Tirupparankundram

Tirupparankundram, a hill five miles southwest of Madurai, is the fourth pilgrimage site of Muruga. A cave temple dedicated to the element of earth and mentioned in various classical Tamil texts as the 'Southern Himalaya' where the gods assemble, Tirupparankunram is also mentioned in legend as 'the place where the sun and moon abide'. Murugan was married to Devasena upon the hill and for many centuries the Tamil people have considered it the most auspicious place for their own marriages, especially during the time of the Pankuni Uttiram, the festival of marriage held in late March. Besides the fantastic temple to Murugan on the hill, there is also a Muslim shrine dedicated to 'Sekunder' (al-Sikandar or Alexander the Great) who is associated with Murukan by the Muslim pilgrims. "Sikandar was a friend of Murugan at the time when Murugan was King here," they say.

Tirupparankundram is situated three miles southeast of Madurai on the main railway line. It is one of the Aru Padai Veedugal or six sacred places selected by Lord Subrahmanya for his abode. The importance of this temple is that here was celebrated the marriage of Lord Subrahmanya with the daughter of Indra, Devayanai.

Long, long ago, when Lord Subrahmanya was staying at Kanda Verpu, the two daughters of Lord Maha Vishnu, Amrita Valli and Sundara Valli, cherished the desire of becoming the consorts of Subrahmanya. With this aim in mind they both went to Saravana Poigai and commenced austere penance to fulfil their desires.

Pleased with their prayer and worship, Lord Subrahmanya appeared before them and told Amrita Valli, "You will be brought up by Indra as his daughter and I shall marry you in due course." Her younger sister Sundara Valli was also graced with a similar blessing. She was born to sage Sivamuni and brought up by Nambi, the headman of Veddas.

Amrita Valli took the form of a female child and went to Mount Meru, the abode of Indra, and told him, "I am the daughter of Maha Vishnu and the responsibility of looking after me has been entrusted to you." On hearing this, Indra became very happy and directed Airavatam, his white elephant, to take care of the child.

The elephant with all love brought her up and affection and she attained the age of marriage in course of time. Hence she came to be known as Devayanai, one who was brought up by the heavenly elephant of Indra (yānai in Tamil means elephant).

The six sons of sage Parasara were cursed to become fishes in the Saravana Poigai. On request for redemption, these six boys were ordered to pray to Lord Subrahmanya.

When they got his darshan, they could get redemption. It was also made known to them that Lord Subrahmanya would come to Tirupparankunram after vanquishing the demon Surapadma. Anxiously they waited for the arrival of Subrahmanya.

When the mission of Subrahmanva to vanquish Surapadma was over at Tiruchendur, on his way, he came to this spot followed by all the devas and heavenly beings whom he had released from the untold miseries caused by Surapadma.

On his arrival at Tirupparankunram, the sons of Parasara received Subrahmanya and, at their request, he consented to stay there. He at once ordered Viswakarma to construct a beautiful abode for himself, for the devas and for others.

He also suggested to the heavenly architect to build roads and erect a city around them. Indra, the king of the angels, desired to get his daughter Devayanai married to Subrahmanya, as a mark of his gratitude for relieving him and the devas from the depredations of the demon Surapadma.

He expressed his desire to Brahma and Vishnu who were present there. They were only too glad to hear the proposal. When they communicated the desire of Indra to Lord Subrahmanya he readily agreed to it and said: "Devayanai has been praying at Saravana Poigai in the Himalayas for this happy marriage. Now the time has come for its being solemnised." As Subrahmanya agreed to this marriage, Indra sent a messenger to bring his wife Indrani and daughter Devayanai from Mout Meru.

The marriage took place at Tirupparankunram, after the victory of Subrahmanya over Surapadma. All arrangements for marriage were made and the marriage was performed at the Tirupparankunram Temple. All the devas, Siva and Parvati attended the marriage and blessed Subrahmanya and Devayanai. Since then, the temple has become a very famous abode of Subrahmanya.

