The Yamuna-Kaveri 'Tehzeeb' of my life!

Vanakkam Makkalay!

Arangamaanagarulane - Aadi Rangam

The Yamuna Phase

Its been a little more than seven months since I shifted from the banks of river Yamuna to the banks of river Kaveri. My father used to pull my leg saying that when I am in the banks of Kaveri I become a mischievous and a lazy kid. Thus, he made me do my college far away in the banks of Yamuna. But I have never been closer to home even at Thanjavur than I was closer to my traditions and culture at Delhi. I was never able to feel home to understand and associate with Yamuna though. (One simple anecdote on this note is the taste of Kaapi. For some reasons the Kaapi I made with all the popular and regular filter coffee powders never tasted right in Delhi. I tried many combinations and ratios to make it perfect but was never able to achieve it. Until I moved to Mysuru, found a new constant 'Gayathri Coffee Works' in Devaraja market. Their special blend powder's aroma touches your soul when you brew. Might sound silly, but believe me 'twas a serious issue.)

Arangamaanagarulane - Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Satsangam's Primary Object of Worship

The South Indian Temples, Vishnu Sahasranama Satsangam and other activities made Delhi feel like a home. At some point I even thought that there is no going back for me from Delhi. Every time I finished and tried rushing back to Thanjavur, Indraprastha would soon drag me back for some reasons. I made friends, brothers, sisters and mentors and they welcomed me to their homes, made me part of their families, appreciated me and I became the 'Chamathu Kondhay' the parents would compare their kids with saying 'look at how he is regular to temple, doing his Nithyakarmas etc.' I am hope they knew that the delicious Prasadams and the company of the people that made me going to the temple most of the times. But the fact is I got to learn a lot about my culture, identity, purpose and life. Dhanyawad to Dilli!

Vaikunthanatha Swami, Delhi

The Kaveri Phase

April 2023 - Feb 2025 was the climax of Delhi time for me. I stepped into the world of job, switched jobs within months. Towards the end, a call came from a batchmate who was not so familiar beyond just the knowledge of each other's existence and she became the reason for my homecoming (Not exactly to Thanjavur, but to the beautiful city nourished by the Kaveri river, Mysuru). The initial month was to orient myself to the place, people and the work. Then became my frequent visits to my home, being closer to mom, doing things I love (doing tours and talking about the history of Cholas & Thanjavur region). Surprisingly, the workplace in Mysuru had put me in touch with lot of good people (I am grateful for each and everyone). More than anything, it got me closer to Kaveri. I don't know from when did I grew so fond of Kaveri. But I know one thing for sure that it is the purest, cleanest Kaveri that is flowing that had made me so fond of her. Because, the same divine Kaveri when she reaches and blesses the fertile land of Thanjavur, she had seen a lot by then and carries all the dirt and sin of people along with her (Sorry got too much philosophical. Kaveri is revered even holier than the Ganges (Sorry Ganga Maiyya, we have this bias and affection towards Kaveri).

The Royal Mysuru

I am trying to recollect why I started writing this post. Nevertheless, I am enjoying my time at Mysuru and feeling home with lovely people around me (Don't Put Nazar pleej). The colors, the calm, Kaveri and Kaapi are all the reasons. The joy of being in a city that retains its rural characteristics is something that is unexplainable. Seeing agricultural fields, clean and sacred river flowing in some 10 kms radius, a chaotic and historic local market are something that I missed for a decade while I was in Delhi. Not to forget my palatial workplace filled with culturally vibrant objects and every corner to fall in love with. The work that I am doing has restored my confidence in many ways.

My Dear Kaveri

I am realizing this while writing my post that how these two rivers actually shaped my journey. Right now I am being embraced by Kaveri's warmth and I like to hold on to that. I also feel that Delhi lingers in me a little and I carry the Delhi within me.

I think the universe puts you at the right place in the right time. Trust the process!

