Sattanatapuram temples - Sivan Kovil, Ayannar temple and Mariamman temple

Sections compiled by J.Sundaresan

Sattanathapuram is small hamlet.It is situated 3kms from Sirkazhi on the Sirkazhi-Mayuvaram main road.

Sree Kalyani Ambika Samedha Sree Kailasanathar - Sattanathapuram

Arulmigu Sree Kalyani amman Samedha Sree Kailasanathar temple (Sivan kovil) is situated towards the east of the village sattanathapuram. The presiding deities are Kailasanathar and Kalyani amman. The temple also has mandapams for lord Vinayakar, Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai, Dakshinamoorthy,Durgai,Suryan, Chandran and Bhairavar. Lord Sarabeshwarar was added in 2001 and Prithyankara Devi was added in 2007. Lord Sundaresawarar with Meenakshi amman is located outside the maha mandapam. The lingam of Sundareshwarar was found in the temple pond and pradhisthai done outside the main mandapam but within the temple premises.This was in 1930’s

The temple was built by Shiva Subbarayar 180 years back sometime in the early 1820’s.The original Lingam of lord Kailashanathar, was broken when our grand dad Ramani Iyer (elder brother of Subramani Iyer) did some renovation work and then the present day lingam was installed.



Shri S.S. Srinivasa Iyer, Bhooma Srinivasan and Village devotees inside the Shivan temple

In 1930 Kumbabhishekam was done

In 1961 Kumbabhishekam was done by K. Seetharama Iyer.

In 2001 Kumbabhishekam was done by S.S. Srinivasa Iyer

Sivan Kovil is not a private property. It is under HR & CE. However, hereditary trusteship is still given to the family, as the records show that the temple has been maintained by Shivasubbarayar and lands allocated to the temple for routine maintenance based on the revenue from lands. Seetharama Iyer (he has got it from J Venkatramani Iyer) handed over the temple documents and trusteeship to Seenu Iyer. The trusteeship of the temple so far is as follows. (This also gives an indication of our ancestry and co-relates the correctness of the family tree in a way !!!)

1. Shiva Subbaraya Iyer (Known founder of the family)
2. Narayanaswamy Iyer
3. Ramaswamy iyer
4. Jagadeesa Iyer
5. Venkataramani Iyer
6. Seetharama Iyer
7. S.S. Srinivasa Iyer

Currently, there is no Hundi in the temple or an official account , and as such does not attract HR&CE intervention for accounts. However, any Kumbabhishkam or addition of statues (by the by the number of Gods within the premises has increased from 2001 !!!!) or alteration within the premises, should be notified to HR&CE before it can be undertaken. For any functions or maintenance, the HR&CE will not fund a single pie,as it is not a revenue earning temple. It is notified to the HR&CE, that Subramani Iyer’s family is maintaining the temple, based on their personal income and revenue along with the support of Philanthropists and people from the SNP village.


Left to Right: Shiva, Sugu, Sudha,Sundaresan, Apoorva, S.S.Srinivasan, S.Chandrasekaran in the Shiva temple

The huge pond adjacent to the temple was the bone of contention between the village panchayath and temple after the death of Subramani Iyer. The huge pond adjacent to the temple has been taken over by the panchayath in 1961 and removed from the temple property. Seetha rama Iyer and Srinivasa Iyer, ordered fishing in the pond just before the Kumbabhishekam in 1961. This created a furore between the villagers and the Seetharama Iyer family. Karnikkar –K.S.Swaminatha Iyer, heard the case and ordered the judgment in favor of the villagers and the panchayath.

There are 2 more temples which are managed from the SNP house.


“Eeti Munai Maanika Ayannar” located in Sengamedu Village - 2km from Sattanathapuram
Ayannar temple – in Sengamedu village. Sengamedu village is about 2 KM from SNP village. This temple is under HR&CE. This is our Village “Kula Deviam”. The presiding deity is Sastha (Ayappan) and called as “Eeti Munai Maanika Ayannar”. The weapon for the deity is Eeti (Sphere) and one can find a huge sphere behind the deity.


Vaitheeswaran Kovil – Thaiyal Nayagi and Vaitheeswaran is also Kula Deivam for our family.

Note: The following tradition
1. If it is a male child, the first ‘Mottai’ (tonsure) is to Ayannar in our family and then only Vaithheswaran kovil mottai to be performed
2. If it is a female child, the first ‘Mottai’ (tonsure) is to Vaitheeswaran kovil in our family and then only Ayannar kovil mottai to be performed



Sattanatahapuram Mariamman
Mariamman temple – This temple was built, as a small mud construction,somewhere in the 1930’s by Venkatrama Iyer f/o Nagapattnam Krishnamoorthy’s family. (also called as Pottai (blind) krishnamoorthy iyer or Nagapattnam anna). It seems Krishnamoorthy iyer had problems with his eye sight during birth, and Venkatrama Iyer Prayed Goddess Shri Maha Mariamman and built the mud structure in his own land property, requesting for divine intervention . There, was some cure, but he had problems in one of his eyes.

Nagapattanam Krishnamoorthy Iyer’s wife is the daughter of (M.V.Iyer of Kaveripattnam and moved to Nagpur and latter was called as M.V.Iyer of Nagpur. Padma athai has been married to M.V.Iyer’s son Shri V Muthuswamy).

S.S.Srnivasan, took over the administration of the temple and temple is currently maintained by the SNP family. Lot of renovation work was done . S.S. Srinivasa Iyer was instrumental in building the a sanctum sanctorum and the outside structures, from the old mud structures and maintaining the temple.

Kumabhishekam was performed in 1990 by S.S.Srinivasa Iyer. Sethurama Iyer (S/o J venkat Ramani Iyer ) and Karnam K.S. Swaminatha Iyer played a key part.Every year Pushpanjali (reciting of Lalitha Sharasnama 1008 times) is performed in a grand scale under the able administration of S.S. Srinivasa Iyer. This activity attracts and bonds the villages on a big scale.


Recently, Kumbabhisekam was performed by S.S. Srinivasa Iyer on 14-07-2008 with substantial contribution from his own siblings,His brother’s and family members, Karnam K.S. Swaminatha Iyer’s son K.S.Balasubramanian , village elders and members played a key part.
In 1930 Temple was built and repair works done once in 15-20 years
In 1990 Kumbabhishekam was done by S.S. Srinivasa Iyer.
In 2008 Kumbabhishekam was done by S.S. Srinivasa Iyer.

Parambarai Dharmakartha Shri S.S.Srinivasan leading the Kumbabhisheka Proceedings amidst vedic chantings.

Behind the Mariamman sanctum, a meditation mandabam is built. Pictures of Shri Rama, Sita, Anjaneya are placed in the mandbam. Another native of the Sattanathapuram village Shri Periya Ramu Iyer and his family( currently settled in Bombay), sponsored for this mandbam and has taken a active part in its conception.


Shri S.S.Srinivasa Iyer with his family members :L-R: S.S.Srinivasan, Prerna, Sridhar,Rohit,Shiva, Prema,Sundaresan,Sugu

SNP Clan : Shivasubbaraya Iyer to Jagadeesan Iyer, Manni Patti (Bhagirathi)

The earliest of the family ancestors as per known records(based on a Partition deed of 1914)  is Subbaraya Iyer. He had 2 sons

1. Ramaswamy Iyer ( It is not known,if the family continued after Ramaswamy iyer or there may be some dayadhis (A term used to refer the succeeding families of brothers and cousins brothers)
2. Narayanaswamy Iyer a.k.a Ramalinga Sharma. He had 4 children. Jagadeesan Iyer, Kailsam Iyer, Krishnaswamy Iyer and a daughter Mangalam
3. We belong to the succeeding branches of Jagadeesan Iyer

Jagadeesan Iyer was the eldest of the siblings. His wife was Baghirathi (also called as Manni Patti). Jagadeesan Iyer died at the age of probably about 40+ years. He should have died probably in 1908 or so. The last of the promisory note referenced in the partition deed is dated June 1908. Thereafter the lands were partitioned. During one of the court cases pertaining to Sivan temple, some of the old documents were taken. The document pertains to the year 1914. A statement is written in the documents, that the property and lands were partitioned among the 3 brothers. The portion belonging to Jagadeesan Iyer will be managed by her wife Baghirathi. His eldest son Ramani Iyer was 14 years old and yonger Subramanian was 9 years old.

