9/13/12

The Hindu : FEATURES / FRIDAY REVIEW : Century-old portrait

Today's Paper FEATURES FRIDAY REVIEW

Published: May 13, 2011 00:00 IST | Updated: May 13, 2011 04:05 IST

Century-old portrait
L. ReNGANATHAN

Divine celebrations:The 100-year-old portrait of Lord Rama at Nanjai Pugalur and (right) the richly decorated picture in Thanjavur art style worshipped in Salem.

RamanavamiThe tradition has continued with a Ravi Varma picture. L. ReNGANATHAN

Bhakti is expressed in various ways one of which is conducting weddings of celestials, Radha Kalyanam and Sita Kalyanam being the most popular. The latter, especially, is an integral part of Sri Rama Navami celebrations. There are groups and families that have been conducting these weddings for several years. One such effort is the celebration at Nanjai Pugalur Agraharam on the banks of the River Cauvery in Karur district. Successful effort The late P.K. Narayanaswamy Iyer, an influential landlord in the region, organised Sita kalyanam to unite the people of the region. The effort was a success as devotees of all hues came together. A tradition had set in and after five decades the mantle passed on to his adopted son and advocate P.N. Radhakrishnan, who has continued the tradition. The highlight of the Sri Rama Navami and Sri Sita Kalaynam celebrations at Nanjai Pugalur is the beautiful (Raja Ravi Varma style) portrait of Sri Ramar Pattabishekam. The 100-year portrait takes centre stage during the main function. Paramacharya is said to have spent two days at this place to perform puja to the portrait of Lord Rama. This year Sri Rama Navami was celebrated for three days (April 29-May1) with all the rituals connected - chanting of Sahasranamam, bhajans and Ashtapati, dolotsavam and so on on the first two days, Unchavriti and Sita Kalyanam on the final day and the curtain coming down with Anjaneya utsavam. For several years now Salem Sri Krishna alias Subrahmanya Bhagavathar has been conducting the rituals associated with the divine celebration. The locals offer flowers and garlands to the deity and sweets during annadhanam at Sita Kalyanam. It is their way of thanking the deity who, according to them, fulfils all their wishes. In Salem, it is thanksgiving by the locals.
www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article2013682.ece?css=print 1/2

9/13/12

The Hindu : FEATURES / FRIDAY REVIEW : Century-old portrait

More In: FRIDAY REVIEW | FEATURES

Printable v ersion | Sep 1 3 , 2 01 2 1 :05:04 PM | http://www.thehindu.com /today s-paper/tp-features/tp-friday rev iew/article2 01 3 6 82 .ece The Hindu

www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article2013682.ece?css=print

2/2