Remnants of Ancient Pallavas in the Glorious Capital of the Cholas

The main reason that Tamil Nadu is known for its great temples and the marvelous architecture began when Mahendravarma Pallava built a temple carved out from the rock in Mandagapattu. Mahendravarma Pallava was also known as Vichitra-Chittan for him being a unique innovator. The kings after Mahendravarma Pallava innovated more creative ideas and built different types of temples. Temples in rock (Mamallapuram, Mandagapattu, Seeyamangalam and other cave temples), temples in sandstone (Kanchi Kailasanathar, Vaikunda Perumal Temple) etc.

Pallavas can rightly be called as the fathers of temple architecture when it comes to Tamil Nadu. But people of Tamil Nadu almost forgot this dynasty.

Cholas became powerful in the 9^th Century winning over the Pallavas who were declining because of constant wars with the Chalukyas from the north and Pandiyas from the South. Before that Pallavas ruled over the large area of present day Tamil Nadu comprising the areas of present day Thanjavur, Trichy and Pudukkottai districts. We can see ancient rock-cut cave temples and other structural temples with the design elements of the Pallava style in the above mentioned areas.

Towards the end of their rule, Pallavas realized the necessity of building and strengthening a capital towards south of their headquarter Kanchi. They chose the fertile lands between the many tributaries of the Cauvery River. Nandivarman II, is credited with the construction of this southern base. This new base for Pallavas was built in and around the present villages of Kandiyur and Veerasingampettai near Thiruvaiyaru. This base of the Pallavas were known as Nandipuram, Aayirathali (Temple of 1000 Lingams). This Nandipuram finds it mention only during and after the period of Nandivarman II. Also some other Chola inscriptions of Parantaka I, Rajaraja I and Rajendra I talks about few other Chola temples that were functioning at that point of time. Such temples are now only found in the inscriptions.

The first literary mention of Thanjavur in the hymn of Thiruvizhimizhalai by Appar (7^th Century) gives us the name of a temple called ‘Thanjai Thalikulathu Mahadevar’ and in the hymns of Azhwars sung praising Lord Vishnu of Thanjai Maamani Kovil. All these mentions shows us there were temples that pre-dates the Chola period temples. But today because of the ravages of time and fortunate cultural rejuvenation that happened during the period of Cholas, Nayaks and the Marathas of Thanjavur, these ancient temples reflects only the later historic fabric.

When Rajendra shifted his capital from Thanjavur to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Thanjavur lost its prominence as an administrative center. After the decline of Cholas, Nayaks were appointed to rule Thanjavur and they brought back the charm to Thanjavur. They reconstructed many temples and also built new temples using the materials and debris from the dilapidated structures. 

Pallava Simha Pillar at the Mahamandapam of Brihadeeshwara Temple

Even though Thanjavur was celebrated by the Cholas, Nayaks and the Marathas, it still shelters the remnants of the Pallavas graciously. Temples that were reconstructed during the Nayak period carry these fragments of glorious past of Thanjavur before the Cholas made it as their capital. Even the Brihadeeshwara temple, pinnacle of Chola temple architecture shelters a Pallava Simha pillar at the Mahamandapam which was repaired and reconstructed by the Nayaks of Thanjavur.

Pallava Simha Pillar at Narasimha Perumal Temple, Palliagraharam

Thanjai Maamani Kovil is a Divyadesam, abode of lord Vishnu sanctified by the Azhwars. Three temples located back to back at the Palliagraharam on the banks of river Vennaru. The first temple in the line is of Narasimha Perumal where a Simha Pillar of Pallava period is put to inappropriate use in the temple’s well here. 

Ganesha Sculpture at Konkaneshwarar Temple

Konkaneshwarar temple in the west main street is a Nayak period temple and later renovated during the Marathas rule. This temple shelters 2 beautiful sculptures of Pallavas style. One is the sculpture of Lord Ganesha and another is of Chandikeshwara.

Chandikeshwara Sculpture at Konkaneshwara Temple

There are temples in and around Thanjavur that still bears the inscriptions of the later Pallava kings. While celebrating the grandeur of the Cholas and others, we often ignore these fragments of history of Pallavas that added more wealth in the form of temple architecture of Tamil Nadu.

Yours East Gaterr

Udaiyar by Balakumaran - Facts, Fiction and Highlights

Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki Krishnamurthy (1899-1954) inspired youngsters of that generation to go on the trails of Vanthiyadevan and Arulmozhivarman. This magnum opus of Kalki brought the fame of Arulmozhivarman, who later was coronated as Rajarajacholan, which this great visionary deserved. Though Ponniyin Selvan was widely celebrated, readers who were so engrossed and travelled back in time didn’t want the story to end. There was a strong feeling of incompleteness. Balakumaran (1946-2018) was one among the millions who got inspired and embarked on the journey to make the readers feel complete with his own magnum opus “Udaiyar”. 

Readers can relate that once they get into the world of history fiction by such eminent authors, there’s no going back. Once I finished the trilogy of Kalki Krishnamurthy, I got to know about many other such history-fiction works. But I was just keen to complete the well-known works of Kalki Krishnamurthy, Balakumaran and Shandilyan (1910-1987). They are fondly known as the trinity of history fiction/Tamil literature. I’m yet to read the works of Shandilyan.

Since I read few authoritative works about the Brihadeeshwara temple and being a beginner in learning history, the myths revolving around the great temple and the death of this great ruler was always a curious anecdote to research. I found the answers for some of the myths and mysteries as I read “Udaiyar”. 

I read Udaiyar immediately after reading Ponniyin Selvan. It was almost like a sequel but written by different authors. Kalki Krishnamurthy’s work was so organized that each and every chapter was properly titled. It followed a pattern. But in Udaiyar, keeping track of the story was a bit difficult. There were so many characters used and they were dropped then and there. Balakumaran kindled the curiosity but disappointed the readers by dropping the characters like Gunaseelan, Vainavadasan etc. The six huge parts of work had so much of repetition. After reading the ‘Meikeerthi’ of Udaiyar Sri Rajaraja Chola Devar again and again throughout the books, I somehow managed to remember and I can even quote few lines from it without refering the book.

Udaiyar sowed the seed of the biggest ever rumour that Karuvurar Devar was the Guru of Rajaraja Cholan. This is one of the commonly heard stories. Balakumaran gave so much importance to this Siddhar. Rajaraja Chola’s Guru was “Eesana Shiva Pandithar” for which find inscription at the Brihadeeshwara temple itself. Karuvurar and the King were not even contemporary. The ultimate outcome of the myth was Karuvurar had to spit for the Shivalingam to be properly installed at the sanctum. There is some literary evidence that suggests that Karuvurar could be a contemporary to Rajendra Cholan. But never the Rajaguru of the latter also. Sarva Shiva Pandithar is the inscribed name of Rajendra’s Rajaguru. Karuvurar Devar’s portrayal in Udaiyar is so cinematic. He beats his thigh out of confidence saying “Rajarajaa You build the temple, I’ll protect you from anything.” While Rajaraja Chola would be sleeping somewhere in his palace. 

 

All these exaggerations and disconnections are not found in the works of Kalki Krishnamurthy. I agree that every author has their own style of writing and injecting their imaginations. But here it seems artificial. 

Balakumaran, like other authoritative scholars, have logically understood and written about the construction of the temple. The myth that is still believed by the masses, is that they planned and built a ramp on one side of the temple and pulled the top stone to that height. Building a ramp on one side means the other end of the ramp would be resting and pushing against the whole structure, which would’ve caused the structure to lean or even collapse. In Udaiyar, we find the simplest logical answer that it was built with the help building a ramp-like structure around the temple, like the cock-screw method used to build the Pyramids in Egypt. 

While there is no match for the greatness of Rajaraja Chola, Rajendra Chola is no less than his father. They both were undoubtedly the greatest ever king the world had seen. Rajendra Chola throughout this Udaiyar has been portrayed as a strict, strong and a  fierce Prince.