Smt Bhagirathi w/o S,Jagadeesan has insisted on partition to protect the rights of her minor sons and has palyed a significant role in the equal distribution of vast estates of land. ( Almost equivalent to 200+ Acres)

Jagadeesa Iyer had 2 sons and 2 daughter. See the family tree in next section



Baghirathi a.k.a Manni Patti

Baghirathi a.k.a Manni Patti the grand old Matriarch of the family lived for 90 years and raised the Sattanathpuram family single handedly. When Jagadeesan Iyer passed away, Subramani Iyer (aka Suppuni ) was a child of 9 years. Around her sixties, she became blind. She is credited with buying and enhancing the agricultural land properties of the SNP family. She loved Suppuni's (subramania Iyer) family more and choose to stay with Suppuni, when the partition in the family took place. She commanded wide respect and also was very intelligent. Baghirathi is a very common name in our family.

Manni patti was feared and respected. She was valued for her love and affection and admired for her dynamism and handling of village and family affairs with impunity. Mastery and control came with ease as every day the Kariyasthan ( estate manager) has to come and report the expenses and income for the day and take instructions for the next day agricultural routine. This tradition continued even when her son Subramani Iyer used to look after the lands.

Excerpts from the April - 1914 registered document in Sirkazhi sub-registrar office related to our Sattanathapuram land and House records:

Smt Baghirathi (A.k.a Manni Patti) w/o Late Narayanaswamy Jagadeesan Iyer has requested the partition of the SNP lands and house property to protect the interests of her 2 minor sons ( J.Venkataramani Iyer aged 15 years and J.Subramanian Iyer aged 9 years). This was in the year 1914. Manni patti has unequivocally requested for division in the interests of her 2 minor sons. She further states , "I representing as mother and guardian of my 2 sons will take full responsibility and care in bringing up the children as well as maintaining the aforesaid property which are rightfully due for my minor sons".

The 3 signatories of this division are

 (a) Bhagirathi ammal ( representing as Mother and Guardian for Venkat ramani & Subramanian )

(b) N.Kailasam Iyer

(c) N.Krishnaswamy Iyer  

 (internal reference for readers: Note: at the time of partition in 1914:

 (a) Our great grandfather Jagadeesan Iyer’s – grandmother Smt Janaki ammal was alive [Sri Sivasubbarayan Iyer’s wife Smt Janaki ammal ]

(b) Our great grandfather Jagadeesan Iyer’s – Chitti - smt Venkatalakshmi ( Ramaswamy Iyer –smt Venkatalakshmi : As per known records the couple did not have progeny)

(c) Our great grandfather Jagadeesan Iyer’s – Mother Smt Alamelu ammal was alive

1. For this division , our close family well wisher and respected elder Moolagudi Sri Srinivasa Iyer and who in the know of all characteristics , qualities, properties  and attributes of our entire SNP family will play the role of arbitrator

2. In the Karimedu division – Thennalgudi village – Late N.Jagadeesan Iyer grand-mother Janaki Ammal [ w/o Late Sivasubbarayan Iyer) is living in an ancestral house. As per this will, she will have full rights and enjoy the house and after her lifetime, the house will be divided amongst 3 of the below signatories.

3. It is the joint responsibility of the 3 signatories to provide for Smt Janaki ammal till her lifetime ( 80 Big kalam of paddy and 40 small Kalam of paddy – In total 120 kalam per year - peru Nel and Kuru nel)

4. It is the joint responsibility of the 3 signatories to provide for Smt Venkatalakshmi ammal till her lifetime ( 70 Big kalam of paddy and 20 small Kalam of paddy – In total 90 kalam per year).

5. It is the joint responsibility of the 3 signatories to provide for Smt Alamelu ammal till her lifetime ( 80 Big kalam of paddy and 40 small Kalam of paddy – In total 120 kalam per year, 15 vesam Tamarind and 300 Coconuts). She performs Uma Maheswara Pooja in grand scale and Rs 200/- to be provided for the same yearly

6. For Alamelu ammal  - A sum of Rs 500/- is collected from the 3 signatories and kept aside to perform her last rights , obsequies and other religious rights. The same is handed over to Sri Kailasam Iyer

(Note: Alamelu ammal was taken care by Sri Kailasam Iyer till her lifetime and stayed in the house next to our present day SNP house)

7. The backyard of Sri Kailasam Iyer ends in a water channel ( Vaaikal). As good-will and in order to facilitate for the passage of Bullocks, Cows, calf and bullock-carts – pathway is  allowed on the property of Minor J.Venkataramani and J.Subramanian iyer next to the water channel

(note: Kailasam Iyer was staying in the next house on the right side of our present day SNP house – followed by J Venkataramani Iyer – followed by Sethuraman Periappa)

8. Our village temple Sri Kailasnatha swamy (Sivan Kovil) has been provided with common lands and the temple affairs and maintenance should be taken care and handled by the eldest among the family members

9. Post this partition, the properties belonging to the individuals will be maintained by them separately.

10. Hence forth, all affairs can be tackled or handled in friendly manner and right of relationship will be not entertained as far as the rights of the land, house and properties are concerned.

Manni Patti - In 1914 To stand up in a male dominated society as a single (widowed) woman and commanding supreme respect deserves acclamation of the highest degree. 
A woman of great caliber indeed. A shining example of "when a woman is empowered the whole family is empowered"

It is said, she purchased lands at the rate of 1Kuzhi (3 kuzhi = 1 cent ) – 4 Ana’s (1 ana = 6 paise at the time of conversion). When manni patti was bed ridden (almost for 2 years in her last days), only when Subramani Iyer used to give her milk in the bed, she will drink and refuse, if other servants were to touch her for bathing and cleaning. She was very attached to Suppuni and her family.

Note: 100 cents = 1Acre - One acre comprises 4,840 square yards or 43,560 square feet.3 kuzhis make one cent. 100 kuzhis make one Maa. 100 cents an acre. 20 Maas one veli. 6.67 acres make a veli.

The kuzhi, Maa, Veli kanakku in villages is only for computing day to day agricultural requirements like seeds, labour, yield etc. Mirasdars and Kariyasthans knew the size of each plot in terms of kuzhi and maa only. The registrar office used to maintain land records in acres and cents only. Sale deeds will be based on that. After metrification they are being maintained in Hectares. That 3 kuzhis make one cent is a very approximate relation to connect the two systems. Acre is 4840 sq. yards is the basic Brittish system which we studied in schools.


To all the grandchildren, she used to give 1 or 2 ana’s for the Sirkazhi Thirumullaipoal festival. She, passed away sometime between 1954-55 at the grand old age of 90 years

N.Kailasam Iyer was a sub-Judge in the Madras presidency and served in what is to day Andhra Pradesh. He was married to smt Meenakshi, hailing from Umayalpuram near Swamimalai/Kumbakonam).


Kailasam Iyer had one son, K.Gopalakrishna Iyer. Gopalakrishna Iyer was the founder of Standard motors manufacturing Standard motor vans (called as standard 20) and then expanded into manufacturing of Cars (Standard 2000). The factory with machinery and vast arces of land was located in Perungalathur on the outskirts of Chennai. The factory became defunct in the early 1990’s. Currently negotiations are on for converting this lung space into a Software tech park. Gopalakrishna Iyer used to study in the present day SNP House. Gopalakrishnan had a daughter Baby [aka as Alamelu] She was married to K.V.Srinivasan a Chartered accountant of Komal near Kuttalam. Baby’s [Alamelu] daughter Uma is very active on Tsunami related rehabilitation work and also temple related activities in Sirkazhi and surrounding areas.



Shri K.Gopalakrishna Iyer - Founder of Standard Motors

plz see the below link for an article on Shri K.Gopalakrishna Iyer & Smt Maturam.

http://snp-roots.blogspot.com/2010/12/shri-kgopalakrishna-smt-mathuram.html
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Remarks by By KRL:
The large Balasubhramanya temple on Eldams Road, Teynampet, Chennai 600 018 was raised and Kumbabhishekam performed due to untiring efforts of Madhuram Gopalakrishna. She went from Mirasdar to Mirasdar in our district and collected donations for this purpose. Though Gopalakrishna was an agnostic he never objected to or interfered with his wife's religious activities.

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Sitarama Iyer's son Shri Gopu (CRN’s class mate ), S.Ramamoorthy (Thulsi athai Husband) and his son R.Sundaresan, N.Sridhar (S.Natarjan’s son), Gopu (s/o Raja Iyer and Pattu athanga) worked in Standard Motors.



