Struggle of our INDIAN INDEPENDENCE

Our Freedom - An Overview

Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge...At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance Jawaharlal Nehru Claiming Independence from British Midnight of August 14, 1947.

Vallabhbhai Patel

His brave deeds earned Vallabhbhai Patel the title of the iron man of India. For his role in the Bardoli Satyagraha, Patel came to be called the Sardar. Sardar Patel was a famous lawyer but gave up his practice in order to fight for the freedom of the country. After independence he became the deputy PM of India and played an important role the integration of India by merging numerous princely states with the Indian Union.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Bal Gangadhar Tilak was one of the firebrand freedom fighters of India. He gave the slogan- "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it". To serve the cause of freedom and countrymen Tilak founded schools and published newspapers. Tilak was famous as one of the trios- Bal, Pal and Lal. People loved him and accepted him as their leaders and so he was called Lokmanya Tilak.

Ram Prasad Bismil

Ram Prasad Bismil was one of those young revolutionaries who laid down their life for the sake of the motherland. Bismil was a member of the Hindustan Republican Association and an important member of the group that was involved in the Kakori train dacoity.

Bhagat Singh

The name of Bhagat Singh is synonymous with sacrifice, courage, bravery and vision. By sacrificing his life just at the age of 30 Bhagat Singh became an inspiration and symbol of the heroism. Along with other revolutionaries, Bhagat Singh founded the Hindustan Socialist republican Association. To warn the British government of its misdeeds, Bhagat Singh threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly. By embracing death at an young age Bhagat Singh became a symbol of sacrifice and courage and made a place in the hearts of every Indian for ever.

Khudiram Bose

Khudiram Bose was one of those young revolutionaries and freedom fighters whose deeds of bravery and sacrifice have become the subject of many a folk lore. He was one of those brave men who challenged the British rule in their own style. At the age of nineteen, he became a martyr, with "Vande Mataram" on his lips.

Ashfaqulla Khan

Ashfaqulla Khan was one of the firebrand and young revolutionaries, who laid down their life for the sake of the motherland. An important member of the Hindustan Republican Association, Khan, along with his associates executed the train dacoity at Kakori and was subsequently hanged by the British.

Madame Cama

Madam Cama was one of the greatest women freedom fighters of India and promoted the cause of Indian freedom movement outside India. She was the one who first unfurled India's flag at an international assembly. She discarded the life of luxury and lived an exile- to serve the motherland.

Jatin Banerjee

Jatin Banerjee is popularly known as "Bagha Jatin" for his fearlessness and courage. Jatin Banerjee's name figures among brave freedom fighters of India. His name is a symbol of fearlessness and courage to millions of Indians.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was an active member of the Indian National congress and a great freedom fighter. Maulana Azad took part in most of the important movements. He presided over the special session of Congress in September 1923 and at 35 years of age, was the youngest man to be elected the President of the Congress.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Gopal Krishna Gokhale was one of the moderate leaders of the Indian National Congress. He was the political Guru of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. He also presided over the annual session of the Congress at Benaras in the year 1905. He was also opposed to the entry of the extremists in the Congress.

Jawaharlal Nehru

Pt Jawaharlal Nehru was one of the important people, who struggled for the freedom of India and became the first prime minister of free India. He was also the author of the famous book "Discovery of India". J L Nehru was extremely fond of children and was fondly called "Chacha Nehru". It was under his leadership that India embarked on the planned pattern of economic development.

Subhas Chandra Bose

Known as Netaji (leader), S C Bose was a fierce freedom fighter and a popular leader on the political horizon in pre-independence India. Bose was elected the President of the Indian National Congress in the year 1937 and 1939. He founded the Indian National Army and raised the slogan- "Delhi Chalo" and "Tum Mujhe Khoon Do main Tumhe Ajadi Doonga". For his anti- British remarks and activities, Bose was jailed 11 times between 1920 and 1941. He was the leader of the youth wing of the Congress Party.

Mangal Pandey

Mangal Pande (born (presumably): July 19, 1827, died: 8 April 1857),

Also known as Shaheed Mangal Pande (Shaheed means martyr in Arabic and Hindustani), was a sepoy (soldier) in the 34th Regiment of the Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) of the British East India Company.Pande was born in the village of Nagwa in district Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. There is some dispute over his exact place of birth. One account (Misra, 2005, see below) claims that Mangal Pandey was born in a Bhumihar brahmin family to Divakar Pandey of Surhupur village of Faizabad district’s Akbarpur Tehsil. He joined the British East India Company forces in 1849 at the age of 22, as per this account. Pandey was part of 5th Company of the 34th BNI regiment. He is primarily known for attacking his British officers in an incident that sparked what is known to the British as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 and to Indians as the First War of Indian Independence.

UDUMALPET

                                      UDUMALPET

Udumalpet is called as Poor man Ooty. It is one of the summer resorts, which is surrounded by mountains on three sides. The reason for the name is in olden days it was called as Udumalai and in rural sides it is called as Pettai. So it is called as Udumalpettai.
 The population of Udumalpettai is 1 lakh, and the water for drinking purposes were taken from the Reservoir called Thirumurthi. The Thirumurthy and the Amaravathy dams are situated south of the Udumalpet. These are also tourist places in Udumalpet which adds charm to the city. The tourist place called Thirumurthi hills, which is located 21 kms from Udumalpet. There are many temples in this city and also the nearby places. The other tourist places are Swimming Pool, a Boat house and Crocodile farm are situated near Sainik School of South. There are large numbers of Industries in Udumalpet so called as industrial town. The Industries like paper, textile industries are flourishing. Agricultural fields are also developing faster here and especially cotton. So, there is an name for Udumalpet called as Cotton town.


The city was previously under Coimbatore district but was moved under the newly formed Tirupur district in October 2008. The change was opposed by many of the residents but it was not reverted back. In short known as Udumalai, the city is surrounded by the high mountains of Western Ghats on three sides.


Demographics
As of 2001 India census, in Udumalaipettai, there are 14,889 households. The total population is 59,668 with 29,330 males and 30,338 females. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Udumalaipettai has an average literacy rate of 81%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 77%. Interestingly, 8% of the population is under 6 years of age. The town is known for its moderate climate ( Max 36 degree - Min 15 Degree), cultured people, good food and good water from Thirumoorthy Hills.


Education
Udumalpet is well known for its schools and educational institutes. There are about eleven higher secondary schools and three colleges. The Government Higher Secondary School was established during British rule and is a model for best performing schools in the government sector. The only Sainik School of Tamil Nadu is located at Amaravathinagar which is 21 km from Udumalpet. Other schools in the town are Sri Kanniga Parameswari higher secondary school, Srinivasa Vidhyalaya, RGMHSS, Stella Maris and a few others. Over the years, schools in Udumalpet have consistently produced students who have scored top ranks in State examinations.
The colleges in the town include Government Arts College, which is a state funded college, Sri GVG Visalakhi College founded by late Sri G.V.Govindasamy Naidu is one of the renowned women's college in the area and the privately owned Vidhysagar College of Arts and Science located on the National Highway 209. Rudhraveni Muthusamy Polytechnic is one of the famous polytechnics in the area which provides technical education. Its located between palani and udumalpet NH 209.


Notable people
Udumalai Narayana Kavi, a renowned poet was from this town.


