Reminiscence

Recently happen to see the movie Manal Kaiyru. 

When I come across 2 tamil movies in any of the social media, one person comes as a flash in my mind is my Grandma Kamalamma.

 Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai released in 1979 whereas the other one is Manal Kaiyru was released in 1982.

In those days I used to accompany her as a bodyguard. Yes I am able to hear your inner voice, how can a 6 year old child be a body guard for an elderly women. 

That even surprises me now!!!!!Could be that was a defense used to shield herself in getting permission from her son.

AAV – was released in Kamala cinema, I remember it should be first week of release. Her first attempt for Noon show ticket was a failure and we stayed there for a matinee and she somehow managed to get tickets. Great perseverance.

MK – was released in Krishnaveni cinema, we both were successful in getting tickets in first attempt. This one was night show, we stayed at Mangesh street which was near to the cinema which made life easier for our late night return.

Both cinemas are still in Chennai with big change to their infrastructure but when I pass through them sometimes this incident flashes with a little smile in my face.

Not only I used to accompany her to movies but also to lot of temples that used to be a herculean task in those days considering the public transport. Two such temple visits bring that iron lady to my memory immediately are

Nanganallur Anjeneyar Temple – Year 1989 Lord Hanuman
was installed but the 

Kumababishekam was performed only in 1995.  During 1989 there was nothing in the vicinity, We both took couple of buses from DMS(teynampet)and reached the temple and saw the mighty hanuman standing tall in an open area. Yes it was all open those days. It was my first experience of seeing something that big. 

The picture below depicts the evolution of this temple 

Vallakotai Murugan Temple - The powerful lord Murugan in this temple is the tallest ( 7 feet) in Tamilnadu. This one is situated between Singaperumal koil to Sriperumbudur on the Oragadam high way. Imagine in 1987 travelling to Oragadam from Tambaram. I will faint if I am asked to go to this place by public transport even today. But at that age she traversed to these places with great determination. 

This temple started becoming famous in those days for the quote

 “ இழந்த செல்வங்களை மீட்டு தரும் அருள்மிகு கொடையாண்டவர்” translation  “He who restores all that is lost”.

When we both visited this temple in 1987 it was as small as what they

have now for peacocks. No big gopurams and the temple had asbestos running along the circumference. 

Agree...yes the prayer was answered by HIM..HE did restore, that was lost and the generation X Y and Z of the family can vouch for that along with her sons and daughter in laws..... To be continued.....