Journey Through the Path of Vandhiyathevan in Ponniyin Selvan: A Traveler's Guide

Embarking on a journey through the path of Vandhiyathevan, the protagonist of the classic novel Ponniyin Selvan, paints a vivid picture of Tamil Nadu's rich historical and cultural tapestry. This guide will explore the key locations mentioned in the novel and provide a detailed itinerary for those who wish to follow in Vandhiyathevan's footsteps.

Key Locations to Visit

Thanjavur - The heart of the Chola empire, home to the elaborate Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kanchipuram - A significant cultural center known for its temples and historical significance. Madurai - Famous for the Meenakshi Temple and its historical importance. Kodaikanal - A scenic hill station often mentioned in the novel. Pazhaiyarai - A location connected to the Chola court. Vellore - Known for its fort and historical relevance.

Creating Your Itinerary

To make the most of your trip, consider the following steps:

Research: Delve into the chapters of Ponniyin Selvan to identify specific events and locations. Map Tools: Utilize Google Maps or similar mapping tools to plot the locations. Local Guides: Hire a local guide to provide insights into the history and significance of each site. Additional Resources: Explore travel blogs and historical tours that cover similar journeys.

By planning your trip around these key locations, you can immerse yourself in the world of Vandhiyathevan and explore the rich history of the Chola dynasty.

Personal Journey Through Ponniyin Selvan

For many, the journey into the world of Vandhiyathevan begins at a young age. In my case, I had an insatiable desire to travel the lands mentioned in Ponniyin Selvan since reading it at age 12. Recently, a 2-day break afforded me the opportunity to visit some of the locations featured in the novel. My parents and I joined me on this adventure, making the experience even more memorable.

Key resources and assistance were essential in my planning. The map provided by Vijayanarasimhan was incredibly helpful, and the article In the Heart soil of Ponniyin Selvan by Chennai News - Times of India provided further insights. Additionally, the series Yathrigan on Thanthi TV on YouTube was a valuable guide. Here are the details of our journey:

January 12, 2020, Trip Begins

Madurai to Pazhuvur
We started our journey early, around 4:30 AM, heading straight to Pazhuvur. This city, home to three iconic characters of Ponniyin Selvan - Nandhini, Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, and Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar, held a special place in our hearts.

Pazhuvur, once known as Thiru Pazhuvur, is split into two parts: Keezha Pazhuvur and Mela Pazhuvur. In Keezha Pazhur, we visited the well-maintained Sri Aalanthuraiyar temple and were fascinated by its Paadal petra sthalam. In Mela Pazhuvur, we discovered the historic Melapalur temple, a dilapidated but historically significant site.

We also explored the Budhhakaris at Irattai Kovil, which provided intriguing information about the characters of the novel. Notably, Panchavan Ma Devi, wife of Raja Raja Chozhan, was born in Pazhuvur.

In Gangaikonda Cholapuram, we found the biggest lingam of any temple and enjoyed a delightful lunch in the temple gardens. Our next stop was Kadambur, where Aditya Karikalan was assassinated, a pivotal event in the novel. At the Rudrapathi temple, we discovered a secret tunnel rumored to be used by the assassins.

We then moved on to Mela Kadambur, where we visited the Amirthakadeswarar temple, a well-maintained site. Near Kadambur, we also explored the Veera Narayana Perumal Kovil, which holds significant importance for those who read Ponniyin Selvan.

After a night stay in Kumbakonam, the journey concluded with visits to the Sarangapani temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Darasuram temple. In Pazhayarai, we saw the Vadathali Temple, which was poorly maintained, and in Udaiyalur, we found a small shed that may have been the final resting place of the legendary king.

Concluding our trip in Thanjavur, we marveled at the Brihadeeswarar Temple, knowing it was once walked upon by the great warrior Raja Raja Chozhan. The remnants of the deities and the preparations for Kumbabishekam gave us a glimpse of the grandeur of the Chola Dynasty.

Reflections on Tradition and Preservation

This journey highlighted the importance of supporting and preserving our heritage. Sadly, some temples lacked maintenance, and some faced neglect. I urge travelers to support these temples by contributing to their upkeep and making them accessible to future generations.

Future Plans: With a renewed passion for exploring more of the path of our beloved Vallavarayan Vandiyathevan, I am planning to visit Nagapattinam and Kodikkarai next. Ultimately, the journey to Sri Lanka is on the horizon, completing the full circle of the Chola Empire's legacy.

If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out. Together, we can celebrate and preserve the cultural legacy left by the Chola Dynasty.