Tourism and natural beauty

Thirumurthy temple

The town is surrounded by hills and has a good weather throughout the year. Waterfalls in Thirumoorthy hills draw quite a few tourists. It takes half an hour to reach the falls by trekking from the Thirumoorthy temple. The Thirumoorthy temple is a scenic place with Amanalingeshwarar Thirukkoil at the foot hills. The way atop the hill is pretty exciting up to some 1 km and extremely challenging to go beyond that. It is said if you bend and crawl for about 40 meters beneath a rock behind Panchalingam, you could reach the next layer of Western Ghats, i.e., the plain between two adjacent hills and it is said that even tigers exist there.
A drive from Udumalpet to Munnar gives one unforgettable views of the Western Ghats. Chinnar is 25 km from Udumalpet and is home to the Indra Gandhi wildlife sanctuary which is famous for known for the elephants that inhabit the area. Chinnar is also the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. As you cross the Tamil Nadu border and enter Kerala, you can see a distinct change in the vegetation. While the Tamil Nadu areas have vegetation dominated by shrubs and thorny trees, the vegetation in Kerala is lush green with tall trees. Marayur is 20 km from Chinnar, famous for its sandalwood forests which often fall prey to poachers.
As you drive past Marayur towards Munnar, you can see Anamudi, the highest mountain peak in south part of India to your right. This area also houses the Eravikulam National Park famous for its population of the Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat. This area offers abundant scope for mountain trekking. On the trekking route to the Anamudi peak, you can see a Trout farm. The rest of the drive towards Munnar is through neatly manicured tea estates owned by Tata Tea Ltd and Waterfall Estate. The landscape is also dotted by tea factories and labour lines.
There is also a trekking route from Amaravathi Dam to Kodaikanal which is frequented by the students of the Amaravathi Sainik School. The villages surrounding Udumalpet are well known for their beauty. Villages are criss-crossed by Amaravathi River and various irrigation canals. Coconut tree farms are common sight and this area is one of the leading producer of coconuts in the region. The countryside is a popular film shooting spot, providing scenic backgrounds and greenery. Thirumoorthy hills houses a beautiful dam which is a very famous shooting spot for Tamil movies and Malayalam movies.


Thirumoorthy Hills
                              Thirumoorthy Hills form a part of the Anamalai range of the Western Ghats. It consists of 3 places of interest – Thirumoorthy Temple, Panjalinga Falls, and Thirumoorthy Dam.

 

Legend says that a few thousand years ago, sage Athari Maharishi along with his wife Anushiya Devi lived here. Moved by their prayer, Lord Shiva along with Brahma and Vishnu (3 moorthis or Thirumoorthy) came in disguise to test their devotion. Overwhelmed by their appearance the couple offered them their tribute.
The 3 moorthis refused to accept their offerings as such and demanded that Anushiya Devi should make the offering in nudity. She accepted their demand, and with the power of her devotion, she changed the 3 moorthis into babies and fed them. On seeing the devotion of Anushiya Devi, the 3 moorthis blessed the couple and so the place gets its name. There is an old temple here on the foothill.

One has to climb around 2-3 km to reach the Panjalinga Falls, but it’s worth the climb as the water there is fabulous, but only during the winter and rainy months the falls will be in full force.

Thirumoorthy Dam is a nice place for a one-day outing from Coimbatore. It has boating, a nice place to have your lunch (of course, you should pack your lunch as there are no good hotels out there), and the drive there is ultimate. From Coimbatore, you can either go to Udumalpet and go from there or take my favorite, the more interior and scenic route that goes through the villages. The drive is simply great with the whole route surrounded by sunflower gardens, coconut groves, and paddy fields.

PALANI

         Palani which was located near udumalpet.,has been mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature as "Podhini", which came to be called as Palani later.
        The temple was believed to be constructed by Cheraman Perumal – A king of the chera dynasty. There is an interesting story about it. When the king was touring the Palani hills, Lord Murugan came and gave a darshan in his dream. He instructed the king to rebuild the hill temple. The Chera King went up the hill and really found the idol of Murugan. He with all devotion rebuilt the present temple.
Next came Cholas and Pandyas; they also expanded the small temple by adding mandapams and gopurams between 8th and 13th centuries. The Nayaka kings did their part by adding beautiful sculptures.

The edicts on the walls of the Temple stand as proof of the gifts for conducting poojas and constructions made by several kings.

The names found are – Jadavarma Sundara Pandian (1259 A.D), Sadayavarman sundarapandiyan, Sadayavarman veerapandian, Veera Nanjana wudaiyar, Mallikarjuna Devarayar II and others. Mallikarjuna Devaryar belonged to Nayaka Dynasty.

There is also mention about Palani temple in Sangam Literature where it is called as ‘Podhini’. The book is ‘Thirumurugattrupadai’. The poems refer Palani as the third Padai Veedu of Murugan in his fights against the Asuras.

Arunagirinathar makes mention about Palani and Murugan in his ‘Thiruppugazh’.
The story of ‘Pazham nee’, Idumban and Kavadi tradition are found in Sthalapuranam which explains the puranic references.

Sculptural beauty
Tamilnadu is famous for sculpture and paintings in temples. Palani temples, which were close to the hearts of various dynasties of Kings, have its own beautiful pieces.

At the entrance near the Rajagopuram one cannot miss the amazing pieces of two ladies: one standing with her child and another standing in front of her. In the front mandapam we can see deer, parrot, rishis in tapas and pillars with ‘Yalli’- an animal with the face of dragaon and body of a lion. The ‘Karpaga Vruksham’-A tree which gives everything one wants- is carved in the walls of the mandapam. In Thiru Aavinan Kudi and Periyanayaki Amman temple we can see similar beauties in pillars and walls. In the Navaranga Mandapam the dancing posture of Lord Siva and Goddess Kali attract everybody.
The paintings of Nayaka period: The paintings with postures of singers, artists and dancers are available in the walls of the Periyanayaki Amman temple.
 This temple is situated in Palani Town and a Taluk in Dindigul District. It is an ancient and very big temple getting a large income among all the temples in TamilNadu. This temple is one among the six Padaiveedus (abode) of Lord Muruga.that is  the third Padaiveedu namely Arulmigu Thiruvaavinankudi temple which is one of the subtemples of this temple. Many "Siddhas" are said to have lived in this region. The idol of Palani Andavar is said to have been made of "Navapashanam" by Siddhar Bogar. Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram are very famous festivals and a large number of devotees are coming here for those festivals. 38 sub-temples are attached with this temple. It belongs to 9th century and the king namely Cheraman Peruman constructed this temple. As per the historical records the main Deity Arulmigu Palaniandavar idol is consisted of Navapashanam, ie a combination of 9 poisonous herbals mixed in a proportion to give a high medicinal power to cure the diseases of immunity and it was designed and made up by a siddar named Bohar.

            The Thiruvaavinankudi temple (Adhi) is said to be the temple in Adivaram. Lord muruga, stayed for a while and went up the hill. so both the hill temple and Thiruvaavinankudi are considered to be the places of sancity.

Height of the Hill Temple                        :  150 M
Total no. of Steps                                    :  693
Direction the Temple                              : Towards WEST
Pragaram around the Hill(Giriveethi)    : 2.4 KM

KODAIKANAL

          Kodaikanal which is near to udumalpet., famous well known tourist place.Kodaikanal has several scenic natural attractions which are enjoyed by its visitors and make it a popular romantic destination for newlyweds. These are described in order of distance from the bus-stand.