From Left to Right: Sri Krishnaswamy Iyer with his wife Smt Madhurambal (a)Kunjammal standing behind him. Sri Anantharama Iyer, with his wife known as Avanam Patti standing behind him. The child is Rajammal (Krishnaswamy Iyer's daughter)


N.Krishnaswamy Iyer had 2 sons and 1 daughter. K.Sitarama Iyer and K.Jayarama Iyer. The daughter smt Rajaammal was married to Shri G.R.Muthuswami Iyer belonging to a reputed family in Ganapthy Agraharam.

Sitarama Iyer was a reputed advocate in Sirkazhi and also a government pleader. Jayarama Iyer worked in the defense establishment in Pune drawing a handful salary in those days. Jayarama Iyer resigned his job and came back to the village. Jayaram Iyer lived in SNP (after a few row houses on the opposite side of the street from the present house).

Sitarama Iyer was also the trustee of the Sivan kovil temple before S.S. Srinivasa Iyer. He was also the founder of the SATTANATHER COLONY.

Seetha rama Iyer’s Brother in law R.Appaswamy married Gowri (D/o Naganatha Sastry)

The below section contributed by K.R.Lakshminarayanan.(s/o K.N.Ramanathan...see family tree)

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By KRL

K.Sitarama Iyer had a sister married into Ganapathi Agraharam. In fact our Chandru's wife is a grand daughter or some thing like that. The siblings of K.Sitarama Iyer are Shri Gopu, B.S.Haridh (Balu), Chandrasekaran and smt.Dhanalakshmi.

Nelpathur Rangu mama's daughter Raji is married to one Ganapathiraman of Ganapathi Agraharam son of Dr. Narayanaswami Iyer. Sitarama Iyer's sister was related to them. In a marriage when I was introduced to her she became emotional about memories of KNR and my grandmother.

During my grandfather/grandmother's time the Sattanathapuram family and Kaveripatnam family were very close (like with Arupadi later). In fact it was K.Gopalakrishna and K.Sitarama Iyer who escorted KNR to hostel when he joined tthe engineering college.

2. Ramani Iyer, Natarajan's father's elder brother died at Vellore where he had gone for treatment at the Christian Mission Hospital. I remember he was cremated there and the family came to Madras to our house and went to Sattanathapuram. While entering our Theagaraya road house they sprinkled paddy seeds to avoid doshams that might be caused by their entry with theettu. I remember the scene very well. It was in 1952 after we bought the Raman st.plot and before we built the house.

3. Kittachi's wife's name is Jayalakshmi. She is from Velur near Kuttalam and related to Chelliah and Kuppuswami Iyer Andamma's nephews. I have seen Ramani iyer playing cards for high stakes with Chelliah(?) in a marriage. Finally he pledged his belt. I was too young to remember greater details.

4. Kittachi's brother Ramanthan's wife Mangalam (whose son Bombay Ramiah periappa's daughter Vasantha married) hails from Kadiramangalam. Her son lives there still and is a good friend of our Mayavaram Muthu.

5. Ramani iyer's other sister was married to a mirsdar in Annavasal. One daughter was married to a mirasdar of Keezhathanjavur. The other daughter's husband was The National High School teacher Poongavur Srinivasa Iyer and their son is our Mayavaram Lawer S.Krishnamurthy living few doors away from Kittachi's house. Ramani iyer's only son Sethuraman married a girl (Meena) from Keezhathanjavur. Her brother is Babu retired as a top financial guy in IOC .Then Babu went to Middle east.

6. K. Gopalakrishna married the daughter of a gentleman from Kumbakonam, her brother was a top lawer in Madras: K.S. Jayarama Iyer who lived in East Mada Street and whose son was K.J. Mahadevan a famous movie director.

7. I have no ideas about K.Jayarama Iyer's (Chandru's chittappa) wife's side. But He worked in Poona in a Defence establishment during war time or slightly later. He used to halt in our house whenever he came on leave and was proceeding to Sattanathapuram. He was then very affectionate towards me. At the time of Revathi's wedding, though I had invited him, he told me that he came for Nelpathur Balu and not for me. I replied that that his blessings are sufficient for me.

8. Gopalakrishna's share of property were bought by my father or grand father including the house. Later we sold all of them -- I remember it as 8 velis(?).

9. During my recent trip to Coimbatore I met Mr. Rajagopal a tottering old man of 90 Plus. He is Kaliasm Iyer's brother-in-law's son. In other words Meenakshi Ammal's brother's son. The family of Kailasam Iyer's wife belongs to Umaiyalpuram near Swamimalai a famous village.

So we were chatting about old relations. Ambukka's grand mother was Sanamma patti a direct sister of Meenakshi Ammal. So Ambukka is Kailasm Iyer's sister - in - law's grand daughter. Sanamma patti was married to Yagnasami Iyer of Nangavaram who practiced as a lawer in Madurai.

10.Whenever I meet Ambukka or her mother Savithri athanga they will enquire about the welfare of Gopalakrishna's family members. Further the name of Gopalakrishna's daughter is Alamelu alias Baby. She was married to K.V.Srinivasan a Chartered accountant of Komal near Kuttalam.

Just like Gopalakrishna and his cousins were my father's direct ammanjis, Gopalakrishna was Rajagopl's Nephew.


Those are my recollections. If Gopu and Padma (Natarajan's sister) and Sundari (Ramani Iyer's daughter) can also be consultaed for further details.

KRL
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Mangalam: She was married to Natesa Iyer of Kaveripattanam. This marriage should have taken place in the end 18th Century (Probably around 1890-1895’s). Their son was K.N Ramanatha Iyer. Their lands were taken care by SNP Ramani Iyer and after him taken care by Kittachi athan (s/o of Janki athai). Pls look into the family tree for subsequent progeny details

K N Ramanatha Iyer was married to A N Kalayanasundaram's sister Baghirathi [Prognies of Arupathy Natesa Iyer] and thereby the first 'sambandam' between the Arupathy and SNP came into existence (ofcourse via a kaveripattan axis). Arupathy.N. Kalayanasundaram (Son of Arupathy Natesa Iyer, who built a temple in Arupathy near Mayuram for Meenakshi amman.) ANK’s daughter Kamala is married to S.Natarajan of SNP.

Brothers & Sisters-Ramani ,Suppuni, Janaki & Meenakshi

Ramani Iyer, was one of those feared in his domain for his chastisement of anyone who crossed his path. He was feared by the villagers. Most of the time he used to be in Kaveri pattnam village and in Vellore. He died in 1952 in vellore and the last rites were performed there itself.

He comes across as a man who has enjoyed the pleasures of life. I had a lengthy conversation with Peria Ramu iyer (one of the key contributors for installation of Prithaykara devi in Sivan temple and a native of SNP. He will probably be one of our dayadhi’s), remarked “If your Grand dad’s (Ramani iyer) bullock cart is heading southwards, then definitely it is heading towards pleasure” (an obvious reference to the journey towards Vaitheeswaran kovil)

Ramani Iyer's frist wife was from a village called Kozhipputhur near Mayavaram. This marriage was short lived and It is said, she died when she was 6 or 7 months pregnant. His second wife was Mohambal (from Kurumberi village).

Ramani Iyer had One son Sethu Raman and one daughter Sundari. Sethuraman set up a shop dealing with Iron metals in Sirkazhi. I have seen people calling him “Erumbu kadai Ayya”. Probably he is one of the 1st Entrepreneurs in Jagadeesan Iyer’s family. The business did well.

Sethu periappa was married to Meenambal (d/o Subbulakshmi athanga and grand-daughter of Meenakshi athai)

Sundari athai is married to Srinivasan and lives in Chennai.

Subramani iyer, on the other hand was an introvert and a 100% family man. He lost his father when was just 5-7 years old. Suppani was a tough man and loved his mother very much. (see next section for an incident during partition).He kept his thoughts and dreams to himself. Apparently, he had a feeling, (except S.Natarajan who had joined the police force) his other sons were not good in studies, and therefore was worried about their future. My appa, used to say, Subramani Iyer, used to take the advice of KNR, K.Seetha rama iyer more seriously, than consulting any of his own family members and except Natarajan periappa his other sons, were too young or were just out of college.

He was the village head man, and my father was a very favorite son to him and used to assist him in the village administrative accounting. He has received a certificate from the then British government for assisting the British police in nabbing a notorious thief. This certificate used to be displayed in the main hall.

Subramani Iyer went to Chennai to seek the advise of K N Ramanathan [KNR], to buy some lands in chennai, as investment to his children. (KNR had bought some lands in T Nagar).There is a saying he went with Rs 5000/- as cash in the early 1950's. KNR dissuaded him from investing in chennai and said "ithallam madu katra edam, nee inga vangatha, oorle vera idam paru" (These places are for tying cows and u do not invest here. See some places in the village itself).

