CENSUS OF INDIA 1961

VOLUME XX.V

PONDICHERRY STATE

PART VI

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

P. K. NAMBIAR of the Indian Administrative Service Superintendent of Census Operations Madras and Pondicherry

&

K. C. NARAYANA KURUP. B.A. Deputy Superintendent of Census Operations Madras and Pondicherry

1969 CENSUS OF INDIA 1961

(Census; Report-Vol. XXV will relate to Pondicherry State)

Under tbis series will be issued the following publications.

Part I General Report on Census Part II A. General Population Tables B. Economic Tables c. Cultural and Migration Tables Part III A. Household Economic Tables B. Housing and Establishment Tables C. Scheduled Caste Tables

Part IV Village Survey Monographs (Five numbers in five volumes)

Part V Crafts and Artisans of Pondicherry State Part VI Fairs and Festivals

Part VII Administration Report (For official use only)

Part VIII District Census Handbook PREFACE

1961 Census has b€en' utilised for recording information about various aspects of peoples' lives. A study of the" Fairs and Festivals" of each State is one of its special features. The report on the Fairs and Festivals of Madras State which has already been published gives a detailed description of all the important festivals celebrated by Hindus, Muslims and Christians. These remarks will apply to Pondicherry State also. I have not repeated them in this vol~me. In another special study, we have published volumes on temples of Madras State. The temples in Pondicherry Union are not as many as to merit a separate volume. As such. a compendium of temples has also been presented in this volume.

This volume consists of two parts, the first part contains a detailed description of the prominent temples in each commune as well as the important festjvals celebrated therein followed by tabular statements giving relevant information regarding all the temples. The second part contains a description of the prominent festivals celebrated exclusively in each commune, apart from those in specific temples followed by tabular statements of all fairs and festivals conducted throughout the year in each commune.

Care has been taken to make the statements on Temples and Festivals as exhaustive and accurate as possible. Maps showing the location of important temples as well as fairs and festivals and other illustrations of temples, :mosques, churches and festivals enhance the usefulness of the report.

I am extremely grateful to Sri A. Chandrasekhar, Registrar General, India who has encouraged me in this venture. I must place on record my gratitude to the members of my staff who compiled the relevant data and put in much work in the preparation of this volume, particularly to Sri K. C. Narayana Kurup.

P. K. NAMBIAR I wish to place on record my appreciation of the able assistance given by the following members of my staff in the preparation and presentation of this volume : 1. Sri V.. Rajagopalan, Research Assistant

2. Sri A. S. Ramamurti, " 3. Sri N. D. Rajan " 4. Sri A. Rajamani, Draftsman 5. Sri T. Balakrishna Kurup, Upper Division Clerk

P. K. NAMBIAB. CONTENTS

Page Preface iii

Introduction 1

PONDICHERRY COMMUNE Important Temples Sri Manakula Vinayakar Temple 8 Sri Muthumariamman Temple 9 Sri Droupathiamman Temple 9 Sri Kamatchiamman Temple 10 Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple 11

~ Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple 12

Other Temples Temples under the Government 14 Temples outside the Government 22

ARIYANKUPPAM COMMUNE Sri Sengazhuneeramman Temple 26 at Peria Veerampattinam

Temples under the Governm~nt 32 Temples outside the Government 38

MUDALIARPET COMMUNE Temples under the Government 44 Temples outside the Government 50

OZHUKARAI COMMUNE Sri Muthumariamman Temple 55 Temples under the Government 56 Temples outside the Government 66

VILLIANUR COMMUNE

Sri Kokilambal Tirukameswarar Temple 68 Temples under the Government 72 Temples outside the Government 86 iv

Page MANNADIPET COMMUNE Sri Vadukeswarar Temple 89 Temples under the Government 90 Temples outside the Government 98

BAHOUR COMMUNE Sri Moolanathar Temple 100 Temples under the Government 102 Temples outside the Government 114

NETTAPAKKAM COMMUNE Temples under the Government 124

KARAIKAL AREA Karaikal Ammayar Temple 136 Temples under the Government 138 Temples outside the Government 142

TBIRUNALLAR COMMUNE Sri Darbharanyeswarar Temple 144 Sri Bhadrakali Amman TempJe, Ambagarathur 147 Temples under the Government 148 Temples outside the Government 15-'2 NERAVY COMMUNE . Temples under the Government 156 Temples outside the Government 162

NEDUNGADU COMMUNE Temples under the Government 166

KOTTUCHERRY COMMUNE Thirumeniazhagar Temple 171 Temples under the Government 172 Temples outside the Government 174

GRAND ALDEE COMMUNE

Sri Jadayupureeswarar Temple 176 Temples under the Government 178 Temples outside the Government 182 v

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS Page PONDICHERRY AREA Masimagham Festival 187 Fairs and Festivals of Pondicherry Town 192 Pairs and Festivals of Muthialpet Town 198 Fairs and Festivals of Pondicherry Commune (Rural) 200 Fairs and Festivals of Ariyankuppam Commune 202 Fairs and Festivals of Mudaliarpet Commune 206 Fairs and Festivals of Ozhukarai Commune 208 Fairs and Festivals of Mannadipet Commune 214 Fairs and Festivals of Villianur Commune 218

Fairs and Festivals of Bahour Commune ~26 Fairs and Festivals of Nettapakkam Commune 234 KARAIKAL AREA Thetharavu Matha Festival 241 Kandoori Festival 24l Our Lady of Lourdes Festival 243 :P~ira and Fativals of Karaikal Commune 246 --Pairs and Festivals of TbirunaUar Commune 248 Fairs and Festivals of Neravy Commune 250 Fairs and Festivals of Nedungadu Commune 252 Fairs and Festivals of Kottucherry Commune 254 Fairs and Festivals of Grand Aldee Commune 254 MAHB AREA The annual feast of the venerated shrine of St. Teresa of Avila at Mahe 259 Thira Festival (Theyyattam) 260 Fairs and Festivals of Mahe Town and Mahe Commune (Rural) 264 YANAM AREA Fairs and Festivals of Yanam Area _266 MAPS , Map showing the Location of important temples in the Union territory of Pondicherry Frontispiece

Facing page Map showing the Centres where there are temples in Pondicberry area 8 Map showing the Centres where there are temples in Karaikal area IJ6 Map showing the Fairs and Festivals in the Union territory of Pondicherry 186 vi PHOTOGRAPHS Facing Page 1. The idol of Lord Manakula Vinayakar 8 2. The utsavar of Manakula Vinayakar 8 3. The beautifully decorated utsavar of Goddess Muthumariamman 8 4. The image of Goddess Droupadiamman 5. The rajagopuram of the Manakula Vinayakar temple 9 6. A painting depicting the marriage of Lord Vinayaka 9 7. A view of the Droupadiamman temple 9 8. Festival Image of Goddess Droupadiamman 9 9. Image of Goddess Parasakthi 10 10. Rajagopuram of Kamatchiamman temple 10 11. Image of Goddess Kamatchiamman 10 17. Entrance to Varadaraja Perumal temple 10 13. Images of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanumar 10 14. Image of Goddess Thayar Perum Devi 10 15. Clay image of Muthu Rowther in Droupadiamman temple 11 16. Cioser view of the tower of Kamatchiamman temple II 17. Festival image of Goddess Kamatchiamman 11 18. A view of the outer prakaram of the Varadaraja Perumal temple 11 19. Image of Lord Varadaraja Perumal 11 20. Rajagopuram of the Vedapureeswarar temple 11 21. Closer view of the Rajagopuram 12 22. Dwajasthambham in the temple 12 23. Image of Goddess Thripurasundari 12 24. Closer view of the shrine inside the temple 13 25. Swayambhu Hngam in Vedapureeswarar temple 13 26. Festival idols of Vedapureeswarar and His Consort 13 27. Sengazhuneeramman temple corridor 26 28. Sengazhuneeramman temple-Inside prakaram 26 29. Gopuram of Sengazhuneeramman temple 27 3e. The well-decorated car of the temple 28 31. The Chief Commissioner arrives to inaugurate the Car festival 28 32. Sacred tank of the temple 28 33. The Muthu Pallakku of the temple 28 34. Closer view of the Gopuram of the Sengazhuneeramman temple :'8 3~. The Temple Car being taken in procession 29 vii

Facing Page 36. The Chief Commissioner inaugurating the procession 29 37. The elephant fanning the Goddess during the procession 29 38. The Goddess being carried from the Temple to the palanquin 29 39. The Palan'quin with Sengazhuneeramman in procession 30 40. Preparation of Pongal for offering 30 41. A view of the fish market 31 42. Clay vessels on sale 31 43. A view of the Muthumariamman temple, Ozhukarai 54 44. Closer view of the pagoda of Muthumariamman temple, Ozhukarai 55 45. Rajagopuram of Thirukameswarar temple 68 46. Southern gopuram of Thirukameswarar temple 68 47. Another view of the Rajagopuram 69 48. Closer view of the southern gopuram 69 49. Specimens of artistic sculpture in the temple 70 50. Idols of Somaskandar and Kokilambal 70 51. A view of the Temple Tank 71 52. Image of Lord Nataraja 71 53. A view of the Vadukeswarar temple, Tiruvandarkoil 88 54. Image of Dakshinamurthi 88 55. Image of Ardhanareeswara 88 56. The tower over the sanctum of Vadukeswarar 89 57. Image of Bikshadanar 89 58. Image of Goddess Durga 89 59. Srimoolanathar temple, Bahour 100 60. Vimanam over the sanctum sanctorum 100 61. Sculpture depicting a dancing girl 100 62. Another view of the Srimoolanathar temple 101 63. Festival idols in the temple 101 64. Another attractive sculpture in the temple 101 65. Karaikal Ammayar temple 136 66. Image of Karaikal Ammayar 136 67. Festival image of Karaikal Ammayar 136 68. Karaikal Ammayar with the mango fruit 137 69. Karaikal Ammayar worshipping Lord Nataraja 137 70. Darbharanyeswarar temple, Tirunallar 144 viii

Facing Page 71. Darbha plant behind the sanctum sanctorum 144 72. Entrance to Kattai gopuram 144 73. Entrance to Nala Theertham 144 74. Idol of Lord Darbharanyeswarar 145 75. Images of Lord Thyagaraja and His Consort 145 76. View of the main tower with Kattai gopuram 145 77. Bhadrakaliamman temple. Ambagarathur 146 78. Festival idol of Bhadrakali Amman 146 79. Gopuram of the temple 147 80. Rajagopuram of Thirumeni Azhagar temple 170 81. Vimanam over the sanctum sanctorum 170 82. Idols of Thirumeni Azhagar and His Consort 170 83. Closer view of the Rajagopuram 171 84. Gopuram and Vimanam of the temple 171 85. Image of Lord Sundareswarar 171 86. Rajagopuram of Jadayupureeswarar temple 176 87. A view of the gopuram and the Vimanams 176 88. Prakaram of the temple 176 89. Images of Jadayupureeswarar and Anjanakshi 176 90. General view of the temple 177 91. Front view of the mantapam and flagmast 177 92. Image of Jadayu 177 93. Goddess Chamundeeswari being taken to the seashore for 188 Masi Magham 94. Lord Salai Vinayakar being taken round in procession 188 95. Lord Kadirvelswami in procession 189 96. Orthodox people performing tharpanam 189 97. The thatched sheds where idols are exhibited 190 98. Devotees taking a sea bath 190 99. A view of the shandy 190 100. Temporary Stalls dealing in palmyrah products 191 101. A view of the Darga at Karaikal 240 102. The front view of the darga 241 103. Artistically carved silver doors at the entrance to the darga 242 104. Decorated palanquin mounted on chariot and being 242 taken in procession Facing Page .105. Panther dance 242 106. Nautch dance 242 107. A view of the Samadhi in the darga. 243 108. A view of the procession passing through one of the streets 243 109. Incense chariot in procession 243 110. The Church of "Lady of Lourdes" at Villianur 242 lIi. Interior of the Church of Lady of Lourdes at Villianur 243 112. The shrine of St. Theresa of Avila at Mahe 258 113. The interior of the sacred shrine 258 114. Another view of the Shrine 259 115. The venerated Statue of St. Theresa 259 116. Solemn procession with the Statue 260 117. Pilgrims rolling along the public road to fulfil a vow 261 118. A Tara dedicated for worship 262 U9. Aa impeESOnated Deity. 263

TEMPLES OF PONDICHERRY STATE

LOCATION OF IMPORTA NT TEMPLES

In the Union Territo ry of ~ &OM6AY 1/ PONDICHERRY t"'.J / r:<- /~ I

PONDICHERRY \_. Scale 1 Cm.= 16 KID . or 10 Mile, / OZ HUKARAI ) : .( L _ ___ .

YANAM Scale I Cm.= 12 KID. or 7.S Miles

ANDHRA PRADES H

KARAIKAL Scale I Cm. = 16 KID . or 10 Miles

MAHE Scale I C m.= ~ K.m . or 5 Miles

REFE R ENCE Stale Bouodary Commuoe Bouodary R ailway LIDe (Melre Gauge) Roact. MADRAS STATE Rj"er Wllh St ream ...,.r-: 6 Vlil_ge Name BAHOUR

Tem ple Name Th"umoolanarhar Mi

CENSUS · MADRAS

TEMPLES OF PONDICHERRY INTRODUCTION

The Union territory of Pondicherry, as it is observed in the Madras State. The shrines at Mahe constituted to.day, consists of four French settlements conform in their structure as well as customs to those isolated from one another, viz. Pondicherry, Karaikal, found in the Malabar coast. The shrines in Mahe are Mahe and Yanam. Of these, the Pondicherry area is small structures, typical of Malabar. embedded in the South Arcot district and Karaikal in Thanjavur district of Madras State. Mahe on the Pondicherry State has got some ancient and west coast in Kerala is enclaved in the two districts of famous temples. The temples of Sengazhuneeramman Kozhikod~ and Cannanore. For purposes of adminis­ at Peria Veeram Pattinam, Kokilambal Tirukames­ tration, it has been divided into sixteen communes, warar at Villianur, Karaikal Ammayar at Karaikal eight of which are in Pondicherry, six in Karaikal, and Darbharanyeswarar at Tirunallar are famous one in Mahe and one in Yanam. The settlements of temples which are visited by devotees from Pondicherry and Karaikal represent the culture of outside the State. The fire-walking ceremony at the Tamil Nadu while Mahe and Yanam represent the annual Drowpadiamman festival in Pondicherry, the culture of Kerala and Andhra Pradesh respectively. annual Brahmothsavams of the Sengazhuneeramman temple and the Thirukameswarar temple, the The Temples of Pondicherry and Karaikal are Sanipayarchi festival at Tirunallar and the Mangani constructed on the pattern of those existing in Tamil festival at Karaikal attract large crowds from outside Nadu and the customs and manners conform to those the State.

PONDICHERRY AREA

Of the 365 temples iJt the Pondicherry Area, 292 the communes of Bahour, VilJianur and Ozhukarai. shrines are under the control of the Pondicherry Admi­ Bahour commune has the largest number of temples nistration and the remaining 75 temples are under namely 74, closely followed by VilJianur and Ozhu­ private management. The communewise breakup of karai communes having 66 and 44 shrines respectively, temples is as follows:- while the least is in Pondicherry Commune viz., 32. r------A.---,Temples Name of Under the Outside Total A classification of the temples according to the Commune Govern- the Govern- presiding deities reveals the following interesting ment ment detai.s :- 1. Pondicherry 2S 7 32 Temples r---..A.-_""'\ 2. Ariankuppam 26 15 41 Presiding Under the :Outside the Total deities 3. Mudaliarpet Govern- Govern- 27 6 33 ment ment 4. Ozhukarai 41 3 44 Siva and His consort 20 20 S. Villianur 57 9 66 Vishnu and His 17 5 22 consort 6. Mannadipet 34 4 38 Murugar 7. Bahour 46 28 74 9 4 13 8. Nettapakkam Goddesses (Village 144 40 184 36 1 37 deities) Total 292 73 365 Vinayakar 58 17 75 It is seen from the above statement that more Other deities 44 7 51 than half the number of temples are concentrated in Total 292 73 365 2 TEMPLES OF

More than 78% of the temples are those for occupy an extent ranging from 5 cents to an acre. Goddesses, Vinayakar and other deities. Vaishnavite Temples which cover an area of one acre and over is shrines are predominant in Pondicherry whereas less than 3 per cent as the number of such shrines is Saivite shrines are more in number in Karaikal. only 9. The 60 temples which have not furnished the information under this head. may be treated as small The following statement shows the area covered ones. Thus, nearly 82 per cent of the temples are by the temples :- those, which cover an area of less than an acre.

,---__Temples..A. ___ , In 6 out of 17 Saivite temples, the presiding deity Extent Under the Outside Total Govern- the Govern- is a Swayambu Lingam, while in the remaining 11 ment ment shrines, the Moolavar is an installed one. In the 3 Below 5 cents 145 53 198 temples dedicated to the consort of Siva. the Goddes­ ses are either in a standing or sitting posture while Her 5 cents & above but 65- 10 75 head alone is found in one shrine. There are only below 20 cents pictures in 3 temples, while in yet another one, there 20 cents and above 22 23 is only a trident. Excluding 15 temples, where the but below 1 acre posture of the deities has not been specified, tbe posture of the presiding deities in other than Saivite 1 acre and above but 5 .. , 5 below 2 acres temples is as follows:- 2 acres and above but 4 4 Standing pose 61 below 5 acres Sitting pose 179 5 acres and above but Head 79 below 10 acres Stone without figure 7 10 acres and above Total 326 Area not stated 51 9 60 Saivite Gurukkals and Vaishnavite Bhattacharies Total 292 73 365 are generally employed to perform poojas in the Saivite and Vaishnavite temples respectively. The remuneration It may be seen from the above statement that paid to them is low. Before they are permitted to while only 4 temples cover an area of 2 acres and enter the sanctum, they should be duly initiated accord­ more but below 5 acres, 198 shrines are small ones ing to the rules prescribed in the Agamas or Pancha­ covering less than 5 cents. 98 temples out of 365, ratras.

Poojas are performed in all except 33 temples, where there are no priests. The following statement regarding poojas will be interesting :- Temples under the Government Temples outside the Govenment Total .-- ---., r--.-A. r------A- Names of Where the priest Where the priest Where the priest the deities Where belongs to Where belongs to Where belongs to poojas are r '_---. poojas are r-.....A--, poojas are r-~ . performed Brahmin Other performed Brahmin Other performed Brahmin Other Community Communities Community Communities Community Communities (I) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Siva and His 20 14 6 20 14 6 consort Vishnu and His 15 11 4 4 3 1 19 14 5 consort Murugar 9 8 1 4 2 2 13 10 3 Goddesses 136 15 121 35 1 34 171 16 155 (Village deities) Vinayakar 52 16 36 16 4 12 68 20 48 Other deities 36 3 33 5 5 41 . 3 38 Total 268 67 201 64 10 54 332 77 255 PONDICHERRY STATE 3

In the majority of Saivite, Vaishnavite and The value of jewellery in Sri Kokilambal Thiru­ Murugar temples, the priests belong to the Brahmin kameswarar temple of Villianur is estimated at community, while there are a good number of shrines Rs. 40,000. where priests of other communities offer poojas. In 255 out of 332 temples, persons other than Brahmins Except 106 temples, the remallllllg shrines have offer poojas. Out of 68 temples for Vinayakar, the immovable properties. Barring 23 other temples, priest is a Brahmin only in 20 shrines, while in 155 which have not given details of income, the classifi­ out of 171 temples for Village Goddesses, persons cation of 236 temples which derive an annual income other than Brahmins offer poojas. In the bigger from immovable properties is shown below:- Saivite temples, after the recitation of Vedas in Sanskrit Temples by the Gurukkals, Thevaram is sung in Tamil by ,---,,-,--, Pandarams who are known as Othuvars. In Vaishnavite Annual income Under the Outside Total temples, the Bhattacharies recite Vedas in Sanskrit and Govern- the Govern- ment ment Thiruvoimozhi in Tamil. 500 and below 100 15 115 There are no ornaments in 280 temples. 39 501 1000 31 32 temples have not furnished any details under the head. 1,001 5,000 64 10 74 The classification of the remaining 46 temples accord­ ing to value of jewellery owned QY them is as follows:- 5,001 10.000 8 8 10,001 50,000 7 7 Temples .---"---~ Total 210 26 236 Value of Jewellery. Under the Outside Total Govern- the Govern- ment ment The annual income accruing from immovable properties exceeds Rs. 5,000 in 15 shrines. The Rs. annual . income of the following seven temples, is 500 and below 24 24 Rs. 10,000 and above. 501 1,000 2 2 1. Sri Kalahastheeswarar temple 1 1,001 5.000 8 2 10 I Sri Varadharaja Perumal temple 2. J• Pondicherry 5,001 10,000 2 2 ~ 3. Sri Manakula Vinayakar temple I Town 10,001 50,000 8 ••• 8 I 4. Sri Varadharaja Perumal temple J Total 44 2 46 5. Sri Kokilambal Thirukameswarar temple, Villianur The following are the eight temples, which own 6. Sri Kasiviswanadhar temple, Odhiampet ornaments worth more than Rs. 10,000. 7. Sri Moolanathar temple, Bahour 1. Sri Manakula Vinayakar temple 1 Sri Kalahastheeswarar and Varadharaja Perumal I 2. Sri Varasidhi Vinayakar temple temples of Pondicherry Town get the maximum income of over Rs. 20,000 per annum. Sri Sengazhuneer­ 3. Sri Kalahastheeswarar temple I Pondicherry amman temple of Peria Veerampattinam in Arian­ Town 4. Sri Varadharaja Perumal temple > kuppam commune gets an additional annual income of Rs. 5,000 under hundi collections, while Sri Subra­ 5. Sri Vedhapureeswarar temple maniaswamy temple of Kadhirkamam in Ozhukarai II 6. Sri Varadharaja Perumal temple J commune gets an income of above Rs. 1,000 through 7. Sri Sengazhuneeramman temple, Peria Veeram- the sale of Archana and Abishegam tickets. pattinam Out of 292 temples. only 3 temples are running 8. Sri Kokilambal Thirukameswarar temple, public institutions like chouItries, libraries and primary Villianur or secondary schools. 4 TEMPLES OF

356 temples have no temple cars and 351 have no The size of the crowd that gathers for the festivals Rathams. 9 temples own cars and 14 temples have exceeds 1000 in 32 temples. Rathams. Only 17 temples are having palanquins and 187 shrines are in possession of vahanas like Out of 365 temples, there is a single trustee for 38 Peacock, Rishabam, Elephant, Horse etc. These temples and a Board consisting of more than one vahanas are generally made of wood or brass. The trustee for each of the other 279 temples. For tbe -re­ bigger and more famous temples have gold and silver maining 48 shrines there are no trustees at all, as plated vahanas. they are being managed by the priests themselves or Annual festivals are celebrated in 212 out of 365 by some private individuals. temples, while there are no festivals in the remaining 153 shrines. The classification of temples according An analysis of the details given in the schedules to the number of festivals observed is as follows :- reveals the following position regarding the age of the Temples temples in the Pondicherry Areaj: r---.A.-~ Number of Under the Outside Total Before Christ festivals in Govern~ the Govern~ a year ment ment Prior to 7th Century One festival III 40 151 Two festivals 21 2 23 7th Century to 1750 3 Three ,I 11 1 12 122 7 After 1750 (Modern) Four " 7 5 to 10 ,f 16 16 Details not given 240 11 to 20 I, 3 ... 3 Total 169 43 212 Total 365

KARAIKAL AREA Of the 99 temples in the Karaikal area, 91 shrines namely 28, closely followed by Thirunallar and are under the control of the Pondicherry administration Karaikal communes having 18 and 15 shrines respecti­ and the remaining 8 temples are under private manage­ vely, while the least is in Grand Aldee commune viz., ment. The commune-wise break-up of temples is as 12. follows:- Temples A classification of the temples according to the r---J...----.. presiding deities, reveals the following interesting Name of Commune Under the Outside the Total Govern- Govern- details. ment ment Temples 1. Karaikal ... 13 2 15 r--A_--~ Presiding deities Under the Outside the Total 2. Kottucherry 10 3 13 Govern- Govern- 3. Grand AIdee 11 1 12 ment ment 4. Neravy 27 1 28 Siva and His consort ... 27 3 30 5. Nedungadu 13 13 Vishnu and His consort 15 15 6. Tbirunallar 17 1 18 Murugar Total 91 8 99 Goddesses 29 4 33 (Village deities) As may be seen from the above statement, more Vinayakar 7 1 8 than half tbe number of temples are concentrated in the communes of Neravy, Thirunallar and KaraikaI. Other deities 13 13 Neravy commune has the largest number of temples Total 91 8 99 PONDICHERRY STATE 5

More than 60% of the temples are dedicated to It may be seen from the above statement that Siva and village deities. Saivite temples are greater while only 2 temples cover an area of 10 acres and in number than Vaishnavite shrines. There are ::0 more, 39 shrines are small ones covering less than 5 Saivite shrines. 15 Vaishnavite temples, 33 Amman cents. One-tbird of the temples i.e. 33 out of 99, shrines and 8 temples dedicated to Sri Vinayakar. It occupy an extent ranging from 5 cents to an acre. may be noted that there is not even a single temple Temples which cover an area of more than one acre here, for Lord Muruga. are less than 10 per cent, the number of such shrines . being only 9. 18 temples which have not furnished The following statement shows the area covered by information under this head may be treated as small the temples. ones. Thus, nearly 73 per cent of the temples are those, which cover an area of less than an acre. Temples r------~------~ Extent Under the Outside the Total In 7 out of 27 Saivite temples, the presiding deity Govern- Govern- is a Swayambu Lingam. while in 19 other shrines, the ment ment Moola var is an installed one and: in the remaining, Below 5 cents 34 5 39 temple the Murthy is in a standing posture. In all the 3 temples dedicated to the consort of Siva, the images 5 cents and above but 17 17 ... of goddesses are installed in a standing posture. There below 20 cents are only heads of deities in 2 temples. while in one 20 cents and above but 15 1 16 shrine there is only a trident. No information is below 1 acre available regarding the posture of the deities in four temples. The posture of the presiding deities in the t acre and above but 1 1 2 others excluding Saivite temples is as follows:- below 2 acres Standing pose 16 1 acres aud above but 3 3 below 5 acres Sitting pose 45 Dancing pose 1 5 acres and above but 2 2 below 10 acres Total 62 10 acres and above 2 2 Saivite Gurukkals and Vaishnavite Bbattacharies are generally employed to perform poojas in the Saivite Area not stated 17 1 18 and Vaishnavite temples respectively. The remunera­ Total 91 8 99 tion paid to them is low.

Poojas are performed in all except 2 temples, where there are no priests. The following statement regarding poojas will be interesting :- Temples under the Government Temples outside the Government Total ,..--,.....__,--~-~, r---_._A--~ r------l.- Name of Where the Whele the Where the Deities Where ,..-___priestA- is__ ...... Where ,..-__priest--J-. ___is ...... Where priest is poojas are poojas are poojas are ,----""'--, performed Brahmin Others performed Brahmin Others performed Brahmin Others (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Siva and His 27 27 3 3 30 30 Consort Vishnu and His 15 15 ' .... 15 15 Consort Vinayakar 6 5 7 6 1 -Murugar Goddesses 29 5 24 4 1 3 33 6 27 (Village deities) Other deities 12 8 4 12 8 4 Total 89 60 29 8 5 3 97 65 32 6 TEMPLES OF

In almost all the Saivite, Vaishnavite and All shrines except 9 temples, have immovable pro­ Vinayakar temples, the priests belong to the Brahmin perties. Excluding 5 other temples which have not community, while there are a good number of temples given details of income, the classification of the 85 where priests of other communities offer poojas. In temples, which derive an annual income from immova­ 32 out of 97 temples, persons other than Brahmins ble properties, is shown below :- offer poojas. Brahmin priests are found in only 14 out of 45 temples for village Goddesses and other deities. Temples In the bigger Siva temples, after the recitation of Vedas ,----"----.... Annual income Under the Outside the Total in Sanskrit by the Gurukkals, Thevaram is sung in Govern- Govern- Tamil by Pandarams who are known as "Othuvars". ment ment In Vaishnavite shrines, the Bhattacharies recite Vedas Rs. in Sanskrit and Thiruvoimozhi in Tamil. 500 and below 14 14

No ornaments are found in 73 temples. Two 501 1,000 17 17 temples have not furnished any details under the head. 1,001 5,000 32 The classification of the remaining 24 temples according 1 33 to value of jewellery owned by them is as follows :- 5,001 10,000 5 1 6

Temples 10,001 50,000 13 1 14 r----~---_.... Value of jewellery Under the Outside the Total 50,001 100,000 1 ••• I Govern. Govern- ment ment Total 82 3 85 Rs. 500 and below 13 2 15 The annual income accruing from immovable properties exceeds Rs. 10,000 in 15 shrines. Sri ':Ol - 1,000· 2 2 Dharbaranyeswarar temple of Thirunallar gets the maximum income of Rs. 80,050 per annum. Besides, 4 4 1.001 - 5.000 it also gets an additional annual income of over 5,001 10,000 Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 5,000 respectively through hundi collections and through the sale of Archana and Abi­ 10,001 - 50,000 3 3 shega tickets.

Total 22 2 24 Out of 99 temples, only a single temple in Grand Aldee Commune is running a choultry for the conveni­ The following are the three temples, which own ence of the pilgrims. ornaments worth more than Rs. 10,000. 98 temples have neither temple cars nor rathams,. while one temple owns a car and ratham. Only 3 1. Sri Parvatheeswaraswamy temple) temples have Palanquins and 36 shrines are in posses­ ~ Karaikovilpattu sion of Vahanas like Peacock, Rishabam, Elephant, 2. Sri Kothandaramaswamy temple J Horse, etc. which are made of wood or brass. The bigger and more famous temples have gold and silver­ 3. Sri Dharbaranyeswarar temple, Thirunallar plated vahanas.

The value of jewellery in Sri Dharbaranyeswarar Annual festivals are celebrated in 62 out of 99 temple at ThirunaUar is estimated at Rs. 20,000. temples and no festivals are celebrated in the remain- PONDICHERRY STATE 7 ing 37 shrines. The classification of temples on the Out of 99 temples, there is a single trustee for 3 basis of the number of festivals observed is as follows: temples and a Board consisting of more than one trustee for each of the other 94 temples. For the Temples ,-_..A.. __.., remaining 2 temples, there are no trustees at all. No. of festivals Under the Outside the Total in the year Govern- Govern- An analysis of the details given in the schedules ment ment , reveals the folIo wing position regarding the age of the One festival 41 4 45 temples in the Karaikal Area. Two festivals 5 2 7 Before Christ Three I 1 2 ... " 3 3 Prior to 7th Century Four " ...... S to 10 ., 4 ... 4 7th Century to 1750 2 11 to 20 " 1 1 Total 5S 7 62 After 1750 (Modern) 7 Details not given 90 The size of the crowd that gathers for the festivals exceeds 500 in 12 temples. Total 99 PONDICHERRY COMMUNE

The Manakula Vinayakar TeDlple sisting of 2'32 acres of wet land. 2 houses and 3 shops is 70 Kalams of paddy and Rs. 4.800 and the temple is This is one of the ancient temples situate in Pondi­ being maintained with this. cherry Town. It is stated that it was built by a Frenchman in the following circumstances. The annual Brohmothsavam of this temple is The Frenchman who was living in a bungalow celebrated fOf ten days in the Tamil month of Avani adjacent to the site where the temple is now situated, (AugustJ September). It is stated that the festival observed one day an idol of Lord Vinayaka in the commenced for the first time in 1957 when devotees backyard of his residence and baving no faith in the undertook to celebrate it. This is inaugurated on a sanctity of such images, threw it in the sea. He was day so that the tenth and final day falls on a Fun surprised to see it on the shore the next day and had it Moon day. By an agreement among themselves, each thrown again into the sea. The image reappeared day's expenditure is met by a particular community of again, but the Frenchman lost his eyesight. Some of the Pondicherry Town. The order of participation is the elders of the locality advised him to build a shrine based on a longstanding understanding between the for Lord Vinayaka and instal this particular image trustees of the temple and the leading members of the there for worship. This was done and it is reported several communities. For the successful conduct of that he regained his eyesight. this festival, all people of the town participate unani­ mously, forgetting their communal differences. The This small temple has no particular architectural following statement furnishes particulars relating to features. The Moolavar in the sanctum sanctorum is the communities which have undertaken to conduct a granite image. Poojas are performed twice a day by the festival and the vahanas used for the festival proces­ a Gurukkal. The annual income from properties con- sion on each day of the festival.

Seria l order of the Name of the Traditional occupation Vahanas day of the festival community of the communities

First day Sengundhar A community of weavers Silver Bandicoot found all over Tamina~ Second day Arya Vaysia Trade including money­ Silver Peacock lending Third day Vellalar Agriculture Flower-decked palanquin Fourth day Arya Vaysia A sub-sect of Arya Vaysias Silver Rishabam Fifth day Brahmins Government service gene­ Indra Vimanam rally. Landlords and employees in temples also Sixth day Vanniar Agriculture mainly Elephant Seventh day Balija Naidus Trade Car decorated with electric bulbs Eighth day Viswa Karma Men engaged in handicrafts Horse (Kannars) particularly those produ­ cing brass and copper vessels Ninth day Yadhavas Shepherds .Car Tenth day SenaithaJaivars Agricultural operations Silver Bandicoot (VeUalas) MAP EXHIBITING THE CENTRES WHERE THERE ARE TEMPLES IN PONDICHERRY AREA Scale j em = 12 Km. or 75 Miles r'-' I 26 OZHUKARAI ~ 0 0 COMMUNE-, - MADRAS STATE r./ L._ '-.,.)

-:'\ ...... 31 ~.-.--- ,-'....;;1" • .,..; ~ 24', /39&40 , 6 ". ._. 0'\ 37",35 1 23. W Qi}6 .-- o!l~ REFERENCE Ii! BAHOUR COM~lUNE 1\ "9 301\ 6 25"-' ~ IY w 1!O36 \" 38 State Boundary 21 \ . ,~O"' 6 4t!9 \ Commune Boundary • )O~~ l \_. ~~1 • l~ . ~) (". ~ BAHOUR 16. 0 .-. ,,~ l' 1\17 Categories of Temples and ). 6 H .3.d c5" . U COMMUNE 15 -0 '7_ their Symbols '"\l!l r' . l.6 M ·r"\·,80 r' ~.-. l~..J (. "Q3 0 ( (._. S,va .....J . 64 . Y,:..bnu o "'-..J'_."-'''_ . .,) Murugar iii MADRAS STATE GaGapatbi o Amman 6 Otbers • LocatIon Code Number 44

I M,xed Stale Area

I_ CCl "US - MADAAS .. ------~~~~~~

The idol of Lord Manakola Vinayakar, Pondicherry The small but elegant Rajagopuram of the Temple The beautifully decorated utsavar of Manakola Vinayakar A painting in the Temple depicting the marriage of Vinayakar with Siddhi and Buddhi. daughters of Lord Brahma T he beautifully decoTated utsavar of Goddess Muthumariamman A view of the Drowpadiamman Temple, Pondicherry The image of Goddess Drowpadiamman The festival image of Goddess DrowpJ.diamman PONDICHERRY STATE 9 During the festival, the image of Lord Vinayaka contribution and meet the expenditure connected with is taken round the streets of the town in ceremonial the day's festival.

procession every night. On the ninth day I there is a procession in the forenoon also. For these processions, The festival is very popular in the town and each the deity is tastefully decorated and installed in a day there will be a congregation of not less than 2000 vahana, palanquin or car as indicated in the above devotees. The festival image of the Goddess is taste­ statement and carried round the streets to the accom­ fully decorated on each day with silk, flowers and jewels and installed in one of the vahanas such as panimen~ of nadaswaram music and display of fire­ works. Elephant, Lion, Horse, Serpent etc. and there will be a ceremonial procession with the Vahanam rouud the streets. The procession takes place only during the About 1,000 devotees from Pondicherry town nights and instrumental music and display of fireworks congregate daily during the festival. No fair is held are inevitable features of the festival. The car festival in connection with this festival. falls on the ninth day and the congregation will be more on this day. The Muthumariamman Temple

This small temple is located in the street bearing Drowpathiamman Temple

the same name in Pondicherry town. No information The small shrine of Drowpathiamman is situated is available regarding the origin of the temple. God­ on the Wastern Boulewared in Pondicherry town. The dess Muthumariamman is the presiding deity. From origin of this ancient temple is lost in obscurity. ancient times, people have unflinching faith in the Nevertheless it is a popular shrine. Poojas are perfor­ power of this Goddess for preventing epidemics like med twice daily in this temple by a hereditary Vanniar. smallpox or for healing it quickly. Consistent with The most important festival of the temple is the annual this belief which has been handed down from genera­ festival familiarly known as Bhadrakaliamman festival tion to generation, every attempt is made to propitiate which is celebrated for 2 ~ days in the Tamil month of this Goddess by suitable worship. Poojas are offered in Adi (July-August). This festival with which is this shrine twice daily by a Vanniar. associated fire walking by devotees is very famous in this area and it attracts a large crowd. There is. a The annual festival of this temple is celebrated in a legend associated with this festiv.il which in brief is the Tamil month of Thai (January-February). It is as follows: inaugurated on the fifth day following the New Moon day of the month and commences with the Dwajaro­ Goddess Drowpadiamman, the presiding deity of hanam or hoisting the flag, as is usual with a1l festivals this shrine is believed to be the same as Drowpadi, in Hindu shrines. The festival lasts for ten days and consort of the Pandavas immortalised in the epic each day's festival is conducted by one of the commu­ Mahabaratha. It is stated that she emanated from the nities of the town. The predominant ten communities of sacrificial fire of King Panchala. After her marriage the town namely Dhobi, Senaithalaivar, Naidu, Vaysia, with the Pandavas, it is believed that she used to live Vellala, Vannia, Sengunthar, Vaniar, Arya Vaysia and with one of them for a year, purify hereself at the end Brahmins conduct the festival respectively on each of the period through a flame of fire, then live day according to a longstanding agreement. The with another husband for a year and continue the turn. members of each community pool their individual The story is narrated that Sunithan, the ruler of Gingee 2 10 TEMPLES OF of olden days was her descendant. While oppressed by walk through the fire to the astonishment of the a demon named Asiloma, Sunithan prayed to his spectators. No devotee has ever been injured by ancestral deity Drowpathiamman for relief. She participating in this festival. After this function, the appeared for his rescue and after destroying the demon Goddess is taken back in procession to the temple. called upon Sunithan to build a temple for her at The crowd that assembles on the 18th day is estimated Gingee and ceJebrate an annual festival for 22 days modestly at 2,000. comrnemmorating the self-purification of the Goddess No fair is associated with this festival. Temporary through fire on the 18th day. The temple at Gingee stalls and street vendors selling various commodities was constructed by Sunithan in accordance with the however congregate for their business. wishes of the deity and the ceremony of self-purification by fire walking has been observed in that temple by The Kamatchi Amman Temple & Kinni Rathotsavam ardent devotees from ancient times. This custom has naturally permeated into the temple dedicated to the The Kamatchi Amman Temple situate in the same Goddess at Pondicherry also. Bharathi Street of Pondicberry town is a small but ancient temple. Though not having specific architec­ The annual festival in the Drowpathiamman tural features, the deity of the temple is held in high temple at Pondicherry commences on Monday which esteem by the local popUlation. The granite image of follows the first Friday in the Tamil month of Adi. Goddess Kamatchi Amman which is about 3 feet in From that day onwards, the festival image of the deity height is installed in the sanctum sanctorum is carried in ceremonial procession through the main of the small shrine. Poojas are offered three times streets of Pondicherry town for twenty-two days. The daily to the deity by a hereditary Brahmin. procession takes place only in the evenings. Recitation of excerpts from the Mahabharatha is arranged during The annual festival of this temple is known as the procession. Kinni Rathotsavam. The word .' Kinni" means a metallic hollow disc. During the festival, the chariot On the 18th day of the festival, the Goddess is (ratham) in which this deity is installed for the ceremo­ taken to Vellavari, ·a place two kilometres to the north nial procession is decorated with numerous such discs of Pondicherry town. It is here that the famous fire­ which shine in a dazzling manner during the night. walking ceremony takes place. The festival image of The festival has been named after the famous decora­ Goddess Drowpathiamman is installed before a rectan­ tion of the ratham. gular pit, one foot deep which is filled with red hot cinders upto the brim and flush with the ground. The annual festival is celebrated in the Tamil Devotees are permitted to participate in fire-walking month of Chithirai (April-May). The ninth day of without any distinction of caste or sect or sex. Those the festival would coincide with the full moon day of who vow to take part in this ordeal in token of their the month. On each day of the festival, the festival prayers having been answered by the Goddess have to image of the Goddess which is beautifully decorated observe strict celebacy, Jive as strict vegetarians and with flowers and ornaments and mounted on different observe other austerities for a period of 40 days prior vahanas such as the wooden images of swan, lion, to this festival. The devotees who have thus been horse and vimanam is taken out in ceremonial proces­ observing austerities wear saffron coloured clothes and sion during night through the important streets of the after a purificatory bath, worship the Goddess and town to the accompaniment of nadaswaram music and The image of G oddess Parasakthi The clay image of Muthalu Rowther, the bodyguard to Orowpadiamrnan A view of the Rajagopuram of the Kamatchiamman Temp)e~ PODdicherry A closer view of the tower The itnage of Goddess Kamatchiamman The festival image of Goddess Kamatchiamman Front view of the eastern entrance to Sri Varadaraja Peru mal Temple A view of the outer prakaram of the Temple The images in granite as well as panchaloha of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman The image of Lord Varadaraja Perumal The image of Goddess Tbayar Perum Devi A view of the Rajagopuram of the Vedapureeswarar Temple PONDICHERRY STATE 11 display of fire-works. On the ninth day, the deity is rest to Thiruventhipuram temple. At this time, a war mounted on the temple car. This ratham which is 20 was being waged in France and for financing it, funds feet high, with its top portion conical in shape is taste­ were raised in Pondicherry also. As the money fully decorated with a series of circular concave disc­ collected for this purpose was about to be remitted to shaped bronze plates (Kinni) varying in size from one France, cease-fire was declared there and the French foot to two inches in diameter. These are so arranged administrators of Pondicherry permitted the local that the bigger ones are placed in the bottom rows, the people to utilise the funds for some good cause. The smaller ones on the top rows and the smallest one near religious-minded citizens thereupon constructed with the attic (Kalasam) of the car. These discs are polished the available funds, two temples in Pondicherry town to such a brightness that they glitter beautifully in the and dedicated tbem respectively to Lords Vishnu and moonlight. The procession commences by about Siva. In the temple intended for Lord Vishnu were 10-00 P M. and terminates at 5-00 A. M. of the installed the beautiful idols of Lord Varadarajaswami following day. and His consort. The other temple where Lord Siva was installed is called Veda Puriswarar temple. These About 2,000 persons, mostly Hindus, take part in two temples have even today a common Board, of the festival and worship the Goddess. Management and common immovable properties.

