Eminent Columnists

Thursday, 24 February 2011 17:36 Sarvamangala

Tamil Nadu is a land blessed with temples. Continuing the journey of these temples from the last month, here are some more famous temples of Tamil Nadu.

MEENAKSHI TEMPLE
Location: Madurai
Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in the holy city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Parvati who is known as Meenakshi and her consort Lord Shiva, who is known here as Sundareshwarar or Beautiful Lord.

The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500-year-old city and is situated in the heart of Madurai covering an area of 17 acres, with the entire city being built around it. The complex houses 14 magnificent gopurams or towers including two golden gopurams for the main deities that are elaborately sculptured and painted. High walls enclose the temple complex and there are two sanctums of Sundareshwarar and Meenakshi in the center of the complex which are surrounded by a number of smaller shrines and grand pillared halls.

The towers rise from solid granite bases and are adorned with stucco figures of the deities, mythical animals and grotesque figures painted in bright colours. The tallest temple tower is 51.9 metres (170 ft) high. The temple has five entrances and covers an area of 847 feet (254.1 meters) in length and 792 feet (237.6 meters) in width in the North South direction. The circumference of the Adi Veedhi, which is the path within the great walls, is 830 feet (249 meters) on the east west end and measures 730 feet (219 meters) from North South direction.

The temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya and was converted into a magnificent structure by the Nayaks, who ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century AD. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature.

According to local legends, Malayadwaja Pandya was the king of Madurai. He did not have any child for a long time so he performed many yagnas and sacrifices before a sacred fire. During one of the sacrifices, a three-year-old girl came out of the fire and Malayadwaja adopted her. The girl had three breasts, which was the reason of worry for Malayadwaja. However, a divine voice gave assurance to him that the third breast would disappear as soon as she met her consort. The girl became a brave and beautiful princess and won many battles. She finally lost her heart to Lord Shiva, when she met him on the battlefield in Kailash. Her third breast disappeared as soon as she saw him and she recognized her divine consort. They ruled over the Pandya kingdom for some time and then settled in the Meenakshi temple at Madurai as Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar.

Pottramaraikulam (golden lotus tank) is an ancient tank of the temple where devotees take bath in the holy water. The area around this tank was the meeting place of the Tamil Sangam - the ancient academy of poets. The history of the sangam goes back to the days when Gods dallied with men. This academy judged the worth of any work of literature presented before it by throwing it into the tank. Only those that did not sink were considered worthy of attention. The tank is surrounded by a pillared corridor and steps lead down to the tank, enabling worshippers to take bath in it.

NATARAJA TEMPLE
Location: Chidambaram
The Nataraja or Chidambaram Natarajar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram, 78 km south of Pondicherry and 60 km north of Karaikal in Cuddalore District, the east-central part of Tamil Nadu. The Sangam classics refer to Viduvelvidugu Perumtaccan, respected clan of traditional Vishwakarmas, as being the chief architect of the temple renovation. There have been several renovations in its history, particularly during the days of Chola emperors in ancient and pre-medieval periods.

In Hindu literature, Chidambaram is one of the five holiest Shiva temples, each representing one of the five natural elements; Chidambaram represents akasha (aether/space). The other four temples in this category are; Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (water), Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth), Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire) and Kalahasti Nathar (wind).

A unique feature of this temple is the bejewelled image of Nataraja. It depicts Lord Shiva as the Lord of the Dance, Bharatanatyam and is one of the few temples where Shiva is represented by an anthropomorphic murthi rather than the classic lingam. The Nataraja (in an Ananda Tandava posture) symbolises the motion of the universe as sustained by Lord Shiva, and is famous all over the world as the absolute synthesis in metal art.

This celestial dancing posture tells us how a Bharatanatyam dancer should dance; the demon under Nataraja’s feet signifies that ignorance is under his feet, the fire in one hand (power of destruction) means destroyer of evil, the raised hand signifies that he is the saviour of all life, the ring at the back signifies the cosmos and the drum in his hand signifies the origin of life. The pillars in the eastern tower of the temple depict Lord Nataraja in 108 different poses of the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam.

The temple has a striking roof covered with gold and has five courts. The temple complex spread over 40 acres is dedicated to both Lord Shiva Nataraja and Lord Govindaraja Perumal, one of the few temples where both the Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities are enshrined in one place.

Of the numerous temples that line Tamil Nadu, the Nataraja Temple is one of the most significant ones and is an example of the Chola architecture. In terms of its antiquity, richness in terms of worship and festival traditions, in architectural and sculptural splendour, in its association with music and dance, it is a centre, second to none in representing the rich cultural heritage of India.

The Natyanjali Festival conducted here is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated every year during the months of February - March and continues for five days within the temple premises. It begins on the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri.

