Karikala Cholan Manimandapam, Kallanai, Trichy

Karikala Cholan Manimandapam, Kallanai, Trichy

Karikala Cholan Manimandapam (memorial hall) was built in honour of the Chola King Karikala who built the Grand Anicut. Karikala Chozhan Memorial Hall was located on the Eastern side of the Grand Anicut. It was built by Tamil Nadu Government in 2014.

Life History of Karikala Chola

Karikala Chola was a Chola king who ruled in southern India during the Sangam period. He is recognized as the greatest Kings of the Early Cholas.

Sources:

The story of Karikala is mixed with legend and anecdotal information gleaned from Sangam literature. The only sources available are the numerous mentions in Sangam poetry. The period covered by the extant literature of the Sangam is unfortunately not easy to determine with any measure of certainty. Pattinappalai, Porunararruppatai and a number of individual poems in the Akananuru and Purananuru have been the main source for the information that is attributed to Karikala. No authentic records of Karikala's reign have been found so far. However, many rulers and petty chiefs who came after him claimed him as their ancestor and decorated themselves as belonging to the solar race of Karikala and of the Kashyapa gotra.

Early Life:

Karikala Chola was the son of Chola King Ilam Chet Chenni. The name Karikalan has been held to mean "the man with the charred leg" and perpetuates the memory of a fire accident in the early years of his life. Some scholars also hold the view Kari and Kalan are Tamil words meaning "slayer of elephants". 

Porunararruppatai describes the back-formed origin legend of this incident as follows:

The king of Urayur Ilam Chet Chenni married a Velir princess from Azhundur and she became pregnant and gave birth to Karikala. Ilam Chet Chenni died soon after. Due to his young age, Karikala's right to the throne was overlooked and there was political turmoil in the country. Karikala was exiled. When normality returned, the Chola ministers sent a state elephant to look for the prince. The elephant found the prince hiding in Karuvur. His political opponents arrested and imprisoned him.

The prison was set on fire that night. Karikala escaped the fire and, with the help of his uncle Irum-pitar-thalaiyan, defeated his enemies. Karikala’s leg was scorched in the fire and from thence Karikala became his name. Old Sangam Age inscriptions and also Sthala puranam of great ancient Saiva shrine at Parasalur, near Mayavaram says that in order to escape the murder plot hatched by conspirators Karikal Valavan stayed there in disguise of a Vedic and agama Sastra lecturer for eight years. 

Pattinappalai, written in praise of Karikala also describes this incident, but without mention of the fable of the burnt limb. Like the Tiger cub with its sharp claws and its curved stripes growing (strong) within the cage, his strength came to maturity (like wood in grain) while he was in the bondage of his enemies. As the large-trunked elephant pulls down the banks of the pit, and joins its mate, even so after deep and careful consideration, he drew his sword, effected his escape by overpowering the strong guard and attained his glorious heritage in due course.

Military Conquests:

Battle of Venni:

According to the Porunararruppatai, Karikala Chola fought a great Battle of Venni in which both Pandya and Chera kings suffered a defeat. Although we know very little about the circumstances leading to this battle, there can be no doubt that it marked the turning point in Karikala’s career, for in this battle he broke the back of the powerful confederacy formed against him. Besides the two crowned kings of the Pandya and Chera countries, eleven minor chieftains took the opposing side in the campaign and shared defeat at the hands of Karikala. 

The Chera king, who was wounded on his back in the battle, committed suicide by starvation. Venni was the watershed in the career of Karikala which established him firmly on his throne and secured for him some sort of hegemony among the three crowned monarchs. Venni is also known as Vennipparandalai and now it is known as Kovil Venni and is situated near Thanjavur. The battle is considered historical and dated approximately to 190 CE.

Further Wars and Conquests:

After the battle of Venni, Karikala had other opportunities to exercise his arms. He defeated the confederacy of nine minor chieftains in the battle of Vakaipparandalai. Paranar, a contemporary of Karikala, in his poem from Akananuru mentions this incident without giving any information on the cause of the conflict. According to legends Karikala was one of the few Tamil kings who won the whole of Ceylon (Lanka).

The Grand anicut was built after his conquest over the Sinhalese kingdom and he used Sinhalese war prisoners for the hard task of moving stones from the mountains to the river bed of the Kaveri. The Pattinappalai also describes the destruction caused by Karikala’s armies in the territories of his enemies and adds that as the result of these conflicts, the "Northerners and Westerners were depressed and his flushed look of anger caused the Pandya’s strength to give way".