No fair as such is held in connection with the We find in this temple idols of exquisite beauty festival. However, vendors selling sweets, flowers, representing Sri Rama, Sita. Lakshmana and Hanuman peas, balloons etc., avail themselves of the occasion installed in a separate sanctum, facing south. The during the processions on the festival days and do good legend goes that a box containing these four idols made business. of panchaloha was retrieved by a fisherman in deep sea who handed it over to the local authorities. The Sri Varadarajaperumal Temple French authorities wanted these images to be taken to This temple is situate in the northern portion of France as a treasure of rare artistic beauty. But the Pondicherry town. The temple faces east and is a local people, with considerable difficulty. succeeded in simple, modest and impressive shrine. The presiding securing them and installing them in the temple. deity here is Sri Varadaraja Perumal. His consort is known as Thayar Perumdevi. The area of the temple is 58'58 cents. The mandapam of the temple is of granite while all other structures inside the temple are of brick, lime mortar and The temple dates back to the latter half of 18th cement. The temple has four entrances from all the century. During the earlier part of 18th centuary when four directions, but the one on the eastern side is the neighbouring areas were governed by the Nawabs commonly used for entering the temple. There is of Arcot, there used to be religious persecutions and a tank on the western side of the temple and it has a destruction of temples and idols. At this time, some separate entrance. bronze idols belonging to the nearby Thiruventhipuram temple were taken to Pondicherry and kept in safe As one enters the temple through the eastern custody in an underground chamber in the Pondicherry .entrance. one sees the spacious outer prakaram. On town. When the situation became normal later on, the southern side of the prakaram are seen the mada­ the citizens of Pondicherry retained the sacred idols of palli and the shrines of Thirumazhisai Alwar, Nammal­ Sri Varadarajaswami and His consort and returned the war, Ramanujar, Pandurangan, Manavalamamuni and 12 TEMPLES OF Thayarperumdevi. On the northern side are seen the 1780. The presiding deity is Lord Siva known here shrines of Andal, Desigar and Rama. In the middle as Vedapureeswarar and His consort is known as of the prakaram is the open yard wherein are located Amba! Tripura Sundari. There is a separate sanctum the Balipeedam, Dwajasthambham and the image of for Lord Viswan.ltha and His consort Visalakshi. Garudalwar. Crossing this and the Mahamandapam, one reaches the inner prakaram which surrounds the Pondicherry, in olden days, was known as Veda­ puri. It is referred to as such in a few Tamil Literary sanctum of Varadarajaswami. The idols of Narasimha and Vishnu are seen in this prakaram. Insije the works including a poem composed by the famous poet Subrahmanya Bharathi. The early history of Pondi­ sanctum, the granite image of the Lord is seen. The cherry indicates that the original Vedapureeswarar deity is in standing posture and faces east. The idol is about 6' in height with four hands, which contain temple was situated in the place where the Mission the chakram, conch, gadai and abhayahastham. It is Church stands at present at Pondicherry and that it reported that this temple was renovated in 1940-41 was destroyed during the regime of Governor Dupleix. The story goes that when the temple was destroyed, when a Kumbabishekam was performed. an old Brahmin priest retrieved a kalasam which is The temple has got antique jewellery worth about symbolic of the Lord, took it to nearby Perumukkal Rs. 10,000. The vahanas in the possession of the where he installed a Iingam for being worshipped as temple include silver Garuda, Palanquin, Horse etc. Vedapureeswarar. The Brahmin, however, could not Pujas are performed twice daily by two hereditary perform poojas according to the sastraic injunctions Battacharyas, each of whom is paid Rs. 20 and 60 and due to this disappointment, he died of a broken Htres of rice per mensem. They are also entitled to heart. Long after this, it would appear that the get the offerings from the devotees. The temple has an citizens ofPondicherry received adequate resources for annual income of 250 kalams of paddy from the landed the construction of a temple to be dedicated to Lord properties. Siva. They were on the look-out for a suitable lingam, when one night Goddess Thripurasundari appeared Devotees in and around Pondicherry hold the in a dream before the chief priest and the Sthanikar temple in high esteem. The Sri Rama Navami festival and indicated that the lingam that they were so eagerly is celebrated for 22 days in the Tamil month of seeking, could be found at Perumakkal and could be Panguni (March-April). The festival celebrated on consecrated in the temple. The directions of the the first five days is witnessed by thousands of people. Goddess were obeyed and the lingam that is now The festival for Perumdevi Thayar takes place for consecrated in this temple was brought from Peru­ 10 days in January-February. The Adhiyaina festival mukkal. is celebrated for 21 days in December-January and is attended by as many as 2,000 devotees. The site of the temple .was donated by a philan­ thropist. It is about an acre in extent. The Srimath Andavan has sung about the glory of this rajagopuram on the eastarn side is 30' high. Entering shrine in his Mangala Sasanam. Sri Sankaracharya of the temple, one finds a spacious hall, the right side of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam has offered worship to the which houses the Devasthanam library and the left side deities in this temple. is generally used for religious discourses, celebration of Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple. marriages, upanayanams etc. Beyond this hall is the This temple is adjacent to the Varadarajaswami outer prakaram. To the left of the prakaram is the temple and is reported to have been constructed in utsavar mandapam, the shrine of Lord Ganesa, the 63 A closer view of the Rajagopuram A closer view of the shrine inside the Temple The Dwajasthambham in the Temple The Swayambhu Lingam in Vedapureeswarar Temple The image of Goddess Thripurasundari Festival idol of Lord Vedapureeswarar and His consort PONDlcHERRY STAlE 13 Saivite saints and the temple kitchen. To the right of Rishabham, Peacock, Vimanam and Silver rishabham the prakaram is the Natarajar shrine, Palllyarai and are available and are used on festive occasions. the shrines of Bhakthapureeswarar, Navagrahas, Arumughar, Palaniandavar, Durgai and Chandikes­ Poojas are performed four times daily by two warar. In the centre of the prakaram is the mantapam hereditary Brahmin priests. Each of them is paid in front of which are the Nandi, the Balipeedam and Rs. 25/- and 75 litres of paddy per month. They are the Dwajasthambham. To the right of the mantapam is also entitled to the offerings from devotees. the shrine of Goddess Thripurasundari. Passing this, Navarathri festival is celebrated for 10 days in one reaches the sanctums of Sri Vedapureeswarar and September-October. This attracts a large number of His consort. devotees. Masi Magham is another largely attended festival. Thai Poosam, Skanda Sashti, Arudradar­ The temple owns lands and other properties in sanam, Karthigaideepam and Ani Thirumanjanam are (:ommon with Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple. The other festivals celebrated here. antique jewellery in the temple is worth about Rs.20,000/-. An income of Rs.400/-per month is Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peedam has realised through hundi collections. Vahanas such as worshipped the deities of this shrine. 14 TEMPLES OF PONDICHERRY

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities (acres) or the Trunk (years) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

Pondicherry Sri Sundara Not 0-01 Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry Town Vinayakar stated Railway station Temple (G)

2 do Sri Manakula 143 0'33 Sri Manakula Pondicberry Vinayakar Vinayakar Railway station Temple (G) 1 mile

3 do Sri Varasiddhi 100 Below Sri Varasiddhi Pondicherry Vinayakar 0'01 Vinayakar Railway station Temple (G)

4 do Sri Ezhai 63 Not Sri Ezhai PilIaiyar Sri Vaithianatha­ do " PiJlaiyar stated swamy Temple (G) Sri Thaiyanayagi Amman Sri Subramaniyar Sri Valli and Devasena Sri Palaniandavar Navagrabas

5 do Sri Kannika­ 70 do Sri Vasavi do " parameswary Kannika­ Temple (F) parameswary

6 do Sri Muthumari- Not 0'52 Sri Muthumari- Pondicherry " amman stated amman Railway station Temple (F) i mile * S-Saivite V-Vaishnavite M-Murugar G-Ganesar F-Amman O-Others. PONDICHERR.Y STATE IS COMMUNE

Movable property Property Annual _-- .....__-""'\ _-J' income Jewels (Value -'"'" from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) prcperty A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18)

the Government

One House 1,30:> 500 Twice a day 4 Shops by a Gurukkal

2'32 2 Houses 70 kalams of 30,000 Silver do Vinayaka 3 Shops paddy and Bandicoot Chathurthi Rs.4,800 Vimanam Brahmothsavam for ten day's in Avani Chithra Pournami Pavithra Uthsavam in Purattasi Masi Magam

5 Godowns 1,800 10,000 do Twice a day Vinayaka by a Brahmin Chathurthi Karthigai Deepam Thaipoosam Sivarathri Masi Magam

2'32 5 Houses 40kalams of Not Bandicoot do Vinayaka 4 Shops paddy and stated Vimanam Chathurthi Rs.7oo Ani Thiru· manjanam Karthigai Deepam Thiruvathirai in Margazhi Thai Poosam Masi Magam

One Hous~ 2,000 2,500 Vimanams-2 do Sri Vasavi Jayanthi 5 Shops festival in Chithrai Sri Rama Navami Navarathri

Not Elephant Twice a day Annual festival stated Horse by a Vanniae in Thai Nagam, Lion Masi Magam Palanquin 16 TEMPLES OF PONDICHERRY

Distance from Age of Area of the the Name of Other the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity ceities (years) (acres) or the TruDk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) . (9)

Temples under

7 1 Pondicherry Sri Ellaiyamman Not 0'10 Sri Ellaiyamman Sri Yinayakar Pondicherry Town Temple (F) stated Railway station

8 do Sri Kalathees· 2001 Sri Kalatheeswarar Sri Arubathu. 1 warar I Sri Gnanambigai moovar Temple (S) I Sri Navagrahas I Sri Durgai I Sri Yiswanathar I Sri Yisalakshi ~ 0'73 Sri Chokka· I do nathar I Sri Meenakshi r 9 do Sri Yaradaraja do I Sri Yaradaraja Sri Palaniandi " Perumal I Perumal SIi Natarajar Temple (Y) J Sri Devi and Sri Sivakama· Bhudevi sundari J

10 do Sri Vedhapurees· 181 1'00 Sri Vedhapurees- Sri Annamalaiar Pondicherry warar warar Sri Unnamulai· Raiiway station Temple(S) amman ! mile Navagrahas

11 do Sri Periapala· 122 Sri Periapalayathu Pondicherry yathu Mariamman Railway station Mariamman Temple (F)

12 do Sri Kamakshi 100 0'21 Sri Kamaksbi. Sri Yinayakar do " Amman amman Sri Subramaniyar Temple (S) Dakshinamoorthy Sri Yalli and Devasena PONDICHERRY STATE 17 COMMUNE (Contd.)

,..- ___Movable A ___property Property Annual ~---.--"-----~ income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver) Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry irnmJvable jewels property A.C. A.C. AC. Rs. Rs.

(to) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18 )

the Government (Contd.)

0'66 066 1'33 acres 15 Kalams of Not Elephant Twice a day Brahmothsavam of paddy and stated Car by a Brahmin for 11 days cocoanut Rs. 3,000 Rishabam inAdi groves Lion Masi Magam One House Sahadai Vijayadasami Virnanam Chithra Pournami

Rishabam Four times a day 1 Peacock by a Gurukkal I Vimanams-2 I Silver I Skandha Sashti Rishabams-2 I Navarathri 13'30 4'51 acres 250 kalarns 24,631 I Karthigai Deepam of cocoanut of I-Arudhra groves paddy and I Darisanam 7 Houses Rs.20,ooo I in Marga;lhi 2 Sheds I Masi Magam 15 Shops Silver Garuda Twice a day I Thai Poosam Adikaranandhi by a Bhatta. J Sivarathri Pallakku chariar Anjaneyar Horse

20,000 Silver Four times a day Navarathri Palanquin by a hereditary Arudhrain Rishabams-3 Gurukkal Margazhi Peacock Skandha Sasbti Horse Kartbigai Deepam Virnanams-! Masi Magam Peacocks·2 Ani Thiru- manjanam

3 Shops 15 kalams of Twice a day Navaralhri paddy and by a Brahmin Masi Magam Rs.9OO

1'99 7'98 6 Houses 20 kalams of 3,000 Lion, Swan Thrice a day Brahmothsavam paddy and Horse by a hereditary in Chithrai Rs.2,ooo Peacock Brahmin Adi Pooram Bandicoot Thai Pcosam Vimanam Ratham 3 18 TEMPLES OF PONDICHERRY

Age of Area of Distance from SI. L.C. t--:ame cf the Name of the the the Name of Other the nearest No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

13 1 Pond:cherry Sri Varadaraja Not 0'59 Sri Varadaraja Sri Ramar Pondicherry Town Perumal stated Perumal Sri Sitha Railway s:atlon Temple (V) Sri Perumdevi Sri Lakshmanar Sri Anjanryar Sri Vcnugopalar Sri Kannan Sri Santhanakrishnan Sri Alwars Sri Achariars Sri Andal

14 2 St. Simon pet Sri Adhi Vinaya. do 0'06 Sri Adhi Vinayakar Sri Veerabhadhra- Pondicherry kar swamy .Railway station Temple (G) Sri Chowdhambi- 1 mile gaiamman Sri Bhadrakali. amman

IS St. Simonpet Sri Sundara do 0'05 SriSundara Lord Siva do (Muthialpet Vinayakar Vinayakar Sri Subramaniyar Town) Temple (G) Sri Valli and Devasena

16 Savukkupet Sri PeriapaJaya- do 0'03 Sri Periapalaya· do " (Mulhialpet) tbamrnan thamman Temple (F)

17 Chevrayapet Sri fv{uthuputha· 180 0'18 Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry (Muthialpet) laizhaimari- Sri Parasuramar Railway station amman Sri Maduraiveeran 11 miles Temple (F) Bornrni Lord Siva

18 Angalamman­ Sri Aogalamman Not 0'51 Sri Angalamman Sri Pichiyayi Pondicherry " kuppam Temple (F) stated Sri Pavadarayan Railway station Sri Eswarar It miles Sri Ramar Sri Sitba PONDICHERRY STATE 19 COMMUNE( Contd.}

Movable property Property Annual _---.A..-----""\ ,-______.A. income Jewels (Value """ from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property AC. A.C A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11 ) (12) (l3) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Contd )

33'25 3'32 15 Houses seo kalama of 10,000 Silver Fourtim,lla a day Tamil New 6 Sheds & paddy and Garuda by a hereditary Year's Day 4 Shops Rs,800 Vimanam Arcbagar Udaiyavar festival Garu:las-2 in Chithrai Horse Vasantha Hanuman Utbsavam Nagam Garudasevai Ekadasi in Ani Vimanam Adipooram Elephant Krishna Jayanthi Palanquin Navaratbri Karthigai Deepam MasiMagam Sri Rama Navami Panguni Uthiram

1'33 5'32 Vacant 900 2,000 Twice a day plots by a Gurukkal

0'66 s'oa One vacant 300 Not Twice a day plot stated by a hereditary Thambiran

One cocoanut 25 No Poojas tree

0'04 acre 300 Lion Twicea day Annual festival vacant by a Valluvar for three days P~ot in Ad.

SO cocoanut 300 Not Sabadai Twice a day Annual festival trees stated Padisattam by a Mudaliar for nine days in Panguni 20 1EMPLES OF PONDICHERRY

Age of Area of Diltance from SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other the nearest No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

19 2 Mutbialpet Town Sri Selva 60 0·02 Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry Vinayakar Railway station Terople(G) Ii miles

20 do Sri Mutbukuma- Not 1)·33 Sri Mutbukumara- Sri Kasiviswa- Pondicherry raswamy stated swamy nathar Railway station Temple (M) Sri Valli and Sri Visalakshi 2 miles Devasena Sri Natarajar Sri Sivakami Sri Vioayakar

21 .. do Sri Srinivasa 75 0·33 Sri Srinivasa­ Sri Alamelu· do Perumal Perumal mangai Thayar Temple (V) Sri Devi and Sri Andal Bhudevi Sri Ranganathar Sri Lakshminara- simhar Sri Ramar Sri Lakshmanan Sri Sitha Sri Anjaneyar . Sri Alwars Sri Achariars

22 Muthiamudali­ Sri Subramaniyar Not 0·16 Sri Subramaniyar Sri Muthumari- do arpet Temple(M) stated Sri Valli and amman Devasena Sri Muthu Vinayakar Sri Vaidyanadhar Sri Thaiyanayagi Sri Palaniandavar

23 5H Uppalam Sri Desamuthu­ do 0'05 Sri Desamuthu­ Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry (Savariarpet) mariamman mariamman Railway station Temple (F) 3(8 miles PONDICHBRRY STATE 21 COMMUNE-(Contd.) Movable property ...,. ,... ____.-.A.-Proper'y Annual r- income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immwable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. ' A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) ( 17) (18) the Govemment-(Contd.)

200 2 Shops 40 kalamsof Not Bandicoot Twice a day Vinayaka paddy and stated Vimanam by a hereditary Chathurthi Rs 40 Brahmin Masi Magam

0'66 acre 200 kalams of do Nagam, Horse Twice a day Skandha Sashti of cocoa- paddy and Suran by a hereditary Tamil New nut groves Rs. 200 Peacock Gurukkal Year's Day 2 Houses Riahabam Adi Pooram Bandicoot Navarathri Vimanam ThaiPoosam Car Arudhra Palanquins-2 in Margazhi MasiMagam

11'97 0'66 acre 300 kalams of Not Garuda Twice a day Masi Magam of cocoa- paddy and stated Vimanams-3 by a hereditary Vaikunta nut groves Rs.3,000 (Under Hanuman Brahmin Ekadasi 6 Houses litigation) Horse Karthigai Deepam 11 Shops

Vacant 700 4,000 Not Twice a day Panguni Uthiram plots stated by a Gurukkal 20 cocoanut trees

0'08 acre 400 150 Lion Twice a day Annual festival of cocoanut Ratham by a Harijan for ten day. groves in Adi 22 TEMPLES OF

,~DICHERRY

Age of Area of Distar.ce from Sl. L.C. Name of the Name of the· the the Name of Other the Learest No. No, village Temple Temple Temple . Principal Deity deities Railway station (years} (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

24 15 Thiruvalluvar Sri Thulukka· 100 0'02 Sri ThuJukkana- Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry Nagar nathamman thamman Lord Siva Railway station Temple (F) 1 mile

25 18 Kurusukuppam Sri Jayamuthu­ Not Below Sri Jayamuthumari. do mariamman stated 0'01 amman Temple (F)

Temples outside

1 1 Pondicherry Town Sri Dhroupathi· 120 0'11 Sri Dhroupathi. Sri Krishnan Pondicherry amman amman Railway station Temple (F) Sri Dharmarajar Sri Arjunar

2 do Sri Akkasamy 150 Below Sri Vinayakar Sri Mariamman Pondicherry Mannu 0'01 Railway statio!) l>illaiyar t mile Temple (0)

3 Mutbialpet Sri Subramaniyar 42 0'10 Sri Subramaniyar Sri Varasiddhi Pondicherry Temple(M) Sri Valli and Vinayakar Railway station Devasena 1 mile

4 Muthia Mudali. " Sri Logamuthu­ 80 0'01 Sri Mariamman Pondicherry arpet mariamman Railway station Temple (F) 2 miles PONDlCHERRY STATE 23 COMMUNE (eontd.)

Movable property Property Annual r- .A.. ____~ _------...\..-----., income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Concld.)

Once a day Annual Festival by a hereditary for one or two ValJuvar days inAdi or Avani

One House 36 Once a day by a Fisherman

the GovefDIDent

l,O()() Indhra T.wicea day Vijayadasami Vimanam by a hereditary Uriyadi festival Horse Vanniar on the day of Garuda Gokulashtami Car Brahmothsavam Paramapadha in Adi Vimanam

Twice a day Masi Magam by a hereditary Thambiran .

Not Twice a day Panguni Uthiram stated by a Gurukkal MasiMagam

Lion Once a day Annual festival by a t.ereditary for five days Gramani inAdi 24 TEMPLES OF PONDICHERIty

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples outside

5 2 Muthia Mudali. Sri Jayamkonda 60 0'02 Sri Vinayakar Sri Subramaniyar Pondicherry arpet Vinayakar Sri Valli and Railway station Temple (0) Devasena. 2 miles

6 Velayudha PiIlai Sri Ponnumari. 7S 0'05 Sri Ponnumari· Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry Thottam amman amman Railway station (Muthialpet Town) Temple (F)

7 12 Oovindasalai Sri Chathurthi 100 0'04 Sri Vinayakar ... Pondicherry Vinayakar Railway statioQ Temple (0) i mile PONDICHERRY STATE COMMUNE tConeld.)

Movable property PropertyA ___ • ___ _ Annual ,-- -., -. income Jewels (Value feom the cfthe Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry imm:>vablc property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (IS) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Coneld.)

250 Not Car Twice a day Vinayaka etated Bandicoot by a Gurukkal Cbathurtbi festival for five days

Horse Once a day Annual festival Nagam by a Veera for ten days Saivar in Adi

8 Houses, 400 Twice a day Vinayaka some by a Pandaram Chathurtbi coconut trees ARIYANKUPPAM COMMUNE

Sri Sengazhuneeramman Temple at Peria Veeram­ and the moolavar or original idol of the head of ., pattinam Goddess that is found today in the sanctum sanctoru " is supposed to be the one installed by him in answer Peria Veeram Pattinam is a coastal village four to this dhine behest. He also !built a thatched shed! miles to the south of Pondicherry town. The village can be reached by bus that plies between Muthialpet which formed the nucleus of the present temple. It is_ town and this village through the Pondicherry t6wn. believed that the log of wood representing the Goddess Ariankuppam, the headquarters of the commune is was obtained on a Friday. The dream and divine command about the installation of the image occurred; situate at a distance of one mile to the west of the the next Friday. The image was actually installed on, vill&ge. a Friday in the month of Adi. Hence all Fridays especially those in the month of Adi are considered· The Sengazhuneeramman temple in this village is specially sacred for worship at this temple. The fame one of the most ~amous temples in the Pondicherry of the Goddess and Her miraculous powers spread in area and is held in great veneration by all people of course of time and the number of devotees and the the State. The presiding deity of this temple is believ­ offerings ftom them also increased. ed to possess miraculous powers for healing all diseases, especially those pertaining to eyes, and hence numerous devotees afflicted with various physical infir­ The rivulet from which the log of wood was mities resort to this temple and worship the Goddess. obtained used to be full of water hyacinths known as Offerings and donations from such devotees in grati­ Sengazhuneer plants, and hence when the deity was tude for favours received are also considerable. In installed for worship she was named as Sengazhunee­ fact, the sanctum sanctorum of the temple itself is said ramman by which name She is famous even today. to be the donation of one such grateful 4evotee. In fact, the deity is stated to be none other than Goddess Renukai Amman, the story about whom is The legend connected with the origin of the narrated as follows. Renuka was the better half of temple runs as follows ;- Saint Jamadagni, who was performing penance in a Nearly four centuries ago, a pious fiisherman by hermitage with herself and their !ion Parasurama. name Veeraraghava Chettiar used to fish in the nearby Renuka who was an embodiment of chastity used to go rivulet. It :was a particularly bad day for him once ~s a rule, to the- river, at dawn, take her bath, prepare when throughout the day his net did not bring him in no time a pot out of fresh clay by virtue of a mira­ anything. Towards the close of the day, he found his culous power bequeathed to her, and bring the water net increasing in· weight and as he drew it ashore required for the daily rites in that pot. When one gladly expecting a good catch, he was disappointed to day, as usual, she was bathing in the river, she saw find in it only a log of wood. In disgust, he threw therein the reflection of an enchanting 'gandharva' the log of wood in the backyard of his house. The and for a moment admired his form and fell in love, next day, as is usual with housewives, an attempt was with him. As a result of this impure thought which made to split it for firewood, when to her conster­ was an encroachment on her chastity her supernatural nation his wife, found blood gushing forth from the. power to produce pots straightaway vanished. She log. All those who were witnessing this incident attri­ returned and confessed about her crime to her buted the miraculous phenomenon to the presence of husband. The enraged Jamadagni commanded his son some form of divinity in the log of wood. This sur­ to chop off her bead. As Parasurama, drew his axe a mise was confirmed one night when the Goddess cobbler women who was extremely devoted to Renuka ' appeared before the fisherman in his dream and told embraced her with a view to save her and the result him that the log of wood was none othor than Herself was that b~th of them lost their heads. Having impli­ and that he should bury it by the side of a nearby citly obeyed his command, Parasurama sought a cobra hole and instal 0\ er it a granite image of the boon from his father and that was to bring his mother head of the Goddess. He obeyed the divine command, back to life. The father granted the boon, and as ..., ;:~J ;

Sengazhuneeramman Temple-The Corridor Gopuram of Sengazhuneeramman Temple facing East Sengazhuneeramman Temple-Inside Prakaram

PONCICHERRY STATE 27 advised, Parasurama joined the he'ld and the trunk of I. Brahmotsavam for ten days commencing on the two bodies. But in his confusion~ he joined the the Thursday after the third Friday in the trunk of the cobbler woman with the head of Renuka Tamil month of Adi (July-August.) and vice versa, and sprinkled holy water on them when 2. Muthupallakku festival on the sixth Friday both of them came back to life, though with the after the first Friday in the month of Adi. curious forms. Both of them however refused to resort to their orginai abodes and lived together on the 3. Ambu festival on the Vijayadasami day in the river-bank. The lady with the face of Renuka died Tamil month of Poorattasi (September­ first after some ye:m and the other lady buried it tip October) to the neck exposing t~e bead, which w~s deified and 4. Karthigai Deepam festival on the day of worshipped as Renukai Amman. By virtue of the Karthigai in the Karthigai month (November­ supernatural and miraculous powers of the Goddess, December.) which the devotees experienced, she came to be wor­ shipped as a popular Goddess known differently as 5. Mattu Pongal in the month of Thai (January­ February) Mariamman, Muthumariamman, Muthalamman, etc. It is because of this that in all' temples dedicated to Of the above, Brahmotsavam and Muthu­ these Goddesses the image in the sanctum sanctorum pallakku festivals, are the most important festivals, are usually only the head of the Goddess. After the not only for the temple, but also for the Pondicherry image of Sengazhuneeramman was installed at Veeram­ State, as a whole. More than a lakb. of devotees pattinam, it was re ali sed that the Goddess consecrated attend the Rathautsavam on the ninth day of the there was none other than Renukai Amman. Brahmotsavam as well as the Muthu Pallakku festival. The normal attendance during the other days Two centuries after the Goddess was installed and of the Brahmotsavam is said to be five thousand, while worshipped at Veerampattinam, a rich man of Pond i­ the other festivals gather only a crowd of 500. cherry whose only daughter became blind, came to this shrine and worshipped the Goddess with the object of The Devasthanam owns gold and silver jewels- and.. recovering the lost eyesight for the girl.. After austere a kavacham estimated to cost about Rs. 15,000 in aU. worship at this shrine for a period of forty days, the It also owns ten kanis of wet lands and twenty kanis girl regained her eyesight, and in gratitude for this of dry lands yielding an income of 145 kalams of benediction, the rich man had a sanctum sanctorum built paddy and Rs. 500 in cash. This income is utilised for for the Goddess. He also endowed properties the income payment of remuneration to the priests and other from which was to be used for performing daily poojas temple employees, for the performance of the daily and the annual festivals. With subsequent dona­ rites in the temple and for the maintenance and repairs tions and contributions from grateful devotees, the to shrine. The Devasthanam owns and maintains a temple was further expanded and enriched and today choultry and runs a nursery school in the village. One it stands at the entrance to the village as an attractive devotee has endowed a kattalai with two kanis of wet temple with a tank and a prakaram facing east and land for offering cooked rice to the Goddess during occupying an area of 6~ cents. There are separate the daily poojas. The annual income from hundis, sanctum sanctorums to the Goddess, to Vinayakar and through the sdle of tickets for archana and abhishe­ the Saptha Kannikais. There is a gopuram at the karns to the G0ddess and by auctioning the right to eastern entrance built to a height of 50 ft. The moola­ run stalls during the annual festival etc. is estimated at var in the sanctum sanctorum is a granite image of the Rs. 12,000. head of the Goddess. But a full-sized granite image The vahanams used in the temple include Risha­ of the Goddess in sitting posture is installed behind bham, Lion, Elephant, Swan,.' Horse, Nagam and the moolavar. Vimanams all of which are mlde of wood. There is also a 40 ft. high ratham (chariot) which was made The daily rituals in the temple are performed by 80 years ago. a non-hereditary Saivite Brahmin priest. P\)ojas are performed twice a day. The following festivals are The Devasthanam used to be administered by five celebrated in the temple. trustees elected by the people of the village. But of 28 TEMPLES OF

late, the Lt. Governor nominates a committee consist­ Pondicherry area. On each day of the festival, a fuIl ing of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a bronze image of the Goddess, draped in silks and Treasurer and a member to manage the affairs of the adorned with jewels and flowers is taken out in cere- temple. . monial procession through the village during night. The decorated image of the Goddess, is mounted Oil The annual Brahmotsavam different vahanas on different days and is accompanied by the traditional nadhaswaram music, gas lights and The annual Brahmotsavam of this temple is cele­ display of fire works. All these vahanas are owned by brated for ten days commencing on the Thursday the temple itself and are made of wood. The festival preceding the fourth Friday in the Tamil month of on each· day is conducted by in5iividuals or groups of Adi (July-August). 10 fact this is the most important individuals as indicated below: and largely attended temple festival celebrated in the

Serial order of Vahana Particulars of people conducting the festival. the day of fest.ival.

I day Vimanam Rice merchants of Poodicherry. II day do Paddy merchants of pondicherry. III day do Paddy brokers of Pondicherry. IV day Bull Jewellers of Pondicherry. V day Lion Toddy shopowners and tappers. VI day Elephant Grocery shopkeepers of Pondicherry. vII day Swan Sri Raghava Chettiar, a prominent agriculturist. VIII day Horse General merchants of Pondicherry. X day Car festival Morning: Conducted out of temple funds Evening: Procession conducted by the ex-servicemen of the French Army. X day Floating festival Conducted out of temple funds.

The above order of participation by the people belong­ distance of about 100 yards from the eastern entrance ing to different castes and engaged in different to the temple, which is also the main entrance. All occupatlons has been observed from time immemorial through the -year it is -protected again.st rain. an.d sun by and even the trustees of the temple are not able to throw thatched cocoanut leaves. About a week before the any Jight about the year of commencement of the car festival, the cocoanut thatches are removed and annual festival or the observance of this order of some minor reno-Jation is done to make it fit for participation. The strength of the gathering on each smooth running, Qn the day of the festival. The car is cf the first seven days varies from 3,000 to :-,000. It decorated with clothes of different colQurs. By about increases to about 50,000 on the eighth day, for the 6 A.M on the day of the car festival, the bronze image devotees look forward to the car festival so eagerly and of the GQddess, gaily decorated, is taken in processiJn start pouring in to the village on the eve of the Car from the temple to the car and mounted in it. By this festival, which falls on the 9th day. time, the Lt. Governor, the Ministers, Mayors of the Communes, High officials etc. from Pondicherry Town Car festival and the entire Pondicherry area would have reached the This festival takes place either on the fifth Friday village. The car processiQn starts by about 7 A.M. in the month of Adi or on the first Friday in the and it is inaugurated by the Lt. Governor who tQuches following month of A vani. The car, about 40 feet the rope first after which all the pilgrims, lend a help­ high is made of wood. The bottom portion of the car ing hand in pulling the car, on its procession, aCCQm­ bears beautiful carvings. It is generally stationed at a panied by the beating of drums and nadhaswaram

The well-decorated car ready for the procession

/ The car being taken round In procession through one of the streets The Chief Commissioner of Pondicherry arriving to inaugurate the procession The Chief Commissioner inaugurating the procession by touching the rope attached to the car The sacred tank of the temple J , , L.. __ • The elephant fanning the Goddess with the 'Venchamaram' The elaborately decorated paJanquin or 'muthu paUakku' · . Goddess Sengazhuneeramman being taken from the Temple to the palanquin Gopuram of the Sengazhuneeramman Temple

PONDICHERRY STATE 29

music. The elephant brought from ThirukkoiIur, in The palanquin is constructed and decorated by a set of Madras State, goes in front of the car. All through artisans in Pondicherry who have specialised in this the way, residents of the village as well as the pilgrims work. The palanquin is illuminated by innumerable offer their worship to the deity. The procession lasts electric bulbs and fluorescent lamps. Tne idol of the for an hour. Goddess, tastefully decorated and placed in the palanquin, which in its turn is mounted on a chariot, In the evening by about 8 p.m. the deity is taken is drawn in procession in the village. The procession back to the temple in procession. Music and fire­ usually starts by about 10 p.m. Display of fire works form additional attractions during this proce­ works, music played by police band and nadhaswaram, ssion. This part of the festival is conducted by some karagam dance and 'Poikkal Kudhirai' (Dummy horse ex-servicemen of the French Army. The total attend­ dance) constitute additional features of this festival and ance on the day of the car festival is about a lakh of all these serve as a great source of free entertainment persons. to the deveotees attending the festival. The chariot returns to the temple by 4 a.m. on the following day. Floating festival This is the last festival of the temple for the year. This takes place on the 10th day of the Brahmo­ About 60,% of the gathering at these festivals thsavam and is held in the temple tank situated to the belong to the socially backward classes such as Semba­ south-west of the temple. The raft is prepared out of davar (Fishermen), cobblers (Sakkilians), Parayas the logs of. wood available in plenty in the village and (Harijans) etc. The rest belong to the other castes such the deity is placed on it and taken round, to the accom­ as Vanniar, Thuluva Vellala, Reddiar, Brahmin etc. A paniment of nadhaswaram music. The festival takes peculiar feature during the celebration of the festivals place in the night commencing at 8 p m. and it in this temple is that pilgrims offer poultry and lambs goes on till the small hours of the morning. The to the Goddess in fuifilment of their vows. Live birds strength of the gathering witnessing the festival is or animals are also offered to the Goddess. About about 30,000 out of whom about 60 to 70% will be 2,000 poultry are offered alive and another 500 or so those who came for the car festival and stayed back in are sacrificed to the Goddess on the day of the car the village itself to witness the floating festival. 'Others festival. The figures come down to about 1000 and 200 come from the surrounding villages as well as Pondi­ respectively on the palanquin festival day. The pilgrims cherry Town. also offer replica of the parts of the human body-made either in gold or silver-;noney, jewels,t 0 the Goddess. Muthu Pallakku Festival Most of them prepare pongal under the trees and offer This is another important and largely attended it to the Goddess. Caste distinction and social festival celebrated in the Sengazhuneeramman temple. .distinction are conspicuously absent during the festival. It is celebrated during the night of the Friday following Further, people belonging to different castes, but the car festival day (i.e.) either on the first or second ,engaged in the same occupation, join together and Friday in the Tamil month of Avani. People term conduct the festival in the temple. On some days, this day' as Rathavai Thudaippu (cleaning the blood­ people of the same caste join together and conduct it. stained mouth) day. But the term does not hold any This may be an indication of social integration among correlation to the festival taking place on this day. the people belonging to Veerampattinam at least to a Neither the trustees of the temple nor the local people limited extent. can offer any valid reason for this nomenclature. The annual festival in the temple at Veerampatti­ Throughout that day, pilgrims numbering about a lakh nam is a source of revenue to the temple. The right of visit the village, to offer poojas and archanas to the collection of the poultry offered alive to the temple by Goddess. In the night, the .' Muthupallakku' (pearl the devotees, tbe right of collecting fees for the palanquin) festival takes place. The palanquin is made sacrifice of these birds, (SO Naye Paise for each), hundi out of split bamboo and then it is decorated with collections, fees for the setting up of stalls, shops etc., cardboards of different hues bedecked with glass beads collection at 6 naye paise per head from those who resembling pearl. Clay dolls also are arranged in rows seek entry into the temple during the festival days and on the sides of the palanquin to add to its beauty. the right of collection of fees e7 naye paise) from 30 TEMPLES OF those who perform tonsure ceremony are all auctioned. of Pondicherry, Cuddalore, Villupuram etc. operate This fetches about Rs. 12,000 every year, and the special buses to Veerampattinam both day and night collections are on the increase every year. Besides this which bring them a good return. However, the best seasonal income the annual income from the lands 'sellers during the festival are the articles required for owned by the temple is about Rs. 2,500. All these go the worship of the Goddess such as cocoanuts, to meet the expenditure towards the Clir festival, camphor, betel leaves and nuts, plantains and incense, floating festival, Muthupallakku and the erection of and innumerable stalls and vendors sell these. The thatched sheds within and in front of the temple. The stalls are set up about a day or two prjor to the car balance if any goes to augment the funds of the temple festival and the Muthu pallakku festival. and removed which are utilised for developmental activities such as the following day. providing irrigation facilities for the· temple lands, renovation and maintenance of the temple etc. A statement of accounts has to be submitted to the Apart from obtaining spiritual solace, the Government of Pondicherry. devotees enjoy the side a!tractions of the festival. Thus those who come from remote villages enjoy very much the merry-go-round, magic performances. dances to The local people also are benefited by the festival popular cinema tunes by some artistes, the karagam in more ways than one. As the village is a15undant in dance, fire works display, ctc. A few also go to the fresh fish and salted fish, the fishermen of the village specials shows in the cinema houses at Ariankuppam, find a good market for these. Those who compete Thavalakuppam, Mudaliarpet, etc. all of which are successfully in auctions for the rights over hundi on the way to Virampattinam and within a radius of collections and other fees, get a decent income every about 5 kilometres. The elephant brought specially for year. The grocers in the village do good business the festival from the temple at Thirukkoilur in Madras during these days. State provides amusement to the children. and the aged offer worship to it. The inhabitants of the neighbouring villages enjoy their visit to Virampatti­ People in the adjoining villages utilise this nam during the festival as it provides a good leisure opportunity to sell their products of agriculture and from their routine life. handicrafts. Thus vegetables lIke pumpkins, brinjals, lady's fingers, green chillies etc. and fruits like guava, mango, plantains and berries from Kodaikanal in On the days of both the car festival and the Muthu­ Madras State etc. find a very good market. There is a . pallakku, a number of gruel centres are set up on all good market for aerated water, tender coconuts and the roads leading to Virampattinam. People, while beverages and delicacies. The products of handicrafts' they suffer from diseases or find themselves in such as clay vessels and dolls made by the potters of difficulties pray to the Goddess at Virampatinam and Nainar mandapam, Ariankuppam and Murungapak· take a vow to run a gruel centre for one year or more kam, baskets of different sizes and seives made of or throughout their life. if they get relief. In token bamboo coming from places like Madhagadipet in of their gratitude and to fulfil their vows, they run Pondicherry area and from Thiruvannamalai in Madras these gruel centres. In such centres, devotees going to State and utensils made of iron such as spoons. knives Veerampattinam or returning from there are fed with (Aruval manai), pans, etc. from Panruti and Nelli­ gruel prepared out of rice or ragi. and kambu. These kuppam in Madras State are in demand during the centres really satisfy the requirements of the poor festival season. Apart from this, plenty of stalls and hungry devotees. selling sweetmeats, peas, popcorn, date fruits etc. are also set up and all of them turn out a gJod trade. Further, glass and rubber bangles, ribbons, cosmetics, State and 'Municipal assistance playthings made of plastic. balloons. etc .• find a ready sale during the festival. About half a dozen catering The Government of the Union Territory of establishments are also set up for the convenience of Pondicherry depute a contingent of police force to the devotees. During the festival season bus owners Virampattinam to maintain law and order during the The Palanquin with Sengazhuneeramman in procession

Preparation of Pongal for offering A view of tbe fisb-market

Clay vessels on sa1e pONDICHERRY STATE 31 festival. The Public Works Department also maintain Ariankuppam Commune Municipality runs a first aid a copious supply of drinking water on the days of the centre in the village on the day of the car festival and car festival and the Muthu Pallakku festival. The also sees to other sanitary arrangements. 32 TEMPLES OF ARIYANKUPPAM

Age of Area of Distance from SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other the nearest No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

1 Peria Veeram- Sri Sengazhu- 350 0'59 Sri Sengazhunee- Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry pattinam neeramman ramman Railway station Temple (F) 4 miles

2 3 Odairely Sri Vinayakar 3D Below Sri Vinayakar Sri Mariamman Pondicberry Temple (0) 0'01 Railway station Smiles

3 do Sri Mariamman Not Not Sri Mariamman do Temple (F) stated stated

4 4 Kakkayantboppu Sri Mariamman 30 0'01 Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar Pondicberry TempJe(F) Railway station 4 miles

5 5 Ariankuppam Sri Brahma Not Below Sri Brahma (\0 to 17 Temple (0) stated 0'01

6 do Sri Droupathi do 0'08 Sri Droupathi· Sri Krishnan do amman amman Temple (F) Arjunao

7 do Sri Ayyanar do 0'01 Sri Ayyanar do " Temple CO) Poorani and Pokkalai

8 .. do Sri Ondi do Not Sri Ondi Ayyanar do Ayyanar stated Poorani and Temple (0) Pokkalai

9 do Sri Vinayakar do 0'02 Sri Vioayakar Navagrahas do Temple (0)

10 .. do Sri Mariamman do 0'04 Sri Mariamman do Temple (F) PONDICHERRY STATE 33 COMMUNE

Movable pr~ perty Anr:ual ,.... __.A. ____~ ,.... __- ____Property.A. __ • ______, income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Geld & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) prcperty A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10; (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (10) the Government

13'30 26'60 145 kalams 15,000 Rishablm Twice a day Brahmothsavam of Lion by a hereditary for 10 days paddy and Elephant Gurukkal inAdi Rs,500 Swan Muthupallakku Horse Vijayadasami Car Karthigai Deepam Nagam Mattu Pongal Vimanams-4 in Thai

"\. ~ Once a day Annual festival i by a Vanniar in Ani j

Vimanam Once a week Annual festival by a hereditary for 7 days Vanniar in Vaikasi

1'33 acres 25 - 1 Once a day of cashew by a Gurukkal groves I do 400 Once a day Festival held by a hereditary in Chithrai Vanniar every alternative year Garuda Ho~' 4'00 acres Not IElephant Dncea day of groves stated Nagam, Lion by a Vanniar & shrubs Injhra ~ Vim an am Sahadais·3 2'66 80 IVimanams-2 do I 0'53 One house 70 Once a day Bra'lmothsavam by a Gurukkal for 10 days in every alternative year

2'()() 350 500 J do do 34 TEMPLES OF ARIY ANKUPPAM

Distance from Age cf Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

11 22 Punnankuppam Sri Droupathi- 150 0·17 Sri Droupathi- Sri K!rishnan Ponjicherry amman amman Railway station Temple (F) Arjunar 6 miles

12 do Sri Angalamman 150 0'11 Sri Angalamman do Temple (F)

13 do Sri Vinayakar Not Not Sri Vinayakar do " Temple (G) stated stated

14 do Sri Ayyanar do do Sri Ayyanar do " Temple (0) Poorani and PokkaIai

15 24 Abishekapakkam Sri Vinayakat do O'O? Sri Vinayakar do &25 Temple (G)

16 -, do Sri Muthalamman 50 Sri Muthalamman do Temple (F)

17 do Sri Nallathamby Not Not Sri Nallathamby do " Ayyanar stated stated Ayyanar Temple (0) Poorani and Pokkalai

18 26 Thimmanaicken­ Sri Muthu 150 1,()() Sri Muthumari­ Pondicherry &28 palayam Mariamman amman Railway station Temple (F) ? miles PONDICHERRY STATE 35 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual ,...___ Movable ..A..property ___ .... Property.A. ______-, income ,... from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. 110\ Ill) (12) (13) (14) (16) (15) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

Once a day by a hereditary Vanniar

Once a day Annual festival by a Fisherman for 10 days in Masi

6'65 600 Lion Once a day Sahadai by a hereditary Vanniar

do

1'66 30 kalams Bandicoot Twice a day of paddy by a hereditary Gurukkal

8·00 120 kalama Vimanam Twice a day of paddy by a Gurukkal

1"13 20 kalama No poojas of paddy

One house Not Nagam Twice a day Annual festival stated Horse by a hereditary for tOday. Vimanam Brahmin in Adi Lion Bhootham Kailasa Parvatham 36 TEMPLES OF ARIYANKUPPAM

Age of Distance fcom Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the tbe tbe Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities (years) (acres) or tbe Trunk Road

(I) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (2)

Temples under

19 26 Tbimmanaicken. Sri Mariamman Not Not Sri Mariamman Pondicberry & 28 palayam Temple (F) stated stated Railway station 7 miles

20 .. do Sri Sundara 150 0'05 Sri Sundara Sri Subramaniyar do Vinayakar Vinayakar Sri Valli and Temple (G) Devasena

21 30 Nallavadu Sri Angalamman . 200 0'02 Sri Angalamman Sri Bhadhrakali Pondicberry Temple (F) Sri Veerabhadbra· Railway station swami 6 miles Sri Pavadarayan

22 .. do Sri Vinayakar Not Below Sri Vinayakar do Temple (G) stated 0'01

23 35 Manavali Sri Mariamman do 0'03 Sri Mariamman Pondicherry Temple (F) Railway station 4 miles

24 do Sri Vinayakar do Not Sri Vinayakar do Temple (G) stated

25 do Sri Droupatbi. do Below Sri Droupatbi· do amman 0'01 amman Temple (F)

26 .. do Sri Pandurangar do Not Sri Pandurangar do Temple (V) stated Sci Radba and Rukmani PONDICHERRY STATE 37 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable property Property income r-----.A.---..... ,_.-- _____.A. ___.____ ""' frem the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (IS) (16) (17) (18) the Government (ConcId)

Lion No poojas

2'66 1,000 Twice a day by a Gurukkal

0'66 acre 200 Lion Once a day Annual festival of cocoanut Horse by a hereditary for 7 days groves Vanniar in Masi

No poojas

Annual festival for 10 days in Adi

Vinayaka Chathurthi

1'66 acres 1,000 Horse Once aday Annual festival of cocoanut Bandicoot by a Vanniar for 5 days and mango Garuda in Chithrai groves Vimanam or Vaikasi

MaUu Pongal Vaikunta Ekadasi 3& TEMPLES OF ARIYANKUPPAM

Age of Area of Distance from Sl. L.C. Name of the Name of the tbe the Name of Other the nearest No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (4) (4) (~) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples outside

2 Sinnaveeram Sri Muthu Not 0'01 Sri Muthu Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry Pattinam Mariamman stated Mariamman Railway station Temple (F) 4 miles

2 do Sri Perumal do Not Sri Perumal Sri Garudan do Temple (V) stated Sri Devi and Bhudevi

3 4 Sinnakakka· Sri Vinayakar do Below Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry yantbope Temple (0) 0'01 Railway station 3 miles

4 5 Ariankuppam Sri Kanniar 100 Sri Kanniar Sri Pacbavazhi. do to 17 Temple (F) amman (Sri Pachavazhi Sri Mannadee. amman Temple) swarar Sri Vinayakar Sri Subramaniyar Navagrahas Sri Saptha Muneeswarar

5 18 Edayarpalayam Sri Mariamman Not Below Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry Temple (F) stated 0'01 Railway station 4 miles

do Sri Ayyanar 6 " do Not Sri Ayyanar do Temple (0) stated Poorani Pokkalai

7 20 Thavalakuppam Sri Mariammaa 90 O'Ol Sri Mariammaa Sri Angalamman PDndkberry Temple (F) Sri Perumal Railway station 4tmiles PONDICHERRY STATE 39 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable property Property income ~--- ~""' .... ,... ______.A. ______from the Jewels (Value _---- immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (1S) (16) (17) (18) the Government

0'66 0'17 acre 500 Twi::e a day Annual festival of cocoanut by a Fisherman for 4 days groves in Adi

No poojas

No poojas

0'80 250 Rishabam Once a day Annual festival Peacock by a Fisherman in Adi

•

3 kalams· Vimanam Once a day of paddy bya Vanniar

20 to 30 Not Only lamp is lit palmyra stated by a Poosari trees and 0'37 acre of cocoanut groves

Garuda Once a day Annual festival by a Nadar for 9 days in Adi 40 TEMPLES OF ARIYANKUPPAM

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No, No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7 ) (8) (9)

Temples outside

8 21 Korukkamedu Sri Mariamman Not Below Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry Temple (F) stated 0"01 Railway station 6 miles

9 23 Theduvarnatham Sri Sundara do do Sri Vinayakar Villianur Vinayakar Railway station Temple (G) 5 miles

10 29 Nonankuppam Sri Sundaramurthy 75 0·01 Sri Vinayakar Sri Mariamman Pondicherry Vinayakar Railway station Temple (G) 4 miles

11 31 Pudukuppam Sri Vinayakar 100 Below do do Pondicherry Temple (G) 0'01 Railway station 51 miles

12 do Sri Ayyanar 200 do Sri Ayyanar do Temple (0) Poorani and Pokkalai

13 32 Andiarpalayam Sri Mariamman 50 0'03 Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry Temple (F) . Railway station 7 miles

33 Kasanthittu Sri Mariamman Not Below do do Temple (F) slated • 0'01

15 34 Thanampalayam Sri Mariamman do 0'01 do Pondicherry Temple (F) Railway station 51 miles PONDICHERRY STATE 41 COMMUNE-(Concld.)

Annual Movable property Property income r--.---...... _-~ ,---_.-_...... _--""' from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Coneld.)

Pooja held on auspicious days only by a Nadar

Once a day by a hereditary Pandaram

Bandicoot Once a day Annual festival Lion byaVanniar for 10 days in Vaikasi

;po­ Twice a day Annual festival by a Fisherman for 8 days in Avani

N() poojas Annual festival for one!day in Adi

Lion Onceiaday by a hereditary Vanniar

Once a day Annual festival by Villagers inAdi

... Padisattam Once a day Annual festival by a Vanniar for one day in Adi

MUDALIARPET COMMUNE 44 TEMPLES OF MUDALIARPET

Distance from Age of Area of the loearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities (years) or the Trunk (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

1 2 Pillaithottam Sri Muthumari- Not 0'04 Sri Ananda Muthu- Pondicherry amman stated mariamman Railway station Temple (F) 1 mile

2 do Sri Gangay- 40 Below Sri GengayammaD do amman 0'01 Temple (F)

3 4 Sinnakosapalayam Sri Muthumari SO 0'01 Sri Muthumari- Pondicherry amman amman Railway station Temple (F) limiles

4 Kosapalayam SrI Jayankonda Not 0'09 Sri Jayankonda Sri Selva Pondicherry Mariamman stated Mariamman Vinayakar Railway station Temple (F) 1 mile

s do Sri Muthu 62 Below Sri Muthu Vinayakar do " Vinayakar 0'01 Temple (G)

0'15 Sri Muthukumara- do 6 It do Sri Muthuku- 150 maraswamy swamy TempJe(M) Sri Valli and Devasena

7 do Sri Vellanthan­ Not Not Sri Ayyanar Sri Vinayakar do gai Ayyanar stated stated Sri Poorani Sri Viswanathar Temple (0) Pushkalambal Sri Visalaksbi Sri Subramaniyar Sri Valli and Devasena Navagrahas Sri Madurai Veeran Sri Valliamman Bommi MaJayalathar Sapthakannigais PONDICHERRY STATE 45 COMMUNE

Movable property Property Annual -"- ...... r-- ...... ___----..... income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) tbe Government 1 Once a day I by a Brahmin 0'44 0'47 acre 10 kalams of Lion I of cocoanut paddy and Kedayam )- groves with Rs. 300 I 30 cocoanut I Once a day trees J by a Poosari

A cocoanut Rs.l00 Once a day grove with by a Vanniar 20 trees

0'77 0'03 vacant 20 kalams of Kedayam Once a day plot and paddy and by a hereditary one house Rs. 120 Brahmin

1 Bandicoot Twice a day Vinayaka J by a Brahmin Chathurthi 2'00 0'41 acre 16 kalams of Not I of cocoanut paddy and stated )- groves with Rs. 1,000 I 150 trees I J Padisattam do Vaikasi Visakam Karthigai Deepam Arudhra Dharisanam Paoguni Uthiram

Twice a day Adi Krithigai by a Veera­ saivar 46 TEMPLES OF MUDALIARPET

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI, L.C, Name of the Name of the the the Name of other Railway station No, No, village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(l) (2) (3) (4) (S) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

8 6 Sri Aruntathi- Sri Muthal- Not 0'01 Sri Muthumari. Pondicherry puram amman stated amman Railway station (Sakkilipalayam) Temple (F) 1 mile

9 7 Orlayampet Sri Sithi 100 0'06 Sri Sithi Vina- Sri Chamundee- Pondicherry Vinayakar yakar swariamman Railway station Temple (G) Sri Nagalinga· i mile swamy

10 do Sri U1aganayagi- Not 0'11 Sri Ulaganayagi Sri Sithi Vinayakar do " amman stated amman Temple (F)

11 do Sri Ondi Ayyana- do Below Sri Ayyanar do rappan 0'01 Temple (0)

12 10 Nellithope Sri Periapalaya. 110 0'04 Sri Periapalaya· Pondicherry thamman thamman Railway station Temple (F) 1 mile

13 12 Keerapalayam Sri Balasubra. 70 0'22 Sri Balasubra- Sri Eswarar do maniyar maniyar Sri Palaniandy Temple (M) Sri Valli and Sri Vinayakar Devasena

14 42 do Sri Ayyanar 120 Below Sri Ayyanar Pondicherry Temple (0) 0'01 Poorani Railway station Pokkalai It miles

15 13 Kommapakkam Sri Sengazhuneer Not 0'(6 Sri Sengazhuneer Villianur amman stated Amman Railway station Temple (P) 3 miles PONDlCHERRY STATE 47 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable property Property income ~ ____.A._~~ ,------...... from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (16) (16) (17) (18) the Government (eontd.)

