A thread dedicated to dear friends @GhorAngirasa and @Gopanarya.
They churn out so much knowledge that even a Dummkopf like me picks up titbits.
But then, I have my advantages. I simply pack a bag and go... 😋
Some time ago, GA had posted an image of a लकुलीश vigraha from a rock cut temple near AritApaTTi, a village underneath the hills, some distance outside Madurai.
So I went. To see. To seek. To pray.
Following Google's instructions, I went past a spectacularly picturesque countryside and down the road for about 4.5 km only to reach this hillock with a small lake.
To the left of the lake was a tiny Hamlet and the kind people guided me to cross over to a surreal experience.
I walked across the slushy path and reached the hillock. Not too steep. Easy enough.
And from the top, I turned back to see the sleepy little hamlet lounging lazily on a wonderfully cloudy pre-monsoon day.
But what awaited was an unforgettable experience...
And down the rock cut steps I went, turned right and walked past the hill to the right and this to the left...
And then there was kALi...
Department of archaeology, Gormint of TN, announced Lakulīśa...
Up I ran eagerly up another set of rock cut steps to a platform and there he was!
Lakulīśa! The preceptor of the Pāśupata-s!
And to his left and my right sat the Lord of Hosts, the remover of all obstacles.
And with these two on guard...
...the Lord of the universe presides.
With the ever faithful vāhana waiting expectantly...
As I walked down & gazed across the lake in front of the temple (not the one I crossed over), I couldn't help but feel that this would've been a private temple, not really a Pandya endeavour. Probably a rendezvous point for all the pAshupata ascetics in these ancient hills.
I close the thread with what started this quest in the first place... @GhorAngirasa's thread.
One last tweet.
Those of you who wish to visit it... Here you go.
Kudavarai Sivan Temple (Arittapatti)
Arittapatti, Tamil Nadu 625106
maps.google.com/?cid=588282141…
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