More than 6000 Houses including G+9 Apartments
Eco-Friendly 55% Land for Greeneries
Two Multiplex Cinema Theaters
A Big Shopping Mall
A higher Secondary school with 1600 Students Capacity
A Large Cricket Stadium and a Kid-Play zone
A Super-speciality Hospital
Good Road Transportation with SAHARA Luxurious A/c & Non A/c Buses plying between the SAHARA Bus-Terminus to various significant spots of Madurai.
Star Hotel with Gymnasium & Club.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Vasan Hospitals
Why an entrepreneur
He wanted to pursue further specialisation and dreamt of building a multi-specialty hospital in the town. But he became an entrepreneur because of a twist in fate. The untimely death of his father compelled him take up his family business of one pharmacy retail outlet in the town of Trichy in the name of Vasan Medical Hall (VMH).
"Within a few months of analysis, I found immense potential in retail drug sales. VMH had regular prescriptions from more than 200 loyal doctors since many years. Thus I decided to further nurture the potential in the trust capital of the business in hand," says he.
The first move
With small capital investments, Dr Arun started a slew of drug outlets in the city in strategic locations. He chose areas where large population of working middle class were based. "Every shop was lined up with a trained set of sales boys who will respond to every prescription across the counter and render quick service. No prescriptions were returned back and relationship-building strategies with referring doctors were devised," says he. His strategy clicked and initial success encouraged him to further expand his network of outlets to more densely-populated clusters in the town and also to bordering areas of the town.
Over the years
Soon, VMH attracted a footfall of more than 10,000 people a day in each outlet. Today, VMH is a chain of 27 outlets in Trichy and Madurai. Success of one concept gave rise to birth of another concept. During the process of developing the chain of pharmacy outlet, Dr Arun found that most of the referring doctors had large patient base in various specialties, practicing in attached clinic at their residences, after their work in Government hospitals or major hospitals in the town.
"Most of these practitioners had ambitions of upgrading their facilities to meet the demand of patients, but had no resources or acumen to do so. I compiled a pool of 40 doctors from various specialties, and offered them a common working place with all state-of-the-art support equipment in daycare diagnosis," says he. Thus was born the first model of Vasan Medical Centre (VMC), which started its first centre in Trichy.
The centre offers spacious consulting rooms with paramedical support staff, common equipment, minor theatres and all administrative support for managing the clinic. “Each doctor was given time slots in the centre, and their patients managed well with efficient patient care team. This model also gained quick success and accommodated more doctors from different areas," says he.
In 2001, one of the leading group of eye care service provider in the south, approached Dr Arun for strategic alliance in eye care hospital in Trichy. "As ophthalmology was not an organised healthcare segment in south India during this time, I decided to tap the opportunity and started the first eye hospital in the town," says he. Thus was born Vasan Eye Care (VEC). As a pilot project, he invested only in secondary eye care facilities and later in tertiary care segment of eye care. Eventually, he expanded his services network to key markets in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Acquisition of Dr Prem's Eye Clinic in Chennai was one of the significant acquisitions of VEC.
Today, VEC has 31 secondary and tertiary eye care hospitals across the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra. He has more than 200 ophthalmologists and 2,000 paramedics working in his eye care enterprise.
Mistakes made and lessons learnt
He claims he made no serious business mistake, but had overcome various market challenges and backstabbing of key doctors and associates in the business process. "During the initial stage of expanding our network, I faced flak from aggressive competitors who tried to downplay my vision, and criticised me about my approach to penetrate and network which was totally innovative and revolutionary," says he.
Fear and apprehension
"I had no apprehensions about the success of my business model as there was a naked lacunae and it was all about who taps the opportunity first," says he.
Overcoming roadblocks
Earlier challenges lay in roping in experienced doctors to join his hospitals. "I had to do beyond the limited retention exercises and also offer attractive perks to make doctors join my upcoming hospitals. Today, we are at luxury of choosing the best talent among hundreds of applications for employment," says he.
Any degree in management?
No. "But I am a voracious reader and keep myself updated of all business developments across the world. I have travelled extensively during the initial stages to understand the successful business models. Before venturing into any new business model, I personally inspect a similar model, do my own research and analysis, and weigh all pros and cons,” says he.
Tips for entrepreneuship
"Healthcare is a passion more than a business. The secret of success in any healthcare business is passion to evolve it with great involvement," he says passionately.
An entrepreneur that he admires in healthcare
“Dr Prathap C Reddy, who has passion and carries the fire among the entire team down the line. All successful eye care models today evolve around passion of individual entrepreneurs like G Venkatasamy who built Aravind Eye Care System, GN Rao, who built LV Prasad Eye Care, and Dr SS Badrinath who built temple of vision, Sankara Nethralya,” says he.
The road ahead
Dr Arun has set his sails in a voyage towards 50 eye hospitals by this year and 100 eye hospitals by the year 2010.
He wanted to pursue further specialisation and dreamt of building a multi-specialty hospital in the town. But he became an entrepreneur because of a twist in fate. The untimely death of his father compelled him take up his family business of one pharmacy retail outlet in the town of Trichy in the name of Vasan Medical Hall (VMH).
"Within a few months of analysis, I found immense potential in retail drug sales. VMH had regular prescriptions from more than 200 loyal doctors since many years. Thus I decided to further nurture the potential in the trust capital of the business in hand," says he.
The first move
With small capital investments, Dr Arun started a slew of drug outlets in the city in strategic locations. He chose areas where large population of working middle class were based. "Every shop was lined up with a trained set of sales boys who will respond to every prescription across the counter and render quick service. No prescriptions were returned back and relationship-building strategies with referring doctors were devised," says he. His strategy clicked and initial success encouraged him to further expand his network of outlets to more densely-populated clusters in the town and also to bordering areas of the town.