The origin of the temple is shrouded in mystery and there are many legends associated with it. The legend of Adi Shesha has it that, aroused with an irrepressible desire to witness Shiva’s dance in person at Chidambaram, Seshan descended to the earth as Patanjali. There is yet another legend associated which commemorates the dance duel between Shiva and Kali. This legend has been portrayed in the Nritta Sabha, one of the halls within the temple.

Month: January 2011.

Thursday, 24 February 2011 17:28 Ushasri Ponnaganti

I am all confounded as hell. Like I used to be, when I was picked out of my class of fifty-five students to explain a particular problem, by my math teacher.
Let me explain.

We have been having one scam followed by another. Corrupt politicians followed by officials.

Goondaism in the form of religion extremists. Holier-than-thou journalists being exposed as petty deal fixers. Members of the Parliament caught trying to smuggle people outside the country.

Purchasing toilet paper at 50 times its usual cost for an international sporting event. Telecom licenses being given away for a song. Real estate prices booming and crashing along with the share market prices. Corrupt politicians evading the law and corrupt businessmen landing behind bars.

Bomb blasts galore, terrorists everywhere, delayed trains, buses and flights, overcrowded schools, a million beggars and destitutes....

It just amazes me that we continue to function as a nation despite all this. And throw up a few Fortune 500 champions, a few beauty queens and music composers of international standing and world champion sportsmen.

And, to top it all, the rest of the world is looking at India warily. Wondering what surprise it would toss up next.

In the face of high rise buildings surrounded by hutments, billionaires faced off by paupers, this nation is an amazing paradox.

Actually the answer came to me when I was reminiscing about that day in the math class. The math teacher would then look at me expectantly for the answer. My classmates would look at me awaiting the next hilarious Arvind Chenji episode in math. And I would look into myself to see if I could by sheer force of will power turn the question towards some of the others.

I would however speak softly, wave my hands towards the board, which from the last bench could be construed as waving towards the whole class. And then I would throw in words like Pythagoras theorem, add medians loudly enough and get by.

Fifty-five cheerful brats in a classroom, full of beans, and some of them would let us know by our olfactory functions that they were indeed full of yesterday’s beans, none interested in math.......I wouldn’t blame the teacher for producing a photographer instead of a mathematician in me.

And yet we loved the school. The ‘saboon ka jhaad’ which grew in the compound, ‘Maamu ke dukaan ka fatafat, jaamwale ki oodhi chutney, baraf ke gole with khova’ and of course the affection and family-like bonding of all my friends.

And if one is trained to live under such extreme conditions, AND survive and thrive, then we have along the way picked up a tip or two, or perhaps a gene or two from the lowly cockroach. Survival is either of the fittest or the most resilient.

And boy, are we trained to be resilient?

"If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher."
- Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, Former President of India

Month: January 2011.

Thursday, 24 February 2011 17:25 Dr. K Sai Krishna

I'm 15-years-old and already have an acne problem. The wounds, although cured, leave behind blemishes and marks that are quite unlikeable. Nothing seems to totally eliminate acne scarring. I'm still trying to understand my skin type. Could you aid in easing my acne problem's potential long-term ruins? Thanks. - Pranava.

Acne scars are now very much treatable. Since you are 15-years-old and seem to be suffering with marks left behind by acne, I would give you a few tips. Firstly, avoid meddling with your acne since such acne might leave deeper and more prominent pigmentation or blemishes, which would take considerable time to get away. Do not trust any over-the-counter product to cure you of your acne or its blemishes, since acne is treatable and not curable. You need to use appropriate medication to keep it under control. Skin type during teens is a mixed type since in some areas there will be prominent sebum production (oil) and some areas may feel a bit dry. Avoid taking excess of oily, spicy and fatty foods. Drink water or fruit juices to hydrate your skin. Do not rub your skin too hard with the towel or cloth; this might damage upper layers of skin causing secondary infection. To prevent long term damage to your skin, kindly consult your dermatologist for appropriate medication.

Why do I have random pimples on my arms and abdomen? Is it because of the weather or the food that I eat? What can I do to prevent it? Thanks. - Ram Kumar.
You have not mentioned, since how long and how frequent or how persistent these lesions are. So, kindly send me the details for further help.

