Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 16,041

Date uploaded in London – 1 August 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx 

Part 90

Sakuntala and Saakuntalam

Śakuntalā (शकुन्तला).—The daughter of Viśvāmitra and Menakā; was brought up in Kaṇva’s āśrama with nīvāra food; Duṣyanta who came there was entertained and was accepted as her Lord by Gāndharva vidhi. Gave birth to the future Bharata and came to the king’s palace with the child; was refused admission by the king who had forgotten her. A voice in the air urged the king to accept her and he did so;¹ a queen of Duṣyanta and mother of Bharata.  Bharata  became a universal monarch, and gave his name to India which came to be called Bharatavarsa.

The Abhijnana Shakuntalam

The Abhijnana Shakuntalam is a renowned Sanskrit play by Kalidasa, depicting the story of Sakuntala from the Mahabharata. The play chronicles the love between King Dushyanta and Shakuntala, who faces trials due to a curse that makes the king forget her. After losing a ring that signifies their union, fate ultimately leads to their reunion and the birth of their son Bharata, an ancestor of the Kauravas and Pandavas. The play has inspired numerous translations and adaptations globally. William Jones translated the play into English and published it in 1792 under the title

Sacontalá; : or, The fatal ring: an Indian drama By 

CÁLIDÁS.

Sir William Jones: Translated the play into English in 1789 as Sacontalá or The Fatal Ring and famously compared Kālidāsa to Shakespeare, calling him the “Shakespeare of India” for his deep insight into human nature.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Wrote an ecstatic epigram stating that Śākuntalā combines the early blossoms of spring and late fruits of autumn, encompassing earth and heaven in a single name. He was also inspired by its prologue for his own Faust.

Alexander von Humboldt: Praised Kālidāsa as a masterly describer of nature who combined creative fancy with delicate expressions of feeling, giving the playwright a lofty rank among global poets.

Friedrich Schlegel: Noted that despite its exotic and foreign setting, the general structure of Śākuntalā bears a striking and favorable resemblance to European romantic drama. [1]

Modern Critics: View the text through comparative frameworks like ecocriticism, analyzing how the deep bond between Śākuntalā and the natural forest world anticipates modern environmental and ecofeminist thought.

***

Shalmali dwipa

Salmali Dwipa is one of the seven concentric insular continents (sapta-dwipa) described in ancient Hindu cosmology and Puranic texts. It derives its name from the large Shalmali (silk-cotton) tree that characterizes the land, and is traditionally said to be surrounded by an ocean of wine (Sura-samudra)

Australia Connection: Many modern alternative interpretations and independent researchers correlate Shalmali Dwipa with Australia, noting the presence of native silk-cotton (Shalmali) or similar kapok trees.

Eastern Europe, East Africa, or regions of Southeast Asia, because these cosmological descriptions use symbolic geography rather than literal modern borders.

My opinion

No two clocks agree; no two identifications agree. It is sheer waste of time to identify them with modern geographical locations. I still wonder why did they say it. Identifying such dwipas in America and Australia is also not wise. They were described as Patala loka. So, all the seven Dwipas must be within Asia, and  may be coastal East Africa .

***

Salatura

Known historically as the birthplace of Pāṇini, the famous ancient linguist and grammarian who formalized Sanskrit. Documented by the 7th-century Chinese traveler Xuanzang, who noted a local memorial statue dedicated to Pāṇini.

Location: Near modern-day Lahore in Pakistan.

***

Sama Veda

Samaveda is one of the four Vedas . It is known for its focus on melodies, chants, and musical aspects. Most of the hymns are from the Rigveda. This Veda plays a significant role in rituals and worship, with its hymns sung for ceremonial purposes. It is also associated with the development of Indian music. It must be as old as Rig Veda, that is 4000 BCE to 2000 BCE.

Rigvedic origin: 1,474 to 1,771 verses are sourced from the Rigveda (primarily books 8 and 9).

Original compositions: Only about 75 to 99 verses are uniquely native to the Samaveda itself

Ritual Timing: Performed during major sacrificial ceremonies, particularly when the juice of the Soma plant was mixed and offered as a drink to the gods.

Regional Schools (Sakhas): Preserved through oral traditions across different parts of India, notably the Kauthuma tradition in Gujarat, Ranayaniya in Maharashtra, and Jaiminiya in Southern India.

***

Sambhu

Śaṃbhu (शंभु).—a. [śaṃ-bhū-ḍu] Causing happiness, granting prosperity.

 Name of Śiva. Sambhavi is goddess.

***

Samiti – committee

English word Committee is derived from Rig Vedic word Samiti. English pronunciation is wrong; C=S. Committee should be pronounced SAMITI.

Samiti (समिति) denotes an ‘assembly’ of the Vedic tribe. It is already mentioned in the Rigveda, and  sometimes in connexion with Sabhā. Ludwig considers that the Samiti included all the people, primarily the viśaḥ, ‘subjects’, but also the Maghavans and Brahmins if they desired, though the Sabhā was their special assembly

***

Samudrika lakshana

Samudrika Lakshana is an ancient Indian science of body features. It interprets physical marks, shapes, and structures to understand a person’s character, fortune, and life path.

• Samudrika Lakshanam (Agathiyar): Authored by the sage Agathiyar, this historic text focuses heavily on South Indian traditions, life histories, and the categorization of physical features.
• Rati Rahasya by Kokkoka: A medieval Sanskrit text that classifies bodily and psycho-physical traits, particularly detailing the physical classifications of women (such as Padmini, Chitrini, Shankini, and Hastini).
• Samudrikam / Samudrika Shastra Chapters: Found within broader ancient manuscripts, these texts systematically record face shapes, cranial structure, hair patterns, palm lines, and moles to interpret character and destiny.

Hindus have divided arts under 64 branches. An expert is expected to master all those subjects. A popular Tamil hymn is praising Goddess Saraswati as the one who bestows everyone with these 64 “arts”. One of them is the art of knowing the character of a man by studying his features. This is called Samudrika Lakshna.

Throughout Sanskrit scriptures like Ramayana and Sangam Tamil poems we come across Aajaanu Baahu, eyes like  lotus petal etc. So the science of body features must have existed even before the epics.

