RBI dispels rumours of fake Rs.10 coins
in circulation
It has been reported that some less-informed or uninformed persons who suspect
the genuineness of such coins are creating doubts in the minds of ordinary
people.
Dispelling rumours of fake Rs.10 coin in circulation, RBI long back has already asked people
not to give credence to such canards and continue to accept these coins as
legal tender in all their transactions without any hesitation. It has been
reported that some less-informed or uninformed persons who suspect the
genuineness of such coins are creating doubts in the minds of ordinary people
including traders, shopkeepers, etc, impeding the circulation of these coins in
certain pockets of the country causing avoidable confusion, RBI said in a
statement.
“The Reserve Bank has advised members of the public
not to give credence to such ill-informed notions and ignore them and continue
to accept these coins as legal tender in all their transactions without any
hesitation,” it said. According to RBI as coins remain in circulation for
longer periods, it is quite possible that coins of different designs and even
shapes are circulating at the same time.
One such change is introduction of ‘Rupee symbol’ in
coins in July 2011, it said. An instance of this is the Rs.10 coin with rupee
symbol and the same denomination coin without rupee symbol, it said, “Adding
both of them are legal tender and equally good for transactions, though they
may look a little different”.
“The Reserve Bank has advised members of
the public not to give credence to such ill-informed notions and ignore them
and continue to accept these coins as legal tender in all their transactions
without any hesitation,” it said. According to RBI as coins remain in
circulation for longer periods, it is quite possible that coins of different
designs and even shapes are circulating at the same time.
One such change is introduction of
‘Rupee symbol’ in coins in July 2011, it said. An instance of this is the Rs.10
coin with rupee symbol and the same denomination coin without rupee symbol, it
said,
It further said RBI puts into
circulation coins minted by the Government of India and these have distinctive
features. Coins in new denominations to meet transaction needs of public and
coins in new designs to reflect various themes – economic, social and cultural
– are introduced from time to time, it added.
Popularly known as Anna or Arignar Anna, Conjeevaram
Natarajan Annadurai was the first Dravidian and first non-Congress leader to
become the Chief Minister of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Despite
being born in a middle class family, Annadurai rose to become a school teacher
and journalist before switching into hard-core politics. After working for the
Dravidian party, Dravidar Kazhagam, he gathered his supporters and gave birth
to his own party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Such was the influence of
Anna in the political world that a party was then launched in his name as Anna
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK) by M.G. Ramachandran in 1972 posthumously.
With his election as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Anna rose to extreme
popularity amongst ordinary people. He is regarded as one of the charismatic
and forceful political leaders of modern India. Besides, he gained fame as an
acclaimed orator, Tamil and English litterateur, and a stage actor.
Early Life
C.N. Annadurai was born to Natarajan and Bangaru Ammal, in
Conjeevaram (now called Kanchipuram) in Tamil Nadu. He was born in a
middle-class weaver family belonging to Sengunta Mudaliar caste. He was brought
up by his sister Rajamani Ammal. Annadurai attained his formal education from
Pachaiyappa's High School in Chennai, but left his studies midway due to
financial problems and worked as a clerk in Kanchipuram municipal office to
help with the family finances. He later took admission in Pachaiyappa's College
for his graduation. However, he was married off with Rani in 1930 at the age of
21 while he was still a student. In 1934, he completed his B.A. (Hons) degree
and later achieved his M.A. degree in economics and politics from the same
college. For a short period, he earned his living as an English teacher in
Pachaiyappa's High school but left to join journalism and politics.
Entry into Politics
Annadurai was keen on joining politics. With his deep
interest in working for the conditions of the poor and down-trodden, his
ambition firmed as he was highly influenced by two Communist leaders, M.
Singaravelu and C. Basudev. On his first meeting with Periyar E.V. Ramasami in
1934 at a youth conference at Tirupur in Coimbatore district, he was instantly
attracted towards him. Even after his split with Periyar on the launch of his
own party DMK in 1949, he continued to praise him in public as his one and only
leader. He joined the Justice Party, which was formed in 1917 by non-Brahmin
elites, in 1935. When he entered the party, the president was Periyar E.V.
Ramasami. The party ran a magazine where Annadurai served as the sub-editor.