Kodaikanal Lake, 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the bus stand, is an artificial, roughly star-shaped 45 ha (60 acres) lake built in 1863. It is recognized as Kodaikanal's most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction. Rowboats and pedalos can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club with its main entrance near the only five-star hotel in Kodaikanal, The Carlton. Horses and bicycles can be hired beside the lake for short periods. The 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) path that skirts the periphery of this lovely lake is a favourite walk for the locals and tourists alike.

Bryant Park: Just east of the lake and 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the bus stand, is a wonderfully maintained 20.5 acres (8.3 ha) botanical garden. The park was planned and built in 1908 by a forest officer from Madurai, H.D.Bryant, and named after him. With 325 species of trees, shrubs and cactuses, the park is a rainbow of stunning flowers during the peak season.





A large section is dedicated to nearly 740 varieties of roses. There is a 1857 Eucalyptus
                                                                                      tree and a Bodhi

tree which adds a
 religious significance
 to the park.
Ornamental plants
are cultivated in a
 nursery for sale.
The park organizes
 horticultural exhibits
and flower shows every
summer, to coincide with
the peak season.

Entrance fee to the park is nominal and it is open all year.

Coaker's Walk (1900)

Coaker's Walk, 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the bus-stand, constructed by Lt.Coaker in 1872, is a 1-kilometre (3,300 ft) paved pedestrian path running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai. The walk, winding around Mount Nebo, starts in front of the Van Allen hospital, running parallel to the Van Allen Hospital Road and joins the main road beside St.Peter's Church, providing a stunning panoramic view of the plains. On a clear day one can view as far as Dolphin's Nose in the south, the valley of the Pambar River in the southeast, Periyakulam town and even the city of Madurai. A fascinating rare phenomenon called Brocken spectre can be witnessed, when a person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo. This occurs when the sun is behind the viewer and clouds and mist are to the front. There is an observatory with a telescope halfway along the walk. Entrance fee to the walkway is nominal and it is open all year.
Bear Shola Falls, 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from the bus-stand, is a tall waterfall in a Reserve forest. The final approach to this quiet area is a gently climbing foot-path.

Green valley view

Green Valley View, (formerly called Suicide Point) 5.5 kilometres (3.4 mi) from the bus-stand and near the golf course, has an excellent panoramic view of the plains and a sheer drop of 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) overlooking the Vaigai Dam to the south. The stairway leading up to it is highly commercialized and lined with rows of shops to tempt tourists.
Pine forests, In 1906, with a view to growing valuable timber, Mr. Bryant started the Kodaikanal pine plantations in the south-west of Kodaikanal.
Shembaganur Museum of Natural History, 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the bus-stand, founded in 1895, is open to the public (except Tuesdays) for viewing their outstanding taxidermy collection of more than 500 species of animals, birds and insects and a living collection of over 300 exotic orchid species. The museum is affiliated with Loyola College in Chennai and exhibits artifacts of the ancient Palaiyar tribes people whose descendants still live in these hills.

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the bus-stand on Observatory Road, at 2,343 metres (7,687 ft) is the highest location near Kodai. The first observations were commenced here in 1901. Former Director John Evershed, discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in sunspots, now known as the Evershed effect. The Kodaikanal Terrestrial Telescope can view a grand panorama including: Sothupparai Dam, Vaigai Dam, Periyakulam and Varaha river. This Indian Institute of Astrophysics facility has a comprehensive Astronomical Science museum with organized public tours, access to the astronomy library, and scheduled night-time telescopic sky viewing. It is open daily to the public during peak season, and a few hours each Friday the rest of the year.

Pillar Rocks

Pillar Rocks, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the bus-stand, is a set of three giant rock pillars which stand 122 metres (400 ft) high. Managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, The viewpoint can be crowded but is not commercialized. There is an excellent public garden adjacent to the viewpoint.
Guna caves, made popular by the Tamil movie Guna, previously called Devil’s Kitchen, are deep bat-infested chambers between the three gigantic boulders that are the Pillar Rocks. The deep narrow ravines of the caves are now closed to public due to the tragic deaths of twelve youths there. These dangerous caves are highly protected now, and tourists can see sections of the cave system from afar.
Silver Cascade, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from Kodaikanal at a wide bend in the long and winding Laws Ghat Road, at altitude 1,800 metres (5,900 ft), is a 55-metre (180 ft) waterfall formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake. The water quality is reportedly poor and not good enough for bathing. This impressive waterfall is a popular stop for first-time visitors. There are a few souvenir and fruit vendors and many monkeys here. There is also a smaller but more serene waterfall below the bridge which crosses the stream here.

Dolphin's Nose

Dolphin's Nose, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the bus stand, is flat rock projecting over a breathtaking chasm 6,600 metres (21,700 ft) deep. It is an undisturbed area 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) down a very steep rocky trail beginning soon after Pambar Bridge. Orange juice vendors along the trail offer a welcome rest stop. Beautiful views of steep rocky escarpments rising from the plains can be seen. The old village of Vellagavi can be reached through a rugged bridle path here. A short paved walkway leads from the road here to Pambar falls (which is also locally addressed as 'Liril Falls' after the famous Liril Soap Advertisement filming in 1985).
Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple, 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from the bus-stand, is famous for its Kurinji flower which blossoms in the area only once every 12 years. The deity here is called Sri Kurinji Easwaran, who is in fact Lord Murugan. This temple was built in 1936 by a European lady, who on coming to Celon, converted to Hinduism.She changed her name to Leelavathi and married Mr.Ponnambalam Ramanathan. She is also known as Lady Ramanathan. This temple was handed over to Arulmighu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil, Palani by Mrs Devi Prasad Bhaskaran(also known as Padmini, niece and adopted daughter of Mr S Natesan Pillai, son in-law of Lady Ramanathan) and her husband Dr R. Bhaskaran.

MUNNAR

Munnar Basic Facts: Location: 135 Km from Kochi Altitude: Approximately 1600 meters Nearest Airport: Cochin Nearest Railway Station: Aluva STD Code: 0486 Main Attraction: Exploration of hills around Munnar Historical Importance: During British reign, Munnar was the summer resort of Government official Breathing in the crisp, clear and unpolluted air, relaxing and eating are the added bonuses of going to Munnar. Getting around the mountains  that surround Munnar is an experience one cannot miss, not in a  million years. 1. Tata Tea Museum Located 2 Km from Munnar Centre on the Nallathany Road. Collection of old bits and pieces from the colonial era can be seen here. Demonstration of tea production. Information on machinaries, tea processing and tea tasting. Photography and  Videography prohibited here. Working Time: 10.00 AM - 4.00 PM. Monday holiday Ticket Fee: Rs 50 for adult, Rs 25 for child   2. CSI Church A church built with stone in 1910. It has fine stained glass and brass plaques. Above all, a calm place to pray and meditate 3. Devikulam is 7 Km away. Tourists are attracted to this  lake town 4. Mattupetty is 14 Km away from Munnar. Mattupetty  dam has an agriculture garden on its banks. Speed boat ride through the dam is also available. 5. Rajamalai (Eravikulam National Park) is situated 13 Km  away from Munnar on Udumalpet road (SH17). Trekking  here can perhaps give you a glimpse of Nilgiri Thar, the rarely  seen mountain goat. Working Time: 7.00AM to 6.00PM (September to May) Ticket Charge: Rs 10 for adults, Rs 5 for children.  Photography / Videography permitted for fee. 6. Top Station is 40 Km away from Munnar. From here you can get a spectacular view of the plains of Tamilnadu. Kundalai Dam is on the Munnar-Top Station road 7. Marayoor is about 40 Km away, where Sandalwood forest, Muniyaras (ancient caves) and water falls (Thoovanam)  are located 8. Chinnar Wild Sanctuary is 60 Km away from Munnar on  Udumalpet road (SH17). Elephants, deers, samba etc can be seen from the watch tower. The tall tower is about 200 meters distance from the check-post. Entry fee: Rs 15 per person. Visiting time: 07.00AM to 06.00PM 9. Blossom International Park at Munnar has an adventure  track, 1000-feet long fountain, roller skates, underground mediation centre and a beautiful garden. 10. Anamudi, the highest peak of South India is close to Munnar and is a great place for adventurous trekking. Local Language: The local people here speaks Malayalam (the official language  of Kerala) and Tamil (the official language of Tamil Nadu). English is taught in schools from the primary level and even  common people can read and speak English. Best Time to Visit Munnar: You can visit Munnar throughout the year except the Kerala monsoon in June/July. The weather is extremely cold during winter (December/January). Take extra woolen garments during heavy winter season.