Over the years
Soon, VMH attracted a footfall of more than 10,000 people a day in each outlet. Today, VMH is a chain of 27 outlets in Trichy and Madurai. Success of one concept gave rise to birth of another concept. During the process of developing the chain of pharmacy outlet, Dr Arun found that most of the referring doctors had large patient base in various specialties, practicing in attached clinic at their residences, after their work in Government hospitals or major hospitals in the town.
"Most of these practitioners had ambitions of upgrading their facilities to meet the demand of patients, but had no resources or acumen to do so. I compiled a pool of 40 doctors from various specialties, and offered them a common working place with all state-of-the-art support equipment in daycare diagnosis," says he. Thus was born the first model of Vasan Medical Centre (VMC), which started its first centre in Trichy.
The centre offers spacious consulting rooms with paramedical support staff, common equipment, minor theatres and all administrative support for managing the clinic. “Each doctor was given time slots in the centre, and their patients managed well with efficient patient care team. This model also gained quick success and accommodated more doctors from different areas," says he.
In 2001, one of the leading group of eye care service provider in the south, approached Dr Arun for strategic alliance in eye care hospital in Trichy. "As ophthalmology was not an organised healthcare segment in south India during this time, I decided to tap the opportunity and started the first eye hospital in the town," says he. Thus was born Vasan Eye Care (VEC). As a pilot project, he invested only in secondary eye care facilities and later in tertiary care segment of eye care. Eventually, he expanded his services network to key markets in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Acquisition of Dr Prem's Eye Clinic in Chennai was one of the significant acquisitions of VEC.
Today, VEC has 31 secondary and tertiary eye care hospitals across the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra. He has more than 200 ophthalmologists and 2,000 paramedics working in his eye care enterprise.
Mistakes made and lessons learnt
He claims he made no serious business mistake, but had overcome various market challenges and backstabbing of key doctors and associates in the business process. "During the initial stage of expanding our network, I faced flak from aggressive competitors who tried to downplay my vision, and criticised me about my approach to penetrate and network which was totally innovative and revolutionary," says he.
Fear and apprehension
"I had no apprehensions about the success of my business model as there was a naked lacunae and it was all about who taps the opportunity first," says he.
Overcoming roadblocks
Earlier challenges lay in roping in experienced doctors to join his hospitals. "I had to do beyond the limited retention exercises and also offer attractive perks to make doctors join my upcoming hospitals. Today, we are at luxury of choosing the best talent among hundreds of applications for employment," says he.
Any degree in management?
No. "But I am a voracious reader and keep myself updated of all business developments across the world. I have travelled extensively during the initial stages to understand the successful business models. Before venturing into any new business model, I personally inspect a similar model, do my own research and analysis, and weigh all pros and cons,” says he.
Tips for entrepreneuship
"Healthcare is a passion more than a business. The secret of success in any healthcare business is passion to evolve it with great involvement," he says passionately.
An entrepreneur that he admires in healthcare
“Dr Prathap C Reddy, who has passion and carries the fire among the entire team down the line. All successful eye care models today evolve around passion of individual entrepreneurs like G Venkatasamy who built Aravind Eye Care System, GN Rao, who built LV Prasad Eye Care, and Dr SS Badrinath who built temple of vision, Sankara Nethralya,” says he.
The road ahead
Dr Arun has set his sails in a voyage towards 50 eye hospitals by this year and 100 eye hospitals by the year 2010.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Majestic Entrance
The majestic towers, small and big, beckon one and all to this historic temple. As it is a common practice to worship Devi Meenakshi first and then Lord Sundareswarar, devotees enter the temple through the Ashta Sakthi Mandapam on the eastern street, named after the figures of eight sakthis represented on the pillars on two sides. At this Mandapam, one can see the vivid scriptural representation of Devi Meenakshi's wedding with Ganesha and Subramanya on either side.
Crossing over, one comes to the extensive Meenakshi Naickar Mandapam, named after the builder. This Mandapam has five aisles separated by six rows of stone pillars on which are carved holy sculptures. At the western end of the Mandapam is the massive Thiruvatchi containing 1008 brass oil lamps. Adjacent to the Mandapam is the holy golden lotus tank. Legend has it that Indra bathed in this tank to rinse out his sins and worshipped Lord Shiva with the golden lotus from this tank. Expansive corridors surround this holy tank and on the pillars of the northern corridor the figures of 24 poets of the third Tamil Sangam are etched. On the walls of the northern and eastern corridors exquisite painting depicting scenes from 'puranas' can be seen. The verses of Tirukkural are inscribed on marbles slabs on the southern corridor.
Crossing over, one comes to the extensive Meenakshi Naickar Mandapam, named after the builder. This Mandapam has five aisles separated by six rows of stone pillars on which are carved holy sculptures. At the western end of the Mandapam is the massive Thiruvatchi containing 1008 brass oil lamps. Adjacent to the Mandapam is the holy golden lotus tank. Legend has it that Indra bathed in this tank to rinse out his sins and worshipped Lord Shiva with the golden lotus from this tank. Expansive corridors surround this holy tank and on the pillars of the northern corridor the figures of 24 poets of the third Tamil Sangam are etched. On the walls of the northern and eastern corridors exquisite painting depicting scenes from 'puranas' can be seen. The verses of Tirukkural are inscribed on marbles slabs on the southern corridor.
Madurai
Visit India's city of temples, Madurai. Take your choice from hundreds of magnificent temples, tap on the musical pillars, visit the colourful morning markets, and accommodate yourself in a Raj-style oasis.
The capital of Tamil Nadu is Channai, formerly called Madras, but the holy city of Madurai is considered to be the cultural capital. It is called the City of Temples, and there are hundreds and hundreds of them to give credence to its name.
Madurai was planned and laid out in the pattern of a lotus flower, with the famous Meenakshi Temple in the centre. Legend says the city was founded by the Pandya King Kulasekera, and that in the 10th century it was captured by the Chola emperors. The Pandyans regained their independence in the 12th century. The local people still live by the same set of 2000-year-old Hindu rules.