***

Sandana/ Sandal wood

The sandana tree—more commonly known as the sandalwood tree (specifically Santalum album)—is a sacred evergreen tree famed for its heavy, yellow, highly aromatic wood and essential oils.

Sandal paste is used to decorate idols and statues of Gods and Goddesses in Indian Temples.

It is used by male and female for coolness.

It is considered an auspicious symbol and offered at the gates of Wedding Halls to the guests.

The pasted applied on Gods is valued very much. In Temples like Guruvayur they offer it on green leaves.

It is used in Ayurvedic medicines and treatment.

***

Santhaana Lakshmi

One of the Eight Lakshmi forms; bestower of good children.

Santānalakṣmī (सन्तानलक्ष्मी, “Progeny Lakṣmī”):—One of the eight primary forms of Lakṣmī (aṣṭalakṣmī) represented as the bestower of offspring. She has six arms, carries two kalashas (water pitcher with mango leaves and a coconut on it), sword, shield, a child on her lap, a hand in abhaya-mudra and th eo ther holding the child. The child holds a lotus.

  Adi Lakshmi: The first form, giving spiritual wealth and inner peace.

  Dhana Lakshmi: The giver of money, gold, and material riches.

  Dhanya Lakshmi: The goddess of food, crops, and farming.

  Gaja Lakshmi: The giver of animal wealth, power, and royal status.

  Santana Lakshmi: The protector of family, children, and future generations.

  Dhairya Lakshmi (Veera Lakshmi): The source of great courage, strength, and bravery.

  Vijaya Lakshmi: The bringer of success and victory in all tasks.

  Vidya Lakshmi: The provider of education, intellect, and arts knowledge.

To be continued…………………

Tags- santhana Lakshmi, sakuntala, part 90, Hindu Dictionary, Ashta Lakshmi.

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 16,013

Date uploaded in London – 24 July 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx 

Rik Veda or Rig Veda

The oldest anthology in the world; the first Veda of the four Vedas in Hinduism (the other three are Yajur, Sama and Atharva). Modern Indologists in western countries dated it between 1200 BCE and 6000 BCE. And archaeological proof for the Rig Vedic hymn is available from 1380 BCE from Bogazkoy inscription in Turkey. Freedom fighter and great scholar B G Tilak and German scholar Herman Jacobi have independently arrived at a date of 4000 BCE for the Vedas.. Hindus consider them eternal and not composed by humans. They only hear it (see it) and so the Vedic Rishis seers are called Mantra Drshtas. There are approximately 450 poets ; of them 25 are women.

It has 40, 000 lines

It is divided into TEN mandalas (books/divisions); of these six Mandalas are family Mandalas.

Another division is Eight Chapters

It has 1028 Hymns (suktas)

In those 1028 hymns we have 10,600 verses (mantras)

The number of syllables in the Rig Veda is 432,000. (The total number of years in Kali Yuga is 432,000 years. Other Yugas have the multiple of this number).

Sayana’s commentary is followed by the scholars.

The words in the RV – 1,53,826

Mandala 2: Attributed to the Grtsamada family (43 hymns)

Mandala 3: Attributed to the Vishvamitra family (62 hymns)

Mandala 4: Attributed to the Vamadeva family (58 hymns)

Mandala 5: Attributed to the Atri family (87 hymns)

Mandala 6: Attributed to the Bharadvaja family (75 hymns)

Mandala 7: Attributed to the Vasistha family (104 hymns

Mandalas one and ten contain Hymns from many Rishis.

Mandala 8 primarily contains 103 hymns dedicated to various deities, notably Indra, Agni, and the Ashvins, predominantly composed by the Kanva and Angira poet families. Mandala 9 is entirely dedicated to Soma Pavamana, containing 114 hymns exclusively focused on the purification and ritual pressing of the sacred Soma plant.

***

Rishikesh

Rishikesh on the banks of holy river Ganga is at the foothills of the holy Himalayas. It is in the state of Uttarkhand. A tiny place was made known to the world by great Tamil saint Swami Sivananda who established Divini Life Society. Now it is fully commercialised and the natural beauty has disappeared. Beatles made it more popular. Now hundreds of Ashrams are doing good business in the name of Yoga.

Rishikesh is accessible by air, train, and road. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (21 km away), the primary major railhead is Haridwar (25 km away), and direct motorable roads connect it via National Highway 58.(Author London Swaminathan had been to Rishikesh twice from 1977)

***

Rishyasrnga

Sage born with a horn. His father was Rishi Vibhandak. He was raised by his father in the forest. He had never seen any women in his life until Romapada, King of Anga Desa sent some courtesans to attract him and bring him to his country. In the ancient days, Rishis visit different places and their presence brought rain and prosperity.  When Angadesa was under severe drought Rishya sringa’s presence saved the country.  Romapada offered his daughter Shnata to the sage. Both retired to the forest and led family life. Dasaratha brought him to his country Kosala to do Putra Kameshti Yaga.

***

Romaharshana

Romaharshana was an intelligent Suta or storyteller known for his engagement with sages, reflecting the tradition of oral storytelling of mythological narratives. He was the disciple of Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa. “Ugrasrava, the son of L/Romaharshana, surnamed Sauti, was the one who narrated Mahabharata.

***

Rtu

Ṛtu (ऋतु) refers to the “seasons”, according to the Puranas. They are six in number. A season, a period of two months. The Hindu year is divided into six Rtus/seasons. The six seasons are

1.     Vasanta, or spring (Phālguna to Vaiśākha—mid March to mid May);

2.     Grīṣma, or summer (Vaiśākha to Āṣāḍha—mid May to mid July);

3.     Varṣa, or rainy season (Āṣāḍha to Bhādrapadā—mid July to mid September );

4.     Śarad, or autumn (Bhādrapadā to Kārtika—mid September to mid November);

5.     Hemanta, winter, before the frost (Kārtika to Pauṣa—mid November to mid January);

6.     Śirśa, or winter (Pauṣa to Phālguna—mid January to mid March).

Kalidasa’s Rtu Samhara was the first book in the world describing seasons. Tamils also followed the Puranic six rtus.

