Our wanderings and perceptions

On Friday we set out to Tirunelveli which is 75 kms from Sankarankoil. This seems to be quiet a happening place.  We went straight to the Nellaiappar Temple. This temple seem have come into existence in the Pandyas era and the later kingdoms have contributed to the structures of the now standing temple. This is quiet a large temple and similar to the other temples we have been visiting in this trip - each God in this temple has their own separate shrine. Here also there were many devotees from Sabarimala pilgrimage in the temple and we had wait in long queue. Lord Nellaiyappar in the form of Lingam could be worshipped very near to the shrine. As we go around the corridor of this Lord we see intricate stone work around the temple and prasadams being made, We have then move to the next shrine which is quiet far away with just a small path connecting us to the Goddess Gandhimathiamman. We could worship her in a yellow saree with eyes full of mercy. On the way we can see many different...

On the Thursday morning we started our trip to Kanyakumari from Sankarankoil. We have been planning to visit Kanyakumari for a long time now but could not make, had to cancel it twice at the last minute. So this time we went though its not part of this trip's plan. We took a break at Tirunelveli to have our breakfast, but for that we drove straight to Kanyakumari non-stop. The national highway 43 which leads to Kanyakumari was pleasure to drive. As we neared Nagercoil on either side of the road one can see numerous large windmills swinging. As we near the end of this subcontinent the temperature started soaring. As we reached the beach we realised its been pouring with visitors.  Everywhere you turn you can see a huge crowd. After round and round to find a parking space, we got one after 40 mins as the usual parking areas were all full. We did get hold of a open space but could park there conveniently for Rs. 50 just near the Food court opposite to the beach. Got ourselves refreshe...

At Sankarankoil we were put up at Hamsa Heritage. By 4 PM we checked in there. This accommodation was suggested by a Friend and it lived up to the expectation. For Rs.1800 per night it provides a large room with the minimal amenities. We had tea and took a nap as we had driven from Madurai this morning. The weather at Sankarankoil was pleasant. As we neared Sankarankoil, it was cloudy and the breeze was welcoming. Post the nap we took a walk and had dinner at the hotel's restaurant called Meenthulli. Name suggested non-veg but it was a veg restaurant offering north Indian and Chinese items apart from local food. Many locals came in to get a flavour of non-local food here. The next day, Wednesday saw us driving to Tenkasi after breakfast at Meenthulli. The KasiViswanathar temple at Tenkasi entrance was very different from the other temples we have seen so far in Tamilnadu. The huge gopuram can be reached only after climbing a hand full of steps. The width of the step is so big that ...