explored two remarkable aspects of this temple in my articles, the exquisite wooden sculptures within its sacred precincts remain an overlooked marvel. In a landscape where numerous narratives have delved into the legend and history of this site, the intricate wooden sculptures deserve their own spotlight. Gracing four distinct slabs in two rows on either side of the Nataraja sanctum's front, these artistic creations of 1700s offer a unique dimension to the temple's charm. Join me as we delve into a list and attempt to identify these captivating wooden sculptures, complemented by corresponding photographs.  The first slab facing the west side has the below listed nine sculptures. Check my earlier article on this link , where I have accompanied the list with all...

Nestled on the banks of the enchanting river Tamraparani, Tirunelveli is a treasure trove of distinctive and captivating temples, and among them, the Ambalavana Swami temple in Manur stands out. While I've previously explored two remarkable aspects of this temple in my articles, the exquisite wooden sculptures within its sacred precincts remain an overlooked marvel. In a landscape where numerous narratives have delved into the legend and history of this site, the intricate wooden sculptures deserve their own spotlight. Gracing four distinct slabs in two rows on either side of the Nataraja sanctum's front, these artistic creations of 1700s offer a unique dimension to the temple's charm. Join me as we delve into a list and attempt to identify these captivating wooden sculptures, complemented by corresponding photographs.  The first slab facing the west side has the below listed nine sculptures. 1) Hanuman carrying Rama; Rama holds bow and arrow. It depicts a scene in Ramayana...

Tirunelveli, a city adorned with ancient temples and rich in spiritual heritage, never fails to reveal hidden wonders. Nestled near Tirunelveli is the village of Manur, home to an ancient Shiva temple named Ambalavana Swami. While the 9th-century Pandya period temple itself is famous for its Nataraja, it is the seven-foot-high black stone pillar in front of it, known locally as "Tiruvadi Pottri," that holds a captivating tale. This pillar, unlike the conventional deepa stambhas found in temples, boasts a distinctive name, shape, and a history enveloped in legend. Local lore suggests that this sacred pillar was brought from Mecca by a Pandya king, endowing it with mystical significance and extraordinary powers. A detailed account of this enigmatic pillar is found in the Madras District Gazetteers: Tinnevelly, Vol. I, authored by H. R. Pate in 1917. The book narrates the prevailing local beliefs of that era, capturing the essence of the mysterious Tiruvadi Potri. The below para...

The foundation of democracy and electoral practices in Tamilagam dates back more than a millennium, with the Uthiramerur inscriptions , originating around 920 CE during the Parantaka Chola reign, serving as a significant historical testament. These inscriptions, effectively constituting the village assembly, provide valuable insights into the organization of wards, the qualifications expected of election candidates, the establishment and roles of committees, and the authority to address wrongdoing. While the Uthiramerur inscriptions are widely recognized, Tamil Nadu's democratic legacy extends even further, evidenced by an ancient elected judiciary detailed in an inscription found at the Ambalavana Swami temple in Manur near Tirunelveli . Governed by specific regulations, this judiciary mandated judges to uphold impeccable character, pass rigorous legal examinations, and rely exclusively on written evidence. The inscription, shedding light on justice administration in the 9th cen...

Amidst the nationwide anticipation for the grand consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, I find myself reminiscing about my visit to this sacred city back in 2004. Having been a resident of Delhi for two years, my exploration of the surrounding areas had been extensive, yet Ayodhya remained untouched. It was my mother's fervent desire to visit the holy site of Ram Janma Bhoomi that led to the booking of train tickets from Delhi to the then Faizabad railway station (now Ayodhya Cant). The train journey from Delhi to Faizabad turned out to be quite an adventure. Despite being in a reserved compartment, chaos reigned, with passengers occupying every available space. In this crowded setting, my mother and I seemed like the only outsiders. To add to the peculiarity, some village women were smoking inside the train, turning our journey into a unique cultural experience. Upon reaching Ayodhya, we found accommodation at the Birla Dharmasala, seemingly the only option at that time. The v...

Suthamalli , a remarkable village, unfolds its wonders with hills, a stunning river, lush fields, vibrant gardens, the melody of chirping birds, serene temples, and a captivating dam. This hidden gem in Tirunelveli holds the charm of an undiscovered paradise. Nestled amidst verdant pasture fields on the outskirts of Suthamalli village, the river adds to the tranquility of the rural surroundings. Bathing in its gentle waters is a delightful experience, and the river gracefully separates into the paddy canal. A small hill emerges in the midst of the river, crowned by a charming temple. From its summit, a breathtaking view of the valley and the river unfolds. For those seeking respite from the summer sun, a refreshing bath awaits at the Suthamalli Anaicut (dam) area. In close proximity to the dam stands a petite yet venerable temple dedicated to Shasta, known as Vanneeswara Shasta , with the divine presence of Poorna and Pushkala by his side. Regrettably, the heart of the village holds a...

Why does this hidden gem of Tamil Nadu, nestled around the Tirunelveli/Tiruchendur regions, remain undiscovered? Why do people persist in revisiting sites extensively documented in countless texts? The village of Pazhavoor, tucked away in the embrace of water bodies, fields, gardens, and hills, unveils itself as a haven. True to its name (Pazhavoor, meaning an ancient site), it stands untouched by modern technology, preserving its age-old charm. Pazhavoor is indeed Tirunelveli's best-kept secret. Within this village lie three temples from the Pandya era. The first temple houses Dharma Shasta, accompanied by Poorna and Pushkala. The exquisite iconography suggests a Pandya-era origin. Tirumeni Azhagar, the charming deity with a beautiful physique, captures our attention, making it hard to look away. The icon is ancient but the temple is a modern-day temple. It also hosts other deities such as Ganesha, Karuppu Swami, Madan, and Peichi, recent additions to the sacred space. Adjacent to...