Semmangudi-My Village

Think of this village, my childhood days flash in front of me. Huh, Golden days as for everone. Iam always proud to be born in this village enjoying the greenery, beautiful temples, village unique functions like Pongal, Aadi 18 (18th day of Aadi the 4th Tamil Month) and village-trimmed Dramas viz., Terukkoottu and Bommalattam etc.,



I studied upto 10th Standard. Village of around 100 Brahmin houses surrounded by West Street and East Street in between tanks. For getting a bus to the nearest town (Tiruvarur), we had to walk for 30 minutes. Facing East is Varadaraja Swamy Temple and facing south is Ananthavalli (Sametha Agastheeswarar). These are two important temple in my life, which sowed the seed of Bhakthi within me


Among the houses in Brahmin Streets, 2 houses merit mention. One is our Pitahamaha and second is the Head Master's.

My maternal Grandfather's house, where I lived, was in front of Pitamaha's house which helped me to appreciate Carnatic Music at a later stage. I was not not interested in Music in my childhood days thouth I had a wealth of Music sitting opposite of our house. Destiny had it all, as an average student in the school and not a great Music lover/listener, my childhood days were sort of go-go. But two important people in my life who merit mentioning here.

1) Murugan Patti (MP)-

To go to my elementary school, which is in the southern end of our Street, I had to pass her house. I still do not know why she got this name, MP. Normal days, we did not care much about her and rarely went to her house. But, when exams started, we made it a point to go to her house and give our pen. She chants some mantra and rolled it at the feet of Murugan. She also gives a spoon of milk as a prasad to all. I do not remember whether I got very good marks in the subjects but not doing this, probably, I would have failed !!! who knows..

I still remember some slokas, chanted by her. When I taughter these to my kids, I thanked her and could not stop tears rolling down....

2) Head Master-Sri.Vishwanathan.

His house is situated in the centre part of the street. No one could avoid, passing-by his house. We always walk at the other end of the street, when we pass-by his house. Such a respect, we had for our HM. Respect has to be earned, not to be forced is very true, here. Such a simple man with abundance of knowledge. My Mother, Uncle and some of my Mom's sisters got prizes and awards for their exemplary performances from HM but I could not, even one. I missed to touch this great man's hand by not receiving an award. But, he taught me discipline, how to fight and become a man ouf your own.

There are some teachers in school,

1) Hindi Pundit- who taught me Vishnu Sahasranamam which is my daily chanting.

2) Iyengar Sir- who took tuition and a great man with values.

3) PS Sir- who was always ragged by students but a great man

4) Tirumalai Sir- A Terror among the teachers.

5) SSB Sir- Excellant Tamil teacher.

6) La La and Vee.Gee- Excellant Science Teachers.

and some more, I can never forget in my life. I pay tributes to them through this blog for shaping me to this level. Namaskarams to all. Aacharya Devo Bhava...

If God asks me to tell 5 wishes I have, I will not hesitate to put "go back to school and live those beautifuly days" as my first wish..