EXPLORING THE WONDERS OF KEYSTONE SPECIES

 

In the heart of the Western Ghats, nestled among gigantic trees and luxuriant vegetation, lies a hidden world of intricate relationships and delicate balances. It is here that I, a humble forester, discovered the profound significance of keystone* species, the uncelebrated heroes of our forest ecosystems. During my tenure in the Social Forestry wing, the term "keystone species" occasionally crossed my path, but it failed to spark my curiosity. However, upon my transfer to the Territorial wing and subsequent postings in the Western and Eastern Ghats, my eyes were opened to the remarkable impact these species can have on the entire system.

 As a dedicated forester, I made i my mission to explore and understand the role of keystone* species in the Western Ghats. I traversed dense forests, climbed rugged mountains, and crossed roaring rivers, all in the pursuit of knowledge. Along the way, I encountered a myriad of fascinating creatures, each playing a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of the ecosystem. From the small insects that pollinate flowers to the majestic elephants that shape the landscape, I witnessed first-hand the profound influence of keystone species. These creatures may seem insignificant, but their absence can trigger a chain reaction that ripples through the entire ecosystem, leading to unexpected and often detrimental consequences.

 Interestingly bees are keystone species due to their role as pollinators. Their pollination services provided by the bees are essential for the survival and reproduction of many plants, as well as for the food web that rely on these plants. However, bee populations have been declining year after year due to various factors such as habitat loss, forest fire, pesticide use, and climate change. It is important for communities to take action to support bee conservation efforts and preserve the vital role of bees in our environment.

 Another example is the Malabar giant squirrel, a mesmerising creature that plays a pivotal role in seed dispersal. By feeding on various fruits, the squirrel carries seeds far and wide, contributing to the regeneration of forests and ensuring the survival of countless plant species.  Without this keystone species, the entire ecosystem would suffer, as plants would struggle to reproduce and the forest would gradually decline.

 

 

INDIAN VULTURE (Indian Long Billed Vulture)

 

Another keystone species that captured my attention is the Indian vulture, a magnificent bird that performs the vital task of scavenging carcasses. In my native village near Tirunelveli, the sight of 15-20 vultures congregating near the slaughtering house was a familiar one during my youth. These majestic birds, with their imposing height of up to three feet and striking appearance, instilled a sense of awe and trepidation in me as I ventured along the path where they feasted on the remains of slaughtered buffalo or beef.  By consuming dead animals, vultures prevent the spread of diseases and maintain the health of the entire ecosystem. While the population of Vultures swindles for varying reason, the eco system disturbed considerably.  I continued my exploration, I encountered numerous other keystone species, each with its own unique contribution to the intricate web of life.

 In the dense Western Ghats, a mountain range in India, the role of Ficus species as keystone species is well recognized. With several species of ficus in the Southern Western Ghats region, six of which are endemic, including Ficus dalhousie and Ficus beddomei, these trees play a critical role in maintaining the ecosystem's balance. Numerous insects (fig wasps), birds, and mammals rely heavily on figs for their growth and survival. One fascinating characteristic of Ficus species is their unique reproductive process. Each species requires a specific pollinating wasp for reproduction (Ramirez, 1970). Without these specialized wasps, which carry pollen from one synconium (a specialized fig structure) to another, propagation would be impossible. To attract dispersers, Ficus species produce abundant fruit crops. These trees produce thousands of fruits over a short period, attracting a wide range of frugivores. Primates like the Bonnet macaque, Common langur, Lion-tailed macaque, and Nilgiri langur find a natural food source in these figs. This fruiting strategy results in the patchy distribution of the trees within the forest. The multipurpose properties of Ficus species and their ability to adapt to various climatic regions and soil conditions make them potentially valuable in various fields.

 

FICUS RACEMOSA

Ficus species produce fleshy attractive fruits for the dispersal mainly through bats and birds. The Ficus fruits are also eaten by the Three-striped palm squirrel, Malabar giant squirrel, Grizzled giant squirrel, Palm civet etc.  Seeds of Ficus species were noticed in the pellets of the Deer, bear and scats of civets.  Ripe fruits fallen in the ground might have been consumed up by the terrestrial mammals.

