Reflections on historical Thirukkethichcharam Kovil-by Ambikai Divakalala Forman
Source:Dailynews
Memories are my thick pals, especially the ones that I cherished in my childhood. Some are vague, others are vivid. One of the vivid ones is of the temple Thirukkethichcharam that had always been special and the reminiscence fills my mind with delight. It soars up above with the wings spread wide!
Thirukkethichcharam with its tall Kopuram (tower) and the smooth waves at the temple tank Paalaavi to its east and surrounded by natural ambience is divine and mesmerising. Interior at Manthai is situated in this holy temple that holds almost twenty five centuries of history. The holy lamp has never been put off in those years spanning centuries until the 16th Century when it was completely destroyed by the Portuguese. During the three decades of war period, which ended in 2009, no civilians were allowed in the vicinity. But, it is said that the Armed Forces had always made it a point that at least a tiny lamp was lit at the temple.
Click of the mouse or the press on the button of a computer and a touch on the phones shall give us the constructive details of the history of Kovil Thirukkethichcharam that stands there for twenty five long centuries in the eminent Northern Province of the beautiful island Sri Lanka facing the ancient Tamil ports Kudhiramalai and Manthai in the District of Mannar. Destroyed during the reign of the Portuguese, but strongly was rebuilt after four centuries upon initiative by Srilasri Armuganavalar, the Tamil Hindu scholar from the North of Sri Lanka. Now the 21st Century Thirukkethichcharamis well enhanced with the generous contributions of many good souls from local and abroad, especially the Indian Government. I have yet to see the new beauty. But the deep rooted memories of this historically rich Kovil are flashing in my inward eye very often these days, as the special days of the Kovil is around the corner – Maha Sivarathri festival. My memories with the temple have nothing to do with the religious rituals, but the societal bonds.
The little girl I was visiting the temple with my father who was an atheist but strongly believed the cultural background in religions as to be nurtured by the human beings across the globe, amazed to see the antique temple; definitely didn’t know its historical value. My siblings and I were never taken to any Kovils by our parents as their teachings had different realism. Yet, a vague memory tells that I wanted to go inside and see, but my father was there on official duty; yes, his department was in charge of one of the Madtams, Sampanthar Madtam (a big hall, named after the Hindu Poet-Saint, where food and lodging been provided for free of charge). Annathanam (free meals) was a special programme during Sivarathri festival (A festival dedicated to Lord Shiva). The aroma is still fresh in my mind and the taste in my tongue; especially of the Uppumaa (made of semolina) and Sambar (mixed vegetable curry) served for breakfast.
It was a three days programme by the Department of Planning in Mannar District. All three meals were served by the staff of the Department and my father used to join them whenever time permitted; we followed suit. Staying awake till late night was another beautiful experience. Actually the Hindu devotees wouldn’t sleep as they observed Sivarathri rituals that depict a Hindu Myth. I hardly remember attending any poojas as we were thoroughly engrossed by the natural beauty, dip in the temple tank Paalaavi, the mouth-watering food, the sturdy rock at the entrance of Sambanthar Madtam, the tall Raja Kopuram (Main Tower) of the Kovil, the huge chariots, the stalls, beautifully dressed devotees of deity Shiva, etc. Ilost that joy in 1983 as my father was transferred to another station. Paradise gained again when I was in Advanced Level classes. As the opportunity knocked I grabbed it, to visit the divine place again. I was glad to be a part of the project organising the transport and Sambanthar Madtam through an official coordinating from Jaffna as he happened to be my father’s colleague.
The delight rose higher as we reached the Kovil. It was full of devotees and pilgrims. The Mantras chanted and the Poojas conducted were so special. As a teenager who went with her peers and now knew the rich historical background of the Kovil enjoyed it more, though was still on the path as a free thinker. Never visited after that…. many reasons made it a ‘Not after that’. But my thoughts can travel, reach and recollect the Festival days!
Yes, yet again a beautiful season is approaching. Thirukkethichcharam is getting ready to welcome the devotees of Lord Shiva. Paalaavi shall refresh them who are exhausted due to many huffs and puffs, especially the COVID restrictions. May they enjoy Mahasivarathri that has travelled through many centuries!
