ashokism...

My usual interest in temple architecture lead me to Pillayarpatti - a small village about 12 kms from Karaikudi. The Karpaga Vinayagar Koil here has small but well proportioned gopurams and is set beside a beautiful tank. The original shrine inside is a rock cut cave dating back to 4th cent. AD. The vimanas and mandaps were later additions.

Idaikattur is a small village by the river Vaigai, close to Manamadurai. I took a drive to visit the historic "Sacred Heart of Jesus"Shrine - a century old church of architectural significance.

Idaikattur is the place where Siddhar Idaikattar lived and set the Navagrahas - the pattern followed by later temples...a small temple stands testimony to this important event in the history of temple architecture.

The countryside surrounding the village is green and yet rustic. The place is home to various bird species like kauthari, kadai, maina, karichan kuruvi, etc...
...'sithu pura' (small wild dove)

The Ashokism award for the best Tamil film of 2008 goes to Subramaniapuram.
For a person like me who grew up in Madurai, the film is a nostalgic walk thro’ the 80s. Kudos to director Sasi Kumar .The cast is amazing and the camera work and art direction deserve special mention. James Vasanthan’s songs add value to the movie.
The only thing I missed was Ilayaraja’s music. But the director cleverly overcomes this by the use of Ilayaraja’s 80’s numbers in the romantic scenes.
Well done SasiKumar.
The other 2 films that need a special mention are :
1.Poo
2.Anjathe
Ashokism awards 2005, 2006, 2007