Ancient Temples of Tamilnadu/Preface

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From very ancient times Tamilnadu has been called the Divine Tamil land. Ever since the pre-historic times many great leaders have emphasised the fact how religion is indispensable and essential for life. Among those religions (creeds) Saivism and Vaishnavism are the oldest and important ones particularly to Tamilnadu. These two and others connected with them have been named as 'Hindu Religion', by people who came later. Even today we see how the Hindus living all over India, have varied systems and principles. Yet, they have never failed to worship and revere Siva and Vishnu.

Even before 2000 years Saivism and Vaishnavism flourished in Tamilandu. In the middle period Buddhism and Jainism came from the North. Once people feared that Buddhism and Jainism might rule and even destroy Saivism and Vaishnavism. Buddhism flourished first and later Jainism. Many Kings of Tamilnadu embraced Jainism and fostered it. But in the beginning of seventh century many great Saiva and Vaishnava saints appeared and did many wonders. They wandered, singing devine hymns, from place to place and thereby reinstated Saivism and Vaishnavism by putting an end to Buddhism and Jainism. Ever since that day these two religions have been greatly cherished by the people of Tamilnadu. Though there are people who had embraced other religions that came later, e.g. Islam and Christianity, they are very small in number. Moreover many of them still worship the deities of Saivism and Vaishnavism.

Many great Saiva saints who lived in the seventh century toured many places and sang the glories of Siva temple in those places and thereby impressed the Saiva faith in the minds of the people. Many who came later also toured many places and sang various hymns. Such holy places glorified by their hymns are considered to be important and sacred. In the same way, the places praised by Vaishnava Saints have become important and sacred. Such sacred places are 1008 in Saivism and 108 in Vaishnavism. Of the 1008 Saiva centres, today we have only less number of centres as places where Thevaram has been sung. A good many of them are situated in Tanjore District. Many great Chola Kings of that time and the contemporary Pandya Kings and the later Vijayanagara Kings built these temples, we see around us, and fostered Saivism. These temples became centres to foster faith, society, art, civilisation and culture. Many who tour the country know very well that the life of the people has become almost dependent on the temples. ​Many kings of the middle ages and others have donated lands and other properties to the temples in Tamilnadu. Hence religion flourished well. Many temples even today possess lot of wealth and get income. Most of them are under the direct Supervision of the State Government. By directing the income of the temples for the benefit of the people, the Government has brought about a closer link between religion and Society.

Thousands of pilgrims visit such holy places every day. Lakhs of people assemble during the times of Brahmotsavas that happen once a year. Apart from Tamilians many from various parts of India visit the temples in Tamilnadu, throughout the year. Many foreigners do not go back without visiting atleast some of these temples. They visit places like Rameshwaram, Madurai, Palani, Thiruchendur, Chidambaram, Thiruvarangam, Kanchi and Mahabalipuram. They are amazed at the wonderful art and other things seen there. They admire how life is linked with God. There are many great works in Tamil about such glorious temples and the places where they are situated. During the last two centuries many books on holy places have come up. Some of them are translations from Sanskrit. Apart from these, many hymns have been written, praising the (Deity) God in every village. Yet they are of no use for people who do not know Tamil. Pilgrims from the North and many foreigners have only been able to admire and evience surprise. Moreover the festivals in various temples are referred to according to Tamil months. Corresponding English months are given separately in the end. Regarding charges for Archana and Abhisheka and Naivedyams, though they vary slightly at different temples, are acceptable easily even to common people. Some places that are not referred to in the Thevaram also find a place here. Certain places sacred to Lord Muruga are included. I have included a page illustrating the inscriptions in the temples. The names of Saiva & Vaishnava saints are also included in the end. I am sure this book will be of immense help for foreigners who wish to visit the temples in Tamilnadu.

I am very much thankful to the Tirumalai Tirupathi Devasthanam and its executive officer in particular for sanctioning a grant of Rs. 5000/- (five thousand) for this publication.

Many have rendered various help for the publication of this work. The assistance given by Mr. G. Kalyanam Pillai, who was then the Editor of the monthly "Thirukkoil" of Hindu Religious endowments and his colleagues, is invaluable. Srilasri Somasundara Thambiran ​head of the Prachara Nilayam of Dharmapuram Adhinam (now Mahasanithanam of Dharmapuram Mutt) has helped me greatly. Many people in various places visited by me had helped me. Many assisted me by lending their books. Many friends had helped during my visits and observations at various temples. Mr. Uppili, M. A., Professor of English, Theagaraja College, now Principal of Sowrastra College, Mathurai and Mr. N. Ramaswamy, Professor of English, Pachaiyappa’s College, Madras, have helped me in various ways from the begining. I feel grateful to all these friends.

I pray to God who had guided me and helped me as an invisible guide in the publication of this work.

Tamil Kalai Illam	${\displaystyle \scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}}$	A. M. PARAMASIVANANDAM
Madras-30 31-7-65