Besant Nagar, Valmiki Nagar beaches and Marundeeswarar temple are my favourite places in Chennai, says Charulatha Mani, classical and playback singer

Born in Besant Nagar and raised in Valmiki Nagar, the beach has been a constant in my life. Being the daughter of a marine engineer has further cemented my relationship with seas and shores. One of my favourite places in Chennai is the beach at Valmiki nagar and the adjoining walking track. It was there that I took my first walk with my husband. It was there that I wheeled my twins in their strollers as they gawked at the birds feeling the wind in their hair. The beach in this part of town wasn’t as populated as it is today even a decade ago. It was cleaner too. Regardless, for me, walking barefoot just by the waterside is almost an addiction. Marundeeswarar temple in Thiruvanmiyur is a glorious site that I have had the good fortune of frequenting all my life. It’s aesthetic appeal, the Thevarams that resound in the evenings, and the cowsheds continue to enchant me. The sannidhi of Thripurasundari Ambal holds a divine energy and elicits the joyful “Thaaye Thripurasundari” of Periyasami Thooran in ragam Suddhasaveri from me at every instance. When shy I sing to myself, when inspired or almost alone I have sung aloud. Likewise, I have had immense spiritual happiness in standing before the idol of Marundeeswarar. Periyasami Thooran’s “Marundeeswarane” in Poorvikalyani is my choice when I get to this point in the temple.

(As told to Deepa H. Ramakrishnan)