#TamizhNilathilRaman - Starting today, till 22nd January, I will be presenting the story of one TN town/day that stands testimony to the inextricable connection between Tamil Nadu & Lord Shri Rama!
Let’s begin with Kurangani, Thoothukudi District.
Read on… 😃

When Sita Devi realised that the Pushpaka Vimana was about to cross the shores of Bharat, she began removing her ornaments and throwing them below so that Shri Rama could trace the path traversed by Ravana. Among other ornaments, a pearl necklace flung by her, lands by the banks of the Thamirabharani river, in a town that is today called Kurangani.

While monkeys steal several of the ornamnts, legend tells of one Panaiyadiyaan, struck by the radiant pearl necklace, placed a mud pot over it. The townspeople, who considered the necklace to be a divine Jyoti, transformed the location into a temple named "Muthu Maalai Amman Temple" (Temple of the Devi with Pearl Necklace), honoring Sita Devi.

What is fascinating is that while Ramayana makes a mention of Sita Devi throwing her ornaments for Shri Rama to find, there is a more explicit reference in Sangam Poetry (Purananuru 378)
‘…கடுந்தெறல் இராமன் உடன் புணர் சீதையை
வலித்த கை அரக்கன் வௌவிய ஞான்றை
நிலஞ்சேர் மதர் அணி கண்ட குரங்கின்
செம்முகப் பெருங்கிளை இழை பொலிந்து ஆங்கு…’

This poem by Oonpothi Pasunkudaiyār describes how a poverty-stricken family, that receives a sudden gift of jewels from the King, did not know which ornaments were to be worn where. Just like the monkeys that scooped the ornaments thrown by Sita Devi, kidnapped by “Arakkan” Ravana, and wore anklets in their necks, and necklaces in their waists!

The Muthumaalai Amman temple stands to this day at Kurangani, in Thoothukudi district - right by the banks of Thamirabharani river! 🙏
Another town, tomorrow!
Ciao! ❤️