As they say “Life is full of missed opportunities.”

Note: I do not want any of the clan members to be judgmental based on such incidents. There is nothing right or wrong, and thats the way they lived their lives. One can ask logical question “Why did Subramani iyer not have thinking on his own and had to rely on somebody else. The writing’s and compilations are not for Judgements.

Subramani Iyer was married to Kunju (1st daughter of Cadavasal Rama Iyer and Grand daughter of Naganatha Sastry). The marriage took place in the Cadavasal House. (Pls see the CDL house pictures in the beginning of the document). The laminated marriage invitation of Subramani iyer with Kunju is available with my father S.Jagadeesan. They had 11 children.

1) S.Natarajan married to Kamala (d/o of A.N.Kalyanasundaram of Arupathy)
2) Padma married to V.Muthuswamy (s/o M.V.Iyer) of Kaveripatinam
3) Muthuswamy (died when 3 years old)
4) Thulsi married to S. Ramamoorthy (S/O of Sundaresan Iyer of Kulithalai)
5) S.S.Srinivasan married to 1st Bhooma,2nd Meenakshi
6) S.Jagadeesan- married to Savithri (D/o Pavattakudi S.Venkatarama Iyer)
7) Girija - - married to Krishnaswamy (Mayuvaram)
8) S.Chandru - married to Chitra (Mayuram)
9) Mangalam - married to Viswanathan (S/oA.P.Mani Iyer)
10) Sasikala - married to Gopalakrishnan (S/O Thayagaraja Iyer of Chidambaram)
11) S.Raman - married to Prema (Daughter of Krishnan of Sundarpandipuram)


SNP Siblings : S.Natarajan, S.S.Srinivasan (sitting on a tall stool),Sugu (sitting in small chair) Thulsi, Padma

Subramani Iyed died of Brain Hemorrhage on 31-05-1959. After, the death of Subramani Iyer, his brother in law C.R.Kunjithapatham, (CRK mama from Cadavasal/Mayavaram), was instrumental in convincing Seenu periappa to take care of the lands and also assume the role of Head of the family. C.R.K mama has played the role of a Patriarch within the SNP family. A courtesy visit to Mayuvaram CRK’s house is definitely on the agenda by the present day clan members whenever they visit SNP. Till date, there were not many instances, in which the decision of Seenu periappa has been overruled and conflicting decisions implemented as far as the lands, temple and SNP house administration is concerned.

Kunju patti, it is said, imbibed all the qualities of her mother (Cadavasal Patti). She was patience personified. Her respect and devotion to her husband and her mother in law manni patti was 100%.She was also a chronic asthma patient and the long list of Children, also had it share in weakening her health. She passed away in 1966.

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Shri Kailasam Iyer [a.k.a Kailasam Athaan]

While talking about Shri J.Subramaniam Iyer and family, Special mention needs to be made about the family of Shri Kailasam Iyer. The family lived 6 or 7 houses away from the current SNP house.


He was also referred to as Shri Kailsam Athan and was very close to our family. Integrity and uprightness were the hallmark of Shri Kailasam Iyer. The association between both our families dates back to a few generations earlier. It is reliably learnt that the forefathers of Kailasam Iyer migrated to the Sattanatahpuram village at the behest of our SNP ancestors to take care of the Sattanathapuram family. Kailasam Iyer was himself personally taking care of the properties of  Shri K.Gopalakrishna Iyer (Founder of Standard Motors family).

Shri Kailasam Iyer was treated as a member of the SNP family and almost had a say in the day to day affairs of the family. The eldest son of Kailasam Iyer is Shri K.Narayanaswamy Iyer. He was the class mate of Shri S.Natarajan and V.Sethu (Eldest sons of J.Subramani Iyer and J.Venkatramni Iyer respectively). Regular tuitions used to be conducted in the present day SNP house for this trio.

In one of my interactions with Shri Narayanaswamy uncle, he fondly recalled some nice incidents of the yester years and the close association between the two families. He remarked that lot of families are deeply indebted to J.Subramaniam Iyer for the help rendered by him including their family. He also eulogized the meritorious attitude and character of Shri J.Subramanim Iyer

Shri Kailasam Iyer youngest son Shri Muthu is class-mate of S.Chandrasekaran (s/o J.Subramaniam Iyer).

Shri Kailasam Iyer passed away in 1964. Shri Narayanaswami iyer recalled , that his father in his end days was remembering J.Subramaniam Iyer very frequently and even a made a reference that, with J.S Iyer gone, there is not much left for him in the village. Such has been the affection and mutual trust between Shri Kailasam Iyer and J.Subramaniam Iyer.

The bonhomie and trust between the families exists even today and thanks to the forefathers of both the families who have shown to the society that the world is an extended family. (I checked if both these famalies were related, but could not get any leads on the affirmative to suggest a relationship)

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Janaki Athai - It is said, she is very fair looking and orthodox. Till her death she managed on her own, following the strict principles of ‘Madi’[othodox]. Kittachi athan. (His name is Krishnamoorthy and is the son of Janaki Athai ). He was a tall man, with broad shoulders, and with a tuft. His wife name is Jayalakshmi.

Kittachi athan wife Jayalakshi is the daughter of Manni patti's own brothers daughter (i.e. he married his mother's own maternal uncle's daughter). Interestingly, manni patti's name is Bhagirathi and (Kittachi's athan wife Jayalakshmi horroscope (to be checked) name is also Bhagirathi. Going by the traditions, they should have carried the name of their ancestor of 2-3 generatiobns before them. My younger daughter Aparna is also named as Baghirathi in rememberence of Manni patti.

It seems, kittachi athan was a favourite of Manni patti and used to be in the SNP house very often. There was a marriage aliance proposal between Padma athai and kittachi athan. Kittachi athan refused, stating that, he and padma athai were almost like brother and sister, because of his closeness with the family.

Jankai athai’s daughter is Pattu athanga. She was married to Raja Iyer. They lived in chennai. They had 3 sons and 1 daughter.
- 1st Son Ambi. He was not married
- 2nd son Natarajan
- 3rd son Gopu and he worked in Standrad motors.
- 1st daughter Paru


Kittachi athan's brother was Shri Ramanathan- he was also called as Bombay athan .

Meenakshi Athai: The other sister of Subramani iyer was called as Meenakshi. She was married to a Mirasudar whose village is Annavasal (about 20Kms from Sirkazhi). It seems she died of Typhiod fever when on a pilgrimage to Rameshwaram and the last rites were performed there itself. The widower - Annavasal Mirasudhar re-married and had issues through the 2nd wife as well.

Meenakshi athai had 5 childern (3 daughters and 2 sons)

- Subbulakshi
- Neelaudhathatchi
- Gnanambal and sons
- Ambi attan and
- Seetharaman.

There had been no contact with this family for a long time. Recently a contact has been established with the family. This needs to be researched further

Sattanathapuram House

There is a remark by somebody (I do not know whom), but this is oft repeated “Intha manayil vazhbavan, Arasan pol vazhvan”.( The people of this house will live like kings). By the divine blessing and good deeds of our ancestors and elders, the current clan elders and their succeeding progenies have prospered well in life.

The old Sattanathapuram house (comprising the Kitchen,the cooking area in the back,the ugranul and the place where the 2nd Pathayam (wooden containers for storing grains) is kept, were part of the original old house. These areas are more than 100 years old. The front manor room, ladies room, delivery room, Koodam, the pooja area, the Mutham (place for drying grains and other spices, storage space during rainy season), were latter day additions and was completed on 2nd May 1939. The internal wooden structures are made out of Teak wood.

The date inscription '2-5-39' as seen from the northern entrance

Shri Narayanaswamy iyer (eldest S/o Kailasam Athan) gave a graphical description about the old house. There used to be a long cement bench from enerance to the present day Mutham (Storage place) on both sides, followed by the rooms of the old house. S.Natarajan, V.Sethu and Narayanaswamy Iyer were class mates and tutions used to be conducted for them in the front open space.

The partition between Ramani Iyer and Subramani Iyer took place sometime in the year 1948 (after the partition of the country !!!). The partition of the property between Ramani and Subramani Iyer was not smooth and was marked by acrimonious events in the family. Ramani Iyer has indicated that he will take the present SNP house and Subramani Iyer and family were supposed to move to the next house. Subramani Iyer was ok with this and did not raise any protest, for it was not his habit to question his brother’s decision, whether rational or irrational.

