Nallur Natthatthanar, a revered Sangam poet from the village of Nallur in the Idaikazhinadu town panchayat near Cheyyur, is known for his classic work, “Sirupanatruppadai,” which is part of the esteemed Pattupattu anthology. However, the legacy of this ancient literary figure is facing a significant challenge as modern infrastructure developments threaten his memorial.
In 1992, a memorial pillar was erected in honor of Nallur Natthatthanar, recognizing his contributions to Tamil literature. This pillar has stood as a testament to his work and the cultural heritage of the region. Now, with the construction of a new four-lane road in the area, the memorial is at risk of being displaced. Despite the imminent threat, the government has yet to provide an alternative location to relocate the pillar or to construct a Manimandapam (memorial hall) for Nallur Natthatthanar.
Local residents and cultural enthusiasts have voiced their concerns and demands for the preservation of the poet’s legacy. They argue that a new Manimandapam would not only safeguard the memorial pillar but also serve as an educational and cultural center to celebrate Nallur Natthatthanar’s contributions and keep his history alive for future generations.
The situation has sparked a political debate, with the Hindu Munnani, a cultural and religious organization, questioning the priorities of the ruling DMK government. They have criticized the government for allocating resources to memorials for figures associated with separatism and missionaries like Caldwell, G. U. Pope, and Bartholomäus Ziegenbalg, while neglecting the heritage of native Tamil poets such as Nallur Natthatthanar.
The Hindu Munnani questioned as to why Nallur Natthatthanar is not being honored with a Manimandapam.
செய்யூர் அருகே உள்ள இடைக்கழிநாடு பேரூராட்சிக்கு உட்பட்ட நல்லூர் கிராமத்தில் வாழ்ந்த சங்க காலப் புலவர் நல்லூர் நத்தத்தனார்.
இவர் பத்துப்பாட்டு தொகையில் வரும் சிறுபாணாற்றுப்படை பாடலை இயற்றியவர்.இவருக்கு அந்த ஊரில் 1958-ம் ஆண்டில் திருஉருவச்சிலை அமைக்கப்பட்டு அதன் பின் தமிழக அரசு pic.twitter.com/9lgwobxIWV
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) July 7, 2024
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.