At Manolayam, while we regularly organize monthly programs for our elders, there had been a quiet wish among them—to step out, to travel, to experience a change of scene, even if just for a day.

And recently, that wish came alive.

From the early hours, there was a sense of excitement in the air. The board had decided that the elders will be taken  on a spiritual outing to Aarpakkam Thiruvalleeswarar Temple and Magaraleeswarar Temple, both steeped in history and devotion. Both these places are near Kanchipuram.

All arrangements were thoughtfully made by our Trustee and auditor, Shri Rajasekaran, a native of Aarpakkam, whose personal involvement added warmth and care to every detail.

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A Journey Begins

The day began with a hearty breakfast at Adyar Ananda Bhavan at Padappai.

Before heading to the temples, a comfortable halt had been arranged at a kalyana mandapam owned by Shri Bhaskar, allowing the elders to rest.

Adding to the warmth of the day, Balaji and Nithya—who had travelled from Chennai especially for this—graciously hosted coffee and snacks.

 At Aarpakkam – A Temple Alive with History

Our first stop was the ancient Aarpakkam Thiruvalleeswarar Temple, an 11th-century Chola-era temple rich with inscriptions.

As the elders alighted from the bus, they were welcomed ceremoniously with the auspicious nadaswaram, creating a truly festive atmosphere. A temple festival was underway and there were some locals getting ready for it along with the Gurukkal.

We witnessed the abhishekam of the grama devadhai before proceeding for darshan of Lord Thiruvalleeswarar and Goddess Thirunallazhagi.

The Manolayam staff, especially Balaji, extended exceptional support—ensuring even those with mobility challenges, like a wheelchair-bound elder, could have a fulfilling darshan.

As we went around the temple, the unique gajaprishtam structure—resembling the back of an elephant—stood out, its walls adorned with inscriptions dating back to the reigns of Kulothunga Chola, Rajaraja Chola II, and Rajadhiraja Chola I. These spoke of ancient rituals, including rare aghora poojas once performed here.

Refreshing buttermilk was thoughtfully arranged for the elders, and each one was honoured with a shawl.

 Magaral

From there, we journeyed to Magaraleeswarar Temple, a revered Paadal Petra Sthalam sung by Thirugnanasambandar.

We first witnessed the abhishekam of the Goddess, followed by darshan of Lord Magaraleeswarar, whose lingam bears the unique form resembling the tail of a monitor lizard (udumbu).

In that sacred space, a few among us sang Thevarams and Siva Puranam, filling the temple with devotion. The powerful sthala paasuram was chanted together, creating a deeply spiritual moment.

The theertham offered here is believed to have healing properties, and we even heard a local share a moving account of recovery of his relative from bedridden state to mobility, attributed to it.

A Feast and Rest

Though the temple had arranged prasadam of ellu sadham and kesari, we ate lightly, as a traditional kalyana saapadu awaited us back at the mandapam—once again arranged with great care.

The lunch was wholesome, delicious, and enjoyed by all. After lunch, the elders rested comfortably in the spacious hall upstairs—a much-needed pause in a full day.

 An Idyllic Evening

By late afternoon, we headed to the farmhouse of Shri Udayakumar and Smt Chitra.

Seated under swaying coconut trees, in a serene and breezy setting, the elders relaxed as coffee and snacks were lovingly served. It was a picture-perfect moment of calm and contentment.

 A Graceful Conclusion

The final stop was at an Aadheenam madam in Kanchipuram, where we had darshan of the revered Guru.

A special highlight was a soulful rendition of Thevarams by young prodigy Sivakeerthi, which left everyone mesmerized.

Dinner—simple and comforting with idli and upma—was served, bringing the day gently to a close.

A Day to Remember

As the bus made its way back to Manolayam, there was a quiet sense of fulfillment.

Yes, it had been a long and tiring day for some—but above all, it was a day filled with joy, devotion, care, and togetherness.

A day the elders had long been waiting for.
And a day that will stay with all of us for a long time.