Rajagopuram for Uvari temple
It is believed that Rajagopuram built with Black Granite stone has the capability to preserve positive energy eternally. According to scriptures, who ever contributes for Black Granite Rajagopuram will have a permanent glory to his life.
Contribute to Rajagopuram of temples to continue sathriya royal sovereignity traditions
The Tuticorin Nellai Nadar Mahamai Paribalana sangam has initiated efforts to support Sri Uvari Swayambu LInga swamy temple chennai residents well wishers committee to construct a 9 tier Rajagopuram with magnificent black granite. The community support to various vedic temples of royal credentials to continue the traditions and heritage has been exemplary and the younger generation are coming forward to support their royal might to bring magnificient RajaGopurams. The history of the royal contributions have been recorded highlighting few salient aspects on the path of recovering the royal sovereignity culture and traditions of the past glories.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
Community Councils Contribution to Temples in Madurai
The council formed by the migrant Nadars settled in madurai from Virudhupatti, Aruppukottai, Palaympatti officially took the formal ceremony at Mottai Vinayagar temple in 1813. Much later a Marriage Hall was constructed in the backside of the temple by the council. Madurai based Virudhunagar Hindu Nadars Council’s Paribalana Sabhai functions from this temple. The council also manages a maternity hospital at Kamarajar Nagar, Madurai named after the philanthropist A.C.Thangiah Nadar – Ponnammal Maternity Hospital . After the successful temple entry by various lower castes (including a group of Harijans and Nadars) at madurai 08.07.1939 spearheaded by Vaidyanatha Aiyar along with Kamarajar, Sathiyamurthy, P.Kakkan, S.S.Sanmughakani Nadar, the Nadar councils contributed liberally to the upkeep of Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. After the temple entry in 1939, the same year itself, the council formed by the migrant Nadars settled in madurai from Virudhupatti, Aruppukottai, Palaympatti officially contributed the huge lighting arrangements around Potraamarai Kulam in the temple premises. The council arranges a “Mandahappadi” annually during the most famous Pittu Thiruvizha organized at Madurai . Also in the Aavani month, Pittu Thiruvizha, enactment of Thiruvilaiyadal is performed in Virudhunagar Nadars' Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple located in SriValasubramaniar temple.
Sri SenthilAndvar Temple, Thiruchendur
Every Nadar family around the globe patronize Thiruchendur Murgan temple and visit the temple with entire family for offering thanksgiving annually. All the village councils in Tuticorin and Thirunelveli district earmark certain fund for various religious programmes in Thiruchendur temple.
Sri Subramania Swamy Temple, Thirupparankundram.
In 1875 itself when the Nadars were by and large kept away from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple premises, the council of migrant Nadars settled in madurai from Virudhupatti, Aruppukottai, Palaympatti arranged for Thiruvatchi in the temple. A community Madam (choultry) located at East Car Road , Thirupparankundram is managed by Virudhunagar Hindu Nadars Abivirithi Cotton seeds mechants council’s Dharma Fund. The council also manages the Murugan temple built by the community leaders near Sarvana Poigai Lake . Sri Palaniandavar Temple and Periyanayaki Amman Temple , Palani Popularly called ' Town Temple ', at 'Ûr-k-kovil' and 'Ûr-Ambalam', this large and spacious temple is in the heart of Palani town, two kilometres from Adivaram. Built four centuries ago by the Nâyaks and enlarged by chieftains of Palani, Ayakudi and Neikkarappatti, it has Goddess Periyanâyaki as the presiding deity; In the Palli Arai in the Amman shrine, it is worth taking a look at the mirror reflecting the chamber. Ask for the shutter to be raised up. Almost every pillar is extravagantly covered with a filigree of sculpture. The supreme climax of South Indian architecture in its most prodigal plastic manifestation. In one pillar of the Kailâsanâthar shrine and in another in the Navaranga Mandapam, Gnâna Dandâyudhapani has been remarkably produced by stone masons. The pillars and sculptures therein add to importance of the Navaranga Mandapam, which has been built by the Nadar community.
The council of migrant Nadars settled in Madurai from Virudhupatti, Aruppukottai, Thirumangalam set an Arakattalai for the Palani Sri Palaniandavar Temple to patronize the official puja at morning 9’o clock which is called as “Periya Kala Sandhi Pujai”. The Virudhunagar Nadar council manages a choultry at Palani at very affordable cost for pilgrimages to Palani. In 1926, the Virudhunagar Hindu Nadars “Palasarakku” merchants council donated Golden Horse Chariot to the Sri Palaniandavar. The council also arranges “Mandahappadi” on the day following Thai Poosam.
Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai
Nadar Madam at Thiruvannamalai Popularly called Sivakasi Chatram is managed by Sivakasi Nadar Council for the pilgrimages to Thiruvannamalai and all the necessary facilities are managed by the governing council at Sivakasi. Another Nadar Choultry Lodging is managed by Virudhunagar Hindu Nadars Navadhanya Merchants’ Council since 1970, due to liberal donations from P.P.Thiruvannamalai Nadar and N.P.vadivel Murugan Nadar. The Council also organizes the provision of Ghee regularly for the Ghee Dheepam at the temple.
Sri Natarajar Temple, Chidambaram
Few Deekshithars of Chidambaram testified the royal rights of Nadar community in the legal courts in support of Kamuthi nadars more than a century ago. They are fondly remembered as Deekshithar Nadars.
The council of migrant Nadars settled in Madurai from Virudhupatti, Aruppukottai, Thirumangalam formed an Arakattalai for the regular “UchiKala Pujai” and Milk Kavadi at Natarajar Temple , Chidambaram. Nadar Choultry Lodging developed in 1938 is managed by Virudhunagar Hindu Nadars Abivirithi Cotton Seeds Merchants’ Council’s Mahamai Dharma Fund since its beginning. Much later in 1972, a marriage hall was also developed by the Council.
Sirkazhi Bhramapureeswarar -Thoniappar Temple Nadar community representatives settled around Sirkhazhi contribute for regular poojas of the temple.
The Nadars settled in Porayar, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam also patronized the major Shiva shrines in these Chola dyansty heritage towns to prove their royal lineages. Several community youth of South Tamilnadu after success in their profession, tour the chola mandalam and replicate the arts and architecture of the maginfient temples to their domain in Pandya nadu and thenpandi nadu due to their distinct cultural thirst and ancestral heriditary spiritual cult.
Nadar MahajanaSangam Mansions: The Mansions are managed in various pilgrimage centres such as Rameswaram, Madurai , Coutrallam, etc. Choultries Mansions in Trichy, Tanjore & other Districts .The Choultries in various pilgrimage centres and mercantile centres were developed and managed by councils such as Kumbakonam (Developed in 1952 by Virudhunagar Hindu Nadar Council), Trichy, Thiruvarur etc. The Sivakasi Hindu Nadar council developed Choultries in places such as Vellore
ARUPPUKOTTAI ROYAL TEMPLES BY NADAR COUNCIL
Southern India remained the focus of both Anna Dallapiccola (PRASADA) and Samuel K. Parker ( University of Washington , Tacoma ). In her paper, A contemporary pantheon: popular religious imagery in south India , Dallapiccola discussed the traditional temple arts of late 20th century Tamilnadu. She demonstrated how modern imagery and aesthetics are influencing brick and plaster sculptures and temple murals, adding a wealth of new elements to age-revered forms. In Shapes of time and identity: a 'royal' temple in contemporary south India, Parker examined the construction during the past century of a granite Hindu temple by the leaders of the Nadar community in Aruppukottai, of the sort popularly associated in Tamilnadu with claims of royal sovereignty.
It was designed to give, literally, ‘hard’ evidence for the Nadar’s contested identity as a royal caste allegedly dispossessed of its true status. As such it emphasizes the contemporary importance of temple architecture and patronage as a means of expressing social and political identity.
Nadans, the Sathiriya Royal Family
Claiming Sathiriya Royal Sovereignty status by the nadar community had several stumbling blocks in raising their social status. Within a century Nadars community constructed several temples in various villages and towns of Thirunelveli, Ramanathapuram and Madurai Districts and provided the system of getting Parivattam and Mudhal Mariyadhai to various members of governing community council based on their contribution and services to society. The one such clan is Aditya Nadan Family. The peoples from other social sects in this region have good respect and honour to this family.
