Transient Communities: A Search for Identity through Ethnicity (page 9)

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The Karaikudi Nagarathar Viduthi run by the Pudhiya Thandayuthabani Trust was built next. This also has the thinnai and low paved area in the first zone and the double floor height hall behind it, and then followed by a courtyard for services. Here again there is a vertical distribution of functions with the lodging provided in the lower floor and the temple based activities and ceremonial and ritualistic activities on the upper floor where the temple to Lord Muruga is located.

The third one to be established was the Rangoon Viduthi or Kasi Nagara Viduthi in the year 1907. Here in the first Zone, the thinnai is transformed into a Verandah with an in-built bench. Behind this are the Clerestoried columned hall and then the open-to-sky courtyard giving access to the arais (rooms). Behind this is the service Courtyard accommodating the kitchen with traditional choolas (traditional Stoves) behind which is the toilet and bathing zone.

Thiruvotriyur: 
It is a very auspicious place for Nagarathars because of saint Pattinathar, a Nagarathar basically, whose Samadhi is located there. On the demise of any chettiar or aachi, (chettiars's wife) it is Considered auspicious if final death ceremonies happen in ThiruVottriyur Nagara viduthi and it is a belief they get Mukthi and Sivakadatsham (eternal life). This Viduthi is on the South Mada Street of Thiruvottriyur. It has two divisions, one older building accommodating all functions of a regular Viduthi for rituals, Celebrations, lodging, cooking and annadanam (free feeding), and the other division which is of later date for death Ceremonies. This comprises a Central hall witharais on both sides. The spatial vocabulary continues the tradition of Chettinad Viduthis with a front open space behind the compound wall, porch to emphasise the access, the arcaded low paved area, the columned thinnai in the front zone behind which is the ceremonial second zone with columned double floor height hall with clerestory, followed by the courtyard. The second courtyard forms the rear service Zone for cooking beyond which are the toilets.
(Continues...)

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