Manni patti was not happy with the decision of Subramani Iyer , being asked to move to the next house. She has told her elder son Ramani, it seems, “Suppani is a big samsari with 10 children and he should stay in this big house”. The lands were divided equally between the brothers and Subramani Iyer received approximately 35 acres as his share. The entire Cash, vessels, furniture etc in the house were getting partitioned.

At that time, Seetharama Iyer - advocate [s/o Krishnaswamy Iyer and govt. pleader] has walked in and Manni patti took a copper vessel (a sombu),showed it to Seetharaman and said “yen pillai yenaku sombu koduthirukkan paru” – (My son has given me a copper vessel ) and in a fit of rage and anger threw the vessel onto the mutham [central placs-hall]. Ramani Iyer was infuriated with anger and spoke harsh words to his mother. At this moment Suppuni placed his hand firmly on Ramani’s shoulders and said ‘Ramani Niruthu” ( Ramani Stop).

Ramani Iyer did not speak a word after that and immediately said, he will move out of the house iso Subramani Iyer.

The iron girder in the mutham (central place) was completed in 1953. The patarai (Iron machinery) was placed in the lands behind the house and was done by Adaikalaraj from Sembanar Kovil)

Thanjavur P V Naganatha Sasthri, (1867 to 1939)

Thanjavur family History (in brief)

P V Naganatha Sasthri, (1867 to 1939) a.k.a Thanjavur Naganatha Sastry was a distinguished Sanskrit Scholar and a lawyer of no mean repute. He is the son of Vengu Sastry. They were originally from PudhukottaiIn fact the estate that the Vadapathimangalam family own is due to this man’s excellent presentation of the Hindu law of adoption to the Privy Council. This case is seminal in the legal interpretation and the case is called “Sundaratthanni vs. Ramanuja”.

Shri P.V.Naganatha Sasthry (1867-1930)
Sanskrit Scholar & Lawyer

Recalling an incident on this great man’s legacy.

C.R Natarajan (Grandson of Shri Naganatha Sastry) was a close friend of K Rajagopal, brother-in-law of V S T. His father Kuppuswamy Mudalair was active in the management of the Thiru Arrooran Sugars. When CRN was in Beardsells, he met him to get business for Jute bags.During the conversation he realized that CRN was the grandson of P V Naganatha Sasthri, connecting the parentage. He called the person in charge of purchases and told him in Tamil, "In future you must give business to Natarajan as long as he is in Beardsells. Do not worry about the price". After the purchase clerk left , Kuppuswamy Mudaliar told me that the estate they enjoy is due to Naganatha Sasthri's exposition of Hindu Law. We always talk about the sins of the fathers, here is the munificence of the grandfather!

CRN mama found in Boston a copy of PVN Sasthri's 'Siddhanta Kaumudi' a treatise on Sanskrit grammar. The treatise was published by P.V.Nagantaha Sathri's son Professor T.N.Muthuswamy Iyer. Shri T.M.Mahadevan (Prof Muthuswamy's student) had helped Professor T.N.Muthuswamy  in speeding up the publication of the Siddhanta Kaumudi volume 1. (Published by Motilal Banarsidas) 

Cover page of Vaiyakarna Siddhantha Kaumudi
written by Shri P.V.Naganatha Sastry

Preface section of the book with info on Shri Naganatha Sastry

P.V.Naganatha Sastry was to Married to Meenakshi ammal (1875 to 1925) (Daughter of Muthuswamy Iyer of Madurai. See details in Madurai section).

They had 11 children. The below is taken from the Genealogy tree done by shri Naganatha Sastry’s son shri T.N.Muthuswamy.

a. Mohambal married to Subba Iyer of Thirukargavoor.
b. T.N.Vaidhyanathan married to Pichammal (Pichammal was the daughter of Venkatarama Iyer –founder of Madura college & also T.N.Vaidhyanathan’s maternal uncle)
c. T.N.Kalidasan married to Saraswathi
d. Chellammal (a.k.a Cadavasal Patti) married to Cadavasal Rama Iyer (refer to Cadavsal family in the subsequent sections)
e. T.N.Muthuswami (Geology Professor,Presidency college,Annamalai University,Saugar University M.P)
f. Parvathy married to Duraiswami
g. Kamakashi married to Umayalpuram Muthuswamy
h. Lakshmi married to R.Jayaramana
i. T.N.Subramaniam (The child died when he was 5 years old)
j. Gowri married to R.Appuswamy
k. T.N.Viswanathan married to Savithri

A family photograph taken in Ooty in 1930's

L to R standing TK Natarajan, (T.N.Kali's son) , TN Viswanathan , TS Venkatraman , TV Venkatesan  CR Kunjithapatham.
Sitting L to R T V Vaidyanatha Iyer, Cadavasal Rama Iyer , R Jayaram Iyer, Professor TN Muthuswamy Iyer 
Ground L to R (sitting) To be Identified

Professor T.N.Muthuswamy Iyer

Professor T.N.Muthuswamy Iyer

Shri T.N Muthuswamy was a reputed Geology professor. TN Muthusamy Iyer, shifted to Annamalai University at Chidamabaram as HOD, Geology Dept after a stint at Presidency college. Prof. Muthuswamy was in Annamalai in his last incarnation as professor. He had a stint in Sagar University after Presidency and before that was in Engineering College, Guindy.

The Prof. T.N Muthuswamy endowment lecture was instituted in the year 2000 by T.M.Mahadevan (Thrippunithura Mahadevan) Rtd Director of AMD and a student of Prof Muthuswami at Presidency college, Madras.as mentioned in the constitution of Geological Society of India as a humble tribute to a great teacher and a great benefactor of who shaped his career as a geologist. 

Professor T.N Muthuswamy Iyer initiated the publication of the Sanskrit treatise 'Sidhantha Kaumudhi' (Published by Motilal Banarsidas)

There is one little gem that CRN mama recalls always.

His paternal grandfather C R Kunjithapatham Iyer and maternal grandpa PV Naganatha Sasthri were good friends, perhaps class fellows in Law. There was a talk of CDL patti (lokanayaki) being "reserved" for CDL Ramaiyer, but when they compared horsocopes, it was found that CDL patti was born in Aayilyam Nakshathram and that was not conducive to the longevity of the mother in law. The matter was shelved. Senior CRK Iyer lost his wife. One fine day CRK Iyer came from Nagappattinam to see PV Naganatha Sastri and told him that the only impediment for the marriage is not there any more and the alliance should be firmed up.

Apart from CRN hearing of this incident from his mother, his maternal uncle T N Viswanathan, who incidentally was the son-in-law of Mayavaram Srinivasa Sarma (Sundappa's father) used to quote his father as saying," Senior CRK [grandfather of CRK/CRN] was a wonderful man. Economically and socially he occupied a very enviable status. This was an example of his graciousness".

CRN mama studied in Presidency college in Madras. The Head of Geology department was T N Muthuswamy Iyer, his mother Chellammal [aka Lokanayaki] - younger brother [Naganatha Sastry’s son]. T N Muthswamy’s son T M Venkatraman, also studied in Presidency college

What a life they must have lead !!.

Cadavassal Rama Iyer - Family History

4.1 Cadavasal House and Thoppu Vattaram

Ramadorai Iyer, father of Senior Kunjithapatham Iyer (CRK and CRN’s great grandfather) lived in Cadavasal. He had extended landed property as far as Karunthattangudi near Tanjavoor. Ramadorai Iyer had property in Nelpathur and Toppu Vattaram, Kuriyampallam, Vadhanoor etc. etc. Cadavasal house was occupied by Natesa Iyer aka Nataraja Iyer, an elder brother of Kujithapatham Iyer. (It is not known if Nataraja Iyer is CRK's blood brother or once removed. (Natesa Iyer's daughter Mangalam was married to Sama Atthan,- this is described in the latter part )

L-R: Shri S Jagadeesan, Shyam , Shri Chandrasekaran,
Chi Apoorva in CDL home

Cadavasal House

Cadavasal and Thoppu Vattaram

There was some sort of living quarters in Toppu Vattaram and Kunjithapatham Iyer, demolished it and built what in those days was called "Kaatthu" bungalow i.e. a sort of summer home. The pond adjacent and trees all round provided the comfort of cool air in extreme heat. The original house in vattaram had a central hall, a Thavaram and kitchen, perhaps a bedroom. All round was the verandah. A "kottah" with coconut 'keethus" formed the entrance. Cadavasal Ramaiyer (grandson of Ramadurai Iyer) moved to Toppu vattaram, even when his father was alive. Senior CRK Iyer used to visit the village during the recesses in the courts and enjoyed the walks and his property. Cadavasal Ramaiyer’s brother was Sivaswamy Iyer (Sivasmay Iyer was also called as Vattaram Sivaswamy iyer) When the property was pationed, Sivaswamy iyer took the Thoppu Vattaram house and property and settled there.