The party was in power till 1937 after it was defeated by Indian National
Congress. Thereafter, Annadurai became the editor of Viduthalai, which means
freedom in English, and was even associated with a Tamil weekly paper
"Kudi Arusu". In 1942, he began his own Tamil journal titled
"Dravida Nadu". Periyar renamed the Justice Party as Dravidar
Kazhagam in 1944 and bid adieu to contesting in the elections.
Establishment of DMK
During India's struggle for independence, the movement was
dominated by Indian National Congress that was led by Brahmins. As such,
Periyar feared that independent India would be ruled under the government of
Brahmins and North Indians. With this, Periyar objected the move and declared
August 15, 1947 as a day of mourning. As such, Periyar witnessed opposition
from his supporters and saw that the cause of demand for independence from
British rule was a national cause and not just of Aryan North. This triggered a
cold war between Annadurai and Periyar. Further when Periyar refused to stand
in the democratic elections, Annadurai walked off the meeting in 1948.
Periyar's marriage to Maniammai, who was 40 years younger than him, caused the
final rift between him and Annadurai, who, in turn, walked out of his party and
gave birth to his own party known as Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 1949,
in partnership with Periyar's nephew, E.V.K. Sampath. Initially DMK focused on
urban centers and surrounding areas, but with the party's emphasis shifting on
to urban lower, lower middle, working classes, students, Dalits, and lower
castes, DMK gained rapid recognition and immense support.
Dravida Nadu
While working for "Dravida Nadu" under Periyar at
the time of Dravida Kazhagam, Annadurai supported the former for forming an
independent state under the name Dravida Nadu. This thought stayed alive during
the initial days of DMK as well. Sampath, who had left Periyar and joined
Annadurai, still opposed the fact and considered this demand an unrealistic
goal. Later, when Annadurai accepted film stars in his party, Sampath suffered
differences between him and other leaders supporting the Dravida Nadu, and
hence, left DMK to form his own party, the Tamil Nationalist Party in 1961. But
when the Indian government separated Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam speaking
regions from Madras Presidency, Annadurai and his party changed the call for
Dravida Nadu into independent Tamil Nadu for Tamil speaking regions. However,
when the Sixteenth Amendment was initialized that banned any party from
contesting in elections; Annadurai was one of the members present in the
Parliament of India but could not stop from the amendment being passed.
Protests
Apart from standing for the formation of a separate
Tamil-speaking region, Annadurai was actively involved with other protests
throughout his political career. When Motilal Nehru recommended Hindi for use
as an official language in 1928, people and politicians of Tamil Nadu strongly
opposed considering that they would be regarded as second-class citizens, since
Hindi was major language of North Indians. This was just the beginning as the
Congress party headed by C. Rajagopalachari in Madras Presidency suggested the
use of Hindi as a compulsory language in schools in 1938. This was highly
objected by Tamil leaders, including Annadurai who, along with poet
Bharathidasan, held demonstrations against the cause. He even participated in
the first Anti-Hindi imposition conference that was held in Kanchipuram on February
27, 1938. With no positive response and immense opposition, the Madras
Presidency withdrew from the cause in 1940.
In 1950, when India became a republic, the constitution
declared Hindi language to gain official status after 15 years in 1965. This
was, as expected, not accepted by the Tamils. As such, Annadurai organized an
open-air conference against Hindi imposition at Kodambakkam in Chennai in
August 1960. With the rise in the opposition, Jawaharlal Nehru ensured that
English would be the official language of India, as long as non-Hindi speaking
people wish. However, when no amendment was made in the constitution in 1965,
Annadurai declared 26th January, 1955, the 15th Republic Day of India, as the
day of mourning. He replaced the protest slogans with "Down with Hindi;
Long live the Republic". Though the protest initially broke out in
Madurai, it spread throughout the state within days. With violence increasing
to its height, Annadurai asked the students to call off the protest, but DMK
leaders like Karunanidhi continued the violence. Annadurai was even arrested
for inducing the agitation. Though DMK was not personally responsible for
instigating the agitation, it was due to this that DMK won the elections in
1967 with Annadurai becoming the Chief Minister of Madras State.
