In memory of Tiruvalluvar

Tiruvalluvar Day is celebrated on January 16. PARUTHIYUR K. SANTHANARAMAN throws light on a temple dedicated to the Tamil poet in Mylapore, Chennai.

The temple for the writer of Thirukkural at Mylapore.

MYLAI NATHAMUNI Mudaliyar, in his `Thirumayilai Thalavaralaru' narrates Tiruvalluvar's biography in 51 Tamil verses. Valluvar's livelihood came from weaving and he purchased raw materials from Aelelasingar, an overseas trader. Aelelasingar considered Tiruvalluvar as his Gnanaguru.

According to Nadhamuni Mudaliyar, Tiruvalluvar was a Sivayogi and blessed his disciple with Panchakshara (Namasivaya) mantra. Tiruvalluvar wrote Tirukkural on the request of Azhaganandar, son of Aelelasingar, and other well-wishers. After the launch of Tirukkural at Madurai, Tiruvalluvar hurried back to have darshan of Lord Siva of Tiruvottriyur. Aelelasingar converted Tiruvalluvar's residence at Mylapore into a temple and conducted annual festivals after the Siddhi of Valluvar.

The Tiruvalluvar temple is situated in Tiruvalluvar Koil Street. There are two arches at the entrance. Ample parking space is available between the two arches and there is a library to the left.

In the sanctum sanctorum, Moolavar Tiruvalluvar is in `Padmasana,' facing the east with his right hand in `Chinmudra' and the `Tirukkural Suvadi' in his left hand.

The four-feet-tall Moolavar is installed on a two-feet-high platform. Panchaloha Utsava idols of Valluvar and Vasuki are also kept in the same sannidhi. There is a separate niche for Vasuki in the northwest. She has a lotus in one hand and her other hand is in the `Varadha mudra'. There are also separate shrines for Lord Vigneswara, Siva, Ambigai, Murugan and other deities in the southern prakaram. Mylai Tiruvalluvar Tamil Sangam (MTS Academy) is conducting Tirukkural classes on weekdays (6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.). Eminent Tamil scholars teach all the 1,330 verses in three months' time. For further details, contact: 2495 14 15.

Courtesy: http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/03/11/stories/2005031102210300.htm

Additional Links: http://indhiya-suttrum-vaaliban.blogspot.com/2006/09/temples-in-chennai-1-mylapore.html