What remains of the old Cadavasal house are the two freestanding protrusions, the garage that was the "kamera Ull" aka bedroom and the bathroom. Between, the two rooms must have been a connecting verandah leading up to the main street entrance, probably in line with the Northern walls ie the walls adjoining the street.The main structure was demolished and the present day Cadavasal house was built. Namasivayam Aachari from Nagapattinam supervised the construction.

The partition between Cadavasal Ramaiyer and Sivaswamy Iyer was pretty smooth and very amiable. Ramaiyer and Lokanayakki (cadavasal patti) moved to cadavasal sometime in 1916

(sitting L to R) Directors of the Indo-Commercial Bank R. Viswanatha Aiyar, T.R.V. Sastriar,
Rao Bahadur C.S. Subramaniam Pantulu, Rt. Hon. V.S. Srinivasa Sastriar,
S.N.N. Sankaralinga Iyer,V. Venkatarama Iyer, K. Sivaswami Aiyar

Shri Sivaswamy Iyer was known as Vattaram Sivaswamy iyer. He was a persona of courage and confidence.  He had a commanding presence and at the same time a very pleasant mannered man.  He was so forward thinking back in times and had such high level connections (S.Y. Krishnaswamy, S. Venkatesan to name a few). Mr M C B Komm, a  district judge used to be his guest in Vattaram house. He nurtured a philanthropic mind set.  He used to buy medicines in the Spencer Medical shop in Madurai and distribute it free of cost to the villagers!! . 

Shri Sivswamy Iyer was one of the founder members of Indo Commercial bank Ltd headquartered in Mayavaram (Mayiladuthurai). The above photograph was published in Hindu under the caption "An intriguing conundrum"

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/an-intriguing-conundrum/article5744051.ece

Cadvasal Rama Iyer & Thoppu Vattaram Sivaswamy Iyer with family members

Kadavasal Ramadurai Iyer and his son Kunjitapatha Iyer

Kadavasal Ramadurai Iyer and his son Kunjitapatha Iyer

Cadavasal Ramadurai - There is only one likeness of him. That is in a Tanjore painting of Nataraja, in which he is shown standing with palm folded. . (the photo of the Nataraja picture, was with Vattaram Siavaswamy Iyer) and is now with his grandson Rajiv in Chennai). Good interactions have taken place between Kanchi Chandrasekara saraswathi Periyaval of haloed memory  and used to recount how he was well looked after during his travels in a palanquin. Ramadurai Iyer, used to keep a full "kudam" of milk and the palanquin bearers should not shake the palanquin and keep such a smooth movement that the milk should not spill, when the Sankaracharya was in the palanquin. There was a "bhoygi" ie. Palanquin bearer named Lakshmanan, whose legs were bowlegged and his shoulder was black with hardened skin by carrying the palanquin. He used to talk of his "yajaman". There was one Lakshmi Patti mother of one Seshu Sasthrigal in Cadavasal, and Lakshmi Patti, fondly kbown as Echi patti used to say in Tamil, " when Ramadurai Iyer walked by after visiting the temple or his lands, no woman in the village will stand in the front yard and men, if any, will stand up and tie their towels around their waist and keep their hands crossed over the bellies! In those days, the private road that lead to Cadavasal house was not there and the only entrance to the house was via Agraharam. Another servant, who himself had faint memnories was Mannadhan, whose father was a servant of Ramadurai Iyer. Ramadurai Iyer wife’s name was Janaki. She was a very fair person in her mien as also in her mind and intellect.

When he was in the palanquin on his way to Karunthittangudi, he saw a nice looking girl
peering out of the window in a house. He was smitten by her looks and immediately sent word through his Kariyasthan (secretary/manager) to find out who the girl was. When he was told that the girl's wedding was impending, he called for the girl's father and told him to call off the marriage as he wants to marry her. Legend has another version ie. that he saw a girl in the house that was being prepared for a wedding the next day or so with plantain trees and other festoons, then called the girl's father and said he will marry her, at the same time advising the bridegroom's party to keep away! A true Maharaja Story! There is no method of checking which version is true; it is all over 130 years old.

Few interesting anecdotes. Chinnadorai of Vadagal, whose ancestors were originally Palayakars of the Vijayanagar empire. His ancestors had one day Puja in the Sirkali festival of Thirumullaipaol and a similar day was for Ramadurai Iyer. The protocol was that the Oorvalam should commence only after the Kartha of that day was present and performed the puja. Unfortunately on one Occasion Ramadurai Iyer was late and the Kattalai Thampuran ordered the Oorvalam. Ramadurai Iyer's palanquin reached the Sannadhi St, just as the procession was starting. He asked his Bhoyis (palanquin bearers) to bring the Kattalai thampuran and was beaten up. This appears too extreme and may have been embellished over repeated narrations but it is possible that Ramadurai Iyer had the Kattlai thampuran beaten up and collected an apology. He was a terror in his lifetime.

Sattanathapuram Manni patti (Baghirathi) used to remark about Ramadurai as “Kandal viduvano cadavasal Ramadurai” (will he leave a girl after sighting her !!!)


Cadavasal Ramaiyer (Ramadurai Iyer) was named after his grandfather. Cadavasal Ramaiyer sister was named as Janaki in memory of her grandmother. In the Current generation Sattanathapuram Natarajan’s son Ramesh is named after the legendary Ramadurai.

Cadavasal Ramadurai Iyer’s son was Kunjitapatham Iyer (Senior Kunjithapatham Iyer)



Sitting on the left is Cadavasal Kunjitabatham Iyer [ Senior CRK ]

He was a leading lawyer in Nagapattnam. There is "Sanad" in Mayavaram CRK's (Senior CRK’s grandson) office room right under Kujithapatham Iyeer's photo, conferring the title of Rao Bahadur or Rao Sahib to the late senior CRK Iyer with the date Sep. 1917 or so signed by Lord Chelmsford, Viceroy of India. The Sanad and the medal that goes with it was collected by Cadavasal Ramaiyer (Senior CRK’s son) from the Governor of Madras, as by that time, senior CRK Iyer was dead. (died sometime during the first world war betwen 1914 and 1918). Probably it was in 1917 or so

Kadavasal Ramaiyer Iyer & Lokanayaki (CDL Thatta & Patti)

The current generation of the SNP family speaks with so much pride their connection with the cadavasal family and the happy days in their grandparents house. Cadavasal Thatta was very strict, but yet a loving and caring father and grandfather. His sense of humor is beyond comparison. His snoring habits was the talk of the town. His snoring was so loud and intense that it was heard in the still of the village night at a distance of 100 meters sometimes. Cadavasal thatta used to lock the Iron grill gate by 7:00 PM sharp and it is said anybody coming home after 7:00 PM, have to come the next day.



Cadavasal RamaIyer and Lokanayaki

Cadavasal Patti (Lokanayaki D/o Naganatha Sastry) was pious but not bigoted, conservative but not evangelical, strong in her beliefs but seldom sought to impose them on others. She was a product of one generation but did not carry the prejudices of one and condemned others. She was a student of Sanskrit, wrote Tamil with a poetical finesse, understood English better than many, solved puzzles in Tamil that Ananda Vikatan used to publish every week and won a number of times, earning a few rupees here and there. She was generous without being lavish, had an ability to judge good causes and not be carried away by glib talk. Her devotion to thatta was total. She got married at the age of 11 or 12 and came to live in the village at a very early age. Thanjavoor in those days was a big town and for her to come and adjust to life in Thoppu Vattaram must have been traumatic. She took it in her strides.

Kindly read, Paravathi akka – A biography by C.R.Natarajan for a detailed account on the early lifestyles, Navarathri functions, Thanajavur Naganatha Sasthry and family,the troubled life of Parvathy akka, in the subsequent sections in this document

Cadavasal Patti was, is and will always be divine for many in the current generations and succeeding generations who will hear her legends

They had 6 children :4 daughters and 2 sons
1. Kunju married to J Subramaniiyer of Sattanathapuram
2. Parvathy married to P.Vaidhyanathan a.k.aBalan ( Balan died at a very young age)
3. Savithri married V.Subramaniiyer of Madurai
4. A fourth daughter passed away as a very young child due to liver cirrhosis
5. C.R. Kunjitapatham married to Jayam (Jayam d/o of T.N.Vaidhyanatha Iyer )
6. C.R. Natarajan married to Mangalam and Dakshayini

The below series contributed by Shri Cadavasal Ramaiyer Natarajan:

Dt 13th June'2011

I am not a Dara Shikoh who translated the Upanishads and was later killed by Auranazeb. His translation to Persian survived and from this translations in other languages spread to the West. I do not have any such seminal work to survive me but sometime when some distant descendent of our families access your geneology, they may find some little word neither innocuous nor enlightening but from the heart in my writing.

