|
|
|
A Temple for the Tamil Poet |
 Ask about Valluvar Kottam - an absolute majority of Chennaiites would identify its location. Pose them the next question, "Where is Thiruvalluvar Temple?" and many will draw a blank face. Some have already branded Thiruvalluvar, the great poet who endowed us with his masterpiece Thirukkural, as a 'Naayanmaar' (64th!). Quite a few of us may beg to differ with this view, leave along subscribing to the opinion that Thiruvalluvar is God-Incarnate. A temple indeed for him is present at Mylapore on the eastern side of Sanskrit College and on the western side of Mundagak kanni Amman Temple.
This is the very same place where the gifted poet is believed to have born, lived and breathed his last. The place does not wear the usual looks one would expect in a temple. Instead of Gopuram, a cement arch invites us near the entrance. At the left side is a small library. The temple was constructed in 16th century, with the aid of King of Kasi. While in 1950, the
 temple came under the folds of Hindu Endowments Board, it presented a ghastly look with bushes galore.
After 27 years, in 1977, was the temple renovated and Kumbabishekam performed. Further renovation took place recently and mosaic flooring is an added attraction.
In spite of the name, this is a Shiva temple too. The deity of Shri Ekambareshwarar finds a place here. Near the Statue of Thiruvalluvar is a big mantap (aptly named Mahamandapam) in which stands a tree. Well, it does not exactly stand. It fell sometime back (way back in 1935) but its base part is protected with brass sheet
as a historical gesture. Under this 'Iluppai' (South Indian Mahua) tree was born the talented poet. There is a statue of Vasuki, the wife of the saint poet, too. Anyone who has heard her name would remember the historic incident too. The dutiful lady, on hearing her husband's call, rushed to attend him, leaving the potful of water while it was half drawn up from the well by her. The pot remained stationary till she resumed - gravitational forces failed before her chastity. The said well still remains. "… Only such ladies and incidents have become rare", commented an observer (MCP, you would like to comment?).
There are statutes of the parents of Thiruvalluvar too - Aadhi and Bhagavan. One Anandasami Swamigal, who considered himself the disciple of Thiruvalluvar, has also been sculpted and finds a berth here. The birthday (notional) of Thiruvalluvar is known to many, thanks to the State Government declaring it a holiday in January. His death Anniversary comes in May-June in Star Uthirai. On that day 'Annadhaanam' is done in a big way and poor are fed. But one most of the other day, the temple wears a deserted look. Debates are regularly arranged at the hall in the temple. But no debate on having constructed a temple for a mortal whose creation is immortal.
- G.S. Subramanian |