 Apart from providing food for birds, insects, bats and other animals, their spreading crown and dense foliage provide shelter and ideal nesting and also roosting places, for animals and birds. With their ecological significance and practical applications, Ficus species undoubtedly deserve recognition as keystone species of the Western Ghats, and each ficus tree acts as a sanctuary.

 

 

LION TAILED MACAQUE IN THE UPPER CANOPY

The Western Ghats, particularly in Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR), ishome to the fascinating Cullenia exallirata, a species with a unique flowering pattern that attracts a diverse array of wildlife. During the dry season, when fruits are scarce, Culleniaexallirata becomes a crucial food source for several species, including the Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Malabar Giant squirrel, and various species of birds. Additionally, the night time activity around the Cullenia exallirata flowers reveals a whole new world of nocturnal visitors, including bats, flying squirrels, spiny dormice, and brown palm civets. Understanding the interactions between this keystone species and the wildlife it supports is essential for conservation efforts in the Western Ghats

Another keystone species among mammals is the mighty elephant. As one of the largest herbivores on the planet, elephants consume a staggering amount of food, averaging up to 150 kilograms daily. This prodigious appetite results in the excretion of nearly 100 kilograms of dung per day, which plays a vital role in nutrient recycling and maintaining soil fertility. Elephants also cover vast distances, ranging up to 125 square miles during their daily or seasonal movements. This wide-ranging behaviour facilitates seed dispersal, as the seeds consumed by elephants pass through their digestive system and are deposited in new locations, contributing to the genetic diversity and resilience of plant populations. Additionally, elephants act as ecosystem engineers by creating and modifying their environment. They use their trunks to dig water holes, which become essential sources of water for other animals during the dry season. Elephants also clear vegetation by knocking down trees and shrubs, creating open areas that can be utilized by a variety of species for grazing, nesting, or hunting. However, the survival and well-being of elephants are under threat from habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflicts. The decline of elephant populations has far-reaching consequences, not only for the elephants themselves but also for the entire ecosystem in which they play a pivotal role. Recognizing the significance of elephants as keystone species is crucial for the conservation and management of their habitats and populations. By protecting elephants, we safeguard the integrity and resilience of the ecosystems they inhabit, ensuring the survival of numerous other species and the overall health of our planet.

From keystone predators that regulate prey populations to keystone herbivores that shape vegetation, these species are the foundation upon which our forests thrive. The realization of the importance of keystone species has profoundly impacted my perspective as a forester. It has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to protect and preserve these unsung heroes of our ecosystems. Through my work, I strive to raise awareness about the vital role they play and advocate for their conservation. As a forester, I have had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary diversity of our forests. I have seen the beauty of the Western Ghats, the majesty of the Eastern Ghats, and the resilience of our natural world. It is my sincere hope that future generations will continue to appreciate and protect these immeasurable treasures, ensuring that the keystone species that underpin them will thrive for generations to come.

*  “A keystone species is a species that plays a critical and disproportionately large role in maintaining the structure and functioning of an eco-system.” A keystone species helps define an entire ecosystem. Without these species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether. 

VALLANADU BLACK BUCK SANCTURARY

 

EASTERN SLOPE OF THE VALLANADU BLACKBUCK SANCTUARY VIEW FROM WATCHTOWER

Name, location, constitution and extent:

Nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu amidst the emerald embrace of the Srivaikundam taluk of Thoothukudi District, lies a haven for one of India's most graceful creatures - the Blackbuck Antelope. It is conveniently situated just 16 kilometers from the bustling city of Tirunelveli and 35 kilometers from the pearl city of Thoothukudi.  Woven from the historical tapestry of the Vallanadu and Gangaikondan forests, this sanctuary serves as the southernmost sanctuary in India where the blackbuck thrives. Historically, these elegant creatures roamed free in the Vallanadu and Gangaikondan Forests. However, due to habitat loss and hunting, their numbers dwindled significantly. Recognizing the need to protect this endangered species, the government established the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary within the larger Vallanadu Reserved Forests, encompassing a dedicated 1,641 hectares as per G.O. Ms.No.1028 dated 28.09.1987.