Tiruchendur Temple
Car initiating and other sovereignty rights
Only nadan families from Anjupathu Nadu, Nanjil Nadu, Nattathi, Kayamozhi Athitha Nadans were given special rights in Thiruchendur temple and its fests. It took several years in past (refusal for even entry into temple) to re-establish the supreme sovereignty of rights to special previleages such as Parivattam, initiating Car Festival in Major Hindu Temples. Now initiating Car Festivals in Thiruchendur Temple by Athitha Nadar family is going as usual as ever before without any hindrance. There is a phrase about the car festival and its previleage rights in Tiruchendur Puraanam.
Masi Thiruvizha
For the Grand 12 days Masi Thiruvizha festival at Thiruchendur, the community participation in South Tamil Nadu is very unique and binding the social groups to work towards common welfare causes. Kayamozhi Athitha Nadarhal Arakattalai Mandahapadi committee organises functions 6th and 7th day of the Masi Festival.
On the 10th day of the Festival the presiding Lord of Thiruchendur temple makes a special appearance in Thirunelveli Dakshinamara Nadar Sangam, in Sannidhi Street, Thiruchendur. Several lakh people congregate for the Masi Thiruvizha in Thiruchendur Several Thousands of devotees offer worship at the car festival of Sri Subramaniawamy temple at Tiruchendur on Masi magam day. The car festival at one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga is inaugurated by a Athitha Nadar Clan for the past several centuries after performing rituals like Pali-vidalai eridhal etc.. It is believed that Athitha Nadars contributed the fund for the making the car be selling a local variety of sesame seeds grown in their family lands. All the contribution for decorating the Car during Car Festival was also sponsored by Athitha Nadars.
Ippasi Lord Subramaniya's marriage ritual
In the month of Ippasi, when ritual for Lord Subramaniya's marriage is performed, Athitha Nadars perform the ritual for the Groom side with offering Thirumangalyam and Wedding Feast. The Bride's side Wedding Feast is arranged by Nattathi Nadars the next day.
Re-instating idol of Lord Arumuga from Dutch pirates
Looting by Dutch pirates - idols of Lord Arumuga
Dutch pirates who looted this temple during 17th century (in 1649) had landed in Veerapandian pattinam near Thiruchendur and captured Portuguese Church and Thiruchendur temple. When the Dutch were ordered to leave Thiruchendur Temple premises by Madurai Nayak King, the had broken the granite statues and taken away Panchaloka idol of Arumuga Peruman to their ship. Suddenly there was heavy storm and rain and storm.
Lord and his eternal power stoped the pirate in mid-sea
Being afraid of this sudden development they tied the idol in a rope and dropped it in the sea. The storm stopped immediately. The devotees were worried over the missing of Arumugha Nayanar in the temple.
Lord came in dream of Vadamala pillai
Senthilandavan appeared in the dream of Vadamaliyappa Pillai, an ardent devotee of Lord Muruga and also a renter of Tirunelveli district and showed the place in the sea where he is lying.
Resorting for help with Aditha Nadan
Vadamlaiyappa Pillai informed this to Athitha Nadan who was a large donor for the various services in the Thiruchendur Temple.
Assitance by Parthavar Fishermen
Vadamlaiyappa Pillai, Athitha Nadan along with some Parthavar Fishermen rushed in a boat to the spot with some people where lemon was floating and Garuda was flying over the spot. They dived and took the idol.
Period of this incedance
The incident took place on Friday 29th Thai in the kollam year 829. ie.1653 A.D. This fact is known from inscriptions.
Shiva Temple at Sivakasi:
The story goes that around 1428-1460 CE King Harikesari Parakkirama Pandian fruled rom Tenkasi decided to build a temple in honour of Lord Shiva in his palace. He set out to Kasi to worship Lord Shiva and bring back a holy Shivalingam. En route from Kasi to Tenkasi the king and his men decided to rest in a quiet valley to regain strength. However, when it was time to keep moving, the animal carrying the Shivalingam on his back refused to move. The animal was stubborn, and despite everyone’s efforts he refused to move. The valley that they had rested in was chosen by Shiva: he wanted to stay in this place, and so he should.
The temple for Shiva was built, and in time the town of Sivakasi sprouted around this holy ground. The temple is known as the Arulmigu Sree Viswanathaswami Temple, and has remained in the heart of the city since its original construction. The name Sivakasi means, "Siva from Kasi," true to the very first origins of the place.
