Kundrakkudi, Marudhu Brothers and Marudham trees!

Kundrakkudi is a remote village sprawling around a small hillock near Karaikkudi in Sivaganga Dt.

The beautiful small temple atop the hillock is dedicated to the popular Tamil God Shunmuga. The temple is under the administration of ‘Thiruvannamalai Mutt’, popularly known as ‘Kundrakkudi Adheenam’.

Few glimpses of the beautiful village-scape from the temple atop the hillock;

Kundrakkudi sthala puranam – i.e. the temple history is closely associated with the Elder Marudhu of Marudhu brothers, the popular rulers of Sivagangai Samasthanam [kingdom of Sivaganga] comprising this region.


Ceiling murals at the temple depicting the incident related to Elder Marudhu to this temple;

The temple bell;  

A Chettinaadu patterned building abutting the hillock;

Sivaganga kingdom was carved out of Ramnad Samasthan out of a matrimonial arrangement.The second hereditary ruler of Sivaganga, Muthu Vaduganadha Thevar, martyred in the Kalayarkovil battle, fighting the combined forces of the British East India Company and Arcot Nawab in 1772.

It is history that Rani Velunachiar, the queen of the martyred ruler, mobilized a patriotic army and liberated Sivaganga lands in 1780 and successfully ruled for 10 years. After her demise, the charge of the sovereignty was bequeathed over to the Marudhu brothers, the valiant generals who guarded the kingdom tirelessly, by the will of the Rani. The immensely popular Marudhu brothers carried out several irrigation works and temple works during their reign.

Periya Marudhu, the elder one was the sovereign ruler of the Kingdom while the actual administration was handled by the younger Marudhu.

The younger Marudhu was a close friend of Oomaithurai, the competent younger brother of Veerapandya Kattabomman of Panjalamkurichy. Chinna Marudhu gave his all out support to Oomaithurai's fervent endeavor against the British colonizing efforts. The British records mention this  as 'Polygar wars'. In modern interpretation these wars waged by the local chieftains with the immense support of the peasantry is acclaimed as 'the South Indian rebellion' and the day is yet to come to name it as the first war of Indian independence as it was about half a century before the 1857 popular uprising.   

I was deeply enthralled by the majestic life size statutes of Marudhu brothers in worshiping form at the ‘Utsav Murthy Mandap' of Kundrakkudi temple. I consider these statutes as more realistic images than their counterparts at ‘Kalayar kovil’ Shiva temple and ‘Thirumohur’ Perumal temple.

The elder Marudhu;

 The younger Marudhu;

Here Chinna Marudhu appears to be slightly taller and sturdier than his elder brother. The temple priest interestingly guided me by saying, ‘the bigger one is the smaller Marudhu!’

From the British records, such as the British East India Company Army’s Col. James Welsh’s ‘Military Reminiscences’, we come to know that the Periya Marudhu was dexterous in using ‘valari’ [a boomerang weapon uniquely used in this region]. He is also mentioned as a passionate hunter and capable of bending metal coins merely by his fingers. Another noteworthy, information is that the brothers, in spite of ascending to the ruling position from their humble, commoner backgrounds, led a spartan lifestyle and did'nt lean to flamboyance.

Marudhu brothers in one of the popular contemporary depictions

I am always delighted about this pristine pure Tamil name, ‘Marudhu’, which simply means a ‘hardy one’. This popular native name indicates Marudham tree [Terminalia Arjuna]. In Sanskrit, Marudham tree is referred as ‘Arjuna’. So Marudhu is the Tamil version of the popular Indian name, ‘Arjun’ which simply connotes a ‘sturdy one’. Marudham trees are taller, imposing and heavy. They usually grow in Marudham lands, the plains among the five Tamil landscape divisions. Marudhaiah, Marudha Nayagam and Marudha vaanan are few popular variants of the name Marudhu. 

Here, I want to mention an interesting, related old Tamil name, ‘Thinnan’ – just meaning a ‘robust one’ – which was the childhood name of ‘Kannappa Nayanaar’ – one of the 63 foremost leaders of Tamil Saivite religion, was named so by his parents as he was so strong even as a child. More interestingly, Kannappa Nayanaar hailing from a tribal clan in Northern Tamilnaadu is considered to be Arjuna – one of the famous Pandavas in his previous birth – as per the Tamil Saivite tradition.