Pollachi:

Pollachi is a town in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Pollachi situated some 40 kms away from Coimbatore. It is satellite town for Coimbatore City.It is the birthplace of Suja Laxmi.B.This town is known for leading commercial center in Tamil Nadu. It has a picturesque location that tem pate the film directors to shoot their films and many advertisements are taken their. Subramanian Thirukoil is very famous pilgrimage in Pollachi.

Annamalai hills nearly 34kms away from Pollachi, this small town noted for its ideal picnic spot. At topslip they make arrangements for the tourists move around the sanctuary on elephant back or by van. Siruvani Waterfalls and the dam are located at a distance of 37 kms west of the Pollachi

On the way to Indira Gandhi wildlife Sanctuary situated at Annamalai hills. Lush green field, coconut groves, husking farms with enormous tractor trailers are the feast for the tourist eyes.

 Due to its proximity to the Western Ghats, Pollachi has a pleasant climate throughout the year. Pollachi is also famed for its market, especially for jaggery and cattle. The Jaggery Market in Pollachi is Asia's biggest Jaggery Market.

Origins of the Name :

Pollachi was known as "Pozhil Vaichi" in ancient times which means "The land of natural wealth and prosperity" (One can find this name in the Lord Subramanyar temple in Pollachi). The name Pozhil Vaichi has changed into Pollachi over time.The historic town of Pollachi was once known as Mudi Konda Chola Nallur during the period of Kulottunga Chola III.[1] The Subramanyar temple here is an ancient one, with a history that goes back about 8 centuries. It is believed that the Subramanyar temple here was once a Shiva temple, enshrining Agastheeswaram Udaiyaar, with the festival deity being Subramanyar. Much of the construction in the temple belongs to the 20th century. There is another story about the Origin of the name. Pollachi was known as "Porull Aatchi" which means "The land of wealthy Government". In the olden days, it was said that everything can be sold/bought in the market (including elephants) except one's parents.

Agriculture and Industry :

It is an important commercial area in the region and has a big market for agricultural products. Coconuts and tender-coconuts are exported from here to all over India. Coir-Fibre, Curled Coir Manufacturing is an important Industry in Pollachi. Pollachi has lot of textile and coir industries. There are more than 40 mills and moulding units in Pollachi: notable ones include Sakthi Mills, Modern Mills etc. Aerospace Materials Private Limited is a company that supplies carbon papers for airplanes. Their main customer is ISRO. Pollachi is a popular movie filming location for the movie industry. Hundreds of Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Hindi movies are filmed here.[4] It also has one of the largest coffee producers; Thalanar Agro. Sakthi Coir Exports is one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of coir and coconut products and machinery since 1978. Sakthi Coco Products was the first company in the state of Tamil Nadu to manufacture and export packaged tender coconut water. Sunco Exporters Pvt.Ltd., Manufacturers of Coir and coconut Processing Machines since 1989 Exporting the Machines all over the World. Premier Coir products is a Manufacturers of Coir Products like Coir Fiber,Curled Coir,Rubberised Coir sheets,Coir mattresses in the Brand name of COIR PLUS selling in Domestic and International Market established in the year 2001. United Impex.,Manufacturer and leading exporter of coir Products ,coco peat,curled coir,coir logs ,coir geotextiles etc ,and export all over the world since 1995 and Admin office in Chennai.

Infrastructure :

Airport :

Coimbatore airport is the nearest international airport to Pollachi. International flights to Singapore, Sharjah and Colombo are available by Silk Air (Singapore Airlines), Air Arabia and Srilankan Airlines. Domestic airlines fly to Chennai, Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai and other Indian cities.

Bus Stand :

Pollachi has a central bus stand which is used by TNSTC, and the private operators. This is situated inside the town. A new foundation stone was laid by Local Administration minister M.K. Stalin in November 2007, to construct an additional bus stand for want of space, just opposite to the existing bus stand. This new bus stand has been operational from November, 2009.

Railway Station :

Pollachi has a railway junction. Presently, due to gauge conversion, no trains are operated in this section, the major routes being Coimbatore - Pollachi - Dindigul and Palakkad - Pollachi - Dindigul. broad gauge conversion of this section has started and are expected to be completed shortly. Once this completion is over then Pollachi, Udumalai, Palani will get direct link to Chennai, Bangalore and all other parts of India. Pollachi - Podanur section was recently been added to the Palakkad Railway Division. Broad gauge work from Palakkad side has been started by the Palakkad Division, soon Pollachi & Palakkad will be connected by BG trains.

Telecomunications :

Pollachi is well connected with all GSM & CDMA mobile phone operators. The major players Aircell, Airtel, BSNL, TATA Docomo, Reliance and Vodafone in GSM segment and Reliance, Tata Indicom, MTS in CDMA segment cover Pollachi.

Dams :

Aliyar Dam

Peruvaripallam Dam

Nirar Dam

Meenkarai Dam - This dam is built for multipurpose project such as irrigation, Hydro electricity    production.

Sholayar Dam - It is 15 km from Valparai. The Solaiyar Dam is the second largest rock dam in    Asia. Its length is about 20 km.

Upper Aliyar Dam

Mahalingapuram-Round Road alias Roundana :

This Round Road is located in Mahalingapuram colony and it is the most favourite place for joggers, walkers, volleyball, basketball and batminton players. It is a get-together place for the entire community in Pollachi town. The Round Road Park opens early morning at 5 am and most of the people come to walk and exercise. This place has a playground for small children. The place also has a Jawaharlal Nehru statue which stands at a place where Nehru made a speech. here RSSpepole meet daily called as shaka.

Places of Attraction :

Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary :

Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is about 90 km from Coimbatore and is situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters in the Western Ghats near Pollachi. The area of the sanctuary is 958 km². An ecological paradise, this sanctuary encompasses a National Park. It has recently been renamed as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Recently, it was converted into an integrated Anamalai Tiger Reserve. Vettaikaranpudur is enroute to Topslip from Pollachi.

TopSlip :

TopSlip is a point located at an altitude of about 800 feet in the Anamalai mountain range.

Chinnakallar :

Chinnakallar is a geographically important place as it is the region that receives the second highest rainfall in India[citation needed]. There is a waterfall in Chinnakallar which sounds like a roaring lion.

