A passionate teacher turned Digital Marketer.
“Paati, I thought we were going to the Pillayar temple nearby… You just drove past it. Which temple are we going to?” asked Akshit. “I am taking you to the Padi temple. It’s only a few kilometres from our house. I thought you would love this temple,” replied Padma. “New one?” “Nope. It’s ancient! Remember the saint Thirugnanasambandar? He has visited this temple and...
Four years ago, this temple was almost forgotten. The 650-year-old Kalkulam Sri Govindaraja Perumal Temple stood in ruins. Broken walls, worn-out structures, and fading memories were all that remained of what was once a magnificent temple. But perhaps Perumal had other plans. In 2022, the first steps towards restoring the temple began. Since it comes under the...
For the fourth time, I checked my phone to see if the driver’s details had arrived by SMS. Nothing. I hurried back to the kitchen to add the finishing touches to the saamai payasam I was preparing for my mother-in-law’s 20th death anniversary. The naivedyam had to be ready before we left for the temple. We also had a few errands to complete on the way, so...
At Thiruporur Murugan Temple, (our Kula deivam koil) a quick walk around the praharam of the main sanctum reveals a treasure that many devotees might easily overlook. Among the beautifully arranged utsava murthis stands a bronze, Upadesa Murthy, where Lord Muruga is seated on the lap of Lord Shiva, imparting the profound meaning of the sacred Pranava Manthiram, “Om.”...
I will take the house,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady as I looked at the broker. He had already spoken at length about Pallavaram—how it was an upcoming suburb, how families preferred it, how safe it was, how convenient it would be with St. Mary’s School nearby, and the bus stop and railway station within easy reach. His words had washed over me earlier, but...
What can we watch now?” asked Skanda, as we settled comfortably on the sofa—him with the remote, and me simply looking forward to a happy afternoon with him. “Your choice,” I replied, fully aware of his taste. He chose a Thor movie. Fantasy. Mythology. The age rating said 13+. I protested mildly. “You’re not even 12 yet!” “Don’t worry, paati… I’ve watched lots of 13+...
Just like filter coffee, the age-old idly has its own secret sauce recipe. Each family guards its little secrets for that spongy, fluffy malligai poo idly. And heaven help the poor soul who gets it slightly wrong—looks of disdain, even pure disgust, follow. “கல் போல இருக்கு…” or “மொழுக்குனு இருக்கு…”—the harsh verdicts of hardcore idly connoisseurs on the efforts of...
Those days, families that had a phone, a landline, were considered truly elite. As a child, I remember our black rotary phone. It had a shrill ring that could be heard even two houses away. That sound itself felt important… like news was arriving. Calling outstation relatives wasn’t simple. We had to book a trunk call. Then came the wait. And when the call finally...
My mother fondly narrates this story about the origin of my name. When I was born—yet another girl—her grandfather apparently said, “Kannagiyin pen Manimegalai aagattum.” And that is how I was named. Her younger brother is named Ilango, after Ilango Adigal, the author of Silapadhikaaram. So in our family, we have Kannagi, Manimegalai, and Ilango—three names drawn...
Vanaja was running late. Breakfast was done. Lunch was packed. But Tiger still needed his morning walk before she could drive to school. Venkat was glued to an early morning office call, so help was out of the question. “Tiger… come. Let’s go down.” Tiger, her jet-black Labrador, sprang up from his favourite spot near the swing — the perfect vantage point to watch...