#LetterToRiver: River Vaigai by Harnishya Palanichamy - Vaigai: The Soul's Stream

To
The River Vaigai,
Madurai-625001
Tamil Nadu.

Beloved River Vaigai,

Hey bud! I hope this letter finds you well. Its been a while since we met through letters. Recently I came across an article, about your origin story, which stated “Myths remain but river vanished”! The story states that, years back, Meenakshi, the daughter of Pandyan King, desired to marry Lord Shiva. On the day of wedding, Lord Shiva came to the ceremony alone, without accompanying his relatives and family members. 

This incident disappointed the Pandyan King for many reasons, most importantly a luxury banquet was prepared for the bridegroom’s kith and kins. But, Lord Shiva pointed out his friend, named Gundodhara saying that he will gobble all the food and as said, Gundodhara ate up all the food. Later he felt thirsty, but all the wells and canals were not adequate to put off his thirst. Hence Lord Shiva requested his friend to Vai yai (a river coming from sky and fell on Earth). 

Now, the river Ganga began to flow from the head of Lord Shiva which was sufficient for Gundodhara to drink. It is believed that the rest of water began to flow in Madurai as River Vaigai. Yes, the story sounded interesting, and for ever after you became closely associated with the Chithirai festival of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai. I too heard that the river Ganga requested a favour from Lord Shiva, that whoever takes bath in him will get rid of all the sins and his was granted.

Dear Vaigai, your geological origin is from the Western Ghats, located in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu, that was formed by the confluence of the rivers Suruliyar and Manjalar, which originates from the Periyar Plateau. From the place of origin, you flow towards southeast direction, passing through the districts of Madurai and Dindigul districts, before emptying yourself into the Palk Strait of the Bay of Bengal. Yes, there are different stories about your origin!!

Hi buddy, Your former photos really made me to drop my jaw to see that you were gorgeous and stunning. That was a wow moment. In the present day, I noticed you the changes you have faced, while crossing over your bridge. Truly. I pity your condition, my dear friend. People have really polluted your banks, by throwing garbage and debris. You look so empty and dry throughout the year, other than the festival time, especially the days when Lord Alagar visits you. More than 5lakh people would visit your banks to perform rituals. Dear comrade, I will pray for you to retain your true self in the near future so that the next generations would have a glimpse and spot physically, rather than reading about you in archives. I noticed that the Government has commenced initiatives to restore you. I will ever stand aside you dude to do the best I can, to reinstate you.

See you soon AA (Ancient Artifact), the name suits you well. Right!
Missing you a lot. Loving soulmate,
Harnishya Palanichamy.