Thirumayam Fort - Pudukottai

The Thirumayam Fort,located around 25 Kms from Karaikudi on the Pudukottai road, is a 40-acre wide fortress in the town of Thirumayam in Pudukottai District. It was constructed by Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi, the Raja of Ramnad in 1687.  The fortress is of great historical significance and was an important stronghold of rebel chieftains in the Polygar Wars. Oomathurai, the brother of Panchalamkurichi chieftain Kattabomman was captured in this fort. There are two famous rock cut temples in the Fort Complex: a Siva Temple and a Vishnu temple. Shiva cave temple is locally known as Satyagirisvara Temple and Vishnu cave temple known as Satyamurti Perumal Temple.(Above information is courtesy wikipedia).

I present below some breathtaking views of the Fort clicked during my recent Karaikudi visit.

Athangudi Temple

Athangudi is a small village around 20 Kms from Karaikudi well known for the famous Athangudi tiles. We discovered a beautiful temple there dedicated to Lord Sunderesawarar (Shiva) and his consort Meenakshi (Parvati or Shakthi). This is a fairly large temple with spacious courtyard and is under the management of the Nattukottai Chettiars. Paintings on the ceiling of the inner courtyard depicts scenes from Thiruvilayadal Purana - which describes 64 sports and exploits of Chokkanathar or Sundereswarar. Some of these stories go backward in time the period of the second Tamil Sangam.This is considered the national puranam of Pandyanadu or Pandya Kingdom.
Athangudi is also well known for hand made tiles.For more see my earlier post: http://sankriti.blogspot.in/2011/09/magic-of-athangudi-tiles.html

Imposing Entrance Tower or Gopuram

The large temple tank or "teertham" in front of the gopuram

Entrance door design

Enlarged view of knob

View of temple interiors from Flagstaff or "dwaja sthambham"

The celestial bull Nandi - vehicle of Lord Shiva

A view of "Chandikeswarar shrine"

Scene from Thiruvilayadal - Lord Sunderaswarar selling bangles to ladies of the village

Another scene from Thiruvilayadal 

Lord being whipped by Pandya King for sleeping at work during the construction of bundh across Vaigai

Another Thiruvilayadal legend depicted

Karaikudi Trip

 I recently undertook a road trip from Coimbatore to Karaikudi (in Sivaganga District of Tamilnadu) and returned via Pudukottai & Tiruchirapalli.The duration of the trip was 3 days and I traveled a total of nearly 800 Kms.Enroute there were plenty of opportunities for photography and I could capture several beautiful and  delightful views of the countryside. A few of these are presented below. Hope you enjoy them.

Panoramic view of Palani Hills

Hay Stack

Roadside village

Bundles of Coir 

The route I traversed

A wayside pond

Water Tank at Tirumayam ( near Karaikudi)

Banyan Tree at Tirumayam

Another shot of the same tree

A unique shaped Tamarind Tree

Countryside at Tirumayam

Suspicious look !

Lily Pond

Lily Pond

Lily Pond

Neatly arranged mangoes

Delicious looking Senthooram Mangoes

Lip smacking Malgoa variety

 Siesta time - Don't Disturb

Brindavan Sr.Citizen's Home

Brindavan is located around 20 Kms away (30 minutes drive) at Thondamuthur on the outskirts of Coimbatore amidst sylvan surroundings and salubrious climate.  Brindavan provides the best of what nature and modern life can offer - a combination of farm house and city home. A centrally located modern kitchen provides balanced nutritious food. Ladies in particular are delighted since they are relieved of the strenuous chore of cooking. A doctor’s visit every day and tie up with leading hospitals in Coimbatore help in handling health related problems. There is Central library which provides books,periodicals & news papers in English & vernacular languages. There is a common prayer hall and bhajans are held regularly. All important festivals are celebrated with great fervor. This is an excellent example of community living. The Senior citizens are a happy and cheerful lot and reflect great energy and enthusiasm. Visitors are welcome in Brindavan and with prior intimation can avail of the dining facility.

Driveway outside Brindavan

Close up of the captivating bougainvillea

Main Complex housing pooja, dining & clubhouse

Closeup of complex entrance

Another view of the Complex

Prayer Hall - Inmates singing bhajans

Dining Hall

Verandah design - Kerala style charupadi with granite slab for seating

Landscaping - in the background you can see independent cottage units

Swing & Relax

Christmas tree

Beautiful plant - Can anyone guess the name?

Money plant adorning one of the cottages

Puja Corner inside the kitchen

Mini kitchen with gas stove

An inmate (lady in center) flanked by visitors ( That is us !)