Grand Anicut:

The Grand Anicut, also known as the Kallanai was built by Karikala and is considered one of the oldest water-diversion or water-regulator structures in the world which is still in use. A later Chola record from Thiruvaduthurai refers to this event that is raising the banks of the Kaveri by Parakesari Karikala Chola. Later Chola kings attributed the building of dikes along the banks of the Kaveri to Karikala. The raising of the banks of the river Kaveri by Karikala is also mentioned by the Melapadu plates of Punyakumara: karuna – saroruha vihita – vilochana – pallava – trilochana pramukha kilapritvisvara karita kaveri tira (he who caused the banks of the Kaveri to be constructed by all the subordinate kings led by the Pallava Trinetra whose third eye was blinded by his lotus foot).

Karikala Cholan Manimandapam

Karikala Cholan Manimandapam (memorial hall) was built in honour of the king who built the Grand Anicut. The hall designed as per Tamil architecture style was built at a cost of Rs. 2.10 crore. It features a bronze statue of the king seated on elephant.

Connectivity

Karikala Cholan Manimandapam is located at about 2 Kms from Thogur, 8.5 Kms from Lalgudi, 9 Kms from Lalgudi Railway Station, 9 Kms from Lalgudi Bus Station, 12 Kms from Sarkarpalayam, 17 Kms from Trichy Chatiram Bus Station, 18 Kms from Srirangam, 23 Kms from Trichy Central Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Trichy Railway Junction and 24 Kms from Trichy Airport. From Sarkarpalayam village, one can take the Sarkarpalayam – Kallanai road and 2 Kms after reaching Thogur village, lies the Karikala Cholan Manimandapam. Taxis can be hired from Trichy and Lalgudi.

Location

MGR Memorial, Triplicane, Chennai

MGR Memorial, Triplicane, Chennai

MGR memorial is a memorial structure built on the Marina beach in Chennai City of Tamilnadu. It was built in memory of former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. G. Ramachandran. Spread over 8.25 acres, the memorial is located adjacent to the Anna Memorial and has the highest footfall on the seafront. The body of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and MGR's protégé J. Jayalalithaa is also buried at this site.

History

The memorial was built in 1988 and was inaugurated by Janaki Ramachandran, wife of M. G. Ramachandran, in May 1990. The memorial was remodeled and the whole complex was laid with marbles and opened in 1992 by J. Jayalalitha when she became the chief minister of the state of Tamil Nadu the previous year. When J. Jayalalitha died on 5 December 2016, she was buried next to MGR. This structure was designed by Architect Mr. K. Ramachandran, retired chief architect of PWD, Tamil Nadu. Between 1996 and 1998, the mausoleum was again renovated at a cost of about Rs 27.5 million.

After the Indian Ocean tsunami struck the seafront in December 2004, the memorial was affected. Repair works were taken up at the cost of about Rs 13.3 million. In 2012, the memorial was again renovated at a cost of Rs 43 million, including Rs 34 million for remodeling the facade and the wall around the memorial. 

The renovation included a new entrance sporting AIADMK party's two-leaves symbol and Pegasus, the horse from Greek mythology, landscaping the open area around the memorial using Korean grass, and planting exotic decorative plants such as palmyra alpha, date palm, spider lily and actinium, a granite pathway shaped like a massive guitar in the middle of the memorial, stainless steel handles around the memorial, a fountain in the middle, waterfall at the rear, decorative lamps, and an overhead tower with lights both at the entrance and on the arch. 

Two pergolas having 18-metre width have also been constructed, in addition to ramps for the physically challenged. The erection of the two-leaves insignia was opposed by the opposition DMK party. A public interest writ petition was filed in the Madras High Court in October 2012 against the erection of the two-leaves insignia, but was dismissed by the court.

The Memorial

The MGR Memorial on Chennai’s famous Marina Beach was erected in memory of the legendary and much-loved actor cum politician MG Ramachandran. Until 2012, the facade of the memorial was a tall entry arch with folded hands when it was replaced with a concrete replica of two-leaves emblem, the symbol of AIADMK party founded by M. G. Ramachandran. The facade was also given a Grecian touch with the erection of a 12-foot-high bronze sculpture of Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek mythology. The 3.75-tonne sculpture, worked by architect R. Ravindran, a sthapathy from Mamallapuram, is set on a 4.5-metre-high pedestal.