 Vallanadu Boundaries:

The Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary is surrounded by the villages Manakarai, Vallanadu, Keela Vallanadu, Muthangurichi, Udayanpatti, Alwarkarkulam, Kongarayankurichi, Ellainayakkanpatti, Padmanabhamangalam, Arampannai and Thollappan pannai.

Water Management at Vallanadu sanctuary:

The Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary, a haven for the elegant blackbuck antelope, faces a significant challenge: a lack of reliable water sources. Despite receiving an average annual rainfall of 750mm, the sanctuary suffers from an acute water shortage due to the absence of perennial streams or rivers within its borders. This water scarcity has a direct impact on the sanctuary's residents. To address this critical issue, the forest department has taken proactive steps by drilling borewells, one powered by solar energy and the other by electricity. Water holes created in Bangala Saragam, karadi oothu, vagai maram thotti. The water bodies in VBS managed by the forest department are often insufficient, leaving the animals dependent on external sources. Fortunately, some perennial water sources exist outside the sanctuary, such as old quarry pools, shallow open wells, and ponds. These vital sources provide a lifeline for the animals, particularly during the dry seasons.

 Forest Types: A Diverse Tapestry of Vegetative Cover:

Vallanadu Hills, classified as a Southern thorn scrub 6A/DS1 forest type, unveils a fascinating tapestry of thorny shrubs and diverse tree species. The primary tree species found in the hills are Albizia lebbeck, Azadirachta indica, Bauhinia racemosa, Catunaregam spinosa, Commiphora berryi, Commiphora berry, Dalbergia multiflora, Dichrostachys cinerea, Gmelina arborea, Grewia orbiculata, Grewia villosa, Lannea coromandelica, Prosopis juliflora, Wrightia tinctoria,  ziziphus xylopyrus, ziziphus ziziphus and various Acacia species.      

Canthium parvifolium, Dodonaea viscosa, Lantana camara, Pavetta indica, Pavonia odorata, Polygala javana and Ziziphus mauritiana are some of the under shrubs found in the area.

     Vallanadu Hills is not only home to a diverse array of trees and shrubs, but also has a fascinating network of climbing vines that weave their way through the landscape. Some of the major climbers in the sanctuary area includes Abrus precatorius, Abrus fruticulosus, Asparagus racemosus, Canavalia virosa, Capparis sepiaria, Capparis zeylanica, Ceropegia juncea, Cissampelos pareira, Clitoria ternatea, Coccinia grandis, Cocculus hirsutus, Corallocarpus epigaeus, Ctenolepis garcini, Desmodium triflorum, Gloriosa superba, Grewia flavescens, Grewia umbellifera, Hemidesmus indicus. Maerua oblongifolia and Pterolobium hexapetalum.

     Herbs like Biophytum sensitivum, Mimosa pudica, Mollugo cerviana, Pedalium murex and common grass species such as Andropogon pumilus, Eragrostis viscosa, Perotis indica, Tragus roxburghii are commonly found in the Vallanadu Hills.

 Density of trees:

Research studies have revealed a remarkable tree density of 1335 trees per hectare in the Vallanadu hills. Commiphora berryi dominated the STF with 334(25.02%) individuals, followed by Acacia planifrons 261(19.55%), Dichrostachys cinerea 225(16.85%) and Acacia mellifera 165(12.36%).
Acacia mellifera, despite its significant presence, presents a unique challenge. Its dense, hooked thorns create a hostile environment for both animals and plants. This thorny barrier hinders movement and makes it difficult for other species to coexist within its domain, resulting in limited regeneration beneath its canopy.

