The Hindu : Front Page : Their sense of gratitude grows

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006
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Their sense of gratitude grows

C. Jaishankar

PIOUS GROUP: A row of Ayyanar idols at Athanakurichi village near Mudukulathur in Ramanathapuram district.

MUDUKULATHUR : Here is an orthodox village where the idols of Ayyanar are likely to outnumber the number of families.

The terracotta idols are a treat to the eyes of an outsider, who visits Athanakurichi, an agrarian village situated nearly 50 km from Ramanathapuram.

There is nothing unusual in finding one or two idols of deities in a village. But, this village has nearly 100 colourfully decorated idols of Ayyanar, who is believed to be the guardian of Athanakurichi.

The number of idols is increasing every three years, thanks to the fulfilment of vows to the deity by the villagers.

Whenever people want to achieve something or get cured from a disease, they pray to Lord Ayyanar. In return, they install the Ayyanar idol at the village temple at the time of a festival. The practice of installing the idol began about 30 years ago. Now, the village temple has several rows of Ayyanar idols in the posture of riding a horse.

"Though we are poor, we do not hesitate to spend money to fulfil the vow made to the God. It is an example of gratitude," says S. Rajalakshmi, a resident.

The number of families in Athanakurichi is around 200. But it has around 100 idols. The number of idols may outnumber the families in future, as many residents have sought divine help to get foreign employment.

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