Two 15.9-metre-high columns serving as the entrance are built with reinforced cement concrete. The elevated "two-leaves" structure is supported by a 6-metre-high beam serving as the stem. The leaf structure, with a span of 10.2 meter for each leaf, will be a meter higher than the nearby towering columns. The leaves have a slight resemblance of a honey comb and is visible from both the front and the rear. A museum on M. G. R. is located within the memorial at the northern side of the campus. MGR Memorial cannot be missed if you are in Marina Beach. The distinctive memorial is close to the Anna Samadhi. Both Anna and MGR are much revered in Tamil Nadu so both these monuments attract many visitors.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/08/mgr-memorial-triplicane-connectivity.html

Location

Anna Memorial, Triplicane, Chennai

Anna Memorial, Triplicane, Chennai

Anna memorial, locally known as Anna Samadhi, is a memorial structure built on the Marina beach in Chennai, India. It was built in memory of former Chief Minister of Tamilnadu, C. N. Annadurai (1967-69), who was cremated here in 1969. The memorial lies on the northern end of the Marina abutting the MGR Memorial.

History

In 1996-1998, during the DMK reign, the memorial was remodeled at a cost of Rs. 27.5 million and the entrance arch carried the design of 'Rising Sun', the symbol of the DMK party. However, the design was removed after the AIADMK party returned to power in May 2001. The renovation resulted in the original tusk-shaped entrance arch giving way to a highly polished marble tiled structure, widened pathways, and building of ornamental octagonal Mandapams. After the Indian Ocean tsunami struck the coastal parts of the state in December 2004, the memorial, along with other structures on the seashore, was affected. Subsequently, repair works were undertaken at a cost of Rs. 13.3 million. In 2012, the memorial was renovated at a cost of Rs. 12 million.

Museum

The memorial also houses a museum on Annadurai, which is located at the northern side of the Memorial Complex.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/08/anna-memorial-triplicane-connectivity.html

Location

Kamarajar Mani Mandapam, Kanyakumari

Kamarajar Mani Mandapam, Kanyakumari

Kamarajar Mani Mandapam is located next to Gandhi Mandapam in Kanyakumari Town in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. Kamarajar Mani Mandapam was raised and dedicated to a freedom fighter and Former Chief minister of Tamil Nadu, President of Indian National Congress, Mr. Kamarajar. He's also popularly known as Black Gandhi among the masses. Like the Gandhi Mandapam, this place is where Kamarajar's ashes were kept for the public to pay homage before immersion into the sea. Visitors to Kanyakumari should not miss this Memorial and pay obeisance to Kamarajar.

History

Kumarasmi Kamaraj, known as K. Kamaraj was born on 15th July 1903. He was popularly known as “Black Gandhi” “Perunthalaivar Kamaraj” etc. He involved in the Indian Independence Movement, was the President of the Indian National Congress from 1964 to 1967, and was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for Three times from 1954 to 1963. He was the First Chief Minister of any state in India to introduce free midday Meal Scheme in Schools. Presently, this scheme has been implemented in many states like Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh etc. He also introduced free education to school children. Due to his efforts, the education rate was increased from 7% to 37%. During the 1960s, he was widely acclaimed as the “King Maker”.

On 2nd October 1975 Shri. Kamaraj passed away at his home at the age of 72. In 1976, posthumously he was awarded Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour. After his death, his ashes were kept at Kanyakumari sea shore for the public to pay homage before being immersed in the sea. The memorial was constructed on the same place were his ashes were kept before immersion in the sea. On 19.04.1998, the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu declared that a Memorial would be constructed to honour Shri. Kamaraj, for his services to the people of Tamil Nadu. The Kamaraj Memorial was built at a cost of Rs. 50 Lakhs. The Memorial was dedicated to the nation by the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on 2nd October 2000.

The Memorial

Kamarajar Manimandapam is located nearby Mahatma Gandhi Memorial. The monument is built on the same site where his ashes were kept for the public to pay homage before immersion. The Kamaraj memorial displays rare collection of photographs depicting the important events and the life history of Shri. Kamaraj. The memorial is associated with a library with numerous collections of books. It also consists of a painting and several photographs of Kamarajar. The photographs Portrays his life history vividly. There are many rare photographs which had been clicked during his meetings with eminent leaders of the world.

Visiting Hours

There is no entry fee to visit the memorial. The best time to visit the premises is from 7 AM to 7 PM, open on all days.