***

Rudraksha

Rudraksha (botanically Elaeocarpus ganitrus) are the dried seeds of a large evergreen tree native to the Himalayan region and Southeast Asia. Deeply revered in Hinduism and Buddhism, the name translates to “Eyes of Shiva” in Sanskrit, symbolizing spirituality, meditation, and energetic protection.

The surface of the seed features natural vertical lines or grooves known as mukhis. Rudraksha beads can have anywhere from 1 to 21 faces, with the 5-faced (Panchamukhi) seed being the most common.

Devi Bhagavatam, Siva Purana and other scriptures explain the benefits of wearing Rudraksha Mala/garland. Saivite saints wear Rudraksha malas in large number.

***

Rudra

Lord Siva is worshipped as Rudra in one form. In the Rig Veda we see Siva as Rudra. In Sangam Tamil literature and later devotional literature, Rudra and Siva are one and the same. But hale baked foreigners are saying they are different.  Rudra is clad in animal skins and armed with bow and arrow according to Rig Veda and Tamil literature. Rudra married Rudrani. Both Rudra and Rudrani are in 2700 year old Grammar book of Panini. Rudra’s abode is in the mountains; Till this day Mt Kailash in the Himalaya is worshipped by the Hindus. Svetasvatara Upanishad praises Rudra-Siva.

God is called Doctor and Medicine in the Rig Veda. Though mantras dealing with all Vedic Gods associate them with medicine and cure, Rudra commands the highest position in the field of Medicine. He was called Bhisak/ Doctor and Bhesajam/Medicine. Later we come across Dhanvantri, the Father of Medicine. We should call him the ‘father of MODERN medicine’. He is considered Vishnu or his Avatar.

References to Rudra in the Vedas

Yajur Veda (YV) has a part called Rudram-Chamakam. That is recited by all orthodox Saivite Hindus every day. The priests use it during Abishek of idols in all Siva Temples. Most sacred mantra OM NAMA SIVAYA and Trayambaka Mantra occur in it. God is praised as Bhesajam and Bhisak in it. But RV is older than YV.

Let us look at some of the mantras where physician and medicine occur in RV:-

1-43-2- Rudra’s medicines

1-43-4-Rudra, the possessor of healing remedies. Prayer for health and wealth.

*

Yajur Veda -Vajasaneyi Samhita 16-48; Taittriya samhita5-10-1

Prayer to Rudra for men and beasts to be prosperous and free from disease.

Prayer to obtain what health and wealth father Manu acquired

Rudra carries in his hands the best remedies.

Prayer not to kill the old men, boys, fathers, mothers, adults, foetus, and our bodies.

Prayer not to kill our sons, grandsons, and men, cows and horses.

2-33-1

Prayer for 100 years of life by Rudra’s blissful medicines. Put away far from us sickness in all directions.

One YV mantra mentioned Rudra has 1000 remedies.

***

Rudram

It is a hymn on Lord Shiva found in Yajur Veda. It is recited along with Camakam. Since Rudram is also known as Namakam, both are called Namakam -Chamakam.

In the Rudra section, Lord Shiva is praised as a great person doing various jobs. It means he controls everything in the universe. We come across the Five Lettered Mantra – panchaksharam – OM NAMASIVAYA in Rudram. So Saivites consider it most important Mantra. Orthodox Hindus recite it every day. In temples, when the Abishekam is done to the idol, Rudram is repeated.

Ati Rudram
Rudra Ekadasi: When Rudram is recited 121 times (11 priests recite it 11 times) it is Rudra Ekadasi.
When Rudram is recited 1331 times (11X11X11) it is Maha Rudram
When Rudram is recited 14641 times (11X 11X11X11) it is Ati Rudram
Sri Sathya Sai Baba performed Ati Rudram in Chennai and Puttaparthi. It was the biggest.

To be continued………………………

Tags-HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 86; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-86 , Rudra, Rudram, Rig Veda, Rtu, Rishyasrnga, Rishikesh

True Ramalinga with Vibhuti before Dravidians attack.

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,990

Date uploaded in London – 17 July 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx   

Ra beginning Words

Raga – raaga- Rāga (राग), states Monier Monier-Williams, comes from a Sanskrit word for “the act of colouring or dyeing”, or simply a “colour, hue, tint, dye”. The term also connotes an emotional state referring to a “feeling, affection, desire, interest, joy or delight”, particularly related to passion, love, or sympathy for a subject or something

***

Raja – raaja-King; from this Sanskrit word English words Regal, Royal, and Tamil word Arasan etc are derived.

***

Rajaraja and Rajendra Choza

Rajaraja Choza and Rajendra Choza were great Choza kings who conquered many territories up to South East Asia. Both were famous for the big Siva temples they constructed. Rajaraja built Thanjavur Big Temple (Brihadeeswar) and his son Rajendra built Gangaikonda Chozapuram temple. They supported music and dance which are known from the inscriptions they left on temple walls. They maintained a powerful navy. They controlled many parts of north India, Sri Lanka and South East Asian countries.

Rajaraja ruled from 985 CE to 1014.

Rajendra ruled from 1012 to 1044 CE.

***

Raghuvamsa

DR. V. RAGHAVAN on Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsa

The Raghuvamsais the longest work of the poet, in nineteen cantos and over 1500 verses. It served as a model not only for all Mahakavyasproduced up to the recent times, but also of all Rama-kavyas. After Kalidasa, Kumaradasa, a poet of Ceylon, wrote a Rama-kavya called Janaki-harana; and Rajajekhara, the critic, remarked, using double entendre, that when the Raghuvamsastood there, only Kumaradasa and Ravana could have dared to do the Janaki-harana! The RV served also as one of the sources of the famous Tamil Ramayana of Kambar. Numerous commentaries were written on it, including some by Jain writers. The RV is also the earliest reputed evidence for the Bala and Uttara Kandas being authentic parts of Valmiki’s epic, which Western scholars doubt.

The RV. is a complete work of the poet in that all his ideas in his other works are to be met with here. The whole conception of the Indian pattern of life, with its four Asramasand four Purusharthas, and several ideas which are basic to Indian thought and culture, receivea planned treatment here.