Vimanam Thrice a day by a Cobbler woman

3'00 1 House 30 kalams of Not Lion Twice a day Vinayaka paddy and stated Padisattam by a Gurukkal Chathurthi Rs.50 Vijayadasami MasiMagam

A cocoanut Rs.200 do Kedayam Twice a day Annual festival grove with by a Poosari for three days 40 trees in Thai

Once a day by a Vanniar

5 cocoanut Not Sabadai No l'oojas trees stated Kedayams-2

2'00 One house 32 kalams soo Peacock Twice a day Panguni Uthiram of paddy Vimanam by a hereditary MasiMagam Brahmin

Vacant 6 kalams of Once a day plot for paddy and by a hereditary 13 that­ Rs. 234 Brahmin ched houses

1'33 066 acre 15 kalams of Not Lion Once a day Sedal festival of mango paddy and stated Vimanam by a hereditary in Ani grove with Rs' 200 Sahadai Vanniar MasiMagam 10 mango Car Mattu Pongal trees and 4 cocoanut trees 48 TEMPLES OF MUDALIARPET

Age of Area of Distance from SI. L.C. Name of the NaIr.e of the the the Name of Other the nearest No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2, (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

16 16 Pappanchavadl Sri Ma:iamman Not Below Sri Mariamman Villianur Temple (F) stated 0'01 Railway station 5 miles

17 IS Murungapakkam Sri Droupathi­ do 0'18 Sri Droupathi­ pondicberry &18 amman amman Railway station Temple (F) 2i miles

18 do Sri Vinayakar 100 Below Sri Vioayakar do Temple (G) 0'01

19 ., do Sri Sandhaveli Not 0'01 Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar do Mariamman stated Parasuramar Temple (F)

20 do Sri Mariamman do 0'01 do do Temple (F)

21 do Sri Angalamman do Below Sri Angalamman do " Temple(F) 0·01

22 19 Nainannandapam Sri Matiamrnan 70 do Sri Mariamman Pondichercy Temple (F) Railway station 2 miles

23 20 Mudaliarpet Sri Muthukumara. Not 0'02 Sri Muthukumara. Sri Muthu ViDa­ Poodicberry swamy stated 8wamy yakar Railway station Temple (M) Sri Valli and Lord Siva 1 mile Devasena Sri Parvathi PONDICHERRY STATE 49 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable property Property income r----A.--~ r- ~ ---~ from the Jewels (Value . immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (16) (15) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

1'33 75 Lion Only lamp is lit by a Vanniar

'\ Once ada., Annual festival I by a Vanniar in Chithrai I Garuda or Vaikasi I Horse 4'00 4'00 Cocoanut 5,000 Not I Lion trees and stated )'Bandicoot 80 thatched I Vimanam houses jS.bada;~2 Bandicoot co Vinayaka Chathurthi

do Sedal festival for four days in Adi

• Not do Annual festival stated for one day in Chithrai or Vaikasi

do

0'16 2 bags Once a day of Paddy by a woman

1'33 25 kalams 150 Peacock Twic~ a day Karthikai Deepam of paddy Vimanam bya Brahmin ThaiPoosam 50 TEMPLES OF MUDALIARPET

Distance feom Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities (years) or tbe Trunk. (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

24 21 ThengathiUu Sri Vinayakar 50 0'01 Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry Temple (0) Railwaystation 2 miles

25 .. do Sri Mariamman 40 0·01 Sri Mariamman do Temple (F)

26 do Sri Ayyanar 40 Not Sri Ayyanar Agora Veeran do Temple (0) stated Poorani Madurai Veeran Pokkalai Bommi Malayalathar

27 21 do Sri Kaliamman 20 Not Sri Kaliamman Pondicherry Temple (F) stated Railway statiol 2 miles

Temples outside

1 7 Orlayampet Sri Sangoodhi Not Below Sri Sangoodhi Pondicherry (Chery-Harijan Mariamman stated 0·01 Mariamman Railway station Colony) Temple (F) ! mile

2 Orlayampet Sri Sundaramurthi do do Sri Vinayakar do Vinayakar Temple (G)

3 15 Murugapakkam Sri Muthumari- 100 0·03 Sri Muthumari. Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry & 18 amman amman Sri Subrarnaniyar Railway station Temple (F) 2i miles

4 20 MudaJiarpet Sri Srinivasa . 70 0'69 Sri Srinivasa Pondich_erry Perurnal Perumal Railway station Temple (V) 1 mile PONDICHERRY STATE 51 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable property Property income r------.A.---~ r------.A.------~"" from the Jewels (Value immoval:>le of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Oth:!r property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) . (11) (12) (13) (14) (1S) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Coneld.) .

1,SO() Sahadai Twice a day Annual festival Vimanams-2 by a hereditary for three da~ Vanniar in Chithrai

the Government

Twice a day Annual festival by a Harijan for nine days woman in Avani

Once a day by a Priest

()'41 0'07 acre 6 kalams of Once a day of cocoanut paddy and by a Fisherman groves Rf. 86

Thrice a day by a Bhatta­ chariar S2 TEMPLES OP MUDALIARPET

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples outside

5 20 Mudaliarpet Sri Varadhan 60 0'06 Sri Varadban Sri Perundevi Pondicherry Temple(V) Sri Devi and Thayar Railway station Bbudevi four Azhwars 1 mile,

6 do Sri Gangayamman Not 0'01 Sri Gangayamman Pondicherry Temple (F) stated .Railway station tmile PONDICHERRY srATE 53 COMMUNE-(Concld.}

Movable property • ______PropertyJ- _____ -., Annual ,--- ...... income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) Property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (CoDcld.)

2'66 2'66 4 Houses 40 kalams of Not Twice a day Annual festival paddy and stated by a Brahmin for twenty days Rs.600 in Margazhi

Once a day by a woman"

A view of the Muthumariamman Temple, Ozhukarai A closer view of the pagoda of the Muthumariamman T,emple OZHUKARAI COMMUNE

Muthumariamman Temple and silver hooks and spears on the bodies. or tongues, as Sedal Festival in Kadirkamam the case may be, of the devotees who have taken a vow to undergo such ordeal before the Goddess, in The Muthumariamman temple at Kadirkamam gratitude for the favours received either in the nature village in Ozhukarai Commune, situate at a distance of / of recovery from infectious diseases like smallpox or four kilometres west of Pondicherry town, is a well- cholera or other physical maladies or deformities. known, temple. It is particularly famous for its annual There are devotees who undergo this ordeal only for festival which is known as the "Sedal Festival", celebra­ one year; but there are others whQ, as a rule, continue ted for nine days in the Tamil month of "Thai" it for several years or even throughout their lives. (January-February) beginning from the third Tuesday Every year about 3000 Hindu devotees belonging to of that month. This festival attracts not less than all castes and creeds resort to this form of worshipping 5,000 devotees. the diety. Sometimes a few Muslims also mingle with During the festival, the festival idol of Goddess the Hindu devotees. Even cattle are subjected to this Muthumariamman is taken round in ceremonial pro­ form of suffering and on the concluding day of the cession in the evenings of all the nine days. The famous festival, the Goddess is taken round in ceremonial "Sedal" festival takes place on the last day. "Sedal" procession in a palanquin decorated with imitation is a self-imposed physical suffering inflicted by devotees pearls which is known in local parlance as "Muthu on themselves, and is in the form of piercing small Pallakku". 56 TEMPLES OF OZHUKARAI

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.e. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other' Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities (years,) or the Trunk (acres) Road

(1) (2) (4) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

[1 2 Periakalapet Sri Sengazhuneer Not 0'13 Sri Sengazhuneer Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry Amman stated Mariamman Railway station Temple (F) 7 miles

2 do Sri Sanjeevaraya do Not Sri Sanjeevaraya Sri Har.umar do Perumal stated Perumal Temple (V)

3 do Sri Vinayakar do Below Sri Vinayakar do Temple (0) 0'01

4 do Sri Selliamman do do Seven Kannigais Sri Vinayakar do Temple (F) Sri Ayyanar

S 5 Karuvadikuppam Sri Kammuthu- do 0'02 Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry mariammao Sri Parasuramar Railway station Temple (F) Sri Kathavarayar 3 miles

6 .. do Sri Oangay- do Not Sri Oangayamman do amman stated Temple (F)

7 do Sri Ayyanar do do Sri Ayyanar do Temple (0)

8 do Sri Nagamma do do Sri Nagamma do " Temple (F)

9 do Sri Vinayakar do do Sri Vinayakar do Temple (0)

10 do Sri Ponniamman do do Sri Ponniamman do " Temple (F) PONDICHERRY STATE 57 COMMUNE

Movable prcperty ,-______--A. Property____ --. Annual r---Jo--_---~ income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) prcperty A.C, A.C. A.C, Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government

Bandicoot Once a day 1 400 1 Lion by a hereditary Horse Veerasaivar Ratham I 1 I' I I do I 25'27 7'98 acres 2,000 I I of cocoanut. I cashew, ~. mango and palmyra groves I r one thatched do house I I I J j No Pooias

200 Horse, Car Once a day Annual Festival ) Lion by a hereditary for ten days 1 Veerasaiva in Adi I I Pandaram I do I I do I I •• 11; >- 0'40 1'33 1'33 acres 20 kalams of of maDgo I I paddy and do groves RI, SO f

I do I I J J do 8 58 TEMPLES OF OZHUKARAI

Age of Area of Distance from Sl. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other the Learest No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

11 9 Pudupet Sri Puthalaye Net 0'11 Sri Puthalaye Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry Mariamman stated Mariamman Sri Kathavarayar Railway Station Temple (F) 3t miles

12 10 Sellaperumal- Sri Uthukattu- do 0-05 Sri Uthukattumari- do Pondicherry pillaipet Mariamman amman Railway station Temple (F) 2 miles

13 12 Sanam Sri Muthu 100 O'OS Sri Muthu Sri Subramaniyar Pondicherry Vinayakar Vinayakar Sri Valli and Railway station Temple (G) Devasena 1~ miles

14 .. do Sri Mariamman 100 0-02 Sri Muthumari- do Temple (F) amman

15 15 Pakkamudayanpet Sri Ponniamman 200 0-11 Sri Ponniamman Pondicherry Temple (F) Railway station 21 miles

16 do Sri Selva Not 0-03 Sri Vinayakar do Vioayakar stated Temple (G)

17 18 Muthulil1gampet Sri Muthu 70 Below Sri Muthumari- Pondicherry Mariamman 0-01 amman Railway station Temple ',F) 3 miles PONDICHERRY STATE 59 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable property income ,..___ -.J.,._~-----. _ _.Io..Property r------..... from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (16) (16) (17) (18) • the Government (Contd.)

100 One acre of 400 10 Kedayam Once a day mango and by a Gurukkal cocoanut groves

0'66 50 Not Kedayam Once a day Annual festival stated Ratham by a hereditary for five days Veerasaivar in Adi

1 , Twice a day Skandha Sashti by a Gurukkal festival for 10 I dayS in Iyppasi I Vinayaka Chathurtbi I 2'66 40 cocoanut 80 kalams Not Vimanam I Sivarathri )- ~ trees of paddy stated Padisattam in Masi I Rs.200 I Panguni Uthiram

Once a day Tamil New I by a Thambiran Year's Day J J Vijayadasami

2'33 acres 300 Once a day of mango and by a hereditary 40 cocoanut Veerasaivar trees 0'66 acre vacant plot 0'66 acre land with some huts and a touring cinema theatre

... 60 Kedayam do Annual festival for two days in Adi or Ani 60 TEMPLES OF OZHUKARAI

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest 81. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

18 19 Kottupalayam Sri Salai Muthu. Not 0'01 Sri Muthumari. Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry mariamman stated amman Railway station TempJe(F) 2 miles

19 20 Kadirkamam Sri Subramaniyar 150 0'28 Sri Subramaniyar Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry Temple(M) Sri Valli and Sri DhaD<~ayuda­ Railway station Devasena pani 21 miles Navagrahas Sri Chandikeswarar

20 do Sri Mariamman 100 0'07 Sri Muthumari­ Sri Vinayakar do Temple (F) amman

21 21 Delawspet and Sri Droupathi­ Not 0'14 Sri Droupatbi­ Sri Krishnan Pondicherry & 23 Vimakavundan­ amman stated amman Railway station palayam Temple (F) Sri Arjunan 3 miles

22 do Sri MaIiamman do o·os Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar do .. Temple (F)

23 do Sri Vinayakar do 0'03 Sri Vinayakar do Temple (G)

24 26 Thattanchavadi Sri Ayyanar 150 01>9 Sri Kunduthangi Pondicherry Temple (O) Sri A~yanarappan Railway station Sri Poorani and 2 miles Pokkalai PONDICHERRY STATE 61 COMMUNE (eontd.)

Annual Movable property .--___Property.A. income r-----.A.---~ from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (eontd.)

1'00 3 Shops 315 Twice a day Annual festival by a hereditary for one day Veerasaivar in Thai month Pandaram (7th day)

1 10,000 Ram Twice a day Navarathri Rishabam by a heniditary Skandha Sashti 1 Horse Brahmin Surasamharam 1 Elephant Karthikai Deepam \ Peacock Thai Poosam Bandicoot 13"99 10'64 0'66 acre 120 kalams Head of SUIan of plot with of paddy I Vahanams-3 ~ ~ tamarind; and Rs. 825 Silver cocoanut and Peacock I other trees I Not Lion Once a day Sedal festival 1 stated by a hereditary for 10 days J J Gurukkal in Thai

0'66 Vacant 22kalams 500 Horse, Swan Once a day plots of paddy Garuda, Lion by a hereditary and Rs. 500 Ratham Veerasaivar

250 do

1'00 20 kalams do of paddy

() 4') 0·6 acre of Not Horse Once a day Annual festival mango grove stated Kedayam by a Veera­ for 3 days saivar in Adi 62 TEMPLES G.F OZHUKARAI

Age of Area of Distance from SI. L.C, Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other the nearest !\io, No, village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (S) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples outside

25 34 Ozhukarai Sri Meenakshi 81 0'15 . Sri Meenakshi- Navagrahas Pondicherry Sundareswarar Sundareswarar Sri Pidari Railway station Temple (8) Sri Meenakshi 3 miles Amman

26 do Sri Muthu 80 Below Sri Muthumari- do Mariamman 0'01 amman Temple (F)

27 34 H Periapet Sri Ellayamman Not 0'08 Sri Eliayamman Pondicherry Temple (F) stated Railway station 21 miles

28 35 Moolakulam Sri Mutbu do Sri Muthumari. do (Salai Theruvu) Mariamman amman Temple (F)

29 Moolakulam Sri Vinayakar do 0'01 Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry Temple (0) Railway station 2 miles

30 36 Muthupillai. Sri Muthu . do Sri Muthumari­ Sri Vinayakar . Villiaour paiayam Mariamman amman Sri Parasuramar Railway station Temple (F) Sri lCathavarayar I mile

31 do Sri AyyaDilr do Not Sri A)yanar do " Temple (0) atated Sri Poorsni and Pokkalai PONDICHERRY STATE 63 COM MUNE-(eontd. )

Annual Movable property Property income ~. -, ---, from the Jewels (Value ,------immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) \I8) the Government (Contd.)

3'00 0'66 30 kalams Not Risbabam Once a

1'40 15 kalams do Once a day Annual festival of paddy by a Vanniar for 10 days in Adi

4 Shops 480 Kedayam Once a day Annual festival Sahadai by a hereditary for 10 days Valluvar in Ani or Adi or Avani

0'66 5 kalams Not Kedayam Once a day of paddy stated by a Vanniar

Vacant 4 kalams do ground with cfpaddy 8 huts and Ks. 100

1 Lion Twice a day Annual festival by a hereditary for 3 days I Vanniar inAdi

0'66 15 kalams I 1 )- )- I of paddy I Once a day Annual festival I by a hereditary for one day J I Vanniar in Adi 64 TEMPLES OF OZHUKARAI

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No, village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

32 37 Arumathapuram Sri Droupathi. Not 0'11 Sri Droupathi- Sri Vinayakar Villianur amman stated amman Sri Krishnan Railway station Temple (F) Sri Arjunan 1 mile

33 do Sri Selva do Below Sri Vinayakar do " Vinayakar 0'01 Temple (0)

34 do Sri Mariamman 60 0'05 Sri Mariamman do " Temple (F)

35 do Sri Ayyanar Not Below Sri Ayyanar do " Temple (0) stated 0'01 Sri Poorani and Pokkalai

36 41 Mutharapalayam Sri Sengazhuneer do 0'09 Sri Sengazhuneer Sri Rangaoatha Pondicherry Mariamman Mariamman Perumal Railway station Temple (F) Sri Vinayakar 4 miles

37 do Sri Pidari do Below Sri Pidari do Temple (Fi 0'01

38 44 Mettupalayam Sri KonjumaJai. do 0'18 Sri Konjumalai Pondicherry amman Amman Railway station Temple (F) 3 miles

39 4S Meenakshipettai Sri Muthumari· do 0'05 Sri Muthumari. Sri Vinayakar do amman amman Temple (F) PONDICHERRY STAlE 65 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Movable property .A.~ __.... Property Annual r- ,-- income Jewels (Value j..------. from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (1O) (ll) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18)

the Government (Contd.) Annual festival 1 1 600 Garuda Twice a day Horse by a hereditary for ten days in Vimanams·2 Vanniae Chithrai 1 Sahadais-Z Vaikunta I Ekadasi I I do Vinayaka Chathurthi 2,()0 50 kalams of paddy t 300 Lion do Annual festival for three days 1 in Panguni I do 1 J

0'66 4'33 0'66 acre 1.000 350 Vimanams·2 do Annual festival of mango for 11 days groves, in Ani 4 Shops MasiMagam One house

do

9'33 2 Plots 1,560 ....- Vimanam Once a da-y Ambu festival on t-ya Vanoiar Vijayadasami day in Purattasi

13 Plots, 70 do Once a day Annual festival One tama· by a Mudaliar for three days rind tree in Chithrai 9 66 TEMPLES OF OZHUKARAI

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

40 46 Sokkanathanpet Sri Chokkalinga 60 0'03 Sri Chokkalinga Pondicherry Vinayakar Vinayakar Railway station Temple (G) 21 miles

Sri Gangayamman do 41 do Sri Gangay. Not Below amman stated 0'01 Temple (F)

Temples outside

Sri Vinayakar Pondicherry 1 13 Lawspet Sri Subramaniyar 200 0'12 Sri Subramaniyar Temple(M) Sri Valli and Sri Palaniandi Railway station Devasena Navagrabas 3 miles

z do Sri Mariamman Not Not Sri Mariamman do " Temple (F) stated stated

do 3 21 Delawspet Sri Thalingi do 0'02 Sri KaIiamman Kaliamman Temple (F) PONDICHERRY STATE 67 COMMUNE-(Concld.}

Movable property Property Annual ,- ~ r----- _.A.______- income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovabie Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (to) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) ( 17) (18) the Government-(Concld.)

Cocoanut 200 Not Once a day trees stated by a hereditary 0'21 acre Gurukkal for house site

No regular Poojas

the Government

2'66 26.60 One house 70 kalams of 3,000 Peacock, Ram Twice a day Masi Magam 4 shops paddy and Palanquin by a Gurukkal Rs.1,070 Vimanams-2

Once a day Annual festival by a Gurukkal for two days in Adi

1'66 20 Onee a day by a hereditary Veerasaivar VILLIANUR COMMUNE

Sri KokiJambal-Tbirukameswarar temple adviser, a great priest who was well-versed in religious tenets and rituals. It so happened that the king There is no one in Pondicherry who does not who was fair and charming, fell sick suddenly with an k~ow a~out Villianur and its famous temple. The attack of leprosy. He attributed the malady to the vIllage lIes about 8 kilometres west of Pondicherry sins committed by him during his previous birth. His on the Vi11upuram-Pondicberry road. It can also be condition grew worse day by day. The high-priest who reached by rail connecting these two places. was consulted in this regard, told the king, "Your Majesty! There is a small alter of Lord Siva a few The temple has a legendary background which miles west of Kancheepuram, close to a pool known attracts multitudes of pilgrims from far and wide. as 'Iroutapa Nasanam'. According to the sacred The legend as handed down to the present generation puranas, the water of the pool can cure all infirmities is of interest particularly to persons inclined to spiri­ tual dispositions. of the body and remove all impurities of the soul in the present as well as past lives. I ca ~ guarantee you complete cure only if you agree to go there and per­ About nine hundred years ago, the place where form an ablution. " the "Village exists at present was a plain full of 'V'lI va ' trees and was owned by the inhabitants of Thereupon the king left his palace and moved in "Uzhavarkarai". They were very rich in cattle and search of the small alter. When at last, he reached had extensive cultivation. They were so fabulously the place and got down from his palanquin, he was rich, and it is said thaUhey never came out of their horror· stricken .to see that the pool which was reported houses without wearing golden sandals! Among the to be so sacred, contained only blood and puss. cattle was one milching little black cow. It was noticed Nevertheless, he understood that God had made this that when she returned after grazing, her udder was sudden transformation only to test his faith, and in empty. One day a cow-boy followed her with a complete surrender immersed bimself in the pool three determination to find out the real cause for the times. Coming out, he saw that his malady had disappearance of her milk. He hid himself behind miraculously disappeared, and was gratified at the tree· trunks and came to the spot where the present thought that the Lord had forgiven his sins. temple is located. The cow stopped near a granite statue of Siva imbedded in the ground (Swayambu Lingam) and began to let out her milk on the idol. The king spent some days in that part of the A few moments passed; she sensed the presence of country in order to commemorate his remarkable the cow-boy hiding himself behind the trees and with recovery, and ordered that a temple should be a sudden fright rushed violently and wounded the built and the miraculous pool fortified all round and provided with stone steps. The origin of the temple Lingam in its head. ~hen it started bleeding. The boy stood aghast and was astounded at the sight. at Villianur has thus to be traced to the above legend.

The news spread like wild fire. People thronged The presiding deity of the temple is called to the spot to witness this wonder. They decided to Thirukameswarar, in recognition of the fact that the commemorate this event by erecting a small alter to Lord consecrated here was worshipped by Kamadeva. this Lingam so that devotees might come to worship Tradition has recorded that the Lord was worshipped the Lord and give their offerings. by several deities of the Hindu pantheon such as Brahma, Narasimhamurti, Indra, Kamadeva, Adisesha, During this period, the CI101a Kingdom was being Sun and Moon. The holy tank of the temple which ruled by a just and pious king who dispensed justice lies within the second prakaram is called the Brahma according to the sacred laws of Manu. He had, as his theertham, attributing its origin to Lord Brahma. A view of the Rajagopurarn of Thirukameswarar Temple, Villiyanur tt

i~""'" """··""'IU,,_ -". --_._-_._--,------Another view of the Rajagopuram •

The Southern gopuram of the Thirukameswarar Temple •

A closer view of the southern Gopuram PONDICHERRY STATE 69

The main temple is 10·8 metres in length and Poojas are offered four times a day in the temple 28'0 metres in width, and occupies an area of 3·6 acres. by three hereditary Brahmin Priests employed by the The tank in the second prakaram has an area of about Devasthanam. They are paid on the whole 70 litres 3,600 sq. ft., is surrounded by beautiful granite steps, of rice and Rs. 22'50 per month which they share and has an attractive 'neerazhi mantapam' in the among themselves. centre. The temple proper has two parts of which one called the Nandikeswarar mantapam locates the' The Devasthanam owns 15 kanis of wet lands, 12 principal deities - Lord Thirukameswarar and Goddess kanis of dry lands, 25 rooms around the temple, six Kokilambal. There are separate sanctum sanctorums vacant plots, two houses and some sandy lands on the for Lord Thirukameswarar, Kokilambal, Valampuri banks of the river Sankaraparani. It also enjoys the Vinayagar, Shanmugha Subrahmanya, and Nava­ usufructs of the trees on the road from Villianur grahas. A separate shrine at the northern entrance is village to Railway Station. The annual grant of dedicated to Goddess Pidari. The moolavar in the Rs. 5,000 sanctioned by the French Government is main sanctum sanctorum is a Swayambu Lingam of still continued. The total annual income will thus be 2 feet in height and is of earth. Hence it is anointed Rs. 16,500; and it is spent on the maintenance of the only with 'Punugu oil'. There are also other lingams temple and the conduct of the festivals. in this temple known as Varuneeka Lingam, Viswa­ nather, Esania Lingam, Sahasra Lingam etc. Granite The Devasthanam owns gol'd and silver jewels images of several other deities such as Balaganapatbi, which were ~ade out of temple income during 19l2-16 Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, Durgai, Chandi­ when one Sri Sundaramurthy Chettiar was the President keswarar, Surya, Chandra and Bhairavar can be seen of the Temple Committee. The main Vahanas of the and worshipped. Bronze utsavars of Somaskandar, temple are a silver-plated Rishabam, and a siver· plated Vinayakar, Kokilambal, Dandayudhapani, Subraman­ elephant, which are the gifts of two devotees. There yar with Valli and Deivasena, Nataraja and Sivakama. are also three rathams intended for Lord Somaskandar, sundari, the four Saivite saints, Cbandrasekharar and Vinayakar and Parasakthi Ambal. During the Car Ambal, are also available. festivals, these are decorated appropriately and the deities installed therein are taken rou nd in ceremonial The sculptural work on the granite slabs of the procession. There are other small vahanams also. temple evidences art of a high order. These slabs are said to have been brought from the Gingee hills, about 40 miles west of Pondicherry. The temple, from an The following festivals are celebrated in the architectural point of view, is the finest in the Pondi­ temple: cherry State. The two gopurams on the east and the south which are respectively 70 and 90 feet in height 1. Ani Thirumanj:mam for one day in the month are the most beautiful parts of the temple. The of Ani (June-July) southern gopuram is of eight storeys, plac~d in such 2. Adi Pooram festival for ten days in the month an alignment that a staircase of 83 steps leads to the of Adi (July-August) top passing through all the seven storeys. Each storey 3. Avani Moolam festival in memory of the has a square opening through which light enters the legend of "Pittukku man suman thaI" for one interior. The outer part of this gopuram contains day in Avani (August-September) beautiful plaster figures pertaining to Hindu 4. Ambu festival for one day on the day of mythology. Three centuries ago, this gopuram served Vijayadasami in Purattasi (September- as an observation post fOT the soldiers of the French October) . Governors, Francois Martin and Dupleix, to watch the movements of the Maharattas and the British armies 5. Sura Samharam festival for six days in Iyppasi (Octo ber-November) towards Pondicherry. As years passed, the gopuram showed signs of deterioration, but the President of the 6. Karthikai Deepam festival for one day in "Conseil General" (Speaker of the Assembly) at Karthikai (November-December) Pondicherry obtained a grant from the Government 7. Arudhra Darsanam on the day of Thiruva­ and had the necessary repairs carried out. thirai in Margazhi (December·January.) 70 TEMPLES OF

8. Masi Magam, when Swami and Ambal are offering various commodities like earthenware, glass taken in procession for theerthavaari (holy ornaments, fruits, dolls, etc. for sale to the people who immersion) in the River Sankarabarani near go there for the occasion. Odhiampattu village. During the night following the car festival the floating 9. Brahmotsavam for iten days in Vaikasi (May­ or theppam festival is celebrated in the sacred tank June). This is preceded by a ten days' within the precincts of the temple. Till recently dancing festival for Pidari in the temple. girls (Devadasis) were performing dances in Indian style, with musical accompaniments before the deities Apart from the above, festivals are also held while being taken on the beautifully decorated within the temple for "Panchaparvams" every month. floating raft. The procession moves in the bright These are the first day of every Tamil month, New moonlit night round the mandapam which is erected Moon Day, Full Moon Day, Kirthigai and Pradosham. in the centre of the tank. In the following night, the Every Friday night Sri Parasakthi Arubal is taken in images of the Lord and His consort are placed in a procession around the second prakaram. beautifully decorated imitation pearl palanquin and taken round in procession through the four streets. The Brahmotsavam celebrated in the temple for Both these ceremonies which mark the end of the, ten days in Vaikasi (May-June) is the most important festival are attended by about 4,000 devotees. annual festival. The commencement of this festival is so timed that the ninth day of it which is the Car The following are some of the Kattalais that are Festival falls on the Fullmoon day whfm the ruling star performed in the temple. is Visakham. The festival used to be celebrated with grandeur in the days of the Chola Kings, and the 1. Festival for Pradosham every month instituted standard is kept up even to-day. On each day of the by a Chettiar. festival, the bronze image of Lord Thirukkameswarar 2. Festival for Vinayaka Chathurthi and Nautical with His consort. Kokilambal mounted on vahanas Festival on the day of Adi Pooram to be held carried on shoulders or fixed in chariots, such as out of the income of the properties endowed Indra Vimanam, or on gold and silver images of bull, by one Kannammal. elephant, cow, horse, etc. is taken in procession in the night through the "Madaveedhis" (the four streets 3. Feeding of two or three "Desanthris" (travel­ surrounding the temple) to the accompaniment of lers) every day out of the income from the 'nadaswaram' or clarionet music and fire-works properties endowed by one Mailupillai. display. Devotees numbering about two to three thousand from nearby villages attend the festival every Properties endowed for these three Kattalais are day to have a 'darshan' of the Lord. managed by the trustees themselves who fulfil these Kattalais also. These properties are also included in On the ninth day, the car procession takes place. the other properties of the temple. There are also The car which is nearly fifty feet high is copiously some other Kattalais which are fulfilled by the succes­ decorated and pulled out of its usual position in front sors to the persons or leaders of the castes, responsible of the temple during day time. The pulling itself is a for the institution of these Kattalais. These are ceremonious affair where the Governor (and later the arranged under the written or oral agreements between Chief Commissioner of the State) inaugurates the start the Devasthanam and the donors. of the procession by pulling the rope attached to the car. Other high officials and the elite of the Pondicherry 1. First day festival during Brahmothsavam by region would be present to witness the ceremony. The Sedar or Sengundars. car is then pulled along the four streets surrounding 2. Second day festival by Belu Chettiars. the temple and is brought to rest at its original place. 3. Third day festival by Vellalas. This is the most important ceremony which is attended by more than 10,000 people coming from places far 4. Fifth day festival by Aryavaisyas. and near. During this festival a small fair is held 5. Sixth day festival by Vanniars. Specimens of artistic sculpture in the Temple A view of the temple tank The idols of Somaskandhar and Kokilambal The image of Lord Nataraja PONDICHERRY STATE 71

6. Seventh day festival by Kammalars- Till 1887, the temple affairs were managed by the 7. Eighth day festival by Bania Chettiars. Revenue Department and it~ officials of the then Government of Pondicherry. Whenever this village 8. Nautical festival on the tenth day by Vellalars was taken over by the British from the French, Tahsil­ of Saram village. dars of the Madras Provincial Government administer­ 9. Avani Moolam festival by Bania Chettiars. ed the temple affairs. But sincc 1887, a Committee consisting of a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, 10. Karthigai Deepam festival for which 3 kanis a Treasurer and a member nominated by the Govern­ of land have been endowed by one Avvayal ment of Pondicherry, has been administering the Ammal. temple. 72 TEMPLES OF VILLIANUR

Age of Area of Distance from SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other the nearest No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) n (8) (9)

Temples under

1 2 Karasur Sri Selva Not 0'04 Sri Vinayakar Villianur Vinayakar stated Railway station Temple (G) 6 miles

2 do Sri Mariamman do;) Not Sri Mariamman Sri Parasuramar do Temple (F) stated Sri Pothurasa

3 do Sri Pandurangar do do Sri Pandurangar Sri Andal do Temple (V) Sri Ramar Sri Krishnan

4 do Sri Pidari do Below Sri Pidari do Temple (F) 0'01

5 do Sri Vinayakar do Not Sri Vinayakar do Temple (0) stated

6 3 Thuthipattu Sri Sithi do Below Sri Vinayakar Villianur Vinayakar (0) 0'01 Railway station 5 miles

7 do Sri Mutha- do Not Sri Muthalamman do lamman stated Temple (F)

8 do Sri Hari Hara do do Sri Ayyanar do Puthra Sri Poorani and Ayyanar Pokkalai Temple (0)

9 4 Thondamaaatham Sri Varadharaja S5 O'U Sri Varadaraja- Villianur Perurnal peru~ Railway station Temple (V) Sri De... i and 4 miles Bhudevi PONDICHERRY STATE 73 COMMUNE

Movable pr.::perty ,-______Property.A. ______""" Annual r-----.A.-----" income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C, Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (Hs) the Government

Not Once a day stated by a hereditary Pandaram

No poojas Kuzh Utruthal Festival in Chithrai or Vaikasi

Weekly once by the Villagers

No poojas

do

1'53 1'33 30 kalams Once a day of paddy by a Veerasaivar and Rs. SO

Once a week by a Veerasaivar

No poojas

23'94 One house 120 kalams Sahadais-2 Once a day Thai Po;)sam of paddy Palanquin by a Bhattachari Vaikunta Ekadasi and Rs.l00 Uriadi Vijayadasami MasiMagam

to 74 ,TEMPLES OF VILLIANUR

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

10 5 Ramanathapuram Sri Sakkara 52 0'06 Sri Vinayakar Sri Mariamman ViJlianur Vinayakar Railway station Temple (G) 4 miles

11 6 Pillaiyarkuppam Sri Balasundara 2 Below Sri Vinayakar Villiaour Vinayakar 0'01 Railway station Temple (G) 5 miles

12 .. do Sri Mariamman I'ot 0'01 Sri Mariamman Sri Kathavarayan do Temple (F) stated

13 do Sri Gangayamman do Not Sri Gangayamman do " Temple (F) stated

14 do Sri Paraya do Below Sri Parayavara­ Sri Ayyaoar do Varathar 0'01 thar Sri Poor ani and Temple (0) Pokkalai

15 do Sri Ayyanar do do Sri Ayyanar Sri Veeran do " Temple (0) Sri Poorani and Pokkalai

16 do Sri Koothandavar do 0'v2 Sri Koothandavar do Temple (0)

17 do Sri Meenakshi do Below Sri Meenakshi do Amman 0'01 Amman Temple (F)

18 do Sri Mallikarjuna 40 do Sri Mallikarjuna do Eswarar Eswarar Temple (S) (Lingam) Sri Ambal PONDICHERRY STATE 75 COMMUNE-(Contd.)

Annual Movable property Property income ,..._.-J>--__""'" " -----.--...... ------""'" from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) 1)7) (18) the Government (Contd.)

13'30 2 Buildings 150 kalams Bandicoot Twice a day Annual festival of Paddy Lion by a Veerasaivar for nine days and Rs. 500 in Ani or Adi Karthikai Deepam

0'40 25 Twice a day Vinayaka by a hereditary Chathurthi Vanniar

1'00 70 do Annual festival in Thai or Adi

Once a day by a hereditary VanDiar

0'66 5'32 Some 6 kalams Twice a day palmyra of paddy by a hereditary trees and Rs. 2; Vanniar

Once a day by a hereditary Vanniar

1'66 100 Sahadai Twice a day Annual festival by a hereditary for 18 days Vanniar Chithrai

0'47 25 do Kuzh Utruthal festival for one day in Adi

do 76 TEMPLES OF VILLIANUR

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Tru;.k (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

19 7 Kudapakkam Sri Sengazhu- Not 0'16 Sri Mariamman Sri Madurai Veeran Villianur neeramman stated Sri Bommi, Sri Kali Railway station Temple (F) Sri Vinayakar 3 miles Sri VaJliamman

20 do Sri Varadharaja­ 80 016 Sri Varadharaja­ Sri Ramar do perumal perumal Sri Lakshrnanar Temple (V) Sri Devi and Sri Sitha Bhudevi Sri Anjaneyar Sri Perunthevi Thayar

21 do Sri Droupathi 80 C'10 Sri Droupathi Sri Vinayakar do Amman Panchapandavas Sri Muthalarayan Temple (F)

22 do Sri Porayathal Not Below Sri Porayathal Sri Ayyanar do Temple (F) stated 0'01 Sri Pooral! i and Pokkalai

23 do Sri Sakkara do 0'02 Sri Vinayakar do " Vinayakar Temple (G)

24 do Sri SUlldara do 0'02 Sri Vinayakar 00 " Vinayakar Temple (G)

2S co Sri Eswaran do Not Sri Eswaran do Tempre (S) stated

26 12 Porayur Sri Sundaramurthy 100 0'03 Sri Vinayakar Sri Mariamman Villianur Vinayakar Railway station Temple (G) 11 miles PONDICHERRY STATE 77 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable property ,.....______Property.A. income r- frem the Jewels (Value '"'" immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the GovernmeDt (Contd.)

800 Lion Ollce a day Kuzh Utruthal by a hereditary festival in Avani Vanniar

19'95 Or.etiled 3,000 Not Garuda Twice a day Vaikunta Ekadasi House stated Hanumar by a Bhattachariar Sri Jayanthi Sri Ramanavami Navarathri

Once a day by a hereditary Vanniar

do

Twice a day Vinayaka by a hereditary Chatburthi Vanniar

do

Once a day by a hereditary Vanniar

10 tama­ 30 kalams of Bandicoot Twice a day Vinayaka rind trees paddy and Vimanams-2 by a hereditary Chathurthi 25 cocoa­ Rs.200 Vanniar. Mauu Pongal nut trees Brahmin 78 TEMPLES OF VILLIANUR

Distance from Age of Area of the Learest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

27 12 Porayur Sri Hari Hara 100 Below Sri Ayyanar Villianur Puthra 0'01 Sri Poorani and Railway station Ayyanar Pokkalai 11 miles Temple to)

28 16 Villianur Sri Kokilambal 900 3'S5 Sri Thirukkames· Sr i Parasakthi- Villianur Thirukkames- warar amman Railway station warar Sri Kokilambal Sri Somaskandar 1 mile Temple (S)

29 do Sri Varadaraja 70 0'40 Sri Varadaraja Sri Andal do Perumal Perumal Sri Ramar Temple (V) Sri Perundevi Sri Lakshmanar Thayar Sri Sitha Sri Hanumar

30 do Sri Sundara Not o04 Sri Sundara Sri Palni do Vinayakar stated Vinayakar Andavar Temple (0)

31 .. do Sri Selva do Below Sri Selva Vinayakar do Vinayakar 0'01 Temple (0)

32 .. do S~i Muthalavazhi· do 0'04 Sri Muthalavazhi- do amman amman Temple (F) PONDICHERRY STATE 79 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable property Property income ,------"- r------J...------"""\ from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (16) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

No Poojas MaUu Pongal

19'95 15'96 2 Houses 16,500 40,000 Lion Four times a day Ani Thiru- 25 Shops Elephant by a hereditary manjanam 6 Vacant Bandicoot Gurukkal Adipooram plots and Nagam Avani Moolam some Horses 2 Vijayadasami trees Rishabams 2 Surasamharam Peacock Karthikai Deepam Kamadhenu Arudhra Pinnamaram Dharisanarn Indra in Margbazhi Vimanam MasiMagam Silver Brahmotbsavam Elephant for ten days Rishabam in Vaikasi

30'00 4'00 2 Houses 650 lcalams of 1,600 Garuda Four times a day Udaiyavar festival paddy and Hanumar by a Bhatta- for ten days Rs.250 Kedayam chariar in Chithrai Garuda Sevai in Vaikasi AdiPooram Sri Jayanthi Navarathri Karthikai Deepam Vaikunta Ekadasi MasiMagam Sri Rama Navami in Panguni

0'65 15 kalams Once a day Vinayaka of paddy by a Saiva Chathurtbi Pandaram Masi Magarn Thai Poosam

1'33 Once a day by a Brahmin

1'37 0'34 35 kalams of Not Vimanam Once aday Brahmothsavam paddy and slated by a Saiva for ten days Rs.2S pandaram in Chithrai Masi Magarn 80 TEMPLES OF VILLIANUR

Age of Distance from Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities (years) or tbe Trunk (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

33 2.5 Guruvappanaicken- Sri Muthumari- 200 0.09 Sri Muthumari- Sri Vinayakar Villianur palayam amman amman Sri Konar Railway station Temple (F) Sri Perumal 1 mile

34 do Sri Ayyanar Not Below Sri Ayyanar do Temple (0) stated 0'01 Sri Poorani and Pokkalai

35 .. do Sri Porayathal do Not Sri Porayathal do Temple (F) stated Amman

36 26 Manavely Sri Mariamman do 0'10 Sri Mariamman do Temple(F)

37 do Sri Gangayamman 31 Below Sri Gangayarnman do Temple (F) {I'OI

38 do Sri Ayyaoar Not Not Sri Ayyanar do " Temple (0) stated stated Sri Poorani and Pokkalai

do Sri Kannitnar do do Sri Kannimar do " Temple (F)

40 28 Odhiampet Sri Kasi Viswa. do Sri Kasi Viswa. Sri Dakshinamurthy VilJianur nathar nathar Sri Mahavishnu Railway station Temple (S) Sri Visalakshi Navagrahas 2 miles Sri Brahma Sri Bhairavar Sri Chaodikes- warar PONDICHERRY STATE 81 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable-.A. property__ , Property income r- ,... .A. from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (IS) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

1 Horse Twice a day Annual festival I Lion by a Vanniar for three days I Sahadai in Chithrai MasiMagham \ 1'99 12 kalams t do of paddy I I J do

1 do 15 kalama of paddy I 1 )- )-

I• IOnce a day J J by a Vanniar

do

do

20'00 33'25 400 kalams Not Nandhi Twice a day Annual Cestival paddy and stated Vimanam by a hereditary Cor eleven days Rs.2,5oo Gurukkal in Masi MaBiMagam Mattu Pongal

11 82 TEMPLES OF VILLIANUR

Distance from Age cf Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other No. No. Railway station village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

41 29 Kanuvapet Sri Droupathi- Not 0·08 Sri Droupathi- Sri Vinayakar 1 amman stated amman Sri Krishnan Temple (F) Paneha Pandavas

42 " do Sri Vilvanathees- do Not Sri Vilvanathees- warar stated swarar I Temple (S) I Villianur 1- Railway station 1 mile 43 do Sri Ayyanar do do Sri Ayyanar Temple (0) Sri Poorani I and Pokkalai I I 4l do Sri Sanyasiappan do Below Sri Sanyasiappan Temple (0) 0·01 JI

45 ' do Sri Osur Mari- do 0'08 Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar do amman Sri Kathavarayar Temple (F) Sri Parasuramar

46 34 Thirukkanji Sri Kanjinadhar or do 0'31 Sri Gangai Villianur Gangaivaragha Varagha Railway station Eswarar Eswarar 4 miles Temple (S) Sri Kamakshi

47 37 Perungalur Sri Ponnumari- do 0·08 Sri Ponnumari. Sri Vinayakar 1 amman amman Temple (F) I I Villianur ~ Railway station 31 miles 48 do Sri Ayyanar do Below Sri Ayyanar Temple (0) 0·01 Sri Poorani and Pokkalai J

49 38 Uruvai~ar Sri Droupathi- do 0'08 Sri Droupathi. Sri Vinayakar Villianur amman amman Sri Krishnan Railway station Temple (F) Sri ArjUDal Ii miles PONDICHERRY STATE 83 COMMUNE-(Contd.)

r--__Movable.A. property _____ ., Property Annual ,-_--___.,___------"'\ income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

1 Twice a day Annual festival bya Vanniar for ten days in I in Panguni I !Twice a day Thai Poosam l by a hereditary Masi Magam 6'00 10'00 8 Shops 2,500 1,000 Garuda Gurukkal Vacant Lion plcts Nagam I Once a day I by a hereditary I Vanniar

J do

Not Twice a day Brahmothsavam stated by a hereditary for ten days Vanniar inAdi

7'98 25'27 5,000 do Peacock Once a day Brahmothsavam Elephant by a Gurukkal for eleven days Horse in Masi Bandicoot Vijayadasami Rishabams-2 in Purattasi Vimanams-2 Mattu Pongal Sahadai ThaiPoosam

1 Twice a day Annual festival by a Tambiran for one day in AniorAdi Vijayadasami 9'31 9'31 One house 70kalams of Elephant I paddy· and - Lion ~ Rs.l,ooo Bandicoot do Annual festival for one day in I Ani or Adi J

Once a day Annual festival by a hereditary for ten days Yadhava in Panguni 84 TEMPLES OF VILLlANUR

Distance from SI. Name of the Name of the Age of Area of the nearest L.C. the the Name of Other No. No. village Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station Temple Temple or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Telllples under

50 38 Uruvaiyar Sri Pidari Not Not Sri Pidari Villianur Temple (F) stated stated Railway station 11 miles

51 do Sri Sengazhuneer do do Sri Sengazhuneer Sri Vinayakar do " Mariamman Sri Mariamman Temple (F)

52 do Sri Ayyanar do Below Sri Ayyanar Sri Bommi do " Temple (0) 0'01 Sri Poorani and Pokkalai

53 39 Mangalam Sri Eanjolai Vazhi do 0'18 Sri Mariamman Sri Vioayakar Villianur Mariamman Sri Parasuramar Railway station Temple (F) Sri Paramasivar 3k miles Sri Parvathi Sri Kathavarayar Sri Aryamala

54 do Sri Aladi do Not Sri Vinayakar do " Vinayakar stated Temple (G)

55 do Sri Ayyanar do do Sri Ayyanar Sri Madurai Veeran do " Temple (0) Sri Poolsni and Pokkalai

S6 .. do Sri Porayathal do do Sri Porayatbal do Temple (F)

57 47 Aragur Sri Muthu do Sci Ulagavazbi­ Sri Vinayakar Cbinnababu­ Ulagavazhi­ amman samudram amman Railway statiot Temple (F) 1 mile PONDICHERRY STATE 85 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Movable property Property Annual r- r- -_...... _._----""'\ income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jeweis) property A.C. A.C, A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Concld.)

1 1 I I I I }- 0-66 3'00 300 Garudas 2 Once a day ~Annual festival I Lion,Horse by a hereditary I for 10 days I Hanumar Yadhava I inAdi I Bandicoot I I Kedayams 3 I Sahadai j J

0'60 acre Not Lion Once a day Annual festival of plots stated Elephant by a hereditary for 9 days Vanniar in Chithrai

do do

1'00 acre do do of mango, margosa and iluppai trees

0'40 do do

2'32 0'16 acre 12 kalams Not Vimanam Once a day Annual festival of plots of paddy stated Horse by a Vanniar for lOdays and Rs. 100 Lion in Cbithrai 86 TEMPLES OF VILLIANUR

Distance from Age of Area of Other the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the ]Same of Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples outside

1 8 Koneriklippam Sri Mariamman Not Below Sri Mariamrnan Sri Vinayakar Villianur Temple (F) stated 0'01 Railway station 3 miles

2 13 Sendanatham Sri Mariamman do do Sri MariamJIlan Sri Vinayakar Villianur Temple (F) Railway station 1 mile

3 Sendanatham Cheri Sri Muthumari- do 0'01 Sri Muthumari. SrilCathavarayar do (Harijan colony) amman amman Sri Parusaramar Temple (F)

4 14 Aryapalayam Sri Pullayi do 0'01 Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar do Mariamman Sri lCatbavarayar Temple (F) Sri Aryamala

5 do Sri Gangayamman do Below Sri Gangayamman do Temple (F) 0'01

6 15 Kottamedu Sri Agora 80 do Sri Mariamman Villianur Mariamman Railway station Temple (F) tmile

7 16 ViJlianur Sri Sokka Not do Sri Vinayakar do Vinayakar stated Temple (G)

8 25 Guruvappanai. Sri Mariamman 50 do Sri Mariamman do ckenpalayamcheri Temple (F) (Harijan colony)

9 47 Arugur Sri Vinayakar Not do Sri Vinayakar Chinnababu­ Temple (G) stated samudram Railway station I mile PONDICHERRY STATE 87 COMMUNE (Concld.)

