Origin
So, where did Madhavaram derive its name from? Madhavapuram, Mahadevapuram, or Maha-thava-puram, as inscribed on a stone in front of the Vinayaka temple in Rajaji Street? “The name probably emerged because great saints prayed here,” says Bharath gurukkal of the Kailasanadhar temple.
Horticultural farm
Away from noise, bustle and narrow roads, Madhavaram Milk Colony is an area of broad avenues and large, leafy trees. On the main road, stop at the only Government-run horticultural farm (Tel: 87543 58986) in the city, for a walk through five acres of stunning greenery. The farm sells scientifically-nurtured fruit saplings, ornamental and flower plants and vegetable seedlings, for a song. “We have been in business since 1980,” says Dr. K Saravanan, farm in-charge, listing out what you can choose among the 70,000 saplings “raised for homes, gardens and streets”. Don’t forget the bagfuls of organic manure from the milk plant nearby.
Temples
The Kailasanadhar/Karpakambal temple has enough evidence in the form of statues to prove its Pallava origins. The lingam here is supposedly the biggest in Tamil Nadu. Its large yard and the open area around guarantee gentle breeze, inviting people to sit around.
A bigger draw is the Kalivaradaraja Perumal/Perundevi temple, built in 676 C.E. by Pallava king Nandivarman II (its history is recorded on page 66, Census of India 1961-volume IX, Part XI-D, Temples of Madras State). The temple has fascinating features, starting with the 21-ft statue of Anjaneya in white. Once hidden by nettle, it was restored by devotees. Apparently, Nandivarman halted here before a battle and, after his success, built the temple as thanksgiving. The shape of the deity and the sculptures of fish in the ceiling of the goddess’ alcove are clear proof of Pallava architecture. There is enough here to keep you captivated for at least two hours.
Aavin parlour
With its irresistible range of milk shakes, sweets, hot milk and ice-creams, this Aavin parlour is the genesis for the swanky, high-tech Aavin junctions across the city. “From 7,000 to 8,000 packs a year ago, we’ve touched 20,000 200-ml cartons in a host of flavours,” says Aavin Managing Director Sunil Paliwal, IAS, whose office overlooks the tree-enveloped parlour and the children’s play area. “Our ice-creams (black currant, butterscotch, strawberry) are a big draw, as are the air-conditioned interiors, automatic doors, and the vegetarian menu of fries, burgers and basic pizza, served by well-trained staff.
Milk dairy
The prima donna of Madhavaram is its modern milk dairy, opened in 1963 with New Zealand’s help, under the Colombo Plan. The sprawling 700-acre complex was established to house the Central Dairy plant and administrative buildings, leaving enough space for thousands of milch animals to lead a contented life. With officers/staff employed for dairying activities, the campus became a popular picnic spot for school kids and families. As the city grew, the 50,000-litres-a-day milk supply fell short, and the dairy department outsourced milk production to co-operative societies outside the city. Milk now arrives at the plant in insulated tankers, and Government programmes have hiked supply to 3.05 lakh litres a day to North Chennai areas. But, the milch animals are gone.
And then…
The one-of-its-kind Central Palmgur and Palm Products Institute has trained those in the palm leaf industry in Tamil Nadu, and supplies palm products to the city. Hidden behind the waste segregation spot near Otteri nallah is a tree park developed by Joss Brooks of Tholkappiar Poonga fame. The agraharam maintains its old-world charm. The Madhavaram Truck Terminal, started in 1992, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Staff Training College and West Cancer Trust, among others, make Madhavaram a star of a suburb.
