The Anandham Swamimalai is a gorgeous resort built like a south Indian village and its our home for 2 nights. With deer wandering the property, village like thatched roofs above our rooms, coconut trees, paddy fields, cows and more we almost don’t want to leave here for our next destination.
The day started with a bullock cart ride around the local village. It was loads of fun interacting with the local children who were excited to see foreigners visit their village. Then we watched a pot making demonstration followed by a local who climbed a coconut tree effortlessly to pick us some fresh coconuts to drink.
Late morning we headed to Darasuram, located about 8kms away, to attend a sacred ceremony at the Airateswara temple which was about 900 years old or so. The temple is beautiful and intricately carved, dedicated to Lord Siva. We attended a special abhishekam (bathing of the Deity) and puja ceremony which was very profound. After this we attended a similar ceremony in the temple right next to it that was dedicated to Goddess Abhirami, the Supreme Being in the feminine aspect. That too was equally profound and powerful. An uplifting experience for our whole group.
The area is also popular for its sari weaving and we visited a local weavers home to see how saris are made the old fashion way. And a couple of our participants picked up some gorgeous saris. Later that evening we visited my friend Suri’s workshop. Suri is a metal sculptor and he had generously set up for our group a metal casting demonstration. It was truly fascinating to learn this process that is hundreds of years old. The statues he produces are amazingly detailed and so very well made. Thank you Suri!
Click here to see photos from Day 5.