Movable property Property Annual r-----.A.-----~ ,------.~,---....- income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Others immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) tbe Government

No poojas ...

Once a day Annual festival by a Vanniar for three days in Adi

Lion No poojas Annual festival for one day in Adi

Lion Once a week do by a Vanniar

do

Lion Twice a day Annual festival by a hereditary for 10 da~s Vanniar in Adi

60 kalams Once a day - of paddy by a Veerasaivar

Once a week by a Harijan Woman

0'33 Not Once a day stated by a Vanniar

A view of the Vadukeswarar Temple. Tiruvandarkoil A view of the tow~r over the sanctum of Vadukeswarar A niche containing the image of Dakshinamurthi The image of Bikshadanar The image of Ardhanareeswara The image of Goddess Durga MANNADIPET COMMUNE

TIRUVANDARKOIL the Goddess appears to have been destroyed by cyc­ Sri Vadukeswarar Temple lone in the early part of this century and the idol of the Goddess has therefore been installed in the manta pam Tiruvandarkoil in the Mannadipet Commune is of the Lord's shrine. This temple is now one of the situate at a distance of 13 miles from the Pondicherry protected monuments in this area under the Ancient town, and is on the Pondicherry-Villupuram main Monuments and Archaeological site and Remains Act road. The nearest railway siation to this village is 1958 (24 of 1958). No renovation has been carried Chinnababusamudram. The village is at a distance of out to this temple in recent times. Granite images a mile and a half from the railway station. of Narthana Vinayakar, Dakshinamurti, Linga­ bhadran, Brahma, Chandikeswarar and Ardhanarees­ The temple dedicated to Sri Vadukeswarar is a warar, are found installed on the outer walls. of the very ancient one. Saints Thirugnana Sambandhar and main sanctum sanctorum. Granite images of Vinaya­ Arunagirinathar have visited this temple and composed kar, Arumugar, Balasubrahmanyar, Valli and Deiva­ songs in praise of the Lord enshrined here. The yanai, Navagrahas, etc., are yet to be installed in presiding deity is Lord Siva known as Vadukeswarar, appropriate sanctum sanctorum. Vaduhurnathar, Vaduhapureeswarar and Panchana­ deeswarar. It would appear the ancient name of the village was Vaduhur whereby the presiding The Devasthanam possesses twenty Kanis of lands deity of the place also came to be known as the Lord and a house. The lands are auctioned out for cultivaoi of Vaduhur. The consort of the Lord is known as tion once in three years. The average annual income Thripurasundari or Vaduvayarkanni. The idol of the is about Rs. 2,000 and expenditure on the daily rites Lord is a Swayambu Lingam. and on the maintenance of the shrine is incurred from this income. There are neither jewels nor vahanams The temple is believed to have been constructed in this temple. No festival is celebrated in this originally by the Palla vas and subsequently renovated temple. by the Cholas. But portions of the original super­ structure seem to have been destroyed from time to The affairs of the temple are managed by a time either due to natural calamities or otherwise, as is Committee consisting of a President, Vice-President, evident from the ruins of old shrines and compound Secretary, Treasurer and Member, nominated by the walls even now available. The sanctum sanctorum of Government of Pondicherry.

12 90 TEMPLES OF MANNADIPET

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name oi the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

1 3 Kunichampattu Sri Droupathi- Not Sri Droupathi- Sri Krishnan "1 amman stated amman Sri Kundbiamma Temple (F) 1 Paneha Pandavas to~ I 2 do Sri Sengazhuneer- do J Sri Mariamman I amman Temple (F)

I 3 do Sri Deivanayaga- do O'()6 Sli Deivanayaga Vikkaravandi Perumal Perumal I Railway station )- Temple (V) Sri Devi and 7 miles Bhudevi \

4 do Sri Bhuthanathe- do 0'12 Sri Bhuthana- Navagrahas eswarar theeswarar Sri Bhairavar I Temple (S) Sri Kamatchi- Sri Mahalakshmi amman Sri Suryan Sri Chandran \ 1 5 do Sri Vinayakar do Not Sri Vinayakar I Temple (G) stated J

6 S Thirukkanur Sri Muthumari- do 0'18 Sri Mariamman Sri Parasuramat Kandamangalam amman Railway station Temple (F) 7 miles

7 7 Sompattu Sri Renuka do 0'29 Sri Muthumari- Sri Vinayakar "1 Paranjothi amman Sri Parasuramar Amman Sri Kathava. Temple (F) rayar Sri Pothurasa I 1 } Vikkaravandi 8 do Sri Pidari do Not Sri Pidari Rail"" Temple (F) stated - I 7 miles ,Ia"""

9 do Sri Ayyanar do do Sri Ayyanar \ " Temple (0) Sri Poorani and Pokkalai J PONDICHERRY STATE 91 COMMUNE

Movable property Property Annual r- .A...___ ,"", ,.-______..A__...... _. ____ '""\ income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) Property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government

1 Once a day Annual festival on by a hereditary New Moon day Vanniar in Panguni or Chithrai

do Sedal festival

14'63 2'66 5'32 acres 150 kalams of 300 Bandicoot Once a day Vaikunta of tama-. paddy and by a Bhatta- Ekadasi , rind and Rs.500 Horse chariar MasiMagam iluppai Lion groves Garuda Ratham

1 Once a day I by a Veerasaivar I

J do MasiMagam

4'65 0'33 65 kalama of Vimanam Twice a day Annual festival paddy and by a hereditary after New Moon Rs.25 Vanniar in Adi

3'99 2'66 75 kalams of 100 Lion Twice a day Annual festival paddy and Horse by a VanDiar after New Moon Rs.300 Punniakotti in Adi Vimanam Ratham

Once a day by a Vanniar

do 92 TEMPLES OF MANNADIPET

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple TempJe Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

10 9 Vadanur Sri Meenakshi Not t·()() Sri Sundareswarar Sri Chandrasekarar Pallinelianur Sundareswarar stated Sri Meenakshi Sri Madhuvalli Railway station Temple (S) Nayagi 5 miles Sri Parasakthiamman Sri Natarajar Sri Sivakami Amman Sri Manickavasagar Sri Sundarar Sri Hastha Devar

11 10 Montbrunpet Sri Balasundara 5S 0'10 Sri Balasundara Lord Siva Mudiambakkam Vinayakar Vinayakar Sri Chamundees- Railway station Temple (0) wad 8 miles Sri Veerabhadran Navagrahas Sri Dhandapani

12 16 Madagadipettur Sri Kundankuzhi 900 0'17 Sri Eswaran Pallinelianur Mahadevar Sri Parvathi Railway station Temple(S) 11 miles

13 do Sri Angalamman Not 0'10 Sri Angalamman Sri Vinayakar do Temple (F) stated Pavadairayan

14 21 Thirubuvanai Sri Varadharaja do 0'31 Sri Varadaraja Sri Thothinatha Chinnababu­ &22 Perumal Perumal Perumal samudram Temple (V) Sri Devi and Sri Varamangai Railway station Bhudevi Thayar 3 miles Sri Andal Alwars PONPICHERRY STATE 93 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable property Property income ----, from the ----Jewels (Value r-- immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs,

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (16) (15) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

7'98 70 kalams of Nandikeswarar Twice a day Masi Magam paddy and Rishabam by a hereditary Thaipoosam Rs,400 Lion, Swan Gurukkal Sivarathri Peacock! Tamil New Vimanams2 Year's Day Ani Uthiram Adi Pooram Vinayaka Chathurtbi Navarathri Karthigai Deepam Arudhra

1'66 3'32 400 Not Once a day ThaiPoosam stated by a Devanga Sivarathri Chettiar Vijayadasami Karthigai Deepam Thiruppakshi in Margazhi

,.. Daily lamp is lit by a Vanniar

2'66 2'66 30 kalams of Ratham Twice a day Annual festival paddy and Lion bya Vanniar in Panguni Rs.150 Horse Vimanam Sahadai

9'31 14'63 2 Houses 120 kalams of Not Garuda Twice a day Karinal festival paddy and stated Horse by a Brahmin Atruthiruvilha Rs.l,500 Seshavahana in Thai Punniyakotti Garuda Sevai Vimanam in Purattasi Palanquin VaikuDta Ekadasi Hanuman Nagam Lion 94 TEMPLES OF MANNADIPET

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

15 21 Thirubuvanai Pazhandy 100 0'06 Sri Pazhandy Sri Vinayakar Chinnababu. & 22 Mariamman Mariamman samudram Temple(F) Railway statioa 3 miles

16 23 Thiruvandarkoil Sri Vadukeswarar Not 1'00 Sri Vadukeswarar Sri Vinayakar Chinnababu­ Temple (S) stated Sri Parvathi Sri Subramaniyar samudram Sri Valli and Railway station Devasena Ii miles

17 24 l(iothapurinatham Sri Muthumari- do Below Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar 1 amman 0'01 Sri Kathava- Temple (F) rayar lJ Sri Karup- pazhagar I Cbinnababu- Sri Ondhayi samudram t Railway station I 2 miles 18 do Sri Vinayakar do Not Sri Vinayakar J " Temple (G) stated

19 23 Sorapattu Sri Mannadha- do 0'01 Sri Mannadha- Sri Veeran 1 swami swami Temple (0) Sri P~chavazhi- amman Kandamangalam Railway station 4 miles

20 do Sri Droupathi- do Not Sri Droupathi- Sri Krishnan amman stated amman Sri Mariamman Temple (F) Sri Arjunar PONDICHERRY STATE 9S COMMUNE (Contd.)

Movable property Property An Dual r- ---.. income Jewels (Value r-----.A.-,---- from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

3'65 Rs.400 Not Twice a day Annual festival stated by a Vanniar inAdi

26'60 One house Rs. 2,000 Once a day by a hereditary Gurukkal

6'65 Rs.l00 Not Lion, Nagam Twice a week Annual festival stated Swan, Horse by a hereditary in Chithrai Sahadai Vanniar

No poojas

3'00 6 acres 30 kalams of Vimanam Once a day of groves paddy and by a hereditary RS.250 Vanniar

Garu

29 d. Sri Ellaipidari do do Sri EUaipidari " Temple (F)

30 do Sri Subramaniyar do do Lord Siva Sri Vinayakar Temple(M) Sri Subramaniyar Sri Valli and J Devasena PONDICHERRY STATE 97 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable property Property.A. ______income ,.._____ .A._~-_ ... r- from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (6) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

2·66 Extent 500 Vimanam Once a day Annual festival not by a hereditary held in Chithrai. stated Vanniar Vaikasi or Ani

No Poojas

Once a day by a hereditary Vanniar

do

Daily lamp is lit by a hereditary Vanniar

do

do

do

do

.. ... Once a day - by a hereditary - Vanniar 13 98 TEMPLES OF MANNADIPET

Age of Distance from Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under ./

31 36 Katteri Sri Droupathi- Not 0'06 Sri Droupathi- Sri Krishnan 1 amman slated amman Temple (F) Sri Arjunan I I 32 do Sri Sundara do 0'02 Sri Sundara Vinayakar Vinayakar Temple (G) IChinnababu- I samudram )- Railway station 6 miles 33 do Sri Mariamman do 0'04 Sri Mariamman Sri Kathavarayar " Temple (F) I

34 do Sri Sanjeevarayar do Not Sri Anjaneyar Sri Perumal Temple (0) stated Sri Devi and Bhudevi J

Temples outside

17 Nallur Sri Ayyanar Not Not Sri Ayyanar Sri Madurai- 1 Temple (0) stated stated Sri Poorani and veeran Pokkalai I Pallinelianur I Railway station )- 3/8 mile 2 do Sri Vinayakar do Below Sri Vinayakar " Temple (G) 0'01 I I Sri Kali do Not Sri Kali 3 do J Temple (P, stated

0'09 Sri Droupathi­ 4 23 Thiruvandarkoil Sri Droupathi­ 41 Sri Krishnar Chinnababu­ amman amman samudram Temple (F) Sri Arjunan Railway station Hmiles PONDICHERRY STATE 99 COMMUNE (Concld.)

Annual Movable property Property income ~- ._.....__~ ______..A.. ______~ from the Jewels (Value ,. immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) 1I8)

the Government (Conc1d.)

1 Once a day Festival in I by a Vanniar Thai month 1 Vaikunta Ekadasi I \ Once a day Vinayaka I by a Gurukkal Chathurtbi 23·32 6·45 2 Godowns 250 kalams Not Elephant, Lion I 5 Shops of paddy stated Horse, Swan ~ and Rs. 600 BhC'odam I Bandicoot I Peacock I Once a day Vimanam I by a Vanniar Garuda

do J

the Government

On special days poojas performed by a hereditary Naidu

do Vinayaka Chathurthi

do

Garuda Once a day by a hereditary Vanniar BAHOUR COMMUNE

Srimoolanadhar Temple daily rituals in the temple including payment to the priests, the periodical festivals, and the maintenance of Bahour village which is the headquarters of the the temple is met. The temple owns vahanams such Commune of the same name is situated at a distance of as two rishabhams, one horse,' two elephants, one fourteen miles from Pondicherry town. Numerous peacock and one bandicoot, two palanquins, one buses ply through this village both to Pondicherry and kailasa vahanam, some vimanams and padisattams and Cuddalore. This village is famous for its ancient a ratham of 35 feet height. temple dedicated to Lord Siva, known here as Srim')o­ lanathar. It is believed that Saint Thirugllanasamban­ The management of the temple vests with a dhar visited this temple. This is now one among the Committee consisting of a President, a Vice-President, a five protected monuments in the Pondicherry U ~on Secretary, a Cashier and a member all of whom are Territory under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeolo­ nominated by the Government of Pondicherry. gical Sites and Remains Act 1958 (Act 24 of 1958). The following festivals are celebrated in the temple: The temple is situated in the middle of the village, and covers about 1'33 acres of land. There is only 1. Brahmothsavam for ten days. one prakaram which is surrounded by compound walls on all sides. There are separate sanctum sanctorums 2. Atruthiruvizha for one day on the fifth day of for Srimoolanathar, Goddess Vedambikai, Vinayakar, the month of Thai (January-February.) Subramanyar, Navagrahas, Saneeswara and Vridha­ 3. Masi Magam Festival in Masi (February­ pureeswarar. The moolavar of Srimoolanathar is a March) for which the idols of Chandra~ Swayambu Lingam, of about 4 feet in height. The sekharar and Vinayakar are taken in cere­ other images are all of granite. Granite images of other monial procession to Devanampattinam for deities such as Chandikeswarar, Suryan, Narthana the holy immersion. Vinayakar, Sundara Vinayakar, Dakshinamurthi, Perumal, Brahma, Durgai and Bhairavar have also 4. Monthly festivals within the temple premises been installed in the temple. during the Panchaparvams.

Poojas are performed twice a day, between 8 and Of all the above festivals, the annual Brahmoth­ 10 a.m. in the forenoon and between 6 and 8 p.m. in the savam is the most famous. It is celebrated for ten days evening, by a hereditary Brahmin priest. He is paid in th~ Tamil month of Ani corresponding to June­ two bags of paddy and Rs. 10 per month from the July and it commences on the Sukla Panchami day temple funds. (fifth day of the bright half). During the first eight days of the festival, there are two processions, one Gold and silver jewels for the deities of the temple in the morning and the other in the night. Tn the are estimated to cost about Rs. 7,000. The Devastha­ mornings the presiding deity in the standing posture nam has 40 acres of wet lands and 16' 5 acres of dry known as Chandrasekharar, preceded by Pillaiyar, is lands, a major portion of which was endowed to the taken in procession while during nights Sri Somaska;:}­ temple by the Kings of ancient times. Recently the dar, Amman in standing posture. Ganesa, Subra­ Government of Pondicherry has acquired about eight manyar and Chandikeswarar are taken in procession. acres of dry land for establishment of a High School These five deities that take part in the night proces­ and a hospital in the Village. The other lands are sions are known as Panchamurthis. All these Utsava­ leased out for cultivation, by public auction held once murthis gaily decorated with silk cloth, flowers and in three years. The annual income is Rs. 1,500 and jewels are taken round in ceremonial procession with 750 kalams of paddy, from which expenditure on the the accompaniment of Nadhaswaram music. A view of the Srimulanathar Temple, Babour Another view of the Srimulanathar Temple A view of the vimanam over the sanctum sanctorum The festival idols in the Temple

I The sculpture depicting a dancing girl

• A Dother sculpture of a dancing girl PONDICHERRY STATE 101

The vahanas in which the Utsavamurthis are placed for the ceremonial procession on each of the eight days of the festival are indicated below:

Day of festival Vahanam for the morning procession Vahanam for the night procession for the Lord and Amman

First day Two Padisattams (something Padisattam. like a platform).

Second day do Padisattam.

Third day do Kailasavahanam and Padisattam.

Fourth day do Images of bulls. Fifth day Two palanquins. Images of two bulls. (The night procession is known as Parivettai).

Sixth day do Images of two elephants.

Seventh day do Images of two bulls. (This procession is known as Thirukkalyanam).

Eighth day do Images of two horses. (Sri Ganesa is mounted on a Bandicoot, Sri Subramanya on a Peacock and Sri Chandikeswarar on a Padisattam on all the days.)

The car festival is celebrated on the ninth day. On the ninth and tenth days of the festivals, During the procession on this day, Sri Somaskandar, and vendors selling date fruits, peas, popcorn, plantain Pillaiyar are placed in the big car, and the Amman is fruits, cocoanuts, betels, balloons, clay vessels, plastic seated on a small car (Ratham) known as "Sakadai ". The procession concludes the same night and the idols goods etc., go about the crowd offering their wares are taken back to the temple from the cars. for sale.

On the tenth day, Sri Nataraja is taken round in A large number of people from Bahour and sur­ procession in the morning. In the night, the floating rounding villages assembles on these two days of the festival for Sri Subramanya is celebrated and it con­ festival. The crowd is estimated at more than 2,000. cludes by midnight. 102 TEMPLES OF BAHOUR

Distance from A.ge of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

1 Bahour Sri Moolanathar 1,200 1'33 Sri Moolanathar Sri Chandike· Cuddalore N, T. Temple (S) Sri Vedhambigai swarar (Thiruppa· Sri Suryan puliyur) Sri Vrishapuree- Railway station swarar 4 miles Sri Dakshina- murthy Sri Brahma Sri Bhairavar Navagrahas Sri Saneeswaran

2 do Sri Muthalamman Not 0'03 Sri Muthalamman Sri Vinayakar Cuddalore N, T. Temple (F) stated Sri Mahalaksbmi Railway station Sri Kathavarayar 5 miles Sri Maduraiveeran

3 do Sri Hariharaputhra do Not Sri Ayyanar do Ayyanar stated Sri Poorani and Temple (0) Pokkalai

4 .. do Sri Madurai do do Sri Madurai do Veerappan Veerappan Temple (0)

5 do Sri Selliamman do do Sri Selliamman do Temple (F)

6 do Sri Durgai do do Sri Durgai Amman do Amman Temple(F)

7 do Sri Droupathi· 200 0'10 Sri Droupathi Sri Vinayakar do amman Sri Arjunar Sri Krishnar Temple (F)

8 do Sri Perumal THE TEJIPLE IS •• Temple (V) PONDICHERRY STA1E 103 COMMUNE

Movable property Property Annual .A. .... _-----..!..------""'" income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government

40'00 8'50 75 kalams 7,000 Car, Horse Twice a day Brahmothsavam of paddy Peacock by a hereditary for 10 days and Rs. 1,500 Bandicoot Brahmin in Ani Kailasam Atruthiruvizha Rishabams 2 in Thai Elephants 2 (River Pennar) Palanquins 2 MasiMagam Prabais 3 Vimanams 8

2'66 0'40 acre 40 k"lams 300 Lion Twice a day Annual festival of cocoanut of paddy by a hereditary in Adi groves alid Rs. SO Vanniar

No poojas

I1uppai 15 do groves

Once a day by a hereditary Vanniar

do

2'00 0'33 acre 30 kalams Garuda Twice a day Annual festival of cocoanut of paddy Horse by a hereditary for 5 days groves and and Rs. 750 Vimanam Vanniar in Cbithrai 6 shops

UNDER aONSTRUG'l'ION 104 TEMPLES OF BAHOUR

Age of Area of Distance from SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other the nearest No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples onder

9 1 Bahour Sri Vinayakar Not Below Sri Vinayakar ..'! •• Cuddalore N. T . Temple (G) stated 0'01 Railway station 5 miles

to do Sri Pidari do 0'03 Sri Ellaipidari Sri Maduvendum do Temple (F) Pidari Sri Parameswari Pidari Sri Soola Pidari Sri Sokki Pidari Sri Durga Parameswari

11 do Sri Desamari. do 0'33 Sri Desamari· Cuddalore N. T. amman amman Railway station Temple (F) 4 miles

12 3 Kuruvinatham Sri Droupathi. do Below Sri Droupathi Sri Krishnar Cuddalore N. T. amman 0'01 Sri Arjunat Railway station Temple (F) 6 miles

13 do Sri Vinayakar 100 Sri Vinayakar do Temple (G) 1 I

14 do Sri Pidari Not I 1'00 Sri Pidari Sri Vinayakar do Temple (F) stated ~ Sri Kali Sri Durgai I Sri Chamundi Sri Sakthi I Sri Bagavathi 15 .. do Sri Ayyanar do J Sri Ayyanar do Temple (0) Sri Poorani and Pokkalai

16 .. do Sri Mariamman do Below Sri Mariamman do Temple (F) 0'01 PONDlCHERRY STATE lOS COMMUNE (Contd.)

Movable property Property Annual ~_....._...., r------..... ------~ income: Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(to) (11) (I2) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (eontd.)

0'66 Twice a day by a hereditary Vanniar

do

4·65 2·00 acres 400 Horse do Tamil New of land with Lion Year's Day some huts Garuda All Fridays in Adi and cocoanut Vimanam trees

1 Annual festival I for 10 days I in Vaikasi and I Ani or Adi I I I I ~ 10·64 3·00 acres 2,000 Bandicoot Once a day J of tamarind Palanquin by a Vanniar I and palmyra Lion I groves Kedayam I Horse I Garuda I Vimanam I I

JI Tamil New Year's Day 14 106 TEMPLES OF BAHOUR

Area of Distance from Age of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Terople Temple Principal Deity deities (years) or the Trunk (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

17 4 Soriankuppam Sri Sedal Senga- Not 2'03 Sri Sedal Senga- Sri Vinayakar Cuddalore N. T. zhuneeramman stated zhuneeramman Sri Lingeswarar Railway station Temple (F) Sri Gengayamman 3 miles Navagrahas

18 9 Melaparikkalpattu Sri Mariamman 100 Below Sri Mariamman do Temple(F) 0'01

19 do Sri Vinayakar Not Not Sri Vinayakar do Temple (G) stated stated

20 do Sri Mariamman 5 do Sri Mariamman do Temple (F)

21 15 Krishnavaram Sri Pattabirama­ Not 2'00 Sri Pattabirama- Sri Lakshmanar Cuddalore N. T. swamy stated swamy Sri Anjaneyar Railway station Temple (V) Sri Sitha 4 miles

22 do Sri Muthumari­ do 0'01 Sri Muthumari- Sri Vinayakar CUddalore N. T. " amman amman Sri Parasuraman Railway station Temple (F) Sri Kathavarayar 3 miles PONDICHERRY STATE 101 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable property Property income r-----Jo..---....., ~---J>- from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

2'00 2'00 2'66 acres 1,000 Sahadai Once a day Mattu Pongal of iluppai Lion by a Vanniar Atruthiruvizha groves Elephant MasiMagam Palanquin Sedal festival or Bandicoot Brahmothsavam Nagam in Vaikasi Swan, Horse Ambu festival on Ratham Vijaya Dasami

'1 Kedayam Twice a day I by a hereditary I Vanniar I l 1'66 0'66 20 kalams do I of paddy and Rs. 50 I I

) Kedayam Once a day Annual festival Lion bya Harijan for one day in Adi (Friday)

1'33 1'33 acres 1,500 Anjaneyar Twice a day Brahmothsavam of cocoanut Horse by a hereditary for 10 days groves Car Bhattachariar in Chithrai Garudasevai in Vaikasi Uriyadi in A vani Ambu festival Karthigai Deepam Vaikunta Ekadasi Atruthiruvizha MasiMagam

Once a day Annual festival by a Vanniar for 9 days in Adi 108 TEMPLES OF BAH OUR

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2, (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples nnder

23 15 Krishnavaram Sri Vinayakar Not Not Sri Vioayakar Cuddalore N. T. Temple (G) stated stated Railway station 3 miles

24 16 Kanniakoi) Sri Mannada­ 150 2'00 Sri Mannadee­ Sri Subramaniyar do swamy swararand Sri Valli and Temple{O) Sri Pachavazhi Devasena Amman

25 19 Manapet Sri Muthumari­ Not 0'12 Sri Mariamrnan Sri Vinayakar CuddaJore N. T. amman stated Railway station Temple (F) 4 miles (Renukambal)

26 do Sri Mutbumari­ do Below Sri Muthumari- do amman 0'01 amman Temple (F)

27 ,. do Sri Ayyanar do Not Sri Ayyanar do Temple (0) stated Sri Poorani and Pokkalai

28 22 Aranganur Sri Eramudy do Below Sri Eramudy Sri Vinayakar CUddalore N. T. Ayyanar 0'01 Ayyanar Sri Maduraiveerar Railway station Temple (0) Sri Kali 8 miles Sri Saptha Kanniar

29 do Sri Mutbalamman 100 0'20 Sri Muthalamman Sri Vinayakar do Temple (F) Sri Kathavarayar PONDICHERRY STATE 109 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable property Property income r- -~ r------Jw.------, .from the Jewels (Value unmovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (18) tbe Government (Contd.)

Once a day by a Vanniar

3'75 4'00 acres 50 kalama Peacock: Once a day Brahmothsavam of cocoanut of paddy by a hereditary for 10 days groves and Rs. 500 Vanniar in Adi MasiMagam Atruthiruvizha

1'33 Some 20 kalams Lion Once a day cocoanut of paddy by a Vanniar and cashew and Rs. 100 groves

Once a day Annual festival by a VaJluvan for 3 days in Chithrai

No poojas

I 300 Horse Once a day Atruthiruvizha 1 by a hereditary in Thai and 1 Thambiran Vasantha I 16'00 120 kalams I Uthsavam in Adi ~ of paddy ~ I I II I J Vimanam do Annual festival J on Thai Fridays 110 TEMPLES OF BAHOUR

Age of Area of Distance from Name of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(I) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

30 24 Seliamedu Sri Mariamman 65 0'52 Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar Cuddalore N. T. Temple (F) Railway station 6 miles

31 do Sri Kudithangi­ Not Not Sri Kudithangi­ do amman stated stated amman Temple (F)

32 do Sri Parandhuvetti do do Sri Ayyanar do Ayyanar Temple (0)

33 24 do Sri Sanjeevaraya do 0'16 Sri Sanjeevaraya Sri Ramar do Perumal Pecumal Temple (V)

34 28 Pinnachikuppam Sri Vedachi­ do Below Sri Saptha Cuddalore N. T. amman 0'01 Kannigais Railway statioD Temple {F) 5 miles

3S do Sri Vinayakar do Not Sri Vinayakar do Temple (G) stated

36 do Sri Kannan 18 do Sri Krishnan do Temple (V)

37 .. do Sri Veeran Not do Sri Veeran do Temple (0) stated PO~DICHERRY STATE III COMMUNE (Contd.) Movable property Property Annual ,_.-- -"-----.., ------.,.___--'""'\ income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) tbe Government (Contd.)

Horse ') Once a day Brahmothsavam 1 I by a Brahmin for 10 days I Bandicoot Kamadhenu I in Adi \ I I Only lamp is lit 6'65 0'33 acres 120 kalams I I of mango of paddy I by a hereditary i I Chettiar 1 groves and and Rs. 200 I 0'66 acres I I of cocoanut I I groves I ,. ~No poojas t

IOnce a day Tamil New I I by a Brahmin Year's Day 1 I Hanumantha I Jayanthi I I in Margazhi 1 ! Karthigai Deepam Sri Rama Navami J J

1 Once a week 1 I by a Vanniar I I I 1No regular poojas I >- 0'66 8 kalams >- , of paddy I do Uriyadi festival I on Gokulashtami I day I I I I J No poojas J 112 TEMPLES OF BAHOUR

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Principal Deity deities Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

38 31 Pannithittu Sri Mariamman Not 0'05 Sri Mariamman Cuddalore N. T. Temple (F) stated Railw8ystatioD' 7 miles

39 35 Narambai Sri Nagamuthu- 150 0'0& Sri Nagamuthu. Sri Vinayakar Cuddalore N. T. mariamman mariamman Railway station Temple (F) 6 miles

40 39 Kirumambakkam Sri Mariamman Not 0'S5 Sri Mariamman do Cuddalore N. T. &40 Temple (F) stated Railway station 5 miles

41 GO Sri Droupathi. 50 0'09 Sri Droupathi. Sri Krishnar do amman amman Temple (F) Sri Arjunar

42 do Sri Vinayakar 32 0'02 Sri Vinayakar Sri pazaniandi do Temple (G)

43 . 44 Karayambuthur Sri Subramaniyar 80 0'22 Sri Subramaniyar Sri Kasiviswa. Melpattam­ Temple(M) Sri Valli and nathar bakkam Devasena Sri Visalakshi Railway station Sri Vinayakar 4 miles Sri Mariamman

44 39 do Sri Droupathi· Not 0'15 Sri Droupathi· Sri Krishnar do &40 amman stated amman Sri Vinayakar Temple (F) Sri Arjunar

45 45 Panayadikuppam Sri Kothandarama S4 0'04 Sri Kothandarama· Sri Lakshmanar Pallinelianur swaIllY swamy (Ramar) Sri Anjaneyar Railway station Temple (V) Sri Sitha Sri Gatudazhvar 6 miles

46 do Sri Angalamman ISO 0'05 Sri AngalammaD Sri Vinayakar do Temple (F) PONDICHERRY STATE 113 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Movable property Property....L ______..... Annual r----- ..A....__~ income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) Property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (IS) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Concld.)

1'33 50 Lion Twice aday Annual festival by a hereditary for 3 days Vanniar in Adi

5'32 100 Padisattam Once a day Annual festival by a Thambiran for 3 days in Vaikasi or Ani

1 1 Ambu festival I I in Purattasi I All Fridays in Thai I , I 4'6S Some 100 kalams Horse Twice a day IAnnual festival )- cocoanut of paddy Lion by a Veerasaivar )- in any month I trees and Rs, 1,000 Kedayam I between Chithrai I \ andAdi I IKarthigai Deepam J J

18'62 4,000 2,500 Peacock Twice a day Karthigai Deepam Padisattam by a hereditary Atruthimvizha Sahadai Gumkkal in Thai Garuda Mariamman Kedayams 2 festival in Adi & Thai months (Fridays)

400 Twice a day Brahmothsavam by a hereditary for- ten days Gurukkal in Chithrai Atruthiruvizha in Thai

4'33 78 kalama Not Twice a day of paddy stated by a hereditary Bhattachariar

2'00 10 bags of do Vimanams 2 Once a day paddy by a Brahmin 15 114 TEMPLES OF BAHOUR

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest Sl. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No, village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(9) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)

Temples outside

Cuddalore N. T. 1 2 Irulansandy Sri Sundara Not 0'03 Sri Sundara Vinayakar stated Vinayakar Railway station Temple (G) 5 miles

do 2 do Sri Ayyanar do Not Sri Ayyanar Sri Vinayakar Temple (0) stated Sri Poorani and Pokkalai

3 12 Selliankuppam Sri Vinayakar do 0'01 Sri Vinayakar Cuddalore N.T. Temple (G) Railway station 3 miles

4 17 Pudukuppam Sri Mariamman do Not Sri Mariamman Cuddalore N.T. Temple (F) stated Railway station 5 miles

i 18 Murthikuppam Sri Govinda 30 BeloW Sri Govinda do Perumal 0"01 Perumal Temple(V)

6 21 Kattulmppam Sri Mariamman 80 0'07 Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar Cuddalore N.T. Temple (F) Railway station 4 miles

7 23 Nirnayapet Sri Mariamman Not Below do Villianur Temple (F) stated 0'01 Railway station 5 miles

do 8 do Sri Hanuman 25 do Sri Hanumar Temple (0) PONDICHERRY STATE 115 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Movable property Property Annual ,.....-----"-----~ r------~----.------~ income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18)

tbe Government

0'33 5 kalams Twice a day of paddy by a hereditary Vanniar

1'33 20kalams do of paddy

Once a day Vinayaka by a Vanniar Chathurthi

Poojas held on Annual festival auspicious days for one day only by a in Adi Fisherman

Only lamp is lit by a Fisherman

Lion Twice a day Annual festival Horse by a Vanniar for ten days Kedayam in Chithrai

Not stated Vimanam Once a day by a hereditary Veerasaiva Pandaram

do 116 TEMPLES OF BAHOUR

Age of Area of Distance from 81. L.C. Name of the Name of the tbe tbe Name of Other the nearest No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

'(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples outside

9 25 Kudy Irappu- Sri Mariamman Not Below Sri Mariamman Cuddalore N.T. palayam Temple (F) stated 0'01 Railway station 6 miles

10 26 Adnigapattu Sri Vinayakar do 0'02 Sri Vinayakar do TempJe(G)

11 do Sri MutbaJamman do Below Sri Mutbalamman Sri Kathavarayar do " Temple (F) 0'01

12 29 Sankasimedupet Sri Mariamman do do Sri Mariamman Cuddalore N. T. Temple (F) Railway station 5 miles

13 30 Kandampet do do 0'01 do do

14 tt Pannithittu do do Below do Cuddalore N.T. (Vambapet) 0'01 Railway station 7 miles

15 31 Pannithittu Sri Kali Temple do 0'01 Sri Kali Sri Vinayakar do (F)

16 36 Pillaiyarkuppam Sri Varasithi 80 0'08 Sri Vinayakar Cuddalore N.T. &38 Vinayakar Railway station Temple (G) 6 miles

17 do Sri Thulukkanathu- Not Not Sri Thulukkanatbu- do " amman stated stated amman Temple (F) PONDICHERRY STATE 117 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable property Property income ,....--- r------~ from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government lContd.)

Kedayam Once a day by a hereditary Valluvar

7'32 One house 150 kalams Bandicoot Once a day Vinayaka of paddy by a Gurukkal Chathurthi Kartbigai Deepam

Lion Twice a week Annual festival by a Harijan for one, two or three days in Chithrai or Adi months Atruthiruvizha in Thai

No poojas

Padisattam Once a week Annual festival by a Harijan for two days in Ani

Lion Twice a week Annual festival by a Harijan for two days in Adi

Extent No regular Twice a day Annual festival not income by a Fisherman for one, two stated or three days in Adi

4'00 60 kalarns Not Vimanam Twice a day of paddy stated by a hereditary Gurukkal

Once a week by a Valluvan 118 TEMPLES OF BAHOUR

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest S1. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of other Railway station NJ. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples outside

18 36 Pillaiyarkuppam Sri Subramaniyar 5 Not Sri Dhandayudha- Cuddalore N. T. &38 Temple (M) stated pani Railway station 6 miles

19 37 Valluvarpet do 6 Below Sri Subramaniyar Sri Vinayakar do 0'01 Sri Valli and Devasena

20 39 Kirumambakkam Sri Solaivazhi Not 0'01 Sri Solaivazhi Cuddalore N. T. &40 Mariamman stated Mariamman Railway station Temple (F) Smiles

21 do Sri Munnadi do Below Sri Ayyanar do Veeran Ayyanar 0'01 Temple (0)

22 41 Kaduvanur Sri Vinayakar do 0'03 Sri Vinayakar Nellikuppam Temple (G) Railway station 4 miles

23 .. do Sri Ayyanar do Below Sri Ayyanar do Temple to) 0'01 Sri Poorani and Pokkalai

24 II do Sri Mariamman 2 Not Sri Mariamman do Temple (F) stated

do 2S Of do do do do do ... PONDICHERRY STATE 119 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Movable property Property Annual -~ ~_---"------income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (l7) (18) the Government (Contd.)

Not stated Annual festival for two days in Panguni

Cars 3 Twice a day Annual festival by a Valluvar on the day of Pooram in Panguni

Once a week Annual festival by a hereditary for two or three Valluvan days in Chithrai Pandaram Vaikasi or Adi

No poojas

10 kalams Only lamp is lit of paddy by a Vanniar

No poojas

do 120 TEMPLES OF BAHOUR

Age of Area of Distance from the nearellt S1. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples outside

26 42 Manamedu Sri Vinayakar 65 0·08 Sri Vinayakar Sri Mariamman Nellikuppam Temple (G) Railway station 3 miles

27 43 Sinnakarayam. Sri Mariamman 100 0·17 Sri Mariamman Melpattam­ buthur Temple (F) bakkam Railway station 5 miles

28 44 Karayambuthur Sri Muthumari- Not 0'01 do Sri VinayakaJi Melpattam­ (Hanjan colony) amman stated bakkam Temple (F) Railway station 4 miles

29 6 Vadukuppam Sri Venkatesa 200 O·OS Sri Venkatesa Sri Anjaneyar Pallinelianur Perumal Perumal Railway station Temple (V) Sri Devi and 4 miles Bhudevi PONDlCHERRY STATE 121 COMMUNE (Concld.)

Movable property Property Annual ,--___"'__ r-----~'------"'" incomt' Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Concld.)

4'(0 1,000 Once a day by a Gurukkal

4'00 12 bags Once a day of paddy by a Vanniar

2'33 25 kalams Kedayam Once a day Atruthiruvizha of paddy by a hereditary festival in Tbai Valluvar

4'25 26 bags Garuda Once a day Annual festival of paddy Anjaneyar by a hereditary in Chithrai or Bhattachariar Vaikasi Vaikunta Ekadasi

16

NETTAPAKKAM COMMUNE 124 TEMPLES OF NETTAPAKKAM

Age of Area of Distance from SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other the nearest No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

1&2 Eripakkam Sri Senguiathu Not Not Sri Ayyanar Sri Madurai Veeran Pallinelianur Ayyanar stated stated Poorani and Bommi Railway station Temple (0) Pokkalai 2tmiles

2 do Sri Vinayakar do do Sri Vinayakar Sri1Cathavarayar do " Temple (G) Sri Krishnar Sri Arjunar Sri Droupathi- amman Sri Bheeman

3 5 Kalmandapam Sri Muthumari- do Below Sri Muthumari. Pallinelianur amman 0'01 amman Railway station Temple (F) 4 miles

4 do Sri Vinayakar do do Sri Vinayakar do Temple (G)

5 7&8 Pandasozhanur Sri Muthumari- do 0'20 Sri Mariamman Sri Kathavarayar Pallinelianuc amman o.Liaa Sii Patal>\liamar Rai\w8'Y ~tation Sri Muthalamman 5 miles Temple (F)

6 do Sri Mallikarjuna do 0'18 Sri Mallikarjuna- Sri Natarajar do " Swamy swamy Sri Sivakama- Temple(S) Sri Maragatba- Sundari valli Ambal Navagrahas Sri Dakshinamurthy Sri Chandikeswarar Sri Bairavar

7 .. do Sri Perumal do 0'02 Sri Perumal do Temple (V) Sri Devi and Bhudevi

8 do Sri Pidari do Below Sri Pidari do Temple (F) 0'01

9 do Sri Ayyanar do Not Sri Ayyanar Madurai Veeran do " Temple (0) stated Poorani and Bommi Pokkalai PONDICHERRY STATE 125 COMMUNE

Annual Movable property ,,-______-.A. Property income r---.A.--~ from the Jewels (Value imlnovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17, (18)

the Government

1 Twice a week Annual festival by a hereditary in Chithirai or I Vanniar Vaikasi i 1 7"00 4 acres of 600 Iluppai tPoojas only on New groves • Moon days and special occasions f I by a hereditary J J Vanoiar

1 20 cents Bandicoot Once a day Annual festival )- (0'20) of bya Vanniar in Adi month I vacant plot

Once a day Brahmothsavam by a hereditary in Adi or Avani I Vanniar 1 1 I i I Twice a day Thai Poosam I by a hereditary Vinayaka I IGurukkal Chathurthi 34'58 1'99 3'32 acres 200 kalams of 300 ~Horse. Swan ofIJuppai paddy and Sabadais-2 I I)- )- groves and Rs,500 Palanquin 2 houses Once a day I Iby a hereditary I Vanniar Daily lamp is lit I by a hereditary I , Vanniar I I do J i 126 TEMPLES OF NETTAPAKKAM

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

10 12 Nettapakkam Sri Ramalinges· Not 0'13 Sri Ramalinges· Sri Laksbminara· Pallinelianur &13 warar (S) stated warar yana Perumal Railway station Sri Parvathavar. Sri Dhandapani 2 miles dhini Sri Natarajar Sri Sivakamasundari Sri Somaskandar Navagrahas Sri Bhairavar Sri Suriyar Sri Dakshioamurthy Sri Chandikeswarar

11 12 do Sri Angalamman 100 0'06 Sri Angaiamman Sri Vinayakar Pallinelianur & 13 Temple (F) Railway station 2 miles

12 do Sfi Droupathi· SO 0'04 Sri Droupathi. Sri Krishnar do amman aJIlDlan Sri Pandurangar Temple (F) Sri Arjunar Sri Vinayakar

13 19 Madukkarai Sri Marakkale- Not 0'16 Sri Marakkale- Sri Natarajar Pallinelianur &20 eswarar stated eswarar Sri Sivakama. Railway station Temple (8) Sri Maragatha. sundari 4 miles valli Ambal Sri Perumal Sri Mahalakshmi Sri Chandikeswarar Sri Dakshinamurthy Sri Brahma Sri Durgai Navagrahas Sri Suriyar Sri Bhairavar Nalvar Lingothbhavar

14 do Sri Arasadi do Below Sri Vinayakar do .. Vinayakar 0'01 Temple (0)

15 do Sri Madaleathu do do do do Vinayakar Temple (0) PONDJCHERRY STATE 127 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Movable property Property Annual r-- ~ --. income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A,C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (IS) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.).

34'58 One house 5,000 500 Rishabams-3 Four times a day Ani ThirumaD- Bandicoot by a GUlukkal janam Peacocks-2 Adi Pooram Kamadheou Vtnayaka Bhootham Chathurthi Elephant Navarathri Vimanams·3 Soorasamharam Suran in Ayppasi Lion Karthigai Deepam Arudhra in Margazhi Mattu Pongal Atruthiruvizha

Vimanam Once a day Annual festival by a hereditary in Masi month Fisherman

1'33 Garuda Once a day A nnual festival bya Vanniar in Chithirai or Vaikasi

7'98 7'98 90 kalams of Not Peacock Twice a day Ani Thiru- paddy and stated Bandicoot by a hereditary manjanam Rs.l,200 Garuda Gurukkal Vinayaka Lion Chathurthi Swan Karthigai Deepam Bhootham Thiruvathirai Ratham in Margazhi Rishabams-2 Thai Poosam Sivarathri

Once a day by a Veerasaiva Pandaram do - 128 TEMPLES OF NETTAPPKKAM

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (S) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples onder

16 19 Madukkarai Sri Droupathi- Not 0'12 Sri Droupathi Sri Krishnar PallineJianur &~20 amman stated Pandavas Sri Kuthandavar Railway station Temple (F) Sri Vinayakar 4 miles

17 .. do Sri Mariamman do 0'04 Sri Mariamman do Temple (F)

18 do Sri Pidari do 0'03 Sri Pidari do " Temple (F)

19 do Sri Sengundha do 0'03 Sri Sengundha do Vinayakar Vinayakar Temple (G)

20 26 Embalam Sri Muthu­ do 0'10 Sri Muthumari. Sri Vinayakar Villianur &27 Mariamman amman Railway station Temple (F) Smiles

21 do Sri Droupathi· do 0'11 Sri Droupathi­ Sri Krishnar do " amman amman Pormannan Temple (F) Sri Arjunar

2.2 do Sri Vinayakar do 0'02 Sri Vinayakar do Temple (G)

23 do Sri Desamari­ do Not Sri Desamari- ... do amman stated amman Temple (F) PONDICHERRY STATE 129 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual Movable property Property income,-- .... ___--.. ,---- from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

Once a day Annual festival by a Veerasaiva in Vaikaai Pandaram

do do

do do

do do

"­ Lion Once a day Annual Festival Kamadhenu by a hereditary inAdi Nagam Vanniar Bandicoot

Once a day by a hereditary Priest

...