 Fauna, avi fauna, vertebrates and their status:

 The Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary is not only a haven for the elegant blackbuck antelope but also a thriving home for an astonishing variety of fascinating creatures including monkeys, wild cats, macaques, jungle cats, jackal, mongoose, vipers, black-napped hares, horned owls, sparrows, crested-hawk eagles, jungle crows, peafowls, and herons. Among these remarkable creatures, one stands out for its rarity - the Egyptian vulture. The sanctuary boasts over 166 varieties of this majestic bird and 60 varieties of butterflies, enriching the unique ecological tapestry of the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary.

About Blackbucks:

The blackbuck, affectionately known as pullvoi, Velli maan, Thiruku maan, and Murukku maan in Tamil, is an indigenous species classified as threatened by the IUCN. While these elegant antelopes are often spotted in open grasslands and cultivated fields across India, the Vallanadu blackbuck uniquely prefers the vicinity of low hills covered in scrub jungle. Unlike its brethren elsewhere, the Vallanadu blackbuck exhibits a fascinating behavior - they retreat to their shelters at dawn and only re-emerge at sunset, a behavior likely stemming from historical persecution.

The blackbuck, a medium-sized antelope, boasts a graceful and slender build. Recognized as the swiftest of all antelopes, this species exhibits a fascinating distinction – males differ from females in color. The males' backs are a deep brown, extending to their sides and the outer parts of their legs. In contrast, females (Doe) are a beautiful yellowish fawn on their heads and backs. Both sexes share the same white markings on their underparts, the insides of their legs, and around their eyes. Interestingly, males become darker with age, and young males acquire the black coat of adulthood at 3 years old.

Males are easily identified by their impressive horns, which are ringed at the base and spiral upwards in stunning twists, reaching up to five turns and measuring between 45 to 68cm. Their tails are short, and their average height ranges from 74 to 84cm. On average, males weigh between 20 and 57kg, while females are lighter, ranging from 20 to 33kg. Their hooves are delicate and sharply pointed, aiding in agility and movement. Blackbucks typically give birth to 1-2 young at a time, with a lifespan of approximately 15 years. Males establish territories by depositing feces, marking their domain and attracting females. Young blackbucks are remarkably precocious, able to run soon after birth. As adults, males fiercely defend their harems against rival bucks, ensuring the continuation of their lineage.

The blackbuck's presence in the Indian Zodiac constellations serves as a testament to its historical significance.

 Recreational Value:

The Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary (VBS) goes beyond being just a protected haven for wildlife. It serves as a recreational paradise for nature enthusiasts, offering a plethora of opportunities to immerse oneself in the wonders of the natural world.  By promoting responsible ecotourism practices and engaging in environmental education, VBS can continue to inspire awe and foster a sense of responsibility towards protecting our planet for generations to come.

 Threat for the Blackbuck:

The Blackbuck habitat within the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary (VBS) differs significantly from the surrounding areas. While the landscape outside the sanctuary boasts an abundance of open grass fallow, the interior is dominated by dense scrub vegetation on steep terrain, considered unfavorable for blackbuck survival and movement. In an effort to improve the habitat within the sanctuary, the Forest Department undertook a commendable initiative and cleared an area of approximately 5 hectares in the eastern part of the sanctuary, removing the thorny trees and shrubs that impeded blackbuck movement and access to resources.

VBS was established to protect a unique antelope species, and faces a pressing challenge of habitat degradation. Surrounding the sanctuary lies the private land, which once provided essential habitat for the blackbuck population. Unfortunately, real estate development has fragmented this land, creating isolated patches and restricting the movement of the antelopes. 

VBS also faces another unique challenge: its status as a refuge for feral cattle. During the monsoon, these cattle find ample food within the sanctuary's lush forests and during the dry season, they venture out, mingling with domestic livestock and potentially returning to the sanctuary at night.

Adding to the complexity, some calves offered by villagers to the nearby Arulmigu Parvathy Amman Koil temple also join the feral cattle population. These animals, including bulls and cows, adapt to the environment, developing tough skin to survive under the thorny bushes. Unfortunately, the presence of these feral cattle poses a significant threat to the blackbuck population. They compete for the limited resources within the sanctuary, including vital forage and water, jeopardizing the blackbuck's survival. Furthermore, their potential to carry diseases poses a risk not only to blackbuck but also to other herbivores like spotted deer. This issue is particularly concerning in TAFCORN areas with higher feral cattle populations.

Beyond the Eastern side boundary of the VBS are fragmented with housing plots 

MEMORIALIZED FOREST TRIBUTE

 

One of the oldest Forest Ranges in Tamil Nadu, the Bodi Range of Theni Division boasts a Forest Check Post in Bodi Range situated on Munar road in Mundal. The check post, located on the highway's land, has operated in a temporary building for decades. During 2001, when I was a Bodi Ranger, pressure arose to vacate the highway land, and the DFO, Mr F.R. Ikram Mohammed Shah, IFS, instructed me to select an alternate land on the same road, preferably free of cost. Village records indicated some available land with the Bodinaickanur Zamin family. With the help of my range staff, Thiru S. Muthuramalingam (FW) and Thiru R. Jeyabal (FG), I repeatedly contacted the family. I facilitated a meeting with the zamindar, Thiru T.B.S.S. Chokalingasamy Pandian, and explained the situation, and requested him to donate one ground of land on the Mundal road, near the existing check post.

The Zamindar, Thiru T.B.S.S. Chokalingasamy Pandian, generously offered three cents of land, one of their most valuable plots. He explained that the land was registered in the name of his elderly mother, Tmt Paun Thai @Chinna Thayammal. Recognizing the family's magnanimity, we requested the registrar to visit the Zamin Palace in 2001 and formally register the land in the name of the Government of Tamil Nadu, as Tmt Paun Thai @Chinna Thayammal was unable to travel. The Zamin family wished to commemorate their gift by inscribing details on the check post facade. I agreed, and a report with the copies of the land documents was submitted to the DFO, Theni. The Bodi Check Post was initially shifted to a temporary shed on the new land. Twelve years later, a permanent check post was constructed and inaugurated by the Forest Minister, in the presence of Mr F.R. Ikram Mohammed Shah, IFS, who had since become the Madurai Conservator of Forests.

As per the wishes of the Bodinaickanur Zamin family, the details of the donated land were inscribed on a stone and laid in front of the Check Post. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Bodinaickanur Zamin family for their generous and memorable gift to the Forest department.

ரயிலும் குடும்பமும்

கடல், யானை, ரயில் மூன்றையும் பார்த்துக் கொண்டே இருக்கலாம். ரயிலில் அந்த காலத்தில்  நீராவியால் ஓடிய இன்ஜின்களை நாள் முழுவதும் பார்த்துக் கொண்டே இருக்கலாம். தாத்தா, சின்ன தாத்தா, பெரியப்பா, அப்பா என குடும்பத்தில் அனைவரும் ரயில்வே டிரைவராக பணி புரிந்ததாலும் அண்டை வீட்டு சிறுவயது நண்பர்களும் ரயில்வேயில் பணி புரிந்தவர்களின் பிள்ளைகளாக இருந்ததாலும் சிறுவயது விளையாட்டில் ரயில் ஓட்டும் விளையாட்டும் முக்கியமானது. வீட்டு கதவில்  இன்ஜினில் உள்ளது போல் கம்பு, குச்சியெல்லாம் கட்டி இன்ஜினில் உள்ள பாகங்களை கற்பனையாக செய்து ரயில் இன்ஜினை எப்படி ஓட்டுவார்களோ அப்படி சத்தம் கொடுத்துக்கொண்டே ஓட்டுவது பிடித்தமான விளையாட்டு.  அனைவருக்கும் அவர்அவர்கள்  அப்பாவிற்கு சாப்பாடு கொடுக்கும் போது இன்ஜீனில் ஏறிபார்த்த அனுபவம் இருக்கும்.  நான் ஓரு படி மேலே சென்று அப்பா இன்ஜினில் அடிக்கடி பயணம் செய்திருக்கிறேன். உள்ளே நிற்க முடியாத அளவு வெப்பம். ஓடும் போது பரவாயில்லை. எப்படி இயக்கிறார்கள் என்பது எங்களுக்கு அத்துப்படி. ஒவ்வொறு ரயில் நிலையத்திலும் இன்ஜினில் தண்ணீர் பிடிக்க ஒரு கூட்டம் ரெடியாக நிற்கும். நின்றவுடன் அவர்களது குடங்களை நிரப்பி விட்டு அடுத்த நிலையத்திற்கு பயணம் தொடரும். இது மனிதபிமான அடிப்படையில் இன்ஜினில் பணிபுரிபவர்கள் செய்யக்கூடியது.  பிற்காலத்தில் அப்பாவே டீசல் இன்ஜினுக்கு மாறிய போது அந்த இன்ஜினில் எங்களுக்கு ஆர்வம் குறைந்து போனது.  இப்போது நீராவி இன்ஜின்களை நேரிலோ படத்தையோ பார்த்தால் மனது உற்சாகமாகி விடும். அது எங்களின்  ஜீன்களில் பதிந்து விட்டது.

ஓவியமே பொழுதாய்

வனத்துறையில் ஓய்வு பெற்ற பின்னர் நான் என் நேரத்தை செலவிட  தேர்ந்தெடுத்த அம்சங்களில் ஒன்று ஓவியம். முறையாக பயிலவில்லை என்றாலும் ஓவியம் வரைவதை குறிப்பாக அக்ரலிக், ஆயில் பெயிண்டிங் வரைவதில் அதிக ஆர்வம் காரணமாக பத்தாண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பிருந்து வாங்கி சேமித்த ஆயில் கலர், பிரஸ் போன்றவற்றுடன் அக்ரலிக் கலர்களையும் வாங்கி சேமித்து படம் வரைய ஆரம்பித்தேன். ஆயில் பெயிண்டினால் வரைந்த ஓவியங்கள். அதிகப்படியான ஆர்வத்தினால் ஒரளவு வரைய முடிந்தது. 

ஆயில் பெயிண்டில் வரைந்த முதல் விநாயகர்

சிங்க ராஜாவை ஆயில் பெயிண்டிங்கில் 

Pallet knife painting

புலிகளின் வரவு நாளுக்கு நாள் அதிகரித்து கொண்டே

அக்ரலிக் பெயிண்ட் என்பது பேனாவில் எழுதுவது போல் உடனுக்குடன் பார்க்ககூடியது. ஆனால் திருத்தங்கள் செய்வது கடினம். முதலில் அக்ரலிக் பெயிண்டில் தான் ஒவியம் வரைய ஆரம்பித்தேன்.  

First painting in acrylic
Kerala mural painting

Kerala mural Krishna painting 

அக்ரலிக் ஆயில் பெயிண்டிங் இவற்றில் பல படங்களை வரைந்த பின்னர் 3D எபெக்டில் நானே சில முறைகளை பயன்படுத்தி சில படங்களை வரைந்தேன். நன்றாக இருப்பதாக நண்பர்கள் கூறினார்கள்.

மனம் கவர்ந்த ஒவியர்

Nick Sider. இவர்தான் நான் புலிகளை அதிகமாக ஒவியம் வரைய வனத்துறையில் பணியாற்றியது காரணம் என்றாலும் பின்னாளில் இவரை எனது முழு முதல் வழிகாட்டியாக எண்ணிக் கொண்டேன்.  இவர்  சிறிய வயதில் ஒவியத்தில் ஆர்வம் இருந்தாலும் அதை மனதுக்குள் புதைத்து வைத்து படிப்பை முடித்து பணிக்கு சென்றார். திடீரென இருபத்தி ஐந்து வயதில் வேலையை விட்டுவிட்டு ஒவியத்தின் நுணுக்கங்களை தனக்கு தானே கற்று ஒவியம் வரைய ஆரம்பித்த சுயம்பு ஒவியர்.