The River Vaigai flows through Madurai, with the old and more touristy section on the southern bank. The more modern part is on the northern side, where you will find hotels, clubs and university campuses.
The city is shielded by three prominent hills called Elephant, Snake and Cow, as they resemble those animals. With just over a million residents and no high-rise, Madurai is considered a small city by Indian standards, but there are throngs of bicycles, rickshaws, cars, buses and carts.
There are an estimated 10,000 pilgrims in the city on any given day, and the most visited place is the Meenakshi Temple, with its towers dominating the skyline. Its Dravidian architecture is typically covered with coloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The Mahatma Gandhi Museum pays homage to the late leader, who visited Tahmil Nadu 14 times. Most shrines and inner sanctums of the temples are not accessible to non-Hindus, but tourists are permitted through the main entrance and in the brakaram, the area around the inner sanctum.
The Thirumalai Nayak Mahal is considered to be one of the most wonderful secular buildings of south Mumbai. Thirumalai Nayak lived for only 32 years, but was considered the greatest of the Nayak rulers.
Madurai is known for its hand-loom weaving of silks and cottons, making it a popular place to buy woven handicrafts and saris.
The Thousand Pillar Mandapam (which actually has 985 pillars) was built in 1569, with all the pillars in perfectly straight lines. There are two small temples where the remaining 15 pillars should be.
The Musical Pillars are located outside the entrance to the Thousand Pillar Mandapam. When tapped gently (as they are quite old and fragile), they will resonate with a musical sound. The pillars feature sculptures and decorations glorifying different gods.
The Golden Lotus Tank is Madurai’s version of the Ganges. The tank is surrounded by a pillared corridor with steps leading to the water's edge, and worshippers and devotees go there to bathe. The ancient academy of poets used to meet there, and to test the worthiness of their writing, they threw their manuscripts into the tank. If a manuscript sank, it was considered to be inferior, with only those that floated considered worthy of attention.
Mysticism, astrology and palmistry are dominant in southern India. Most Indians consult an astrologer when a child is born and before making most major decisions. Parrot astrology is still practised: a bird selects your card, the astrologer tosses some shells on it and is then able to read your future. If you are keen to find out what the future holds, it is recommended that you ask your guide or a local to suggest a reader.
One experience well worth rising early for is a visit to the morning markets. They are a bustling array of noise and colour, with stalls loaded with fruit, vegetables and spices. Nearby are the flower markets, full of colour and perfume.
The Taj Garden Retreat is one of Madurai’s best hotels. It is a low-rise oasis situated on a hill 15 minutes from the centre of town, set in 25 hectares of landscaped gardens. Rather Raj in style, it has only 50 rooms, many with views over the city, the Meenakshi Temple and the Kodai Hills. It has a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, conference rooms, outdoor pool, plus car hire and babysitting services.
The capital of Tamil Nadu is Channai, formerly called Madras, but the holy city of Madurai is considered to be the cultural capital. It is called the City of Temples, and there are hundreds and hundreds of them to give credence to its name.
Madurai was planned and laid out in the pattern of a lotus flower, with the famous Meenakshi Temple in the centre. Legend says the city was founded by the Pandya King Kulasekera, and that in the 10th century it was captured by the Chola emperors. The Pandyans regained their independence in the 12th century. The local people still live by the same set of 2000-year-old Hindu rules.
The River Vaigai flows through Madurai, with the old and more touristy section on the southern bank. The more modern part is on the northern side, where you will find hotels, clubs and university campuses.
The city is shielded by three prominent hills called Elephant, Snake and Cow, as they resemble those animals. With just over a million residents and no high-rise, Madurai is considered a small city by Indian standards, but there are throngs of bicycles, rickshaws, cars, buses and carts.
There are an estimated 10,000 pilgrims in the city on any given day, and the most visited place is the Meenakshi Temple, with its towers dominating the skyline. Its Dravidian architecture is typically covered with coloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The Mahatma Gandhi Museum pays homage to the late leader, who visited Tahmil Nadu 14 times. Most shrines and inner sanctums of the temples are not accessible to non-Hindus, but tourists are permitted through the main entrance and in the brakaram, the area around the inner sanctum.
The Thirumalai Nayak Mahal is considered to be one of the most wonderful secular buildings of south Mumbai. Thirumalai Nayak lived for only 32 years, but was considered the greatest of the Nayak rulers.
Madurai is known for its hand-loom weaving of silks and cottons, making it a popular place to buy woven handicrafts and saris.
The Thousand Pillar Mandapam (which actually has 985 pillars) was built in 1569, with all the pillars in perfectly straight lines. There are two small temples where the remaining 15 pillars should be.
The Musical Pillars are located outside the entrance to the Thousand Pillar Mandapam. When tapped gently (as they are quite old and fragile), they will resonate with a musical sound. The pillars feature sculptures and decorations glorifying different gods.
The Golden Lotus Tank is Madurai’s version of the Ganges. The tank is surrounded by a pillared corridor with steps leading to the water's edge, and worshippers and devotees go there to bathe. The ancient academy of poets used to meet there, and to test the worthiness of their writing, they threw their manuscripts into the tank. If a manuscript sank, it was considered to be inferior, with only those that floated considered worthy of attention.
Mysticism, astrology and palmistry are dominant in southern India. Most Indians consult an astrologer when a child is born and before making most major decisions. Parrot astrology is still practised: a bird selects your card, the astrologer tosses some shells on it and is then able to read your future. If you are keen to find out what the future holds, it is recommended that you ask your guide or a local to suggest a reader.
One experience well worth rising early for is a visit to the morning markets. They are a bustling array of noise and colour, with stalls loaded with fruit, vegetables and spices. Nearby are the flower markets, full of colour and perfume.