Lining the walls of the Sivan Kovil, the story is brightly depicted for all visitors and regular worshipers to see. The temple itself is said to hold the very same Sivalingam that was brought to Sivakasi over 500 years ago.In 1889, after the Sivakasi Sack agitation against Shanar Community in their claim to control the management of Sivakasi Viswanathar Temple, the temple premises was closed for more than four decades (1889-1939). In the year 1949 the Viswanathaswami temple management was taken over by Nadar community and contributed their wealth and might to bring back its glory. 63 Nayanmars were installed in the temple and a grand consecration was performed in 1966 by the management of Sivkasi Nadar council.
The community contributes liberally to renovate the temple during every Kumbaabishekam. In 2011, the Deiveega Peravai organisation managed by the local community arranged to collect major contributions from the community members for Shiva temple Kumbabishekam at Sivakasi.
Tenkasi Temple King Tower (RajaGopuram) Restoration:
Till the year 1967 the Gopuram was of a flat type due to destrcution of the Rajagopuram due to fire .in 1824 and for the next 150 years or so the Rajagopuram remained in 2 broaken parts. Only during the tenure of Dr.M.G.Ramachandara n, the initiative of Restoration got into dynamism and In the year 1990, a beautiful tower came into being. Today, the temple looks so majestically with the 180 feet tall tower.
The Tenkasi Kasi Viswanathar temple is a palace of sculptural skill of the stone craftsmen of Tamilnadu. It is believed that Lord Shiva came as a Sivanadiyar in Tenkasi and assited Parakkirama Pandiyan while building the temple in Tenkasi. Parkkirama Pandiyan made a remarkable Stone scripture requesting that in case this temple and tower gets deteriorated, he would befall and pray on the feet on anyone who would restore the temple to its glory.
Rajagopuram: Those who worship in Tenkasi get the same benefit of worship undertaken in Utharakasi (Varanasi). The Durga in Tenkasi faces the west, opposite to the swami sannidhanam, while the tradition is that Goddes Durga faces the North in almost temples. The sculptures are made of single stone. The Balcony facility in the 9th tier of the gopuram is a facility to the devotees to have an aerial look of the town Tenkasi.
The construction of the Rajagopuram (tower) was inaugurated by Parakrama Pandian in AD 1440-1457 AD and was completed in the year 1505-1518. The Gopuram caught fire in 1824 and was in a bad condition from 1826 to 1966. The Rajagopuram Restoration committee was headed by Dr.B.Sivanthi Adityan who also donated liberally to the restoration of the Rajagopuram at the initiative of Dr.M.G.Ramachandran while he was the Chief Minister of the state.
The Nadar community contributed to one of the tier of the Rajapouram of Tenkasi to be renovated to prove its royal lineage.
Then the renovation began and was completed in the year 1990. The Rajagopuram is 180 feet tall and is a masterpiece of aesthetic beauty. A 2-5 feet wide pathway is also provided in the tower in the 9th tier to have an aerial look of Tenkasi. One enjoys the pleasure of walking on the sky while making a round in the tower. Again the mahakumbabhishekam of Sri Kasi Viswanathar - Sri Ulaganayaki Temple at Tenkasi was performed on Friday after 15 years in March 2006 with the renovation committee, headed by B. Sivanthi Adityan, , who also headed the previous restoration team.
In 2010, Nadar community of Palayampatti held the kumbabishekam for the Rajagopuram of the Amman diety to mark thier might.
In 2011, The Kovilpatti Nadar council made a huge contibution to establish a shrine for Shiva at Kovilpatti town and the work is undertaken in massive way in 2012.
In 2012, Kadambur Nadar community took huge refurbishment of Rajagopurams and temple kumbabishekam of the amman deities protecting the local people of Tuticorin district.
In 2013, The Virudhunagar Nadar community took efforts to build a magnificent temple Lord Sri Balaji to be bring him to grace his auspicious presence in South Tamilnadu community people.
In Siddhar abode place of Sathuragiri, a past long tradition of contribution by Sivakasi Hindu Nadars Dharma Fund in maintaining the drinking water supply and continuous annadhanam, Pandidhar Nadar coultry, Madurai East avani moola nadars contribution and Salichandhai Nadars contribution to support sadhus and paradises of the siddha culture are well recorded.
In Uvari Shiva temple, all the major renovation and temple cars are made out contibutions from the Nadars of Kanyakumari district . Now it is the time for watch out the ongoing works for 9 Tier Black Granite Royal Rajagopuram at Uvari Swayumbulingswamy temple with similar motivated repitition of traditional culture and heritage
9 Tier 108 feet 15000 Tons black granite Rajagopuram for Uvari temple
It is believed that Rajagopuram built with Black Granite stone has the capability to preserve positive energy eternally. According to scriptures, who ever contributes for Black Granite Rajagopuram will have a permanent glory to his life.