Marudhu is a name closely associated with the Saivite religion. The three Saivite shrines of Srisailam [Mallikarjunam] in Kurnool District of Seemandhra State, Thiruvidaimarudhur, near Kumbakonam in Tanjore District and Thiruppudaimarudhur in Ambasamudram Taluk of Tirunelveli District are respectively referred as, ‘Thalai Marudhur’ [i.e. the first one], ‘Idai Marudhur’ [ i.e. the middle one] and the ‘Kadai Marudhur’ [ i.e. the last one]

Arjuna vaneswar, Marudha vaneswar and Marudheesar are the names of the presiding deity of the popular, Pillayarpatti temple, near Kundrakkudi which is one of the nine important hereditary temples of Nagarathaar clans – the ancient Tamil community of seafarers, involved in foreign trade in the ancient past. This minuscule minority community's tremendous contributions to the Tamil Saivite temple architecture across the Tamil lands and even beyond over time is ineffable and is a history in itself.

Vast plains of Southern Tamil country are Marudham, in topographic type and should have been in abundance of Marudham trees in the past.

Road from Tirunelveli town to ‘Kurukkuthurai ghats’ at Tamiraparani river-head and similar roads leading to river ghats at Cheranmahadevi, and Ambasamudram and the Tirunelveli - Tiruchendur road stretch are still dotted with rows of old, massive Marudham trees.

I witnessed gradual felling of a number of gigantic Marudham trees once majestically spreading their canopies on the arterial roads of Tirunelveli particularly so in the Vannarpettai stretch.

In my recent visit to Varushanaadu region of Theni District, I have found complete disappearance of Marudham trees [which were ubiquitous along the banks of river Vaigai as per the history of this region and confirmed by enquiries made] yielding way to commercial varieties such as silk cotton trees and coconut trees.

The towering Marudham tree is a cultural icon of the southern lands.

Marudham trees by their imposing presence usually define a landscape. They are abode to several special species like the huge fruit bats.

Dr. U.Ve.Sa., narrates an interesting anecdote of a Thiruppuvanam temple priest who fearlessly stopped a royal direction of the Marudhu Brothers themselves and prevented the felling of a Marudham tree on the Vaigai river bank! When called for the explanation, the priest shrewdly mentioned that the tree was the symbolic indication of the brothers themselves! The brothers who had plans to use that particularly chosen Marudham tree for making a temple chariot, had no other option but to concede to the plea of the priest and left that enormous Marudham tree.

Whether this historic Marudham tree still stands near Tiruppuvanam temple?

An ancient rock cut cave temple at the foot of Kundrakkudi hillock which belongs to Early Pandya period;

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River Vaigai @ Varushanaadu

Visited Varushanaadu recently with a group under the aegis of 'Madurai Thiruvilayadarpuranam Research Centre' interested in reviving the river Vaigai.

The originating point of Vaigai river is near Varushanaadu. ‘Varusha’ is a colloquial form of the Sanskrit word, ‘Varsham’ which means ‘down pour’. ‘Sri Rishya Sringa Maharishi Sthothram’ which was once recited by a large number of devotees during a severe drought time in Tirunelveli Nellaiappar Swamy temple for invoking the presence of the Maharishi - the sage,  prays for ‘Mahaavarsham’ meaning heavy rains. 

so Varushanaadu just denotes a rainfall region.

Vaigai unlike other rivers is not originating from any spring source as told by an informed local leader. Whenever downpour occurs, the rainwater rolls down as several streams which confluence at Varushanaadu to make out the flow of the river. So Varushanaadu is one of the prime catchment areas at the originating part of Vaigai river. 

Varusha naadu is the last significant village in the road which leads to the Megamalai Reserve forest from Kandamanur turning on the 'Madurai - Andipatti -Theni Road stretch'.

From Varushanaadu, the originating point of River Vaigai is just, some 20 -25 kms deep into the forest. The hill ranges are spectacular and cover the abutting, famed, kambam valley from the eastern side. However the forest cover appears to be not so thick enough to bring enough rainfall? It is also said that the forest cover in this area has considerably shrunk.