After Valmiki’s Ramayana, the RV. is the first Mahakavyato deal with the story of the epic, devoting six cantos to it (X-XV). It is well-known that among Sanskrit poets, he is foremost in treading the path blazed by the Adikavi. He mentions Valmiki as the Purvasuri who had shown him the way (1.4). In the XIV canto where Valmiki becomes a character in the story, he calls him the poet who responded to the cry of the afflicted–of Sita as well as the female bird–(Ruditanusari Kavih) (verse 70) and refers in a pithy manner to the birth of the Sloka (poetic verse) from the Soka or the sympathy of the poet roused at the sight of the bird shot down by a hunter, and speaks of him again as the poet of compassion (Kavih Karunikah, XV. 71).

In Sanskrit literary tradition, Kalidasa is renowned for his brilliant use of upamās (similes), celebrated by the famous saying upamā kālidāsasya. In his epic Raghuvamśa, the poet is widely cited as employing 1,250 similes to chronicle the legends of 29 kings of the Solar Dynasty.

***

Rajasuya- raajasuuya-

Rājasūya (राजसूय) is a great sacrifice performed by a universal monarch (in which the tributary princes also take part) at the time of his coronation as a mark of his undisputed sovereignty.

Rājasūya (राजसूय).—A great yajña. Hariścandra and also Dharmaputra performed it. (Sabhā Parva, Chapters 33, 35, 84). Sangam Tamil King Choza Perunarkilli did it and it was attended by Pandya and Chera kings; poetess Avvaiyar participated in it.

After the sacrifice, on the suggestion of Sahadeva, the first honour was given to Kṛṣṇa. Śiśupāla’s protest and vilification of Kṛṣṇa who had his head cut off. In the sacrifice each brother was assigned specific functions—Duryodhana in charge of treasury, Bhīma cooking, Nakula the supply of provisions, etc. The avabhṛta bath at Gangā accompanied by divine music. Every visitor duly honoured, returned back. Jealousy of Duryodhana at the success of the sacrifice.² The consecration ceremony of a king done by Pṛthu, Vāli and others.

***

Rajoguna

Rajōguṇa (रजोगुण).— The second of the three properties of human beings; means PASSION. To this are ascribed sensual desire, worldly coveting, pride, falsehood, and pain. The other two Gunas are Satva and Tamas.

In verse Bhagavad Gita , Lord Krishna details that when Rajo guna is dominant, a person exhibits a surge in greed, intense activity, undertaking selfish enterprises, restlessness, and irrepressible desire

Sattva Guna—a mode of clarity, knowledge, and purity. You feel calm, balanced, and connected to Krishna. In this mode, you naturally seek spiritual wisdom and truth.
Rajo Guna—the mode of desire, ambition, and attachment. It makes you restless, always seeking more. It’s not evil, but it keeps you bound to the cycle of karma.
Tamo Guna—the mode of darkness, laziness, and illusion. It drags you down, making you avoid spiritual life.

***

Ramalinga Swamikal

A controversial Tamil saint, also known as Vallalar, was born in Marudhur in 1823. He was a great poet, mystic and saint.

His poems are in his book Tiruvarutpa (tiru arutpaa). His Ashram is in Vadalur. He started Samarasa Sanmaraga Sangam. His Vadalur centre is known for two novel things. Only light/ lamp is worshipped there. And the second remarkable thing is ever burning Oven to feed all the 24 hours. He believed in nature cure and suggested a lot of herbs for a healthy life. His poems are in praise of  Lord Siva and Lord Muruga. Tamil Saivite Mutts (adeenams) don’t recognise him or his poems. Anti God Dravidians are trying to get mileage out of it.

Vallalar advocated only vegetarian food like Valluvar. His compassion towards the living beings is known through his popular saying “I wither away (become sad) whenever I see withering plants”

His followers believed he did many miracles.

Four controversies:

1

When he called his poems Tirumurai which is used for the compositions of great Saivite Saints of the past , Saivites objected to it. The case went upto the court. Famous Saivite scholar of Sri Lanka Thiru Arumuga Navalar led the group against him.

2

The second controversy is about his disappearance. He locked himself in a room and asked his followers not to open it. But the officials forced it open after sometime and he was not there. He was said to have become Jyoti (light). His opponents said the he ran away.

3

There is a new controversy now; his followers erased Vibhuti from his forehead and showed him as a Tamil Christ. But his poems are in praise of Hindu Gods only.

4

Another political controversy is that the previous DMK government supported the vast Vadalur open land changed into a commercial complex.

His Teachings :

He rejected the caste system, religious divisions, and other societal norms that segregated people based on birth, status, or wealth. Instead, he championed the unity of all human beings under a divine principle he called Arutperum Jyothi, or “the Light that bestows Infinite Grace.” Ramalinga advocated the concept of worshipping the flame of a lighted lamp as a symbol of the Eternal Power.

Sathya Gnana Deepam, the Lamp of True Knowledge,lighted by him is placed within the Sathya Gnana Sabhai—Hall of Wisdom—in Vadalur. It was inaugurated in January 1872. Enshrouded by seven veils, it represents the layers of illusion that cloud our Inner Light, each veil a reminder of the barriers to realizing the profound wisdom within.

The Thiru Arutpa, also known as the “Songs of Grace,” is the most significant work of Vallalar, comprising around 6,000 verses.

Vallalar left for Mettukkuppam, a village south of Vadalur. A few sincere devotees went with him. There, in 1874, he entered a room and instructed his devotees to lock the door behind him and keep it locked. After some days, , the officials opened the door themselves. There was no one inside. Saint Ramalinga Swamigal had simply disappeared.

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Ramanujacharya  -raamaanuja

Sri Ramanujacharya (1017–1137 CE) was a prominent Hindu philosopher who championed Vishishtadvaita and advocated for caste inclusion, notably converting many individuals from lower castes into Vaishnavism.