Connectivity

Kanyakumari Town is well connected to major cities by road / rail / air across India. Kanyakumari is located at about 20 Kms from Nagercoil, 13 Kms from Suchindrum, 47 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 33 Kms from Thuckalay, 47 Kms from Marthandam, 100 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 245 Kms from Madurai. Kamarajar Manimandapam is located about 1.4 Kms from Kanyakumari State Transport Corporation Bus Stand. Kamarajar Manimandapam is located at about 1.3 Kms from Kanyakumari Railway Station. Kamarajar Manimandapam is well connected from Railway Station and Bus Stand by means of Buses, Taxis and Autos. Kamarajar Manimandapam is located at about 101 Kms from Trivandrum International Airport and 239 Kms from Madurai International Airport.

Gandhi Memorial Mandapam, Kanyakumari

Gandhi Memorial Mandapam, Kanyakumari

Gandhi Memorial Mandapam is located on the shores of Kanyakumari Town in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. Gandhi Memorial Mandapam has been built on the spot where the urn containing the Mahatma's ashes was kept for public viewing before immersion. Resembling central Indian Hindu temples in form, the memorial was designed in such a way that on Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, 2 October, the first rays of the sun fall on the exact place where his ashes were kept. The Gandhi memorial is a popular tourist spot in Kanyakumari and is situated nearby to Kumari Amman Temple. Everyone should surely visit the Gandhi Memorial to complete the tour of Kanyakumari.

History

This is a Memorial to Mahatma Gandhi who had visited Kanyakumari in 1925 and 1937. It is constructed at a place on the seashore, near to Kumari Amman Temple, where his ashes were kept for public darshan before immersion in the sea on February 12, 1948. The beautiful Gandhi Memorial completed in 1956, is situated as a memorial to the Father of the Nation. The memorial was transferred to the administrative control of the Public (Information and Public Relations) Department from Public Works Department of Government of Tamil Nadu in the year 1978.

The Mandapam

The structure was even built to very specific dimensions just to honor the man. The central spire of the pink facade stands exactly 79 feet high in honor of Gandhi’s age at his death. The Mandapam is built in Orrisa style of architecture. The most remarkable feature however is an opening in the ceiling of the building which is position in such a way that each October 2nd, the anniversary of Gandhi’s birthday, the sunlight that comes through it falls on the exact spot where his ashes sat. Mandapam’s across India honor Gandhi’s life and works for the Indian people, but this may be the only one that has harnessed the sun for his honor. Inside the memorial you can see many photographs of Mahatma Gandhi taken at various times and Mahatma Gandhi with other famous Personalities.

Timings & Fees

Visitors can visit on all days from morning seven to evening seven. No entry fee is charged, except Rs.1 is collected for each pair of footwear, as footwear are not allowed inside the Gandhi Memorial and in the premises.

Connectivity

Kanyakumari Town is well connected to major cities by road / rail / air across India. Kanyakumari is located at about 20 Kms from Nagercoil, 13 Kms from Suchindrum, 47 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 33 Kms from Thuckalay, 47 Kms from Marthandam, 100 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 245 Kms from Madurai. Gandhi Mandapam is located about 1.4 Kms from Kanyakumari State Transport Corporation Bus Stand. Gandhi Mandapam is located at about 1.3 Kms from Kanyakumari Railway Station. Gandhi Mandapam is well connected from Railway Station and Bus Stand by means of Buses, Taxis and Autos. Gandhi Mandapam is located at about 101 Kms from Trivandrum International Airport and 239 Kms from Madurai International Airport.

Thanthai Periyar Anna Memorial House

Thanthai Periyar Anna Memorial House

For those interested in the political history of Tamil Nadu, a visit to Periyar Anna Memorial House in Erode will prove interesting. This memorial is on Periyar Street and was Thanthai Periyar’s home. Today it has been converted into a museum which displays photographs of E.V. Ramaswamy Periyar and Anna Durai and important events of their political party. You will also find many objects that were used by this stalwart. 

Erode Venkata Ramasamy was a freedom fighter and social activist who strived for the welfare of the people living in India, especially Tamil Nadu. He is affectionately called as Thantai Periyar by his followers. This forward thinking leader was born in Erode. The house in which he grew up in at Marapalam on Periyar Street is presently being as a memorial for this great visionary. Several photographs documenting his colorful life and objects used by him are put on display here.

Thanthai Periyar Anna Memorial House is maintained by the Information and Publicity department. Periyar belonged to a wealthy family and the house is over a century old.

Attractions

Thanthai Periyar Memorial House is well-maintained and the government has succeeded in retaining the old-world charm of the house. Be it the photographs and description boards or Periyar’s personal belongings – the exhibits are arranged in an orderly fashion and the staff is courteous and knowledgeable.

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun : 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM