Puravipalayam Kottai.!! (This is a personal know-about, personal views. May not be factually accurate.)

Puravipalayam is a village about 12 km from Pollachi. I remember going to this village first when I was in my 3rd standard. This village is known for its Zamindar family, and it happens to be the place where the Godman, Kodi Swamiyar, dwelled, blessed people and now sleeping to eternity. Had gone to village with my elder brothers, as the guest of VAO, and hence the guest of village itself. The son of VAO was my brother’s classmate. I vaguely remember having visited the Godman and being blessed by him, roaming around the typical village street and playing and fishing in the ponds there. I still remember carrying back a polythene bag of fishes (some ‘Jelabi’ variety fish), and en route, back due to some mysterious reasons, all died one after other (later I learnt that if we carry 25 fishes in a small bag, they will die).

That was the age of rumors and the facts held no reason or value. “When the Kodi Samy sleeps in the night, his hand, leg and neck separates from his main body, thus helping his soul to move out to God, and en route fulfill all the prayers. If you try to see him in the night, you are sure to be eaten by vampires.” I used to dream of peeping in to his bedroom, to find his hand moving out of his body. “The Godman, shall have what he desires to have, so if he asks for your Gold Chain, pl do give it”. Since I had gone to some friends house in village, to celebrate the occasion, had carried one of my favorite dress and a new dress, not to mention the BATA Chappals (costing Rs.109.95). Was worried to go to him, what if he likes my dress of chappal..??? I did work out a plan, how to run fast covering myself with the inner wears only.

Memory is joy, remembrance is fun.

During this trip home, I had decided to visit Puravipalayam and have a look around. I had gone and alas. The Zamindar family reportedly did not have proper blood line to continue the name and had fallen into ‘remembered stories’. That part of the Palace, which used to be occupied by ‘Kodi Swamiyar’ was in a dilapidated condition, the rest of the Palace was like the one shown in initial scenes of ‘Manichithrathazhu/Chandramukhi/Bhool Bhulaiyaa.The portion which was in a bit good condition, seemed to be renovated and was occupied with modern symbols like Dish TV, Willow Wind Chimes, Kann Thirusti Ganapathi, Mark 4 Ambassador Car, Powder Coated Sheets fitted in most of the portico and porches.

Had gone around and stole the palace into my mobile camera. Seeing the places, I was feeling, “Oh, this would have been the main entrance, there comes the Zamindar in his Double Horsed Chariot”, “this would have been the Darbar Hall, he would have used to meet the people”, “Oh this was the place ‘Kotti Samy’, used to be seated”, “these are staff quarters”. “Mm, look at the vehicle sheds, imagine the number of chariots and horses he would have had” (Effect of Aiyarathil Oruvan..?? NO) It was a nice trip around. Had a mixed feeling, while coming back. There were no live ponds. Only few pump sets, open wells, mm..!!! Where are we heading ..??