Sri Ramanuja was a Hindu philosopher born in a Tamil Brahmin family in 1017. Considered a great teacher who spread Vishtadvaita, was born in a Vadama family to Kesava Perumal Somayaji Dikshitar and Kanthimathi Ammal at Sri Perumpudur near Chennai. He lived a long life of 120 years and died in 1137. He was a great social reformer and converted a lot of people from lower castes as Vaishnavite Brahmins.

He is known for the episode where he gave the sacred mantra to all.

Sri Ramanujacharya climbed the temple tower (vimanam) of the Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple in Thirukoshtiyur (located in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu) to give the sacred “Om Namo Narayanaya” mantra to all people regardless of their caste or creed.

Ramanuja had walked to Thirukoshtiyur 18 times to learn this secret mantra from his guru, Thirukoshtiyur Nambi. When Nambi finally taught him the secret, he warned him that sharing it with the masses would result in Ramanuja going to hell. Defying the warning out of compassion, Ramanuja climbed the temple tower and publicly declared the mantra so everyone could attain salvation. He said even if I go to hell, it does not matter; all others will be saved by this mantra.

Ramanuja had to leave Tamil Nadu and travel to different places in Karnataka to escape from his persecutors. Traditional accounts identify the Chola king Krimikanta (often associated with either Kulottunga I or Kulottunga II) as the Chola ruler who persecuted Ramanuja. Demanding Ramanuja sign a declaration that Shiva was the supreme deity, the king forced the philosopher into exile in Hoysala territory until the monarch’s death; he was protected and patronized by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana.

***

Ramayana

Ramayana written by Adi Kavi Valmiki is one of the two Hindu epics. In Tami Kamban wrote Ramayana in Tamil. There are hundreds of Ramayanas written by various poets in India, Sri Lanka and South East Asian countries.

The Ramayana contains 24,000 Shlokas (metrical verses) roughly equaling to some 48,000 lines or 480,002 words of Sanskrit text. It is divided in seven sections: Adikanda or Balakanda, Ayodhyakanda, Aranyakanda, Kishkindhyakanda, Sundarakanda, Lankakanda and Uttarakanda.

It gives the story of Rama and his brothers.  His aunt Kaikeyi banieshed him to forest for 14 years where his Sita was abducted by Ravana, King of Sri Lanka. With the help of Hanuman, he built a bridge to the country and killed Rabvana. Then he returned to Ayodhya, where he was born and ruled the country called Kosala from there. Valmiki Ramayana is in simple and beautiful Sanskrit. The current version is dated 500 BCE or before.

****

Rambha

Rambhā (रम्भा).—General. One of the most beautiful of the apsarā women. Urvaśī, Tilottamā and Rambhā are really reputed for their beauty. Rambha in Ayurveda meant plantain stem.

Rambha in Hindu mythology is the Queen of the Apsarases, the magical and beautiful female beings in Devaloka. She is unrivalled in her accomplishments in the arts of dancing, music and love-making. She is often asked by the king of the Devas, Indra to break the tapasya of sages so that the purity of their penance is tested against temptation, and also that the order of the three worlds remains undisturbed by any one man’s mystical powers. When she tries to disturb the penance of Rishi Vishwamitra (who is doing it to become a Brahmarishi), she is cursed by him to become a rock for 10,000 years till a Brahmin delivers her from the curse.

In the epic Ramayana, Rambha is violated by Ravana, king of Lanka, who is thereby cursed by Brahma that if he violates another woman again, his head will burst. This curse protects the chastity of Sita, the wife of Rama when she is kidnapped by Ravana.

Rambhā (रम्भा) is the name of an Apsaras as mentioned in the Kathāsaritsāgara, chapter 28. Accordingly, “once on a time Rambhā, a fair one of heaven, came that way, wandering at will through the air from the palace of Indra. She beheld the king [Suṣeṇa] roaming in that garden like an incarnation of the Spring in the midst of a garden of full-blown flowers”.

The story of Rambhā and Suṣeṇa was narrated to king Kaliṅgadatta by a certain Brāhman in order to demonstrate that “daughters are better even than sons, and produce happiness in this world and the next”.

Stamp of Rajaraja Choza

To be continued………………………..

Tags- Rama, Ramana, Rambha, Rajaraja, Ramanuja, Ramalinga Swamikal, HINDU DICTIONARY ,part 81; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-81 ,Raghuvamsa

Parasurama holding Parasu in his hand.

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,959

Date uploaded in London – 8 July 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx 

“P” words continued………………….

Parasurama or parshura

Parasurama was born as a Brahmana, but he developed all the traits of a Kshatriya. He became a fearless warrior and destroyed 21 Kshatriya kings; at last he was defeated by Rama. He was the youngest of the five sons of Jamadagni and Renuka. He was a very honest and obedient youth. Once Jamadagni noticing that Renuka had entertained impure thoughts in her mind, ordered his sons to kill their mother. The older four boys could not do this and Jamadagni at once ordained that they fall dead. Then came the turn of Parasurama and he obediently beheaded his mother. Being pleased with his son, Jamadagni asked him what boon he wanted. Parasurama urged that his mother and four brothers be revived and that they do not recall anything about this ordeal. This wish was granted.

Once Parasurama came to know that that king Kartavirya had forcibly taken away his father’s cow.  In anger he ran after the king and killed him. Later king Kartavirya’s sons killed Jamadagni when he was alone.  At once Parasurama went after them and killed all of them along with others who came to help them. His hatred towards Kshatriyas increased and he killed Kshatriyas 21 times. When his rage finally burnt out, he gave away all his possessions and went to the forest.

There must be more than one Parasurama because in two other episodes in Mahabharata he had figured;  he fought with Bhisma at the request of princess Amba and they laid down their arms when their fight finished in a draw. In another episode, he caught Karna red-handed when he came to learn the weapons under the guise of a Brahmana

Rama’s meeting with Parasurama is described vividly in Raghuvamsa of Kalidasa. A bit confusing chronology unless we conclude that there were many Parasuramas.

***

Pasupati

Pasupatinath Temple, Nepal.

