The temples of Chettinad stand testimony to the spiritual beliefs of its denizens. Scattered over the whole place, each temple has its own tank called oorani where water lilies are grown, and used for holy rituals. Even today much of Chettinad's daily tidings are centered around the festivities around the temple.
Nagarathars are a Chettiar community, which originated during the medival era, in Kaverippompattinam during the reign of the Chola dynasty. Chettiars are worshippers of Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga, renowned for their hospitality, and legendary for their financial dealings.
The Chettiars are part of a prolific business community, which, even in olden days adventured out of India to distant lands like Burma, Sri Lanka, Java, Sumatra, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. They have influenced and contributed to the cultural diversity of these regions.
Considered as the Pioneers of Modern Banking; they are considered the first to have introduced "Pattru (debit), Varavu (credit), Selavu (expenditure), Laabam (profit), Nashtam (loss) " which are all, collectively, known as " Iynthogai (trial balance). "
Well known for their philanthropy, they have built and maintained temples and schools throughout Asia.
They are the only community in the world to be divided on the basis of Lord Shiva Temples. The entire community is classified (Pirivu in Tamil) on the basis of Nine Temples, popularly referred to as the Nagara Kovils.
The 9 main temples of Chettiars are as
1.Ellayatrankudi
God : Kailasanathar Goddess : Solnithya Kalyani Siru sethur udayar
2.Mathoor
God : Innutreswarar Goddess : Periya nayaki
3.Nemam Kovil
God : Jayang konda soleeswar Goddess : Soundara nayaki
4.Eraniyur
God : Aatkonda nathar Goddess : Sivapuri Devi
5.Pillaiyarpatti
God : Marudhueswar Goddess : Vadamalarmangai
6.Ellupakudi
God : Thanthodrieswarar Goddess : Soundaranayaki
7.Soorakudi
God : Desika nathar Goddess : Aavudaiya nayaki
8.Vairavan Kovil
God : Valar oli nathar Goddess : Vadivudai Ambal
9.Velangudi
God : Kandeswar Goddess : Kamatchi Amman
This Nemam temple is consecrated by the then Chola King, Jeyangonda Cholan, the Nemam Kovil is an architectural marvel, with sculpted pillars, each of which portray and reflect the diverse aspects of Hinduism. More than 125 sculptures are found in the Temple, each of which are narrative of a mythological legend.
Nemam Temple is a magnificent shrine located in Sivagangai District and is 12 km from Karaikudi.
The Temple is administered by the the Nemam Kovil Nagarathar Charitable Trust.
Text sources : Wiki and other Nagarathar Pages.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagarathar
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The most youngest Members in my family. My wife Divya with our Niece Keertana and Nephew Hari @ our Karaikudi Home. After a long time I got my Personal Faved one.
this is replaced one after chitra's cropping suggestion. Thanks Chitra :)
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Chennai Central Railway Station, The building of the railway station, one of the landmarks of Chennai, was designed by the famous architect Henry Irwin.
In 1856, Tamil Nadu got its first railway station. And it wasn't Chennai Central.
It was only 50 years after the Royapuram station was opened (in 1856) that Chennai Central came into being.
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Vaazhai poo
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Happy Independence Day India !
Shot @ before the Chettinadu Palace, Karaikudi
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