My Musings

KOILS in Tamilnadu Thousands of temples, small and large, abound in Tamilnadu. Times of India has highlighted some of these in today's (19 Jan 2012) issue. We will start with the 1000-year old temple of Thanjavur (Periya Koil). The Chola king Raja Raja Cholan built this Brihadeeswara temple in 1010. It is big in all respects - a gigantic stone Shiva lingam fills the Garbha Gruham, its tower (vimanam) is 216 feet tall.The temple's magnificence coupled with engineering marvel takes your breath. The structure has been built without using mortar.The Gopuram is unparalled for its geometric perfection, and masterly craftsmanship. The monolithic Nandi, the gigantic Dwarapalakas take your breath away. The inscriptions and the sculpture speak about the various karanams of Natya Shastra. You can read more about this temple, Raja Raja Cholan (Arul Mozhi Varman), his queen Lokamahadevi, and his sister Kundavai in Kalki's novels. Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities ...

We two went to Tiruchy on 10th November 2010. Vijaya's chiththappa's grandson DEEPAK (s/o GV Kumar) got married to Aarthee there. We took Pallavan Exp on 10th afternoon to go to Tiruchy where we stayed at a hotel nearby Railway station. Next morning (11th Nov), we went to Srirangam koil by 7-30AM. Srirangam koil is a very large koil with many Sannadhis.  We worshipped at all sannadhies incl Thaayaar Sannadhi. At Srirangam, we went to Gayathri's mama's (Sundaresan) house also.  From there we went to Thiruvanaikoil and worshipped Sri Jambukeshwarar - Akhilandeswari Amman.  One of the Panchabootha Stalams, this also  is a very large and ancient koil. It represents water (Neer) and even today, water oozes out near the Lingam.Then back to hotel.  Akilandeswari Amman  Thiruvanaikoil Meanwhile, the bridegroom's party had arrived in the marriage hall and we went there. Vratham, lunch, evening Nichchayathaartham. Next day (12th Nov, Friday) was the muhurtham...

The Brihadiswarar Temple at Thanjavur (The Big Temple) was built by the Chola Emperor Raja Raja Chozhan, in the year 1010. It has been built entirely on granite and statues sculpted. It is a marvel of art and is extremely fascinating to behold. You know all the facts. The temple reflecting Tamil culture, ethos, and Tamil way of life has completed One Thousand years this month and Mu Ka and the Tamilnadu Govt decided to have a grand celebration of the event - a 1000 years of Raja Rajeswaram. Celebrations commenced on 22nd Sep, the Thanjavur town and the Temple wore a festive look. Many literary sessions and orations later, there was a grand sight on 25th evening - there was a Dance program in which 1000 dancers took part! The legendary Padma Subramaniam led these 1000 artistes and arranged, managed the spectacular show. The dancers were from all parts of Tamilnadu and other Indian states, and many had come from foreign countries also ! Everyone of them came to Thanjavur on their own...