A passionate teacher turned Digital Marketer.
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...
I have always had a soft corner for lesser-known temples. The quieter they are, the closer they seem to the divine. There is something deeply comforting about sitting in a prahāram without the hum of crowds or the shuffle of hurried feet — just a hush that settles around you so gently, it stirs something within. A stillness so complete that you feel like breaking...
It was a Pradosham evening. Around 5 pm, we parked our car at the temple entrance. The first act, as always, was to offer our respects to Surya Pillayar—a magnificent, towering form of Ganesha, striking in both scale and presence right at the entrance. From there, we walked barefoot into the ancient Kaameswarar Temple at Madavilagam, Kalkulam village, carefully...
Saint Thirugnanasambandar, the child prodigy and the boy saint who is one among the Naalvars (the four great Saivite saints) is considered as an avatar of Lord Murugan by learned scholars. Thirugnanasambandar has performed many miracles, but the one associated with Thirumarugal touches the heart in a deeply human way. Thirumarugal is a quiet, unassuming village...
We were heading for a 6:30 lecture in Mylapore, and Senthil had a meeting at 4:30. The plan was simple—he would finish his meeting, and then we would go straight to the lecture. So I settled myself in a coffee shop nearby, ready to enjoy my newly downloaded Kindle book, while he wrapped up his work. The café was packed, so when two ladies asked if they could share my...
Every time I drive past the stately white Ripon Buildings, I can’t help but turn and admire its timeless grace. Built in 1913, this magnificent structure, which now houses the Corporation of Madras (Greater Chennai Corporation), is one of Chennai’s most enduring colonial landmarks. Recently, I finally got to step inside this architectural gem, thanks to the Heritage...
“Amma, you’ve been so busy since morning! Come on… let’s watch this scene from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire together,” said Laya, tugging at Shreya’s hand and pulling her toward the living room. It was the Pongal holidays — five days of pure bliss for children — and eleven-year-old Laya was determined to enjoy every bit of it. But her beloved mother always...
On Deepavali or the day after, many families observe a special vratham known as Kedhara Gowri Nombu. During this ritual, 21 adhirasams (a sweet made with rice and jaggery) are prepared, and a sacred thread with 21 strands is tied—usually around the wrist or neck of married women. Offerings of betel leaves and bananas are placed before Goddess Gowri and Lord Shiva...
Angavai was ecstatic. She ran across the room and hugged the hostel warden who had just shared the happiest news she’d heard in years. Her appa was coming to visit! After two long years. She could barely contain her excitement. Darting to the gate, she climbed up two rungs and craned her neck, eyes scanning the road. There he was! He seemed to be lost in thought...
“The padhigam I am going to teach you today is Angamum Vedhamum…” said my Guruji, Mrs. Shyamala Krishnadas. Later that evening, while researching that Thevaram, I came across two temple towns—Thirumarugal and Thiruchengattankudi. What brilliance the child saint Thirugnanasambandar had, composing verses that beautifully wove together two places so close to each other...