The Taj Garden Retreat is one of Madurai’s best hotels. It is a low-rise oasis situated on a hill 15 minutes from the centre of town, set in 25 hectares of landscaped gardens. Rather Raj in style, it has only 50 rooms, many with views over the city, the Meenakshi Temple and the Kodai Hills. It has a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, conference rooms, outdoor pool, plus car hire and babysitting services.
Azhagiri - Party at chennai
After being appointed as DMK’s South Zone Organising Secretary, M K Azhagiri, the strongman of the party’s Affairs in the Southern districts, and the elder son of party Supremo M Karunanidhi, is expected to contest the coming Lok Sabha elections from Madurai.
Party sources, quoting the remarks of Madurai Rural District Secretary P Murthy, MLA in the recent District Committee meeting, here on Sunday said Mr Azhagiri was expected to swing into active politics after he ensured victory for the party in the recently concluded Tirumangalam Assembly bypoll.
The sources said DMK's victory in Tirumangalam was not only considered to be a litmus test of the organising capabilities of Mr Azhagiri, but it also sent strong signals to the opposition that he would ensure huge victory for DMK in the coming elections.
Mr Murthy, in his address at the meeting of Madurai Rural District DMK functionaries, called upon the partymen to get ready for the Lok Sabha polls, as 'Anja Nenjar' Mr Azhagiri is fondly called as 'Brave Heart' by partymen in Southern districts) would contest the poll from Madurai seat.
He urged the party functionaries to begin works of setting up booth committees and other works to face the elections.
Interestingly, in the meeting, chaired by party District Presidium Chairman Arunachalam, a resolution was passed unanimously urging Mr Azhagiri to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Madurai.
Mr Azhagiri, who had refused to accept any post in the party over the years, however, controlled the party affairs in the Southern districts.
He was rewarded with the newly-created post of 'Organising Secretary' of the DMK in South Zone by the High Command after the impressive victory in the Tirumangalam by-election.
Party sources, quoting the remarks of Madurai Rural District Secretary P Murthy, MLA in the recent District Committee meeting, here on Sunday said Mr Azhagiri was expected to swing into active politics after he ensured victory for the party in the recently concluded Tirumangalam Assembly bypoll.
The sources said DMK's victory in Tirumangalam was not only considered to be a litmus test of the organising capabilities of Mr Azhagiri, but it also sent strong signals to the opposition that he would ensure huge victory for DMK in the coming elections.
Mr Murthy, in his address at the meeting of Madurai Rural District DMK functionaries, called upon the partymen to get ready for the Lok Sabha polls, as 'Anja Nenjar' Mr Azhagiri is fondly called as 'Brave Heart' by partymen in Southern districts) would contest the poll from Madurai seat.
He urged the party functionaries to begin works of setting up booth committees and other works to face the elections.
Interestingly, in the meeting, chaired by party District Presidium Chairman Arunachalam, a resolution was passed unanimously urging Mr Azhagiri to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Madurai.
Mr Azhagiri, who had refused to accept any post in the party over the years, however, controlled the party affairs in the Southern districts.
He was rewarded with the newly-created post of 'Organising Secretary' of the DMK in South Zone by the High Command after the impressive victory in the Tirumangalam by-election.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Banks
Andhra Bank
Sesh Plaza
221,South Masi Street
Madurai - 625001
Phone: 0452-744640
bmche349@andhrabank.co.in
Bank of Baroda
Main Bazaar
5 East Avani Moola Street
Madurai – 625 001
Phone: 0452-2622938
Bank of Madura Ltd
North Chitrai Street
Madurai – 625 001
Phone: 0452-2680609
Bank of Maharashtra
110/110 A,Thycmmal Building
Netaji Road, Madurai
Phone: 0452 2344746
Central Bank of India
Tallakulam
Madurai – 625 002
Central Bank of India
1st floor, Raja Muthiah Mandram
Opp. to Dist. Court
Dr. Ambedkar Road
Madurai - 625020 Phone : 0452 2526752 - 0452 2526753
0452 2526754 - 0452 2537469
0452 2300971
Global Trust Bank
A.R.Plaza, 16&17
North Veli Street
Madurai-625001Phone : 0452 2348183 - 0452 2348186
0452 2348187
v.srinivasan@obcmail.co.in
Idbi Bank
1/1, Karthik Raja Complex
Vinayaga Nagar
K.K. Nagar
Madurai - 625020Phone : 0452 2527666 - 0452 2527667
0452 2527668
madurai@idbibank.com
Karnataka Bank Ltd
32, Town Hall Road
Madurai – 625 001
Phone No: 0452 2340735
Madurai District Central Cooperative Bank Ltd.
PBNo.14, 187, North Veli Street
Head Post Office
Madurai - 625 001
State Bank of Mysore
PB NO 54
19-20, North Veli Street
Madurai - 625 001
Phone No: 0452-2340473
madurai@sbm.co.in
Uco Bank
90/92-East Avani Moola Street
Madurai 625 001
Uco Bank
80 Feet Road
KK Nagar
Madurai - 625020
Sesh Plaza
221,South Masi Street
Madurai - 625001
Phone: 0452-744640
bmche349@andhrabank.co.in
Bank of Baroda
Main Bazaar
5 East Avani Moola Street
Madurai – 625 001
Phone: 0452-2622938
Bank of Madura Ltd
North Chitrai Street
Madurai – 625 001
Phone: 0452-2680609
Bank of Maharashtra
110/110 A,Thycmmal Building
Netaji Road, Madurai
Phone: 0452 2344746
Central Bank of India
Tallakulam
Madurai – 625 002
Central Bank of India
1st floor, Raja Muthiah Mandram
Opp. to Dist. Court
Dr. Ambedkar Road
Madurai - 625020 Phone : 0452 2526752 - 0452 2526753
0452 2526754 - 0452 2537469
0452 2300971
Global Trust Bank
A.R.Plaza, 16&17
North Veli Street
Madurai-625001Phone : 0452 2348183 - 0452 2348186
0452 2348187
v.srinivasan@obcmail.co.in
Idbi Bank
1/1, Karthik Raja Complex
Vinayaga Nagar
K.K. Nagar
Madurai - 625020Phone : 0452 2527666 - 0452 2527667
0452 2527668
madurai@idbibank.com
Karnataka Bank Ltd
32, Town Hall Road
Madurai – 625 001
Phone No: 0452 2340735
Madurai District Central Cooperative Bank Ltd.