Contribute to Rajagopuram of temples to continue sathriya royal sovereignity traditions
The Tuticorin Nellai Nadar Mahamai Paribalana sangam has initiated efforts to support Sri Uvari Swayambu LInga swamy temple chennai residents well wishers committee to construct a 9 tier Rajagopuram with magnificent black granite. The community support to various vedic temples of royal credentials to continue the traditions and heritage has been exemplary and the younger generation are coming forward to support their royal might to bring magnificient RajaGopurams. The history of the royal contributions have been recorded highlighting few salient aspects on the path of recovering the royal sovereignity culture and traditions of the past glories.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
Community Councils Contribution to Temples in Madurai
The council formed by the migrant Nadars settled in madurai from Virudhupatti, Aruppukottai, Palaympatti officially took the formal ceremony at Mottai Vinayagar temple in 1813. Much later a Marriage Hall was constructed in the backside of the temple by the council. Madurai based Virudhunagar Hindu Nadars Council’s Paribalana Sabhai functions from this temple. The council also manages a maternity hospital at Kamarajar Nagar, Madurai named after the philanthropist A.C.Thangiah Nadar – Ponnammal Maternity Hospital . After the successful temple entry by various lower castes (including a group of Harijans and Nadars) at madurai 08.07.1939 spearheaded by Vaidyanatha Aiyar along with Kamarajar, Sathiyamurthy, P.Kakkan, S.S.Sanmughakani Nadar, the Nadar councils contributed liberally to the upkeep of Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. After the temple entry in 1939, the same year itself, the council formed by the migrant Nadars settled in madurai from Virudhupatti, Aruppukottai, Palaympatti officially contributed the huge lighting arrangements around Potraamarai Kulam in the temple premises. The council arranges a “Mandahappadi” annually during the most famous Pittu Thiruvizha organized at Madurai . Also in the Aavani month, Pittu Thiruvizha, enactment of Thiruvilaiyadal is performed in Virudhunagar Nadars' Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple located in SriValasubramaniar temple.
Sri SenthilAndvar Temple, Thiruchendur
Every Nadar family around the globe patronize Thiruchendur Murgan temple and visit the temple with entire family for offering thanksgiving annually. All the village councils in Tuticorin and Thirunelveli district earmark certain fund for various religious programmes in Thiruchendur temple.
Sri Subramania Swamy Temple, Thirupparankundram.
In 1875 itself when the Nadars were by and large kept away from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple premises, the council of migrant Nadars settled in madurai from Virudhupatti, Aruppukottai, Palaympatti arranged for Thiruvatchi in the temple. A community Madam (choultry) located at East Car Road , Thirupparankundram is managed by Virudhunagar Hindu Nadars Abivirithi Cotton seeds mechants council’s Dharma Fund. The council also manages the Murugan temple built by the community leaders near Sarvana Poigai Lake . Sri Palaniandavar Temple and Periyanayaki Amman Temple , Palani Popularly called ' Town Temple ', at 'Ûr-k-kovil' and 'Ûr-Ambalam', this large and spacious temple is in the heart of Palani town, two kilometres from Adivaram. Built four centuries ago by the Nâyaks and enlarged by chieftains of Palani, Ayakudi and Neikkarappatti, it has Goddess Periyanâyaki as the presiding deity; In the Palli Arai in the Amman shrine, it is worth taking a look at the mirror reflecting the chamber. Ask for the shutter to be raised up. Almost every pillar is extravagantly covered with a filigree of sculpture. The supreme climax of South Indian architecture in its most prodigal plastic manifestation. In one pillar of the Kailâsanâthar shrine and in another in the Navaranga Mandapam, Gnâna Dandâyudhapani has been remarkably produced by stone masons. The pillars and sculptures therein add to importance of the Navaranga Mandapam, which has been built by the Nadar community.
The council of migrant Nadars settled in Madurai from Virudhupatti, Aruppukottai, Thirumangalam set an Arakattalai for the Palani Sri Palaniandavar Temple to patronize the official puja at morning 9’o clock which is called as “Periya Kala Sandhi Pujai”. The Virudhunagar Nadar council manages a choultry at Palani at very affordable cost for pilgrimages to Palani. In 1926, the Virudhunagar Hindu Nadars “Palasarakku” merchants council donated Golden Horse Chariot to the Sri Palaniandavar. The council also arranges “Mandahappadi” on the day following Thai Poosam.
Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai
Nadar Madam at Thiruvannamalai Popularly called Sivakasi Chatram is managed by Sivakasi Nadar Council for the pilgrimages to Thiruvannamalai and all the necessary facilities are managed by the governing council at Sivakasi. Another Nadar Choultry Lodging is managed by Virudhunagar Hindu Nadars Navadhanya Merchants’ Council since 1970, due to liberal donations from P.P.Thiruvannamalai Nadar and N.P.vadivel Murugan Nadar. The Council also organizes the provision of Ghee regularly for the Ghee Dheepam at the temple.
Sri Natarajar Temple, Chidambaram
Few Deekshithars of Chidambaram testified the royal rights of Nadar community in the legal courts in support of Kamuthi nadars more than a century ago. They are fondly remembered as Deekshithar Nadars.
The council of migrant Nadars settled in Madurai from Virudhupatti, Aruppukottai, Thirumangalam formed an Arakattalai for the regular “UchiKala Pujai” and Milk Kavadi at Natarajar Temple , Chidambaram. Nadar Choultry Lodging developed in 1938 is managed by Virudhunagar Hindu Nadars Abivirithi Cotton Seeds Merchants’ Council’s Mahamai Dharma Fund since its beginning. Much later in 1972, a marriage hall was also developed by the Council.
Sirkazhi Bhramapureeswarar -Thoniappar Temple Nadar community representatives settled around Sirkhazhi contribute for regular poojas of the temple.
The Nadars settled in Porayar, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam also patronized the major Shiva shrines in these Chola dyansty heritage towns to prove their royal lineages. Several community youth of South Tamilnadu after success in their profession, tour the chola mandalam and replicate the arts and architecture of the maginfient temples to their domain in Pandya nadu and thenpandi nadu due to their distinct cultural thirst and ancestral heriditary spiritual cult.
Nadar MahajanaSangam Mansions: The Mansions are managed in various pilgrimage centres such as Rameswaram, Madurai , Coutrallam, etc. Choultries Mansions in Trichy, Tanjore & other Districts .The Choultries in various pilgrimage centres and mercantile centres were developed and managed by councils such as Kumbakonam (Developed in 1952 by Virudhunagar Hindu Nadar Council), Trichy, Thiruvarur etc. The Sivakasi Hindu Nadar council developed Choultries in places such as Vellore
ARUPPUKOTTAI ROYAL TEMPLES BY NADAR COUNCIL
Southern India remained the focus of both Anna Dallapiccola (PRASADA) and Samuel K. Parker ( University of Washington , Tacoma ). In her paper, A contemporary pantheon: popular religious imagery in south India , Dallapiccola discussed the traditional temple arts of late 20th century Tamilnadu. She demonstrated how modern imagery and aesthetics are influencing brick and plaster sculptures and temple murals, adding a wealth of new elements to age-revered forms. In Shapes of time and identity: a 'royal' temple in contemporary south India, Parker examined the construction during the past century of a granite Hindu temple by the leaders of the Nadar community in Aruppukottai, of the sort popularly associated in Tamilnadu with claims of royal sovereignty.
It was designed to give, literally, ‘hard’ evidence for the Nadar’s contested identity as a royal caste allegedly dispossessed of its true status. As such it emphasizes the contemporary importance of temple architecture and patronage as a means of expressing social and political identity.
Nadans, the Sathiriya Royal Family
Claiming Sathiriya Royal Sovereignty status by the nadar community had several stumbling blocks in raising their social status. Within a century Nadars community constructed several temples in various villages and towns of Thirunelveli, Ramanathapuram and Madurai Districts and provided the system of getting Parivattam and Mudhal Mariyadhai to various members of governing community council based on their contribution and services to society. The one such clan is Aditya Nadan Family. The peoples from other social sects in this region have good respect and honour to this family.