I have been suffering from psoriasis since the past few years. I was put on many medications like creams and tablets. I tried homeopathy but there was not much response. I have heard about biologicals. Are these effective and safe? Please let me know. - Sai Sudeep.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease and persists for years. But it can be brought under control with various medications. When you are under medication it gets controlled and once medication is stopped it might reoccur. Permanent cure of psoriasis with medications alone might be impractical since the disease is multi-factorial and it occurs because of several factors such as genetics, environmental changes, stress etc. There is no need to get disheartened because medications when used properly as directed would definitely bring the disease under control. Biologicals are a newer line of treatment wherein the basic cellular changes of the particular disease are targeted. They are in use for several other diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. Their safety is proven and the drugs have the approval of USFDA. Few preliminary investigations are required before confirming that you are suitable for such medications. For example, a person with strong predilection for acquiring tuberculosis or previously affected might not be suitable for such medications. These biologicals work by targeting specific steps in pathogenesis of psoriasis and they are non-toxic to other organs. Patients with moderate-to-severe type psoriasis are ideal for this treatment. Psoriatic arthritis also responds well to this line of treatment. Cost factor restricts the use of these medications since it would cost you in thousands. So, these are started if the patient is not responding to routine medications. Kindly approach a dermatologist for further management.

Month: January 2011.

Tuesday, 30 November 2010 17:44 Dr K Sai Krishna

In summers when I have a-couple-of-days hair growth on my face, my chin starts itching. And when I shave, I have red spots that at times bleed. I can tell this is going to happen before I shave due to the itching. It’s always only on my chin and it’s not every time I shave. What is the cause and how to prevent it. Please suggest a remedy. - Noel.

Itching in the beard area can be because of Seborrheic Dermatitis, something similar to dandruff on the scalp. Post shaving you might be developing Pseudofolliculitis, which is a reaction pattern to ingrowing tough hair. Also there is a possibility of Seborrheic Folliculitis again because of Seborrheic Dermatitis. Kindly approach a dermatologist for proper evaluation and further management. Meanwhile, you can try not to go in for a close shave. Apply good moisturizing creams such as Emoderm at night.

I have two questions about my skin. My first question is about persons who have white patches on their skin; there is a common belief that if milk is taken after fish it might cause these disorders. Is it true? Kindly tell me about the reality and also what are the real factors behind it? Is it curable? My second question pertains to hair; kindly tell me how can we get rid of dandruff? Is it possible to cure falling hair? Hope you can help clarify my doubts. - Suguna.

Regarding your first question I presume that you are asking on behalf of somebody so let me answer in a more general way. People say so many things, most of the time without any scientific background. Today’s medicine practice is evidence based and not hear say. I have not come across anything in my practice till date which has suggested that combination of milk and fish causes white patches or Leucoderma. Leucoderma or to be exact Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition, something similar to thyroid or diabetes problem, where in our cells are attacked by our own body Lymphocytes. In Vitiligo, Melanocytes, the colour producing cells in the skin are destroyed by these cells leading to its formation. White patches can also be produced if these cells are destroyed by outside factors such as chemicals or burns. Regarding its curability there are different patterns of Vitiligo, such as those occurring only on lip and tips of fingers, those which occur in only one side of the body, those which occur around bony prominences and those which are generalized in appearance. One can roughly say Vitiligo in areas which have abundant hair has better prognosis than compared to areas affecting non-hair bearing areas. There are several medications which can effectively treat Vitiligo. Including latest NB UVB therapy and Excimer Laser, can be used to treat the lesions effectively. Cases where there is poor response to treatments but the disease has not progressed for more than one year, we can consider surgical options of management such as grafting or melanocyte transfer techniques.

Regarding the hair problem, dandruff is absolutely treatable with various anti-fungal shampoos such as ZPTO (zinc pyrithione) containing shampoos. But unfortunately it is recurrent i.e. it is going to repeat itself. Dandruff is superficial flakes of skin dead layers which accumulate on the scalp and excess formation is associated with a fungus called Malassezia furfur. Eradication with good anti-fungal products can give remissions for long duration.

Third part of your question about curing of hair fall depends on the cause for the hair loss and it is beyond this article to go into details of the causes. Taking good nutrition and avoiding stress are important. Kindly consult your dermatologist for further information and treatment.

Month: December 2010.

Tuesday, 30 November 2010 17:40 Sarvamangala P

This month our sojourn of temples down South will take us to the land of Tamil Nadu. There are numerous temples in Tamil Nadu and all of them are easily accessible and well connected.

TIRUVOTRIYUR TEMPLE
The main shrine is known as Adipureeswarar and is dedicated to Lord Shiva; it is a lingam made of earth and covered with a kavacham. This kavacham is opened only on the day of Karthikai or full moon. This ancient temple, which is in northern Chennai, was built during the Chola period and was a Vedic centre during that time. The Chola kings who were reining the Thondainadu (old name of this place) patronized the worship of Shiva. King Rajendra Chola rebuilt the central shrine of Adipureeswarar and erected a vimanam with black stone. Great Saivite saints Pattinathar, Ramalinga Adigalar, Appar, Sambandar had visited this temple and sung the glory of the Lord.