Tenure as a Chief Minister
In 1967 elections, the opposition party won nine states over
Congress, but Madras was the only state where a single non-Congress party
attained majority. Annadurai became the Chief Minister of Madras in February
1967 and legalized self-respect marriages wherein one did not require a Brahmin
to preside with the marriage ceremony. Self-respect marriage was an idea
conceptualized by Periyar, who considered conventional marriages as an excuse
for bribing dowry. It was during Annadurai's tenure as the Chief Minister that
the Madras State was renamed as Tamil Nadu. He even introduced the two language
policy against the three language formula prevailing in the neighboring states
of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. He organized the Second World Tamil
Conference on January 3, 1968. To mark this conference, the government released
a commemorative stamp but it contained Hindi while Annadurai insisted on
printing Tamil. He issued an order to remove all pictures of gods and religious
symbols from public offices and buildings. On his visit to Yale University in
April-May 1968, he was awarded with the Chubb Fellowship and became the first
non-American to receive this honor. Later in the same year, he was conferred
upon with an honorary doctorate from Annamalai University.
Literary Career
Apart from his political career, Annadurai was very much
involved into writing and filming as well. Talking about his literary career,
he was regarded as one of the best Tamil orators during his time. With his
spoken and written language, he managed to develop a unique style. He penned
several novels, short stories, and plays that revolved around politics. While
working for Dravidar Kazhagam, he acted in some of his own plays. His notable
works include Annavin Sattasabai Sorpolivukal (Anna's speeches at the state
legislative, 1960), Ilatchiya varalaru (History of Principles, 1948), Valkkaip
puyal (Storm of life, 1948), Rankon rata (Radha from Rangon), Kambarasam,
Kapothipura kathal (Love in the city of Blind), Parvathy B.A., Kalinga Rani
(Queen of Kalinga), and Pavayin payanam (Travels of a young lady).
Film Career
Annadurai wrote for movies also. His first movie was 1948
"Nallathambi" (Good Brother) starring N.S. Krishnan revolving around
cooperative farming and abolition of zamindari system. He earned Rs. 12,000
from this project, a large amount at that time. His novels
"Velaikaari" (Servant Maid, 1949) and "Or Iravu" were
culminated into movies. His career in films proved to be a boon for him as he
was supported by several stage and cine stars, such as D.V. Narayanaswamy, K.R.
Ramasamy, N.S. Krishnan, S.S. Rajendran, Sivaji Ganesan, and M.G. Ramachandran.
His other works that were converted into movies by the same name are
Panathottam (1963), Valiba virundhu (1967), Kumarikottam (1971), Rajapart
Rangadurai (1973), Needhi devan mayakkam (1982).
Death
Annadurai served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for
just two years as he died on February 3, 1969. Though he was suffering from
cancer, he managed to keep himself in a healthy condition. It was his tobacco
chewing habit that had led to the worsening of his condition. His funeral was
attended by a recorded 15 million people, the highest till date as recorded in
The Guinness Book of Records. His remains were buried in the northern end of Marina
Beach, now known as Anna Square.
Legacy
With the split of DMK in 1972 by actor M.G. Ramachandran,
the rebel fragment formed another party and renamed it as All India Anna
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). A residential neighborhood in Chennai is named
after Annadurai and is called Anna Nagar. The Anna University, offering high
education in engineering, technology, and applied sciences, founded in 1978 was
also named after Annadurai. The current head office of DMK, built in 1987, was
a tribute to Annadurai with the name Anna Arivalayam. The previously known
Mount Road, a major road in Chennai, was renamed as Anna Salai in his honor and
a statue was also set up there. Annadurai was listed as one of the "Top
100 people who shaped India by thought, action, art, culture, and spirit"
by India Today magazine. Anna Centenary Library was established in Chennai in
2010 as a tribute to Annadurai.
Distinguished Works
Komalathin Kobam, 1939
Kalingarani, 1942
Parvathi B.A, 1943
Chandrodhayam, 1943
Sivaji kanda indhu samrajyam, 1945
Velaikaari, 1946
Kumari kottam, 1946
Nallathambi, 1948
Or iravu, 1948
Sorgavasal, 1953
Kumari Surya, 1955
Thazhumbukal, 1965
Inba oli, 1970
Notable Films
Nallathambi, 1949
Velaikaari, 1949
Or Iravu, 1951
Rangoon Radha, 1956
Panathottam, 1963)
Valiba virundhu, 1967
Kumarikottam, 1971
Rajapart Rangadurai, 1973
Needhi devan mayakkam, 1982
Timeline
1909: Was born in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
1930: Married Rani
1934: Completed bachelor's degree from Pachaiyappa's
College, Chennai
1935: Joined Justice Party
1938: Participated in the first Anti-Hindi imposition
conference in Kanchipuram
1944: Justice Party was renamed as Dravidar Kazhagam
1948: Made first movie "Nallathambi"
1949: Founded Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
1962: Elected to Rajya Sabha
1965: Opposed against Hindi being declared as the official
language
1967: Elected as the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency
1968: Received Chubb Fellowship from Yale University
1969: Madras state was renamed as Tamil Nadu
1969: Died on February 3 in Chennai aged 59
1972: ADMK (Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) was formed
1978: Anna University was founded in his honor
1987: DMK's head office Anna Arivalayam was built
2010: Anna Centenary Library was established in Chennai
Though blest with all these varied gifts' increase,
A land gains nought that is not with its king at peace.
Explanation:
Although in possession of all the above mentioned
excellences, these are indeed of no use to a country, in the absence of harmony
between the sovereign and the subjects.
Piriththalum Penik Kolalum Pirindhaarp Poruththalum Valla
Thamaichchu
Translation:
A minister is he whose power can foes divide, Attach more
firmly friends, of severed ones can heal the breaches wide.
Meaning in English:
The minister is one who can effect discord (among foes),
maintain the good-will of his friends and restore to friendship those who have
seceded (from him).
Mangal sutra (Mangal means "holy,
auspicious". Sutra means "thread") is a necklace that a Hindu groom
ties around the bride's neck in marriage ceremony called Mangalya Dharanam ("wearing
the auspicious"). It identifies her as a married woman.
Palani
has been mentioned in the Tamil Sangam Literature as Podhini, which came to be
called as Palani later, according to the historions. In Thirumurukatruppadai (a
Sangam Literature) Palani has been mentioned as the 3rd PadaiVeedu.
This was the southern end of the Kongu Nadu and edicts refer to this place as
Vaiyapuri Nadu, which was ruled by king Vaiyapuri Kopperumbaegan. Many Siddhas
are said to have lived in this region. The idol of Palani Andavar is said to have
been made of Navapashanam (a combination of Veeram, Pooram, Rasam, Jathilingam,
Kandagam, Gauri Pasanam, Vellai Pasanam, Mridharsingh, Silasat), by a siddhar
called Bhogar. It is also claimed by many that the materials of abhishegam like
milk, sandalpaste, etc., attain medicinal properties on being poured over Lord
Palaniandavars idol and they have cured many diseases, when taken by the
patients. It is a speciality of Palani.
Palani
Sthalapuranam
The
History of Palani written by Balasubramania Kavirayar speaks about the glory of
this place. This contains 23 chapters in 987 verses, and was written in 1628AD.
The Temple Office has released a new and revised book in 1998.
The
story of Lord Muruga, why He left Kailasa and came to Palani, and how Palani
got its name. Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi are seated atop Mount Kailas. One
day, Lord Narada comes and gifts them a celestial fruit. The two sons of Lord
Siva, namely Ganapathy and Murugan, demand the entire fruit for each of them.
Siva announces a competition and promises to give the fruit to the one who wins
the test. The condition is they should go round the world and reach back first.
Both agree to it and Ganapathy makes a circumambulation of His parents, reaches
first, and wins the fruit. Murugan who goes on his peacock around the world
reaches later and finds that Ganapathy has won the prize. He therefore gets
disappointed and, renouncing the world, stands atop the Palani Hill. Siva and
Parvathi come to Palani and pacifies Murugan telling him Muruga, you are
yourself a divine fruit then why do you need a fruit? Fruit, in Tamil, is
called Pazham. Hence this place came to be called as Palani, as Muruga was
addressed as Palam Nee. Some say that Palani got its name from Pazhanam
(meaning paddy fields)
Kavadi
(How kavadi tradition came to Palani?):
Sage
Agastya wanted to take two hills — Sivagiri and Sakthigiri to his abode in the
South and commissioned his disciple Idumban to carry them. Idumban bore the
hills slung across his shoulders, in the form of a kavadi one on either side.
When he was fatigued, he placed the kavadi near Palani to take rest. At this
stage, Subrahmanya or Muruga had been outwitted in a contest for going round the
world. Ganapati had won the prized fruit (pomegranate or mango) by simply going
round His parents. Long after, this, Subrahmanya came sweating on His peacock
to find that the prize had already been given away. In anger, the frustrated
child left the divine parents and came down to Tiru Avinankudi at the Adivaram
(pronounced Adivâram. It means foot of the Sivagiri Hill). Siva pacified Him by
saying that He (Subrahmanya) Himself was the fruit (pazham) of all wisdom and
knowledge neeyou. Hence the place was called 'Pazham Nee' or Palani.
Later,
He withdrew to the hill and settled there as a recluse in peace and solitude.
When Idumban resumed his journey, he could not lift the hill. Muruga had made
it impossible for Idumban to make it. In the fierce battle that ensued, Idumban
was killed but was later on restored to life. Idumban prayed that: whosoever
carried on his shoulders the Kavadi, signifying the two hills and visited the
temple on a vow, should be blessed and he should be given the privilege of
standing sentinel at the entrance to the hill. Hence we have the Idumban shrine
halfway up the hill where every pilgrim is expected to offer obeisance to
Idumban before entering the temple of Dandâyudhapani. Since then, pilgrims to
Palani bring their offerings on their shoulders in a kavadi. The custom has
spread from Palani to all Muruga shrines worldwide.
Temple
(An Oceanic Life Story):
Bogar
is a Siddhar, he is considered as one of the 18 siddhars born in the world.
According to epigraphical sources and his book Bogar Seven thousand his period
is around 3000 B.C. Bogar born at India and visited China in search of truth of
life, he gained knowledge in medicine, astrology, spritiuality, yoga etc. Bogar
anticipating that in due course of period, human beings will suffer from large
number of disease. As an expert in medicine he used 4448 rare herbs and made 9
poisonous medicine, mixing these 9 poisons into one needs great knowledege and
skill, to make a Master Medicine ( One medicine to cure all disease ).
Thirumoolar also discuss one such Master Medicine in his book Thiru Mandiram.
With the consultation of Agasthiar (Father of Ayurvedic Medicine) and other
siddhars Bogar mixed the 9 poisons ( Nava Bashanam ) and made the Master
Medicine in the form of Lord Murugan which is currently worshiped at Palani
Murugan temple. There is a place near Palani Hill called Thanasiappan Temple
which is the place where Bogar mixed the Nava Bashanam and made the Murugan
idol.
Bogar
and others then decided that by using the milk and panchamirtham ( a sweet
recipe ) poured on the idol, one can extract the medicine from the idol. The
milk and panchamritham then becomes medicine to cure disease. After installing
Lord Murugan Navabashana idol at the Palani Hill, Bogar used to worship it with
milk abishegam (pouring milk on the idol ) and panchamirtha abishegam ( pouring
panchamirtham on the idol ). His disciple Pulipani siddhar then took over the
job of Lord Murugan pooja after Bogar went into Nirvigalpa Samadhi - the
highest samadhi stage where the Mind dissolves with Matter and Energy.
Bogar
Samadhi is inside Palani Murugan temple at Palani Hill. Actually Bogar himself
constructed his samadhi exactly under the Lord Murugan Navabasha idol and went
into Nirvigalpa Samadhi there. The entrance to his samadhi is a cave like
structure, now also worship for this great siddhar is conducted at this
entrance where he is last seen by his disciples which is at the Palani temple.
Navapashanam
(The icon made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances):
He deity
of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his
Hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine
minerals popularly called Navapashanam. Some people say it is a combination of
medicinal herbs. It consits of the following items : Veeram, Pooram, Rasam,
Jathilingam, Kandagam, Gauri Pasanam, Vellai Pasanam, Mridharsingh, Silasat.
The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. He has the look
of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. He has just a loincloth besides
the baton. He is a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach
Me'. The icon is unique in the whole world. It was made by siddha Bhogar by
combining nine poisonous substances (Navapashanam). Murugan signifies beauty
and Lord Murugan of Kurinji land is the god of Beauty and Youth
Palani-Geoghraphical
Location:
India
is a land of spirituality, with the vast and fertile Ganges plateau. Spanning 3214
km south-north and 2933 km east- west, it has an area of 32,80483sq.km.The
beautiful state of Tamil Nadu is situated is the Southern region of India, with
Chennai as its Capital. Palani town is 472 km away from Chennai. It has area of
6.63Sq.km and is located at 10.3 N and 77.3 E of the meridian. It is about
309-323 m above sea level, and has a rainfall of 560mm annually. Getting rain
by the North-East Monsoon, this town is situated 10 km away from the range of
the Western Ghats on the South, called the Palani Hills. Kodaikanal a famous
tourist township is situated and these hills, at a height of 2133 M. The
Shanmuga River (consisting of Palar, Porundalar, Varadhamanadhi, Pachaiyar,
Kallar and Kanar) flows from these hills and is 3KM away from Palani. Its
length is 19 km.
Palani’s
temperature is 22 to 35 degree Celsius. Details of the Palani Hills The Palani
Hills, famous in the Sangam Literature, has a height of 160 Meters. It has a
path around it, admeasuring 2.84 km. The Hill has 689 steps to reach the top, and
is surrounded by various medicinal herbs and trees like Sandalwood, Kadamba,
etc., as also fields and groves. Important places around Palani Kodaikanal, the
Queen of the south Indian Hills is situated near Palani and is an import
tourist centre.
Perianayagi Amman temple, Periyavudaiyar
temple, Dams at Palani Porundalaar, the garden of herbs etc., situated in an
area of about 7KM radius around Palani. The Kurinji Andavar temple at
Kodaikkanal is a famous shrine. There is a temple for Lord Muruga at Poomparai.
The Kurinji plant which blossoms once in 12 years is seen in this area.
Location
of Palani: The Palani temple is considered to be the foremost
among Murugan temples of Tamil Nadu. Thousands of devotees come and worship
here throughout the year. Apart from the people of Tamil Nadu, those from Andra
, Karnataka, Kerala, etc., also come from large numbers and worship here. So
the temple here always has a festival look. Lord Gnanadandayudhapani, in the
form of Guru, showers his grace on the devotees. This place is situated at a
distance of 56 km from Dindigul, 472 km from Chennai, 114 km from Madurai, 103 km
from Coimbatore, 126 km from Erode and 156 km from Trichy.
Kodaikkanal is 64 km away on the South of Palani. There is train
facility to reach Palani from all the above places, except Kodikkanal, which
can be reached by bus or car. As the above towns have air travel facility,
visitors can reach Palani by car after reaching the above town by air from
elsewhere.
Archaeological
Details:
The
Palani Hill temple has been constructed on the top of a hill. It is said that
the temple was built by a Chera King.
1. EDICTS:
On the
outer walls of Lord Murugas shrine there are many edicts, made by some Pandya
Kings, Sadayavarman sundarapandiyan, Sadayavarman veerapandian, Veera Nanjana
wudaiyar , Mallikarjuna Devarayar II and others. The edict by Sundarapandiyan
is the oldest of all. He was also Known as Kongupandiyan and was the famous
king of the later Pandya Dynasty. He ascended the throne in 1251 AD. From the
inscriptions on the wall, he comes to know that many kings have gifted lands
and villages to the temple to enable the conduct of regular Poojas. In 1300 AD
king Jatavarman sundrapandian gifted a village for carrying a special daily
Pooja in his name. It is called Avani Vendha Raman Sandhi.
