Vinod Drives Me To Places in Tamil Nadu where Tourists Don’t Go


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Asia » India » Tamil Nadu
February 6th 2019
Published: February 8th 2019
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“You’re very young.” That’s the first thing I said to Vinod when I met him in the Fortune Pandyan Hotel in Madurai. Then I noticed his eyes with the long eyelashes. He did smile, I believe, when I said he was very young. I needed an experienced driver for my three-day trip. This 29 year-old has been driving since he was 16. Good enough for me. Plus, those eyes. After I explained my plan... Read Full Entry



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Enclosure of white stonesEnclosure of white stones
Enclosure of white stones

Where the two boys got excited about the lizard hiding in the rocks beyond
Seven VirginsSeven Virgins
Seven Virgins

Some version of the seven virgins seems to be at all of these temples for the folk deities.
After Sacrifice, the animals are cooked and offered as meals to people.After Sacrifice, the animals are cooked and offered as meals to people.
After Sacrifice, the animals are cooked and offered as meals to people.

Men were busily preparing the food with huge cookpots.
Magnificent Terracotta Horses Magnificent Terracotta Horses
Magnificent Terracotta Horses

At Sri Vandi KaruppanaSwamy Temple Ayyalur outside of Dindigul.
Asking Permission from the GoatsAsking Permission from the Goats
Asking Permission from the Goats

Water is sprinkled on the goat’s head. If he shakes his head, he’s given permission to be sacrificed. I saw one young goat refuse to shake his head. He was set free to be offered another day.
Slaughter Slaughter
Slaughter

After being offered to KaruppanaSwamy, goats and chickens are slaughtered and then cooked. Meals are offered to temple goers..
Cocks Offered to KaruppanaSwamyCocks Offered to KaruppanaSwamy
Cocks Offered to KaruppanaSwamy

He is a non-veg deity and appreciates animal sacrifice.
Entrance to Sri Vandi KaruppanaSwamy Temple AyyalurEntrance to Sri Vandi KaruppanaSwamy Temple Ayyalur
Entrance to Sri Vandi KaruppanaSwamy Temple Ayyalur

Located outside of Dindigul, this temple was buzzing with activity.
A Glimpse of the Inner SanctumA Glimpse of the Inner Sanctum
A Glimpse of the Inner Sanctum

Where women are not allowed to enter.
The Priest Brings Blessings from the DeityThe Priest Brings Blessings from the Deity
The Priest Brings Blessings from the Deity

Sri Vandi KaruppanaSwamy Temple Ayyalur outside of Dindigul



15th February 2019
Vinod on Pondicherry Beach Where we Ended our Trip

Vinod
Vinod seems exactly as you described him. What a lovely adventure this was :)
25th February 2019
Vinod on Pondicherry Beach Where we Ended our Trip

Vinod
I had a lot of fun with him. The driver many times makes the difference between a good journey and a great journey. Thanks for your comment.

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