There is also one Tripata Trimurthy shrine which combines Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma; which shows that Vishnu and Brahma are engaged in the worship of Shiva. A separate shrine for Vadivudaiyammai is also there, which attracts large crowds during the month of Aadi on Tuesdays and Fridays. There are separate shrines for other deities like Ganapathy, Subramanya etc. You can also see the images of the 63 Saivite saints inscribed around the main shrine of Adipureeswarar.

The temple architecture is superb and is one of the three important Shivasthalams (places where Lord Shiva is worshipped) other than Thiruvanmiyur (Marundeeswarar) and Thirumayilai (Kapaleeswarar). This temple is associated greatly with dance of the Lord which is widely known as ‘Sundaranatanam’ which means dance of Sundarar (another name of Lord Shiva). The most impressive thing in the temple is its Rajagopuram and mandapams. The temple is situated in a vast compound and the inscriptions on the pillars of the mandapams are that of the 12th Century.

Festivals in this temple are celebrated with great significance and are related to the dance of Thyagaraja. The Saivite saint Sundarar’s association with this temple is also celebrated with great reverence.

THIRUVANMIYUR TEMPLE
This old temple is situated in Thiruvanmiyur on the road to Mamallapuram. It was built in the 11th Century by the Cholas. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Marundeeswarar (Lord Shiva). It is said that the author of Ramayana, Valmiki worshipped here. The name is due to his association. ‘Valmikiyur’ in due course became ‘Vanmikiyur’ and finally ‘Vanmiyur’. A shrine dedicated to Valmiki and Pamban Swamigal Samadhi is also found near this shrine.

A few decades ago, the Marundeeswarar temple at Tiruvanmiyur used to be virtually deserted. Today, it has been colourfully painted up and receives a steady crowd. The name of the temple tells the story. Lord Shiva is said to have given relief from health problems to the sage Agastya, the Sun God and the Moon God here. While Agastya was suffering from a stomach ache after he had vatapi, the Sun and Moon were suffering from a terrible disease because of ‘gurupatni dosham’. It was Agastya who named the deity as ‘Aushadeeswarar’, the Tamil translation of which is ‘Marundeeswarar’.

The Sun and the Moon, it is said, perform puja at this temple every evening. The deity faces west as the Sun does the honours at sunset time. Unlike other Shiva temples, this temple does not have a shrine to the Navagrahas because the Sun and Moon are in prayer mode here.

The main ‘lingam’ is described as Swayambu. He is also called ‘Palvannanathan’ because Kamadhenu, the divine cow, used to shower him with milk constantly. There is a small pit on the ‘head’ of the deity which legend says is the mark of Kamadhenu’s hoof. The ‘devi’ here is Thiruppurasundari.

There is an architectural peculiarity in this temple. Part of it has been built in the Chola style of architecture and part of it in the Pallava style. The Kumbabhishekam after renovation was conducted in 1995. Those who visit this temple sincerely believe, as do the priests, that the mixture of sacred ash, milk and water offered at the temple and consumed thereafter can cure any ailment.

THIRUPORUR TEMPLE
This temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga and is situated about 40 km south of Chennai. The Thiruporur temple is located at a place named Thiruporur which is believed to be the place where Tarakasuran was vanquished by Lord Subrahmanya. Soora Samharam, the defeat and salvation to the demon Soorapadman, is an important festival of this temple. It was built by Chidambara Swamigal in the mid-17th Century. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shanmuga and there is a shrine of Devayani inside the temple courtyard. A tank lies on the southern side of the temple and is known as Vallayaar Odai or Shanmuga Theertham.

There are two chakras (wheel) in the temple which were installed by Swamigal. The first chakra known as ‘Srichakra’ is on the left hand of Lord Shanmuga and the second chakra, which is known as ‘Theertha-chakra’ is present in the sanctum sanctorum.
The five smaller shrines located in the temple are of Vinayaka; Lord Muruga with abhaya and varada-hasta; Lord Muruga where he resides with his staff varada-hasta and dhandayudha; Subrahmanya with kamandalu and rosary in hands; and Goddess Durga.

The presiding deity, Lord Shanmuga, is also known as Kandaswamy. There are beautiful stone inscriptions inside and it is believed that the Chola kings used to worship the deity of this temple. The shrine of Devayani has the image of Arcot Nawab inscribed on it.

The stone idol of Lord Shanmuga faces the eastern side and is beautifully adorned with ornaments. An important thing in this temple is that only a particular priest has the right to change the cloth of Lord Shanmuga and put the silver shield on him. A smaller deity is also present near the main idol, which is known as ‘chinnavar’ or younger.

Month: December 2010.