Tiruchendur Temple
Car initiating and other sovereignty rights
Only nadan families from Anjupathu Nadu, Nanjil Nadu, Nattathi, Kayamozhi Athitha Nadans were given special rights in Thiruchendur temple and its fests. It took several years in past (refusal for even entry into temple) to re-establish the supreme sovereignty of rights to special previleages such as Parivattam, initiating Car Festival in Major Hindu Temples. Now initiating Car Festivals in Thiruchendur Temple by Athitha Nadar family is going as usual as ever before without any hindrance. There is a phrase about the car festival and its previleage rights in Tiruchendur Puraanam.
Masi Thiruvizha
For the Grand 12 days Masi Thiruvizha festival at Thiruchendur, the community participation in South Tamil Nadu is very unique and binding the social groups to work towards common welfare causes. Kayamozhi Athitha Nadarhal Arakattalai Mandahapadi committee organises functions 6th and 7th day of the Masi Festival.
On the 10th day of the Festival the presiding Lord of Thiruchendur temple makes a special appearance in Thirunelveli Dakshinamara Nadar Sangam, in Sannidhi Street, Thiruchendur. Several lakh people congregate for the Masi Thiruvizha in Thiruchendur Several Thousands of devotees offer worship at the car festival of Sri Subramaniawamy temple at Tiruchendur on Masi magam day. The car festival at one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga is inaugurated by a Athitha Nadar Clan for the past several centuries after performing rituals like Pali-vidalai eridhal etc.. It is believed that Athitha Nadars contributed the fund for the making the car be selling a local variety of sesame seeds grown in their family lands. All the contribution for decorating the Car during Car Festival was also sponsored by Athitha Nadars.
Ippasi Lord Subramaniya's marriage ritual
In the month of Ippasi, when ritual for Lord Subramaniya's marriage is performed, Athitha Nadars perform the ritual for the Groom side with offering Thirumangalyam and Wedding Feast. The Bride's side Wedding Feast is arranged by Nattathi Nadars the next day.
Re-instating idol of Lord Arumuga from Dutch pirates
Looting by Dutch pirates - idols of Lord Arumuga
Dutch pirates who looted this temple during 17th century (in 1649) had landed in Veerapandian pattinam near Thiruchendur and captured Portuguese Church and Thiruchendur temple. When the Dutch were ordered to leave Thiruchendur Temple premises by Madurai Nayak King, the had broken the granite statues and taken away Panchaloka idol of Arumuga Peruman to their ship. Suddenly there was heavy storm and rain and storm.
Lord and his eternal power stoped the pirate in mid-sea
Being afraid of this sudden development they tied the idol in a rope and dropped it in the sea. The storm stopped immediately. The devotees were worried over the missing of Arumugha Nayanar in the temple.
Lord came in dream of Vadamala pillai
Senthilandavan appeared in the dream of Vadamaliyappa Pillai, an ardent devotee of Lord Muruga and also a renter of Tirunelveli district and showed the place in the sea where he is lying.
Resorting for help with Aditha Nadan
Vadamlaiyappa Pillai informed this to Athitha Nadan who was a large donor for the various services in the Thiruchendur Temple.
Assitance by Parthavar Fishermen
Vadamlaiyappa Pillai, Athitha Nadan along with some Parthavar Fishermen rushed in a boat to the spot with some people where lemon was floating and Garuda was flying over the spot. They dived and took the idol.
Period of this incedance
The incident took place on Friday 29th Thai in the kollam year 829. ie.1653 A.D. This fact is known from inscriptions.
Shiva Temple at Sivakasi:
The story goes that around 1428-1460 CE King Harikesari Parakkirama Pandian fruled rom Tenkasi decided to build a temple in honour of Lord Shiva in his palace. He set out to Kasi to worship Lord Shiva and bring back a holy Shivalingam. En route from Kasi to Tenkasi the king and his men decided to rest in a quiet valley to regain strength. However, when it was time to keep moving, the animal carrying the Shivalingam on his back refused to move. The animal was stubborn, and despite everyone’s efforts he refused to move. The valley that they had rested in was chosen by Shiva: he wanted to stay in this place, and so he should.
The temple for Shiva was built, and in time the town of Sivakasi sprouted around this holy ground. The temple is known as the Arulmigu Sree Viswanathaswami Temple, and has remained in the heart of the city since its original construction. The name Sivakasi means, "Siva from Kasi," true to the very first origins of the place.