17 130 TEMPLES OF NETTAPAKKAM

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

24 26 Embalam Sri Lakshmi. Not 0'06 Sri Lakshmi· Sri Vinayakar Villianur &27 narayana stated narayana Railway station Perumal Perumal 5 miles Temple (V) Sri Devi and Bhudevi

2S 29 Sembiapalayam Sri Sundaramurthi 60 0'06 Sri Vinayakar Sri Mariamman Villianur &30 Vinayakar Sri Perumal Railway station Temple (G) 3 miles

26 do Sri Ayyanar Not Not Sri Ayyanar Veeran do Temple (0) stated stated Poorani and Pokkalai

27 31 ~orkadu Sri Ellayamman do 0"16 Sri Ellayamman Sri Vinayakar do & 32 Temple (F) Sri Subramaniyar - Sri Parvathi

28 do Sri AyYanar do Not Sri Ayyanar do .. Temple (0) stated Poorani and Pokkalai 1 t 29 do Sri Veeran do do Sri Veeran do J .. Temple (0)

I

30 u do Sri Pidari do do Sri Pidari do Temple (F)

31 do -Sri Droupathi- do 0"01 Sri Droupatbi- Sri ~rishnat do .. amman amman Temple (F) Sri Arjunar PONDICHERRY STATE 131 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Movable property Property Annual ~_-J>, ___..." ~ income Jewels (Value r------A------from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) ptopetty A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

1'66 1'33 2S Once a day Vaikunta Ekadasi by ahereditary Pongal Bhattachari Tamil New Years day Golrulashtami, Navaratri Deepavali Masi Magam

10'64 7* kalams Bandicoot Once a day of paddy by a Mudaliar

do

16'00 5'00 2,500 3,000 Nagam Twice a day Annual festival Sahadai by a Gurukkal in Adi Lion Swan Kamadhenu Horse Elephant Palanquin

Once a day by a Vanniar

1'00 100

do Annual festival in Panguni

do

300 Garuda do Annual festival in Vaikasi 132 TEMPLES OF NETTAPAKKAM

Distance fcom Age of Area of the nearest Sl. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

32 33 Karkalam- Sri Kumareswarar 200 0'09 Sri Arumugam Lord Siva Villianur &34 pakkam (Subramaniyar) Sri Valli and Sri Parvathi Railway station Temple(M) Devasena Sri Vinayakar 4 miles Navagrahas

33 .. do Sri Mariamman 200 0'06 Sri Mariamman do Temple (F)

34 do Sri Dropuathi­ 200 0'08 Sri Droupatbi. Sri Krishnar do .. amman amman Temple (F) Sri Arjunar

35 •• do Sri Vinayakar 200 0'04 Sri Vinayakar do Temple (G)

36 38 Kambalikaran Sri Sundara Not 0'03 Sri Vinayakar Mariamman Villianur &39 Kuppam Vinayakar stated Railway station Temple (G) Smiles PONDICHBRRY STATE )33 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Movable property __-Jt.._~ PropertyA.______-. Annual .-- income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13/ (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

5'32 50kalams of 500 Karpaga Twice a day Paoguni Uthiram paddy and Viruksham by a hereditary Surasamharam Rs.700 Peacock Gurukkal in Ayppasi RisbabaDl Masi Magam Horse Bandicoot Ram

Once a day by a Vanniar

0'80 100 Garuda do Annual festival in Chithirai or Vaikasi

0'80 do Vioayaka Cbathurthi

3'00 1 acre of 1,000 Bandicoot Twice a day tamarind Horse bya Vanniar grove

KARAIKAL AREA KARAIKAL COMMUNE

Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple and the Mango Fruit in marriage to Paramadatha Chettiar of Nagapattinam, Festival and was residing in a separate house at Karaikal with her husband. From her childhood she was pious and Karaikal town which is the head-quarters of a used to feed saivite devotees, which she continued to commune by that name is situate at a distance of one do even after her marriage. One day. while Parama­ kilometre from the Karaikovilpathu railway station. datha Chettiar was in his shop, a merchant who came, This place is referred to in the Puranas as Karaivanam, to meet him, gave him two mango fruits which he sent where Sri Dakshayini, consort of Lord Siva performed home through a messenger. Just then a saivite devotee penance in human form for the benefit of mankind. who appeared to be famished came to Punithavathi's Later on, it came to be sanctified as the birtil place of house. He was none but Lord Siva himself who had Karaikal Ammaiyar, one of the 63 celebrated Saivite appeared in disguise to put Punithavathi's devotion to saints known as Nayanmars. An ancient temple is test. She spread a leaf for him and served him food dedicated at this place to this famous saint. This small and one of the two mangoes sent by her husband. shrine is situated in the heart of the town. With only The devotee ate to his heart's content, blessed Punitha­ one prakaram and two modest and separate sanctum vathi and left the place. No sooner had the devotee left sanctorums for the Ammaiyar and Vinayakar respecti­ than Paramadatha came home for his meals. Punitha.. vely, this temple is held in great esteem by the public. vathi served him the remaining mango. As it was very The temple has no jewels or vahanas of its own; and tasty he asked for the second one also. Punithavathi during festivals those of the nearby Kailasanathar who was eager to satisfy her husband, prayed to the temple are made use of. It has no properties of its Lord for the favour of a mango fruit and to her plea~ own. Property is held in common for all the eleven sant surprise. found one in her hand which she served temples of Karaikal and the income is utilised for the to her husband. The taste as well as smell of this maintenance, daily rituals, and festivals of all the divine fruit was peculiar, and Paramadatha was inquisi. temples. All the temples together have landed proper­ tive to know how she got it. She confessed to him ties and buildings fetching an annual revenue of that it was a gift of the Lord. This statement was Rs. 10,000 and I,GOO kalams of paddy. The Govern­ hard to believe and he asked her to get another one to ment of Pondicherry sanction an annual grant of prove the,truth of her statement. Punithavathi again Rs. 419 and Rs. 1,125 respectively for conducting prayed and was aptly rewarded. Tile mango thus the daily rituals and annual festivals of this temple. obtained was given to Paramadatha; but it disappeared as he touched it. Poojas are offered daily to the deities tilree times by Brahmin priests, who are paid altogether 60 litres Paramadatha realised that Punithavathi was a super­ of rice and Rs. 20 a month. The management of human being. with whom he could not live as man and this temple. as well as of the ten others in Karaikal wife and left Karaikal, deserting her. He settled commune vests in a committee consisting of a Presi­ down at Madurai. and married a second time. He dent, Vice-President, Secretary, Cashier, and a member christened the daughter born to him of the second wife all of whom are nominated by the Government of as Punithavathi, in revered memory of his first wife Pondicherry. whom he considered as his patron deity. Punithavathi The Mangani (Mango fruit) festival is celebrated in due course came to know of her husband's where~ ,fn the temple of Karaikal Ammaiyar ever since its con­ abouts. and came to Madurai to join him. Parama~ struction which is believed to be at the place where she datha and his second wife prostrated themselves lived as punithavathi about 1,500 years ago. The before her and worshipped her as their deity. Reali­ legend regarding the festival is briefly as follows: sing that her husband no longer required her, she blessed the family and prayed to the Lord who gave Punithavathi. who was the daughter of Dhanadhatha her the form of a spirit, in which form. she seems to Chettiar, a merchant prince of Karaikal, was given have visited several holy places including Kailas till MAP EXHIBITING THE CENTRES WHERE THERE ARE TEMPLES IN KARAIKAL AREA Scale I em. =8 Km. or 5 Miles

MADRAS STATE ""-."" J' ,...... /\ , '""l~'''.'1 ('". \.r'·~i i",-.

i..., 018 ~ /' ~ 15.1" ( \""1 "\ . c.: ,J .~ ...... ( NEDUNGADU COMMUNE \ 8 .\ ~ Q 't KOrruCHERRY COMMUNE rl\ ... ·~·1.'" l. 26&27~ \ 0 2 I D.1 f' .-'.4_---) ~ I . ·l.r- 20® \ ~l '-t!I, l. -..3 . ~3 1 I 1, ~.,.} -_ __ __--I -----~61§) 7 r-- (i5 ~2 ...... ·.. ·\.4 8 ~ \._ ~ · 12® THIRUNALLAR COMMUNE ) L • ....., ,-/' KARAIKAL COMMUNE .~ ..31 '1 ®IS I ~ARAIKAL ~ 25 _J & .-. .r-'" q;. I fiJ __ _ J--, '-I - _- 80 ,J' JJ..,. -"'t.'\....-. /--- • .~,., ~ I 2 l 11 • ~_J ~ ,. NERAVY J '\.0.10 A? j COMM.U,:::,L. ,_r:~ NERAVY COMMUNE \i) MADRAS STATE .~._, ~. r\.{:14~ O~ 9 l._' ~ .. _. 0 _ -.~,...,.... '---- _- REFERENCE ~\-' State Boundary '_'\ °i Commune Boundary Categories of Temples and ~. _/.J • \_,. D.7 their Symbols S Siva ® 'e GRAND ALDEE COMMUNE Vishnu o "-" '1. Murugar CiJ ./ . Ganapathi Amman ° \ bP Others 1610 Location Code Number 31 . "'--. _. CENSUS - MADRAS

The front view of tbe Karaika) Ammayar Temple The image of Karaikal Ammayar with the plate and mango fruit in her hands The image of Karaikal Ammayar The image of Karaikal Ammayar worshipping Lord Nataraja Festival image of KaraikaI Ammayar

PONDICHERRY STATE 137

she attained salvation. Since the divinity of Punitha­ Hindu women offer mango fruits to the Lord by throw­ vathi was revealed at Karaikal through the mango ing them in the direction of the idol. These fruits are fruits, the festival celebrated in memory of this event collected by the devotees present. When the procession is known as "Mango Fruit festival." terminates at the temple at about 2 p.m. there is a mass feeding of poor people under the supervision of The festival commences two days prior to the Full the managing committee of the temple. At 2-30 p.m. Moon day in the month of Ani (June-July) with the the image of Paramadatha Chettiar is brought. to the offering of poojas to Lord Vinayaka. After the Vigh­ temple from that of Poyya Vinayaka Moorthi. At neswara pooja, at about 7 p.m. the image of Parama­ 5-30 p.m. the image of the Chettiar is taken in proces­ datha Chettiar is taken round in procession from the sion to the Sidhi Vinayakar temple and his second river side. The following day the "marriage"· of 'Marriage' is performed there. The temple is symbolic Punithavathi with Paramadatha Chettiar is celebrated. of Madurai to which the Chettiar migrated. By (0 p.m. The idol of Paramadatha Chettiar is placed on a horse the idol of Punithavathi is taken to the above temple vahana and taken round the main streets of Karaikal in a flower-palanquin where functions representing the town. The procession ends by noon in the temple blessing of the Chettiar, his second wife and daughter where the marriage is celebrated. Music performances are gone through. Special Nadhaswaram music is are held in the afternoon. The idols of Punithavathi arranged for the procession. Punithavathi's idol is and her husband are taken round in procession in the taken back to the temple; she stops en route at the night in a pearl palanquin. The procession starts a( Sri Kailasanathar temple which is symbolic of her about 9 p.m. and returns to the temple at 4 a.m. on ascending to Kailas in the form of a spirit. The the following day. About 7,000 people take part in devotees who participate in the procession recite these celebrations. On the morning of the third day Arpudha Thiruvandadhi and Thiruvirattai Mani Maiai, i.e., on the Full Moon day the image of the Chettiar is the two saivite Thirumurais composed by Karaikal taken in processio.n to Poyya Vinayaka Mo.orthi temple Ammaiyar. About 10,000 people from Karaikal and kept there; this is symbolical of his doing jewel­ area and Thanjavur district take part in the third day's lery business in his shop. At 9 a.m. he receives two celebrations. mango fruits from a merchant and sends it to Puni­ thavathi at 11 a.m. By noon the idol of Lord Siva No special fair is held on the occasion; eating adorned as a saivite devotee is taken in procession houses are opened and hawkers may be seen moving from the Kailasanathar temple, in Karaikal to the about the crowd selling trinkets. shrine of Karaikal Ammaiyar. During the procession

18 138 1EMPLES OF KARAIKAL

Age of Area of Distance from 81. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other the nearest No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) or the Trunk (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

Karaikal Town Sri Uppiliamaniar Not 0'27 Sri Vedhapurees- Sri Suriyar Karaikal Temple(S) stated warar Sri Bhairavar Railway station Sri Soundar- Sri Saneeswarar ambal Sri Natarajar Sri Sivakamasundari

2 ,. do Sri Kailasanatbar ISO 1·15 Sri Kailasanatbar Sri Natarajar 1 Temple (S) Sri Sundarambigai Sri Sivakama- sundari Sri Kalathees· I warar Sri Viswanatbar Sri Visalakshi Sri Chandikes- warar Navagrahas Sri Arubathu· Karai Kovilpathu moovar Railway station t mile 3 do Sri NithyakaJyana Not 0·34 Sri Nithyakalyana Sri Ranganathar Perumal stated Perumal Sri Ranganayaki Temple (V) Sri Devi and Sri Andal BhuDevi Sri Krishnar Sri Alwars

4 .. do Sri Karaikal do 0'02 Sri Karaikal Sri Vinayakar Ammaiyar Ammaiyar I Temple (F) J

S 1 Puduthurai Sri Vinayakar do 0·03 Sri Vinayakar Sri Siva Temple (0) 1

6 do Sri Mariamman do 0·02 Sri Mariamman Sri Kaliamman Temple (F)

Karaikal Railway station 7 .. do Sri Ayyanar do Below Sri Ayyanar 2 miles Temple (0) 0·01 I 8 •• do Sri Kutti Andavar do do Sri Kutty Andavar Tem~le(o) J PONDICHERRY STATE 139 COMMUNE

Movable- property Property Annual ~----~------, ,- income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (IS) the Government

1'66 0'66 Houses~3 30 kalams 150 Twice a day Thiruvathirai of paddy by a Gurukkal festival in Rs.350 in Margazhi

Rishabam Fi,e times a day Skandha Sashti Elephants 2 by a hereditary Thiruvathirai Bandicoot Gurukkal Navarathri Silver Seshavahanam 1 Rishabam Bandicoot

76'00 2'00 Houses·21 IS.2QO 1.500 Four times a day Vaikunta Ekadasi shops-I7 ~G~Horse by a hereditary Ra-pathu and vacant Lion Bhattachariar Pagal-pathu plots Anjaneyar in Margazhi MasiMagham Navarathri

Thrice a day Ammaiyar Jayanthi I by a Gurukkal in Avani Aikkyam of I Ammaiyar J Mangani , Bandicoot Twice a day Vinayaka- by a Gurukkal ISwan Chathurthi I Swan Once a day Tamil New by a Poosari Year's Day 14'96 1'33 Houses-2 2SO kalams of paddy and RI. 500 ~ J do I I j do 140 TEMPLES OF KARAIKAL

Distance from Age of Area or the nearest 51. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

9 4 Pillaithiruvasal Sri Ayyanar Not 0'01 Sri Ayyanar Karaikovilpathu Temple (0) stated Sri Purani Railway station Sri Pushkalambal It miles

10 S Karaikovilpatbu Sri Parvathees- do 0'86 Sri Parvatbees- Navagrahas waraswami waraswami Sri Durgai Temple (8) Sri Swayamvara- Sri Dakshina- thabaswini murthy (Parvathi) Sri Natarajar Ambal Sri Sivakami- Karaikovilpathu amman Railway station I mile

I 11 do Sri Kothanda· 100 0'25 Sri Varadharaja Sri Ramar " ramaswami Perumal Sri Lakshmanar Temple(V) Sri Devi and Sri Seetba J Bhudevi Sri Hanuman

12 7 KiJinjimedu Sri Bilayamman Not 0'16 Sri Ellayamman Sri Mariamman Karaikovilpatbu Temple (F) stated Sri Periachi Railway station Sri Vinayakar 2 miles

13 8 Thalatberu Sri Sirealoga. do Sri Sirealoga. Navagrahas do nathaswamy uathaswamy Sri Dakshina- Temple(S) Sri Sivakami Murthy Ambal Sri Chandikeawarar Sri Suriyar Sri Bhairavar Sri Mahalakshmi PONDICHBRRY STATE 141 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Movable property Property Annual r- -~ - income Jewels (Value .,--- from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) ( 17) (18) tbe Government (Concld.)

Once a day by a Gurukkal

.59'00 5 houses 1,200 kalams 25,000 . Risbabam Five times a day Soorasambaram and of paddy Horse by a bereditary festival in 14 acres and Bandicoot Gurukkal Ayppasi of cocoanut Rs.2,5oo Vijaya Dasami in mango and Pura.ttasi palmyrab Thiruvatbirai in groves Margazhi

150 Garuda Thrice a day Vaikunta Palanquin by a hereditary Ekadasi Bhattachariar Masi Magbam Vijaya Dasami

5'00 15 cocoanut 100 kaJams Ratham Oneea day trees of paddy by a hereditary and Gurukkal Rs.70

23'00 ... One house 300 kalama Rishabam Twice a day of paddy by a hereditary and Gurukkal Rs.12O 142 TEMPLES OIt KARAIKAL

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No, village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples outside

1 2 Dbarmapuram Sri Yazhmuiaa- Not 1'38 Sri Yazhmui- Sri Natarajar Karaikal theeswara stated natbar Sri Sivakamasundari Railway station Tcmple(S) Sri Tbenamutba- Nav3grahas Ii miles valli SriSuriyar Sri Bhairavar

2 8 Thalatheru Sri Ponnamma· do 01)2 Sri Kalianunan Karaikovilpathu tali Railway station Temple (F) limiIcs PONDICHERRY STATE 143 COMMUNE (Concld.)

Movable property Property Annual r- ,... --"" income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver) Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government

33'25 vacant SOOkalams 150 Four times Vaikasi Moolam plots of paddy a day by a Tamil Gurukkal New year's day

Once a day MasiMagham bya Adi Friday after Harijan New Moon THIRUNALLAR OOMMUNE

Sri Darbharanyeswarar Temple left him and stayed outside the temple, where a shrine was constructed for him. On the day of Visakhl Tbirunallar village is situated at a distance of three asterism in the month of Vaikasi, the Lord gave miles to the west of Karaikal Town, and is on the darshan to Nala and blessed him. The legend goes Peralam-Karaikal railway line. The place has become on to say that Nala stayed at this place for twel Vi! famous because of the Darbharanyeswarar temple )ears worshipping the Lord, renovating the temple, situated here. It would appear that Darbharanyam celebrating festivals and endowing properties for the was the original name of Thiruuallar and it has assumed maintemnce of the temple. importance due to the legend, which says that the great King Nala ofpuranic fame was relieved of the aflliction This temple has separate sanctum sanctorums for of Saturn or Saneeswaran, after worshipping the Lord Sri Darbharanyeswarar, Thyagarajaswami, Vinayakar. consecrated in this temple. The legend narrated in Subramanyar, Mahalakshmi and Nataraja in the first this connection is briefly as follows: . prakaram and for Pranambigai and Saneeswaran in the second prakaram. The sanctums of Ambal and Nala, who was the ruler of t!J.e Nishadha country, Nataraja face south. In addition, granite images of married Damayanthi, daughter of the King ofVidarbha. Bhairavar, Surya, Durgai, Dakshinamurthi, Chandi· Saturn (Saneeswaran) who desired to have her as his keswarar and the 63 Saivite saints are installed in spouse was greatly annoyed at her marriage with Nala appropriate places. There are five important theer­ , and decided to punish him by depriving' him of his thams (sacred ponds) associated with this temple, kingdom and causing him separation from his wife. known as Brahma-theertham and Vani-theertham to the As Nala was scrupulously performing all the daily east and south, Anna·theertham and Agasthiar-theer~ rituals. according to orthodox: principles, Saneeswaran tham to the north and Nala-theertham to the north~west had to wait for 12 years before he could get hold of of the temple. Nala. One evening, while washing his feet, a minute portion of his heel was left out, and Saneeswaran The moolavar of Darbharanyeswarar is a Swaya­ entered Nala's body through this part. Immediately, mbhu Lingam. The place was originally a forest of Nala's good, qualities disappeared. He became fond darbha grass and it is stated that the Lingam even now of gambling and lost his kingdom to his brother Push­ has impressions left by the darbha weeds within which karan in a game of dice. After despatching. their two it was situated. The Lord bere is also known as Adbi­ children to their maternal grandfather, Nala and moorthi or Nallarar. The great Saivite saints Thirug- Damayanthi left their capital city. After wandering _ nana Sambandhar, Sundaramurthi Swamigal, Thiru­ about for a long time in the forest in utter despair, navukkarasar and Arunagirinathar have worshipped at Nala deserted Damayanthi while she was sleeping. A this shrine and sung about the glory of the Lord. good deal of hardships and ordeals had to be under­ gone before Nala got reunited to Damayanthi and Poojas are performed five times a day by four regained his kingdom. As Sanees",!aran was still in Brahmin priests, all of whom get three litres of rice possession of Nala, the latter was unable to carryon per day, to be shared among themselves. The gold his duties as a ruler. As advised by Sage Naradha, he and silver jewels of the temple including gold kavacham set out on a pilgrimage and bathed in all sacred rivers for Saneeswara, are worth abaut Rs. 20,000. Tbe and tanks. At Thirukadayur, Sage Bharadwaja advis­ temple has got 600 kanis of wet and dry lands, fiye ed him to vi&it Thirunallar and worship Sri Darbharan­ houses and some vacant plots. The annnal income is yeswarar. On reaching the place. and after purifying Rs. 80,500 and from this is incurred the expenditure himself with a bath, he went to the shrine with folded on the maintenance of the temple, daily rituals and hands. Saneeswaran, who was residing within his body, annual festivals. The ex:penditure relating to four got frightened that Lord Siva would reduce him to other temples of the place viz., Nalanarayana PerumaI ashes if he continued to be in possession ofNala and temple, Nalan Kali-theertha Vinayakar temple and Darbharanyeswarar Temple Idol of Darbharanyeswarar in the sanctum saoctofum of the Temple Darbha plant behind the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Darbharanyeswarar Images of Lord Thyagaraja and His Consort Entrance of Kattai Gopuram. Above is seen the figure of Lord Vishnu in reclining posture View of the main tower with Kattai Gopuram behind Entrance to Nata theertham

PONCICHERRY STATE 145 the four Vinayakar temples. in the four mada streets 11. The Brahmothsavam for ten days in Vaikasi. round the temple, is incurred from the annual income 12. Sani-peyarchi festival for two days once in 'of this temple. two and half years when 'Sani' changes his graha or place. The Devasthanam is in possession of vahanams such as Crow, Rishabhams, Bootham, Peacock, Apart from these festivals special abishegams are Bandicoot and Horse, five Palanquins and two also held in the temple throughout the year on Rathams. The Crow and Rishabha vahanas are important occasions. Each of the above festivals, silver-plated while others are made of wood. except the Brahmothsavam and Sani-peyarchi is attended only by about 500 devotees or even less. The The Devasthanam was under the management of Brahmothsavam and the Sani~peyarchi festivals are the the Dharmapuram Adheenam till 1939, when the most important festivals celebrated in the temple. French Administration appointed the representative of that Adheenam as the President of the Managing The Brahmothsavam or Vasantha Uthsavam is cele­ Committee with four other trustees. Later the mana­ brated to commemorate the day on which Nala received .gement was entrusted to a committee consisting of the Lord's blessings. It is celebrated for ten days. President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and The main festival commences on the day of Punarvasu three Members all of whom were nominated by the asterism in the month of Vaikasi and ends with the Pondicherry Government. The representative of the day of Visakham. Prior to this, festivals are celebrated Adheenam is one of the members. for a week for Vinayakar, Subramanyar and the three Nayanmars namely Appar, Sambandhar and Sundarar. Festivals The main events during the ten days of this festival are as follows :- The festivals celebrated in the temple are the following: First day 1. Adi Pooram Festival for one day for Ambal Sri Thyagarajaswami (festival idol) is taken to the in July-August. Vasantha Mandapam at 8'0 clock in the night. The 2. Vioayaka Chathurthi festival for Vinayakar Panchamurthies (Sri Chandrasekarar, Sri Pranambigai, for one day in August-September. Vinayakar. Sri Subramanyar and Chandikeswarar) are taken out in procession in the four streets round the 3. Avani Moolam festival for one day for temple with Nadhaswaram music.. The procession Panchamurthies in August-September. leaves the temple at 10 p.m. and returns at 2 a.m. 4. Navarathri Kolu and Ambu festival in Sep· tember-October. Second day 5. Soorasamharam festival for seven days for In the morning, Sri Thyagaraja is taken from the Subramanyar in October-November. Vasantha Mandapam to His sanctum. In the night, the 6. Thirukkarthigai festival for one day in Karthi· Panchamurthies are taken round the streets in pro· gai month on the day of Karthigai for cession. Panchamurthies (November-December). Third and fourth days 7. Thiruvathirai festival for ten days in Decem­ The Lord and His consort are taken out in pro­ ber-January. cession during the night, on the Bootha vahanam and 8. Thai Poosam festival for one day in January­ Elephant vahanam respectively. February for Kalyanasundarar. 9. Masi Maga Theertham festival by Chandra­ Fifth day sekarar and Ambal in Brahma Theertham The Swami and Amman are placed on a Rishabha in February-March. vahanam. Sri Subramanya on a Peacock vahanam, 10. Sivarathri festival for Chandrasekarar and Vinayaka on a Bandicoot vahanam and Chandikeswara Ambal in February-March. on a Rishaba vahanam. All the idols are placed on a 19 146 TEMPLES OF Ratham (car) which is drawn by about one hundred The strength of the crowd will be about 2,000 to men. It covers all the four main Streets. 3,000 on the first nine days; but on the 10th day, about 10,000 people visit Thirunallar to have a darshan \ Sixth day of the Lord and receive holy water from the priest. The Panchamurthies go round the streets, but instead of Rishabha vahanam, the Swami and Amman The fair that is got up on this occasion is not are mounted on Kailasa vahanam. After the return of important. A number of eating houses and tea·stalls the procession to the temple, Sri Chandrasekarar and make their appearance. Hawkers with their hand­ Sri Pranambigai remain behind and the other three carts sell toys, balloons and other plastic articles. murthies leave the temple again with Sri Thyagarajar, between 10 and 12'0 clock in the night, preparatory to The Sani-peyarchi festival the next day's car festival. There are three cars. The Among the Navagrahas, Saturn (Saneeswaran) first car is occupied by Sri Thyagaraja and Sri occupies an important place. A malefic Saturn in one's Nithyakalyani, the second by Sri Nilothpala Ambigai horoscope is believed to cause miseries and hardships and Cbandikeswarar and the third by Sri Subramanya which can be mitigated by worshipping him. According and Vinayaka. to astrology, Saneeswaran moves from one sign (house) to the next in the Zodiac once in 2~ years and the day Seventh day of his transit is observed as a festival in Thirunallar. The three cars start in a procession at 6 a.m. and On the day previous to the day of transit, religious return before dusk. After 10 p.m. Sri Thyagaraja is discourses and entertainments are arranged. On the taken to the "Ennaikkal" Mandapam. festival day, Thiruppavai and Thiruvembavai are Eighth day chanted at 5 a.m. An abishegam on a grand scale is performed for the moolavar. Oil, milk, curd, After a grand abishegam to Sri Thyagaraja in the rose-water, tender cocoanut water, fruit juice, etc., are Ennaikkal Mandapam in the morning, He returns to used for the abishegam. D.wotees perform archanas. His sanctum in the night. Music performances-vocal and instrumental-are held Saneeswaran (Saturn) seated on a silver Crow from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. with an interval for the vahanam is taken round the four streets in procession midday meals. Lord Sani is well-adorned with robes, in the night. jewels and flowers and placed on a silver Crow vahanam :and taken out in procession. He leaves the Ninth day temple :at 10 .p.m. and returns at day break of the Sri Subramanyaswamy is taken to Poonmulayal following day. Special Nadhaswaram music is arranged village, which is close by, decorated in hunting dress for the procession. Innu.merable devotees follow the in the morning. deity; many of them worship the moolavar after the In the night Sri Kalyanasundaramoorthy and Sri processional deity reaches the temple. The crowd that Pranambigai are placed in a decorated raft and the assembles will be not less than 50,000. floating festival is observed. The raft goes round the Brahma-theertham thrice. A special feature of the fair that is held bere is, Tenth day that the .merchants of Kumbakonam, Mayavaram, Tanjore and Karaikal open vessel shops 3 or 4 days The Panchamurthies go to the Brahma-theertham prior to the festival day. Brass, copper, ever-silver opposite to the temple for Theerthavari. The five deities and stone-scooped utensils are offered for sale and it is are then taken round in procession through the four said that they do a roaring business. Eating houses main streets. After their return to the temple. the flag and sweet-meat stalls would be available in plenty. which was hoisted on the first day of the festival is Hawkers selling toys, ribbons, balloons and other brought down. This is known as Dwaja A varohanam. trinkets move ab

PONDICHERRY STATE 147

AMBAGARATHUR Poojas are offered three times a day for the Goddess and twice a day for Petharnan. Brahmin Sri Bhadrakaliamman Temple priests offer worship to the Goddess while a hereditary The Bhadrakali Amman temple in the-village of poojari offers poojas to Petharnan. Ambagarathur in the Thirunallar commune is one of Gold jewels in the temple are estimated to cost the famous shrines in Pondicherry Union territory. It is only about Rs. 2,400. In addition there is a silver situated at a distance of one mile from the Ambagara­ Kavacham and a silver spear for the Goddess. The tbur railway station and 10 kilometres to the west of Devasthanam has 61 kanis of wet lands. four houses KaraikaI town. This temple attracts a large number and some vacant plots. The annual income is estima­ of devotees throughout the year and the crowd during ted at Rs. 35,000. Expenditure on the daily rituals the annual Brahmothsavam in Vaikasi (May-June) is and the annual festivals as well as on the maintenance considerable. Though an ancient temple, it has been of the temple is met from this income. extended and renovated from time to time. and a kumbabhishegam was performed as late as 1964. The The management of the temple is vested in a temple is a and beautiful structure. The Raja­ ~eat committee consisting of a President, Vice-President, gopuram at the entrance is a three-storeyed construc­ Secretary, Treasurer and a member, all of whom are tion, with a height of 44 feet. The entire temple covers nominated by the Government of Pondicherry. an area of 79 cents. There is only one prakaram and .• there are two sanctum sanctorums. That of Bhadrakali The only annual festival celebrated in the temple Amman faces north and the one dedicated to Petharnan is the Brahmothsavam for 11 days in the month of faces east. The moolavar of Bhadrakaliamman, in a Vaikasi (May-June). It commences on the last day in sitting posture, is six feet in height, and is an awe­ the month of Chithrai. Special abhisbegams and inspiring image. poojas are offered from this day. The main festival, however, commences on the first Tuesday in the month The legend connected with the temple goes to say of Vaikasi, and there will be ceremonial processions of that two demons-Amban and Ambaran were blessed by the deity in decorated vahanas, and flower bedecked Lord Siva to be immortal and taking advantage of tbis palanquins etc., during each day of the festival. At boon. they began to oppress the whole world. midday of the eighth day. a he-buffaloe is chosen from Reluctant to destroy them himself, Lord Siva sought among those brought by the devotees as offerings, is the help of His consort UMA. Disguising herself as bathed and taken in procession round the temple. a beautiful damsel, and accompanied by Vishnu in the Then, from the open space in front of the sanctum guise of an old Brahmin, Vma approached the demons, sanctorum, it is sacrificed, and the dead body buried both of whom wanted to marry her. When she there itself. It is said that this sacrifice indicates the announced that she would marrY'onlyone among them, destruction of Amban by the Goddess. This practice fight ensued between the two demons, during which continued till 1965, when the Government of Pondi­ Ambaran was killed. Amban thereupon chased the cherry prohibited the sacrifice of animals and poultries Goddess in disguise on a he-buffaloe, and when he to divinities. Since then, special abhishegams and reached the place where the temple is situated, she poojas are performed to the Goddess on this day. assumed the frightful figure of Bhadrakali, riding a lion The crowd on this day is estimated at 15,000. The and slew the demon with her spear. The Brahmothsa­ festival concludes on the 11th day morning with a yam in the temple is celebrated in commemoration of procession of the Goddess, which is known as this incident. "Vidayathi". 148 ' TEMPLES OF THIRUNALLAR

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest Sl. L.C. Name of the Name of tbe the tbe Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

1 1 Ambagarathur Sri Bhadrakali- Not 0'79 Sri Bhadrakali- Sri Vinayakar Amhagarathur amman stated amman Petharnan Railway station Temple (F) 1 mile

2 3 Nallazhandur Sri Agastheeswara- do 0'01 Sri Agasthees- Sri Dakshina- do swamy warar moorthy Temple (S) Sri Soundarana- Sri Perumal yagi Ambal Sri Devi &. Bhu Devi Sri Bhairavar

3 .. do Sri Ayyanar do Not Sri Ayyanar do Temple (0) stated

4 do Sri PiIlaiyar do do Sri PiIIaiyar do Temple (G)

5 .. do Sri Pidari do do Sri Pidari do Temple (F)

6 5 NalJambal Sri Thanthonrees- do 0'33 Sri Thanthonrees- Sri Chandikes- do warar warar warar Temple (S) Sri Sivakama- Sri Durgai sundari Sri Dakshina- moorthy Sri Ayyanar Sri Natarajar Sri Sivakama- sundari

7 12 Pandaravadai S~i Ekambares- do 0'44 Sri Ekambares- Sri Bhairavar Ambagarathur Sethur warar warar Sri Appar Railway station Temple (5) Sri Kamakshi Sri Durgai 2* miles Ambal Sri Manicka- vasagar Sri Brahma Sri Chapdike- swarar PONDICHERRY STA11! 149 COMMUNE

Annual Movable property Property income from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs, Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the (;overDlOent

81'13 Vacant 35,000 Gold jewels Swan, Lion, Thrice a day Annual festival plots & Rs.2,400 Vimanam by a Gurukkal for 12 days 4 houses Silver not Sahadais 2 in Vaikasi stated

4'00 0'66 70 kalams Once a day of paddy by a hereditary Gurukkal

do

do

o·so Not Padisattam Once a day Annual festiVal stated by a hereditary for 3 days Poosari in Vaikaci

3'32 3'32 Vacant 70kalams of Once a day plots paddy and by a hereditary RI.lO Gurukkal

7'31 do 120 kalams do of paddy 150 TEMPLES OF THIRUNALLAR

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Ten1ple Temple Principal Deity deities ot the Truok (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

8 IS Muppaithankudy Sri Kailasanatha.. 60 0'11 Sri Kailasanatha· Sri Lakshminara· Thicunallar swamy swamy yana Perumal Railway station Temple (S) Sri Kamakshi Sri Dakshina· 3 miles Amman moorthy Sri Durgai Sri Chandikes· warar

9 16 Thennankudy Sri Savuriraja Not 0'04 Sri Savuriraja Pathakudy Perumal stated Perumal Railway station Temple(V) Sri Devi and Hmiles BhuDevi

10 20 Serumavilangai Sri Kailasanathar do 0'13 Sri Kailasanathar Sri Dhakshina· do Temple (S) Sri Sundarambal moorthy Sri Chandikeswarar Sri Bhairavar

11 22 Sorakudy Sri Somanatha· do 0'15 Sri Somanathar Sri Dhakshina· "} swamy Sri Somakulavalli moorthy Temple (8) Sri Chandi· keswarar Sri Natarajar I

12 .. Sri Mariamman do Not Sri Mariamman Thirunallar Temple (F) lltated ~ Railway station. I i mile 13 do Sri Lakshmi- do 0'05 Sri Laksbminara· Sri Ramar I' .. narayana yana Sri Lakshmanar Perumal Perumal Sri Sitha Temple(V) Sri Hanumau I Sri Visvaksheuar J Sri RajagopaIa Perumal Sri Rukmani Sri Sathyabama Sri Varadharaja perumal PONDICHERRY STATE 151 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Annual ,...... ____Movable• .A- property____ "" Property income r- from the Jewels (Value ------, immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

8'00 1'33 2 houses 150 kalams of Twice a day paddy and by a hereditary Rs.2oo Gurukkal

6 Tamarind 100 Once a day trees by a Gurukka)

8'33 0'33 acre 100 kalams Twice a day of cocoanut of paddy by a Gurukkal groves and and a house Rs.200

1 I do I

\ Annual festival 11'66 20'00 One house 220 kalams r Twice a day of paddy by a hereditary in Chithrai or I Poosari Vaikasi Twice a day Vaikunta Ekadasi Padisattam by a hereditary in Marg_azhi IBhattachari J 152 TEMPLES OF THIRUNALLAR

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

14 25 Agaiankanur Sri Vaithianatha- Not 0'03 Sri Vaithiya- Sri Dhakshina- Thirunallar swamy stated nathaswamy moortby Railway station Temple (S) Sri BaJasundari Sri Bhairavar 2t miles Ambal Sri Suryar Sri Mariamma.n

15 do Sri Kaliamman do 0'02 Sri Kaliamman do Temple (F)

16 do Sri Varadaraja do Below Sri Varadaraja do Perumal 0'01 Perumal Temple(V) Sri Devi& BhuDevi

17 31 Tbirunallal' Sri Darbharan­ do 2'80 Sri Darbharanyes- Sri Saneeswarar Thirunallar yeswarar warar Sri Natarajar Railway station Temple (S) Sri Bohamartha Sri Nagavidangar Sri Poonmulai­ Sri Sapthavidangar nayagi Sri Daksbina- moorthy Sri Chandikeswarar Sri Chandikeswari Sri Bhairavar Sri Suryar

Temples outside

12 Pandaravatai Sri Prathaba Not 0'37 Sri Prathaba Sri Vilvanathar Ambagaratbur Sethur Simheswaran stated Simheswarar Sri Visalakshi Railway station Temple (S) Sivakami Ambal Ambal 2i miles Sri Dhakshinamoorthy Sri Chandikeswarar PONDICHERRY STATE 153 COMMUNE (Coneld.)

Movable property Property Annual ,.--_....jo.. --, r----.-.....---- .... incomr Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) OS) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Coneld.)

1'66 Plots and SO kalams of Once a day Thiruvathirai some paddy and by a hereditary festival in cocoanut and Rs.40 Gurukkal Margazhi tamarind trees

Once a day by a hereditary Poosari

Once a day by a hereditary Gurukkal

800'00 Vacant 80,050 20,000 Silver Crow Five times a day Adi pooram plots and Rishabam by a hereditary Vinayaka 5 houses Bhootham Gurukkal Chathurthi Peacock Avani Moolam Bandicoot Navarathri Ram Soorasamharam Horse Karthi83i Deepam Kailasam Thiruvathirai Palanquins 5 in Margazhi Cars 2 for ten days Suran ThaiPoosam Rishabams2 Masi Magham Sivarathri Brabmothsavam for 18 days in Vaikasi Sani-peyarchi _ festival for two days ODce in 2t years

the Government

8'33 120 kalams 100 Twice a day of paddy by a hereditary Gurukkal

20

NERAVY COMMUNE 156 TEMPLES OF NERAVY

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of tbe the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples onder

1 2 Mela Oduthurai Sri Mariamman Not Not Sri Mariamman Sri Kaliamman Temple (F) stated stated Sri Kathava- rayar Periyachi 1 I

2 do Sri Ayyanar do do Sri Ayyanar J Temple (O) Poorani and I Karaikal Pushkalambal ~ Railway station 3 miles . 3 do Sri Pidari do do Sri Pidari I Temple (F) I I· 4 .. do Sri Kaliamman do do Sri Kaliamman J Temple (F)

s 4 Kakkaimozhi Sri Kargodaga­ do 0·31 Sri Kargodaga­ Sri Dakshina­ Thif)lnallar swamy swamy murthy Railway station Temple (S) Ambal Sri Bhairavar 21 miles

6 do Sri Pidari do Not Sri Pidari do Temple (F) stated

7 .. do Sri Ayyanar do 0-01 Sri Ayyanar do Tem1l1e(O) Pcoraniaoo Pushkalambal

8 do Sri Veera do Not Sri Veeran do Temple (0) stated PONDlCHERRY STATB 157 COMMUNE

Annual Movable property Property income ,..._--Jt.__ ~ r-----.A.------~__ from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanall for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government

5'33 0'66 Plots 130 kalams of 50 Swan, Lion Once a day Annual festival paddy and Rishabams2 by a Poosari for 11 days Rs.350 1 in Chithrai

Once a day do lby a Gurukkal

Once a day do by a Poosari

j do do

Vacant 60 kalams Once a day plots of by a Gurukkal paddy and Rs.50

Twice a week by a Poosari

Twice a week Annual festival by a GurukkaJ for one day in Vaikasi

Twice a week do byaPoosari 158 TEMPLES OF NERAVY

Age of Area of Distance from Other the nearest Sl. L,C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Railway station No, No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities (acres) or the Trunk (years) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

" Temples under

9 6 Neravy Sri Jambunatha· 300 0'25 Sri Jambunatha. Sri Natarajar swamy swamy Sri Sivakama· Temple(S) Sri AgiIandeswari sundari Ambal Sri Chandike- swarar 1 Sri Dakshina- moorthy I Sri Ayyanar Sri Veeran Sri Pidari I Sri Mariamman Karaikal Sri Pambadi I Railway station Amman 4 miles

10 .. do Sri Kariamanicka Not 0'17 Sri Kariamanicka Sri Hanumar Perumal stated Perumal Garudalwar Temple(V) Sri Devi & Bhu Devi

11 do Sri Kumaran do 0'28 Sri Muthukumares- Sri Bhairavar I TempJe(S) warar Sri Suriyar Sri Anandavalli J Ambal

12 7 Akkaravattam Sri Somanatha· do 0'03 Sri Somanatha- Karaikal swamy swamy Railway station Temple(S) Sri Soundaravalli 1 mile Ambal

13 .. do Sri Mariamman do 0'01 Sri Marianunan do Temple (F)

14 .. do Sri Kaliamman do 0:02 Sri Kaliamman do TempJe(F)

15 do Sri Pidari do 0'01 Sri Pidari do Temple (F) PONDICHBRRY STATB 159 COMMUNE (eontd.)

Movable properly Property Annual r---'----" income Jewels (Value _------.JI------.... from the of the Arrangements Festival. Wet&- Other immovable Gold &- Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dey Dey jIJllIlovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (l0) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (1~) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

Name not Four times a day Tbiruvathinai stated by a Gurukkal Karthigai Deepam 1 in Adi

60'00 13'33 15 houses 1,600 kalams of 550 and 3'32 paddy and acres of Rs.4,000 Garuda Twice a day Vaikunta Ekadasi vacant by a hereditary plots Bhattachariar

Once a day by a Gurukkal

6'66 Vacant 170 kalama Risbabam do plots and of paddy Lion one house and RI. SO

Once a day by a hereditary Poosari

do

... do 160 TEMPLES~OF ':"'~M~/"" NERAVY

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.c. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples onder

16 8 Karkaillcherry Sri Vella Not 0·08 Sri Vella Karaikal Vinayakamurthy stated Vinayakar Railway station Temple (G) l mile

17 10 Uzhiapattu Sri Bagavathy do 0·01 Sri Pillaiyar "\ PilIaiyar Temple (G) I

I Thirunallar 18 .. do Sri Ayyanar do Below Sri Ayyanar ~ Railway station Temple (0) 0·01 Poorani & 2 miles Pushkalambal I I 19 do Sri Kaliamman do do Sri Kaliamman J Temple (F)

20 11 Vizhidhiyur Sri Droupathi do do Sri Droupathi Thirunallar Amman Amman Railway station ;remple (F) 3 miles

21 .. do Sri Mariamman do Not Sri Mariamman do Temple (F) stated

22 ., do Sri Ayyanar do do Sri Ayyanar do Temple (0) Poorani ana Pushkalambal

23 do Sri Pidari do do Sri Pidari do Temple (F)

24 do Sri Kaliamman do do Sri Kaliamman do Temple(F) PONDICHERRY STAn: 161 COMMUNE (Contd.)

Movable property Property Annual ,---__.A. ____ ""'\ ,-- _-'-----~ income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Ks. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Contd.)

S'33 1'66 65 kaIams Once a day Annual festival of paddy by a hereditary for 10 days and Rs. 40 Gurukkal in Ani 1 I

0'66 Plots 15 k81amsll of paddy & Rs.15 I Twice aweek j by a Poosari

Not do stated

60 Swan do Tamil New Kamadhenu Year's day

0'82 12 kalama of Once a day Ayyanar festival paddy by a Gurukkal once a year

0'66 Cocoanut 16 kalams of Twice a week Pidari festival trees paddy and by a hereditary once in threeZor Rs.300 Poosari five years

Twice a week by a Poosari 21 162 TEMPLES OF NERAVY

Age of Area of Distance from Sl. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other the nearest No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station . (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

25 11 Vizhidhiyur Sri Amman Not Not Sri Amman Thirunallar Temple (F) stated stated Railway station 3 miles

26 ., do Sri Varadharaja Below Sri Varadharaja do Perumal 0'01 Perumal Temple(V) Sri Deviand Bhu Devi

27 do Sri Vizhinadba­ do 0'21 Sri Vizhinadha­ do swamy swamy Temple(S) Vimalambigai

Temples outside

1 9 Sri Akkaravattam Sri Balasundara 75 Sri Balasundara Sri Palaniandy Karaikal Kovilpattu Ganapathy Ganapatby Railway station Temple (G) 21 miles pONDlCHERRY STATE 163 COMMUNE (Concld.)

Annual Movable property Property income ,..--- _-- ~ from the Jewels (Value immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Concld.)

Twice a week by a Poosari

Extent Not Once a day not stated by a Gurukkal stated

15'00 5'33 Plots and 120 kalams of Peacock Once a day one house paddy and Ram by a hereditary Vijaya Dasami Rs.360 Bandicoot Gurukkal Soora Samharam Swan Thai Poosam

Cbe Govermmnent

Once a day Tamil New by a Gurukkal Year's day

NEDUNGADU COMMUNE 166 TEMPLES OF NEDUNGADU

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

8 Kilasembiangal Sri Seethaladevi Not 0'07 Sri Seethaladevi Sri Vinayakar Pathakudy Mariamman stated SIi Mariamman Sri Periachi Railway station Temple (F) 31 miles

2 do Sri Ayyanar do Below Sri Ayyanar do •• Temple (0). 0111

3 18 Kurumbagaram Sri Lakshminara· 137 0'17 Sri Lakshmi­ Sri Vinayakar Pathakudy yana Perumal narayana Sri Alwars Railway station Temple(V) Perumal 3 miles

4 Nedungadu Sri Thanthonrees­ Not 0'39 Sri Thanthonrees­ Sri Natarajan Pathakudy waraswamy stated warar Sri Sivakamasundari Railway station Temple.(S) Nedunthuyaram Sri Chandikeswarar Ii miles Thecrthanayagi

5 do Sri Sreenivasa do 0'05 Sri Sreenivasa do Perumal Perumal Temple (V) Sri Devi and Bhu Devi

6 do Sri Mariamman do Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar do .. Temple (F) Sri Kathavarayar Sri Periachi Sri Pidari Sri Kali

7 26 Ponbethy Sri Vanmeeka do Below Sri Vanmeeka Sri Varadaraja Pathakudy &27 Linganathaswami 0'01 Linganatha. Perumal Railway station Temple (S) swami Sri Devi and 21 miles Sri Perianayagi Bhu Devi Ambal

8 I. do Sri Mariamman do Not Sri Mariallltilan do Temple (F) stated PONDICHERRY STATE 167 COMMUNE

Movable property Property Annual .-_---A.-~ _---.... ----".._-----~ income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals. Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government

1'66 Plot with 20 kalams of Swan Twice a day Annual festival cocoanut paddy and by a Poosari in Chithrai trees Rs.120 or Vaikasi

do

6~ kalams Garuda Twice a day Vaikunta Ekadasi of paddy by a hereditary Bhattachariar

0'75 so COCOa­ 6 kalams 200 Name Thrice a day Thiruvathirai nut trees of paddy not stated by a Gurukkal & one and Rs. 150 house

Vacant 30 kalams 100 Once a day plots of paddy by a hereditary Bhattachariar

do ...... Plots with do Swan Once a day Annual festival cocoanut by a hereditary for ten days trees Pcosari in Chithrai or Vaikasi

... Peacock Once a day by a Gur;'kkal

Not Once a day stated by a Poosari 168 TEMPLES OF NEDUNGADU

Age of Area of Distance from SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other the nearest No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) or the Trunk (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples onder

9 28 Vadamattan Sri Viswanatha· Not 0'15 Sri Viswanathar Sri Natarajar Patbakudy swami stated Sri Visalakshi Sri Sivakama. Railway station Temple (S) sundari 31 miles

10 do Sri Lakshmi­ do Not Sri Lakshmi­ do " narayana stated narayana Perumal Perumal Temple(V) Sri Lakshmi

11 do Sri Azhaganachi do do Sri Periachiamman Sri Mariamman do Anunan Sri Kathavarayar Temple (F)

12 31 Melakasakudy Sri Naganatha- 300 0'07 Sri Naganatha- Sri Natarajar 1 swamy swamy Sri Sivakama- Temple (S) Sri Parvathi sundari Sri Dakshina- murthy I Sri Chandikes- I Pathakudy warar I Railway station )- ltmiles

13 do Sri Varadharaja do 0'04 Sri Varadharaja Sri Ramar .. Perumal I Perumal Sri Sita Temple (V) Sri Devi and Sri Lakshmanar I BhuDevi Sri Hanum:tr I Sri Alwars J PONDICHERRY STATE 169 COMMUNE (Concld.)

Annual Movable property Property income ~----~--~ r------A. from the Jewels (Value ., immovable of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (6) (17) (18) the Government (Concld.)

