Valluvar Kottam, Chennai

Valluvar Kottam stands as a cultural and architectural landmark in the bustling city of Chennai, India. This grand memorial is dedicated to the revered Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, who penned the timeless classic 'Thirukkural', a treatise on ethics and morality composed of 1330 couplets. Situated at the intersection of Kodambakkam High Road and Village Road, the monument was constructed in 1976 and has since been an emblem of Tamil culture and literature.

The structure of Valluvar Kottam is unique, featuring a massive stone chariot that is a replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. This chariot houses a life-size statue of Thiruvalluvar, exuding a serene aura that permeates the complex. The auditorium within Valluvar Kottam is one of the largest in Asia and can accommodate around 4000 people, often serving as a venue for cultural events and public gatherings.

An intriguing aspect of Valluvar Kottam is the incorporation of all 1330 couplets from Thirukkural, inscribed on the granite pillars that surround the auditorium. This has made the memorial a place of pilgrimage for lovers of Tamil literature and scholars from around the world who come to study the engraved verses.

The architecture of Valluvar Kottam blends modernity with tradition, with its clean lines and use of natural materials like stone and wood. The complex is spread over a vast area and includes a pond and well-maintained gardens, providing a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.