Pallipadai Temples

Pallipadai is Tamil name for sepulchral shrine. I am not sure when this tradition started but it looks common during later Cholas period (10^th and 11^th century). I came to know about this when I watched this documentary about Raja Raja Chola few years back. I did not believe this at first, thinking why someone will build Shrine near or on the burial/cremation ground.  After doing some research I came across several Siva temples of this nature.

I started my research by referring to Historian and Prof. K.A. Nilakanta Sastry work titled Cholas. In that he was discussing about Pallipadai and its close alignment with Saivism. He discusses about that cult of Deva-raja and how inscriptions highlights the construction of sepulchral temples over the remains of kings and princes. Following is the quote from his book “The Adityesvara at Tondamanad erected as a pallipadai to his father by Parantaka I, the Arinjigai-Isvara at Melpadi built by Rajaraja I likewise to commemorate Arinjaya who died at Arrur, and the Pancavanmadevisvara in Ramanathan Koyil apparently erected by Rajendra I are among the most conspicuous examples of this practice”

In his book he also mentioned about human bones unearthed sanctum sanctorum of several temples during the temple renovation. This practice may be prominent among Cholas but certainly not limited to them. There is one such shrine in Pallimadam for King Sundara Pandya. Prof. K.A. Nilakanta Sastry mentions this practice is very common in most South-Asian countries as well. It was not clear whether it spread from South India or they received from elsewhere.

It can be argued that extreme Saivite groups such as Kapalikas and Kalamukahs performed human sacrifices in remote Siva temple premises. They eat the food in skull and besmear the body with ashes of dead body. They also eat ashes, keep the pot of wine and worship Siva in seated position in those shrines/places. However we cannot attribute the bones found in the Pallipadai temple as remains of these activities. Pallipadai temples are substantiated by inscriptions found in those premises which are expected as it was common practice during later Cholas.

I visited one such Pallipadai (as it stated in Chenglepet District Archealogical Guide) temple near Kanchipuram in 2011.  Gangaikonda Choleswarar temple at Koozhampandal is built by Isana Siva Pandita the spiritual guru of Rajendra Chola I. It was built in memory of Rajendra Chola I after his death. It has lot of similarities with Gangai Konda Cholapuram temple. This place close Peru Nagar believed to be regional (Mandal) Head Quarters of Chola Kings during that time.  This temple is under ASI, however I could see lot of damages done to the sculptures in recent past (see below. Sculptures plastered with cement recently). I am confident excavation around this temple will yield lot more information.

Tamil Nadu Power Crisis - Analysis

Tamil Nadu is facing unannounced power cut (brown out) for past few years. This impacts industrial sector and public alike. There was no clear policy from DMK Government. There were allegations that kick backs were involved in purchase of power from private sector and hence Govt were neglecting its own power generation. The planned maintenance were not co-ordinated aggravating the problem. It wouldn't be unfair if we attribute this as failure for DMK's election loss.

The new CM, J. Jayalalithaa is taking some positive action. She promised to add 10,000MW generation capacity to the system over next 5 years. There are no clear indication whether it includes current projects. In my view it is in right direction but does not go far enough. I hope she and her Electricity Minister aggressively pursue this matter.

According to TN state government's policy document, the current capacity including its share from central pool is10,214 MW (this is excluding renewal energy sources as they are unpredictable in peak loads). The projected demand for 2011-12 is 14,224 MW and for 2012-13 is 15,517 MW. The current average deficit is 2500 MW. It is expected that demand will double in next 5 years based on the projected growth. I hope this explains why I am saying promised 10,000 MW generation is not enough. The Government should develop short term (up to 2 years), mid-term ( up to 10 Years) and long term (up to 30 years) policies. This is not just planning but involves huge investments are needed.


In the short term, Jayalalithaa's pursuit of asking 1000 MW of power for next one year make sense. She is expediting the projects such as the Vallur 500 MW capacity. She is also requesting the Central Government to expedite Neyveli and Koodangulam projects.However this is not under her control. Hence current deficit and projected deficits not likely to go away anytime in near future.Any new project ground breaking now will take couple of years before it is added to the Grid. This forces us to consider saving energy which is good thing in long-term as well. Here are somethings which will impact positively.

- According to policy document from TNEB, the transmission loss is 18%. Reducing it to 15%, to their target will save over 400 MW of power. Apart from bridging the gap, it helps bring down the cost.

- The Government should encourage public to use energy efficient lamps such as CFLs. It can even give couple of them free through PDS. Typically this saves 75% energy cost and produces 75% less heat.


- The Government buildings can adopt similar approach and can meet portion of its demand from Solar Energy generated in that location. Significantly reduces the transmission loss.


- State Government can enforce energy efficient products such as fans, AC, etc in steps. Sales tax can be higher for non compliant energy efficient products.


- Industries can be asked to reduce their usage by following the best practices such as using energy efficient products and meeting portion of their demand from solar energy produced in that location.


- Smart switches/meters can be installed in stages. This will allow the Government to charge premium rate for peak usage (may be restricted for business) and any excess energy generated can be sold back to Grid. This is win-win for both.


- Encourage public to use Solar energy for water heating and part of their needs such as lights, cooking, etc.


- Should enforce other conservative measures such as turning off the street lights on time, turning off unnecessary lights in Government building. This habits should be encouraged to public through proper ads.


- Unplugging electronics such as Mobile Phone adapters save money. Government should initiate ad campaign to achieve this.


- Government should aggressively enforce power theft prevention. This should include political rallies. (Spl. Thanks for ppl who reminded me on this)



The emphasis should be on Renewal energy generation closer to consumption location. The traditional energy resources such as coal, water, Gas, Diesel, etc are limited in natural resource. Depleting them is not a good idea. In a decade or so, we will be having hybrid/electrical cars driving the demand. Government needs to get prepared for it. This is just a sample on what can be done. Hopefully Government addresses these ones and come up with more ways to meet the demand.