1 Once a day Thiruvathirai by a hereditary Gurukkal 8"33 Cocoanut 80 kalams of I, trees paddy and } Rs. SO J Once a day Vaikunta Ekadasi by a Bhatta- J JI chariar

do 200 Swan Twice a day Annual festival by a hereditary for 22 days Poosari in Panguni

30 Twice a day Thiruvathirai by a hereditary Chithira 1 Gurukkal Pournami

43'00 2'00 SOO kalams of paddy and l Rs.80 1 I J 50 Twice a day Vaikunta Ekadasi by a hereditary MasiMagam Bhattachariar

22 ·~.v . ... ;;:~

Rajagopuram of Thirumeni Azhagar Temple Rajagopuram of Thirumeni Azhagar Temple A closer view of the Rajagopuram The vimanam over the sanctum sanctorum A view of the gopuram and vimanam The idols of Thirumeni Azbagar and His consort Tbe image in pancbaloba of Lord Sundareswarar, Thiruvettakudi KOTTUCHERRY COMMUNE

Tbirumeniazhagar temple, Tbiruvettakkudi sanctorum are seen the shrines of Lord Subramaniyar. Punnaivananadhar and Maha Lakshmi. This temple situated in Thiruvettakudi village of Kottucherry commune is an ancient temple believed The temple Owns 80 acres of wet land and 53 to have been constructed by an old Chola King, parti­ acres of dry land. It owns also extensive garden lands culars relating to whom are not now available. The and five houses. The annual income from these pro­ presiding deity of the temple is Lord Siva, known perties is 1,500 kalams of paddy and Rs. 500. The here as Sundareswarar and His consort is Goddess temple has antique jewellery worth about Rs. 500. The Soundaryanayagi. A legend connected with this vahanas available are two Rishabams, one Ram, one temple goes to say that it was here that Arjuna, the Peacock, Horse and Band icoot and all these are made famous Pandava prince performed penance to propitiate of wood. The festival idols are made of pancha­ Lord Siva for obtaining the Pasupatha asthram and loham. that the Lord and the Goddess appeared before the prince in the guise of a hunter and his wife. One finds Poojas are performed four times daily by a Guruk­ idols depicting the Lord and His consort in this role in kal.· He is given free quarters and is paid three kalams the temple. The glory of the presiding deities of the of paddy and Rs. 30 per month. He also gets in temple has been sung by the great Saivite saints addition half a litre of rice daily as well as the offerings Thirugnanasambandhar and Thirunavukkarasar. from the devotees.

The festivals celebrated are Vinayaka Chathurthi, The temple faces east. It has an area of 3,750 sq. Skandha Sashti, Thiruvathirai, Thai Poosam and Masi ft. The Rlljagopuram is 45' high. To the left of the Magham. Masi Magham attracts about 3,000 devotees outer prakaram is the shrine of Lord Ganesa and to from far and near. the right are the shrines of Chandikeswarar, Durgai, Ayyanar, the four Saivite saints, Bhairavar, Surya and The temple appears to have been renovated about Chandra. In the centre of the prakaram is the 75 years ago by a Chettiar family of Devakottai who mahamandapam opposite to which is the Nandhi. To were in charge of the affairs of the temple in a heredi­ the left of this mandapam is the shrine of Goddess tary capacity. The· temple is now managed by a Soundaryanayagi. From the mahamandapam can committee appointed by the Government, consisting be seen the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord who is of a President, Vice· President, Secretary and Trea­ installed in the form of a Lingam. Behind the sanctum surer. 172 TEMPLES OF KOTTUCHERRY

Age of Area of Distance from Sl. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of other the nearest No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities Railway station (years) (acres) or the Trunk Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

1 Keezhakasakudy Sri Adhi Eswaran Not 0'03 Sri Adhi Eswarar Sri Chande- Karaikovilpathu Temple (5) stated Sri Adhilaksbmi keswarar Railway station Sri Bhairavar 2 miles

2 do Sri Ayyanar do Not Sri Ayyanar do " Temple (0) stated Poorani and Pushkalambal

3 2 Kottucherey Sri Koothadum do 0'03 Sri Vinayakar do Pillaiyar Temple (0)

4 9 Varichikudy Sri Varadbaraja 150 0'28 Sri Varadaraja Sri Lakshmi· Porayar Perumal Perumal narayana Railway station Temple (V) Sri Devi and Perumal 3milea BhuDevi Sri Perundevithayar Sri Selvarsenai Mudaliar Sri Hanumar Sri Alwars

5 .. do Sri Ayyanar 18 0'08 Sri Ayyanar Sri ViDayakar do Temple (0)

6 .. do Sri Mariamman Not 0'17 Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar do Temple (F) stated Sri Kathavarayar Sri Kampanna. swamy

7 do Sri Vinayakar do Below Sri Vinayakar Sri Agastheeswarar do " Temple (0) 0'01 Sri Parvathi Sri Onanambigai Ambal

S .. do Sri Kaliamman do 0'03 Sri Kaliamman Sri Petharnan do Temple (F) PONDICHERRY STATE 173 COMMUNE

Movable property Property Annual _--_ .A___ --.., income Jewels (Value frem the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) Property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government

0'51 6'65 6 kalams of Once a day paddy and by a hereditary Rs. SO Gurukkal .

do

One house 20'00 350 kalams of Bandicoot do Vinayaka One choultry paddy and Chathurthi Rs.l00

6'66 One house ISO kaJams of 100 Garuda Once a day Vaikunta Ekadasi paddy and by a hereditary Mattu Pongal Rs.500 Bhattachari

Rishabam Once a day Annual festival car by a hereditary for 10 days Gurukkal in Panguni

One house ISO 3'32 1,200 Lion do Annual festival Swan for 16 days in Panguni

5'00 5'00 ISO kalams of do paddy and Rs.5OO

30 kalams of Lion Once a day Annual festival paddy and Swan by a hereditary ror 10 days Rs. SO Car Poosari in Chithrai or Vaikasi 174 TEMPLES OF KOTTUCHERRY

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

9 10 Thiruvettakudy Sri Thirumeni- Not 0'09 Sri Sundareswarar Sri Natarajar Porayar azhagar stated Sri Soundaranayagi Sri Sivakama- Railway station Temple (S) Ambal sundari 3 miles Sri Mahalakshmi Sri Chandi- keswarar

10 .. do Sri Mariamman do 0'29 Sri Mariamman Sri Kaliamman do Temple (F) Sri Periachi­ amman

Temples outside

1 IS Poovam Sri Sithi do 0'06 Sri Sithinatha- Sri Ekamba­ Porayar Nathaswamy swamy reswarar Railway station Temple (S) Sri Pushpavana Sri Kamakshi- 3 miles Ambal amman Sri Natarajar Sri Suryar Sri Saneeswarar Sri Varadharaja Perumal

2 do Sri Mariamman do Sri Mariamman Sri Vinayakar do " Temple (F) Sri Kathavarayar Sri Aryamala Sri Suryakanthi Sri Periachi

3 do Sri Kaliamman do Below Sri Kaliamman Sri Vinayakar do Temple (F) 01)1 PONDICHERRY STATE 175 COMMUNE (Concld.)

Movable property Property Annual r .... -~ ,.-- .... income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Ra. Ra. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government (Concld.)

8O'()O 53'33 5 houses 1,500 kalams of 500 Ram Four times a day Vinayaka vacant paddy and Peacock by a Gurukkal Chatburthi plots Rs. SOO Horse Skandha Sashti Bandicoot Karthigai Deepam Rishabams-2 Thiruvathirai Thai Poosam Masi Magham

4'00 2'66 100 kalams of Swan Once a day Annual festival paddy and by a Gurukkal for 17 days Rs.lOO in Cbitbrai

the Government

13'33 5'33 Duppai 240 kalams of Twice a day Karthigai Deepam trees paddy and - by a hereditary ThaiPoosam Rs.50 I Gurukkal ,I I \

I}- Lion Once a day Annual festival I Swan by a hereditary for 10 days I Gurukkal in Adi I I 2S I Once a day Brahmothsavam by a hereditary for 10 days j Poosari in Vaikasi GRAND ALDEE COMMUNE

THIRUMALAIRA YAN PATTINAM feet in height facing east. Granite images of Anja­ Sri Jadayupureeswarar Temple neyar, Jadayu, Narasimhar, Bhairavar, Suryar, Nava­ grahas, Manickavasagar, Arupathumoovar, Dakshina- i The village of Thirumalairayan Pattin am is situate murthy, Lingothbhavar, Chandikeswarar, Durgai etc., at a distance of three miles from Karaikal town, the have also been installed in appropriate places. Festival headquarters of the area. The nearest railway station idols in bronze of Chandrasekarar and Amba], to the village is also Karaikal. The village is the Nataraja and Sivakamasundari, Thyagar with Ambal, headquarters of the commune of the same name, which Vinayakar, Subramaniyar, Valli and Devasena, Satta­ is also known as Grand Aldee commune. It lies on nathar, Bikshadanar and the four Nayanmars are also the Karaikal-Nagapattinam main road, and buses ply available. from and to Karaikal through this village. The village is well-known for its temple of Jadayupureeswarar. Poojas are performed SiK times a day by a heredi­ tary Saivite Brahmin priest employed by the Devas~ The legend connected with this temple says that thanam. He is paid Rs. 30 and two and half kalams Jadayu, the legendary bird in the Puranas fought of paddy per month. He lives free of rent in the house Ravana at this place as he was proceeding to Lanka owned by the Devasthanam. with Sita, whom he had abducted. Jatayu was killed in the encounter, and attained Moksha. Lord The Devasthanam owns only very old gold and Siva gave dharshan to Jadayu at this place and hence silver jewels such as 'Thirugokamam', 'Kandapirai', the Lord consecrated here is known as Jadayupurees­ ear rings, and two pendants all studded with red or warar. white stones, 'Kasumalai', Thirumangalyam with chain, etc. All of them exist from olden days and The temple, lies in the eastern border of the nothing about their origin or present value is known village, and is very old in appearance. It was renova­ to the temple authorities. It owns fifty kanis of wet ted and kumbabishegam performed 20 years ago by the lands, five kanis of dry lands, and some vacant plots. Administrator of Karaikal who was at that time in All of them are leased for 3,500 kalams of paddy and charge of the temple affairs. Rs. 1,500 per year. But due to adverse seasonal conditions, cyclone, drought etc., the Devasthanam The temple contains two prakarams and there receives on an average only half the quantity of paddy. are four Mada-veedhis around the temple. The main The expenditure on pay of the priest and other entrance to the temple is from the east and there is a employees and on the conduct of the daily rituals and gopuram to a height of about thirty feet, with sculp­ periodical festivals as well as on the maintenance of tures of divine figures, and incidents such as the marriage the temple and the properties thereof is met from this of Parvathi, attainment of Moksha by Jadayu etc. income. In addition, the expenditure on the main­ There are separate sanctum sanctorums for Sri Jadayu­ tenance of the following temples and samadhis in the pureeswarar, Maiyadum Kanne Ambal, Sattanathar, village and on the daily rituals performed therein are Vinayakar, Subramaniyar, Lakshmi and Sri Ramar. also met from the income of this temple. They are all either rectangular or square, with inverted cup-shaped sthupis above them. 1. Vinayakar temple in the bazaar 2. Periatheru PiIlaiyar temple " The moolavar of Sri Jadayupureeswarar is a 3. Kanniamman temple 'Pradhista' (installed) Lingam in granite to a height of 4. Mariamman temple about three feet. Moolavar of Sri Maiadum Kanne Ambal who is also known as Anjalakshi Ambal in S. Nesavinayakar temple standing posture is also in granite, and is about three 6. Malayan street Pillaiyar temple A view of the Rajagopuram of Jadayupureeswarar Temple. Tirumalra yanpattinam A general view of the Temple A view of the gopuram tower a~d the vimanams The front view of the mantapam and the fiagmast in the temple A view of the prakaram of the temple The image of Jadayu The images of Jadayupureeswaral' and Goddess Anjanakshi

PONDlCHERRY STATE 177

7. Narthana Kaliamman temple Among these festivals, the Brahmothsavam is the 8. OM Muzhiappar temple on the sea shore most important festival of the temple. It is celebrated 9. Mela Madam (Samadhi of one Suprayaswami) for three days. It commences in such a way that the third day of the festival coincides "'with the day of to. Gurusamy temple (Samadhi of a Paradesi the Magham star in the Tamil month of Masi (February­ named Gurusamy) March). On the first day the bronze uthsavars of Sri A choultry donated by one Sri K. Venkatachalam Chandrasekarar and Ambal, gaily decorated and kept PiIlai, is also owned by the Devasthanam. He has on the Rishabha vahanam are taken in procession during donated also fifty kanis of lands, the income from nights through the four Mada-veedhis round the temple. which is to be utilised for feeding poor people on the Five to seven thousand devotees assemble for this days of 'Barani' in Chithrai and Ayppasi months, and festival. On the second day scenes from Ramayana for conducting festivals during Brahmothsavam in the such as 'Mareesa Vadham'. and 'Jadayu Vadham' are temple. These properties are included in the other stageti on the main road between 6 and 9 p.m. the properties of the Devasthanam and managed by the incidents connected therewith being narrated over the trustees of the temple. Out of the income from temple loud-speaker by exponents. By to p.m. on the same properties, thirty Desanthries (Travellers) are fed day, Somaskandar, gaily decorated is taken in proces­ daily. The vahanas of the temple are made of wood. sion to the Raja mandapam in the temple where a They are Horse, two Rishabams, Lion, Peacock, Bandi­ Bharatha-natyam (dance) is staged till late in the night. coot, Swan, Parrot, Nagam. Bhootham, Jdumbai, For this celebration on the second day nearly twelve Kailasavahana and Pavazhakkal sap ram. All these thousand devotees assemble. By noon on the third vahanas exist from olden days but are renovated and day Sri Chandrasekarar and Ambal are taken to the painted whenever required. Apart from these vahanas, sacred pond before the temple for the 'Theerthavari' Jadayu, Mareesan, etc., are decorated during festivals to Jadayu and they are brought back to the temple using bamboo splits and paper and painted. There after a procession through the Mada-veedhis. In the are also wooden images of Ramar, Lakshmanar, Sita evening, there is a dance recital in the temple and in the and Ravana. night, Chandrasekarar and Ambal, gaily decorated and installed in the 'Pushpa-pallakku', (flower palanqiun) The festivals held in the temple are as follows :- are taken in procession through the Mada V.eedhis.

1. Chithra Pournami (Full Moon) festival in April-May. After this the festival concludes. The strength of 2. Vaikasi Visakam festival for one day in the gathering on the last day is about 15,000. May-June 3. Ani Thirumanjanam for one day for Two other festivals for which a large number of Nataraja in June-July devotees assemble in the temple, are the Ambu festival and the Thai Poosam for which respectively a crowd 4. Ambu festival on the day of Vijaya Dasami of 5,000 and 4,000 devotees assemble to worship the in Purattasi month (September-October) Lord. 5. Thirukkarthigai festival on the day of Krithigai in the month of Karthigai (November-December) It is stated that originally the affairs of the temple were managed by five trustees belonging to the Vellala 6. Thiruvathirai festival for Lord Nataraja in Pillai caste and that they were nominated by the people Margazhi (_December-January) of the Village. For the last 25 years, a committee 7. Thai Poosam festival for one day in January­ consisting of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, February a Cashier and a member, all belonging to the Vellala 8. Masi Magham or Brahmothsavam for three Pillai caste is nominated by the Pondicherry Govern­ days in Masi (February-Marchl. ment for administering the temple.

23 178 TEMPLES OF GRAND ALDEE

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest Sl. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

1 1 Keezhaiyur Sri Poyyatba- 150 3'()() Sri Poyyatha- Sri Veeran Karaikal moorthy moorthy Railway station Ayyanar Ayyanar 3i miles Temple (0) Pushkalambal Poorani

2 2 Thirumalairayan Sri Vizhi Varada· Not 0'57 Sri Varadharaja Sri Savuriraja Karaikal Pattinam raja Perumal stated Perumal Perumal Railway station Temple(V) Sri Devi and Sri Sengamala. 3 miles BhuDevi thayar Sri Andal Sri Anjaneyar Sri Alwars

3 do Sri Venkatesa do 0'34 Sri Venkatesa Sri Alwars Perumal Perumal 1 Temple (V) Sri Alamelumangai Thayar I t do 4 do Sri Ragunatha do 0-55 Sri Ragunatha Sri Mahavisbnu " Perumal Perumal Sri Lakshmanar Temple (V) (Ramar) Sri Hanumar J Sri Sita Sri Alwars

5 .. do Sri Abirami do 0'46 Sri Abirami Sri Natarajar do amman Amman Sri Sivakama- Temple (S) Sri Rajasolees· sundari warar Sri Mabalaksbmi Navagrahas Sri Pi

6 do Sri Kamakshi- 200 0'08 Sri Kamakshi- Sri Bhairavar do amman amman Sri Suryar TempJe(F) Sri Ekambares· Sri Chandikes· warar warar Sri Saneeswarar PONDICHERRY STATE 179 COMMUNE

Movable property Property Annual ~----~------~ r- -~ income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (IS} (16) (17) (18) the Government

36'66 Vacant 700 kalams of 550 Name Once a day Annual festival plots paddy and not stated by a Gurukkal for five days in Rs. ISO Vaikasi

50'66 2'00 acres 1,300 kalams of Not Garuda Four times a day Thai Amavasai of cocoa- paddy and stated Hanumar by a hereditary Masi Magbam nut groves, Rs. 2,700 Elephant Bhattachariar Gokulashtami 16. houses, Horse Navaratbri 12 shops and Nagam Vaikunta Ekadasi vacant plots Punnaimaram

1 Garuda Four times a day MasiMagham I Horse by a Bhatta­ Vijaya Dasami I Palanquin chariar Vaikunta Ekadasi 62'66 45'66 5 houses 1,000 kalams 3,500 I and vacant of paddy )- plots & Rs. J ,sao Sri Rama Navami J

90'66 Extent 5 houses 1,500 kalams 25,000 Rishabams 2 Six times a day Ad! Pooram not of paddy Peacocks 2 by a Gurukkal Vijaya Dasami stated &Rs.2,OOO Swan 2 Karthigai Deepam Elephants 2 Thiruvatbirai Bhootham ThaiPoosam Ram, Horses 2 Sivaratbri Idumbar Skandha Sashti Bandicoot Suran Silver Risbabam

1'33 Cocoanut 40kalams 250 Once a day trees, vacant of paddy by a hereditary plots and & Rs.2SO Gurukkal one house 180 TEMPLES OF GRAND ALDEE

Age of Distance from Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities (years) or the Trunk (acres) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples under

7 2 Thirumalairayan Sri Jadayupurees- Not 2·50 Sri Jadayupurees­ Sri Natarajar Karaikal Pattinam . warar stated warar Sri Sivakama­ Railway ~ tation Temple (S) Sri Maiyadum­ sundari 3 miles kanni Sri Dbandayudha- Ambal pani (Anjalaksbi) Sri Mahalakshmi Navagrahas Arubathumoovar

8 4 (MeJayur) Sri Sivakami- do 0·14 Sri Sivakami- Sri Natarajan . Karaikal Padudar Collai amman amman Sri Sivakama- Railway station TempJe(F) Sri Sozhapurees- sundari 4} miles warar Sri Chandikeswarar Sri Dhakshina- murthy

9 7 PoJagam Sri Mariamman do 0·11 Sri Mariamman Sri Kada! 1 Temple (F) Anaikkum

Perumal I Sri Devi and Karaikal Bhudevi I Railway station Sri Bhuvaneswari t 4 miles

10 8 Nainikattalai Sri Meikanda do 0,()3 Sri Vinayakar I Moorthi J Vinayakar Temple (G)

11 9 Keezhavanjur Sri Marirupman do 0·02 Sri. Mariamman Sri Vinayakar Nagore Temple (F) Railway station 1 mile pONDICHBRRY STATE 181 COMMUNE (Conc1d.)

Movable property Property Annual r----"--___ ,.... -----... income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other property Gold & Silver) Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable jewels property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs.

(10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government(Concld.)

66'66 6'66 Vacant 1,650 kalams Value Parrot, Nagam Six times a day Chitbra plots of paddy not Horse by a hereditary Pournami and Rs.l,500 stated Kailasam Gurukkal Vaikasi Visakam Bhoodham Ani Thiru- Lion, Peacock manjanam Bandicoot Vijaya Dasami Idumban Karthigai Deepam Sapram, Swan Thiruvathirai Rishabams 2 Thai Poosam Masi Magham

6'00 2'00 acres 180 kalams of 450 Rishabam Twice a day Thai Poosam of cocoanut paddy and Sahadai by a hereditary groves and Rs.500 Peacock Gurukkal one house

'} Twice a day by a Mudaliar

11'33 6'66 125 kalams of 50 Swan I paddy and ~ Rs.SO I Twice a day J by a Pandaram

70 kalams of Sahadai Once a day Annual festival paddy by a hereditary for three alter­ Vanniar native nights in Chithrai or Vaikasi 182 TEMPLES OF GRAND ALDER

Distance from Age of Area of the nearest SI. L.C. Name of the Name of the the the Name of Other Railway station No. No. village Temple Temple Temple Principal Deity deities or the Trunk (years) (acr~) Road

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Temples outside

1 10 Vanjur Sri Mariamman Not Sri Muthumari. Sri Vinayakar Nagore Temple (F) stated amman Sri Kaliamman Railway station It miles PONDICHERRY STATE 183 COMMUNE (Concld.)

Movable property Property Annual ,--.-__"'--~ ,------..... ----~ income Jewels (Value from the of the Arrangements Festivals Wet & Other immovable Gold & Silver Vahanas for daily poojas Wet Dry Dry immovable property jewels) property A.C. A.C. A.C. Rs. Rs. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) the Government

Once a day Kaliamman festival by a Vanniar inPanguni Tamil New Year's Day

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS fAIRS AND f ESTIVALS In the Union Territory of PONDICHERRY

PONDICHERRY Scale I Cm. = 16 Km. or 10 Miles

OZHUKARAI ·--f·1 \,......

YANAM Scale 1 Cm.= 12 Km. or 1.5 Miles

KARAIKAL Scale 1 Cm.= 16 Km. or 10 Miles

MAHE REFERENCE Scale I Cm. = 8 Km. or 5 Miles State Boundary Commune Boundary Railway Line (Metre Gauge)

Roads River with Stream

Location of Festival ~ Mi xed Sia te Area 1"';':""::"::""

Distribution of Congregation 5,000·9,999 Ii 10,000· 19,999 Ii 20,000 & Abo.e (!)

CfNSUS · MADRAS MAP OF SOUTHERN INDIA FAIRS AND FESTIVALS In the Union Territory of PONDICHERRY

PONDICHERRY Scale I Cm. = 16 Km. or 10 Mile.

OZHUkARAI

'-+1\,. • ..J.

YANAM Scale I Cm.= 12 Km. or 7.5 Mdes ANDHRA PRADESH

KARAIKAL Scale I Cm.= 16 Km. or 10 Mdes

MAHE Scale 1 = ~ Km. or 5 MIles REFERENCE em. State Boundary

Commune Boundary RaIlway Line (Metre Gauge) Road. River with Stream ~ , " LocatIon of Festival . (' ~ ~. !.-; • MADRAS STATE "'l.-._. ;lt~:., ... Mixed State Area 1·"(.'{4·,,.%) ..

Distribution of Congregation THIKUMALAlRA.rAN~.~-;tItl i •. :~. "2RAND ALDEE . 5,000 - 9,999 • 10,000 - 19,999 ., "tJ( l/1 '\ . 20,000 & Abo,. Cj) t1 .\._~

CENSUS - MADRAS

PONDICHERRY AREA

Masi Magham festival festival is that the deities are carried in ceremonial procession to the nearby sea-shore or river-bank for a Masi Magham is an important festival eel ebrated holy immersion. all over South India in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March) on the day of the 'Magham' asterism, The important centres of the celebration of Masi which is usuaUy the Full Moon day. On this day the Magham in Pondicherry State are the Pondicherry Sun will be in the Kumbham Rasi (acquarius) and the Town, and the small hamlet of Thirukkanjee on the Moon in the Simha Rasi (Leo). Once in twelve years, banks of the river Sankaraparani, situate twelve when Jupiter and Moon together will be in the Simha kilometres west of Pondicherry town. The exact place Rasi, this festival which is celebrated with great pomp of celebration in the Pondicherry town is the seashore at Kumbakonam, is considered comparable to the near the fishing hamlet of Kurchikuppam, on the Kumbhamela of Prayag and the Pushkaram of Goda­ borders of the town. While only a smaller number of vari, in sanctity as well as in significance. Millions of deities from the adjacent villages are taken to Thiruk­ devotees from various parts of the country congregate kanjee, as many as thirty-eight deities worshipped in at Kumbakonam to take a holy dip in the famous various places in the State are brought to Pondicherry Mahamagham tank at Kumbakonam. In all Hindu town for this festival. Particulars relating to these temples in South India, a peculiar characteristic of this thirty-eight deities are furnished below.

ANNEXURE

LIST OF THE DEITIES

Serial Name of the deity Place to which it belongs Distance from No. Pondicherry 1 Salai Vinayakar Pondicherry 2 Varadaraja Perumal do 3 Sowdambigai Amman Muthialpet 11 miles 4 Pushpasundara Vinayakar Pondicherry 5 Muthialamman Muthialpet 6 Iyenar Puthupattu 9 miles 7 Angalaparameswari Pondicherry

8 Sundaravinayaka Muthialpet I! miles Siva Subramaniaswami

9 Srinivasa Perumal do do 10 Poyya Vinayakar Devanur 34 miles 188 FAIRS AND

LIST OF THE DEITIES (Contd.)

Serial Name of the deity Place to which it belongs Distance from No. Pondicherry 11 Kothandarama Perumal Pondicherry - 12 Patchavazhi Amman do

13 Muthialamman Vaithikuppam 3 miles

14 Varadhavalli Mariamman Mangini Naickankuppam 1 mile

15 Ponnu Mariamman Velayudha PiIIainagar 1 mile

16 Jayankonda Vinayakar Muthia Mudaliarpet 3 miles

17 Samundeeswari Amman Orleyampet 2 miles

18 Nagamuthu Amman Pondicherry

19 Thandumuthumari Amman do

20 Muthumariamman do

21 Droupathiamman do

22 Sivasubramaniyar Mailam 20 miles

23 Kalatheeswarar Pondicherry

24 Varadaraja Perumal do

25 Manakula Vinayakar do

26 Narasimha Perumal Singarikoil 8 miles

27 Ranganathar Gingee (Singavaram) 43 miles

28 Varadaraja Perumal Thondamanatham 4 miles 29 Vedhapureeswarar Pondicherry ••• 30 Vinayakar do ... 31 Kamatchi Amman do

32 Periapalayathamman do

33 Ellamman do

34 Ezhai Pillaiyar do

35 Sivasubraroaniyar Lawspet 3 miles

36 Sivasubramaniyar Pethuchettipet do

37 Kathirvel Swami Kathirkamam do 38 Balasubramaniyaswami Pondicherry do Goddess Chamundeeswari mounted on the Lion vahana being takeD in procession to the seashore God Kadirvelswami of Kadirkamam mounted on the 'Swan" vahanam being taken in procession · _ .. _...... _.. .--.r-

~.. --;_-.~ :-': ... ~"-~. ~:..

Lord Salai Vinayagar of Pondicherry being taken round in procession Orthodox people performing 'tharpanam' on the seashore

/ FESTIVALS 189

The reason why this particular place was selected Those who take bath, perform a "sankalpam" assisted for this festival is lost in obscurity. It is believed that by the priests who are assembled there for this pur­ in the initial stages, the pious and well-to-do people pose, before the bath. The sankalpam is a prayer to of Pondicherry encouraged this step by making magni­ the Almighty to absolve them from their sins and ficent donations to meet the expenditure on the trans­ bestow on them prosperity. port of the deities, and for the other arrangements necessary in the town in connection with the festival. The deities assembled on the occasion are then Another probable reason is the easy accessibility of taken in procession through the main streets of the Pondicherry town by road as well as by rail. Pondicherry town. The streets will be cleaned well on this occassion and the entrance to each house will be On the Masi Magham day, the Uthsavars or the washed and decorated with the traditional designs festival images of the deities are brought in procession (Kolams). Worship is offered by the householders to to Pondicherry and from there taken round the streets the deities at the entrance to their house, and after the of the town in a clockwise direction to the accompani­ procession, the deities are taken back to their respective ment of the traditional Nadhaswaram music. The shrines late in the evening. ceremonial procession reaches the seashore in the fore­ noon. On arrival, the deities-Saivites as well as Three of the thirty-eight deities however stay in Vaishnavites-are arranged near the water. The Saivite Pondicherry town for the subsequent two days also before deities will be having their tridents (soolam) and the departing for their shrines. They are (1) Sri Subram. Vaishnavite ones their discus (chakram). These are niyar with His consorts Valli and Deivayanai from removed and dipped with the usual ceremonies in the Mailam, (2) Sri Singavaram Ranganathar with Sri Devi sea water; and thereafter the images are installed in a and Bhu Devi from Gingee and (3) Pillaiyar (Ganesa) of row in the temporary sheds erected for the occasion Devanur. Sri Subramaniyar stays in the 'mandapam' on the beach for serving as resting places for the in the Mission Street owned by the Mailam Devastha­ deities. They are arranged in a conventional order, as nam while Singavaram Ranganathar is accommodated shown in the foregoing list, from north to south, all in the Vedhapureeswarar Varadaraja Perumal Vidyala­ of them facing east, i.e., the sea. yam building in Pondicherry. Devanur Pillaiyar stays in the Vedhapureeswarar Varadaraja Perumal Nool Nila­ The whole seashore has a festive appearance on yam building on the Masi Maghamday and for the next the occasion with a crowd which is usually estimated two days in the Kalavai Rajagopalaswami bungalow at not less than 20,000. Men and women appear at on the western border of the town. Vaishnavites their best. Till the evening when most of the deities specially offer worship to Sri Ranganathar. Saivites depart for their respective shrines, there is a continu­ however worship all the three deities during their ous stream of visitors to the seashore. Consistent with sojourn in the town. On the third day they are taken the age-old belief among the Hindus that a bath in the back to thei(permanent shrine. holy rivers, tanks or sea, on this day is an effective way of washing off one's sins, most of the devotees The festival has been celebrated in Pondicherry assembled on the occasion take a bath in the sea. town for several years. It is stated that Mailam Such of those who are unable to do so, purify them­ Subramaniyaswamy has been participating in this selves by sprinkling the sea water over their heads. festival for more than sixty years. Singavaram Ranga- FESTIVALS 189

The reason why this particular place was selected Those who take bath, perform a "sankalpam" assisted for this festival is lost in obscurity. It is believed that by the priests who are assembled there for this pur­ in the initial stages, the pious and well-to-do people pose, before the bath. The sankalpam is a prayer to of Pondicherry encouraged this step by making magni­ the Almighty to absolve them from their sins and ficent donations to meet the expenditure on the trans­ bestow on them prosperity. port of the deities, and for the other arrangements necessary in the town in connection with the festival. The deities assembled on the occasion are then Another probable reason is the easy accessibility of taken in procession through the main streets of the Pondicherry town by road as well as by rail. Pondicherry town. The streets will be cleaned well on this occassion and the entrance to each house will be On the Masi Magbam day, the Utbsavars or the washed and decorated with the traditional designs festival images of the deities are brought in procession (Kolams). Worship is offered by the householders to to Pondicherry and from there taken round the streets the deities at the entrance to their house, and after the of the town in a clockwise direction to the accompani­ procession, the deities are taken back to their respective ment of the traditional Nadhaswaram music. The shrines late in the evening. ceremonial procession reaches the seashore in the fore­ noon. On arrival. the deities-Saivites as well as Three of tbe tbirty-eight deities however stay in Vaishnavites-are arranged near the water. The Saivite Pondicherry town for the subsequent two days also before deities will be having their tridents (soolam) and the departing for their shrines. They are (l) Sri Subram. Vaishnavite ones their discus (chakram). These are niyar with His consorts Valli and Deivayanai from removed and dipped with the usual ceremonies in the Mailam, (2) Sri Singavaram Ranganathar with Sri Devi sea water; and thereafter the images are installed in a and Bhu Devi from Gingee and (3) Pillaiyar (Ganesa) of row in the temporary sheds erected for the occasion Devanur. Sri Strbramaniyar stays in the 'mandapam' on the beach for serving as resting places for the in the Mission Street owned by the Mailam Devastha­ deities. They are arranged in a conventional order, as nam while Singavaram Ranganathar is accommodated shown in the foregoing list, from north to south. all in the Vedhapureeswarar Varadaraja Perumal VidyaIa­ of them facing east, i.e .• the sea. yam building in Pondicherry. Devanur Pillaiyar stays in the Vedhapureeswarar Varadaraja Perumal Nool Nila­ The whole seashore has a festive appearance on yam building on the Masi Magbam day and for the next the occasion with a crowd which is usually estimated two days in the Kalavai Rajagopalaswami bungalow at not less than 20,000. Men and women appear at on the western border of the town. Vaishnavites their best. Till the evening when most of the deities specially offer worship to Sri Ranganathar. Saivites depart for their respective shrines. there is a continu­ however worship all the three deities during their ous stream of visitors to the seashore. Consistent with sojourn in the town. On the third day they are taken the age-old belief among the Hindus that a bath in the back to tbeir;permanent shrine. holy rivers, tanks or sea, on this day is an effective way of washing off one's sins, most of the devotees The festival has been celebrated in Pondicherry assembled on the occasion take a bath in the sea. town for several years. It is stated that Mailam Such of those who are unable to do so, purify them­ Subramaniyaswamy has been participating in this selves by sprinkling the sea water over their heads. festival for more than sixty years. Singavaram Ranga- 190 FAIRS AND nathar has been associated with the festival for more immortalised in the Ramayana, and the other' is the than thirty years while Devanur Pillaiyar has been actual celebration of Masi Magham. con:aected with it for the past twelve years. The arrangements for bringing these three deities to The story of Jatayu's emancipation has been Pondicherry for the festival, their accommodation and narrated in the Ramayana. Ravana, King of Lanka safe return are undertaken by three families of (Ceylon) abducted Sita, wife of Lord Rama, and on Pondicherry who receive for their services an annual his return to Lanka carrying Sita, he was obstructed grant of Rs. 300 per deity from the Pondicherry by Jatayu. In the encounter, Jatayu was mortal1y Government. They also receive voluntary donations wounded, but due to Siva's blessing, the bird survived and hundi collections in addition. These families also till Rama came in search of Sita to that place, and add their own contributions for the successful conduct heard from him details of -the incident. It is believed of the festival. These pious families consider it their that Jatayu lived at Thirumalairayan Pattinam and that sacred duty to perform these obligations year after his fight with Ravana, and attainment of Moksha took year without any motive of financial gain. There are place there. also committees of management for arranging for the participation of the other deities in this annual festival. The festival associated with Jatayu is celebrated in the Jatayeeswaraswami Temple at Thirumalairayan Masi Magham festival at Thirokkanjee Pattinam. The festival is being celebrated from time immemorial and the exact date of its origin is not Masi· Magham is celebrated in the Thirukkanjee known. The history of the temple is also not known. village 12 kilometres west of Pondicherry on the same - It takes place on the eve of Masi Magham. The day, as it is done in Pondicherry. In the early decorated wooden images of Lord Rama, Sita, Laksh­ morning, Sri Kasi Visvanathar and other deities from mana, Ravana, Jatayu and Mareechan, the deer, are the surrounding villages are taken in procession for taken in procession to the main road, to the west of the immersion ceremony to the Sankaraparani river the temple and the relevant scenes from Ramayana flowing from west to east on the north of the village. are enacted there with these wooden images, while the The deities are installed in pandhals erected on the bank connected incidents are narrated over the loud-speaker. of the river for the occasion and after giving darsan to By night-fall, the images are taken back to the temple. devotees, are taken back in procession by noon to The next day, the ceremony of Jatayu attaining Moksha their respective temples. People numbering about is performed in the nearby sacred tank of the temple. 3,000 belonging to the adjoining villages attend the festival. Articles such as date-fruits, clay pots, peas, The second festival, namely, Masi Magham, takes plantains, glass bangles, dolls, etc., are sold in a petty place on the Masi Magham day on the seashore, shandy (fair) which is held during the occasion. directly east of Thirumalairayan Pattinam, and all the deities in the temples at Thirumalairayan Pattinam take Masi Magham festival at Thirumalairayan Pattinam part in the ceremonies. In Thirumalairayan Pattinam in the Karaikal area, Masi Magham is celebrated in commemoration of two The festivals on both the days are attended by events. One is the attainment of emancipation nearly 20,000 people from all over Karaikal Area and (Moksha) by Jatayu, the legendary bird who has been Tanjore district of Madras State. They reach the place A view of the thatched stalls where idols are exhibited for darsan

Devotees bathing in the sea on the Masi Makam day A temporary stall dealing in products of palmyrah leaves Another view of the shandy

FESTIVALS 191 by foot, bullock carts as well as by special buses that sweet-meats and other eatables, cool-drinks, aluminium are operated from Karaikal, Nagapattinam and Pora. ware, and baked clay pots. Toys of various kinds in - yar. A fair springs up with stalls selling date-fruits wood, clay, paper etc., are also on sale. 192 FAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Name of Distance Area in dliJes L.C. Name of Village I nearest Name of Fair/Festival in Railway from No. Town Acres Railwa:y Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

1. PONDICHERRY PONDICHERRY

Pondicherry Town 521'925 Pondicherry Chithra Pournami Festival Vinayaka Chatburthi Festival Brahmothsa yam Pavithrorchavam Masi Magham Festival

Vioayaka Chathurthi Karthiklli Deepam Thai Poosam Sivarathiri Festival Masi Magham Festival

Vinayaka Chatburthi Ani Thiruroanjanam Adi Kirthikai Skandha Sashti K.arthikai Deepam Thiruvadhirai Festival Thai Poosam Festiva I Masi Magbam Festival

Thai Kirthikai panguni Uthiram Festival Chathurthi Festival (every month) Kirthikai Festival (every month) Sri Vasavi Jayanthi Sri Rama Navami Festival Navaratbiri Festival Annt. ,'.sUval

Brabmothsavam FESTIVALS 193 AREA

Duration Distance of Fairl Approximate Articles so Id in Miles Name of Temple Festival Month attendance at the Fairl for Area (in days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE TOWN Sri Manakula Vina:yakar 1 April-May 100 temple do AUgust-September 300 do 10 do SOO do 5 September-Octobell 200 do 1 February-March Articles of worship, fruits, sweetmeats, toys, earthen wares, cocoanuts etc. Sri Vara Sithi Vinayakar August-September 150 temple dJ 1 November-December 100 do 1 January-February 100 do 1 FebruarY-March 100 do do Articles of worship, earthen wares, sweetmeats, toys, cocoanuts etc. Sri Ezhai PilIaiyar temple 1 AUgust-September 200 do 1 May-June 100 do July-August 100 do 6 October-November 200 do November-December 200 do 1 December-January 200 do 1 January-February 100 do 1 February-March Cocoanuts, betel leaves, pop corn, earthen vessels, sweet- meats, edible substances etc.

do 1 January-February 100 do 1 March-April 100 do 1 50

do 1 50

Sri Kannika Parameswari 1 April-May 150 temple do 1 March-April 50 do 9 September-October 50 - Sri Muthumariamman 10 January-February 500 temple - Sri Ellayamman temple 10 July-August 500 25 - 194 FAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Distance Area Name of in Miles L.C. NalTe of Village/ in nearest from Name of Fair/Festival No. Town Acres Railway Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

PONDICHERRY Pondicherry Town 521·925 Pondicherry Vijaya Dasami Festival Chithra Pournami Masi Magbam Festival

Skandba Sashti

Navarathiri Festival Monday Festivals (every Monday in the month of Karthikai) Karthikai Deepam Arudhra Darsanam Masi Magbam Festival

Thai Poosam Festival Sivarathiri Festival Prado sham Festival Friday Festival Navarathiri Festival

Skandha Shashti Arudhra Darsanam Ani Thirumanjanam Karthikai Deepam Masi Magham Festival

Masi Magham Festival

Navarathiri Festival

Masi Magham Fer.tiva\

Vijaya Dasami

Uriya:.li Festival Brahmothsavam FESTIVALS 195 AREA (Contd.)

Duration Distance of Fairl Approximate Articles sold in Miles Name of Templt: Festival Month attendance at the Fairl for Area (In days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

TOWN-(contd.) Sri Ellayamman temple September-October 100 do 1 April-May 100 do 1 February-March Cocoanuts, plantains, pop corn and other edible stuffs, earthen vessels, toys etc. Sri Kalatheeswarar 8 October-November 500 temple· - do 10 September-October 250 do NoveDlber-December 100

do 1 NoveDlber~December 300 do December-January 300 do 1 February-March Cocoanuts, peas, pop com. earthen vessels, toys, fruits. articles of worship etc. . do January-February 200 do 1 February-March 200 do 1 50 do 1 50 Sri Vedapureeswarar 10 SepteDlber-October 400 teDlple do 8 October-November 400 do 1 December-January 100 do 1 May-June 100 do 1 November-December 100 do 1 February-March Various sundry items. earthen wares, toys etc. Sri Akkasawroy Mannu 1 do do PiIlaiyar temple Sri Periapalayatha Mari- 10 September-October 150 amman temple do 1 February-March Various sundry articles and sweetmeats, other eatables like pop corn, groundnut etc. Sri Droupathi ADlman 1 September-October 100 temple do 1 June-July 100 do 23 July-August 5,000 Bangles, toys, sweetmeats, etc., 196 FAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Distance Name of Area in Miles L.C. Name of Village/ nearest from Name of Fair/Festival in Railway No. Town Acres Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

PONDICHERRY

Pondicherry Town 521'925 Pondicherry Brahmothsavam

Bangle Festival Thai Poosam Tamil New Year's Day

Vasanthothsavam Sri Udayavar Festival Garuda Sevai Adi Pooram Festival Krishna Jayanthi Festival Navarathiri Festival Sri VedhaDtha Desigar Festival Sri MaDavala Mamuni Festival Thirukkarthikai Festival Adhiyaina Festival Sri Perundhevi Thayar Festival Masi Magham

Sri Ramanavami Festival Panguni Uthiram Festival Masi Maghanl Festival

do

do

do Tamil New Year's Day Festival Annual Festival do Vinayaka Chathurtbi Festival do

Annual Festival

do FESTIVALS 197 AREA (Contd.)

Duration Distance of Fair! Approximate Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple Festival Month at the Fair! for Area attendance Festival Head (in days) Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (to) (11) (l2)

TOWN-(contd.) Sri Kamakshi Amman 10 April-May 3,000 Bangles, toys, sweetmeats, temple etc. do 1 July-August 500 do 1 January-February 5eO Sri Varadaraja Perumal 1 . April 300 temple do 12 May-June 300 do 10 April-May 200 do 12 May-June 300 do 1 July-August 300 do 2 August-September 300 do 10 September-October 300 do 22 do 300 do 22 October-November 300 do 1 November-December 250 do 21 DeceDlber--January 2,000 do 10 January-February 300 do 1 February-March Various sundry items, eata· bles, earthen vessels, toys etc. do 22 March-April 300 do 1 do 300 Sri Sithi Vinayakar temple 1 February-March Various sundry items, eatables, toys, bangles etc. Sri Kamakshi ADlffian 1 do 300 do temple Thandava Muthumari- 1 do 300 do amllll&D temple Muthumariamman temple 1 do 300 do do 1 April 200 Sri Kalatheeswarar temple 1 April-June 300 St. Antbony's Church 1 June 400 Candles, sweetmeats etc.

Sri Kalatheesw::l~"" : ' ,;-.le 14 August--September 250 Sri Pushpakadai Vinaya. 14 do 150 kar temple Sri Gangamuthumari. 2 September 100 amman temple Sri Kaliamman temple 5 do 150 198 FAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Name of Distance Area in Miles L.C. Name of Village/ nearest from Name of Fair/Festival in Railway No. Town Acres Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (S) (6)

PONDICHERRY Pondicherry Town 521·925 'pondicherry ... Annual Festival

do

do

do

do

do

MUTHIALPET Muthialpet Town 142·S03 Pondicherry Annual Festival

do

Vinayaka Chathurthi

Masi Magbam Festival

Panguni Uthiram Festival

Kuzh Utruthal Festival Tamil New Year's Day

Adi Pooram:Festival Skandba Sashti Navarathiri Festival Vinayaka Chathurthi Karthikai Deepam Thai Poosam Masi Magham

Annual Festival FESTIVALS 199 AREA (Contd,)

Duration Distance Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple of Fair! Approximate Festival Month attendance at the Fairl for Area (In days, Festival Head Quaners

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

TOWN-(contd,) Sri Muthala Amman 23 July-August temple Sri Droupathiamman August 200 temple Sri Nagamuthammal 30 September-October 150 temple Sri Nagamuthumari- 1 July-August 300 amman temple Sri Kamakshi Amman 1 December 200 temple Sri Angala Parameswari 1 do 300 temple

TOWN

Sri Muthu Puthalay Ezhai 3 July-August 500 1'00 Mariamman temple

Sri Angalamman temple 9 March-April 5,000 Sweetmeats, balloons, toys 1'00 etc. Sri Sesha Vinayakar 1 August-September 300 1'00 temple

do 1 February-March Articles of worship, toys, 1'00 sweetmeats, earthen vessels, etc,

Sri Subramaniyar and 1 March-April 200 1'00 Muthumari Amman temple

do 1 July-August 200 1'00 Sri Muthukumaraswamy 1 April 3eo I'CO temple

do 1 July-August 300 I'CO do 8 October-November 400 1'00 do 10 September-October 400 1'00 do 1 August-September 400 1'00 do 1 November-December 400 1'00 do 1 January-February 400 100 do 1 F ebruary-March Cocoanuts, edibles,· toys, 1'00 earthen vessels etc, Sri Ponnumariamman 10 July-August 2,000 Edibles, cocoanuts, betel l·uO. temple leaves, nuts, camphor, fruits etc. 200 PAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Distance Name of in Miles L.C. Name of Village I Area nearest in Railway from Name of Fair/Festival No. Town Acres Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

MUTHIALPET Muthialpet Town 142'503 Pondicherry 1'5 Vinayaka Chathurthi Festival

Vaikunta Ekadasi

Thirukkarthikai Festival Masi Magham Festival

Annual Festival Panguni Uthiram Masi Magham Festival

K~man Festival Annual Festival

Thai Poosam Fr

Lakllha Deepam Festival

Annual Festival

do do

do do

PONDICHERRY 5 Uppalam IS3 do 0'5 Annual Festival (Savariarpet) St. Francis Xavier Festival

Annual Festival

7 Callarpet 23 do do FESTIVALS 201 AREA (Contd.)

Duration Distance Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple of Fairl Month Approximate Festival attendance at the Fair/ for Area (In days) Festival Head Qualters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

TOWN-(contd.)

Sri Jayamkonda Vinayakar 5 August-September 200 1·00 temple

Sri Srinivasa Perumal 1 December-January 300 1·00 temple

do 1 November-December 200 1'00 do 1 February-March Articles of worship, toys, 1'00 bangles. plastic articles edible substances etc. Sri Mariamman temple 5 July-August 400 l'O( Sri Subramaniyar temple 1 March-April 150 1'0e

do 1 February~ March Articles of worship, toys, plastic . articles, bangles. earthen vessels, edible sub- stances etc. do 9 March-June 6CO Madurai Veerappan 1 January 400 temple Sri Selva Vinayakar 1 January-February 150 temple Sri Srinivasa Perumal 3 April 500 temple St. Antony's Church 1 June 250 Candles, sweetmeats, toys etc. Sri Palaniandavar temple 1 November 100 Sri Srinivasa Perumal 12 September-October 300 temple Sri Mariamman temple 9 July-August 700 Sri Ponnu Mariamman IS do 700 temple

COMMUNE (RURAL)

Sri Desamuthu Mari· 10 July-August 300 O'S amman temple

9 March 200 O'S

Sri Gangamuthu Mari· 7 August-September 350 O'S amman temple

Sri Periapalayathamman 1 July 100 temple 26 202 FAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

" Name of Distance L.C. Name of Village! Area nearest in Miles No., in from Name of Fair/Festival Town Acres Railway Station Railway Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5, (6)

PONDICHERRY 8 Vandrapet 40 Pondicherry .... Annual Festival

do

12 Contesalai 6 do 0'5 Vinayaka Chathurthi

IS Thiruvalluvanagar 49 do 1·0 Annual Festival

17 Parimalamudali. 68 do l'S do thottam

19 Vaithikuppalll 20 do l'S Masi Magham Festival

Annual Festival

20 Solai Thandavan· 81 do do kuppam do

Masi Magh@m Festival

2. ARIANKUPPAM 1 Periavirampattinam 261 do 4 (a) Brahmothsavam and Muthu- pallakku FeStival

(b) Vijaya Dasami Festival (c) Karthikai Deepam Festival (d) Mattu Pongal Festival 2 Sinnavirampattinam 162 do 4 Annual Festival

3 Odaively 243 do 5 do 4 Kakayenthope 258 do 4 do 5.17 Ariankuppam 668 do 3 (a) Droupathi Festival (alternate year only) (b) Annual Festival (c) Brahrnotbsavam (alternate year only) (d) AngaJamman FestivaJ FESTIVALS 203 AREA (Contd,)

Duration Distance Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple of Fairl Month Approllimate Festival attendance at the Fairl for Area (In

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE (RURAL)-(contd.)