PBNo.14, 187, North Veli Street
Head Post Office
Madurai - 625 001
State Bank of Mysore
PB NO 54
19-20, North Veli Street
Madurai - 625 001
Phone No: 0452-2340473
madurai@sbm.co.in
Uco Bank
90/92-East Avani Moola Street
Madurai 625 001
Uco Bank
80 Feet Road
KK Nagar
Madurai - 625020
Book Bazaar - Madurai
Name Address
Mother Land book center West veli street,
Opp. Railway Station
Madurai
Sarvodhaya Ilakkiya Pannai West Veli street,
Near Railway station
Madurai
Book world 5B, West Marret st,
College house, Town hall rd,
Madurai.
Book Plaza Town Hall Road,
Madurai
Selvi Book center No.92, Nethaji Road,
Near New Arya bhavan signal,
Madurai.
Jayam book center 27, Pudumandapam Road,
East avani moola st,
Madurai.
Mother Land book center West veli street,
Opp. Railway Station
Madurai
Sarvodhaya Ilakkiya Pannai West Veli street,
Near Railway station
Madurai
Book world 5B, West Marret st,
College house, Town hall rd,
Madurai.
Book Plaza Town Hall Road,
Madurai
Selvi Book center No.92, Nethaji Road,
Near New Arya bhavan signal,
Madurai.
Jayam book center 27, Pudumandapam Road,
East avani moola st,
Madurai.
Things To Buy
Madurai has long been a textile center and the streets around the temple still teem with cloth stalls and tailors' shops. A great place to buy locally manufactured cottons as well as the batiks loved by many travelers is Puthu Mandapam, an old, stone-pillared hall just along from the eastern entrance to Sri Meenakshi Temple. Here you'll find lines of textile stalls opposite rows of tailors, each busily treading away and capable of whipping up a good replica of whatever you're wearing in an hour or two.
Temple Bazaar
We caught the overnight train from Chengalpattu to Madurai arriving at 06:30 in the morning. February seems to be the season for Indian weddings so we had a difficulty finding a reasonably priced hotel we ended up checking in to the Royal Court for one night then switching to the Hotel Supreme for the next two nights.
Madurai is another busy Indian city and famous for the Meenakshi temple - a massive complex which seems to blur the interface between worship and shopping and the Gandhi museum which was an unexpected pleasure.
After breakfast and a couple of hours rest we took an auto rickshaw ride around the city taking in the main sites. The following day we spent a couple of hours at the Gandhi museum them had a bit of relaxation on a pedelo around the Teppakulam temple water tank, this was supposed to be closed so we were the only ones put and also fortunate that the tank was full, they only fill it for special festivals.
Madurai is another busy Indian city and famous for the Meenakshi temple - a massive complex which seems to blur the interface between worship and shopping and the Gandhi museum which was an unexpected pleasure.
After breakfast and a couple of hours rest we took an auto rickshaw ride around the city taking in the main sites. The following day we spent a couple of hours at the Gandhi museum them had a bit of relaxation on a pedelo around the Teppakulam temple water tank, this was supposed to be closed so we were the only ones put and also fortunate that the tank was full, they only fill it for special festivals.
Significance
The Hindus had developed a system of calendrics that encapsulates vast periods of time. For computing the age of the earth and various geological and other epochs, as well as the age of mankind, they still employ a Tamil calendar derived from ancient astronomical data, known as the Tirukkanida Panchanga (cf. The Secret Doctrine, 2:49-51).
This calendar contains a calculation of something over three hundred million years for the age of the present earth since sedimentation occurred, and a period of somewhat more than eighteen million years since the first appearance of our mankind.
The 10th Tamil month, called Thai, falls in the mid-January every year. It is celebrated with much enthusiasm among the Tamil Community all over the world. It is marked by gifting new dresses for the family members and giving prayers to God wishing for prosperity among the people for the coming year. The month of Thai and the fifth month Aavani are considered very auspicious and most marriages usually happen during those months than the other months of the year.
The fourth month Aadi is considered inauspicious, so usually weddings do not happen in the month. Aadi is also the month of preparation for next crop cycle by farmers. Hence, farming communities avoid major events like weddings in this month. On the contrary (or as advantage) the communities that don't actively contribute/participate in farming take the advantage of having important functions like wedding in this month. For example, the business community prefers this month for wedding. It is usually the worst month for thriving businesses and recently this situation has changed a lot, as the businesses started providing discount shopping during that month. Each Friday of this month is set aside for prayer and worship.
And another important point to note that for the newly married couple is also an inauspicious month to sleep together. The reason being if the girl who is conceived in this month will deliver the baby in the month of May, the hottest month in Tamil Nadu (Agni natchathiram [pinezu] last 7 days of Chitharai and [munezu] first 7 days of Vaigasi) and it will be tough period for baby delivery.
The sixth month Purattaasi is auspicious to the effect that, most of the non-vegetarian Tamil people do not eat meat during the month. This faith can be considered much similar to the fasting by Muslims during the month of Ramadan. Each Saturday of this month is set apart to venerate the planet Saturn.
The full moon days and the new moon days have considerable importance among the Tamil people. One of the famous festivals, the Deepavali, is celebrated on the new moon day, in the seventh month Aipassi. The month of Aipassi is usually characterised by the North-East Monsoon in Tamil Nadu, which has given birth to a phrase, Aipassi Adai Mazhai meaning the "Non-stop Downpour".
The ninth month Maargazhi is characterised by winter in Tamil Nadu, and considered auspicious for maiden women to find their groom. The Shaivite fast of Tiru-vembaavai and the Vaishnava fast of Tiru-paavai are observed in this month.
The total number of days in a Tamil Calendar is an average 365 days and day's name are also similar to the western calendar. In temples, and for day to day purposes, Vakiya Panchangam is used. For astrological calculations Trikanitha Panchangam is used.
This calendar contains a calculation of something over three hundred million years for the age of the present earth since sedimentation occurred, and a period of somewhat more than eighteen million years since the first appearance of our mankind.
The 10th Tamil month, called Thai, falls in the mid-January every year. It is celebrated with much enthusiasm among the Tamil Community all over the world. It is marked by gifting new dresses for the family members and giving prayers to God wishing for prosperity among the people for the coming year. The month of Thai and the fifth month Aavani are considered very auspicious and most marriages usually happen during those months than the other months of the year.
The fourth month Aadi is considered inauspicious, so usually weddings do not happen in the month. Aadi is also the month of preparation for next crop cycle by farmers. Hence, farming communities avoid major events like weddings in this month. On the contrary (or as advantage) the communities that don't actively contribute/participate in farming take the advantage of having important functions like wedding in this month. For example, the business community prefers this month for wedding. It is usually the worst month for thriving businesses and recently this situation has changed a lot, as the businesses started providing discount shopping during that month. Each Friday of this month is set aside for prayer and worship.
And another important point to note that for the newly married couple is also an inauspicious month to sleep together. The reason being if the girl who is conceived in this month will deliver the baby in the month of May, the hottest month in Tamil Nadu (Agni natchathiram [pinezu] last 7 days of Chitharai and [munezu] first 7 days of Vaigasi) and it will be tough period for baby delivery.
The sixth month Purattaasi is auspicious to the effect that, most of the non-vegetarian Tamil people do not eat meat during the month. This faith can be considered much similar to the fasting by Muslims during the month of Ramadan. Each Saturday of this month is set apart to venerate the planet Saturn.
The full moon days and the new moon days have considerable importance among the Tamil people. One of the famous festivals, the Deepavali, is celebrated on the new moon day, in the seventh month Aipassi. The month of Aipassi is usually characterised by the North-East Monsoon in Tamil Nadu, which has given birth to a phrase, Aipassi Adai Mazhai meaning the "Non-stop Downpour".
The ninth month Maargazhi is characterised by winter in Tamil Nadu, and considered auspicious for maiden women to find their groom. The Shaivite fast of Tiru-vembaavai and the Vaishnava fast of Tiru-paavai are observed in this month.
The total number of days in a Tamil Calendar is an average 365 days and day's name are also similar to the western calendar. In temples, and for day to day purposes, Vakiya Panchangam is used. For astrological calculations Trikanitha Panchangam is used.
Seasons
Seasons
The year is divided into six seasons, each of which lasts two months:Season name English translation Sanskrit Name (Rtu) English equivalent Months
kār dark, rain Varsha rainy āvani, puratāci
kūlir chill, wind Sharada autumn aippaci, kārthikai
munpani early dew Hemanta early winter mārkazhi, tai
pinpani late dew Sishira late winter māsi, pankuni
ilavenil young warmth Vasanta spring chithirai, vaikāsi
mutuvenil extreme warmth Grishma summer āni, ādi
The year is divided into six seasons, each of which lasts two months:Season name English translation Sanskrit Name (Rtu) English equivalent Months
kār dark, rain Varsha rainy āvani, puratāci
kūlir chill, wind Sharada autumn aippaci, kārthikai
munpani early dew Hemanta early winter mārkazhi, tai
pinpani late dew Sishira late winter māsi, pankuni
ilavenil young warmth Vasanta spring chithirai, vaikāsi
mutuvenil extreme warmth Grishma summer āni, ādi
Tamil Calendar
Week
The days of the Tamil Calendar relate to the celestial bodies in the solar system: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn, in that order. The week starts with Sunday.
The following list compiles the days of the week in Tamil Calendar:No. Weekday (Tamil) Weekday (English) Vaasara (Sanskrit) Lord or Planet Gregorian Calendar equivalent
01. ஞாயிற்றுக்கிழமை Jnyaayitru-kizhamai Ravi-vaasara Sun Sunday
02. திங்கட்கிழமை Thingat-kizhamai Soma-vaasara Moon Monday
03. செவ்வாய்க்கிழமை Sevvaai-kizhamai Mangala-vaasara Mars Tuesday
04. புதன்கிழமை Buthan-kizhamai Budha-vaasara Mercury Wednesday
05. வியாழக்கிழமை Viyaazha-kizhamai Guru Vaasara Jupiter Thursday
06. வெள்ளிக்கிழமை Velli-kizhamai Sukra-vaasara Venus Friday
07. சனிக்கிழமை Sani-kizhamai Shani-vaasara Saturn Saturday
Months
The number of days in a month varies between 29 and 32.
The following list compiles the months of the Tamil Calendar.No. Month (Tamil) Sanskrit Name * Month (English) Gregorian Calendar equivalent
01. சித்திரை Chaitra Cittirai mid-April to mid-May
02. வைகாசி Vaisākha Vaikāsi mid-May to mid-June
03. ஆனி Jyaishtha Āni mid-June to mid-July
04. ஆடி Āshādha Ādi mid-July to mid-August
05. ஆவணி Shrāvana Āvaṇi mid-August to mid-September
06. புரட்டாசி Bhādrapada Puraṭṭāsi mid-September to mid-October
07. ஐப்பசி Ashwina Aippasi mid-October to mid-November
08. கார்த்திகை Kārttika Kārthikai mid-November to mid-December
09. மார்கழி Mārgashīrsha Mārkaḻi mid-December to mid-January
10. தை Pausha Tai mid-January to mid-February
11. மாசி Māgha Māsi mid-February to mid-March
12. பங்குனி Phalguna Paṅkuni mid-March to mid-April
Note: The Sanskrit months above would start one month ahead of Tamil months since the Tamil calendar is a solar calendar while the Sanskrit calendar is a lunisolar calendar
The days of the Tamil Calendar relate to the celestial bodies in the solar system: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn, in that order. The week starts with Sunday.
The following list compiles the days of the week in Tamil Calendar:No. Weekday (Tamil) Weekday (English) Vaasara (Sanskrit) Lord or Planet Gregorian Calendar equivalent
01. ஞாயிற்றுக்கிழமை Jnyaayitru-kizhamai Ravi-vaasara Sun Sunday
02. திங்கட்கிழமை Thingat-kizhamai Soma-vaasara Moon Monday
03. செவ்வாய்க்கிழமை Sevvaai-kizhamai Mangala-vaasara Mars Tuesday
04. புதன்கிழமை Buthan-kizhamai Budha-vaasara Mercury Wednesday
05. வியாழக்கிழமை Viyaazha-kizhamai Guru Vaasara Jupiter Thursday
06. வெள்ளிக்கிழமை Velli-kizhamai Sukra-vaasara Venus Friday
07. சனிக்கிழமை Sani-kizhamai Shani-vaasara Saturn Saturday
Months
The number of days in a month varies between 29 and 32.
The following list compiles the months of the Tamil Calendar.No. Month (Tamil) Sanskrit Name * Month (English) Gregorian Calendar equivalent
01. சித்திரை Chaitra Cittirai mid-April to mid-May
02. வைகாசி Vaisākha Vaikāsi mid-May to mid-June
03. ஆனி Jyaishtha Āni mid-June to mid-July
04. ஆடி Āshādha Ādi mid-July to mid-August
05. ஆவணி Shrāvana Āvaṇi mid-August to mid-September
06. புரட்டாசி Bhādrapada Puraṭṭāsi mid-September to mid-October
07. ஐப்பசி Ashwina Aippasi mid-October to mid-November
08. கார்த்திகை Kārttika Kārthikai mid-November to mid-December
09. மார்கழி Mārgashīrsha Mārkaḻi mid-December to mid-January
10. தை Pausha Tai mid-January to mid-February
11. மாசி Māgha Māsi mid-February to mid-March
12. பங்குனி Phalguna Paṅkuni mid-March to mid-April
Note: The Sanskrit months above would start one month ahead of Tamil months since the Tamil calendar is a solar calendar while the Sanskrit calendar is a lunisolar calendar
Tamil Calendar
The Tamil Calendar is used in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry in India, and by the Tamil population in Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. It is used today for cultural, religious and agricultural events, with the Gregorian calendar having largely supplanted it for official use both within and outside India.
There are several festivals based on the Tamil Hindu calendar. The Tamil New Year follows the nirayanam vernal equinox and generally falls on April 13 or 14th of the Gregorian year. April 13 or 14th marks the first day of the traditional Tamil calendar and this remains a public holiday in both Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Tropical vernal equinox fall around 22 March, and adding 23 degrees of trepidation or oscillation to it, we get the Hindu sidereal or Nirayana Mesha Sankranti (Sun's transition into nirayana Aries). Hence, the Tamil calendar begins with the same date which is observed by most traditional calendars of the rest of India - Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Orissa, Manipur, Nepal, Punjab etc. The 60-year cycle is also very ancient and is observed by most traditional calendars of India and China, and is related to 5 revolutions of Jupiter according to popular belief, or to 60-year orbit of Nakshatras (stars) as mentioned in Surya Siddhanta.
The traditional Tamil year is (From April 13, 2008), Kaliyuga 5110. Vikrama and Shalivahana Saka eras are also used.
The current DMK-led Government of Tamil Nadu abolished the traditional Tamil calendar in February 2008 citing a so-called but disputed proclamation in 1920s by a group of so-called Atheists under leadership of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy who assembled in Madurai and adopted first day of Thai Month as first day of the Tamil Calendar. The Tamil Nadu Government has ordered the Tiruvalluvar Era as official Tamil Calendar for the state and abolished the Tamil years used for several millennia. The new year has been changed to begin with Pongal day during month of Thai. This controversial move however has no public support and the traditional calendar that begins in April remains very much in use. The opposition AIADMK has vowed to restore the traditional Tamil calendar when it assumes power. The present state government's move has also been challenged in court.
There are several festivals based on the Tamil Hindu calendar. The Tamil New Year follows the nirayanam vernal equinox and generally falls on April 13 or 14th of the Gregorian year. April 13 or 14th marks the first day of the traditional Tamil calendar and this remains a public holiday in both Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Tropical vernal equinox fall around 22 March, and adding 23 degrees of trepidation or oscillation to it, we get the Hindu sidereal or Nirayana Mesha Sankranti (Sun's transition into nirayana Aries). Hence, the Tamil calendar begins with the same date which is observed by most traditional calendars of the rest of India - Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Orissa, Manipur, Nepal, Punjab etc. The 60-year cycle is also very ancient and is observed by most traditional calendars of India and China, and is related to 5 revolutions of Jupiter according to popular belief, or to 60-year orbit of Nakshatras (stars) as mentioned in Surya Siddhanta.
The traditional Tamil year is (From April 13, 2008), Kaliyuga 5110. Vikrama and Shalivahana Saka eras are also used.
The current DMK-led Government of Tamil Nadu abolished the traditional Tamil calendar in February 2008 citing a so-called but disputed proclamation in 1920s by a group of so-called Atheists under leadership of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy who assembled in Madurai and adopted first day of Thai Month as first day of the Tamil Calendar. The Tamil Nadu Government has ordered the Tiruvalluvar Era as official Tamil Calendar for the state and abolished the Tamil years used for several millennia. The new year has been changed to begin with Pongal day during month of Thai. This controversial move however has no public support and the traditional calendar that begins in April remains very much in use. The opposition AIADMK has vowed to restore the traditional Tamil calendar when it assumes power. The present state government's move has also been challenged in court.
