Tiruchirapalli / Srirangam and Tanjore
The Aug 15th extended weekend was spent driving to Tiruchirapalli and Tanjore. Among other things, highlights of the trip include:
1. A flabbergasted priest at the Srirangam temple waving both his hands at me frantically, preventing me from entering into the main sanctum sanctorum. Only when I read the board that he pointed me to (Non-Hindus not allowed inside the temple complex) did I realise that it was probably my pony-tail that disturbed him a lot.
2. Touts are common and a "premium customer" in Srirangam is identified by a basket of flowers that is thrusted into his/her hands and money is demanded as you make an exit. I had great respect for temples and priests in the part of the country that is on this side of the Vindhyas -- Ofcourse, this bias of mine was based on my limited experience at temples all over -- but looks like god-men are the same all over. H says that Tirupati is an exception because the system is far too overwhelming for touts to be able to beat it.
3. UNESCO donated some very old palm leaf scriptures to Srirangam. They are in the library, behind a dusty glass, spread all over the place, ready to be lost beyond restoration. I spoke to the official there and suggested that they move them to their in-compound museum. He was nice and assured me that he would consider my request if I give him a letter in writing or send an email. I am yet to do that!
The brihadeeswara temple in Tanjore rocks! The structure is huge, imposing and very impresive. It is being restored after being declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
1. A flabbergasted priest at the Srirangam temple waving both his hands at me frantically, preventing me from entering into the main sanctum sanctorum. Only when I read the board that he pointed me to (Non-Hindus not allowed inside the temple complex) did I realise that it was probably my pony-tail that disturbed him a lot.
2. Touts are common and a "premium customer" in Srirangam is identified by a basket of flowers that is thrusted into his/her hands and money is demanded as you make an exit. I had great respect for temples and priests in the part of the country that is on this side of the Vindhyas -- Ofcourse, this bias of mine was based on my limited experience at temples all over -- but looks like god-men are the same all over. H says that Tirupati is an exception because the system is far too overwhelming for touts to be able to beat it.
3. UNESCO donated some very old palm leaf scriptures to Srirangam. They are in the library, behind a dusty glass, spread all over the place, ready to be lost beyond restoration. I spoke to the official there and suggested that they move them to their in-compound museum. He was nice and assured me that he would consider my request if I give him a letter in writing or send an email. I am yet to do that!
The brihadeeswara temple in Tanjore rocks! The structure is huge, imposing and very impresive. It is being restored after being declared a UNESCO world heritage site.