I liked the distinctive portrayal of Senapathi Krishnan Raman, who built the surrounding corridor around the grand temple. His son Arunmozhi was equally given importance. Balakumaran brilliantly drew out their constant thoughts of serving and safeguarding the Chola Kingdom in good detail. This makes us delve into the details about their spying and strategy planning etc. Panjavan Maadevi had her fair share of brilliance expressed. The Pallipadai temple of Panjavan Maadevi is a must visit. 

 

There are few heartwarming moments that make us feel real. Vainavadasan’s death, Udaiyar conversing with Panjavan Maadevi while she fights for her life, the death of Rajaraja Cholan and Panjavan Maadevi etc. The sole credit of the peaceful death of Rajaraja Chola should go to Balakumaran. Our history enthusiasts and few other scholars never allowed this great man to have had a peaceful death. There are so many stories woven around this incident. 

This post is just a simple attempt to differentiate the facts from the fictional work. One can’t even imagine criticizing the authors who made the common people learn history but with a big pinch of fiction. Also it is important to understand the fact that readers who know factual history, can easily differentiate the truthful facts and leave behind the fictions as that’s where the creativity of the author comes into play.

Yours East Gaterr

Remnants of Ancient Jain site at Nattani

Tamil Nadu is a land of illustrious history. From Sangam age to the current times, Tamil Nadu evolves with the propagation and convergence of different schools of thoughts which resulted now in the richness of its wide range of culture and customs.

In recent times, I have been listening and coming across through various instances about the Jains in Tamil Nadu. This somehow resulted in visiting a Jain temple at Chitharal in Kanyakumari during my visit to the tip of the southernmost district of the state. Later, I visited the Jain sculpture at Nattani near Sastra University in the outskirts of Thanjavur, of which I was curious about since a long time.  But, the Jain sculpture found in Nattani comes within the Pudukottai district.

Nattani is located in the area where Thanjavur and Pudukottai shares their borders. Throughout the borderlines of both the historically rich districts, there are lot of beautiful heritage sites to be explored. One of them is the grand sanctum of Kan Niraindha Perumal and the adjoining shrine of Vageesamudaiyar. 

Mahavir Jain Sculpture- Nattani

The remote location of Mahavir sculpture at Nattani was found by the group of senior archaeology enthusiasts collectively from the organization of Madurai Jain Heritage Centre. Based on Madurai, people from this organization work for the preservation of the remnants of their glorious Jain history that flourished in important religious centers in ancient Tamil Nadu. These senior cultural enthusiasts identify and try to make these kind of unexplored sites to hold a place among the tourists’ circuits.

The Bhagavan Mahavir sculpture at Nattani, at first sight gives us a divine vibe, with his gracious smile. This is said to be one of the well-preserved sculpture of Bhagavan Mahavir that is closely located near Thanjavur. Most of the local villagers are not even aware of this divine sculpture. Currently this sculpture is located immediately beside the Nattani Amman Temple, under the vast shelter of the blue sky. Due to passage of time and human vandalism, most of these antique sites, icons and sculptures of Jain Thirthankars were either eroded or destroyed.

Speaking to Mr. Anantharaj, secretary general of the Madurai Jain Heritage Centre said that their organization and the community of Jains in Tamil Nadu are supporting them as per their comfort and are doing a commendable job. He also mentioned that they have laid signage in almost 19 such sites they’ve identified so far. He also stressed on the importance of identifying such abandoned sculptures and placing them in the exact place as they are found without disturbing the location patterns and the historical significance of the site.

Within the vicinity of the greatest Jain beds in Pudukottai district, possibly Nattani was also one of the important sites. Pudukottai has the most number of Jain sites and the most number of protected ASI sites than the other districts of Tamil Nadu. Jainism was thriving once upon a time in the state, of which the evidences stand as tall and strong in Sittannavasal, Kazhugumalai and many other such cave shelters and temples. There seems to be a lot of such statues which are lying around the border of Pudukottai-Thanjavur-Trichy. But in Nattani, today we could only find the traces of an old Shiva Temple as well within the boundary-less compound of the temple.

Yours East Gaterr

Ayyan Kulam Shilpa Mandapam - Parthiban Kanavu!

Hundreds and thousands of articles on the rich cultural heritage of Thanjavur is not enough to let the world know the secrets of the cultural heartland. As I have mentioned earlier, Thanjavur is the only historical city with an unbroken history for more than a millennium. From the golden period of Cholas, Thanjavur is known for its well-planned urban layout and planning. Cholas effectively managed the water systems of Thanjavur. When Nayaks of Thanjavur revived the Chola Desam (Chola Country) they got inspired by the rules, administration, planning and effective management of the Cholas. Nayaks revived the infrastructure of the city.

One of the remarkable contributions is the development of water tanks by the Nayaks. Sevvappa Nayak created a tank behind the Brihadeeshwara Temple, to filter and supply water to the palace and the rest of the city. It was known by the name ‘Sevappa Nayakkan Vari’. Unfortunately that tank was destroyed by rapid constructions that happened in the area. The area is still known by the same name. Nayaks also built another water tank known as the ‘Ayyan Kulam’, named after the illustrious Chief Minister for the 3 Nayak Kings, Govinda Deekshitar. He is one person who needs to be gratefully celebrated for the development of the city.

Part of the water Channel -  Shivaganga Tank

Outlet of the water channel - Ayyan Kulam

Ayyan Kulam in the recent past was in a bad state. It was used as a dump yard by the resident of the area. It is one important tank of the whole water management system of the city. It was part of the Konganeshwarar Temple, which is of the Nayak period. This tank is equipped with a Mandapam which houses beautiful painted stucco works and murals of Nayak Period. I came across this beautiful Mandapam only before a week. There is a Tamil Inscription near the entrance of this Mandapam. It says that this Mandapam belongs to the Konganeshwarar Temple and during the festive season, the processional deities of the temple were kept and worshipped here. Another hisotric importance of this tank is that the historic water channel outlet is still found. With this, officials were able to track the water channel dating back to Nayak period which runs from the Shivaganga tank and shares its water with the important residents enroute.

The Tamil Inscription - Ayyan Kulam

This tank is currently being renovated under the Jal Shakti initiative of the Central Government. Though this is a happy news since the tank is being revived, but the fear is about losing its historic fabric. Even the beautiful stucco works are going to be repainted under this initiative. I am at least glad that few bloggers and I could click this with its original fabric. The stucco works consists of the Kailaya Dharshan (Shiva and Parvati with Lord Ganesha and Karthikeya among other celestial beings in the Kailash), Sri Rama Pattabhishekam, Dasavatars of Lord Vishnu and other murals.

Mural on the Vault

Sri Rama Pattabhishekam Panel

Recently I completed reading the Kalki’s one of the masterpiece ‘Parthiban Kanavu’. In which, Parthiba Chola shows his imaginary murals painted in a secret room which is not accessible for everyone and is kept closed. Parthiba Chola explains this to his son Vikrama Chola, saying that the murals were his great dream to be achieved. Parthiba Chola asks Vikrama Chola to achieve this dream of ruling an independent country and also express his desires that the great Chola dynasty should rule the countries across oceans.

View of the first and second vault

One main reason for me to relate this artistically beautiful yet poor Mandapam with the Chithra Mandapam of Parthiban Kanavu is that the unknown and untold history of this Mandapam. This Mandapam was closed and dark when I first noticed the beautiful stucco works. I tried peeking through the window. After few days, they removed the door of the Mandapam. I went inside and checked the Mandapam. The structure is divided into 4 vaults. Each vault have different themes. The fourth vault is not accessible because of bats flying and hanging there. Though you might feel that this correlation is exaggerated, but the stucco art at this Mandapam is one best example of the art work of the Nayaks. Also you get to witness this historic beautiful art work so close unlike other places.

Fourth Vault - Not Accessible

One of the main reason that Thanjavur is still in the top of the cultural destinations is because of the continuity that was maintained by the scholarly Nayaks. I am yet to uncover many such gems of Thanjavur.

Yours East Gaterr

Thanjavur Needs a Cultural Revival!

Ever since I have started reading about Thanjavur during this pandemic vacation, my curiosity of learning and knowing about places and heritage structures have drastically increased. At the same time, when I see these heritage structures being covered by bushes, encroached, damaged and littered, I feel lost and sad. If this happens anywhere in Northern part of our country, it would have grabbed the attention of the masses. Unfortunately, South India lacks the notion of preserving our heritage. There is no comparison between the rich heritage of North and South India, yet South India leads the domain with its rock-cut and granite temples. It leaves one in a wonderland to just even think of how these marvels were possible around 1000 years back. Also undeniably, temples are the backbone for deciphering the history, ranging from a large scale areas like states to the miniscule level like a village or that particular village or so.

Upparigai Mandapam

Coming back to Thanjavur, which has its unbroken history from the later part of 8^th Century CE up to the independence of our country. From the very point of Vijayalaya Chola making Thanjavur as the capital of Chola’s dynasty, building a temple for Nisumbasudhini (a form of goddess Durga) and losing prominence because of the shift of capital to Gangaikonda Cholapuram by Rajendra Chola and getting destructed by Maravarman Sundarapandiyan as a revenge, then the revival of the same by the Nayaks of Thanjavur and then Marathas taking over this fertile land and then losing it to the Britishers because of the political turbulence, each and every part of Thanjavur speaks its rich cultural history as well.

Rajaraja I, gave the marvel Brihadeeshwara Temple, Nayaks gave the wide and beautifully spread palace and temples, and Maratha further building temples to add spirituality and their endowments like Chatrams speaks of their charity. Throughout these turbulent political past of Thanjavur, rich literature, art forms like songs and other cultural activities are still alive in bits and pieces. Thanjavur was glowing with famous personalities and became the cultural heartland of the nation.

One of the Chatrams

The traditional Saraswati Veena, Thanjavur paintings, Thanjavur toys (Thalaiaatti Bommai), Art Plates are the famous crafts that emerged from this great city. There were many other things like crops and vegetables which were in abundance due to the blessings of fertile Cauvery River. The grandest Chatrams are now in ruins. Though the structure is strong, nobody is aware of the great charities that were happening around this. Chatrams also were a social institution, where schools were also running. Few colonial buildings are also the part of unattended heritage of Thanjavur. 

Probably a British period Bridge in an agricultural field

Thanjavur is also a secular city, true to the meaning of the word. This city is a shelter of various communities apart from different religions. We have Tamil, Telugu, Marathis, Gujaratis and people from different part of the nation. We have Gujarati Associations, Samartha Ramadoss monasteries and many other cultural institutions in Thanjavur.

A Maratha Period Painting at Ellaiamman Kovil

The lack of awareness about the real facts of heritage, absence of heritage committee and a heritage act is what makes Thanjavur weak against other famous heritage hotspots. Thanjavur is not merely a tourist spot, it is a world of history and heritage within. Lakhs of people just come to Brihadeeshwara temple, visits the palace, luckily only few visits different other temples and art galleries. Diversification of tourists with a holistic approach to show them Thanjavur with its real history aesthetics is the need of the hour. Also this will help in minimizing or stagnating the crowd of tourist in one place. Making tourists to go to the different parts of Thanjavur, where they can freely experience the rich heritage will help the local business to generate more revenue. This will enhance the living standard and the quality of the creative economies that are operating in the city as well as in rural areas.

Other than Brihadeeshwara temple and palace, Thanjavur offers wide range of temple within the city which were built during different periods. Unattended Chatrams and temples desperately needs people to listen to the small yet significant stories of those structures. Ranees Clock tower, Rajah’s hospital, old collectorate, few residences are some places of interests other than the mainstream tourist hotspots.

