You may be tempted to ask the simple question. What historical connection did Robert Clive of East India Company, Madras have with a Hindu Vishnu temple at Kanchipuram town, near Madras (Chennai)? It was here he personally experienced divine intervention of God when he was on low spirit.
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| Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal temple, TN en.wikipedia.org |
During the 18th century, Kanchipuram, a city of great spiritual and historical significance, found itself at the crossroads of colonial conflict and divine intervention. This story highlights a fascinating intersection of Robert Clive, a British officer, and Lord Varadaraja of Kanchipuram during the Second Carnatic War (1749–1754).
Robert Clive with EIC,Madras slidedoc.com
Clive’s Illness and Recovery at Kanchipuram
In 1751, as Robert Clive marched with his forces from Madras to Arcot, a distance of approximately 110 km, the unforgiving South Indian terrain and heat took a toll on him. Severely dehydrated and on the verge of collapse, Clive’s situation appeared dire. His troops camped near the Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram, a hub of spiritual activity bustling with a festival at the time.
In this charged atmosphere, a soldier approached the temple priests to seek prasadam (holy water) and the sataari (a ritual blessing) for Clive. Consuming the holy water with faith, Clive made an earnest prayer to Lord Varadaraja. To the astonishment of his troops, he recovered completely the next morning, revitalized and ready to march on.
The Capture of Arcot
Clive’s forces, though outnumbered, reached Arcot amidst a violent storm, catching the enemy by surprise. The larger garrison of Chanda Sahib fled without resistance, abandoning the fort. This victory became a turning point in the Carnatic Wars, earning Clive recognition for his strategic brilliance.His subsequent exploits in fertile Bengal that finally set the stage for the beginning of the British Empire With strong British economy with which the British acquired wealth and more colonies in Africa and North America.
Clive’s gratitude to Lord Varadaraja
Acknowledging the divine intervention in his success, Clive made a special offering to Lord Varadaraja. From the treasure of Arcot, he chose a magnificent necklace—known as the "Arcot Necklace"—and presented it to the deity upon his return to Kanchipuram. To this day, the necklace adorns the Lord during ceremonial occasions, a reminder of this unique episode.
A Lasting Devotion
Clive’s experiences at Kanchipuram left a lasting impression. During a subsequent visit, he expressed curiosity about the priests fanning the deity. When handed a fragrant wet towel used in the ritual, Clive marveled at the divine aura. This deepened his respect for Lord Varadaraja, whom he considered the "Emperor of Emperors."
Legacy of Faith and History
The story of Robert Clive at Kanchipuram exemplifies the enduring spiritual magnetism of India’s sacred spaces. It also highlights how cultural and spiritual exchanges could transcend the boundaries of empire, leaving behind a legacy of faith and gratitude that survives to this day.
http://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/Those-Clives-again/article16657620.ece
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