Kambar Medu, the Birthplace of Kavi chakrvarthy Kamban at Therazhandur under the protection of ASI remains as a open public toilet – A Himalayan disrespect to the greatest Tamil poet

 11 Dec 2022

 Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal ji

Hon’ble MOS for Parliamentary Affairs and Culture

Government of India

New Delhi

 

Dear Sir

 Kambar Medu, the Birthplace of Kavi chakrvarthy Kamban at Therazhandur under the protection of ASI remains as a open public toilet – A Himalayan disrespect to the greatest Tamil poet

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This has reference to the telephonic conversation, I had with you on 10^th December 2022 evening about the current position of “Kambar Medu”, the birth place of Kavi Chakravarthy Kamban at Therazhandur in Tamil Nadu.  Therazhandur is my native village too.   Hence I am taking personal interest.

Kavi Chakravarthy Kamban has written “Kamba Ramayana”, based on Valmiki Ramayana 1200 years ago  in 12000 Tamil hymns.  He is being celebrated by the Tamil Scholars and Asthikas as “Kavi Chakravarthy”.  Even our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi used to quote from the verses of Kamban in his speeches. 

This place ‘Kambar Medu’, is in the possession of ASI.  Unfortunately, this great holy place is not being maintained by the ASI properly.  Though the entire area is fenced, due to lack of maintenance and care, one will find lot of bush in the area. 

Due to the slums around this monumental place, this place is being used as a public toilet. (Though it is fenced, one gate is left open).  On one side, Hon’ble PM celebrates the glory of Tamil literature and language at Varanasi as ‘Kasi Sangamam’.  On the other side, ASI shames the birth place of the Kavi Chakravarthy by improper maintenance allowing it as public toilet.  

A few decades back, one great Tamil scholar Shri U. Ve. Swaminatha Iyer, who compiled lot of Tamil literature from the palm leaves, visited the Kambar Medu.  He crawled the place, to avoid his feet being placed on the holy place.   I am quoting this as a sample to indicate how the scholars value this spot.

As requested by me last evening, I will be grateful if you plan a visit to the Kambar Medu during January 2023, after the Parliament Session and guide the officials as to how we can improve the situation.

I attach herewith a few photos of Kambar Medu (photographed today) to give you the realistic picture.  I also attach herewith the photos of Kali temple and Ganapathy temple worshipped by Kavi chakrvarthy Kamban. 

 Mr Janakiraman, Secretary of Kamban Kazhagam (70 year old body) is at the village and he will help your ASI officials locally.  His contact number is 9443853650.

I am at Chennai and I can be contacted for any coordination any time.  My mobile and WhatsApp number is 9176650273.

 Looking forward to your immediate action.

Yours faithfully,

K. Srinivasan