Bazaar Ramar Temple with Stucco works of Maratha Period

Thanjavur literally needs a cultural revival. These heritage structure needs to be put in use, so that people can experience the unbroken history of this great city. The arts and crafts are still thriving and adapting based on the challenges of time. Heritage structures are the one which to be left behind. NGOs like INTACH, Marabu Foundation, Prastara etc., are the few institutions that work for the holistic approach of heritage and brings in heritage enthusiasts and tourists to listen to the facts of the long history of Thanjavur. Also there are many capacity building programs for students to inculcate the priceless culture in the young minds through interactive and inclusive traditional events.

Unknown Mandapam near Punnainallur Mariyamman Temple

I hope this post gives a small overview of the potential of the heritage in Thanjavur. You all are welcome to the Thanjavur, of which most of the history is just written in books and not heard like that of Brihadeeshwara’s and Palace’s. Stay tuned for more information on untold history of Thanjavur being told by East Gaterr.

Yours East Gaterr

The Treacherous Tributary of Cauvery

Thanks to this pandemic. This lockdown is giving everybody their personal space for which the masses were yearning for. I used this to the fullest and the lockdown is yet to be completed. I came back to my hometown in the middle of this nationwide lockdown on June. I am having a great time exploring the lesser known yet important heritage structures of Thanjavur. I’d been to the rivers which are now flowing fully with their might because of the bountiful rains in the neighboring states.

Thanjavur got its perfect name “Granary of Tamil Nadu”, with all its natural resources in abundant helping the fertile lands to produce more. All this feats just because of the holy Cauvery flowing and blessing the lands of Tamil Nadu. Different tributaries of the holy rivers gives life to the farming lands along the river bed

Pudhu Aaru in the City

One such tributary is the Grandanaicut Canal aka Pudhu Aaru, which takes it birth from Cauvery in the great Kallanai Dam. This Grandanaicut Canal runs around 150kms and helps in the irrigations thousands of hectares of agricultural land in the Thanjavur and Pudukottai districts. This canal from Kallanai flows through the villages along the Trichy-Thanjavur route and then enters the city of Thanjavur. This canal kisses the moat of the Brihadeeshwarar temples, recharges the moat with minimum water because of the poor maintenance. Then this canal continues its journey further and reaches the other end of the city and enters the neighboring Pudukottai district. This Grandanaicut Canal has this frightening name called “Ponanthinni Aaru” (means carrying or washing away dead bodies). It is usual for the people to witness this river carrying dead bodies every season without fail. This tributary of the holy river is a deadly one among the others.

Me and my friends usually take bath and play in one of the major drains of this deadly river. We escape from the chaos of work, family and the disturbances of city and play here once in a week at least. We already knew about the evil might of this river. Our parents keep on advising us to play carefully in the river, since it is known for taking away many people’s life.

Unfortunately, day before yesterday (29^th Aug, 2020), we witnessed a dead body completely drowned and floating near the drain. We immediately reported to the Superintendent of Police office through a call and we immediately left the place after informing to the police. But the scene is still flashing in our mind. That morning, we dropped the plan to bath at the river. GP firmly said, he will never visit or bath in the river again. It was a lesson for every one of us. Because, with lot of enthusiasm, we also tried jumping from the top of the shutters once when the water level was low. Otherwise we don’t try such risky stunts.

A snap of the other side of Grandanaicut Canal

There are people who doesn’t know anything about the river and jump in it from a bridge and lost their lives. At the other hand, there are brilliant idiots, who intentionally do such risky adventures and lose their lives. The scene we saw was disturbing us for a day, eventually we moved on.

Rivers are beautiful indeed, but those shallow water have succumbed many innocent souls to death, not only of humans, but many animals indeed. I admire the beauty of the nature by standing from two feet distance, getting closer might cost your life. Take care and be safe!!!

 

Yours East Gaterr