Parambikulam National Park :

The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a reservoir of tranquil greenery ensconced in a valley between the Anaimalai Hills range of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathi Hills range of Kerala. The areas hilly and rocky, drained by several rivers, including the Parambikulam, the Sholayar and the Thekkady. Thickly forested with stands of bamboo, sandalwood, rosewood and teak, the sanctuary has some marshy land and scattered patches of grassland. Parambikulam was once home to some of south India's finest stands of teak. Little remains of the original teak forests, other than the famous Kannimari teak tree, the largest in Asia as most of these have now been replaced by teak plantations. The tree is about 5 km from Thunakadavu, and is one of Parambikulam's prime attractions. The[7] one of the oldest and largest teak trees in the world is another attraction in the sanctuary. It has a girth of 6.52 metres, height of 48.25 metres when the measurement was taken in 2003.[8] But it's claimed that the biggest teak in the world is in Uttaradit province of Thailand, with a girth of 10 metres and height of 47 metres.

Parambikulam - Aliyar Multipurpose Project :

Interlinking of Rivers :

This project consists of a series of dams interconnected by tunnels and canals at various elevations in order to harness the Parambikulam, Aliyar, Nirar, Sholiyar, Thunkadavu, Thenkkadi and Palar rivers, laid for irrigation and power generation. The scheme is an outstanding example of engineering skill. It is located in the Anaimalai Hills range. The Parambikulam-Aliyar Project is a complex multi-basin multipurpose project. Seven streams-five flowing westward and two towards the east- have been dammed and their reservoirs interlinked by tunnels. The water is ultimately delivered to the drought-prone areas in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu and the Chittur area of Kerala. The project has a command area of 1620 square kilometres with 185 MW of power generation capacity.

Temples:

Pollachi Ayyappan Temple :

This temple was built in 1970 and has many similarities to the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple. It has several deities including the main deity Ayyappan. Homam, pooja and rituals are conducted everyday.

SubramaniaSwamy Thirukoil :

This temple is located at Pollachi. Konga Cholas built this temple of 'Lord Shiva' and named it as 'Thiruvahatheswaramudayar' temple, 700 years ago. This temple has a high architectural value. In due course, it came to be called 'Subramanyar Kovil' and 'Lord Subramanyar' is worshipped here.

Maasani Amman Thirukoil - Anaimalai :

Lord Gowrishankarar temple is situated at Bg Farm, Anamalai. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Gowriamman; the idol was found during ploughing the fields in 1995. It has been ascertained by veteran Ganpathi Stapathi that the statue is intact and belongs to the Chola age. A new temple has been erected by Ganapathi Stapathi in 2004. Legend tells of the origin of this temple. Anaimalai, a place near Pollachi, was earlier ruled by a king called Naanan. He had a very special mango tree in his farm on the Aaliyar riverside, which he was very fond of. He was so particular that nobody was allowed to use neither its mangoes nor its leaves. Once, a group of girls were having their bath in the Aaliyar river and saw a mango floating on the river which belonged to this mango tree. In anxiety, one of the girls picked the mango and ate it; even after several pleadings made by her father, the king sentenced her to death. After some time, the villagers in that particular area made a female figure in lying state in remembrance of the innocent girl on the graveyard sand and started worshipping her. In due course, she was worshipped by the name "Maasani". Later Kozhinkhosargal defeated king Naanan and destroyed that particular mango tree. It is believed that Lord Rama on his way in search of Seetha, was absorbed by the power of this temple, stopped here and performed meditation, adding glory to this temple.

Alagunachi Amman Temple - Pollachi :

It is located in Pollachi town. It was built in early 1700s. During that time, a group of people moved from Valliarachal (nearly 80 kilometres from Pollachi), rested on a river side in Pollachi (now the river is no longer there). They had brought the statue of the family God (Arulmigu Alagunachi Amman) and placed it nearby and slept; in the morning they found the statue was missing and so they selected one brick and placed it in the same place and built a small temple, and then the family stayed in Pollachi. In 2002, the temple was rebuilt. It is the Kula Deivam (Sacred Deity) for certain clans belonging to the Kongu Vellala Gounder community.

ThiruMoorthy Temple - ThiruMoorthy Hills :

It is situated at the foot of Thirumoorthy Hills adjoining the Thirumoorthy Reservoir and Dam. This is about 20 km from Udumalaipettai on the highway from Palani to Coimbatore. A perennial stream flows by the side of the Sri Amaralingeswarar temple and nearby there is the Thirumoorthy Falls. It is believed that a few thousand years ago, Athari Maharishi along with his wife Anushiya Devi lived here. Moved by their prayer, Lord Shiva together with Brahma and Vishnu (Thiru Moorthygal) came in disguise to test their devotion. Overwhelmed by their appearance, the couple offered them tributes. The Thiru Moorthygal refused to accept their offerings as such and demanded that the offering should be made by Anushiya Devi in nudity. She accepted their demand and with her power of devotion she changed the Thiru Moorthy's into 3 year old babies and fed them. On seeing the power of the devout Anushiya Devi, the Thiru Moorthy's blessed the couple and hence the place is known as Thiru Moorthy Hills.

Sulakkal Mariamman Thirukoil - Sulakkal :

Three hundred years ago, Sulakal was amidst of dense forest nesting dangerous wild animals and poisonous reptiles. The nearby villagers used to feed their domestic animals in the forest. The owner of a particular cow, which was not giving milk followed it and found his cow shedding milk on a sandhill. On seeing this the cow started galloping. At that moment its legs were hit by the sandhill. He was shocked to see blood oozing out of the sandhill. He dreamed about the Goddess that night and was dictated to raise a temple in the name of the goddess (Sulakkal Mariamman). Till today, this temple stands as a cultural icon in this locality. Through generations, three families have vowed to take care and honour this great temple from neighbouring villages zaminkaliyapuram and sulakkal.

Shree Velayudhaswamy Thirukoil - Senjerimalai :

The 'Thenserigiri Sthalapuranam' relates: As Lord Muruga set out with his battalion to subdue the demon Surapadma, Lord Shiva summoned him to the Thenserigiri hills and, initiating him to certain mantras, endowed him with invincible powers to route and destroy the demon and his retinue. This is the legendary origin of this temple. Since then Lord Muruga came to be worshipped as Manthragiri and Sri Velayudhaswami. This temple was originally built by Karikala Chola and renovated by Veeraballalai III dates back to 13th century. A holy spring called 'Gnanatheertha Sunai' and a sacred tree known as 'Karunochi' can be seen.

Echanari Vinayagar Thirukoil - Coimbatore :

The temple is among the oldest one in Coimbatore and dates back to 1500A.D. The moolavar at this temple was actually meant for Perur Patteshwarar temple and since it got stuck on its way from Madurai, Eachnari became the blessed place. The deity's height is 6 feet (2 m) and the width is 3 feet (1 m) and is one of the biggest in South India. The last kumbabhishekam was performed in 2006.

Ambarampalayam Darga :

This Darga is situated on the banks of the river aliyar. A lot of devotees from Kerala and Tamil Nadu visit this Darga with a belief that evil spirits will get away.

