During 1970s to 1990s , the introduction of Kollywood heroes in many movies can be seen in a huge sized chariot made of stone. It is nothing but the famous monument called Valluvar Kottam, inaugurated in 1970s by the then Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Mr.Karunanidhi. Since its inaugural, it happened to be one of the happening tourist destinations of Chennai, capital city of Tamilnadu.
Honouring Thiruvalluvar :
Valluvar Kottam was constructed in the memory of saint poet Thiruvalluvar of Sangam period, who gave the precious literary work Thirukkural. It contains 1330 couplets in 133 chapters preaching the ethical way to lead one’s life. Crossing borders,races,languages and all differences, Thirukkural stands a treasure of the world. It is been and being translated in various languages because of its incredible value.
Attractions of Valluvar Kottam :
The architecture of Valluvar Kottam is based on the dravidian style, designed by the famous architect Ganapathi Sthapathi, who is also the architect of famous 133 feet statue of Thiruvalluvar at Kanyakumari. The gateway is adorned by a lion statue which is a common feature in many dravidian temples. The stone chariot is the main attraction, which is a replica of the world famous Thiruvarur chariot. Its speciality is, it stands without any support of columns or pillars, just aided by four larger and four smaller stone wheels. Stone statue of Thiruvalluvar in meditation posture is the central figure of the chariot.
The next main eye-catcher is the huge auditorium with a seating capacity of about 4000 people. The most appreciable part of this monument is the construction of granite pillars with the 1330 couplets of Thirukkural inscribed on it. The site where Valluvar Kottam is situated was once a lake filled with garbages and the government took efforts to change this central spot of the city into a beautiful location, thus resulting in the construction of this heritage. A greenery garden surrounding the monument keeps it cool and mild.
Issues to be addressed:
Once a famous destination where many Tamil literary debates and discussions held has now changed into a mere exhibition hall. Maintenance of the site is seemed to be worser, the water and toilet facilities are so poor, causing inconvenience to the huge crowd visiting it. Only the exhibition hall is open for the public where the main features are blocked from visiting. Valluvar Kottam is not only the tourist spot but a heritage site resembling our rich tradition which has to be cherished.
We feel proud to have Thiruvalluvar’s statue among statues of ten sages of the world in Singapore, in South Asia Institute of London etc, but Tamilnadu is the birthplace of this great scholar, so we have the moral responsibility to honor Thiruvalluvar and spread his preachings as much as possible. Barring political differences, the government which is in rule should take necessary steps to beautify this neglected monument and give a boost to the epithete ‘Singara Chennai’ meaning beautiful Chennai.
Valluvar Kottam was constructed in the memory of saint poet Thiruvalluvar of Sangam period, who gave the precious literary work Thirukkural. It contains 1330 couplets in 133 chapters preaching the ethical way to lead one’s life. Crossing borders,races,languages and all differences, Thirukkural stands a treasure of the world. It is been and being translated in various languages because of its incredible value.
Attractions of Valluvar Kottam :
The architecture of Valluvar Kottam is based on the dravidian style, designed by the famous architect Ganapathi Sthapathi, who is also the architect of famous 133 feet statue of Thiruvalluvar at Kanyakumari. The gateway is adorned by a lion statue which is a common feature in many dravidian temples. The stone chariot is the main attraction, which is a replica of the world famous Thiruvarur chariot. Its speciality is, it stands without any support of columns or pillars, just aided by four larger and four smaller stone wheels. Stone statue of Thiruvalluvar in meditation posture is the central figure of the chariot.
The next main eye-catcher is the huge auditorium with a seating capacity of about 4000 people. The most appreciable part of this monument is the construction of granite pillars with the 1330 couplets of Thirukkural inscribed on it. The site where Valluvar Kottam is situated was once a lake filled with garbages and the government took efforts to change this central spot of the city into a beautiful location, thus resulting in the construction of this heritage. A greenery garden surrounding the monument keeps it cool and mild.
Issues to be addressed:
Once a famous destination where many Tamil literary debates and discussions held has now changed into a mere exhibition hall. Maintenance of the site is seemed to be worser, the water and toilet facilities are so poor, causing inconvenience to the huge crowd visiting it. Only the exhibition hall is open for the public where the main features are blocked from visiting. Valluvar Kottam is not only the tourist spot but a heritage site resembling our rich tradition which has to be cherished.
We feel proud to have Thiruvalluvar’s statue among statues of ten sages of the world in Singapore, in South Asia Institute of London etc, but Tamilnadu is the birthplace of this great scholar, so we have the moral responsibility to honor Thiruvalluvar and spread his preachings as much as possible. Barring political differences, the government which is in rule should take necessary steps to beautify this neglected monument and give a boost to the epithete ‘Singara Chennai’ meaning beautiful Chennai.
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