Courtallam

One of the major excursions around Madurai is the city Courtallam. It lies 160 km from the temple city and is famous for its waterfalls. Popularly known as the 'Spa of the South', it is blessed with immense natural beauty. A panchayat town, it is situated on the Western Ghats of India, at a height of about 167 m. Rivers such as the Chittar, Manimuthar, Pachaiyar and Tambaraparani, originate from here. The pleasant climate, scenic beauty and breathtaking waterfalls make Courtallam a hot spot amongst the tourists.

Apart from being a tourist spot, the city is also a famous health resort. Its waterfalls are said to possess medicinal properties and bathing in these falls is one of the major tourist attractions. The water of the falls runs from the forest, consisting of herbs and medicinal plants. This provides the water its therapeutic value. It is said that the water cures physical ailments very rapidly and has a soothing effect on a person. Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation even provides boating facilities for tourists.

Some of the most important waterfalls at Courtallam are Peraruvi (Main Falls), Chitraruvi, (Small Falls), Shenbaga Devi Falls, Thenaruvi (Honey Falls) Aintharuvi (Five Falls), Puli Aruvi (Tiger Falls), Pazhaya Aruvi (Old Falls), Puthu Aruvi (New Falls) and the Pazhathotta Aruvi (Fruit Garden Falls). The best time to visit these falls is June to September. The climate is very pleasant here during this time. Courtallam water falls are lit during the night for the convenience of the visitors. There is a Hindu temple in the city, dedicated to Lord Siva, called the Kutraleeshwarar temple.

The Gopuram of the temple has inscriptions regarding Chola and Pandya Kings. There is also a small temple nearby called Chitra Sabha. It is supposed that Lord Nataraja performed the cosmic dance here. It is also believed that here, Sage Agastyar got the vision to see the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati held at Mount Himalaya. Many people get married here to be blessed by the Lord. There are a number of deities present inside the temple including Lord Vishnu, Kasi Viswanathar, Kasi Visalakshi, Tenkasi Viswanathar Swamy and Ulagammai Ambikai, Madurai Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar Swamy, etc.

The Origin of Virudhunagar District

The District was created on 15/03/1985 by carving out portion from Ramanadapuram district viz. Ramanadapuram, Virudhunagar & Sivaganga. Virudhunagar (Formally called by Virudhu patti) is the district headquarters.The first District collector was Sh.L.N.Vijayaraghavan IAS.

Physiographically the district consists of two distinct regions. The eastern slopes of the Western Ghats with an average elevation of 1500m and black soil plains to the east of the district.

VIRUDHUNAGAR town is the head quarters of the district of the same name. Located on the National Highway 47 from Madurai to Kanyakumari, this town was called “Virdhukkalvetti” during the British times. According to the local legend, around 400 years ago, a warrior, who was a in possession of a number of flags in token of having conquered many others, challenged the residents of this town. A resident accepted the challenge and in the ensuing fight, killed the warrior and seized the flags. From then onwards the town was known as Virudhukkalvetti. Virudhukkal means banners. This was changed to Virudhupatti in 1875. On 6th April 1923 the council named the town Virudhunagar. Its history as an important trading town goes back to the British times when merchandise from Virudhunagar was exported overseas through the ports of Kulasekarapattinam, Tuticorin, Vaippar, Devipattinam. etc.This town is the birth place of Shri.K.Kamaraj a freedom fighter and Ex-CM of Tamil nadu

This District gave birth to two Ex-CM's of TamilNadu namely ,Shri P.S.Kumarasamy Raja (7-4-1949 to 16-3-1952) Ex -CM of Chennai Provincy , Orissa Governor and Shri K.Kamaraj(13-4-1954 to 2-10-1963)

History and evolution of Town names

ARUPPUKOTTAI

Aruppukottai is said that this place was abundant in Jasmine buds and hence called Arumbukottai. Arumbu in Tamil means buds of garden plant bearing fragrant flowers and kottai means fort (Virappa Nayaka (1572-1692) who ruled over Madurai kingdom constructed a fort at Aruppukkottai) Aruppukkottai is corruption of Arumbukottai. This place was originally said to be known as “Thiru Nallur”. Aruppukottai is inhabited by weavers and this place is famous for handloom textiles.