Arulmigu Prasanda Vinayagar Temple :

Arulmigu Prasanda Vinayagar Temple temple of Lord Ganesha is more than 1000 years old as believed by the local public. Located on the banks of River Aliyar, about 8 kilometres to the south of Pollachi, this temple was in a dilapidated condition about 2 years ago. The renovation work of this temple was initiated by the local public under the leadership of Tmt. Anandhi Elango. The renewed looking temple had its first kumbhabhishekam on 9 June 2007. There are signs in this temple to show that the temple deity was Lord Siva initially. What made this temple to become a Ganapathy temple is still unknown. The deity is addressed as 'Prasanda Vinayakan' by the locals; the qualifier appears to be the mispronunciation of the Sanskrit term "Prachanda" meaning 'of fierce countenance, violently swift, etc.'; the most appropriate being the former. There should have been temple elephants belonging to this temple in those days. This is evidenced by the naming of that part of the river as 'Anai Gajam' where the flight of steps leading from the temple meet the river. 'Anai Gajam' in Tamil means that part of river where water is so deep even to an elephant; the place where the mahouts used to take the temple elephants for bathing. Due to its natural setting amidst lush green paddy fields, sugarcane fields, and Coconut trees, this temple is growing more and more popular among the devotees of Coimbatore.

Tamilnadu Temple Photos

http://connect.in.com/tamil-nadu-temple/images-gopuram-kapaleeshwarar-temple-chennai-chennai-tamil-nadu-india-1-546026957185.html

பாரதியார் - பாரதி யார்?

                                             பாரதியார் - பாரதி யார்?


மகாகவி சுப்ரமணிய பாரதியாரின் புகழ் உலகறியச் செய்வோம்!

சேமமுற வேண்டுமெனில் தெருவெல்லாம்

தமிழ் முழக்கம் செழிக்கச் செய்வீர்!

                                                

                      பாரதியார் - பாரதி யார்?

இவ் ஆய்வு 13.09.04 அன்று அவுஸ்திரேலியா 
மெல்பேர்ன் நகரில் தமிழ்க்குரல் 
வானொலி நிகழ்ச்சியில் ஒலிபரப்பாகியது.

செப்டெம்பர் 11 மகாகவி சுப்பிரமணிய பாரதியாரின் நினைவு தினமாகும். 11 டிசம்பர் 1882ம் ஆண்டு பிறந்து 11 செப்ரெம்பர் 1921ம் ஆண்டு மறைந்த இந்த உண்மையான உணர்வு பூர்வமான கவிஞன் தன் வாழ்வில் சந்தித்த சோதனைகள் தாம் எத்தனை? வேதனைகள் தாம் எத்தனை? தான் வாழ்ந்த நாட்களில் எந்தவித அங்கீகாரத்தையும் பெறாமல் பசியில் பட்டினியில் வாழ்ந்தவன் தான் பாரதி என்கின்ற மகாகவி!

பசியாலும், பிணியாலும் வாடி இறந்தவனை "யானை அடித்து கொன்றது" என்ற கட்டுக்கதையைக் கட்டி தன் அவமானத்திற்கு தமிழ்நாடு திரைபோட்டுள்ளது. யானையால் பாரதி தள்ளுண்ட நிகழ்வு ஒரு யூன் மாதத்தில் நிகழ்ந்தது. அச் சம்பவத்தின் பின்பு அவர் வழக்கம் போல "சுதேச மித்திரன்" பத்திரிகை அலுவலகம் சென்று தனது வேலைகளைச் செய்து வந்துள்ளார். மேலும் சென்னை நகரக் கடற்கரைப் பொதுக்கூட்டங்களில் தொடர்ந்தும் கலந்து கொண்டு வந்துள்ளார். யூலை 31ம் திகதி கருங்கற்பாளைய வாசகசாலையின் 5வது வருடக் கொண்டாட்டக் கூட்டத்தில் பாரதியார் பேசிய உரையின் தலைப்பு "மனிதனுக்கு மரணமில்லை."

"காலா என் கண்முன்னே வாடா, உன்னைக் காலால் உதைக்கின்றேன்" என்று பாடிய பாரதி காலத்தை வென்ற போது அவருக்கு 39 வயது கூட நிறையவில்லை.! பாரதியாரின் கடைசி நாளைக் குறித்து நெல்லையப்பர் எழுதும் போது அன்று தீக்கிரையான பாரதியாரின் உடலின் எடை அறுபது இறாத்தல் தான் என்றும், அன்றைய தினம் மயானத்திற்கு சென்றவர்கள் தொகை இருபது இருக்கலாம் என்றும் குறிப்பிட்டுள்ளார்.!

பாரதியார் - பாரதி யார்? அவரது சில சிந்தனைகளையும், கருத்துக்களையும் உங்கள் முன் வைக்க விரும்புகின்றோம்.

ஒளவையாரின் ஆத்திசூடிக்கு புரட்சிகரமான புதுமாற்றங்களைத் தந்தவர் பாரதியார்!
"தையல் சொல் கேளேல்" என்று பாட்டி சொல்லி வைத்தாள்.
"தையலை உயர்வு செய்" என்று எதிர் பாட்டு பாடி வைத்தார் பாரதியார்.

"ஆறுவது சினம்" என்றாள் ஒளவை. இவரோ
"ரௌத்திரம் பழகு" என்றார்.

"நுப் போல் வளை" என்றாள் ஒளவை.
இவரோ "கிளை பல தாங்கேல்" என்றார்.

"தொன்மை மறவேல்" என்றாள் ஒளவை.
"தொன்மைக்கு அஞ்சேல்" என்றார் பாரதி.

"போர்த் தொழில் புரியேல்" என்றாள் ஒளவை.
"போர்த்தொழில் பழகு" என்றார் இவர்.

"மீதூண் விரும்பேல்" என்றாள் அவள்.
"ஊண் மிக விரும்பு" என்றார் இவர்.

"போர்த் தொழில் புரியேல்" என்று ஒளவையை பேச வைத்தன அவள் காலத்தில் தமிழ் மன்னர்களுக்குள் நடைபெற்ற போர்கள். பாரதி காலத்தில் அவன் வெள்ளை ஆதிக்கத்திற்கு எதிரான வீரர்களை திரட்டுகின்ற வேலை அவனுக்கிருந்தது. ஆகவே தான் "போர்த் தொழில் பழகு" என்று சொல்லி வைத்தான்.

இருந்தும் "ஈவது விலக்கேல்", "ஈகைத்திறன்" என்று அவளோடு ஒத்துப்போன இடங்களுமுண்டு.

ஆகவே பெரும்பாலும் அவளிடமிருந்து கருத்தால் முரண்பட்ட நமது முண்டாசுப் புலவன் அந்த மூதாட்டியை வாழ்த்தி வரவேற்று அவளது கருத்துக்களின் செறிவான தாக்கத்தை எழுதி உணர்த்துகிறான் என்பதைப் பார்க்கிறோம்.

இவன் தான் பாரதி.

கருத்தால் முரண்பாடு இருந்தாலும் அவள் தமிழ்ப்பாட்டி-அவள் சொன்னது அமிழ்தம் என்பதற்காகப் பாராட்டுகிறான். இக்காலத்தில் இப்படி ஆட்களைப் பகுத்து பார்த்துப் பாராட்ட வேண்டிய அம்சங்களிருந்தால் பாராட்ட வேண்டுவது மிகவே அவசியமாகிறது.