2. SCULPTURE AT THE HILL TEMPLE:
In the
front Mandapam of the temple there are many beautiful and artistic sculpture
pieces live Siddhas in penance, parrot, peacock, deer, Karpaga vriksha (Divine
Tree) and so on. There are also icons of Dhandayuthapani. His devotees, as also
Yaali. At the entrance near the Raja Gopuram there are two nice sculpture
pieces - a young lady carrying her child in the right arm and carrying a flower
basket in the left another beautiful lady, the friend of the first standing in
front of her. There are pillars with Yaali in the Paaravel Mandapam. In the
Ardha Mandapam there are sculptures of young, good looking damsels. They create
a sense of admiration in the minds of the visitors. The Tamils belive that
Murugan resides where there is beauty. The Sanctum of Dhandayuthapani Swami is
full of art-work. The ceiling here having the Kodungai design speaks of the
talent of the sculptors. The balcony - like structure on the outer side of this
area adds beauty. Such artistic work can be seen on the pillars of
Thiruvavinankudi temple and Periyanayagiamman temple. In the Navaranga Mandapam
here there are two pieces the divine dance of Lord Siva and (opposite to this )
the dance of Kali after her shedding her ego .
3. PAINTING:
In the
temple walls of Periyanayaki Ammam Temple there is a beautiful ancient
painting, revealing the art of singers, artists and dancers. It belongs to the
Nayak period.
4. ANCIENT COINS:
In
Palani area, old coins of ancient kingdoms were also found.
The
Glory of Palani:
The
ancient Palani is a sacred place, praised by Saint Arunagirinathar in his
Thiruppugazh and in Kandar Alankaram.
The ancientPalani is a sacred place, praised by
Saint Arunagirinathar in his Thiruppugazh and in Kandar Alankaram. He says:
Adored by the people of fourteen worlds, the Lord resides atop the Palani Hills.
In the Thiruppugazh, he praised this place as Palani that is greater than Kasi
and as Palani Hill that has many miracles. He also feels sorry for his failure
to start early worship of Palani. In Kandar Alankaram he regrets that he missed
reading about Palani, worshipping at the feet of Muruga Devotees, calling the
divine name of Muruga, offering charities and sobbing with love and joy He
doubts whether there is any salvation for him. Many Tamil saints and scholars
have sung in praise of the Lord of Palani.
For
example: Arunagirinathar has sung 97 songs (Thiruppugazh): Dhandapani swamigal
has given as Palani Thiruvayiram and Vijayagiri Velachinnavaiyam Palani Pillai
Tamil. Palani Malai Vadivelar Sannadhimurai speaks of the discipline of Palani
worship, the good results of this, the sacred ponds of Palani, and the Kavadi
offered here. It points out the great benefits, as also the sure remedy for
many ailments of the people. PLACES OF THEERTHAM Saravana poigai, near
Thiruvavinangudi, and the Shanmuga River are the sacred water- sources of
Palani, where the devotees bathe before worshipping at the Temple. TEMPLE
TIMINGS The temple is open on all days from 6 AM to 8-30 PM. On Krithigai and
other festival days it opens at 4 AM. Without any fee, all can have dharsan here.
Valli Sunai:
In the
Hill temple, Valli sunai considered to be the most ancient and holiest, was not
properly cleaned for the past 15 Years. The Sunai was cleaned (for more than 10
days) and transformed into a cleaned Holy Sunai.
Antonio, the merchant inThe Merchant of Venice,
secures a loan from Shylock for his friend Bassanio, who seeks to court Portia.
Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, recalls past insults from Antonio and, instead
of asking interest on the loan, asks instead—in what he calls a "merry
sport"—that if the loan is not repaid, Antonio will owe a pound of his own
flesh.
Bassanio sails to Belmont, where the wealthy
heiress Portia is being courted by suitors from around the world. Her father's
will requires that the successful suitor solve a riddle involving chests of
gold, silver, and lead. Where others have failed, Bassanio succeeds by
selecting the right chest. Portia marries Bassanio; her waiting woman, Nerissa,
marries his friend Gratiano.
Shylock's daughter, Jessica, has eloped with
Bassanio's friend Lorenzo, taking her father’s money with her. Shylock is
devastated. When Antonio cannot repay the loan, Shylock demands the pound of
flesh. When the news reaches Belmont, Bassanio returns to Venice. Portia and
Nerissa also travel to Venice, disguised as a lawyer and his clerk. Portia uses
the law to defeat Shylock and rescue Antonio.