Paśupati (पशुपति) refers to the “Lord of Paśus (animals)” and is used to describe Śiva, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.5.9 (“Śiva’s campaign”).—Accordingly, as Śiva became the lord of the Paśus: “On hearing these words of lord Śiva, the great soul, Viṣhṇu, Brahmā and other gods said.—‘So be it’. Hence all the gods and Asuras became the animals of the lord. Śiva became the lord of animals (paśupati). He is the person who unties the nooses of the animals. Then the name Paśupati, that bestows welfare, spread in all the worlds and became renowned. Then the celestial sages, Indra, Brahmā, Viṣṇu and others rejoiced shouting—‘Victory’.

Lord of Animals seals were discovered in the Middle East and Harappa  showing a god or goddess surrounded by animals. Saints like St Fransis of Assisi is also shown this way.

***

Peacock

National bird of India. Vahana of Lord Skanda/Kartikeya and Saraswati; exported to Babylonia in ancient times. Peacock figured in Aesop fables which shows that Aesop borrowed those stories from India. The bird was used in flags in Sri Lanka.

***

Pearl

Hindus considered sea born creatures pearl/oyster and coral as two of the Nava Ratnas (Nine Gem Stones) used in crowns, necklaces and finger rings. Other cultures don’t have this concept. Pearl is associated with the ancient Pandya country of South Tamil Nadu. Hindus believed that pearls originate not only in oysters but also in elephants, boars, bamboos etc. Hindus believed also that the rain on a Swati Star day enter living oysters and secrete pearls. All the Hindu Goddesses and Gods have pearl ornaments. Pearl may be derived from Paral/ Pravala used in Tamil and Sanskrit.

***

Pingala

Over 15 Pingalas are in Hindu scriptures.

Wife of Yadhav Uddhav;

Piṅgalā (पिङ्गला) is the name of a mind-born ‘divine mother’ (mātṛ), created for the purpose of drinking the blood of the Andhaka demons, according to the Matsya-purāṇa 179.8.

1) Piṅgala (पिङ्गल).—A deva who is an attendant of the Sungod. Sūrya (Sun-god) rides in a one-wheeled chariot drawn by seven horses and he bears in his hands two lotuses. On his right side stands the attendant Daṇḍī with an ink-pot and a writing stick and on his left side stands the attendant Piṅgala with a stick. Both these are demi god attendants of Sūrya. (Chapter 51, Agni Purāṇa).

2) Piṅgala (पिङ्गल).—A prominent serpent born to the sage Kaśyapa of his wife Kadrū. (Śloka 9, Chapter 35, Ādi Parva).

3) Piṅgala (पिङ्गल).—A sage. He was a Yajvā (priest) in the Sarpasatra of Janamejaya. (Śloka 6, Chapter 53, Ādi Parva).

4) Piṅgala (पिङ्गल).—A King of the Yaksas. He is a friend of Śiva. He acts as body-guard to Śiva who spends his time in cremation grounds. This Yakṣa gives happiness to all in the world. (Śloka 51, Chapter 23, Vana Parva).

5) Piṅgala (पिङ्गल).—A lion, who is a character in the book Pañcatantra. (See under Pañcatantra).

6) Piṅgala (पिङ्गल).—A brahmin of very bad manners. This brahmin was killed by his own wife who was a prostitute. In their next birth Piṅgala became a vulture and the prostitute, a parrot. Both had memories of their previous birth and the vulture (Piṅgala) with vengeance killed the parrot. After that Piṅgala was eaten one day by a tiger A brahmin residing on the shores of Gaṅgā read to their souls the fifth chapter of Gītā and they got salvation and entered Pitṛloka (world of the Manes). (Chapter 40, Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa, Padma Purāṇa).

7) Piṅgala (पिङ्गल).—A rākṣasa (demon). Once when this demon was going through a forest he met a forester. The latter got afraid and climbed up a Śamī tree. Then a branch broke and it fell on the head of Gaṇeśa sitting beneath that tree. It was an act of worship and because of that both the forester and the demon were elevated. (Gaṇeśa Purāṇa).

8) Piṅgalā (पिङ्गला).—A prostitute. (See under Ṛṣabha II).

9) Piṅgalā (पिङ्गला).—A prostitute of the country of Avantī. Piṅgalā was born as the daughter of King Candrāṅgada in her next birth because of the virtuous act she did in doing service to the sage Ṛṣabha. The King named the girl Kīrtimālinī and Bhadrāyu married her. (See under Bhadrāyu).

10) Piṅgalā (पिङ्गला).—A woman of the city of Ayodhyā. Once this woman approached Śrī Rāma with amorous intentions and Śrī Rāma who was strictly observing a vow of one-wife refused to satisfy her desire and said:—”During the incarnation of Kṛṣṇa you will be born as a servant maid of Kaṃsa and then I will in my form as Kṛṣṇa accept you.” Sītā on hearing this cursed Piṇgalā. She said “Oh beautiful woman who has approached my husband with amorous intentions, you will have three bends in your body when you are born next as the servant maid of Kaṃsa.” Piṅgalā weeping bitterly craved for pardon and then Sītā said that Kṛṣṇa would make her perfect. (Vilāsa Kāṇḍa, Ānanda Rāmāyaṇa).

***

Pradyumna-

Pradyumna was the son of Krishna and Rukmini.  When he was only ten days old, a demon named Shambara kidnapped him, who had a prophesy that in future he would be killed by Pradyumna.  The child was thrown in to the sea where he was swallowed by a fish. And  the fish eventually landed in the dinner plate of Shambara. When the fish was cut open youthful Pradyumna emerged and he was saved by Shambara’s wife Mayavati . They had a son named  Anirudha who continued Krishna’s lineage. Along with his brother

Samba, he fought valiantly with king Shalwa when he invaded Dwaraka.

***

Pragjyotisa- Assam, Arunachal Pradesh; once ruled by Narakasura; Krishna killed him and released the 16,000 women imprisoned by him.

***

Prartana -English word Prayer is derived from Sanskrit word Prartana. Praying to God or the Prayer is Prartana.

***

Pratardana

Son of king Divodasa and Madhavi, daughter of king Yayati . He was born to take revenge against king Vitahavya who had destroyed Divodasa’s entire family. At the end of his life, he ascended to swarga after giving away all his accumulated merits to his grandfather king Yayati when the latter was expelled from swarga. This Sanskrit name in Turkey (Bogazkoi) Sanskrit inscription dated 1400 BCE.

