Day 6 September 28 - Travel to Tanjore
Pondicherry French Quarter
Our day today started by exploring the Pondicherry French Quarter and the remnants of this charming city’s colonial legacy along every wide boulevard and picturesque promenade.
Pondicherry to Tanjore 1 These are the sights as we head out of Pondicherry toward Tanjore - Pondicherry to Tanjore 1
Pondicherry to Tanjore – Pondicherry to Tanjore - Meat Market
Another discovery as Sudhakar called out to our bus driver, “Stop The Bus.” Sudhakar spied a meat market. Now you may ask, “I thought cows are sacred in India.” Yes they are sacred to many of the religions in India but India is comprised of many religions including Islam. Moslems are not bound by the meat restriction and operate local meat markets.
Pondicherry to Tanjore 2 These are the sights as we head out of Pondicherry toward Tanjore Pondicherry to Tanjore 2
Pondicherry to Tanjore – Pondicherry to Tanjore] - Local Temple
You have to be alert for interesting stops as you travel the roads in Southern India. We stopped to visit this Ayyanar “temple” just outside Pondicherry. Ayyanar is a Tamil village god, worshipped predominantly in the state of Tamil Nadu and villages in Sri Lanka. He is primarily worshipped as a guardian deity who protects the rural villages. His priests are usually non-Brahmins, who belong to mostly the potter caste. The temples of Ayyanar are usually flanked by gigantic and colorful statues of him and his companions riding horses or elephants. Ayyanar is associated with Sri Lanka god Aiyanayake. An Ayyanar is usually represented either as a warrior on foot; or riding a white horse or elephant. He is also represented as seated between his two wives, carrying a scepter or whip and wearing a meditation band, a cloth girdle circling the back and supporting the knees of a seated person.
Pondicherry to Tanjore 3 Back on the highway. These are the sights as we travel from Pondicherry to Tanjore 3
Pondicherry to Tanjore – Village Festival
Once again Sudhakar called out, “Stop The Bus.” This time Sudhakar had us join the celebration in a local Village Festival whose shaman was performing some pooja. It is a very auspicious occasion when foreigners visit with families or villages. We were welcomed to the village and asked to join in their celebration. The chief selected me and placed a floral jasmine arrangement around my neck. A very moving discovery stop.
Pondicherry to Tanjore 4 Back on the bus These are the sights as we travel from Pondicherry to Tanjore 4
Southern India Photo Page 6
Southern India Photo Page 4
- Southern India