Vazhibadu No 140 17th November 2013 at Melpadi One hundred and forty is a landmark number, and the vazhibadu on 17th November, 2013 at Melpadi in the temple of Arulmighu Thapaskruthambal udanaya Somanatheswarar was befitting such an occasion. Melpadi, now small village had once been a very important place a thousand years ago in the Chola Empire. The place where the troops of the kings were stationed was called ‘Padai Veedu’ in ancient times. Soldiers would offer prayers at the Durga Temple referred to as ‘Padai Veettu Amman’ before meeting their foes at the battlefield. Even now it is common to find several temples referred to as ‘Padavattamman ‘and ‘Padavettamman’ in Tamilnadu. Melpadi had once been such a place and it is from here that Rajadhitya Cholan had started for the important war at Thakkolam in 949 CE before his heroic demise after securing the interests of the Chola Empire. Later, his brother Arinjaya Cholan had been in Melpadi when he passed away and his grandson the Great Raja Raja Cholan had built a Pallipadai Temple in his memory here. It remains to this day in the custody of The Archeological Survey of India. Mr Suryanarayanan and Mr Ganapathy , members of our Sangam had travelled all the way on 10th November 2013 . They had visited villagers in their homes, extending invitations to them for the vazhibadu, placed banners at strategic places and had made all the necessary arrangements at the temple for the poojai. Their efforts paid off and our event was very well attended. The day got off to a dramatic start as if to test our commitment to the cause. The depression off the Bay of Bengal brought about heavy rains throughout Saturday night that continued on Sunday morning as well. Some of Chennai’s roads that transform themselves into rivers during the rains, were in full spate! We managed to assemble at Koyembedu and started our journey. Our Mini Bus travelled steadily in the rains on the Poonamallee High Road. One of the vehicles speeding by in the opposite direction sent water splashing inside our bus through the slightly opened window over the median! There were huge puddles on the road and our bus went through one, spraying water with spectacular effect! We halted on our way to Ranipettai, had idlis at the porch of a house on the main road, whose kind hearted owner helped us. Eating hot idlis and sambar amidst a steady drizzle outside made them tastier! After a three hour journey we reached Melpadi. Beyond a waterway, the road that is lined with Banyan and other big trees leads us to the temple. By then the rains had stopped and the sun had deigned to put in an appearance. The temple has a beautiful façade, with high walls and an approach that could be associated with the Grand Cholas. The courtyard inside is vast, and it presented a beautiful sight, that rain and sun drenched forenoon. Many residents of the village had come and several important personalities relating to the place had graced the occasion. Among them were Thiru Picchandi Councilor, Thiru S Subramani Councilor, Thiru S Chandrasekaran Ex MLA, Mr Panneerselvam, and Officials of the Forest Department and the Archeological Survey. The vazhibadu was done with Abishekam, Archanai, recitals from the thirumurais, and with the temple priest chanting excerpts from Rudram , Chamakam and the Vedas. On the auspicious day of Karthigai, for the first time, we included the recital of Thirupugazh under the guidance of our senior member Thiru Thyagaganesan, along with other Thirumurais. The Sangam honored the persons involved in the maintenance of the temple. Thiru S Velayudhan, teacher, and a resident of the place had composed a Kavithai on our Sangam which he read out to us. It has been scanned for the benefit of our members. We renewed the Sangam vows and lunch was served to the residents of the village and the members with a special dish prepared with Thinai included. We hurried back for lighting the Karthigai Deepam. We had a good three hour journey before us, but we left with a sense of contentment of a Mission well Accomplished!
Posted on: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 11:58:55 +0000
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