2020 ல் முதலில் வரைந்த புலி

இவருடைய சிறப்பு இவர் ஓவியங்களை பார்த்தால் புகைபடங்களை பார்த்தது போல் இருக்கும். அச்சு அசலாக நேரில் பார்த்தது போல் இருக்கும்

               அக்ரலிக் பெயிண்டினால் ஒவியம் தீட்டும் உலகம் வியக்கும் ஒவியர்  இவர். இவரை பின்பற்றி நான் புலிகளை வரைகிறேன். பத்து சதவீதம் கூட முன்னேற்றம் இல்லை. புலியை பார்த்து சுடு போட்டுக்கொண்ட பூனையை போல. இவரை அடுத்த முறை வெளிநாடு செல்லும் போது  நேரில் சந்திக்க ஆசை.

திருக்கோவில் தரிசனம் அருள்மிகு ஸ்ரீ ஆனந்தவல்லியம்மன் சமேத அருள்மிகு ஸ்ரீ கைலாசநாதர் திருக்கோவில்

திருநெல்வேலி மதுரை சாலையில் கங்கைகொண்டானில் அமைந்துள்ள சிவாலயத்தையும் விஷ்ணு ஆலயத்தையும் இன்று தரிசனம் செய்தேன். கடைசியாக இத்திருத்தலங்களை தரிசித்து  ஐந்து ஆண்டுகள் ஆகி விட்டது. அப்போது அ /மி கைலாசநாதர் திருக்கோவிலில் ராஜகோபுரம் அமைக்க பணிகள் துவங்கிய நேரம். 2017 ம் ஆண்டு ராஜகோபுரம் கட்டிமுடிக்கப்பட்டு மஹாகும்பாபிஷேகம் நடைபெற்றது. திருநெல்வேலி சுவாமி நெல்லையப்பர் ஆலயம் சூரியனால் வழி பட்ட ஆலயம் என்றும் அது சிவனின் வலது கண்ணாகவும், திருக்குற்றாலநாதர் திருக்கோவில் சந்திரனால் வழி பட்ட ஆலயம் என்றும் அத்திருத்தலம் சிவனின் இடது கண்ணாகவும், கங்கைகொண்டான் திருகைலாசநாதர் ஆலயம் அக்னியால் வழிபட்ட தலம் என்றும் இது சிவனின் மூன்றாவது கண்ணாகவும் கருதப்படுகிறது. இம்மூன்று தலத்திற்கும் கும்பாபிஷேகம் செய்த அகஸ்திய முனிவர் தன் மனைவி யோகமுத்ராவுடன் தன்பொருணை என்றழைக்கப்பட்ட இன்றைய தாமிரபரணி ஆற்றின்கரையில் வசித்து வந்தார்.
இத்திருக்கோவிலில் வீற்றிருக்கும் ஆனந்தவல்லி அம்மன் இத்திருவூரில் பிறந்து சிவனையே நினைத்து உருகி சிவனுடன் ஸ்ரீரங்கபெருமாளையடைந்த ஆண்டாளை போல் சிவனுடன் கலந்தார் என அவ்வூர் சிவனடியார் சொல்லக்கேட்டேன். 

இத்திருக்கோவிலில் ராஜகோபுரம் அழகுடன் மிளிர்கிறது. ஸ்தல விருஷமான பழைய புளிய மரம் அடிபக்கசுற்று  18 அடியில்  காணப்படுகிறது. கோவிலின் மதில்சுவரில் ஏராளமான கல்வெட்டுக்கள் காணப்படுகிறது.

            இவ்வூரிலுள்ள விஷ்ணு திருத்தலம் அருள்மிகு கள்ளர்பிரான் சன்னதி என்றழைக்கப்படுகிறது. இத்திருத்தலம் 400-500 ஆண்டுக்கால பழமையானது. இவ்வூரை சேர்ந்து உயர் பதவியிலிருந்த அன்பர் ஒருவரது சீரிய முயற்சியால் இத்திருத்தலமும் சில ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன் புணரமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.