Bharathiyar Illam

The greatest Tamil poets, Subramanya Bharathi (also spelt as Bharti) was born in Ettayapuram (around 600-km from Chennai), in 1882. He was skilled enough to write verse even at the early age of seven. 

The last years of his life were spent in a house in Triplicane, Chennai. This house was bought and renovated by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1993 and named 'Bharathiyar Illam' (Home of Bharathiyar). It is a must-see place for those eager to know more about one of the greatest Indian poets ever.It was opened to public on 2nd October 1993. 

The house takes us back to the life and times of Mahakavi Bharathi. Photographs of Bharathiyar, his family, and his friends are displayed here. His hand written verses are framed and displayed. There is also a letter from Mahatma Gandhi (in Tamil) to mark the occasion of the opening of Bharathiyar Mani Mandapam in Ettayapuram, in 1947. Bharathiyar's letters to his friend Nellaiappar are also displayed.