The awesome blue ranges of Western Ghats are beautifully running in the West and causing complete fort like cover up of the Kambam valley.

Enchanting views of Vaigai river course so beautifully stretching out from the forest background with its picturesque golden sands;

Vaigai course is so sandy in 'Kadamalai kundu -Mayiladum paarai - Varushanaadu stretch' thanks to the vigilance of the local communities against reckless mining. It was told by the locals that only some 15 days back there was a flood in this stretch which obviously should have percolated through the sand and the residual might have reached the Vaigai Dam. River sand is so vital for the stability of a river system as it keeps the subterranean dynamics of aquifer current of the river. River sand also purifies running water by serving as a natural filter.

River sand is so unique, so antique and so much a factor in an environmental balance. It is to be preserved like pebbles and myriad rock shapes that a river would make in its initial part called 'high course'.

 Bamboo thickets on the shores of Vaigai in Varusha naadu - abundant fresh water is a pre -condition for the growth of bamboo which is the highest carbon absorber;

Lovely spread of river sand at Mayilaadumpaarai near Varushanaadu! This is perhaps one of the few river course stretches in Tamilnaadu where the invaluable sand is still left as such;

So disheartening to see the (in) human littering particularly from a nearby liquor shop at Varushanaadu itself;

Even spitting into a river / water resource is pointed out as a forbidden taboo by 'Achaarakkovai', an ancient Tamil work, which codifies right conduct for the citizens. Where has gone that Tamil value system ?

Once, towering Marudham trees were said to be abundant on the banks as per Vikadan publisher's 'Varusha naattu zamin kadhai'. One of my colleagues 

hailing from this locality confirmed this. How come these Marudham trees completely vanished from the Vaigai banks? 

Now, the [commercially viable] silk cotton trees are ubiquitous along the course of the river. Commercialism at what cost? We have lost the 

majestic canopies of the Marudham trees. When a region with it's unique geo-weather features loses its naturally inhabiting flora and fauna the consequential fallout would certainly destabilize the environment. 

Wind Mills fascinatingly dotting the landscape [skies?] in Theni -Kandamanur -Andipatti course; 

It is disheartening to see Vaigai without water and deprived of its river sand and reduced to mere scattered puddles of sewage with obnoxious stench in Madurai city limits. 

Vaigai is also known as 'Siva Ganga' and 'Vegavathi' according to ParanjothiMunivar's famed 'Thiruvilayadarpuranam' one of the important Tamil Saivite literary works. Vaigai according to Thiruvilayadarpuranam came out of the blessings of God Shiva and is a part of the Ganges. 

Vegavathi means fast flowing. Thiruvilayadarpuranam says, 

".........காலிற் கடுகிவரு செய்தியாலே வேகவதி தீர்த்தம்....." 

meaning, 'Vegavathi is so called as its flow is speedier than the winds.' 

Flash floods still occur frequently in the high course of this river.

It is pertinent to note that on the eastern flank of Megamalai/ Varshanaadu lie Chathuragiri, Thanippaarai and Watrap [Wathiraairuppu],  where flash floods are common phenomena in the forest courses and streams. Interestingly 'Watrap' means 'never drying reserve'; well denoting the perennial water resource of this fertile region.

But may we ever be able to see a perennial flow in Vaigai in our present generation? 

I have heard from few local elders that they had witnessed the elegant flow of the river with her sandy river bed and lovely banks. 

Sangam literature like 'Paripaadal' and 'Madurai Kaanji' confirm the flow of the river with enchanting, dense groves adjoining the banks. There are also few ancient (now defaced) bathing ghats, like 'Royar Padithurai', 'Opula Padithurai' and 'Petchiamman Padithurai' on the Vaigai banks confirming the ancient cultural connectivity of the Madurai dwellers to the Vaigai waters. The vestiges of the check dam still at Aarappalayam which was part of the potable water supply system to the Madurai city during the British Raj, is another testimony.   

There is a network of ancient, man-made water storing system comprising some 374 and odd 'kanmaais' [irrigation purpose tanks] along the course of Vaigai river system. 

Vaigai river water conservation system of the ancient Pandya country is so elaborate, so meticulous and so ingenious as like any other ancient water systems of Tamilnaadu,  foresighted enough to withstand possible consequent droughts. The river itself does not directly fall into the sea but only drains into the 'Ramnaad Kanmaai', one of the huge ancient reservoir systems. 

