Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi

A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over as Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts lakhs of devotees every year. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds 5 million. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad.

The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave. Darshans are open round the clock throughout the year.

Since the year 1986, when the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (commonly called Shrine Board) was formed (under “The Jammu & Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1986’), the management of the Shrine and regulation of the Yatra has been vested in the Board. The Board has undertaken a number of developmental activities aimed at making the Yatra a comfortable and satisfying experience for the Yatris. So far, over 125 crores of rupees have been invested by the Board for providing various infrastructural and other facilities. The Board continues to reinvest the offerings and donations received in carying out improvements in various kinds of Yatri facilities.

Source: http://www.maavaishnodevi.org/introduction1.asp

Sarangapani Temple Periya (Chithirai Ther)Ther Festival

Avoor Pasupatheeswarar Koil Tamilnadu

God	-	Pasupatheeswarar
Goddess	-	Mangalaambikai
Holy Water	-	Brama Theertham, Kamadhenu Theertham
Holy Tree	-	Arasa Maram (Peepul Tree)

This sivasthalam temple is located 8 Kms to the south-west of Patteeswaram. Avoor is considered to be 21st in the series of Thevara Sthalams in the Chola kingdom located South of the river Kaveri.

The temple has five majestic gopurams. This temple is a Maadakkovil built at an elevation by Ko Chenkann Cholan. Kodi maram has a sculpture like a cow dropping milk on Sivalinga and worshipping.

The hymns of Thirugnana Sambandhar addressed to Pasupatheeswarar in awe.

Brahma, Devas, Saptha Rishis, Indhran, Sun, Vashistar and NavaGraha are said to have worshipped here and got grace of Siva.

In 2nd Centuary it was the fort of Chola Kingdom.

Avoor presented the great Sanga Pulavargal (Ancient Vocalist) Avoor Kizhar and Avoor Moolangizhar to the world.

Sri Shanmugananda Ashram - Kottaiyur Swamimalai Near - Kumbakonam

Contact Person	-	Sri N. Ramadoss Anna
Address	-	Sri Kodeeswarar South, East Kottaiyur
Place	-	Kumbakonam - 612 002.
Phone	-	+91 435 - 2422655

All acts of kindness are wonderful. We feel good when we give something to others and help and help them reach their full potential in life. Our rewards are the warm feelings that touch our heart. The Ashram was established in 1936. They are running the following institutions:

History: In 1936, Thavathiru Ramadass Anna and Thiru M S Pichaimuthu established Sri Shanmugananda Ashram on the banks of Cauvery River. These golden hearted devotees of Vallalar provided food, a place to stay and quality education to orphan boys in the area so as to bring them up as valuable citizens.

Vallalar Maanavar Illam (Orphanage) Vallalar Baalar School (Kindergarten) Vallalar Primary School Vallalar Higher Secondary School (High & Junior College) Vallalar Computer Centre Vallalar School for the Integrated Education of the Blind Jain Hospital

In 1954 Thirumuruga Kripananda Variar formally opened the orphanage. When they were short of place, Thiru Kodumudi Sengoda Gounder bought and donated the present place in East Kottaiyur on the banks of the Cauvery River. In addition he contributed valuable time and effort as the president of the Ashram.

In 1963, a Primary School was opened to provide basic education to the orphan boys and the neighbourhood poor children. It slowly grew into a Middle School. In 1981, with the blessings of Thavathiru Motaji and generous support of his devotee Thiru Hasmukhlal Gopaldas Mehta the High School was added. In 1980, a Kindergarten school was opened to teach English and Hindi to the neighbourhood children.

In 1993- 94 a School for Blind Children was opened to teach them technical skills and music. In 1994, Thiru L Mangilal Jain bought and donated adjoining land to move the Primary School to a larger place.

Children: Today there are about 100 orphan boys in the Illam. They provide them food, dress, shelter, education, books etc and bring them up as model citizens. There are about 3300 pupils studying in the educational institutions and they are mainly from villages. There are about 35 blind boys. As the school is located in a poor neighbourhood, our services benefit the socially weaker section of the society and act as a catalyst in their development.

Vallalar: "Arutperumjothi! Arutperumjothi!! Thanipperumkarunai! Arutperumjothi!! Yella Uyirkulam Inbutru Vazhga!"

Saint Ramalinga Thiruvarutprakasa Vallalar, popularly known as Vallalar (meaning Philanthropist) preached kindness towards all living things, especially animals. ‘Let all live in happiness’ was his creed.

Though not related to us, there are a number of organisations devoted to Vallalar and his cause, helping humanity wherever they are located. The site www.vallalar.org provides more information about Vallalar.

Dr. M.G. Ramachandran in Kumbakonam

Marudur Gopala Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR, Ponmana Chemmal and Puratchi Thalaivar (Revolutionary Leader), was a long time Tamil film actor and Chief Minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death. He was born at Nawalapitiya near Kandy, Sri Lanka, to Maradhur Gopalamenon and Satyabhama. After his father's death, MGR settled with his family at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.

M. S. Subbulakshmi in Kumbakonam

In March 1933, Kumbakonam was preparing for the mahamaham. Director K.Subrahmanyam was in charge of organizing a music and dance exposition for the festival. Actress S. D. Subbulakshmi, a friend of Shanmukhavadivu persuaded Subrahmanyam to give Madurai Shankukavadivu Subbulakshmi, a chance on the concert stage at the exhibition he was organising during the Mahamaham Festival . K.Subrahmanyam arranged for a concert of Subbulakshmi. M.S. was known in Kumbakonam as an up-coming artist. The concert was a huge success and the organizers had to arrange for another concert by her. Thanjavur rasikas not only approved but also praised the young Subbulakshmi. This was a big step for M.S.The following year in 1934, she was invited to sing in Music Academy, Madras.