Sri Kaliamman temple 2 January-February 300

Sri Porayathal Amman 9 July-August 600 temple

Sri Southi Vinayakar 1 August-September 200 0'5 temple

Sri Thulukanathamman i July-September 150 1'00 temple

Sri Sengazhuneeramman July-August 300 1"5 temple

Sri Pachavazhi Mari· 1 February-March Toys, bangles, earthen vessels, 0'5 amman temple edible articles etc.

Sri Muthumariamman 5 July-August 200 0'5 temple Sri Mariamman temple 9 do 250

Sri Muthumariamman 5 do 250 0'5 temple

Sri Sengazhuneeramman February--March Toys, edible substances, 0'5 temple bangles and other plastic articles, earthen wares etc.,

COMMUNE

Sri Sengazhuneeramman 11 July--August 100,000 Articles of worship, fruits, 4 temple vegetables, toys, earthen vessels, sweetmeats, fish etc. do 1 September-October 500 4 do 1 November-December 300 4- do 1 January 300 4 Sri Muthumari Amman 4 July-August 200 4 an:i Vinayakar temple

Sri Vinayakar temple 3-5 June-July 250 S Sri Mariamman temple 7 May-June 250 4 Sri Droupathiamman 18 April-May 1,000 Articles of worship, edibles 3 temple etc.

Sri Kanniakoil 10 July-August 1,000 3 Sri Vinayakar temple 10 March-April 1,000 3

11 March 350 3 204 FAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Distance Name of in Miles Area nearest L.C. Name of Village! in from Name of Fair/Festival No. Town Railway Railway Acres Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

2. ARIANKUPPAM (e) Thai Poosam Fe&tival (f) Annual Festival (g) Chitbra Pournami

18 Edayarpalayam 50 Pondicherry 4 Annual Festival 20 Tavalakuppam 198 do 4'5. do

21 Korkamedu 74 do 6 do 22 Purnankuppam 508 do 6 (a) do (b) Bhogi Festival

26& Thimmanayakenpalayam 940 Pondicherry I 7 Annual Festival 28 Cuddalore 29 Nonankuppam 261 Pondicherry 4 (a) do

(b) Pongal Festival (c) Kaman Festival

30 Nallavadu 493 do 6 (a) Annual Festival (b) do (c) do

(d) do

31 Pudukuppam 99 do S'S do

32 Andiarpalayam 222 do 7 do 33 Kasanthittu 50 do 7 do 34 Thanampalayam 99 do 5'S do 35 Mamavely 286 do 4 (a) Annual Festival (b) Fire walking Festival

(c) Mattu pongaI Festival (d) Vaikunta Eka-:asi FESTIVALS 205 AREA (Contd.)

Distance Duration Approximate Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple of Fair/ Month at the Fair! for Area Festival attendance Festival Head (In days) Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE - (contd.) Sri Subramaniyar temple 2 January-February 250 3 Sri Mariamman temple 1 May-June 300 3 do April-May 300 3 do 1-3 do 300 4 do 9 July-August 1,000 Articles of worship. tOy3, 4·5 plantains and other edible articles etc. St. Anne's Church 5 July 1,000 Candles, Religious books etc. 6 Sri Angalamman temple 10 February--March 5,000 Plantains, fruits, toys etc. 6 Sri Droupathiamman January 150 6 temple Sri Muthumariamman 10 July-August 1,000 Toys, plantains, fruits etc. 7 temple Sri Sundaramurthy Vina- 10 May-June 400 4 yakar temple do 3 January 200 4 2 May 500 4 Sri Angalamman temple 7 February-March 300 6 Sri Muthalamman temple 9 May-June 200 6 Sri Subramaniyar & 9 July-August 250 6 Koothandavar Sri Periapalayatbamman January-February 300 6 temple Sri Vinayakar and Mari- 2-8 August-September 1,000 Edible articles, plantain fruits 5·5 amman temple etc. Sri Mariamman temple July-August 250 7 do do 300 7 do 7 do 200 5·5 Sri Mariamman 10 do SOO 4 Sri Droupatbiamman 18 April-June SOO 4 temple Sri Pandurangar temple January 150 4 do December-January 150 4 206 FAIRS ANI> PONDICHERRY

Distance Area Name of in Miles L.C. Name of Village/ in nearest from Name of Fair/Festival No. Town Acres Railway Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

3. MUDALlARPET

4 Kosapalayam 104 Pondicherry 1'0 {al Vinayaka Chathurthi

(b) Vaikasi Visakham

(c) Karthikai Kirthikai (d) Arudhra Darsanam (e) Adi Kirthikai

7 Orleampet 49 do 0'6 (a) Vinayaka Chathurthi

(b) NavaratJliri Festival (c) Masi Magham Festival

(d) Annual Festival

(e) do

(f) do

(g) Muharram Festival 10 Nellithope 54 do 2'0 (a) Annual Festival

(b) Chithra Festival (c) Annual Festival

,~ ." 12 Keeraipalayam 361 do 1'0 (a) Panguni Uthiram Festival

(b) Kirthikai Festival (Every Kirthikai) (c) Masi Magham,Festival

13 ~ommapakkam 384 VilJianur 3'0 (a) do

(b) Sedal Festival

(c) Masi Magbam Festival

(d) Mattu Pongal 207 FESTIVALS AREA (Contd.)

Distance Duration Articles sold in Miles Approximate of Fair/ Month at the Fair/ for Area Name of Temple Festival attendance Festival Head (In days) Quarters

(12) (7) (S) (9) (10) (It)

COMMUNE 1'0 Sri Muthu Vinayakar 1 August-September 100 temple 1'0 Sri Muthu Kuppunar- 1 May-June 100 swamy temple 1'0 do 1 November-December 100 1'0 do 1 December-January 100 1'0 Sri VelJanthangi Ayyanar July-August 500 temple 0'6 Sri Sithi Vinayakar 1 August-September 50 Chamundeeswari temple 0'6 do 3 September-0ctober 50 do 1 February--March Articles of worship, fruits, 0'6 toys, sweetmeats, earthen vessels. cosmetics etc.

Sri Ulaganayagiamman 3 January-February 300 0'6 temple 0'6 Sri Sugambikaiamman 2 July-August 100 temple 0'6 Sri Sangoodhi Mari 9 August-September 300 Amman temple 10 May-June 50 0'6 Sri Periapalayathamman 34 September-October 200 2'0 temple do 7 April 350 2'0 St. Joseph's Church 7 April-May 750 Candles, articles of worship. 2'0 toys etc.

Sri Balasubramaniyar 1 March--April 250 1'0 temple 1'0 do 50

do February--March Earthen vessels. toys, sweet- 1'6 meats, other edible articles etc. 5'() Sri Muthu Mariamman 1 do Peas, pap corn. sweetmeats, temple other edible substances, toys etc. Sri Sengazhuneeramman 5 June-July 2,000 5'0 temple do February-March _ Earthen vessels, toys, sweet- 5'0 meats and other sundry items do 1 January 150 5'0 208 FAIRS AND PONDICHERY

Distance Area Name of in Miles L.C. Name of Villagel in nearest from Name of Fair/Festival No. Town Acres Railway Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

3. MUDALIARPET

5-18 Murungapakkam 555 Pondicberry 2'5 (a) Annual Festival (b) Kaman Festival (c) Annual Festival

(d) do

(e) Vinayaka Chathurthi

(f) Sedal Festival

(g) Annual Festival

19 NainarJ11andapam 250 do 2'0 do 20 Mudaliarpet 358 do 1'0 (a) do

(b) Kirthikai Festival

(c) Annual Festival (d) Pongal Festival (e) Annual Festival

21 Thengathittu 662 do 2'0 (a) do (b) do

4. OZHUKARAI 2 Periakalapattu 1,066 do 8'0 Annual Festival

5 Kuruvadikuppam 205 do 3'0 Brahmothsavam

6 Pettucbettypet 131 do 3'0 Tamil New Year's Day

Masi Magham Festival

9 Pudupet 16& do 2'S Annual Festival

do 10 Sellaperumalpet 168 do 2'0 do FESTIVALS 209 AREA (Contd,)

Duration Distance Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple of Pair! Approximate Festival Month attendance at the Fairl for Area (In days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd,)

Savariar temple 4 May 200 2'S 12 March-April 500 2'5

Sri Nadutheru Vinayakar 1 August-September 100 2'5 temple

Sri Oroupathi Amman 6 April-June 4,000 Sweetmeats, articles of wor- 2'5 temple ship, pop corn, peas etc, Sri Vinayakar temple 1 August-September 300 2'S Sri Sandhaveli Mari- 4 July-August 400 2'5 amman temple Sri Mariamman temple 1 April-June 200 2'5 Sri Mariamman temple 3 July-August 100 2'0 Sri Nochikattamman 11 do 150 1'0 temple

Sri Muthukumaraswamy November-December 100 1'0 temple

Sri Varadan temple 20 December-January 100 1'0 Sri Oangayamman temple 1 January 100 1'0 Sri Mariamman temple 13 January-February 500 1'0 Sri Vinayakar temple 3 April-May 150 2'0 Sri Kaliamman temple 1 April ·300 2'0

COMMUNE Sri Sengazhuoeeramman 11 June 200 8'0 temple

Sri Karumuthu Mari- 10 July-August 500 2'0 amman temple

Sri Sivasubramaniyaswami 1 April 100 3'0 temple co 1 Pebruary---March Articles of worship, toys, plan- tains, earthen wares etc. Sri l>uthalai Mariamman 1 January 250 2'5 temple

Sri Ayyanar temple 1 April 150 2'5 Sri Uthukattu Mariamman 5 July-August 1,000 Edibles, articles of worship, 2'0 temple toys, balloons etc, 27 210 PAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Distance Area Name of in Miles L.c. Name of Village/ nearest Name of Fair/Festival in Railway from No. Town Acres Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) . (4) (5) (6)

4. OZHUKARAI

12 Pudusaram 94 Pondicherry 1'5 Skandha Sashti Festival

Vinayaka Chathurthi Sivarathiri Festival Panguni Uthiram Karthikai Festival Monday Festivals (on etVery Monday of Karthikai Month) Tamil New Year's Day Ambu Festival 13 Lawspet 205 do 3'0 Masi Magham celebrations

Pongal Festival Tamil New Year's Day Annual Festival do 15 Pakkamudayanpattu 180 do 2'5 do

19 Kattupalayam 74 do 2'0 do

20 Kadirkamam 173 do 2'5 Chithra Pournami Vaikasi Visakham Kirthikai Festival (every month) Navarathiri Festival Sashti and Sura-samharam Monday Festival (Karthikai Month) Karthikai Deepam Thai Poosam Festival Masi Magham Festival

Sedal Festival 21 Delawspet 185 do 2'5 Annual Festival

26 Thattanchavady 173 do 2'0 do do FESTIVALS 211 AREA (eontd.)

Duration Distance of Fair! Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple Month Approximate Festival attendance at the Fair/ for Area (in days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd,).

Sri Muthu Vinayakar and 10 October -November 400 1'0 Subramaniyar temple

do 2 August-September 200 1'0 do February-March ZOO 1'0 do March-April 200 1'0 do 50 1'0 do November-December 50 1'0

Sri Mariamman temple 1 April 100 1'0 do 1 September-October 100 1'0

Sri Subramaniyar temple 1 February-March Articles of worship, toys, 2'5 balloons etc. do January 100 2'5

do April 100 2'5

Sri Mariamman temple 2 July 100 2'5

Sri Ayyanar temple 7 July-August 100 1'5 Sri Kalathu Mottu Mari. 2 August 300 2'5 amman temple

Sri Salai Muthu Mari- January 100 1'5 amman temple

Sri Subramaniyar temple 1 April-May 50 2'5

do 1 May-June 50 2'5

do 1 50 2'5

do 9 September-October 50 2'5

do 6 October-November 50 2'5

do 1 November-December 2'5

do 1 do 100 2'5 do 1 January-February 2'5 do 1 February--March Edible articles, earthen ware 2'5 balloons, toys etc,

Sri Mariamman temple 10 January-February 3,000 Sweetmeats, toys, mats etc, 2'5 Sri Droupathi Amman 17 August 450 2'5 temple

Sri Ayyanar temple 3 July--August 1,000 Sweetmeats, toys, mats etc, 2'5

Sri Mariamman temple 10 do 150 2'5 212 FAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Distance Area Name of in Miles L.C. Name of Villagel in nearest from Name of Fair/Festival No. Town Acres Railway Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

4. OZHUKARAI 27 Kavundampalayam 62 Pondicherry 8'0 Annual Festival 32 Kundllpalayam 62 do 2'0 do 34 Ozhukarai 136 do 2'5 do do

do do Masi Magbam Festival

36 Muthupi11aipalayam 49 Villianur 1'0 Annual Festival

37 Arumathapuram 49 do 1'0 do

Vaikunta Ekadasi Vinayaka Chathurthi Annual Festival 38 Pitcharampet 202 Pondicherry 7'5 Masi Magham Festival

39 Ayankuttipalayam 173 Villianur 3'5 Annual Festival

40 Dharmapuri 267 do 3'5 do

Angalamman Parameswari Festival 41 . Muthirapalayam 210 Pondicherry/ 4'0 Annual Festival Villianur Masi Magham Festival Weekly Shandy (on Fridays) 42 Sanarapet 62 do Annual Festival

44 Mettupalayam 161 do 3'0 Ambu Festival 45 Meenatchipet 259 do 3'0 Annual Festival

49 Sanjeevarayanpet 143 do FESTIVALS 213 AREA (Contd.)

Duration Distance of Fair/ Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple Month ApproKimate Festival attendance at the Fairl for Area (In days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(cootd.)

Sri Mariamman temple 30 July-August 150 do 5 May-June 200 do 14 September-October 400 Sri Muthu Mariamman 10 July-August temple

do 15 September 500 2'S Sri Ellayammao temple 10 June-September 300 2'5 Sri Meenakshi Sundares­ 1 February-March Articles of worship. toys, 2'5 warar temple balloons,· edibles, earthenware etc. Sri Muthu Mariamman 3 July- August 500 5'0 temple

Sri Droupathi Amman 10 April-May 300 4'5 temple

do 1 Deoember-Januar,y 100 4'5 Sri Selva Vinayakar temple 1 August-September 100 4'$

Sri Mariamman temple 3 March-April 100 4'5 Sri Meenaksbiamman 1 February-March Toys, balloons, earthenware, temple articles of worship etc. Sri Periapalayathu Amman 15 September 300 temple

Sri Droupathi Amman 25 April 450 4'5 temple

do March-June 200 4'5

Sri Sengazhuneer 11 June-July 3,000 Toys, edibles, articles of 45 Mariamman temple worship etc. do 1 February-March do

1 500 Cattle, dried and salted fish, 4'0 bandlooni cloth, groceries etC'. Sri Muthumari Amman 7 October 100 temple ...

Sri Mariamman temple 1 September-October 100 2'S 3 Sri Muthumari Amman April-May 100 3'0 tempI\} Sri Droupathi Amman 30 June-July 200 and Mariamman temple 214 FAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Distance Name of Area in Miles L.C. Name of Village' near~st from Name of Fair/Festival in Railway No. Town Acres Railway Station StatioD

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

S. MANNADIPET

2 Chettipet 627 Pondicherry Annual Festival do

3 Kunichampattu 1,009 Vikravandi 7'0 Annual Festival Sedal Festival

Vaikunta Ekadasi

Masi Magham Festival

do

5 Thirukkanur 483 Chinnababu- 7'0 Annual Festival Samudram Masi Magham Festival Karinal Festival

6 Mannadipattu 189 7'0 Annual Festival

7 Sompattu 283 Pallinelianur 7'0 do do

Friday Festivals (on all Fridays during Adi and Thai months), "'Masi Magham Festival

Vinayaka Chathurthi Karinal Festival

8 Andiarpalayam 40 Annual Festival (Vadanur) Theemithithal (Fire walking) Festival ·Masi Magham Festival 9 Vadanur 393 PalIineJianur 5'0

Thai Poosam Sivarathirj Tamil New Year's Day Ani Thirumanjanam Adi Pooram Masi Magbam Festival is held at K!.umarapalayam on the banks orriver Sankaraparani. FESTIVALS 215 AREA (Contd.)

Distance Duration Articles sold in Miles of Fairl Approximate Name of Temple Month attendance at the Fair! for Area Festival Festival Head (In days) Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE Sri Ayyanar temple 30 July-August 150 Sri Droupathi Amman 10 June 200 17'0 temple do 18 March-April 1,000 Articles of worship, toys etc. 16'0 Sri Sengazhuneer Amman 1 do 300 16'0 temple Sri Deivanayaga Perumal 1 December-January 300 16'0 temple do 2 February--March Edible articles, toys. balloons 16'0 etc,

Sri Vinayakar temple 1 do 300 do 16'0 Sri Muthumari Amman 9 July--August 1,000 Sweetmeats, toys and plastic 14'5 temple articles etc. do February-March do 14'5 do January 200 14'5 Sri Droupathi Amman 9 June 500 16'0 temple Sri Pidariamman temple 1 April 100 20'0 Sri Renugaparanjothi- 10 July-August 2,000 Articles of worship, plan- 20'0 amman and Vinayakar tains, cocoanuts, toys, temple edibles etc. do 10 do 200 20'0

do 1 February-March 200 Cocoanuts, plantains, ear- 20'0 thenware, toys, balloons etc. do August-September 200 20'0 do 1 January 200 20'0 Sri Sengeniamman temple 11 July-August 200 16'0 Sri Droupathi Amman 11 June 450 15'0 temple Sri Meenakshi Sun dares- 1 February-March Articles of worship, tllan- t5'0 warar temple tains, cocoanuts, toys, ear- thenware etc,

do 1 January-February 200 15'0 do 1 February-March 200 15'0 do 1 April 200 15'0 do 1 June-July 200 15'0 do 1 July--August 200 15'0 216 FAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Distance Name of in Miles L.C. Name of Village! Area nearest in Railway from Name of Fair/Festival No. Town Acres Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

5. MANNADIPET 9 Vadanur 393 Pallinelianur 5'0 Vinayaka Chathurthi Navarathiri Festival Karthikai Deepam Festival Arudra Festival 10 Montbrunpet 49 Mundiambakkam 8'0 Ambu Festival

12 Silkaripalayam 162 Annual Festival

15 Kalithirthalkuppam 934 do

16 Madagadipattu 48S PalJinelianur 1'5 Weekly shandy on Tuesdays

Annual Festival 17 NaIlur 234 do 0'5 Vinayaka Chathurthi 19 Madagadipattupalayam 162 do l'S Annual Festival do 21& Thirubuvanai 804 Chinnababu- 3'0 Karina! Festival 22 samudram Atru Thiruvizha (River Festival) Oaruda Sevai (First Saturda y in Purattasi month) Vaikunta Ekadasi Annual Festival

24 Kottapurinatham 236 do 2'0 do

28 Sorapattu 665 do

30 Vambupet 457 ... do 31 Sellipattu 677 Chinnababu- 3'0 do samudram do

Kirthikai Festival (on all Kirthikai days) Panguni Uthiram 32 Kumarapalayam 209 "'Masl Magham Festival FESTIVALS 217 AREA (Contd.)

Duration Distance of FairJ Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple Month Approximate Festival attendance at the Fair! for Area (In days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd.)

Sri Meenakshi Sundares- 9 August-September 150 15'0 warar temple

do 9 September-October 200 15'0 do 1 November-December 200 15'0 do 1 December-January 200 15'0 Sri Balasundara Vinayakar 1 September-October 50 17'0 temple Sri Mutbumariamman 5 July-August 100 temple

Sri Droupathi Amman 1 June 250 15'0 temple

1 1,000 Cattle, bandloom cloths, 15'0 vegetables, groceries. fish, toys_etc. Sri Aogaiamman temple 10 March-May 200 ~ 15'0 Sri Vinayakar temple 1 August-September 50 15'0 Sri Mariammao temple 30 April 200 15'0 Sri Aogalamman temple 10 do 200 15'0 Sri Varadaraja Perumal 1 January 100 15'0 temple

do 1 do 200 15'0 do 1 September 250 15'0

di) December-January 50 15'0 Sri Pa2"handy Mariamman 10 July-August 100 15'0 temple Sri Mqlhumariamman 10 April-May 500 15'0 temple Sri Drou!'athi Amman and 23 May 250 13'0 Sri Pacbai Vazhiamman temple Sri Mariamman temple 7 do 150 12'0 Sri Droupathi Amman 15 June 300 12'0 temple Renukai Mariamman 13 April 1,000 Edible -articles and balloons 12'0 temple etc. Sri Subramaniysr temple 50

do 10 March-April 100 Sri Mariamman temple 1 February-March 20,000'/ Pop corn, cocoanuts. plantains, 13'0 toys, articles of worship etc. 28 218 FAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Distance Area Name of in Miles L.C. Name oC Village( in nearest from Name of Fair/Festival No. Town Acres Railway Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

5. MANNADIPET 36 Katten 587 ChinoababUoo 6'0 Vaikunta Ekadasi samudram Friday Festivals (all Fridays during Thai month) Vinayaka Chathurthi Monday .Festivals (on Mon. days during Karthikai month)

38 Pudukuppam 760 Annual Festival 39 Suthukeny 976 do

40 Kaiklapet 523 Chinnababu- 7 do samudram Sri Ariputhira Ayyanar and Mariamman Festival

42 Manavely 132 Pongal Festival

6. VILLIANUR

2 Karasur 670 Villianur 6'0 Mariamman Festival 3 Thuthipattu 683 do 5'S Muthumariamman Festival Annual Festival 4 Thondamanatham 1,130 do 4'0 do

do

Thai Poosam Festival

Vaikunta Ekadasi Uriyadi Festival Vijaya Dilsami Festival Masi Magham Festival

S Ramanathapuram 804 do 4'0 Annual Festival

Karthikai Kirthikai FESTIVALS 219 AREA (Contd.)

Distance Duration in Miles of Faitl Approximate Articles sold Name of Temple Festival Month at the Fait/ for Area attendance Festival Head (In days) Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd. ) Sri Droupathi Amman 1 December SO no temple do 1 January-February 50 13'0

Sri Vinayakar temple 1 August-September 50 13'0 do November-December 50 13'0

Sri Mariamman temple 7 July-August 300 16'0 Sri Vinayakar, Mari- 2S do 200 15'0 amman and Droupathi Amman temple

Sri Mariamman temple 1 do 150 12'0

5 March .350 12'0

Sri Vinayakar and Mari- 1 January 100 amman temple

COMMUNE

Sri Mariamman temple 1 April-May 200 10'0 1 March 100 11'0 Sri Muthalamman temple 1 August 100 11'0 Sri Thulukkanathammal 5 July-August 300 10'0 and Kengunathammal temple

Sri Sengazhuneer Mari. January 300 10'0 amman temple

Sri Varadaraja Perumal 1 January-February 200 10'0 temple

do 1 December-January 200 10'0 do 1 August-September 100 10'0 do 1 September-October 100 10'0 do 1 February-March Toys, balloons, . cocoanuts, 10'0 vegetables, plantains, etc.

Sri Chakkara Vinayakar 9 June-August 100 9'0 and Muthalamman temple

do November-December 100 9'0 ~o FAIRS AND PONDICBERRY

Distance Area Name a! L.e, Name of Villagel nearest in Miles No. Town in from Name of Fair/Festival Acres Railway Station Railway Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

6, VILLlANUR 5 Ramanathapuram 804 Villianur 4'0 Monday Festivals (all Mon· days during Karthikai)

Friday Festivals (on all Fridays in Thai month) 6 PiIlaiyarkuppam 644 do 5'0 Vinayaka Chathurthi

Friday Festival (Thai and Adi months) Annual Festival

Kuzh Utruthal

Annual Festival Panguni Kavadi Pooja

7 Koodapakkam 950 do 3"0 Kuzh Utruthal

Vaikunta Ekadasi

Annual Festival Sri Jayanthi Vinayaka Chathurthi

12 Porayur 203 do 1'5 Annual Festival

do Vinayaka Chathurthi

Mattu Pongal Festival Monday Festivals (During the month of Karthikai)

Mariamman F~stival

13 Sendallatbam 226 do 1'0 Annual Festival ao

14 Ariyapalayam 179 do 2'0 do

Kottamedu 15 1J4 do 0'5 do FESTIVALS 221 AREA (Contd.)

Duration Distance etf Fairl Approximate Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple Festival Month attendance at the Fair! for Area (in days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd.) Sri Chakkara Vinayakar November-December 100 9'0 and Muthalamman temple do January-February 100 9'0 .- Sri Balasundara Vinaya- 1 August-September 300 12'0 kar temple

Sri Mariamman temple 300 12'0

Sri Koothandavar 18 April-May --10,000 Articles of worship, toys, pop 12'0 temple corn, other edibles. fruits etc. Sri Meenakshi Amman 1 July-August 300 12'0 temple Sri Pidariamman temple August-September 100 12'0 Sri Subramaniyar temple 1 March 200 12'0

Sri Sengazhuneeramman 1 do 200 7'0 temple Sri Varadaraja Perumal 1 December-January 300 7'0 temple do 10 September 350 7'0 do 1 August-September 300 7'0 Sri Chakkara Vinayakar 1 do 300 7'0 temple Sri Su~daramurthi 2 August 200 7'0 Ayyanar and Harihara- puthiraswamy temple Sri Mariamman temple 15 July-August 250 7'0 Sri Sundaramurthi 1 August-September 60 7'0 Vinayakar temple do 1 January 60 7'0 do November-December 60 7'0

do 3 April-May 200 7'0

Sri Mariamman temple 1 July-August 100 6'0 Sri Muthumariamman 1 do 300 6'0 temple

Sri Mariamman temple 1 do 300 6'0

Sri Agora Mariamman 10 July-August 500 6'0 temple FAIRS AND 2~,'" PONDICHERRY

Distance Name of Area in Miles . L.C. Name of Village! nearest from Name of Fair/Festival in Railway. No, Town Acres Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (5)

6. VILLIANUR

16 Villianur S88 Villianur 0·5 Ani Thirumanjanam

AdiPooram Avani Moolam Vijaya Dasami Surasamharam Karthlkai Deepam Annual Festival

Our Lady of Lourdes

Arudhra Darsanam

Masi Magham Festival

Brahmothsavam Udayavar Festival

Vaikasi Visakam Adi Pooram Festival Swathi Festival Sri Jayanthi Festival Manavala Mamuni Festival Karthikai Deepam Vaikunta Ekadasi .. Masi Magham Festival

Sri Rama Navami Vinayaka Chathurthi

... Masi Magham ThaiPoosam Brahmothsavam

* Masi Magham Festival FESTIVALS 223 AREA (Contd.)

Distance Duration Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple of Fairl Month Approximate at the Fair/ for Area Festival attendance Festival Head (In days) Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd.)

Sri Kokilambal Thiru­ 1 June-July 200 kameswarar temple do 10 July-August 500 do August-September 300 do September-October 500 do 6 October-November 500 do November-December 500 Sri Nagamuthu Mari­ 9 August 300 amman temple

OUf Lady of Lourdes 10 April 300 Articles of worship, prayer Church . books, dolls, date fruits, earthen vessels, etc., Sri Kokilambal Thiru­ 1 December-January 50D 6'0 kameswarar temple do February-March Earthenware, toys, balloons, 6'0 plantains, cocoanuts etc. do 10 May-June 1,000 do 6-0 Sri Varadaraja PerumaJ 10 April-May 1,000 do 6'0 temple do 1 May-June 1,000 do do 1 luly-August 750 do do 1 June-July 1,000 do do 1 August-September 750 do 10 October-November 750 do. 1 November-December 750 do 1 December-January 500 do 1 February-March Articles of worship, fruits, plantains, toys, earthenware etc. do 10 March-April 500 Sri Sundara Vinayakar 1 August-September 1,000 temple do 1 February-March do January-February 750 Sri MuthaJa Vazhiamman 10 April-May 1,000 temple do February-·March Toys, balloons. articles of worship, edible substances etc. 224 FAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Distance Name of Area in Miles L,C, Name of Village! nearest Name of Fair/Festival in Railway from No, Town Acres Railway Station Station

(l) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

6, VILLIANUR

24 Arumathapuram 7 Villianur 1'5 Annual Festival

Sedal Festival Annual Festival

25 Guruvappanaicken· 264 do 1'0 do palayam ,.. Mas; Magham

27 Thattanchavady 226 do 1'0 Chithra Pournami 28 Odiampattu 578 do 1'0 Annual Festival

Brahmothsavam

Mattu Pongal

29 Kanuvapet 341 do ~'S Annual Festival

,.. Masi Magham Festival ,.. Masi Magham

Thai Poosam Festival Brahmothsavam

Ambu Festival

31 Uthiravaginipet 175 *Masi Magham Festival 34 Thirukkanji 872 Villianur 4'0 do

do

Brahmothsavam

37 Perungalur 146 do 3'5 Annual Festival

Ayyanar Festival 38 Uruvaiyar 456 do 2'S Annual Festival

do FESTIVALS 225 AREA (Contd.)

Distance Duration in Miles of Fairl Approximate Articles sold Name of Temple Month attendance at the Fair! for Area Festival Festival Head (In days) Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(coutd,) Sri Droupathi Amman 10 May 400 5'0 temple Sri Mariamman temple April 250 5'0 Sri Sengazhuneeramman August-September 250 5'0 temple Sri Seilamuthumariamman 9 April-May 250 temple Sri Muthumariamman February-March temple Sri Mariamman temple April-May 150 5'0 Sri Muthumariamman August 300 6'0 temple

Sri Kasiviswanathar temple 10 February-March 60,000 Toys, balloon~, plantains, 6'0 pop corn. plastic goods, articles of worship etc. do 1 January 200 6'0 Sri Droupathi Amman 10 March-April 5,000 Sweetmeats, edible substances, 5'0 temple toys, etc. do 1 February--March do 5'0 Sri Vilwanatha Eswarar February-March do 5'0 temple do 1 January-February 150 5'0 Sri Osur Mariamman 10 July-August 500 5'0 temple do September-October 100 5'0 do February-March 5'0 Sri Periapalayathu Amman do Articles of worship, toys, 5'0 temple edible substances etc. Sri Devanayaka Perumal do do 9'0 and Bootha Natha Eswarar temple

Sri Kanjinathar temple 11 do '~50,OO() Articles of worship, sweetmeats, 9'0 peas, pop corn etc. Sri Ponnimariamman 1 June-August 400 ... 8'0 temple Sri Ayyanar temple 1 do 400 ... 8'0 Sri Droupathi Amman 10 March -April 3.000 Articles of worship, plantains, 7'0 temple pop corn, grouDdnuts etc.

Sri Sengazhuneer Mari­ 10 July 500 7'0 amman temple 29 226 FAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Distance Area , Name of L.C. Name of Village/ nearest in Miles No. in from Name of Fair/Festival Town Acres Railway Station Railway Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

6. VILLIANUR 39 Mangalam 618 Villianur 3'5 Annual Festival

Friday Festival (lst Friday 01 Thai & Adi month) 40 Vadamangalam 192 do Annual Festival

41 Kizha SathamaDgalam 389 do 3'5 do

45 Kizhur 334 do 7'0 do

46 Sivarandagam 436 do 4'0 do 47 Arugur 482 Chinnababu-. 1'0 *Masi Magham Festival samudram

Annual Fe~tival

49 Pangur 332 ViUianur 4'0 do

do c,;

7. BAHOUF

1 Bahour 2,209 Cuddalore N, T. Brahmothsavam

Atru Thiruvizha *Masi Magham Festival

Friday Festival (Adi month) Tamil New Year's Day

Friday Festivals *Masi Magham Festival Annual Festival

Kaman Festival Annual Festival do FESTIVALS 227 AREA (eontd.)

Duration Distance Articles sold in Miles Name of TE'mple of Fair! Approximate for Area Festival Month attendance at the Fair! (in days) Festival Head Quartels

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd.) Sri Eanjclai Mariamman 9 April-May 200 8'0 temple do 50 8'0

Sri Ezhai Mariamman 14 July-August 250 8'0 temple Sri Sengazhuneeramman 15 September 250 10'0 temple

Sri Muthumariamman and ..:~ [;2 April 200 13'0 Vinayakar temple Sri Mariamman temple 2 August 200 11'0

Sri Ulagavazhi ~Mari- 1 February--~arch 10'0 amman tempJe Sri Muthu Ulagavazhi 10 April-May 2,000 Plastic toys, balloons, articles, 10'1) Mariamman temple of worship etc. Sri Ellamuthumariamman 3 June 150 10'0 temple Gengammal temple 7 July-August 200 10'0 Sri Gengamuthu Mari- ::::_.10 do 300 10'0 amman temple

COM~UNE

Sri Moolanathar temple 10 June-July 2,000 Sweetmeats, pop corn, toys, 15'00 plantains etc. do 1 January 500 15'00 do 1 February--March Sweetmeats, plantains, toys 15'00 etc. do July-August 500 15'00 Sri Desamariamman 1 April 100 15'00 temple do July-August 100 15'CO do 1 February-March 15'00

Sri Droupathi Amman 5 April-~ay 1,000 Articles of worship, toys, 15'00 temple etc. March-April 400 15'00 Eramudy Ayyanar temple 2 July 200 15'00 Sri Karpura Sundara 1 August-September 150 15'00 Vinayakar temple 228 PAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Name of Distance L.C, Name of Village! Area nearest in Miles in from Name of Fair/Festival No. Town Acres Railway Station Railway Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

7. BAHOUR 1 Bahour 2,209 Cuddalore, N.T. 4"0 Annual Feast Annual Festival

2 Irulansandy 461 do S'O do

3 Kuruvinatham 650 do 6'0 do

do Tamil New Year's day PongaJ Festival Annual Festival Vinayaka Cbathurthi

Vijaya Dasaroi 5 Soriankuppam 519 do 3'0 Mattu Pongal

Atru Thiruvizha "'Masi M" gbaro Festival

Sedal Festival Ambu Festival 9 Melaparikalpattu ISO do 3'0 Annual Festival 12 Sulliankuppam 117 do 3'0 Vinayaka Chathurtbi 15 Krishnavaram 59 do 3'0 Brahmothsavam

Vaikasi Visakham Uriyadi Ambu Festival Karthikai Deepam Vaikunta Ekadasi Atru Thiruvizha held in river Pennar where several other deities also are brought in procession to take part in the Festival. *Masi Magham Annual Festival FESTIVALS 229 AREA (Contd,)

Duration Distance Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple of FairJ Month Approximate Festival attendance at the Fair/ for Area ,(In days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd,)

Bahour, R, C, Church 4 August 150 15'00 Sri Bhuloga Mariarnman 8 do SOD 15'00 temple

Sri Harihara Putbira 10 September 300 14'00 Devasthanam

Sri Droupatbi Amman 10 May-August 5,000 Articles of worship, toys, 14'00 temple plantains etc, Sri Pidariamman temple 1 January-February 200 14'00 Srj Mariamman temple 1 April 200 14'00 1 January 150 1400 Sri Ayyanar temple 1 July 300 14'00 Sri Droupathi Amman 1 August-September 100 14'00 temple do 2 September-October 100 14'00 Sri Sedal Sengazhuneer- 1 January 150 15'00 amman temple do 1 do 150 15'00 do February-March Articles of worship, tol's, 15'00 plastics, pop corn etc, do 10 May-June 10,000 .. 15'00 do 1 September-October 100 15'00 Sri Mariamman temple 1 July-August 100 14'00 Sri Vinayakar temple 1 August-September 100 12'00 Sri Pattabiramaswamy 10 April-May 400 12'00 temple do 1 May-June 100 12'00 do August-September 100 12'00 do September-October 100 12'00

do 1 November-December 100 12'00 do December-January 250 12'00 do January 10.000 Sweetmeats. toys, pop corn, 12'00 -= plantains, edible articles, balloons. plastic articles etc,:

~~, do February-March do 12'00 Sri Muthumariamman 9 July-August 150 12-00 temple 230 FAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Name of Dlstance L.C. Name of Village! Area nearest in Miles No. Town in from Name of Fair/Festival Acres Railway Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

7. BAHQUR 16 Kannikoil 234 Cuddalore N.T. 3'0 Flower Festival

Brahmothsa vam

Atru Thiruvizha in river Pennar *Masi Magham Festival 17 Pudukuppam 214 do 5'0 Annual Festival

19 Manapattu 398 do 4'0 do

Atru Thiruvizha held i!l river Pennar 21 Kattukuppam 385 do 4'0 Sedal Festival 22 Araganur 440 do 8'0 Atru Thiruvizha in Pennar

Vasantha Uthsavam... Friday Festivals during Thai month 23 Nirnayapattu 132 Villianur s·o Annual Festival

24 Seliamodu 635 Cuddalore N.T. 6'0 Atru Tbiruvizha held] ~JJ) Pennar Brahmothsavam

Tamil New Year's Day

B'(lnumantha Jayanthi POD gal Festival Kartbikai Kirthikai Kaman Festival Sri Rama Navami

25 KudiruppupalaYarn 212 do 6'0 Theertha Vari Festival held in Pennar river 26 Adingapattu 157 do 6'0 Vinayaka Chathurthi Annual Festival

Afru Thiruvizha held in river Pennar FESTIVALS 231 AREA (CoDtd.)

Distance Duration Articles... sold in Miles Approximate Name of Temple of FairJ Month at the Fairl for Area Festival attendance Festival Head (In days) Quarters

(7) (8) ..' (9) (10) (tn (12)

COMMUNE-(contd.) Sri Mannadh3swamy July-August 100 12'00 temple do 10 do 10,000_ Plastic toyS, plantains, articles 11'00 of worship etc.

do 1 January do 11'00 do 1 February-March do 11'00 Sri Mariamman temple 1 luly-August 100 13'00

Sri Muthu Mariamman 3 April-May 150 Plastic toys, plantains, articles 12'OD temple of worship etc. Sri Pidariamman temple 1 January-February 200 12'00

Sri Mariamman temple 10 April-May 150 11'00

Sri Eramudy Ayyanar 1 July-August 1,000 Articles of worship, deities 12'00 temple etc. do 1 January 10.000 do 12'00 Sri Muthalamman January-February 200 12'00 temple Sri Muthumari Amman 1 July-August 200 11'00 temple Sri Muthalamman temple 1 January Sweetmeats, toys, flowers, 12'00 cosmetics etc.

Sri Mariamman and Selva 10 July-August 200 12'00 Yinayakar temple Sri Sanjeevaraya Perumal 1 April 200 12'00 temple do 1 December-January 200 12'00 do 1 January 200 12'00 do 1 November-December 200 12'00 do 1 March-June 500 12'00 do 1 February-March 200 12'00

Sri Muthalamman temple 1 January 10,000 L-- Cosmetics, edible substances, 12'00 toys, balloons etc.

Sri Yinayakar temple 1 August-September 200 13'()()

Sri Muthalamman temple 1 April-May 300 13'00 or to 3 July-August

do 1 January 10,000 '---1'lastic toys. flowers, articles B'O) of worship etc. 232 FAIRS AND PONDICHERRY

Name of Distance L.c. Name of Village/ Area nearest in Miles No, in from Name of Fair/Festival Town Acres Railway Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

7. BAHOUR 28 Pinnatcbikuppam 146 Cuddalore N. T. 5'0 Uriyadi Festival Annual Festival

Kaman Festival 30 Kandanpet 227 do S'O Annual Festival

31 Pannithittu 153 d9 7'0 do do 33 Pannithittu 113 do 7'0 do (Vambapet)

35 Narambai 157 do 6'0 do

36 Pillaiyarkuppam 112 do 6'0 do &38 do 37 Valluvarpet 29 do 6'0 Kavadi Festival

39 Kirumanpakkam 1,085 do 7 Annual Festival &40 Vijaya Dasami Friday Festival (Thai month) Annual Festival

Karthikai Deepam Monday Festival (Karthikai month) Kaman Festival

44 Karaiyambuthur 1,013 Melpattumhakkam 4'0 Pongal Festival

Atru Thiruvizha

Kartbikai Deepam

Atru Thiruvizha Friday Festival (During Thai and Adi month) FESTIVALS 233 AREA (Contd.)

Duration Distance Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple of Fair! Approximate Festival Month attendance at the Fair/ for Area (In days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd.) Sri Kannan temple August-September 100 11'00 Sri Ayyanar and Vedchi- 5 July-August 100 ,11'00 amman temple March-April SOO 11'00 Sri Mariammar.. temple 2 July-August 150 1000

do 3 do 100 8'0 Sri Kali temple 1 to 3 do 200 8'0 do 2 do 100 s·o

Sri Nagamuthu Mari- May-July 1,000 10'0 amman temple Sri Subramaniyar temple 2 March-April ISO 10'0 Sri Vinayakar temple 7 August-September 100 10'0 Sri Subramaniyar temple 1 do 100 10'0

Sri Solaivazhi Mari- 2 April-August 200 9-0 amman temple to 3 Sri Mariamrnan temple 1 September-October 200 9'0 do January-February teo 9'0

Sri Droupathi Amman 8 April-August 300 9'0 temple Sri Vinayakar temple 1 November-December 150 90 do do 100 9'0

March-June SOO 9'0

Sri Subramaniyar and 1 January 300 22'0 Droupathi Amman temple Sri Muthumari Amman 1 do 200 22'0 temple Sri Subramaniyar and 1 November-December 250 22'0 Mariamman temple do January ISD 22'0 do January-February 100 22'0 July-August

30 234 FAms AND PONDICHERRY

Name of Distance Area nearest in Miles L.C. Name of Village! in from Name of Fair/Festival No. Town Railway Acres Station Railway Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

7. BAHOUR 44 Karaiyambuthur 1,013 Melpattumbakkam 4'0 Brabmothsavam

Atm Thiruvizha

45 Panaiyadikuppam 503 do 6'0 Annual Festival

8. NETTAPAKKAM

1&2 Eripakkam 341 Pallinelianur 2'5 Annual Festival

5 Kalmandapam 297 do 4'1) do

6 Vadukuppam 253 do 4'0 do ..

Vaikunta Ekadasi 7&8 Pandasozhanur 530 do 5'0 Brabmothsavam

Atru Thiruvizha Vijaya Dasami Vinayaka Chathurthi

Tbai Poosam 12& Nettapakkam 520 do 2'0 Ani Thirumanjanam 13 Adi Pooraln Vinayaka Chatburthi Vijaya Dasami Surasamharam

Karthikai Deepam Arudhra DarsBnam Mattu Pongal Atru Thiruvizha Thai Poosam

Sivarathirj Annual Festival FESTIVALS 235 AREA (Contd.)

Duration Distance Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple of Fair! Month Approximate for Area Festival attendance at the Fairl (In days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd.) Sri Droupathi Amman 10 April-May 2,000 Edible articles, articles of ·22'0 temple worship, toys etc. do 1 JanualY 150 22'0

Sri Angalamman temple February 300 22'0

COMMUNE

Sri Sengalathu Ayyanar 5 April-June 500 15'(/ temple Sri Muthumariammao and 1 July-August 300 14'0 Vinayakar temple

Sri Venkatesa Perumal 1 April-May 200 15'0 temple

do 1 December-January 200 ... , 15'0 Sri Muthumariamman 12 July-September 1,000 Edible oils, articles of w01'1lhip 15'0 temple etc. do 1 January 200 15'0 do 1 September-OctobeJ 200 15'0 Sri Mallikarjunaswamy 1 August-September 100 15'0 temple

do 1 January-February 100 15'0 Sri Ramalingeswarar 1 June-July 300 16'0 temple

do 1 July-:August 300 16'0 do 1 August-September 300 16'0 do 1 September-October 300 16'0 do 10 October-November 10,000 .r Sweetmeats, articles of worship, 16'0 cosmetics, toys, do 1 Novel\lber-December 300 16"0 do 1 December-January 200 16'0

do 1 January 200 16'0 do 1 do 200 16'0 do 1 January-February 200 16'0

do 1 February-March 2CO 16'0 Sri Angalamman temple 10 do 200 16'0 FAIRS AND 236 PONDICHERRY

Distance Name of Area in Miles L.C. Name of Village! nearest from Name of fair/Festival in Railway No. Town Acres Railway Station Station

(5) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

8. NETTAPAKKAM Annual Festival 15& Kariamanickam 635 Pallinelianur 2'0 16 Ani Thirumar.janam 19& Madukkarai 756 do 4'0 20 Annual Festival

Vinaya!

Karthlkai Kirthikai Annabhishegam Thiruvadhirai Atru Thiruvizha Thai Kirtbikai ThaiPoosam Sivarathiri

21 Kuruvampattu 5 Annual Festival

24& Sooramangalam 300 do 25 do

26& Embalam 504 Villianur 5'0 do 27 Mattu Pongal

·Masi Magham

Annual Festival

31& Korkadu 856 do 3'0 Brahmothsavam 32 Kuzh Utruthal ·Masi Magham Thai Festival Kuzh UUuthal Annual Festival

33& Karkalambakkam 813 do 4'0 do 34 FESTIVALS 237 AREA (Contd.)

Duration Distance of Fair/ Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple Month ApprQximate Festival attendance at the FairJ for Area (In days) Festival Head Quarters (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd_) Sri Karumuthumariamman 16 July-August 300 17 temple Sri Marakkaleeswarar June-July 100 20'00 temple

Sri Droupathi Amman. 6 c May-June 5,000 Articles of worship, pop 20'00 temple and Koothandavar corn, toys etc. temple

Sri Marakkaleeswarar August-September 100 20'00 temple

do November-December 100 20'00 do October-November 100 20'00 do December-January 100 20'00 do January 100 20'0 do January-February 100 20'0 do do 100 20'0 do 1 February--March 100 20'0

Sri Droupathi Amman 9 April-May 250 temple

Sri Mariamman temple 2 July-August 300

do 8 June-July 500 Sri Muthu Mariamman 5 July-August 500 10'0 temple Sri Lakshmi Narayana 1 January 50 10'0 Perumal temple do Febtuary-March Edible articles, earthen vessels. 10'0 toys. balloons etc. Sri Droupathi Amman 3 June 400 10'0 temple ...

Sri EUayamman temple 10 July-August 1,000 10'0 do January-February 200 10'0 do February-March 10'0 do January 200 10'0 Sri Veerav temple do 200 ]0'0 Sri Droupathi Amman 10 May-Julle 400 temple 10'0

Sri Uthukattu Mari- 10 july-August SCO amman temple 8'0 238 FAIRS ANI) PONDICHERRY

Name of Distance Area nearest in Miles L.C. Name of Village/ in from Name of Fair/Festival No. Town Acres Railway Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

8. NETTAPAKKAM

33 Karakalambakkam 813 Villianur 4'0 Panguni Uthiram Kirthikai (every month) Surasamharam "Masi Magham

Annual Festival

Vinayaka Chathurthi 36 Nattamedu 375 Annual Festival & 37 Eripakkam

do

38 Kambalikarankuppam 131 do & 39

.. Devanampattinam near CUddalore t The festival is held at Tirukkanchi. Held in Pondicherry

@ At Kumarapalayam on the bank! of river Sankaraparani. FESTIVALS 239 AREA (Contd.)

