Religious Places as Public Spaces of Interaction | Marundeeswar Kovil, Chennai
Thiruvanmiyur is the neighbourhood in South Chennai where I currently live. I was born in the area and know all of its streets inside out. Tucked away in its corners are many old temples. The Marundeeswar temple is probably the neighbourhood's oldest structure. Evidence of its existence dates back to the Chola period during the 11th century. I pass by the temple on a daily basis. In my 26 years of life, I had not once stepped into it. Until a couple of weeks ago.
The temple sits at the beginning of the well-known road, ECR, to Pondicherry. It is a Shiva temple that is a popular place for worship for people with ailments. Fables of the temple's power to cure diseases are also inscribed in other temples around the state. However, the temple is not a tourist spot. It gets its share of visitors from around the city but the majority of the people are the locals of the neighbourhood. Like my parents.
My parents are ardent devotees and visit the temple on a daily basis. 2 years after they started their tradition of going to walk in the temple grounds, I was curious to know where they disappeared to every evening. So I accompanied them.
I've seen my fair share of temples and they usually tire me out. But the Marundeeswar temple had me at my first step.
First, there is an undeniable sense of calm as soon as you enter the temple. The temple tank in front is a place for the young and the old gathering around it for a quick chat.
Legend has it that sage Valmiki who wrote the Ramayana was blessed at this temple, giving the neighbourhood its original name - Thiruvalmikiur. Over time, this changed to Thiruvanmiyur. In his honour, a certain part of the neighbourhood is still called Valmiki Nagar.
What's special about the temple is that it is big, occupying an acre of land, and is mostly untouched by renovation or refurbishment. The colours of the temple's gopurams remain true to its original shades. Its stone pillars have not been painted over. The beauty of the temple is undeniable. I had to admit, this was definitely one of the nicest temples I had set foot in.
The mandapam or entrance to the main shrine is a stone colonnade with 36 intricately carved pillars telling the many stories of Shiva. Its sides are also places where people informally gather to exchange news and chit-chat.
![36085693_2087166621609808_8735805652900773888_n.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmWrQHVMkeHsyVMLcQL6iK1nrzsvUmrA267HJ4Rscc2YWW/36085693_2087166621609808_8735805652900773888_n.jpg)
A large covered space is where visitors choose to sit, speak and exchange news. A busy spot in the mornings and evenings, people also come by to sleep under the shade during the afternoons. It was then that I realised that temples were more than just places of worship. Temples are also places of public rest, recreation and interaction. According to my parents, the Marundeeswar temple is where all the neighbourhood mamas and maamis gather to unwind, catch up and arrange marriages. Some people have their beaches and bars. And others have their temples, churches and mosques.
This is great. One of the charms that comes through your writing, and your art, is the way you are a blend of the traditional and the modern. You do this with such grace, it's hard to believe you are only 26 years old. I love this post--the uncle catching up on the day's news, the shaded walkway where people chat and relax, and the long view of the West Entrance to the temple. I feel more peaceful after having read this.
I'm also a bit shy to write, to be honest. So it's wonderfully encouraging to hear your words. I'd never thought of myself as a blend of the traditional and the modern but you're right. I couldn't have put it any better. I'm humbled, @agmoore. Thank you so much for the confidence boost. And thank you for reading!
Always a pleasure to read and see what your esthetic brings to us, either through photography or your own art (more of that, please!).
Hehe, yes. I realise I've not been posting any of my artwork recently. I don't have access to a scanner easily anymore and I just detest using my phone for the purpose. Definitely on my mind to restart the #drawdiction posts.
I love the blue door with yellow buttons, great patina...
It's weird we never visit the city where you live as a tourist does. I lived more than 15 years in Paris and never went to the Eiffel Tower. Only 2 years ago, I went to the top but this time I was a tourist :-)
Ah oui?!
Yeah I completely understand not going to the common sights of the place we live in. The Eiffel tower for me happened during a lazy afternoon with a friend when both of us realised that we had never been up to the top. We just did it on a whim.
The colours of the doors are just beautiful. I like doors.
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These are incredible photos! Thank you for sharing :D
Thanks for checking them out, @kristyglas! Quickly looled at your page and I love your artwork!