The Stone Chariot in Valluvar Kottam, Chennai
“Vaimai Enappaduvathiyathenin Yathonrum; Theemai Ilaatha Sollal”
“Truth is the speaking of words that do not produce even the smallest evil to others”
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM. Weekly Holiday: Friday.
That was a snippet from the famous book in Tamil called ‘Thirukkural’ which was written by Thiruvalluvar around 1st Century BC. There are 1330 Couplets/ verses in this book containing sayings/ quotes that people could follow in their lives. Thirukkural is considered to be a timeless marvel and its sayings, always applicable at any age.
Valluvar Kottam is a monument to Thiruvalluvar and his Thirukkural. It is situated right in the center of Chennai, near Nungambakkam/ Gemini. Valluvar Kottam is an important bus stand, and though I have gone through this place many times, I never went inside to see this park/ monument until now.
“Mugam Naga Natpadhu Natpanru Nenjathu; Agam Naga Natpadhu Natpu”
“Mere smiles of the face do not constitute friendship. True friendship dwells deep in the smiles of the heart”
The Valluvar Kottam monument was constructed in 1976 and features a Stone Chariot with a life size statue of Thiruvalluvar sitting inside it. This Stone Chariot is 39 meters high.
There is a hall next to this chariot where exhibitions and fairs are conducted occasionally. The Pet Aqua exhibition photos that I posted the other day, was held in this venue. The hall is supported by stone pillars and can hold up to 4000 people. It seems all the 1330 verses / couplets have been inscribed in the hall, though I was not able to find any. Probably I didn’t look out for it!
“Theeyinal Sutta Pun Ullarum Aarathe; Naavinal Sutta Vadu”
“The wound caused by fire will heal from inside, but that caused by the tongue will never heal”
Destination Infinity
WOWO this is beautiful…
Bikram’s
Last time when I saw this, this place was looking old! Now, it looks beautiful!
I have visited many exhibitions here! Thirukkural is always interesting! Thanks for the translation, D.I.
Rajesh,
What an awesome post? Perfect pictures and excellent quotes.
I have to say this is your one of the best posts….at least the ones I read.
What a lovely post! I’ve always liked valluvar kottam. It is a great testimony for scholars like thiruvalluvar, and it should be a protected monument. But earlier (or rather, the last time I had been there!), it was not maintained well. The hall where the displays of verses are available was so untidy. People had spitted pan on them! I really hope and wish Govt takes some steps to preserve these, and protect them against any vandalism.
Nice pics of chariot! It’s a lovely sculpture indeed! and there is so much of worldly truths and facts for us to learn from every versus.
Yet to visit Valluvar Kootam.. seen only in movies..
Wonderful pictures 🙂
nice pics.. must visit this next time I am in Chennai..
One small doubt.
One may have to speak truth and break a relationship. But the words you speak may cause wound. This may lead to evil.
How do you explain that?
Being frank about why you ended the relationship may cause a wound initially, but the other person will be glad to have got a truthful feedback. Now the ball is in their court – They can either change their ways or find out someone who is ok with them. But if you don’t tell the truth, it will be your fault because others have to assume the reason, and they will assume 100 different reasons.
It requires a lot of maturity and courage to speak the truth. A simple truth will eliminate the need for many cover-ups later on, and people might even help you for being frank. Of course, I do lie but over the years I have reduced it considerably.
Destination Infinity
beautiful pics
Beautiful photos and chariot!
The structure of this monument is absolutely magnificent. The pictures are lovely too. I hope I’ll get a chance to visit it soon. 😀
Hi, great photos. Just wanted to ask, do they allow photography in the premises? Or do you need special permission or have to pay a fee to take pictures of the stone chariot and around it? 🙂
Well, I think no special permission is required. I just went in and clicked. Its like a public monument – anyone can visit and click.
Destination Infinity
awesome pictures
Well, I think no special permission is required. I just went in and clicked. Its like a public monument – anyone can visit and click.
Destination Infinity
Reply
*
santosh says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
January 21, 2012 at 6:23 am
awesome pictures
Reply
wow! what a wonderful structure!