Tamil New Year
Puthandu, or better known as Tamil New Year, is the celebration of the first day of the new Tamil year by people of Tamil origin. It follows the Tamil Calendar, which is used in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry in India, and by the Tamil population in Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. The traditional Tamil New Year tends to coincide with the traditional start of year in Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Manipur, Nepal and the Punjab, not to mention Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It is based on the classical Hindu solar calendar.
The celebration generally fall on April 12, April 13 or April 14. People greet each other on this day by saying இனிய தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு நல்- வாழ்த்துக்கள் (Iniya Tamizh Puthaandu Nalvazthukkal).Origin and Significance
The Tamil New Year follows the nirayanam vernal equinox and generally falls on April 13 or 14th of the Gregorian year. April 13 or 14th marks the first day of the traditional Tamil calendar and this remains a public holiday in both Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Tropical vernal equinox fall around 22 March, and adding 23 degrees of trepidation or oscillation to it, we get the Hindu sidereal or Nirayana Mesha Sankranti (Sun's transition into nirayana Aries). Hence, the Tamil calendar begins with the same date which is observed by most traditional calendars of the rest of India. The 60-year cycle is also very ancient and is observed by most traditional calendars of India and China, and is related to 5 revolutions of Jupiter according to popular belief, or to 60-year orbit of Nakshatras (stars) as mentioned in Surya Siddhanta.
The traditional Tamil year is (from April 13, 2008), Kaliyuga 5110. Vikrama and Shalivahana Saka eras are also used.
Celebration
Every year in the month of Chithrai (the first month of the Hindu solar calendar), in the temple city of Madurai, the Chithrai Thiruvizha is celebrated in the Meenakshi Temple. A huge exhibition is also held, called Chithrai Porutkaatchi. In some parts of Southern Tamil Nadu, it is also called Chithrai Vishu. The day is marked with a feast in Hindu homes and entrances to the houses are decorated elaborately with kolams.
On the day of Tamil New Year, a big Car Festival is held at Tiruvadamarudur near Kumbakonam. Festivals are also held at Tiruchirapalli, Kanchipuram and many other places.Controversy
Recently the Tamil Nadu DMK government by an Act of Legislature abolished the Tamil calendar for secularist political reasons and started to follow a newly created Tiruvalluvar era as the official calendar with the first day of the month of Thai as the beginning of the year. The order also abolishes use of Tamil Years from this year Thai.
Henceforth, it proposes that January 14 of every year be celebrated as Tamil New Year in addition to the famous harvest festival Ponga. But the said resolution has no public support.
The celebration generally fall on April 12, April 13 or April 14. People greet each other on this day by saying இனிய தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு நல்- வாழ்த்துக்கள் (Iniya Tamizh Puthaandu Nalvazthukkal).Origin and Significance
The Tamil New Year follows the nirayanam vernal equinox and generally falls on April 13 or 14th of the Gregorian year. April 13 or 14th marks the first day of the traditional Tamil calendar and this remains a public holiday in both Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Tropical vernal equinox fall around 22 March, and adding 23 degrees of trepidation or oscillation to it, we get the Hindu sidereal or Nirayana Mesha Sankranti (Sun's transition into nirayana Aries). Hence, the Tamil calendar begins with the same date which is observed by most traditional calendars of the rest of India. The 60-year cycle is also very ancient and is observed by most traditional calendars of India and China, and is related to 5 revolutions of Jupiter according to popular belief, or to 60-year orbit of Nakshatras (stars) as mentioned in Surya Siddhanta.
The traditional Tamil year is (from April 13, 2008), Kaliyuga 5110. Vikrama and Shalivahana Saka eras are also used.
Celebration
Every year in the month of Chithrai (the first month of the Hindu solar calendar), in the temple city of Madurai, the Chithrai Thiruvizha is celebrated in the Meenakshi Temple. A huge exhibition is also held, called Chithrai Porutkaatchi. In some parts of Southern Tamil Nadu, it is also called Chithrai Vishu. The day is marked with a feast in Hindu homes and entrances to the houses are decorated elaborately with kolams.
On the day of Tamil New Year, a big Car Festival is held at Tiruvadamarudur near Kumbakonam. Festivals are also held at Tiruchirapalli, Kanchipuram and many other places.Controversy
Recently the Tamil Nadu DMK government by an Act of Legislature abolished the Tamil calendar for secularist political reasons and started to follow a newly created Tiruvalluvar era as the official calendar with the first day of the month of Thai as the beginning of the year. The order also abolishes use of Tamil Years from this year Thai.
Henceforth, it proposes that January 14 of every year be celebrated as Tamil New Year in addition to the famous harvest festival Ponga. But the said resolution has no public support.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Indian Railway Information
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Online Railway Reservation
Railways - Telephone Enquiry Services
General Enquiry 131
Reservation Enquiry 132
Train Arrival & Dep (B.G) Central 133
Train Arrival & Dep (M.G) Egmore 134
Reservation Enquiry (Egmore) 135
Interactive Voice Response System Ticket Enquiry
In English 1361
In Hindi 1362
In Tamil 1363
Rail Reservation Centres in Chennai
(Reservation Hrs 08:00-14:00 & 14:15-20:00 Sun:08:00-14:00)
Avadi Rly Station 26555408
Annanagar 26631188
Airport 22560551
Besant Nagar 24901186
Central Railway Station 25353816
Egmore Railway Station 28194579
Mambalam Railway Station 24643755
Mylapore Railway Station 24954252
Perambur Railway Station 25510359
Saidapet Railway Station 24329970
Tambaram Railway Station 22365921
Tiruvotiyur Railway Station 25735314
Beach Railway Station 25234397
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