In search of imprints of Buddhism: Ariyalur, Rayampuram, Paravai, and Ogalur

Midst of having all relevant information, I faced some difficulties during field study.  But during a field trip I had the chance of seeing four Buddha statues and got information about the prevalence of two other Buddhas, on one day. The experience is unforgettable. During one such field trip, from Thanjavur, I went to Ariyalur, Rayampuram, Paravai, and Ogalur of Tamil Nadu. Feel happy to take the readers to the place where I had been there  two and a half decades back.  On 18th March 1999 (Telugu New Year day, Government Holiday) I left from Thanjavur.  

Ariyalur

As planned I went to Ariyalur from Thanjavur by bus. Mr Rajmohan, the curator of Government Museum, Trichy and History Professor of Government Arts College, Ariyalur (both of them retired) informed me earlier about a Buddha statue in front of the Revenue Divisional Office. After getting permission from the Personal Assistant to RDO, I photographed the Buddha. 

Rayampuram (Ariyalur district)

From Ariyalur, I went in Ariyaur-Senthurai bus and got down at Rayampuram . When I enquired there I was informed that at a short distance there was a Buddha statue. After taking a bicycle for rent, I pedalled on the Senthurai route. On my route, in the right side, on the bank of a lake I saw a Buddha, buried upto hip portion. When enquired about it, Mr Pasupathi (40) who was standing nearby told me that a place with Buddha is complete and somebody had damaged the statue. He also informed me that at the nearby Ogalur another Buddha statue is found. Prof.Chandrakumar (since retired) of Tamil University, informed me earlier about this statue and it came to my mind now. Another local informed that there were two Buddha statues in nearby Peiya Tirukkonam earlier and now only one was left.  He also told that buses were plying from Ariyalur at 7.40 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. As the time was not found suitable to see the Ogalur Buddha, I planned to see it later. After paying the rent and returning the bicycle, I left that place. 

Paravai (Perambalur district)

Then I boarded Ariyalur-Thuraiyur bus, got down at Kunnam stopping and from there on Veppur bus I reached Paravai. In the centre of town, on a raised platform. Mr Kamalakkanan of that place informed me that locals used to clean the statue with water, put tilak on the forehead and later garland it on special days. He added that such Buddha statues are also found in Ogalur and Perumattur, which I noted down. It was late evening. When I was thinking whether to continue my trip, local villagers helped me. I waited for the bus. At that time, someone informed me that it would take more time for the arrival of the bus and it would be very late night and helped me to go to Ogalur in a milk van which was coming there. 

Ogalur (Perambalur district)

Mr Gauthaman, Librarian ofTamil University once informed me about this Buddha. Now it came to my mind. The van driver started unloading milk cans. After thanking him, I asked him about the arrival of bus there. He informed me that no bus would be plying and told me that he would be waiting there for me for some time, after delivering the milk cans. 

I confirmed him that I would return, and left. Then I saw the Buddha. Mr. K.Visvanathan, a student, who was standing nearby told me that many villagers of that place work overseas and during their departure they would garland the Buddha. Then I photographed the statue. It was getting late. As the driver  signalled me, I left the place in the milk van and got down at Thittakkudi border. After thanking him I left the place and reached Thanjavur via Ariyalur. I planned to go to Perumattur and Periya Tirukkonam in another field trip.

During subsequent field study I came to know that Ariyalur Buddha was shifted to the Gangaikondacholapuram Museum, Rayampuram Buddha was missing and Ogalur Buddha is kept on a high pedestal. 

2023

These Buddha images are documented in the Tamil and English editions of my book (Chola Nattil Bautham,  Pudhu Ezuthu, 2022, pp.41, 135, 99, 55), (Buddhism in Chola Nadu,  Pudhu Ezuthu, 2023, pp.54, 142, 118, 116).

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Thanks : Dr L.Thiagarajan, Dr T.Chandrakumar, Mr Rajmohan, Mr Pasupathi, 

Mr K. Visvanathan, and Mr M.Gauthaman

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தமிழில் வாசிக்க : 

பௌத்த சுவட்டைத் தேடி : அரியலூர், ராயம்புரம், பரவாய், ஒகளூர்

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