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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

In 1960 I was asked to write this book by some Bombay firm and I accepted their offer. It took nearly five years for me to visit important places during my holidays and gather informations. I have completed the book in 1965. But only now the book is coming to light, with the help of Tirupati Devasthanam. Because it was written some 20 years ago, some facts are there, as mentioned at the time of writing and the distances are mentioned only in miles. So also some incidents such as Kumbabishekam etc, are mentioned as they were done ‘recently’ and also references of transports such as T.V.S. Since I did not want to change them I have published as they were. However in the next edition, I want to correct all of them up to date and to include some more sacred places in the book. I have to thank the Tirumalai Thirupathi Devasthanams which was kind enough to help me with their financial assistance of Rs, Five thousand (Rs. 5000/-) for publishing this book, under their scheme “Aid to Publish Religious Books”.

Regarding the Photos, the executive officers of Tiruchenkodu and Tiruchendur, sent their temple photos. His holiness, the head of Dharmapura Athinam was kind enough to help me by sending three blocks-two of Sirkazi and one of Vaitheswaran Koil. Some of my friends who are living in Kancheepuram, Tiruchi, Madurai, Thirunelvely,Palani, and Nagarkoil had helped me a lot and sent the photos which I wanted. I thank them all.

The archaelogical Department of Tamil Nadu, especially its director Dr. Nagasami and Thiru N. Kasinathan, helped me in getting more than 10 photos including that of an Inscription. I owe much to them.