Traversing Temples in Tamil Nadu by Julie Carpenter, Mrinalini Rao and Swamini Sumatmananda

(Continued from the last issue) The last stop was Gangaikondacholesvara temple, dedicated to . It was built by the The final day of the tour started with the son of the Chola King who built the great famous Chidambaram Temple, considered by Tanjore temple. Sculptures of , Shiva, many to be the centre of the universe. At the Devi, Surya and many more, all of which are entrance gopuram, Dr. Nagaswamy pointed to still intact, adorn the exterior walls. According the 108 dance karana sculptures. It is a marvel to a legend, sacred waters from Ganga were indeed that Bharatnatyam and other traditional brought by a devotee for the Chola king who dances practiced to this day based on Natya then offered it for abhishekham on the lingam. Shastra have their counterparts etched in stone Hence the name, Gangaikondacholesvara. for posterity. The Eastern walls of the mukhamandapa on Here, Shiva as is the main deity. either side are decorated with Shiva in different Perhaps the greatest blessing here was to aspects of anugraha. A feature not frequently witness first-hand the Lord depicted as Akasha, seen is a sculpture depicting King Rajendra a darshan often referred to by Pujya Swamiji. Chola who built the temple, being blessed by A mala of 51 golden bilva leaves is suspended Shiva. in space as though garlanding the Lord. The priests graciously welcomed us and facilitated On our way back to Anaikatti we stopped at everything for us from darshan, to arati and Mayavaram where the temple elephant came prasadam. As per Agama shastra, dance and blessed each one of us with its trunk. After (Natya) was definitely one of the elements of enjoying a delicious feast organised by Kitchen a sixteen-step puja in a temple. This practice Manager Sri Ganesh we headed back to having been lost over the years was revived by Anaikatti - blessed by darshan, better informed, Dr. Nagaswamy. He not only reinstated dance deeply inspired by the glory of our rich culture in the temple but also initiated the annual and heritage and committed to learn more and Natyanjali dance festival during Mahashivaratri share the same. when dancers offer their art at the feet of Nataraja. There is much to be grateful for. All the aspects of our trip from transportation, to We were fortunate to have demonstrations of accommodation, to the food were well Tevaram, Nadaswaram and Natyam hosted by organised. For all those who contributed, Mr K. Swaminathan and family. Music, also including those who have not been individually being an offering to the deity, as per Agama mentioned, we offer our heart-felt thanks. When shastra had certain stipulations – only specific we thanked Dr. Nagaswamy, who at 83 years ragas could be performed in the morning, noon old continues to actively share his passion and and evening. We learnt that Natya shastra, commitment to ensuring the continuity of our written by Bharata around 200 CE., has come Vedic heritage, he simply responded, “It is I to shape classical music, dance and literature. who am fortunate to have had as my audience, In fact, it could well be regarded as the students with knowledge of samskritam - really foundation for fine arts of Indian culture. it is all Pujya Swamiji’s Grace! “

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