Hence is that the Vaigai dam which causes storing enormous water near the originating point  rather than at the utility points the reason for collapse of the river system - particularly for the drying of Ramnaad region?

Are we witnessing the drying course of an ancient river which sustained the ancient cultural capital of Tamil country - Madurai?

Are we witness to a process of making of a Saraswathi River of the South?

Can we do anything to reverse this phenomenon?

It is a reported news that a PIL filed in the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court states that more than 7500 trees of various species have been denuded to expand estate planting area in Megamalai region. 

It has also been reported in the press that pine types of trees which are outlandish to the Western ghats range are silently spreading at the cost of a variety of indigenous species of flora and posing a serious threat to the eco-system. 

Now the genuine, question arising is, what is happening to our forests? Is there really any game plan in vogue to protect and preserve them as such at least if not improving them?

Whether reforestation in the catchment region and massive tree planting programmes of right varieties as advocated by the Guru Eesha Jaggi Vasudev and the former President Dr.Abdul Kalam will help restore the Megamalai forest with its floral diversity and pave way for restoring Vaigai?  

It is a recent reported news that near Manamadurai river stretch, river sand mining has caused 18 feet deep trenches!  Whether mindless mining of river sand in Tamilnaadu will be stopped? Whether the profiteering cement industry come forward to own this issue and supply 'manufactured sand' or come out with any other alternate technology to conserve river sand?  

The great grand guru of the Tamil lands, Thiruvalluvar, in his very second chapter just after praying the God comes to the 'rains' and mentions it as nothing less than 'Amirtham' - 'the life giving nectar' and further goes on to say that  without which even a grass head could not be found on the lands and if the rains diminish, according to him, there would be collapse of system leading to chaos and anarchy, which exactly is what rechristened as 'fresh water crisis' and 'water wars' by the futurologists! 

Are we listening to the great sage of our country in our busy schedules?

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அன்னை பயங்கரி எம் பாரத தேவி!

இந்த அற்புதமான போஸ்டரை இணைய தளத்தில் கண்டெடுத்தேன்.

உண்மையில் இது ஆக்ஸ்போர்டு புத்தக நிறுவன நூல் ஒன்றின் முக அட்டை வடிவமைப்பு.

1962 - சீனப்போரின் போதைய இவ்வரைவு, தவறாக விடுதலை இயக்க காலத்தியதாக குறிப்பிடப்பட்டுள்ளதாக எண்ணுகிறேன்.  

நம் பண்டு பெரும் தேசத்தின்பால் பெருமித உணர்வூட்டும் இந்த ஓவியத்தின் அழகில் ஈடுபட்டேன்.... உணர்வில் ஈர்க்கப்பட்டேன்....

பௌத்த அசோகனின் மௌன சிம்மங்கள் சீறிக்கிளம்புவது அகிம்சை நெறிப் பிறழ்வா? அல்லது அரசியல் நிதர்சனமா?   

விடை எம் தமிழ் தேசத்தின் ஆசான், நெல்லைச் சீமையின் குல விளக்கு, எட்டையபுரத்துச் சித்தன், பாரதியிடம்........,

'வெறிகொண்ட தாய்' என்ற பாரதியின்  அமர கவிதையிலிருந்து,  உணர்வு நிலையில்  இச்சித்திரத்துடன்  ஒருங்கும் சில சாவா, மூவா வரிகளை  இங்கு இணைத்திட விழைகிறேன்......

பெரும் சக்தி தாசரான பாரதி, இக்கவிதையில், பாரத அன்னையைத்  தான் வழிபடும் மகா  காளியாகவே காண்கிறார்! 

'பேயவள் காணெங்க ளன்னை – பெரும்

     பித்துடையா ளெங்க ளன்னை

காயழ லேந்திய பித்தன் – தனைக்

     காதலிப்பாளெங்க ளன்னை.

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பாரதப் போரெளிதோ? – விறற்

பார்த்தன்கை வில்லிடை யொளிர்வாள்

மாரதர் கோடிவந்தாலும்-கணம்

மாய்த்துக் குருதியிற் றிளைப்பாள்!'

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