***

Prutha- Another name of Kunti, wife of Pandu ,mother of first three Pandavas.

***

Pulastya

One of the spiritual sons of Brahma. Once very pleased with Bhishma, he described to him the virtues of visiting various religious places of pilgrimage. These places were in turn described by Narada to Yudhishthira who later visited them in the company of Lomana rishi.

***

Puloma

A danava woman who along with Kalka prayed to Brahma and obtained an indestructible city called Hiranyapura . The city could not be destroyed by devas or danavas or by gandharvas. Indra asked human Arjuna to destroy it.

***

Puru

Youngest son of king Yayati and Sharmistha . After all his older brothers had refused to exchange their youth for their father’s pre mature old age caused by Shukracharya’s curse, Puru readily agreed to do so as he considered it to be his filial duty. As a result, Puru remained an old person  while his father enjoyed youth. Later Yayati gave back his youth to Puru.  Puru became king and his descendents were called Pauravas. He married Kausalya and they had one son named Janamejay._

***

Pururava –

An ancestor of the Kuru dynasty; son of Budha and Manu’s daughter Ila. He was a very virtuous and handsome ruler. After hearing from Narada, apsaras Urvashi came to earth with the intention of living with him. He also agreed and Urvasi put two conditions,

1.He should not appear naked;

2. he should take care of her two lambs.

Since Indra missed Urvashi, he stole her two lambs and when Pururuva came naked chasing the thieves; Urvashi saw him naked. Their agreement being thus broken Urvashi went back to swarga loka;  Pururuva pined for her and she also came back saying she was pregnant with Ayu. At that time, she gave birth to a set of quintuplets

Dhimana, Amavasu, Dadhsyu, Vanayu, Shatayu

***

Pushkar

This city in Rajasthan is famous for its temple of Brahma.

  Pushkar Lake: The heart of the town, surrounded by 52 ghats (bathing steps). Watching the evening Aarti at Varah Ghat is a must.

  Brahma Temple: One of the very few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the entire world, making it an ultimate Hindu pilgrimage site.

  Savitri Temple & Ropeway: Situated atop Ratnagiri Hill, it offers a breathtaking, panoramic view of the lake and surrounding desert.

  Pushkar Camel Fair: Held annually in November, this massive festival draws half a million people for camel trading, folk music, and vibrant cultural displays

To be continued………………………………

Tags- Pushkar, Puru, Pururuva, Parasuram, Pulastya,HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 78; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி- 78

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,941

Date uploaded in London – 3 July 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx 

WORDS BEGINNING WITH “P”

Paila- one of the four disciples of Veda Vyasa. The other three are Sumantu, Jaimini and Vaiśampāyana. Paila (पैल) was taught Ṛig Veda; Bahvṛca (Ṛig Veda). He taught it to Indrapramati and to Bāṣkala; Paila was invited for the Rājasūya of Yudhiṣṭhira.

***

Panchalam – paanchaalam-  Modern Punjab; Land of Five Rivers

Panchali -paanchaali- Draupadi; daughter of Drupada who ruled Punjab.

***

Panchatantra – 2000 year old animal stories/ fables of India written by Vishnusarma in Sanskrit . it has five principles taught to princes for a successful rule. It was translated into Persian and then spread throughout the world. It has thousands of quotations on ethics. The five principles are

Book 1 – Mitra-bheda (on causing dissention among friends)

Book 2 – Mitra-lābha ( The Winning of Friends)

Book 3 – Kākolūkīyam (Story of Crows and Owls)

Book 4 – Labdhapraṇāśam (On losing what you have gained)

Book 5 – Aparīkṣitakārakaṃ ( On hasty Actions)

The tales highlight themes of cleverness, the consequences of actions, and various life truths, making Panchatantra a significant influence on storytelling traditions, and serving as a source for adaptations in children’s literature.

Its adaptation is known as Stories of Bidpai. Fables of Bidpai is a collection of moral tales that use animal characters to convey important lessons. These stories are part of a tradition that includes the famous work Kalila wa-Dimna, emphasizing the timeless nature of storytelling in imparting wisdom.

***

Pandava – paandava –

The five sons of king Pandu of Hastinapura are called Pancha Pandavas. They are

Yudhisthira – in Tamil Dharman.

Bhima – in Tamil Veeman

Arjuna –

They were born to Kunti.

Nakula – twin brother ; born to Maadri.

Sahadeva -twin brother ; born to Maadri.

They fought with their cousins Kauravas after 13-year banishment to forest and won the kingdom. The full story is in the longest epic in the world called Mahabharata.

***

Pandya – paandya – Rulers of South Tamil Nadu from third century BCE. They were the patrons of Tamil language. There were three Tamil Sangams (Tamil Academies) during their rule. Their association with Agastya Rishi is mentioned by Kalidasa, the greatest poet of India. They ruled from Madurai until 13^th century CE when the Muslims invaded Madurai. After Muslim’s capture of Madurai, Vijayanagara rulers invaded Madurai and dethroned them.

***

Pandu- paandu-

Father of five Pandavas. He was born to king Vichitravirya’s widow Ambalika through Vyasa. As his older brother Dhritarashtra was born blind, he ruled the kingdom from Hastinapura . He married Kunti and Madri ; once he went to the forest for hunting and saw two mating deer. He shot them with arrow; but they were not deer but Kindama rishi in deer hide; they were enjoying conjugal pleasure. Kindama rishi cursed Pandu before dying that Pandu would die if he enjoys conjugal pleasure. A few years later on an enchanting spring day he approached Madri ignoring Kindama rishi’s curse. He died immediately. Madri holding herself responsible for his death left her two children Nakula and Sahadeva to be cared by Kunti and died by entering the funeral pyre.

***

Pandit/ Pundit

A pandit (or pundit) is an honorary title given to a Hindu scholar, teacher, or wise man who is highly educated in Sanskrit, philosophy, religion, or law. In everyday use, it can also refer to a Hindu priest who performs rituals, or a highly skilled master of a traditional art, such as Indian classical music.