KARIAPATTI

It is said that one Kathiyar Moopanar first settled here and a village grew around him. The place was then called as kathiapatty meaning village of Kathia ( Moopanar ). In due course it came to be known as Kariapatty. Kariapatty is a corruption of Kathiapatty.

RAJAPALAYAM

Rajapalayam is derived from the word ‘Raja’s Tamil synonym for Raju and Palayam in Tamil means ‘ a Cantonment or Fort ‘. Thus Rajapalayam means Rajus’ Fort. Rajapalayam is inhabited chiefly by people who came from the old Vijayanagaram State.

This town is famous for dogs of a special variety, highly useful for hunting. But this variety of dogs are now becoming extinct as they do not thrive in other parts of the country. This place is also famous for mangoes. Rajapalayam is also a growing industrial town. There are no. of spinning mills, Power loom factories, waste cotton plants & ginning factories. Rajapalayam is having a big share in Indian Surgical cotton manufacturing.

SATTUR

The name Sattur is said to be a corruption of Sathanur. The place was formerly a forest and there was a Sathan temple in it. Sathan temple is also known as a Ayyanar temple. A small village sprang near the temple and it came to be called as Sathanur after Sathan. In process of time it turned out to be Sattur. Sattur is an industrial town. There are match factories in the town and also famous for nib factories. Large wholesale business is transacted in chillies, black gram and coriander. The fountain pen industries, once a prominent industries of this place now becoming extinct as the arrival of ballpens

SIVAKASI

The name Sivakasi is found in a stone inscription in the temple at Tenkasi. It is stated that Arikesari Parakrama Pandiyan (1420-1462) constructed a temple at Tenkasi and went to Banares for fetching a Lingam for installation at Tenkasi. On his return he was unavoidably detained at Sivakasi which was a forest then. At the approach of the auspicious hour he installed the Lingam and constructed a temple at this place. The place takes its name from this incident. Sivakasi is an important industrial town. It is famous for lithographic and offset printing, match and fireworks industries.

SRIVILLIPUTUR

Srivilliputtur is drived from Sri ( Sanskrit – Holy) Villi (Tamil- bowman) Puthu ( Tamil – New ) and Ur (Tamil – place) means Holy bowman new town. Orgin is traced to a legend which has that two saints were born here on account of a curse as brother hunters by name Villi & Kandan. One day Kandan was killed by a tiger in a hunt, Villi not knowing this went in search of him and while asleep after a tiresome day, he was informed in his dream by God the fate of his brother and was directed to build a town on this spot. A new town sprang up and it was known after the hunter as Villiputhur and since Andal was born here, it came to be Srivilliputhur. This place is also known as “Nachiyar Koil” meaning maiden temple referring to Andal.

Srivilliputtur has been a center of religious learning. The epic Mahabharatham was rendered in poetic verses by Sarva Bhava Iyyengar known popularly as villiputhurar. Peria Alwar and Andal the famous Vaishnavite hymnists belonged to Srivilliputtur.

TIRUCHULI

At the end of Dwaparayuga a deluge occurred and the town was in danger of being drowned by flood, the king prayed God for protection, in response his prayer, the God made a circular hole in the earth ‘with his Sulam’ the trident of Siva and made all the water to sink through the hole and thus saved the town. Hence forth the place was called Tiruchuli . The gaint Sri. Ramana Maharishi was born in Tiruchuli

Virudhunagar -

Virudhunagar is a major business town and it is the capital of Virudhunagar District located at a distance of 45 Kms South-West of Madurai. This place was once referred to as 'Virudhupatti'.

In the beginning of 20th century A.D., Virudhupatti was one among the six important places of Ramanathapuram District. Due to the rapid growth in the field of Trade and Education, it was renamed as 'Virudhunagar' on 29th October 1923. The term 'Virudhu' means 'Award' in Tamil. Efficient Chief Minister (1954-63) and King Maker - Karma Veerar Kamarajar belongs to this town.It has very high end construction industry with low cost.

Sivakasi, a town famous for fireworks and printing press, match boxes is about 27 kilometers from Virudhunagar.

The great saint Ramana Maharshi was born in Tiruchuli, a place near Virudhunagar.