Lining the walls of the Sivan Kovil, the story is brightly depicted for all visitors and regular worshipers to see. The temple itself is said to hold the very same Sivalingam that was brought to Sivakasi over 500 years ago.In 1889, after the Sivakasi Sack agitation against Shanar Community in their claim to control the management of Sivakasi Viswanathar Temple, the temple premises was closed for more than four decades (1889-1939). In the year 1949 the Viswanathaswami temple management was taken over by Nadar community and contributed their wealth and might to bring back its glory. 63 Nayanmars were installed in the temple and a grand consecration was performed in 1966 by the management of Sivkasi Nadar council.
The community contributes liberally to renovate the temple during every Kumbaabishekam. In 2011, the Deiveega Peravai organisation managed by the local community arranged to collect major contributions from the community members for Shiva temple Kumbabishekam at Sivakasi.
Tenkasi Temple King Tower (RajaGopuram) Restoration:
Till the year 1967 the Gopuram was of a flat type due to destrcution of the Rajagopuram due to fire .in 1824 and for the next 150 years or so the Rajagopuram remained in 2 broaken parts. Only during the tenure of Dr.M.G.Ramachandara n, the initiative of Restoration got into dynamism and In the year 1990, a beautiful tower came into being. Today, the temple looks so majestically with the 180 feet tall tower.
The Tenkasi Kasi Viswanathar temple is a palace of sculptural skill of the stone craftsmen of Tamilnadu. It is believed that Lord Shiva came as a Sivanadiyar in Tenkasi and assited Parakkirama Pandiyan while building the temple in Tenkasi. Parkkirama Pandiyan made a remarkable Stone scripture requesting that in case this temple and tower gets deteriorated, he would befall and pray on the feet on anyone who would restore the temple to its glory.
Rajagopuram: Those who worship in Tenkasi get the same benefit of worship undertaken in Utharakasi (Varanasi). The Durga in Tenkasi faces the west, opposite to the swami sannidhanam, while the tradition is that Goddes Durga faces the North in almost temples. The sculptures are made of single stone. The Balcony facility in the 9th tier of the gopuram is a facility to the devotees to have an aerial look of the town Tenkasi.
The construction of the Rajagopuram (tower) was inaugurated by Parakrama Pandian in AD 1440-1457 AD and was completed in the year 1505-1518. The Gopuram caught fire in 1824 and was in a bad condition from 1826 to 1966. The Rajagopuram Restoration committee was headed by Dr.B.Sivanthi Adityan who also donated liberally to the restoration of the Rajagopuram at the initiative of Dr.M.G.Ramachandran while he was the Chief Minister of the state.
The Nadar community contributed to one of the tier of the Rajapouram of Tenkasi to be renovated to prove its royal lineage.
Then the renovation began and was completed in the year 1990. The Rajagopuram is 180 feet tall and is a masterpiece of aesthetic beauty. A 2-5 feet wide pathway is also provided in the tower in the 9th tier to have an aerial look of Tenkasi. One enjoys the pleasure of walking on the sky while making a round in the tower. Again the mahakumbabhishekam of Sri Kasi Viswanathar - Sri Ulaganayaki Temple at Tenkasi was performed on Friday after 15 years in March 2006 with the renovation committee, headed by B. Sivanthi Adityan, , who also headed the previous restoration team.
In 2010, Nadar community of Palayampatti held the kumbabishekam for the Rajagopuram of the Amman diety to mark thier might.
In 2011, The Kovilpatti Nadar council made a huge contibution to establish a shrine for Shiva at Kovilpatti town and the work is undertaken in massive way in 2012.
In 2012, Kadambur Nadar community took huge refurbishment of Rajagopurams and temple kumbabishekam of the amman deities protecting the local people of Tuticorin district.
In 2013, The Virudhunagar Nadar community took efforts to build a magnificent temple Lord Sri Balaji to be bring him to grace his auspicious presence in South Tamilnadu community people.
In Siddhar abode place of Sathuragiri, a past long tradition of contribution by Sivakasi Hindu Nadars Dharma Fund in maintaining the drinking water supply and continuous annadhanam, Pandidhar Nadar coultry, Madurai East avani moola nadars contribution and Salichandhai Nadars contribution to support sadhus and paradises of the siddha culture are well recorded.
In Uvari Shiva temple, all the major renovation and temple cars are made out contibutions from the Nadars of Kanyakumari district . Now it is the time for watch out the ongoing works for 9 Tier Black Granite Royal Rajagopuram at Uvari Swayumbulingswamy temple with similar motivated repitition of traditional culture and heritage
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