I will aways regret that I never got the fluency and fragrance, the flower and flow of my mother's Tamil or her Sanskrit, despite my having sat with her when she regaled me with many stories of Kalidasa, Bhavabuti. Here is one such story which I request be included in the Cadavasal chronicles with this letter.Here it is


Kalidasa wielded great influence in the court of King Bhoja as the court poet. An elderly poor brahmin depended on Unchavrithi ( beggary) for the family sustenance. He knew Kalidasa but never approached him for help. With the persistence of a termite, his wife broke down the Brahmin's resistance and he went to Kalidasa for help. Kalidasa told him that King Bhoja was partial to learning and that he should come to the court to seek help. The brahmin was a total nit wit and could not utter two intelligent and intellligible words in Sanskrit. Kalidasa schooled him in a Sanskrit Sloka in the morning of the scheduled palace visit and told the brahmin, he should continuously repeat this so that he does not forget. The brahmin was muttering the sloka as he negotiated the corridor of the palace. One of the guards said "Ush" to stop the muttring. The brahmin forgot the sloka and started "Ush! Ush"! Another guard said "De" which the brahmin heard as "dara"; by the time he reached the throne with his lime and vibhuti and Kumkum, forgot everyth/ing and transformed the words to "Ushadara".

The king was unable to understand the greeting and asked Kalidasa to explain. Kalidasa wanted to discipline some of the court poets who prided themselves on their erudition and so he suggested to King Bhoja that the court poets be requested to decipher the greeting. All of them said that the expression has no meanilng and challenged Kalidasa. Kalidasa with a smile said that the old brahmin can not talk much and so has taken the first letter of each line of his greeting; expanded the words to


UMAYA SAHITHO RUDRAHA ( Siva with his consort Uma)
SANKARA CHANDRASEKHARA ( Sankara with his Chandra)
DANDANKARA VINODHENA (beaing the the damaru (small drum hour glass shaped)
RAKSHA THVAM ( bless you).


Bhoja was pleased with the brahmin and provided him with his material needs.

I will regale you with a few such gems from my mother as and when i recall them.

Even now when I say my daily prayers I recite this sloka in memory of my mother with the change in the last line to mean bless me!

To-day is 13 June, It was at the stroke of midnight of 12-13 June that my father died. What will ever remain of him will die in a few years; memories do not survive life of those who remember. Then they move on to the sphere of legends and myths!

c r n

Parvathi akka – A biography by C.R.Natarajan

Written in Oct-2002 by C.R.Natarajan
This Vijayadasami day I am starting on a fragmented chronicle of my life and I pray my MOTHER to give me the strength, memory, time and health to at least recapitulate major events if not in depth and to the end,
On 12th October, I had a dream that my father's father C R Kunjithapatham Iyer was with me and was taking me with him. I have never seen him as he died far before my birth but all the same I felt his presence in the dream. I do not recall the face in my dream. The following day ie 13 I had images of cadavasal life and the strong presence of my parents. As I lay in bed I realized that the promise of writing, as far as I knew of my ancestors has not been kept by me. I have not even made a serious attempt to know the birthday of Parvathi and her husband for me to create an endowment in their names. I pray that I am given the strength to complete this chronicle, however fragmented it may be.

The biography is compiled in 6 sections. (Section 01 - Section 06)

Parvathi akka – A biography -01

Written by Cadavasal R Natarajan

Navarathri festival and life in Cadavasal

Navarathri in Cadavasal was a religious function for my mother. She used to have Puja for ten days and I used to help her with performing the archana, Two occasions when GOLU was elaborately celebrated were when my mother had her daughters-in-law and on each one's first Navarathri, My father had an edict that the Navarathri Sundal etc. must only be given from the verandah. He did not want the highly polished wooden pillars used as wipes and the floor spilt with the sundal by children. This was an edict that my mother very strictly followed and did not hesitate to tell the sumangalis who came for Pakku Vetrilai . The sumangaiis who used to come for Navarathri were ( from the last house on the East End of Agraharam) Aalankattu Karnikkar's wife whose name I have forgotten, Krishnamurthy Sasthry's wife when she was alive and her daughters the most prominent among them being Thippa Kutty an unpardonable corruption and mutilation of the name of the Divine Mother Thirupura Sundari, which I came to understand much later in life), my father's cousin sister Mangalam known as Mangalakka (her husband was Sama Atthaan) and her daughers in Jaws Sombu's wife and Anthu's wife, sometimes Mangalakka's daughers Aplai, or Rukmani or Pichu before she fell from grace for her alleged escapades with Marimuthu, there was an old lady living in the house to the West inhabited by a widowed lady, who donned the widow's weed prescribed by convention if not religion - someone from her house if she had her daughter or someone visiting, , Nana Iyer's wife and his son Ramu's wife, Nana. Iyer's daughters Bhavani, Chinna Kutty Wife of Ramachandra Srowthigal) Thangam (I think that was her name. Wife of Ramamirtham Iyer school teacher) and their children if the daughters were visiting their parents, Thattha’s daugher in law Mani ( that was how she was called I did not know her name, she had three sons Kalyanarn, Achi shortened corruption of Achuthanarayanan, Chandran and a daughter Malli. a very fair and charming child), Pakkatthatthu (adjacent house) Pattamaniar' wife and her daughters Ammam, Nagam, Lalitha, Seshu Sasthri's wife Madhuram till Seshu Sasthri passsed away, (Madhuram has no children) Seshu Sasthri's son Ramamurthy's wife Kanthi and her children, Abhirami Maami, lyya Pichu Iyer's ( familiar form for Ayyaswamy Iyer) wife, with her daughers-in-law after their acquisition courtesy, sons Rajam and Piccha Kutty (the name Venkatraman was known to me when I was 12 or so), Dikshidhar's Mattuppenn ( Diskshidhar's daugher in law Rangan's wife), lyengar maami ( her husband was the kurukkal in the Vishnu temple in the Western end of the Agraharam) and after their time her son Rangan's wife, Kalyana Kurakkal's wife with her daughters-in-law. Most of them had children and it was fun for children to enter Periyam (Cadavasal House) and see the big koodam and thaavaaram with the large Nataraja picture and pictures all over the walls ( the big house, that is how our house was known, such a pleasure was denied to them most of the days in the year unless there was some function like marriage etc.). The children were mostly well behaved in our house but they could never understand why one does not allow nasal discharge soil the floor or the pillars but perhaps the very cleanliness of the floor and pillars was inviting; the infants had their own agenda for urinating or defecating. The mother's and grand mothers used to exercise a great deal of oversight to prevent such mishaps but most of the time it was to no avail as nature had the last say! My Sister Parvathi, had her own unassailable interpretation - "the fear of KR"!
My mother never fixed any particular day for Manjai Kumukumam and so people came in any day or some most of the days. My mother used to visit the homes of the village families and used to take an escort in one of the servant maids viz. Mannadhan's wife Sundara or one of her daughters Chandrodayam, Anjalai, etc. Mottayyan-s wife Ponni, Pottai Muniyandi's ( Mumyandi the bind)) wife -I forget her name -when she was alive, one of her daughters Muthurakku or Vembu, ( can not recall the other names), and sometimes I used to accompany her. Ramayi, an elderly lady who looked after my elder brother CRK may have been in this list but she died when I was just about 8 years old. In any case, I have no special recollection of her.