Apart from business, Virudhunagar is famous for its hotels & food delicacy, especially "Parotta/Parota/Purota/Paratha" There are many Hotels which serve delicious food. "Burma Kadai" is one of the best hotels. Lunch and the evening Parotta are very famous in hotels of Virudhunagar. You must see the way how "Virudhunagar Parotta" is prepared. It is quite different and it tastes the best. Nowadays health conscious people are avoiding frequent visit to these shops to prevent heart related ailments attacking young people.

“Mariamman Kovil”, Veghilugandha amman kovil are famous temples in Virudhunagar.

Every year during the Tamil month of “Panguni”, the famous “Panguni Thiruvizha” festival is celebrated in a special "annual Agni Thiruvizha" with several hundred thousands devotees taking up Fire Pot Procession as way of respect to Goddess Mariamman. Relatives and friends gather together during the processions for Water Deluge of Goddess Mariamman, Black and White dot smeared body adorned with neem leaves camaflouge dressing, Kairu Kutthu, Agni Chatti carrying by devotees plain palm and Temple Car (Theerottam) functions and they go around the town.

A big festival is organised for Veghilugandha amman during Tamil month Vaikasi. In the month of October to welcome the onset of monsoon, festivals are organised for Mother Goddess Kaliamman at various localities on every Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Karagam, Kolattam, Oyilattam and other lively programmes are organised on large scale at different streets during these weekly events in during September-October

“Virudhunagar Exhibition” conducted in the Kshathiriya Vidhya Sala School premises for the benefit of schools' educational fund during summer holidays attracts many people from the nearby towns and village. The exhibition also serves as a unique family convention centre for matrimonial match making arrangement facility for the aspiring grooms and brides.

During Dusserah celebration, a large procession with Tiger Dance and Tamil Martial art fencing is organised by several locality groups of Virudhunagar town. To participate and witness in this festival, nearly one lakh people assemble in one evening.

The other unique tradition about Virudhunagar is that, for the marriage function, the grooms offer prizes (parisam) to bride as per Tamil culture (saying no to varadhachanai), the bride and the groom will have a separate function/marriage hall so that the groom's family members do not pass to bride's family members any burden financial or otherwise any burden, Which you can't see anywhere in Tamilnadu. Several marriage functions are organised with the system emenating from Self-Respect Movement to adopt "Kural Vazhi Vaalvu" by the new couples and still this novel solemnising approach is widely accepted by youngsters of the Virudhunagar town.

Virudhunagar has one "theppam" (artificial pond to replenish ground water) in the center of the town. Now facilities have been done to maintain water in "theppam" through out the year. Around the theppam lots of parota hotels available.

People here are sports loving. There are indoor stadiums for badminton, many basketball and tennis courts. Children here are very talented but participation in tournaments outside is still less. Y's Men's Club of Virudhunagar is conducting Basketball Tournament for the past 20 years.

There are many yoga ,music, art classes .people liked to swim in wells in summer before now swimming pools are the most preferred.

There is a beautiful park on the college road with beautiful illuminations at night. There are several garden temples for kaval deivangal (guardian angels) in Aruppukottai Road, Sattur Road, Madurai Road and in chinnamoopanpatti village on the northern suburb of Virudhunagar. Festivals are celebrated during January, February in these garden temples in grand manner.

Education

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS in Virudhunagar

1. VHNSN College: http://www.vhnsnc.in/
2. VVV College: http://www.vanniaperumalcollegeforwomen.com/
3. VSVN Polytechnic: http://www.vsvnpolytechnic.in
4. Kamaraj College of Engineering and Technology: http://www.kcet.in/
5. CREED Industrial School-Govt. approved Catering & Hotel Management, Fashion Technology Courses

Engineering Colleges in Virudhunagar district

1. Kamaraj College of Engineering and Technology: http://www.kcet.in/
2. MEPCO Schlenk Engineering College (MSEC): http://www.mepcoeng.ac.in/
3. Arulmigu Kalasalingam College of Engineering: http://www.akce.ac.in/
4. P.S.R Engineering College
5. Sethu Institute of Technology: http://www.sethu.ac.in/
6. Sree Sowdambika College of Engineering
7. V.P. Muthaiah Pillai Meenakshi Engineering College for Women

SCHOOLS

1. S.S. Subbiah Nadar Government Hr Sec School
2. R.C. HR. SEC. SCHOOL mail to rchssvnr@yahoo.co.in: http://www.rchssvnr.edu/
3. K. Kamaraj Vidhya Sala Middle School
4. KVS (Kshatriya Vidhya Sala) Hr Sec School - Madurai Road
5. KVS Mat Hr Sec School - Soolakarai(k.v.s):http://www.kvsmat.in/
6. P.S.Chidambara Nadar Senior English School (PSC): http://www.pscschool.com/
7. Kshatriya Girls Hr Sec School
8. SDA Mat hr Sec School
9. Subiramaniya Vidhyasalai
10. Saraswathi Vidhyasalai
11. Thiruvalluvar Vidhyasalai
12. Dhamu Memorial Matriculation Secondary School
13. KKVS
14. H.P.S.M. Hr. Sec. School
15. Sri Sowdambigai higher Sec School
16. Noble Matriculation school

Websites

1. Website for Virudhunagar - http://www.virudhunagar.in/ , http://www.virudhunagar.info/
2. Government Website - http://virudhunagar.nic.in/
3. Website for Virudhunagar Hindu Nadar Devasthanam - http://www.vhnd.in/
4. Website of VHNSN College - http://www.vhnsnc.in/
5. Website of KVS Matriculation School - http://www.kvsmat.in/
6. Website of PSC School - http://www.pscschool.com/
7. Website of KVS 98 batch - http://kvs98.virudhunagar.in/

Culture

Unique `Mahamai' practice

The desire to progress and the unity of purpose in action without jealousy get best exemplified in the conduct of traders of Virudhunagar, the majority of whom belong to the Nadar community.

As traders during the British regime they felt the need to learn English for their business purpose and started a primary school in the town in 1889 and the expenditure was met through the collection of a handful of rice from every house.

The growth of the school and the increased expenditure were met through the financial contributions from the community. This gave rise to the evolution of a practice called `Mahamai' since 1900, by which, the community traders were required to set apart daily a stipulated amount as per the trade practised. This was collected daily and utilized for the public good of the community. The practice is still in vogue effectively and successfully.

The traders take pride in informing that most of the schools, temples, marriage halls etc. built in the town belong to the community as a whole and to no single individual. They claim that trade and mahamai are the two eyes of Virudhunagar.

There is an anecdote: When C.Rajagopalachari, as Chief Minister visited the town during the British regime to inaugurate the municipality's water supply scheme, he learnt about the `scheme of handful rice for public cause' giving an impetus to education in the town. He is said to have wondered as to how good it would be for all the traders in the state to contribute for the public good.

This resulted in the introduction of `sales tax' in 1937 to make good the revenue loss in lieu of the introduction of prohibition in the state then, the traders say.

Virudhunagar has been exemplary in community self-help, in that, it paved the way for rainwater harvesting long before, it is claimed.

The tank in the town has been so modelled to collect the rainwater during the season and it has never dried up over the years, they point out.

Theatres

1. Amirtharaj
2. Apsara
3. Rajalakshmi
4. Sriram

Temples

1. Sri Siva Temple
2. Sri AdiParasakthi Maariyaman Temple
3. Sri Veiluganda Amman Temple
4. Valasubramaniya Murugan Temple
5. Sri Renganathar Temple
6. Sri Rama Temple

Hangouts

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Holy Places:

Thiruppugal Swami - Muthia Nadar of Kattunayakkanpatti, Kovilpatti Taluq who settled in Virudhunagar 2 centuries having worship centres at Virudhunagar and Kattunayakkanpatti is believed to have blessed the town for all around welfare town. It is believed that the famous tamil chants Aaho Aiyaho during Amman temples are introduced by Thiruppughal swami.

Kodaikanal - Overview

Kodaikanal is a place where every range of people love to visit.It relaxes our mind and helps us to be in peace.it creates a atmosphere to forget our sorrows and to admire the natures beauty.Kodaikanal (also known as Kodai) is a hill station on the southern tip of the upper Palani Hills in Dindigul District of the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India. There 32,931 inhabitants in Kodai (according to the 2001 census) on 21.45 km². The STD-code is +04542, the ISD-code +91. The languages spoken in Kodai are Tamil and English. The best time for traveling is April to June and September to October; however, the town can be visited throughout the year. The temperature is quite constant during the year: around 20°C in summer and 17°C in winter. On summer evenings you should wear light woolens, in the winter heavy ones. The average rainfall is 1650 mm. Kodaikanal is located at a latitude of 10°7' N to 10°20' N and a longitude of 77°16' E to 77°45' E. Kodaikanal is situated at an altitude of about 2,133 m. Kodaikanal is a popular tourist destination, having many Kodaikanal is the crown Jewel of mother Nature and the pride of South India. Kodaikanal nestles in the lush surroundings of the Western Ghats. In Kodaikanal the rolling hills with its lush green trees and flowers of rainbow hues, the pure mountain air with a hint of pine, and the babbling brooks are a feast for all your aesthetic senses. Kodaikanal one of Indias most beautiful hill station is endowed with 29 resorts / Hotels. each resort is enriched with amenties to delight you. Kodaikanal is nature's heavenly gift to earth a blissful blend of pristine beauty. One of a kind vacation land that greets you with surprices at Kodaikanal. Here you can find that every corner is discovered by God's gracefulness. And among the 29 resorts/hotels many resorts are nestled with beautiful hills and falls surrounding it. Staying in these types of resorts will flash in your inward eyes to open. kodaikanal is a popular tourist destination having many natural attractions such as

* Coaker's walk
* Green valley view
* Lake view
* Science museum
* pillar rock
* Gunna cave
* kurunji Andavar kovil
* Chettiar park
* Bryant park
* Silver cascade
* Silent vally view

BRYANT PARK
Any hill-station is incomplete without a botanical garden and that is exactly what Bryant Park is. The garden is a magnificent sight when the flowers bloom in brilliant shades of purple, red, orange, yellow, pink, white, blue petals, complimenting the lush green.

PILLAR ROCK
Another popular sight is the Pillar Rocks, so called because of three boulders, which are naturally arranged to resemble three majestic pillars. Sometimes pillar rocks are not visible to our eyes due to mist.They trigger an aura of dominance and power around themselves. The chamber between two pillars is called the Devil’s Kitchen.

COAKERS WALK
Coakers Walk gives us a pleasant walk with the wavering trees, dancing flowers, wrissling rain drops, gentle breeze, sweet fruits etc.It is a hill-edged, kilometre-long boulevard that exhibits a panoramic wide-angle view of Dolphin’s Nose, Pambar River, a bird’s eye view of Periyakulam and also Madurai city.

KURINJI ANDAVAR TEMPLE
Kurinji Andavar Temple is an abode of Lord Murugan. It is so named after the Kurinji flower which blossoms once in twelve years.

GREEN VALLEY VIEW
The Green Valley-View or Suicide Point gives a view of deep green valleys. Vendors trying to sell clothes, spices, accessories, showpieces and antiques dot the area.

BERIJAM LAKE
At Berijam Lake you can sit peacefully in the woods besides the lake and try your hand at catching a few fish. It is a neatly maintained area, which is probably because it is not open to the public. You have to get a special permit to visit the lake.

SILVER CASCADE
There is a falls named as silver cascade because the water falls looks like silver which is very clear.it keeps us still more chill and enjoyable.

