சிறுவனின் கதறல் 

       

         ஒரு ஊரில் ஆடு மெய்க்கும் சிறுவன் இருந்தான் . அவனுக்கு வெறுப்பாக இருந்தால் ஊர் மக்களிடம் விளையாட நினைத்தான். அதனால் அவன் மக்களிடம் ஆடு பிடிக்க சிங்கம்  வருகிறது என்று கதறினான் ஊர் மக்கள் வந்தவுடன் சிரித்தான் ஏமாந்திகள என்று மக்கள் கோபம் அடைந்தனர் பின்பு சேன்று விட்டனர். 

         இதுபோல பலமுறை செய்தன மக்கள் வெறுப்பாகி விட்டனர். ஒரு உண்மையாக சிங்கம்  வந்து விட்டது மக்கள் யாரும் உதவிக்கு வரவில்லை பின்பு ஊர் மக்களிடம்  கேஞ்சி வர சொன்னான் வந்து பார்த்தால் ஆடுகள் இறந்து கிடந்தது .

       இதனால் பொய் சொல்பவர்கள் ஒரு நாள் உண்மை கூறினாலும் மக்கள் நம்பமாட்டார்கள் . 

Situated on the hills of Malaikodi in the city of Vellore in Tamil Nadu, the ‘Sripuram Golden Temple’ is on the itineraries of almost all tourists on a trip to temples in South India. Standing tall in its stunning beauty and grandeur, the temple is truly a sight to behold. Built only recently in the year 2007, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity) known as ‘Sri Lakshmi Narayani’. Spread across a sprawling area of 100 acres, the temple is entirely built in pure gold. The total amount of gold used in creation of this temple is said to be around 15000 kilograms that costs around 600 crores. Over 800 gold and coppersmiths well experienced in temple art worked on the creation of this amazingly beautiful temple for 7 years. The astoundingly outstanding carvings, sculptures, artwork and exquisite lighting work done by these artisans on the walls, ceiling and pillars of the temple is sure to leave you awe struck. The glittering reflection of the temple in the water body surrounding it, during night is just beyond words and is sure to leave you enchanted with its hypnotising beauty.

The pathways leading to the main temple is designed in the shape of a star with each pathway adorned with messages from the Gita, Bible and Quran. As you walk along the pathways, taking in the essence of these messages, you are enlightened with deep wisdom and knowledge. Crossing the pathways and pillared halls, devotees get the darshans of Maha Lakshmi enshrined in the inner sanctum. You would be amazed to know that the deity of Maha Lakshmi itself is made of 70 kilograms of gold.

Known as the ancient temple town, Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to 7th century and is believed to have been built under the reign of Pallava dynasty. The town today, stands as a testimony to some of India’s greatest architectural and sculptural achievements. The main highlight of this temple town is its five monolithic rock-cut temples in the form of ‘Panch Rathas’ or chariots. Each ratha is believed to have been dedicated to a Pandava brother from the times of Mahabharata. With every ratha carved in different shape and size, adorning captivating sculptures of animals, humans and gods; the architecture of these structures provide you with a deep insight into the architectural skills of the sculptors during the Pallava rule.

Another great attraction of the town is the beautiful ‘Shore Temple’ embellished with intricate carvings and sculptures. Unlike other temples of the region that have been carved out of monolithic rocks, this temple was made from granite blocks and stands as one of the earliest examples of stone built temples in South India. The inner sanctum of the temple enshrines a Shivlinga. Also, a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu with an image of him reclining on the Sheshnag can be seen adorning the inner walls. The outer courtyard of the temple is decorated with multiple sculptures of Nandi bull. Located on the shores of Bay of Bengal overlooking the azure waters of the never ending ocean, the temple not only showcases the artistic brilliance of the artisans of the bygone times but, also the royal taste of the Pallava kings. Withstanding the atrocities of wind and sea, the temple even today stands tall in its pristine glory and serves as a stunning backdrop for the annual Mahabalipuram Dance Festival.

   Granite blocks dating back to 7th century. Most famous amongst all reliefs is the depiction of River Ganges’ descent to earth with Lord Shiva shown taking her in his matted locks. Another amazingly beautiful relief work is of ‘Arjuna’s Penance’ depicting Arjuna undertaking a penance in order to obtain a powerful weapon from Lord Shiva that can lead to Pandavas victory over Kauravas in the battle of Mahabharata.

Located in Kanchipuram district of Tamilnadu, the ‘Kanchi Kailasanthar Temple’ is another one of the most famous pilgrim centres in South India. Dating back to late 7th century- early 8th century, the temple is believed to have been built under the reign of the Pallava Dynasty. Carved entirely out of sandstone, the temple is the oldest temple in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Lord Shiva with its main sanctum enshrining a 16 sided Shivlinga made of a black granite. The architecture of the temple again showcases a brilliant Dravidian style with a delicately carved pyramidal shape tower on the main sanctum and 58 small Shiva shrines enclosed inside the complex. Prominent highlight of the temple are undoubtedly, the beautifully carved sculptures of Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati in different dance postures that can be seen adorning the inner walls. Standing tall as a symbol of grandeur of the Pallava kings, the ‘Kanchi Kailasanthar Temple’ today, attracts hordes of pilgrims from different parts of the country, especially on the occasion of Maha Shivratri when devotees throng here to seek the blessings of the God.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the ‘Ranganathaswamy Temple’ located on the Srirangam Island of the Tiruchirappalli city in Tamilnadu, is another masterpiece of the Dravidian architecture. Spread across an area of over 150 acres, the temple has 49 sub-shrines and is dotted with 21 brilliantly carved Gopurams (tower gateways) with the main or the ‘Raja Gopuram’ standing tall at 236 ft. making it the tallest in Asia. It is also only one of its kind shrine where you will find a unique mix of a temple and township co-existing; a part of the temple is actually dedicated to temple activities whereas the remaining portion serves as a township for human. The temple also has 7 prakaras or enclosures with the presiding deity of Lord Vishnu in the form of Lord Ranganathaswamy reclining on five-headed serpent, enshrined in the innermost prakara. The tower above the innermost prakara is in the shape of ‘Om’ and is completely plated in Gold. Counted as the first amongst the 108 ‘Divya Desams’ or holy abodes of Lord Vishnu, the temple draws uncountable pilgrims and tourists every year.