A DHARMA CHATRAM (Shelter) ON A HIGHWAY IN THURAIYUR-NAGALAPURAM SECTOR

Indian tradition mandates that every Indian should welcome guests and treat them as demi  gods— athithi devo ba vaha. This was extended to the travellers by  philanthropists and also by the ancient administrations too. Various kings and nobles had built shelters in the form of pillared halls (mandapam) with a kitchen and a water point. One such structure still exists intact and was probably constructed by Naiker rulers. The Naikers are usually portrayed in the standing posture with folded hands often accompanied by their spouses.  It is interesting to note the type of dress, different kinds of hair styles and the accessories in these stone carvings.

A masonry resting place for travellers is situated on the road side between Thuriyur near Tiruchirapalli on the Thuraiyur  -Nagalapuram highway. It is made of mortar with ornamental granite pillars supporting the roof. The structure is very much intact and has a kitchen with an adjacent water source. 

This ornately and esthetically constructed structure is probably more than 200 years old. It is still intact and still usable.

Unfortunately  it is lies neglected and is uncared for. Some parts of the sculptures and engravings are also being vandalized.