KODAI LAKE
Lake is the important place at kodai. It is here where people like to spend hours together. They enjoy boating, horse riding, riding cycle, walking around the lake. There are a lot of stalls for coffee, tea , fruits , dresses, chocolates, ice creams etc around the lake. Couples are found ofen here to enjoy the beauty of nature. Apart from the 21.5 sq. kilometers of the Kodaikanal hill-station, there are other places nearby which are worth visiting. Many of these are small villages. One such village is Poombarai. The 40 kilometer drive from Kodaikanal to Poombarai is extremely picturesque. From Poombarai one can walk up to the Kukkal caves, which are actually overhanging slabs of rock. If you are lucky, you may get to see some bison. It is also a excellent place for shopping. We can get varities of medicinal products like Eucalyptus oil, Garam masala items, artificial flowers, chocolates, varity of fresh fruits and vegetables etc. There is no dearth of accommodation in Kodaikanal and you can choose from a range of five star hotels, resorts, lodges and inns. The climate can be enjoyed throughout the year, though May and June can get really crowded with visitors flocking to take the blessings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Sai Sruthi. Whether you are planning a family holiday retreat, honeymooning with your sweetheart or trekking in the pinewoods, kodai promises to be rewarding. The warmth of the sun, whisper of the wind, rustle of the trees, deafening silence makes you to feel as in paradise. The town’s attractions and beauty can be enjoyed in a week or a weekend and you could even go up in the morning and return by night. Do not leave without sampling some of the sweeter pleasures like the strawberries, plums, pears, cherries, butter-fruit, jamuns, apples, peaches and Malai Pazham, a variety of banana exclusively available in Kodaikanal. Pastry Corner is a nice place for a hot cup of coffee, natural ice creams and delicious cookies and pastries. Mesmerising natural beauty and a host of sights and attractions contribute to Kodaikanal’s magneticism, making this hill town a hotspot for nature lovers and other vacationers. Exotic sights, striking natural wonders, the luxury of solitude and serenity all makes " Kodai " in its true splendour. The lush green hill side, the magic beauty of clouds throwing their arms to embrace the hill tops, mild breeze carrying the scent of wild flowers makes Kodaikanal [Hill station] so exciting, so diverse you will make you visit again and again and admire Kodaikanal's beauty.

Thiruvadavur

Tiruvaadavur is the birthplace of Manikkavacakar, one of the revered saints in the Tamil Saivite tradition. Manikkavacakar is the author of the celebrated Tamil works Tiruvaacakam, Tiruvempaavai, Tiruppalliezhuchi, Sivapuraanam and more.

Tiruvaadavur is located in the Pandya Kingdom, near Melur near Madurai in Tamilnadu. It has been a center of worship, even during the time of Maanikkavaacakar (1st millennium CE).

Tiruvaadavur enshrines Tirumarainaathar (Vedanayakar in Sanskrit) and Aranavalliyaar. Shiva here is also known as Aatmanathar, Prananathar, Jivanathar.

Legend has it that Shiva here was worshipped by Vaayu and by the Vedas. Legend has it that Manikkavaacakar (who was born here) a royal minister of the Pandya Kingdom built the temple at Tirupperunturai out of funds earmarked for the purchase of horses for the royal palace and that when time came for him to display his stock of horses, jackals miraculously turned into fine steeds. It is to be noted that this particular incident Tiruvilaiyaadal is celebrated in the Madurai Meenakshi temple. The Saint Manikkavaacakar, hailed from the Pandya Kingdom. Shrines associated closely with him are Madurai, Tiruvaadavur, Uttirakosamangai and Tirupperunturai.

There is a shrine to Maanikkavacakar close to the Tiruvaadavur temple.

The Temple: The Tiruvaadavur temple has some interesting features. Ambaal's shrine, is situated to the right of Tirumarainathar's shrine, as in the Madurai Meenakshi Somasundareswarar temple. The outermost prakaram houses the Ambal shrine, the stala vriksham Makizha maram and the 100 pillared hall. This hall is said to have been built by Maanikkavacakar himself. Also in this prakaram is the Bhairava Theertham. There is also a shrine to Kaaleesar in this prakaram.

The inner prakaram is centered around the Tirumarainaathar shrine. In the inner prakaram is a shrine to Manikkavacakar facing west. There is yet another shrine to Maanikkavacakar within this prakaram, which also enshrines Vinayakar, Natarajar, Kaasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi, as well as niche-images of Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhavar and others. Manikkavacakar is also enshrined in Natarajar's shrine. The innermost mandapam enclosing the sanctum also bears festival images of all resident deities, as well as images of Kapilar and Kapila Vinayakar.

Festivals: Five worship services are offered each day. The annual Bhramotsavam in Vaikasi and the Maargazhi Tiruvizha in the month of Maargazhi are the most important festivals here. Also of significance are the Maanikkavacakar festival during Navaratri, and the Puttu Tiruvizhaa in the month of Aavani (Moolam), as well as the Shankhabhishekam in the tamil month of Kaaritkai.