மூடத்தனமான பக்தியை நம்பிக்கையைப் பாரதியார் மிக்க கடுமையாகச் சாடியிருக்கின்றார். அவரது கட்டுரையில் இருந்து இதோ ஒரு பகுதி:-

"நம்முடைய ஜனங்களுக்கிடையே இந்த நிமிடம் வரை நடைபெறும் மூட பக்திகளுக்கு கணக்கு வழக்கே கிடையாது. இதனால் நம்மவர்களின் காரியங்களுக்கும், விவகாரங்களுக்கும் ஏற்படும் விக்கினங்களுக்கு எல்லை இல்லை.

இந்த மூட பக்திகளிலே மிகவும் தொல்லையான அம்சம் யாதெனில், எல்லாச் செய்கைகளுக்கும் நாள் நட்சத்திரம் - லக்னம் - முதலியன பார்த்தல்.

சவரம் பண்ணிக் கொள்ள வேண்டுமென்றால், அதற்குக் கூட மாஸப்பொருத்தம், பஷப்பொருத்தம், திதிப் பொருத்தம், நாட்பொருத்தம் இத்தனையும் பார்த்தாக வேண்டியிருக்கிறது.

சவரத்திற்குக் கூட இப்படியென்றால் இனி கல்யாணங்கள், சடங்குகள், வியாபாரங்கள், யாத்திரைகள், விவசாய ஆரம்பங்கள் முதலிய முக்கிய காரியங்கள் பல்லாயிரத்தின் விஷயத்திலே நம்மவர் மேற்படி பொருத்தங்கள் பார்ப்பதில் செலவிற்கும், கால விரயத்திற்கும் வரம்பே கிடையாது. சகுனம் பார்க்கும் வழக்கமும் காரியங்களுக்குப் பெருந் தடையாக வந்து மூண்டிருக்கிறது.

"காலம் பணவிலை உடையது" என்ற குறிப்புடைய இங்கிலீஷ் பழமொழி ஒன்று இருக்கிறது. இந்த சமாசாரம் நம்மவருக்குத் தெரிவதே கிடையாது. பொழுது வீணே கழிக்கப்படுமாயின் அதனால் பணலாபம் கிடையாமல் போகும். இன்று செய்யக்கூடிய காரியத்தை நாளைக்குச் செய்யலாமென்று தாமதப்படுத்தி வைப்பதனால் அந்தகாரியம் பலமான சேதமடைந்து போகும்.

"இத்தகைய மூட பக்திகளெல்லாம் படிப்பில்லாமையால் ஏற்கப்பட்டிருக்கின்றன" என்றும், "ஜனங்களுக்குப் படிப்பு கற்றுக்கொடுப்பதனால் இவை அழிந்து போய்விடும்" என்றும் இங்கிலீஷ் படிப்பாளிகள் சொல்லக் கேள்விப்பட்டிருக்கின்றென்.

ஆனால் பி.ஏ, எம்.ஏ பாPட்சைகள் தேறி, வக்கீல்களாகவும், உபாத்தியாராகவும், என்ஜினீயர்களாகவும், பிற உத்தியோகத்தராகவும் வாழும் கணக்கில்லாத ஐயர், ஐயங்கார், பிள்ளை முதலியவர்கள் எவராவது ஒருவர் தம் வீட்டுக் கல்யாணத்துக்கு லக்னம் பார்க்க வேண்டிய அவசியமில்லை என்று நிறுத்தியிருப்பாரா?

"பெண்பிள்ளைகளின் உபத்திரவத்தால் இவ்விதமான மூடபக்திகளுக்கு கட்டுப்பட்டு வாழும்படி நேரிடுகிறது" என்றும் சிலர் முறையிடுகிறார்கள். பெண்பிள்ளைகளுக்கு மரியாதை கொடுக்க வேண்டிய இடத்தில் கொடுக்க வேண்டும். மூடத்தனமான புத்திமான்கள் கண்டு நகைக்கும் படியான செய்கைகள் செய்ய வேண்டுமென்று ஸ்திகள் பலனின்றிப் பிதற்றும் இடத்தே, அவர்களுடைய சொற்படி நடப்பது முற்றிலும் தவறு - ஆனால் உண்மையில் பாரதியின் தத்துவ தரிசனம் என்ன? வாழ்க்கைக் கண்ணோட்டம் என்ன?

பாரதி கடவுள் உண்டென்ற கொள்கையுடையவன்தான். ஆயினும் அவன் "ஒருவனே தேவன்" என்பதையோ, "கடவுள் இப்படியன், இவ்வண்ணத்தன், இந் நிறத்தன்" என்பதையோ நிலைநாட்டுவதை முதற்பெருங் கொள்கையாகக் கொள்ளவில்லை.

பாரதியின் இலக்கியம் முழுவதையும் துருவி ஆராய்ந்தால், தேசியப்பாடல்களையோ, தோத்திரப்பாடல்களையோ வேதாந்த பாடல்களையோ, இதர பாடல்களையோ எதை ஆராய்ந்து பார்த்தாலும் இந்த வாழ்வையும் இதில் மனித வர்க்கம் முழுவதும் உயர்நிலை எய்தி வாழ்வதையும் அதற்கான கால மாறுதலையும் பெருநோக்;காகக் கொண்டு நிற்கின்றான் என்பதைத் தெளிவாக காணமுடியும்.

"செத்தபிறகு சிவலோகம் வைகுந்தம்
சேர்ந்திடலா மென்றேஎண்ணி யிருப்பர்
பித்தமனிதர் அவர்சொல்லும் சாத்திரம்
பேயுரையாமென்று ஊதடா சங்கம்" (வேதாந்த-சங்கு)

இந்தப்பாட்டில், செத்தபிறகு வாழ்வு உண்டென்றோ, சிவலோகம், வைகுந்தம் உண்டென்றோ நினைக்கும் கருத்தை மண்டையிலடித்து நசுக்கி விடுகின்றான்.

"மண் பயனுற வேண்டும்
வானகம் இங்கு தென்படவேண்டும்"

இவ்வாறு "வேண்டும்" என்ற பாட்டில் சொர்க்கம் வேறு எங்கேயும் இல்லை அது இங்கேயே தோன்ற வேண்டும் என்கிறான்.

"வீடு(மோட்சம்) வேறு எங்கேயும் இல்லை. அது இங்கேயே இருக்கிறது" "கவலை துறந்து இங்கு வாழ்வதே வீடு" என்று "அறிவே தெய்வம்" என்ற பாட்டில் பாடுகின்றான்.

"ஜயமுண்டு பயமில்லை மனமே-இந்த
ஜன்மத்தில் விடுதலையுண்டு, நிலையுண்டு"

என்று "ஜீவன் முத்தி" என்ற பாட்டில் இந்த பிறப்பிலேயே விடுதலை உண்டு என்கிறான்.

பாரதி தமிழ்-தமிழ் என்றே மூச்சு விட்டான் இதோ தமிழைப்பற்றியும், தமிழ் இனப்பற்றினைக் குறித்தும் அவன் எழுதியவற்றில் ஒரு சில துளிகள்.

"தமிழ், தமிழ், தமிழ் என்றும், எப்போதும் தமிழை வளர்ப்பதே கடமையாகக் கொள்க. ஆனால் புதிய-புதிய செய்தி, புதிய-புதிய யோசனை, புதிய-புதிய உண்மை, புதிய புதிய இன்பம் தமிழில் ஏறிக்கொண்டே போகவேண்டும். தமிழைவிட மற்றொரு பாஷை சுகமாக இருப்பதைப் பார்க்கும் பொழுது எனக்கு வருத்தமுண்டாகிறது. தமிழனைவிட மற்றொரு ஜாதியான் அறிவிலும், வலிமையிலும் உயர்ந்திருப்பது எனக்கு சம்மதமில்லை. தமிழச்சியைக் காட்டிலும் மற்றொரு ஜாதிக்காரி அழகாக இருப்பதைக் கண்டால் என் மனம் புண்படுகின்றது.