Duration Distance Articles sold Name of Temple of Fairl Approximate in Miles Festival Month attendance at the Fair/ for Area (in days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10J (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd.)

Sri Kumareswarar temple 1 March-April 200 8'0 do 1 50 8'0 do 10 October-November 200 8'0 do 1 February-March Sweetmeats, pop corn, other s·o edibles, toyS, balloons, earthenware etc.

Sri Droupathi Amman 6 April-June 1,000 do 8'0 temple

Sri Vinayakar temple April-September 100 S'O Sri Muthumari Amman 4 June 300 temple and Ayyanar- appan temple ,

Sri Muthumariamman August 200 temple

Sri Vinayakar. Mariamman 2 July-August 250 and Ayyanar temple

,

A view of the dargai at Karaikal The front view of the 'darga' at KaraikaJ KARAIKAL AREA

Thetharavu Madha Festival of the King of Bukhara in which capacity he con­ tinued for 15 years and earned a reputation for ability This festival is celebrated in the Catholic Church in administration. But the religious fervour in bim at Karaikal town on the 15th August every year. The increased and in response to a dream that he had at word Thetharavu Matha means "Mother who consoles the age of 40, he relinquished his office and left for the afflicted". The virgin mother of the Catholic faith India in search of his spiritual guide, viz., Halareth sanctified here, acts as a consoler to the afflicted, and Syed Ahmed Kalkhal, Diwan Oliulla of Tiruchirapalli. it may be presumed that the festival is called so. En-route to TiruchirapaI1i, he is reported to have per­ formed numerous miracles and by virtue of his healing The festival commences with the flag-hoisting on powers, instilled faith and converted numerous people the mast of the Church on the sixth of August. There­ at various places to Islam. Reaching Tiruchirapalli, after every morning, Mass is held in the Church. A he stayed there as a disciple of his master for some very large number of people attend the special Mass years and then proceeded to Karaikal where he spent conducted on the tenth day of the festival, which falls the rest of his life, in dedicated service for suffering on the fifteenth of August. In the evening, at 7 p.m. humanity. Because of his miraculous powers. he was the statue of the Blessed Virgin, mounted on a beauti­ respected by both Indians as well as foreigners who fully decorated car, is taken in procession along the had settled in Karaikal. When he passed away in the main streets surrounding the Church. About 3,000 year 1244 of the Muslim era (24th February 1829) he people, most of whom are Catholics, coming from was 120 years old. The body was entombed in the and around Karaikal, attend this festival. At 10 p.m. Dargah at Karaikal where the annual Kandoori festival the procession terminates with a thanks-giving cere­ is celebrated. mony followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacra­ ment. In honour of this respected saint. the Muslims of Karaikal decided to celebrate his first death anniver­ sary on the 19th of Shaban in 1245 Muslim era (1830). Kandoori Festival On the 9th of Shaban, they took a flag in procession on a camel with the accompaniment of drums and fire· Of the various Muslim festivals in this State, the works and hoisted it on a high mast, marking the Kandoori Festival in Karaikal is regarded as the most commencement :>f the festival. The Dargah was decora., important from the point of view of attendance as ted and illuminated, and on the following days, well as the interest evinced by the public. The Kan· discourses on the life of the saint were arranged. On doori festival takes place in the "Dargah" situated on the 19th of Shaban, a copper vessel containing sandal the Tirunallar road, one of the two main roads in paste was installed in a koodu or palanquin which was Karaikal town. taken round the town in ceremonial procession which terminated at the Dargah where the care-taker of the The festiva(is celebrated in honour of the Muslim Dargah received the vessel and anointed the tomb with saint known as Syed Dawood. This saint was born the sandal paste, and distributed a small portion to on the 19th of Shaban in the year 1124 of Muslim era the assemblage of devotees. The tomb was thereafter at Bukhara, the capital of Turkistan. Though the covered with a blanket. This festival continued to be son of a rillh businessman, he was of a religious celebrated thereafter even though there was some disposition from early childhood. By the time he interruption fur a decade after the celebration of the attained majority, be had become a profound scholar 40th Kand~ori festival. The festival was again revived. in Arabic as well as religious literature. At the age The features of the celebration have been the same all of 20, he performed the Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca). through. The festival gradually assumed greater popu­ As a young man of 25, he became the Prime Minister larity and in addition to the local assemblage, people 31 242 FAIRS AND from the neighbouring district of Thanjavur also turn During the evenings of the subsequent nine days, up in large numbers. i.e., upto 18th of Shaban discourses on the life of the saint as well as music performances are arranged within the premises of the Dargah. Fruits and other edibles Salient features of the festival are distributed to the gathering that participates iu these functions, by devotees, in return for favour Kandoori festival starts on the 9th of every Shaban received from the saint. month. Early in the morning of that day, drummers pass through the streets of the town, announcing the commencement of the festival through beat of drums. The last day is the "Sandhana-koodu" festival A big crowd of Muslims assemble in the vicinity of the and commemorates the death of the saint on the 19th Dargah to participate in the morning procession which Shaban .. By about 10 p.m .• a costly carpet embroide­ starts at about 8 a.m. A palanquin, tastefully, decora­ red with gold threads offered by some rich Muslims of ted with tiny glass beads and pipes of different colours the town is taken in procession on the back of an and flower garlands is mounted on a four-wheeled elephant and brought to the Dargah. At about mid~ chariot and taken round in devotional procession. night, the Sandhana-koodu, "niche" about 15' higb, A small chariot carrying three brass'vessels with burn­ lavishly decorated and illuminated with multi-coloured ing incense precedes the palanquin making the atmos­ electric lights and fixed on a wooden chariot is taken in phere pleasant and fragrant. The procession with the procession through the important streets of the ,town. palanquin and incense chariot passes througu the There will be display of fireworks all along the route. important streets and terminates near the Dargah As the procession slowly moves round the streets, the by 10 a.m. caretaker anoints the tomb of the saint with sandalpaste which he carries in a silver vessel from his house. The tomb is then covered with the carpet brought earlier. The afternoon procession starts at about 2 p.m. None is allowed to witness this performance which This procession which is more spectacular is led by an takes place between 4.00 and 4.30 a.m. At about elephant and would contain more number of wooden 5.00 a.m., the procession of the Sandhana-koodu chariots carrying incense fumes, dummy figures of terminates before the Dargah. On the fourth day after boats, ships and aeroplanes and flags. the Sandhana-koodu, the flags that were hoisted on the opening day are brought down and preserved in the Dargah. Two items of entertainment also follow the procession. These are ·(1) dance by nautch girls on a dais fixed on a wooden chariot accompanied by The strength of the gathering on the first day is clarionet music and (2) panther dance by men painted .about 5,000. It is about 10,000 for the Sandhana-koodu in yellow and black to resemble panthers. The festival and most of them are Muslims. Music and elephant and the chariots add grandeur to the occasion. religious discourses are attended by about 3,000 people The dummy flgures of boats, ships and aeroplanes are every day. Women wearing purdha also attend these tokens of gratitude provided by members of the performances. Visitors hail from all over Karaikal Muslim community who are engaged in overseas trade area and also from places like Nagore, Nagapattinam. and whose prayers to the spirit of the saint to safeguard Porayar, Tranquebar, Mayavaram, Peralam etc. This their cargo during transit through sea, land and air is the only Muslim festival of the State in which all were answered favourably. These are preserved in the Muslims participate irrespective of their creed or Dargah and renovated annually on the eve of the sub-sects. All of them-Maricars, Rowthers and the festival. The procession terminates at the Dargah by Sahibs of the sunni sect-attend this festival in large sunset after which the flags that were taken round in numbers. procession are hoisted on a huge mast, specially erected for the occasion as well as on the towers of the A market.forms itself around the Dargab during Dargah. The day closes with an elaborate display of the festival. All the fish, meat and vegetable shops of fireworks. the town are tran>ferred to the vicinity of the Dargab. The artistically carved silver doors at the entrance to the darga I j

J,

A view of the 'samadhi' of the saint at the darga The Tastefully decorated palanquin mounted on a chariot being taken in procession

rL.::.:.;.:,.. __

Panther dance during the procession A view of the procession passing through a street in Karaikal

• Nautch dance during the procession The incense chariot in procession The Church of "Lady of Lourdes" at Villianur A view of the interior of the Lady of Lourdes Chruch, Villianur FESTIVALS 243

There will be two or three shops that sell aluminium motion producing an up-and-down movement of the and stainless steel utensils. Hawkers sell date fruits, angel piercing the head of the demon. peas, pop corn, ribbons, flowers made of coloured paper, cosmetics, balloons etc. Baskets of different sizes and shapes made of palmyrah leaves ,_are sold in Inside, there are three altars, the large one in the large quantities during this festiva1. Arrangements for middle and the others on tbe sides. Just above the the festival are made by the five Panchayatdars of the central altar rises a structure of brick and mortar, Dargah who are nominated for life by the Government sculptured and painted to resemble the grotto where of Pondicherry State. All functions are held only the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared at Lourdes in under their directions. The caretaker of the Dargah France. A statue of the Lady is placed on one side of is the descendant of a Muslim woman who was a the grotto and that of St. Bernadette Soubirous in a devoted disciple of the saint. He looks after the day­ kneeling prayerful posture with a candle in one hand, to-day needs of the Dargah and in token of his on the other side. This represents the apparition of services be is given the entire hundi collections in the the Mother of Jesus Christ who conveyed the message Dargah all through the year except the collections of prayer and penance to the world for the salvation of obtained during the eleven days of the Kandoori their souls. On the other altars there are statues of festival which go to augment the funds of the Dargah. other saints. Covering the three altars runs a com­ munion rail. On the plastered columns inside the Church and on the walls inside and outside can be seen' .' Our Lady of Lourdes" Festival at Villianur square and oblong blocks of marble stones with inscriptions of gratitude mostly in French, like This is an eight day festival conducted by Roman " Reconnaissance" (gratitude), "Mercy" (thanks), Catholics, from Easter Sunday to the following Sunday " Gloire a Marie" (Glory to Mary) with initials of the at Villianur. a place lying about 8 kilometres west of persons concerned underneath the ab;)ve expressions. Pondicherry. The Church, in which this is celebrated, The choir is just above the portico and is equipped lies on the north-east border of Kanuvapet which is a with a French organ. part of Villianur and is about one and a half kilpmetres from the railway station ,and about 400 metres from the bus stop. A wall running along a few yards of two Coming out of the Church, the visitor faces a streets meeting at right angles keeps the Church square tank which is neatly built on the sides with a separated from a square pond in front of it. A grove flight of steps on each side. Right in the centre a of trees adjacent to the Church contains a small chapel square plastered column st,lUds supporting another with an open auditorium covered by cement sheet statue, but in a smaller size, of the Lady of Lourdes. roofing. Pilgrims who c~me to the Church use the tank for ablutions before getting into the Church. The water is let into the tank through a canal and is drained off The Church itself is very small in size and is built periodically so as to keep it fresh and clean. of brick and mortar. Constructed on the model of the Basilica at the town of Lourdes in Southern France, it has a dome in the centre and aisles in front, and on The Church was built in 1876 by Roman Catholic the two sides. The rear is used as Sacristy with Missionaries from France, one of whom had known extension to the Presbytery. A portico with round St. Bernadette personally and taken her approval to brick and mortar columns greets the visitor who can the posture of the statue of Our Lady. to that of "Our enter the Church through three front doors and two Lady" Herself when the latter appeared to her in the other doors on each side of the aisles. On the southern cave of Masabielle. The statue was brought from facet of the cross-topped gothic tower, one can notice France by that Missionary and was installed in the a clock visible from the street running southwards and Church in 1877. The late Pope Leo Xln conveyed his the statue of an angel, holding a spear in both hands, special blessings to the Church and the Archbishop of on the head of a demon at his feet. Every chiming Pondicherry perfJrmed the •• Crowning" of the statue hour and half hour sets a mechanism of the clock in in 1886. 244 FAIRS AND

The reasons for building a Church in this place on the last day. Every day in the morning, the Mass are not known. It might have been part of the is said in the Church as well as in the out-house missionary activ;ties in order to spread the Catholic Chapel which is opened during the season. For faith. The Missionaries in order to foster devotion to Catholics the Mass is the highest form of worship of the Blessed Virgin Mary must have thought it fit to God and is the principal act in any of their festivals. build a shrine in Her honour in this quiet. secluded They consider that" processions and other manifesta­ place, not far fro:n Pondicherry. One can observe a tions are but an outward expression of their devotion, good number of non-Catholics among the pilgrims who which though unessential, are probably intended to come to pay their homage to the Lady and offer rouse their religious fervour. In the evenings, a flower candles and valuables like money, and replicas of decked niche carrying the statue of "Our Lady" is human limbs in silver or gold, in token of gratitude for taken in procession when the people recite prayers and what they have received from the Almighty through the sing devotional songs in Latin, French, Tamil and intercession of "Our Lady". English. 'Nadhaswaram' music is played during the procession. After going round four short streets, the It is understood that for many years no resident niche is brought back to its place. The "Benediction" missionary was posted to that Church: One used to of the Blessed Sacrament" is then conducted with the come from PODdicherry every Sunday to say the Holy choir of boys and girls singing the hymns for the Mass for the benefit of the few Catholics who resided occasion. Some times, sermons are preached during in Kanuvapet. These are generally retired Govern· the Mass and after the procession. ment officials who prefer to live in rural areas during their old age, and also officials working in Government On the last day. the Archbishop of Pondicherry Offices or Schools in .the area surrounding Villianur. comes to the Church and sings the Solemn High Mass, Now there are two priests, one looking after the assisted by five priests. In the evening, a tall niche Parish and the other in charge of an orphanage for lavishly decorated and illuminated with electric lamps boys. A few religious sisters have established a is taken out in procession carrying the same statue as convent and are running a Primary School for girls. A on previous days. but covering four longer streets, school for orphan boys has been started and it has with the accompaniment of both Nadhaswaram music been thrown open to other boys also. and Police Band, and fireworks display. The number of pilgrims and on-lookers swells to about two lakhs The festival commences with the hoisting of a flag at this function which lasts till about 10 p.m. The carrying the impression of "Our Lady of Lourdes" on "Benediction service" marks the close of the function. a mast perched on a tall Asoka tree just in front of the On the following Monday, the flag hoisted on the mast Church. The flag is blessed by the priest before is taken down and prayers are said in thanksgiving, hoisting. Quite a number of families take small bringing the festival to a close. houses or rooms on rent for the period of the festival. But the major portion of pilgrims from distant places During the festival, petty shops selling toilet reach the place on the eve of the last day in long ques articles, toys, bangles, hosieries, cooking utensils, of double bullock carts laden with food and other prayer books, religious medals, rosaries. crucifixes etc •• requirements. Particularly a large number of persons sweet-meat vendors, food-grain pedlars and teastalls move in from Pondicherry and the surrounding areas take their places all along the street leading from the FESTIVALS 245 railway station. People often make purchases in these visitor that "Our Lady of Lourdes" appeared to stalls as a "souvenir" of their pilgrimage to this St. Bernadette in Lourdes with messages of "Prayer. place. Penance and Peace" not only to the Catholics but also to .one and all of this area who acclaim Her as As mentioned before, this festival is a venue for "Villianur Matha". It is said that Hindus out­ free mingling of Catholics, non· Catholics and Hindus number the Christians during this festival. without any distinction giving the impression to the 246 PAIRS AND KARAIKAL

Name of Distance Area in Miles L.C. Name of Villagel nearest in Railway from . Name of Fair/Festival No. Town Acres Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

1. KARAIKAL R!araikal Karaikal Thiruvadhirai Festival

Vaikunta Ekadasi Festival

Masi Magham Festival

Vijaya Dasami

Saravana Deepam

Thiruvadhirai

Sivarathiri

Sundarar Festival

Avani Moolam

Vinayaka Chathurtbi

Vijaya Dasami

Skandha Shashti

Thirukkattbikai Ammayar Aikkiyam

Mangani Festival

Ammayar birth

Kandoori Festival

Zainulla Kandoori

Kandoori Festival

Koozh Utrutbal

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

Kaman aDd Kaliamtnan Festival Masi Magham Festival

Hatham Festival

Kappada Sahib Kandoori FESTIVALS 247 AREA

Distance Duration Articles soJel in Miles Name of Temple of Fairl Month Approximate at the Fairl for Area Festival attendance Festival Head (In days) Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (U) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd.) Sri Oppilamaniar 1 December-January 50 temple Sri Nithiya Kalyana 20 do 1,000 Articles of worship, fruits Perumal temple and plantains do 2 February--March 200

do 1 September-October 200

do 1 do 100

: Sri Kailasanathar temple December-September 1,000

do 1 February-March 300

do 1 July-August - 300

do 1 August-September 300

do 1 do 300

do 1 September-October 1,000

do 8 October-November 1,000

do November-December

Sri Karaikal Amroayar 300 temple do 4 June-July 20,000 Sweetmeats, articles of worship, toys, fruits etc. do 1 August-September 300

Karaikal Dargah 14 1,000 Vessels, porcelin articles, cosmetics, aerated water, special dish etc. Big Mosque 2 500

Gaul Mohammed Dargah 2 S,OOO China and aluminium vessels, earthenware, cosmetics, sweetmeats etc. Dakshina Muthu Mari- January 200 amman temple Our Lady of Lourdes 1 February 500 Church Sri Kaliamman temple 33 February-March 500 ...

Sri Kanniamman temple 7 do

Salur Obiyulla Dargah 2 June 300 9 July 300 ... FAIRS AN1> KARAIKAL

Name of Distance Area ill Miles LC. Name of Villagel nearest from in Railway Name of Fair/Festival No. Town Acres Railway Station Station

(2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

1. KARAlI

Karaikal Karaikal Vinayaka Chathurthi

Sayadheena Jemmanshaw Annual Festival Kandoori Festival

KARAIKAL

1 Pudutburai 362 do 2 Kaman Festival Vinayaka Chatburthi Festival Tamil New Year's Day

2 Dharmapuram 501 do 1'5 Vaikasi Moolam

Tamil New Year's Day

5 Kovilpattu 1,095 Karaikovilpattu Surasamharam

Vijaya Dasami Kadaimuzhukku

Thiruvadhirai F~tival Vaikunta Ekadasi

Masi Magham Festival

Vijaya Dasami Festival Masi Magham Festival 8 Thalathcru 839 do 1'5 do

Annual Festival

2. THIRUNALLAR.

1 Ambagarathur 668 Ambagarathur Annual Festival

3 Nallazhandur 311 do do 20 . Serumavilangai 457 Masi Magbam Festival FESTIVALS 249 AREA (Contd.)

Distance Duration Articles sold in Miles of Fairl Approximate Name of Temple Month at tbeFair/ for Area Festival attendance Festival Head (In days) Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd.) Sri Vinayakar temple, 10 August-September 300 Poraiyar Road 1 September 200

Syed Moideen Thaika December 350

COMMUNE (RURAL)

February 200 l'S

Sri Vinayakar temple August-September 100 1'5 Sri Mariamman temple 1 April ISO 1'5 Sri Yazhmurinathees- May-June 100 I'O warar temple do April 100 1'0 Sri parvatheeswara- 1 October-November 500 swarny temple do 1 September-October 500 do 1 October 500 do 1 December-January 500 Sri Kothandarama Swami 1 do 300 temple do 2 February-March 50,000 Sweetmeats, cocoanuts, plan- tains, articles of worship etc.

do 1 September-October 300 Sri Amman temple 3 February--March 200 Sri ponnammakali 2 do 200 1'5 temple do 7 July-August 200

COMMUNE

Sri Bhadrakaliamman 12 May-June 20,000 Articles of worShip, edible 10'0 temple articles, aerated water, pop. corn, toyS etc.

Sri Pidari temple 3 do 150 7'S Sri Kanniamman temple 3 February-March 6'5 32 250 FAIRS AND KARAIKAL

Distance Area Name of L.C. . Name of Village/ nearest in Miles No. Town in Railway from Name of Fair/Festival Acres Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

2. THlRUNALLAR 22 Sorakudy 614 Thirunallar/ 0'5 Annual Festival Pathakudy Vaikunta Ekadasi

24 Sellur 478 Annual Festival &26 Fire walking Ceremony

25 Agalankannu 238 Thirunallar 2'5 Thiruvadhirai Festival

Tamil New Year's Day

31 Tbirunallar 841 do Sani Peyarchi (Once in 21 years when Saturn changes His position) Adi Pooram Festival Vinayaka Chathurthi Avani Moolam Vijaya Dasami Surasamharam Thirukkarthikai Thiruvadhirai Thai Poosam Sivarathiri Festival Masi Magham Festival

32 Suprayapuram 482 Kaliamman Festival & 36 39 Takkalur 137 Thiruvadhirai Festival

3, NERAVY

1 Keelaodouthurai 238 Karaikal 3'0 Naming Festival of Child Jesus Christ Annual Festival

2 Meladouthurai 515 3'0 do do

4 Kakaimouzhy 174 Thirunallar 2'S co FESTIVALS 251 AREA (Contd,)

Distance Duration Articles sold in Miles of Fairl Approximate Name of Temple Month at the Fairl for Area Festival attendance Festival Head (In days) Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (I2)

COMMUNE-(contd,) Sri Mariamman temple 18 to 22 April-June 300 4'0

Sri Lakshmi Narayana December-January 50 4'0 Perumal temple Church 4 do 250 S'O

Sri Mariamman temple 15 May-June 400 5'0

Sri Vaithianatha Swamy 1 December-January 400 6'0 temple : Sri Kaliamman temple 30r4 April 400 6'0

Sri Dhar baranyeswarar 2 to,OOO Arieles of worship, cocoanuts, 31) temple plantains, poP corn, toys, balloons etc.

do 1 July-August 200 3'0 do 1 August-September 200 3'0 do 1 September 200 3'0 do 1 September-October 200 3'0 do 7 October-November 500 3'0 do 1 November-December 500 3'0 do 10 December-January 300 3'0 do 1 January-February 150 3'0 do 1 February--March 150 3'0 do 1 do 150 3'0

Sri Kaliamman temple 4 January-Februilry 500 4'0

Sri Thiruroganatbaswamy 1 December-January 250 2'0 temple

COMMUNE

Saint Antho,ny's Church 2 December-January 100 3'0

Sri Kaliamman temple 1 April-May 200 3'0 Sri Ayyanar temple 1 do 200 3'0 Sri Mariamman and Kali. 11 do 200 3'0 amman temple Sri Ayyanar temple May-June 500 3'0 252 FAIRs AND KARAIKAL

Name of Distance L.C. Name of Village! Area nearest in Miles in from Name of Fair/Festival No. Town Acres Railway Station Railway Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

3. NERAVY 6 Neravy 924 Karaikal 4'0 Thiruvadhirai

Thirukkartbikai Vaikunta Ekadasi

8 Karkalachery 185 do O'S Annual Festival

9 Akkaravattam 133 do 2'5 Tamil New Year's Day Kovilpattu

11 Vizhidiur 494 Thirunallar 3'0 Kirthikai (every month)

Vijaya Dasami Surasamharam Thai Poosam Tamil New Year's Day Annual Festival 13 Mannamuthy 128 Vinayaka Chathurthi

4. NEDUNGADU

8 Keelasembiangal 95 Patbakudy 3'S *Kaman Festival *Annual Festival

18 Kurumbagaram 335 do 3'0 Vaikunta Ekadasi

23 Nedungadu 517 do l'S Thiruvadhirai Festival

Annual Festival 28 Vadamattam 226 do 3'S Thiruvadbirai Festival

31 MaJakasakudy 1,145 do l'S Vaikunta Ekadasi

Masi Magham Festival Thiruvadhirai

Chitbra ~ournamj Krithikai (every month) Masi Magham Festival Annual Festival FESTIVALS 253 AREA (Contd,)

Duration Distance Art;c1es sold in Miles Name of Temple of Fair/ Month Approximate Festival attendance at tbe Fairl for Area (In days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(contd)

Sri Jambunatha Swamy 1 December-January 1,000 Articles of worship 4'0 temple do 1 November-December 500 40 Sri Karia Manicka Pecumal December-January 500 4'0 temple

Sri Vella Vinayakamurthi 10 August-September 100 1'0 temple

Sri Bala Sundara Gana- 1 April 150 2'5 pathi temple

, Sri Vizhinatha Swamy 100 6'0 temple

do 1 September-October 100 6'0 do 3 October-November 400 6'0 do 1 January-February 100 6'0 Sri Mariamman temple 1 April 200 6'0 Sri Ayyanar temple 1 February-May 100 6'0 1 August-September lOa 90

COMMUNE

1 April 400 7 Sri Sethaladevi Mari- 23 April-June 300 7 amman temple

Sri Lakshmi Narayana I December-January 50 7 PeTUmal temple

Sri Thanthonreeswarar do seo 6'0 temple Sri Mariamman temple 10 April-June 500 60 Sri Viswanathaswamy 1 December-January 200 5 temple

Sri Yaradaraja Perurna] 1 do 1,000 4 temple

do 1 February-March 1000 4 Sri Naganatha Swamy December-Janua.ry SOD 4 temple

do 1 April-May 500 4 do 1 200 4 do 3 February-March 1,000 4 Roman Catholic Church 10 June 150 4 254 FAIRS AND KARAIKAL

Distance Name of Area in Miles L.C. Name of Village! nearest from Name of Fair/Festival in Railway No. Town Acres Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (S) (6)

S. KOTTUCHERRV

2 Kottucherry 1,450 Karaikovilpattu 2'0 Annual Festival Vinayaka Chathurthi

Annual Festival Vaikunta Ekadasi

Arudra Festival

9 Varichikudy 1,073 Poraiyar 3'0 Vaikunta Ekadasi

Mattu Pongal Annual Festival do do

10 Thiruvettakudy 1.121 do 3'0 Vinayaka Chathurthi

Skanda Shashti Thirukkarthi Thiruvadhirai Thai Poosam Masi Magham

Annual Festival

13 Mandabathur 32 do 15 Ponvam 120 Poraiyar 3'0 ThaiPoosam

Annual Festival DrahmothsavaDl

6. GRAND ALDEE

1 Keezhaiyur 1,730 Karaikal 3'5 Annual Festival

2 Thirumalairayan· 299 do Masi Magham Festival pattinam (during alternate years)

Masi Magham FESTIVALS 255 AREA (Contd,)

Duration Distance Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple of Fair/ Approximate Festival Month, attendance at the Fair/ for Area (in days) Festival Head Quartels

(7) (8) (9) (to) (11) (12)

COMMUNE

Roman Catholic Church 10 May-June 150 Z'O Sri Koothadum Pillaiyar 1 August-September 150 2'0 temple

Sri Mariamman temple 15 May-June 500 2'0 Sri Varadaraja Perumal 1 December-January 100 2'0 temple

Sri Risbyasingeswarar 1 do 100 2'0 temple

Sri Varadaraja Perumal 1 do 50 4'0 temple

do 1 January SO 4'0 Sri Ayyanar temple 10 March-April 300 4'0 SrI MariammaD temple 16 do 100 4'0 Sri Kaliamman temple 10 April-June 100 4'0 Sri Thirumeniyazhagar 1 August-September 150 5'0 temple do 7 October-November 500 5-0 do 1 November-December 150 5'0 do 1 December-January 150 5'0 do 1 January--February 150 S'O do 3 February--March 3,000 Fruits, edibles, plantains, toys 5'0 and articles of worship Sri Mariamman temple 17 April-May 1,000 do 5'0 Sri Ellaiamman temple 8 July-August 100 Sri Sithinadha Swamy 1 January-February 100 5'0 temple Sri Mariammao temple 10 July-August 150 5'0 Sri Kaliamman temple 10 May-June 150 5'0

COMMUNE

Sri Poyyatha Murthi 5 May-June 150 3'5 Ayyanar temple

Sri Ragunatha Perumal 1 February-March 20,000 Articles of worship, toys, 3-0 temple plantains. cocoanuts cosme- tics etc, Sri Venkatesa Perumal 1 do do 3'0 temple • 2·56 FAIRS AND KARAIKAL

Name of Distance L.C. Name of Village/ Area nearest in Miles No, in from Name of Fair/festival Town Acres Railway Railway Station Station

(I) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

6, GRAND ALOEE 2 Thirumalairayan- 299 Karaikal 3'0 Vijaya Dasami Festival pattinam Vaikunta Ekadasi Adi Pooram Vijaya Dasami

Thirukkarthikai Thiruvadhirai ThaiPoosam Sivarathiri Festival Skandba Sashti Chithra Pournami

Vaikasi Visakham Vijaya Dasami

Thirukkarthikai Thiruvadhirai Thai Poosam

Masi Magham Festival Thai Amavasai Masi Magham Festival Adi New Moon Festival Ambu Festival .Sokkavanam Gokulashtami Vaikunta Ekadasi Karthikai Deepam 4 Padudarkollai 42 do 4'5 Thai Poosam

9 Keezhvanjiul7 741 Nagore 1'0 Annual Festival Kandoori Festival (Pallivasal) 10 Melvanjiur 247 do 1'5 Kaliamman Festival Karthikai Deepam

Kumbha Pooja FESTIVALS 257' AREA (Contd.)

Duration Distance Articles sold in Mile& Name of Temple of Fair/ Approximate FestivaJ Month attendance at the Falrl for Area (in days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

COMMUNE-(coDtd.) Sri Venkalesa Perumal 1 Seplember-October 3,000 Articles of worship, plan- 3'0 temple tains and cocoanuts etc. do 1 December-January 100 3'0 Sri Abhiramiamman temple 10 July-August 300 3'0 do 1 September-October 50 3'0 do • 1 • November-December 50 3'0 do 1 December-January 50 3'0 do 1 January-February 50 3'0 do February-March 50 J,{) do 10 October-November 500 3'0 Sri Jadayupureeswarar 1 April-May 500 3'0 temple do May-June 500 3'0 do 1 September-October 5,000 Cosmetics, articles of worship 3'0 etc. do 1 November-December 500 3'0 do 10 December-January 500 3'0 do 1 January-February 4,000 Sweetmeats, cosmetics, fruits, 3'0 plantains, cocoanuts, articles of worship etc. do 3 February--March 15,000 do 3'0 Sri Varadaraja Perumal 1 January--February 500 3'0 temple do 1 February-March 6,000 3'0

do 1 July-August 500 .or 3'0 do September-October 500 3'0 do 1 November-December 500 Articles of worship, cosmetics. 3'0 plantains, fruits. toys etc. do 1 August-September sao 3'0 do 1 December-January 500 3'0 Sri Ellaiamman temple 1 November-December 50 3'0 Sri Sivakamiamman 1 January-February 400 4'5 temple Sri Mariamman temple 3 April-June 250 6'0 10 November 500 6'0 Sri Mariamman temple March--April 100 5'0 Sri Visalakshiamman 3 November-December 100 5'{) temp~ Sri Punga)iamman temple 7 February 150 s·o 33

./

The shrine of St. Theresa of A vila at Mahe Another view of the shrine A view of the interior of the sacred shrine !

The venerated statue of St. Theresa of Avila, which is exposed for public veneration at the annual feast MARE AREA

The annual feast of the venerated shrine of St. Teresa saved through the intercession of this Patron Saint. A of Avila at Mahe visit to the shrine during the annual feast which falls on the 14th and 15th of October will convince anyone St. Teresa of Avila is a very great saint of the how Hindus, Muslims and Christians can all be well Roman Catholic· Church and one of the greatest united in love at the feet of the devoted Mother under mystics the world has ever seen through the ages. She the roof 'of a single shrine. More than a Iakh of is considered as the parent of the Carmelite Order, pilgrims flock to this sacred shrine during the festival, and though she passed away centuries ago, she lives and the majority of them are Hindus. Devotees come in our midst by the force of the spirit of burning love from various parts of India as well as from foreign that she has left behino. The Lord Jesus Christ is countries like Malaya. Ceylon, Africa, Persia, France, believed to have made her a solemn promise, even England and America. They do so throughout the while living on earth. "What is there. my daughter! that year; but the maximum crowd gathers during the time you could ask of Me that I would not give thee? of the feast which is 5th to 22nd of October every year. Thou knowest of the betrothal between thee and As a peculiar form of worshipping the spiritual mother myself and therefore all I have is thi~e". B~ virtue ~f in gratitude for numerous special favours granted to this promise. the great power of mtercesslOn of thIS them, the devotees will be seen rolling along the road saint in the suffering of humanity is well-known, and in front of the Church or dragging themselves on millions of devotees have turned to her for relief for their knees from the main door of the church to the nearly four centuries-ever since she was canonised by miraculous statue of the saint which is exposed once a Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622. year for veneration by the public.

The shrine at Mahe dedicated to this great saint There is in this shrine, a small wooden statue of is perh aps the oldest Catholic shrine on the Malabar St. Teresa, which is considered to be as miraculous as Coast. According to available records, the Mahe it is ancient. It is stated that it is unlike in appearance Mission was established in 1723. This shrine appears to the statues of St. Teresa which are seen elsewhere to have been erected in December 1736. Though it today. Two stories are current about the origin of functioned in a shed constructed with bamboos and this statue. One is that it was carried along the west cocoanut leaves, after a series of vicissitudes and recon­ coast, in a ship which stopped when it reached Mahe, structions, it has assumed its present form of a and the crew realising that ~t was the will of the saint dignified Roman Catholic Church with a tower on to have it installed there, unloaded it at Mahe for which is installed a clock which has been giving correct public veneration, The other is that it was caught in time to the Public of Mahe ever since 1855 when it a fisherman's net in the sea near Mahe.This miraculous was presented by some French Marines. statue which is safely preserved in the Church is exposed for public veneration only once a year during It would surprise a visitor to this shrine to see the time of the annual feast-i.e •• 5th to 22nd October­ that, situated in an. essentially non-Christian locality, it and it is to this that the strange devotion of people of has been and is being fostered and kept up by the all religious denominations - Christians, Muslims and saint's devotees the majority of whom are non-Christians Hindus ~ is directed. All pilgrims who asse,nble at viz., Hindus and Muslims. St. Teresa is for them the this festival invoking the protection of the Mother, Mother of Mahe, and has been for two centuries and testify in one voice to the gre 1t peace t)f mind and more the patroness. guide and devoted mother whom conscience that they experience when they return. they invoke in all their trials, tribulations, . and afHic­ Innumerable candles are burnt during this period and tions. It is said that on several occaSIOns when thousands of votive offerings in silver and gold are epidemics were raging round the town. Mahe was presented by the devotees. 260 FAIRS AND

The details relating to the festival are as follows :­ 6-15 a.m. Holy Mass. NOVENA: 5th to 13th October. 6-45 a.m. Holy Mass and Sermon. 6-]5 p.m. Rosary, Sermon, Benediction and EVERY DAY: at 6-45 a. m. Holy Mass and a blessing with the Relic. short Sermon. Special prayers are also offered for the clients of the 6-15 p.m. Rosary I Sma]] Pro­ patron-saint during this period. All petitions of the cession, Holy Mass, Sermon, devotees of St. Teresa will be placed on the altar at Benediction and blessing the foot of the statue of St. Teresa. with the Relic. THIRA FESTIVAL (THEYYATTAM) IN MAHE EVE OF THE FEAST: Saturday, 14th October; 6-30 a.m. Holy Mass. The territory of Mahe on the Abrabian Sea coast 7 a.m. Mass, Sermon and which is part of Pondicherry State, though a former General Communion. French possession, is an integral part of the KeraIa 5-30 p.m. High Mass. State in customs, habits and religious practices. A report about the' Thira 'festival in Mahe necessarily 6-30 p.m. Solemn Vespers, gives a general idea of the Thira festival or Theyyat­ Grand Procession, Ser­ tam in Malabar. mon, Blessing with the Relic, Solemn Benedic­ Theyyattam : a traditional dance tion of the Blessed Sacra­ The Kerala State that. came into being in the ment. scheme of reorganisation of States comprises three main components: the former native States of Tra­ FEAST Day: Sunday, 15th October: vancore and Cochin and the Malabar district. Each Low Masses from 4 a.m. to 9-15 component unit has its own distinct customs, habits a.m. and religious worship. ' Theyyattam " a corrupt 4-00 a.m. Latin-Malayalam Mass. deviation of ' Deiva Attam ' which in anglicised form 4-45 a.m. Syriac-Malayalam Mass. is termed the 'Devil Dance' is an event peculiar to 5-30 a.m. Mass and Tamil Ser- Malabar district, particularly in and around Kozhikode mon. and north of it. The former taluks of ChirakkaJ, Kottayam and Kurumbranad which constituted the 6-30 a.m. Mass and English Ser­ judicial district of North Malabar-though Malabar mon. district was one revenue district in the former Madras 7-30 a.m. Konkany Mass and Presidency, there were two judicial districts of North Konkany Sermon. and South Malabar-abound in shrines where the 8-30 a.m. Syrio-Malankara Mass. Theyyattam is conducted annually or periodically. 9-15 a.m. Latin or Syriac Mass. The origin of the Theyyattam, a1so known as'Thira' 10-00 a.m. High Mass, Conse­ festival is lost in obscurity, but the cultural advance­ crated. ment of people and the more radical changes in out­ 6-00 p.m. Mass Sermon. Sermon look, customs and manners, have not been able to in Malayalam, Proces­ completely efface superstition and it is believed from sion, Solemn Bene­ the earliest of times that Thira or Theyyattam is one diction of the Blessed mode of religious worship, though of a lower order, in Sacrament and blessing appeasement of demons and devils and as a sort of with the Relic. protection against their evil and destructive influence. For the benefit of the pilgrims who are unable to This form of worship, of course, is absolutely uncon­ be present on the 15th October, the exterior solemnity nected with the higher forms of Hinduism, but the of the feast is being extended till the 22nd October, the belief in the supernatural powers of the devils is deep daily routine being as follows: rooted and widespread and even the Brahmins who Solemn procession with the venerated statue Pilgrims fulfillin'g the vow of rolling along the public road to reach the shrine FESTIVALS 261

associate themselves with religious worship of the loosely described as a costume dance with a highly higher order are not free from such beliefs. The wor­ religious tint. It is not just a stage show, but is ship of these deities of the lower order by the ancient always considered as a religious ceremony with all the families of Nayars, Thiyyas and even the Namboodiri attendant implications. Idols of the deities are not Brahmins and a symbolic installation of such deities in taken round in procession as is done during the the seats of the joint families and • Illorns ' of Nam­ , Utsavams' ifestivals) in temples dedicated to divi­ boodiris are not uncommon in North Malabar. nities of the Hindu pantheon. Human beings personate Gods in appropriate, prescribed costumes and make­ The shrines dedicated to those deities are up. The costumes are not selected at random. Every numerous and are found mostly in interior villages, God or Goddess has a different type of costume and though such shrines are seen in towns also. They bear make-up, the designs of which are intricate and no resemblance to the regular orthodox temples dedi­ interesting calling for high skill and the specifications cated to celestial divinities like Siva, Vishnu, Parvati have been laid down from time immemorial. Some of (Sakti) etc., where Brahminical influence is most pre­ the Gods and Goddesses wear attractive headgears dominant. Except in a few cases, mostly, the shrine called 'Mudi' of varying dimensions and designs. would be just a one-room affair and there will not be The skeleton of these headgears is mostly made of any idols inside. There will invariably be a brass oil shining stripped bamboo pieces and they are covered wick lamp and the room will contain implements such with tender cocoanut fronds or clothes of various hues ·as swords, tridents or wands. In certain cases, even bedecked with small jewels and lustrous materials. these small structures would not be there. In a large The tallest headgears are worn by Gulikan and Bhaga­ compound, rectangular raised platforms of two or vathi. In some cases, the end to end width of the mudi ' three tiers, about 3' in height, are erected and these will range from 10 to 12 feet. It is a matter of great platforms are dedicated as a place of worship of some wonder how the persons who have to dance with these deities. A small iron lamp is placed on these pyra­ mudies are able to maintain the equillibrium with the midal structures or 'taras' as they are called and the intricate and heavy headgears fixed to their heads. It daily worship is confined to lighting this at sunset. is believed that it is by reason of the strict vow and The deiti.es belong to the Saivite and Vaishnavite austerities that these persons have to observe and -denominations and just as in the higher order, there their implicit fai th in the God or Goddess they repre­ are deities of either sex. The most widely known sent for the time being that they are able to go through among the deities are Kuttichathan (also called Sas­ the ritual without any mishap. The impersonated thappan) and Gulikan. There are quite a number of deities will have for their weapons swords, tridents or these deities, but most of them have only a local pro­ maces as the case may be. minence. Among the female deities, Bhagavathi is worshipped in her various manifestations. Chamundi It is not all that is privileged to personate the is yet another claiming attention. Besides these deities Gods and Goddesses during this festival. The right is who have an apparent claim for inherent divinity, confined to four communities called Munnoottan, certain legendary heroes and heroines in North Malayan, Anjoottan and Vannan. It used to be Malabar have been deified and worshipped as such. considered as a hereditary right though departures The famous Nayar warriors, Thacholi Othenan and had been made to suit the exigencies of circumstances. Payyampalli Chandu and the female counterpart The individual concerned has to observe strict vows Kadankottu Makkom are illustrations of deified human for a prescribed number of days. beings. The ballads depicting their lives have an air of folklore and they used to be very popular till some Colourful celebration years ago. Today they are of interest only to research The Thira is a festive occasion in the locality. scholars. The shrine and the surroundings are tastefully decorated in real orthodox style and lighted. It is Spirits Personified very significant to note that paper buntings and The annual or periodical festivals associated with festoons are conspicuous by their absence in the these deities is called 'Thira '. "Thira ' could be scheme of decorations and the material that is mostly 262 FAIRS AND used is fresh tender sheaves of the cocoanut palm. He retains the power of speech and whatever he utters. Some of these shrines are endowed with properties while in the stage of trance are considered to be utter­ and the expenses are met from the income out of ings of the deity itself. these properties supplemented by contributions from the public. The contributions are made either in cash Solacious Oracle or in foodgrains, cocoanuts and vegetables. It is also not uncommon that in certain cases where the temple After a strenuous round or rounds of the cere­ is under the supervisory control or is an adjunct of an monial dance to the accompaniment of music provided ancient family seat. the Thira is conducted by the by the drums, pipes and cymbals, the deity prepares to head of the family as a part of the family ritual. Even hear complaints and grievances. The people have so in such case,s, outside contributions are received. much belief in these local deities that they muster strong during this • Thira' and ventilate their grie­ vances to the deity. Words of solace and remedial Strict observance of convention measures are uttered by the personated deity. There­ after the deity declares pleasure for 'he performances Invariably the Thira commences in the evening and much fatigued. retires giving place to those repre­ and continues throughout the night and a good senting other deities. The' Thira' which commences portion of the next day depending on the number of on an evening thus goes on uninterrupted throughout deities associated with the temple. Even among the the night and till the next day evening according to the deities and subsidiary deities, the order of precedence number of deities worshipped in the place. and prominence is maintained strictly in the conduct of the festival. It is believed that any departure from Such festive occasions attract business and there the custom and prescribed procedure will incur the will be invariably fairs and shan dies in and around the wrath and displeasure of the ruling deity and the temple compounds. Improvised restaurants and cool consequence!> will be visited upon the individuals drink parlours make brisk business. personating the deities as well as the persons respon. sible for the conduct of the festival. Festival in Mahe

The Thira commences with an invocation to the In the territory of Mahe, • Thira' is conducted in ruling deity. The costumed and personated deity is four places-Koyyodan Koroth at Palloor from 15th led to the' Thara ' or raised platform dedicated to the to 17th of Malayalam month of Makaram (January­ deity and pooja is performed. The hymns glorifying February), Mahe Puthalam at Mahe from 22nd to 25th the deity are chanted during the pooja. They are of Kumbham (February-March), Pando Koolam on called in local parIance "Thottam" which may be a 30th Meenam, and 1st Medam (March-April) and corrupt form of " Sthothram ". By the time the pooja Pando Kavu at the same time. concludes, the individual personifying the deity gets possessed and it is then believed that the deity itself is Koyyodan Koroth is an ancient Nayar tarwad and present in him. the conduct of this festival has been in existence for a number of years. The deities associated with this Music is provided by the Indian drum, pipes and , Thira ' are : cymbals. Beatings of the drum is in itself an art and 1. Kuttichathan, a Vaishnavite deity. it requires long and strenuous practice. There will be quite a number of drummers and the tuning is main­ 2. Gulikan, a Saivite deity. tained to perfection. The note that is emitted is extremely musical and the cadence and tempo will 3. Ghantakarnan, a Saivite deity. increase consistent witlI the mood of the deity when it 4. Uchchitta Bhagavathi 'A V . h . goes through the ritual dance. It is believed that at a ~ alS navlte certain stage when the individual personating the deity 5. Chamundi J Goddess. is possessed of the deity, he completely loses control (lver himself and is animated by the deity he represents. 6. Karanavar-a deified ancestor. A TARA dedicated as a place of worship ,

FESTIVAlS 263

Mahe Puthalam is a well known tarwad of the Pando Koolam and Pando Kava are two Na:yar Thiyyas. Tholan Moopan of this family is stated to tarwads. Goddess Paradevata and God Cherukkan, two have been the first Administrator of Mahe. The Putha­ Saivite deities are worshipped in the former shrine lam shrine is the first one dedicated to this form of whereas in the latter, Lord Ayyappan is worshipped. worship in Mahe. The deities worshipped at this place are: It is, however, to be observed that these ancient l. Pookkuttichathan, a Vaishnavite deity. customs and festivities are fast dying out, even though the celebration is regular in the Mahe area, partly due 2. Pampoori. to the political impact on the masses and partly due to 3. Gulikan the economic conditions. These festivals played a very 1 important role in the life of the villages and even to 4. MarpoJiyan a Saivite deity. this day, persons who cling to the old orthodox and 5. Thalachuzian Jr conservative notions and ideas have a tinge of regret for the non-observance of these customary mode of 6. Durga Bhagavathi. a Saivite Goddess. worship. 264 FAIRS ANI> MARE

Distance Name of Area in Miles L.C. Name of Village/ nearest Name of Fair/Festival in Railway from No. Town Acres Railway Station Station

(6) (l) (2) (3) (4) (5)

3. MAHE

MaheTown 410 Mahe 1'0 Puthalam Thira Mandolil Thira Guruvayoor Ekadasi Sri Krisnna Jayanthi Vaikunta Ekadasi Vishu St. Tberasa's Festival

MAHE

Mandalam Vilakku 1 Chalakara 418 Jagannatha 1'5 Temple gate (The last two days are most significant).

2 Palloor 731 do 1'5 Koyodankoroth Thira

Sivarathiri 3 Pandakki 519 Tellicherry 3'0 (The last two days are most important.) PandokuIoth Thira FESTIVALS 265 AREA

Duration Distance Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple of Fait! Approximate Festival Month attendance at the FairJ for Area (In days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

TOWN 5 March 2,000 3 February 500 3 December 2,000 3 August 500 7 January 10,000 2 April 500 10 October 10,000 Stationery articles, sweets, toys. balloons etc,

COMMUNE (RURAL)

41 December-January 1,000 1'0

3 January 3,000 . 1'0

41 December-January 1,000 3'0

2 April 2,000 3'0

34 266 FAIRS AND MAHE

Name of Distance L.C. Name of Villagel Area nearest in Miles in from Name of FairlFestival No. Town Acres Railway Railway Station Station

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

YANAM

Yanam 4,272 Kakinada 18 Vishnu Theertham Swamy Kalyanam Vinayaka Chathutthi FESnVALS 267 AREA

Duration Distance of Fair{ Articles sold in Miles Name of Temple Month Approximate Festival attendance at the Fair{ for Area (In days) Festival Head Quarters

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

Sri Vishnu temple 15 February--~arch Articles of worship etc. do 15 February Sri Pillaraya temple 1 October