Isanya Jnana Desikar
Ayton made it a point always to attend and lead this annual festival, but one year he found himself stranded by floods on the southern side of the River Pennar just before the beginning of the festival. Knowing that he was expected to be at Arunachala to start the chariot on its journey, he called out to his mount: “Horse, I must see Tata and I must also get the Deepam festival started. Think of Tata and cross the river!’ Without a moment’s delay or hesitation, the horse leaped into the raging torrent of water and effortlessly waded to the other side. None of the other people who were stranded dared to follow for they were all convinced that it would be suicidal to enter the surging waters. This is the oldest known photo of Tiruvannamalai. It is the start of the Big Car procession in 1880. It is taken from the end of Car Street on the junction of Tiruvoodal Street. The two lines of devotees are about to begin pulling the chariot clockwise around the Arunachalewara Temple. At the ...