My Ayah was one Meenacchi: a Kalla lady who was very fond of me. She and her only daughter Azhagu may also have been in the list of escorts for my mother. My father used to be finicky about eating the sunda! etc. from others' houses as he believed, that cooking in the villagers' houses will not be hygienic and so most of the time these sundals etc, used to be given to the servants. Of course, I successfully cheated on him by having a few mouthfuls, lack of hygiene if any improved the taste for me! My mother was very particular that during the Navarathri festival the puja room should not be locked. She never will be out of Cadavasal for the Navarathri. On those rare occasions we were in Madurai in my sister's house Savithri where Navarathri used to be a huge affair, my mother will arrange for the daily puja at home. None of those commitments mean much to-day even for those who have lived in that milieu but for me, I miss the commitment and the sanctity attached, Amman Vigraharn used to be in the brass ratham. This ratham was with my aunt Mangalakka and she was planning to sell it as she had done a lot of old artifacts due to circumstances, and my mother purchased it, Some of the idols that were in the ratham were lost but luckily the horses and the charioteer God Suryan were found, This was in the puja of my great grandfather Ramadurai Iyer and was with Nataraja Iyer (known as Natesa Iyer) Kunjithapatham Iyer's cousin brother who looked after the property, Kujithapatham Iyer having moved to Nagapatam for pursuing his vocation, I remember the day when the Ratham was brought home full of grime and oxidized. My mother had it cleaned. She arranged for the missing pillars and other icons to be made and lovingly restored the ratham. From then on Amman vigraham found its abode. The Ratham is now said to be with Thyagu (Mangaiam's brother) who is continuing the tradition of my mother.



Sitting in the ground -- 1st row... From left to right
Thulsi, Padma, Sugu, Raju (mdu family), Seenu, Muthu (mdu fmly), Bhama (mdu fmly)
Sitting in Chairs -- middle from left to right
CRK , Sattanatapuram J Subramani Iyer , Rama Iyer, V Subramani Iyer (Mdu family) Standing in the last row -- left to right
Jayam (CRK wife), Parvathi akka,Kunju,CRN , Cadavasal patti lokanayaki, Savithri with son Babu in hand( Sister of Kunju and w/o V subramani Iyer) and S Natarajn

The female servants used to spread out and bring flowers for the puja. The sumangalis in the village also used to send flowers from their backyards, Periyatthu Maami's piety was byword and they all believed their contribution to the puja will not go unrewarded , though they themselves did not have the wherewithal and time to do the puja. Not that my mother had time in her hands. My father was a virtual agnostic in his middle age and used to frown upon my mother performing elaborate puja. He used to be furious if he felt, however imaginary and it may be, that my mother is spending more time on her puaj without ministering to his needs. My mother, steeped in the tradition of Hindu culture considered it her prime duty to minister to the needs of her husband before God. She used to complete her puja before, my father's return from the paddy fields/ farm most of the days and if she does not, then she will break off in the middle and after my father's lunch will continue with her puja. The Navarathri Puja used to take a long time as she used to perform Sahasranama Archana ie 1000 names archana. The flower bedecked ratham and the deity with only the face visible covered with flowers of all hues is etched in my memory. My mother's face was always a picture of piety and devotion. I can hear her calling out to my sister Parvathi, "Appa Vandhacchu. Naan appuram pujai pannukiren" ( Father has come. I will continue puja afterwards.), Sometimes Parvathi used to let my other know that my faather is approaching by saying, "KR varaar"." She referred to my father as KR ie K Ramiah and varrar to mean coming.

The Kalpura Aarathi and the deepams, the neivedyam, the ringing of the bell are images and sounds that time will not erase but oblivion may, but if one believes in the soul carrying the experiences forward, I may carry it to my next birth. Parvathi used to spend days stringing flower garlands. My mother had to remind her that she had not had her food. Most of the days, My mother will insist on her joining for lunch but there were days when my mother in her extreme hunger used to sit for lunch and Parvathi will come after she finished hers. Golu in Cadavasa! or anywhere under my Mother's aegis was not just a social function, where ladies flaunt their clothes and jewels but had a greater significance - the significance being that every sumangali and Kanya (unmarried girls) is the manifest representation of Divine Mother. The modern feminists may question as to why only Sumangalis are given this importance. The exclusion of widows, no doubt appears arbitrary and unjust. I do not know the answer. I am only recounting events and beliefs.
There were also visitors from outside our village for the Golu. My sister Kunju from Sattanathapuram with her children, her Orpadi – Kurumberi Moham manni (wife of SNP Ramani Iyer) (it is a very difficult translation Orpadi is the wife of the husband;s brother sometimes described as co-sister, as males married to sister, are branded as co brothers - a kind of relationship only the Indian mind can conjure up), my paternal uncle's wife Jagadham Chithi from Toppu Vattaram (whenever relationship between my father and his brother was not freezing cold), Thlrukkadavur Vadhyar's wife, Vinayakam who was unmarried and was a nurse in the Edwina Hospital { she was not a brahmin but she was very devout and she had a special place in my mother's and Parvathi's hearts), Kanikkiniar kovil Gopu Iyer's wife and a least one of her daughters in law, most of the time Venkittu's wife and occasionally Ramaswamy's if she was visiting, Java daughter of Kichan lyengar despite being a widow was always asked to visit with her daughter Chinna Ponnu, by my mother and Jaya's sisters Kannagi, or Janaki or Vedha if anyone was visiting at that time.

My mother had to find the right opportunity to ask my father for permission to visit these "outstation" homes for Maiijal Kumkum. The radius was hardly 5 miles but she will not even step out of the house to visit the temple in the village without letting my father know in advance and with his tacit permission. It was not an easy task to get this approval! Somehow my mother managed to get the bullock cart and in later years the car. If at all he accompanied her it was to Kanikkiniarkoi! and Toppuvaltaram since it gave him an opportunity to get his hair down and be informal with Gopu Iyer and Kichan lyengar in their own homes! I was quite happy to make these visits, since my father did not place any embargo on eating in these homes.

The village house had a front verandah of about 30/40' and on both ends were raised platforms, resembling tables with slate tops. My teacher used to walk from his village Thirukkarukavur, about 2/3 miles from home and start my lessons at 7am,if no earlier. He will teach math, English and languages and made me write them in the slate top.Before he left, he used to write the homework for the next day, in the slate, erasing the morning's lessons clean. I was given no notebooks to write and regurgitate the input later. So I had to remember. When I was a student, I could read a page and remember the content.

My niece Padma, Kuju's daughter, was my mother's favorite being the first grand daughter and my mother with my sister's permission had her to Cadavasal, Padma might have had greater fun in her own home where Navarathri golu was every year celebrated, but for her, my mother was everything. Golu on an elaborate manner was not always the Cadavasal tradition but the Puja section of my mother was in itself a Goiu. On the wall facing East, was the oval Nataraja picture with framed calendar pictures of various Hindu deities arranged to the left and right at a height of 6 feet. Most of the pictures my mother selected, covered the advertisements with gold or silver foil or colored paper artistically styled like a mandap on top or a carpet or flooring as appropriate. She used to send them to Sirkali, the nearest town for fixing frames. For Navarathri Golu; she had readymade wooden steps to arrange the dolls in the traditional manner. The topmost shelf was occupied by a large Gaaapthi and he was always placed first. The arrangement followed a set pattern. On the Eastern wall adjoining the Nataraja picture was a wall painting of Varalakshrni about 6' by 6'. Tt was always there. It was renovated once by a painter who came from Tanjore. My mother's puja section was in itself a Golu and the traditional Golu in that section enhanced the Golu rather than the
Golu adding to the Puja!

My mother used to stock fine hand mirrors, dress material, little toys for children, bangles, black thread, Pony tail clips etc from Madurai. These are traditional gifts given during Navarathri for the Suraangalis, Kanyas and children of both sex. The betel leaves, betel nut, Manjal (turmeric) and fruits etc. with these little gifts described formed the give aways for Navarathri. The central idea was not the present but the honor and homage rendered to the women as manifestation of Divine Mother. The younger ones used to prostrate before my mother and my mother to her elders, irrespective of their economic status. Of course, tradition limited this to peers. No invitations were sent out and people came for Manjal Kumkuma. The village and the surrounding areas knew that Navarathri is always celebrated in every home unless there has been a death or sad event in the family. The female servants were also recipients of the Thamboolam (one word description of the gifts and betel nut etc.) every day. The female servants will never depart from our house without praying to the Nataraja. Their faith was as strong as anyone else's. Caste hatred was not an issue at all in those days.

My mother will nor stitch or use the needle during these ten days, Goddess Durga is said to perform TAPAS standing on a needle on one leg to get the power required to destroy the demon terrorizing the world. It was on Vijaya dasami day the tenth day when the activities will start. My mother had her own little niche of savings. From this her expenses for Navarathri gifts were met. She used to send money for my sisters Kunju and Savithri if she had some money. Even Indians of this time do not understand the spirit and devotion with which Navarathri was celebrated. It was not all new clothes and display. This was secondary. The primary reason was homage to Women in every one of whom
Mother Goddess resides. Humility and Grace were on display not Arrogance and Ostentation.

T S Eliot wrote, "in my end is my beginning" in his belief in rebirth after death.