ஆனால் அதேவேளை தமிழனைக் கண்டிக்கவும் தயங்கவில்லை பாரதி. தமிழனக்கு அவர் கூறி அறிவுரை இதோ!

"தமிழா, உன் வேலைகள் அனைத்திலுமே பொய்க் கதைகள் மிஞ்சி விட்டன. உனது மதக் கொள்கைகள், லௌகீகக் கொள்கைகள், வைதீக நடை-எல்லாவற்றிலுமே பொய்கள் புகுந்து தலை தூக்கி ஆட இடங் கொடுத்து விட்டாய்.

இவற்றை நீக்கி விடு. வீட்டிலும், வெளியிலும், தனிமையிலும் கூட்டத்திலும் எதிலும் எப்போதும் நேர்மையாக இருக்க வேண்டும். உண்மையாயிருக்க வேண்டும். நீயும் பிறரை வஞ்சிக்கலாகாது. பிறரும் உன்னை வஞ்சிக்கலாகாது. பிறர் பிறரை வஞ்சிப்பதையும் நீ இயன்றவரை தடுக்க வேண்டும். எல்லாப்பேறுகளையும் காட்டிலும் உண்மைப்பேறுதான் பெருமை கொண்டது. உண்மை தவங்களுக்கெல்லாம் உயிர் உண்மை தவங்களுக்கெல்லாம் உயிர் உண்மை சாஸ்திரங்களுக்கெல்லாம் வேர். உண்மை இன்பத்திற்கு நல்லுறுதி. உண்மை பரமாத்மாவின் கண்ணாடி. ஆதலால் தமிழா, எல்லாச் செய்திகளிலும் உண்மை நிலவும் படி செய்."

அதே வேளை தமிழ் மொழி குறித்துச் சற்று வித்தியாசமான கருத்துக்களையும், ஏன் கடுமையான கருத்துக்களையும் கூட அவர் வெளியிட்டுள்ளார். "தமிழில் எழுத்துக் குறை" என்ற தலைப்பில் ஒரு கட்டுரையையும் "தமிழ்ப்பாஷைக்கு உள்ள குறைகள்" என்ற தலைப்பில் ஓர் உரையாடல் கட்டுரையையும் அவர் எழுதியுள்ளார். தமிழ்க்குரல் அன்பர்களின் தமிழ்ப்பசிக்கு அவை தீனி போடுவதாகவே அமையும் என்பது எமது கருத்து! அவற்றில் இருந்து சில வசனங்கள்:

"பிரெஞ்சு, இங்கிலீஷ் முதலிய ஐரோப்பிய பாஷைகளிலும், ஹிந்தி முதலிய நமது நாட்டுப் பாஷைகளிலே வளர்வனவெல்லாவற்றிலும் - உயிருள்ள பாஷைகளிலே வளர்வனவெல்லாவற்றிலும்-உச்சரிப்புத் திருத்தத்தைக் கருதிப் பழைய எழுத்துக்களில் சில அடையாளங்கள் சேர்த்து சௌகர்யப்படுத்திக் கொள்ளுங்கள். இதனால் எழுத்தின் வடிவத்தில் யாருக்கும் சந்தேகம் நேரிடாது. இந்த எளிய வழியை அனுசரித்த நமது தமிழ் மொழி விசாலமடைய வேண்டுமென்பதே என்னுடைய விருப்பம்."

"சென்றிடுவீர் எட்டுத்திக்கும்-கலைச்
செல்வங்கள் யாவும் கொணர்ந்திங்கு
சேர்ப்பீர்"

என்று தான் பாடியதின் உட்கருத்தை இவ்வாறு இன்னுமொரு பாடலிலும் தருகின்றார்.

பிறநாட்டு நல்லறிஞர் சாத்திரங்கள்
தமிழ்மொழியிற் பெயர்த்தல் வேண்டும்
இறவாத புகழுடைய புதுநூல்கள்
தமிழ் மொழியில் இயற்றல் வேண்டும்
மறைவாக நமக்குள்ளே பழங்கதைகள்
சொல்வதிலோர் மகிமை இல்லை
திறமான புலமையெனில் வெளிநாட்டோர்
அதை வணங்கச் செய்தல் வேண்டும்.

அது மட்டுமல்ல தனது கட்டுரை ஒன்றில் கீழ்வருமாறும் எழுதியிருக்கின்றார்.

"தமிழா பயப்படாதே ஊர்தோறும் தமிழ்ப்பள்ளிக் கூடங்கள் போட்டு ஐரோப்பிய சாஸ்திரங்களை எல்லாம் தமிழில் கற்றுக்கொடுக்க ஏற்பாடு செய்"

தமிழன் உயரவேண்டும். தமிழ் மொழி சிறப்புற வேண்டும் என்று பாரதி விரும்பினார். அதையே உரக்கவும் சொன்னார். ஆனால் பாரதியின் வசன நடையிலும், பாடல்களிலும் அநேக சமஸ்கிருத சொற்கள் கலந்து வந்ததை மறுப்பதற்கில்லை. அதேபோல் சாதிகள் இல்லை என்று சொன்ன பாரதி, அந்த சாதிப்பேயை அழிப்பதாக நினைத்துக் கொண்டு தாழ்த்தப்பட்ட சாதியினரைப் பிராமணராக்கும் முயற்சியிலும் ஈடுபட்டவர்தான்.

ஆனால் இதனைப் பாரதியின் குறைகள் என்று கருதுவதை விட அந்தக் குறைகளில் இருந்து வெளிப்பட முனைந்த போது ஏற்பட்ட தவறுகள் என்றுதான் கொள்ள வேண்டும்! பாரதி வாழ்ந்த காலம் அப்படி! சீரழிந்து போன சமுதாயச் சேற்றில் இருந்து தன்னை விடுவித்துக் கொண்டு புரட்சிகரமான சிந்தனைகளுடன் வெளியே வந்தவன் இந்த மகாகவி!

அவன் இன்னும் நீண்ட காலம் வாழ்ந்திருந்தால் காலத்தின் பிடியால் தன்மீது ஒட்டியிருந்த மற்றத் தூசுகளையும் தூக்கி எறிந்து தமிழ் இனத்தை, தமிழ் மொழியை மேலும் மிளிர வைத்து உலக மகாகவியாகத் திகழ்ந்திருப்பான்.! நல்லதொரு வீணையாக விளங்கியவனின் அருமை தெரியாமல் காலமும், மக்களும் அவனை புழுதியில் தள்ளினர். அவர் தன்னைப்பற்றி பாடிய பாடலை இந்த தினத்தில் அவருக்கு காணிக்கையாக்குகின்றோம்.

இந்த ஆய்வுக்குப் பாரதி பற்றிய பல நூல்கள் பயன்பட்டன. பல சொல்லாடல்கள் அப்படியே எடுத்தாளப்பட்டுள்ளன. சம்பந்தப்பட்ட அனைவருக்கும் எனது பணிவான நன்றிகள்.

                                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                                         

MADHARASAPATTINAM TO CHENNAI

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