Horse Temple, Tamil Nadu, India Royalty-Free Stock Photo

The Ayyanar temple (horse temple). Rows of grinning and colourful terra cotta horses greet you once you enter the temple complex. Ayyanar is an ancient and regional expression of the Hindu God Shiva, the protector of all things. The horses are offerings from villages, or individuals to thank for a good harvest, the opening of shop, or any other festive occasion in their lives. Ramu the Chettiar The Chettiars, after whom this region is called, were among the first traders to go to China and Africa. Because of a Tsunami in the early 1 9th century that destroyed their homes and families, they decided to move their families away from the shore. They decided to settle in the region between Thanjavur and Madurai. Ramu hails from a traditional Chettiar family. A day with him and his sunny and always smiling personality gives you a great insight into the