For local anglers
The new
idols smothered with soggy marigold garlands stand
out in contrast with others, which have had their
sharp edges softened by years of lapping waves.
Other deities lie half-buried in the wet sand,
missing a hand or leg or a nose. The sculptures get
a scrubbing only when water is released from the
dam. Then, they go underwater and resurface only
when the level decreases in summer. This is also the
time for local anglers. Using nothing more than a
length of string and a ripe banana, they hook a
variety of eels and other kinds of fish.
The coracle
owners here are a friendly lot and help you find the
best places to fish. Park your vehicle near the
temple and wade down till you are waist deep in
water. A local boy flings a fruit-laden string into
the water and waits for some fish to fall for his
bait. When his neighbour hooks an eel, he looks with
yearning and moves away to deeper waters. While he
is trying his luck, a foot-long nandi, its nose
above water, keeps me company.
Soon, it's
time to take the ride on the bamboo-lined coracle.
The boatman plunges a bamboo pole into the water to
make it glide across the Cauvery. A few minutes
later, at the cost of a few rupees, you are on the
other bank and in a different district, Namakkal. On
this side lies the Agasthiar Paarai, the stone on
which the saint believed to have brought forth the
Cauvery, is said to have done penance. When the
river is in full spate, the coracle can go right up
to it.
How to
go there: Kodumudi is 105 km from Coimbatore. If
you're driving down, take a diversion near Kangeyam.
There are not many eateries out there. But the
famous Kodumudi cucumber is available in plenty in
the temple complex.
When the
sun turns up its heat, this is the only salvation
around.
Source: Tamilnadu Tourism and The Hindu
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