Source: beta.thehindu.com
INDIA, TAMIL NADU, June 4, 2010: The Narambunathar temple in Thiruppadaimarudur, an hour’s drive from Tirunelveli, has history, exquisite murals, intricate woodwork, a river adjacent, and a secret chamber, and yet isn’t on the tourist circuit. The village still retains its rural charm. There are no shops selling garish plastic ware and crude toys lining the street that leads to the temple. Nothing mars the landscape. There is a well-maintained garden outside the temple.
The 16th century murals are in the five-tiered gopuram. Steep narrow steps lead to the halls embellished with the murals. Not an inch of space has been left uncovered. One painting shows the tilting linga of the temple, affirming that Lord Siva was indeed listening to Karur Siddhar’s songs. Another shows Gnanasambandar and Jain monks arguing in the presence of the Pandya king.
Vying for attention in the gallery are carved wooden pillars, where each panel is a veritable treat. Some pillars have geometrical patterns on them, such as the ones we find on sari borders. Another attraction is the secret chamber which is actually a big hall. The passage is so narrow that a person will have to crawl through it on his belly, head first. The king and his men would be hidden in the hall, waiting for their enemies.
“The most important festival is Thai Poosam,” says Sudalaimuthu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. It is known as Ariyanatha Mudaliar Kattalai. Dalavai Ariyanatha Mudaliar, the great general and Minister of the Nayak Kings of Madurai, made generous contributions to the Thiruppadaimarudur temple. On Thai Poosam, an abhishekam to the deity is performed, using 101 silver and pearl tipped conches donated by Ariyanatha Mudaliar.
Plans are currently underway to set up a museum in the temple precincts.