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)