In Kashmir Brahmins are called Pandits. Original inhabitants. Jawaharlal Nehru, First Prime Minister of India was also a Pandit.

***

Panini-paanini– World’s first grammarian. He lived in 7^th century BCE according to Goldstucker. He authored the Ashtadhyayi (Eight Chapters), an exhaustive text containing nearly 4,000 sutras (rules) that define the morphological and phonetic structure of classical Sanskrit. Scholars appreciate his work for his scientific approach and crispiness. Patanjali who came several hundred years after Panini, wrote a monumental commentary known as Mahabhashyam.  Together with Panini and Patanjali another grammarian Katyayana Vararuchi are praised as Three Great Munis (Rishis).

Vakyakaram Vararuchim, Bhashyakaram Patanjalim

Paninim Sutrakaram cha pranatosmi Munitrayam

He lived before Buddha and other great philosophers of sixth century BCE. Though he mentioned several great grammarians before his time, we don’t know anything about them

Panini mentioned the grammarians before his time: Upavarsha, Parasarya, Karmanda, Sakatayana, Apitali and Sakalya.

Western linguists wonder how a person can write a grammar in such a scientific way at that period. Most of the world was uncivilised at that time. But India had produced wealthy literature, quantitatively and qualitatively very high. Only when there is vast literature one can write a grammar.

In Kashmir, a king passed an order that everyone must learn Ashtadhyayi and those who passed in it were awarded 1000 gold coins each!

***

Parasara

Parāśara (पराशर) is the son of Śakti and grandson of Vasiṣṭha and Arundhatī, he was born to Śakti and Adṛśyantī./ Matsya/ Satyavati Their son was Vyasa.

Genealogy. Descending in order from Viṣṇu—Brahmā -Vasiṣṭha—Śakti—Parāśara.

Millions of Hindus recite Vishnu Sahsranamam everyday where the genealogy is given as follows:

vyāsaṃ vasiṣṭha naptāraṃ śaktēḥ pautramakalmaṣam ।
parāśarātmajaṃ vandē śukatātaṃ tapōnidhim

***

Parijata – paarijaata-

This mythical (Parijata) tree rose of the milk ocean when Devas and Asuras churned it to get Amrita. Indra took it and planted it in his garden. “Its bark was gold, and it was embellished with young sprouting leaves of a copper colour, and fruit stalks bearing numerous clusters of fragrant fruits.”

 Once Narada brought a flower of this tree to Dwaraka and presented it to his friend Krishna. He waited to see to which of his wives Krishna gave the flower. The flower was given to Rukmini, and Narada went straight to Satyabhama and made a show of sorrow. On her enquiring why he was not in good cheer, the sage told Satyabhama, that he had presented Krishna with a flower of the Parijata tree thinking that she was her favourite wife and he would present it to her, but was grieved to find that Krishna had given it to Rukmini. 

Satyabhama’s jealousy was roused and she asked Narada what could be done to spite Rukmini. The sage advised her to ask Krishna to bring the Parijata tree itself from heaven and plant it near her house. After giving this advice, he went back to the celestial region and told Indra to guard the Parijata tree carefully as thieves were about.

When Krishna saw Satyabhama in angry mood he asked her the reason. She told him, “You pretend that I am your favourite wife, but treat me as Rukmini’s handmaid she said, and asked him what made him present the Parijata flower to Rukmini. Then Krishna asked her what he could do in expiation. She wanted possession of the tree. Krishna immediately proceeded to Amaravati, Capital City of Indra’s Empire. Krishna stole into Indra’s grove and started uprooting the tree. The king of the gods came upon the scene and caught the thief red-handed but seeing who his despoiler was, he allowed him, after some show of resentment, to take the tree to Dwaraka, Capital city of Krishna’s empire. 

Botanical Information: Two different plants are known as Parijata one is Coral Jasmine (Pavala Mallikai in Tamil) and another is Baobab Tree in Uttar Pradesh.

***

Parikshit

Posthumous son of Abhimanyu. He was the only descendent of the Pandavas. When he was in the womb of Uttara, he was saved from the Brahmastra fired by Ashwattama.

Once when Parikshit went to forest for hunting. When he was thirsty, he went to the hermitage of Shamika rishi and asked for water. The rishi was in deep meditation and did not respond. Thinking that the Rishi was pretending, Parikshit placed a dead snake around the neck of the seer. When Shrungi, son of Shamika came to know this, he cursed that king Parikshit would die on the seventh day at the hands of Takshaka Naga. Despite heavy security in the palace , Takshaka hid himself in a fruit basket taken into the palace and killed him.

(Actually it was a long going fight between Krishna and tribal Nagas from the days of Kaliaya Mardhan and Khandava forest burning. It was settled and a peace agreement was signed during Janamejaya’s rule who massacred tribal nagas in the name of Sarpa Yajna. Two rishis Jaratkaru and Astika facilitated the peace agreement. Brahmins recite a mantra thrice a day referring to this peace agreement in Narmadaiyai Namah ……………………….. mantra facing North).

To be continued……………………..

Tags – HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 76; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி- 76 , Parasara, Paila, Parikshit

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,924

Date uploaded in London –27 June 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx 

Picture – Lord Krishna in Yaga Fire

Purananuru wonders-35, Tamil Encyclopedia-75; One Thousand Interesting Facts -Part 75

Item 586 Taittriya Upanishad

Purananuru Verse two

Puranānūru 2, Poet Muranjiyur Mudinākanār sang to Cheraman Perunchōtru Uthiyan Cheralathan,
Your nature is like the five elements – the earth filled with sand,
the sky raised above the earth, wind that blows in the sky, fire that
sweeps up the wind, and water that differs from that fire.

Earth

Wind /Air

Sky/ Vacuum

Fire

Water

Due to Tamil prosody the order is changed from the Taittriya Upanishad which is more scientific. The same verse mentioned also Brahmins’ Four Vedas, Brahmins’ Three Fires, Himalaya and Pothiyam Mountains, Mahabharata battle and so,  we are sure the poet was well versed in Sanskrit scriptures. And his name is Mr Nagarajan!

Here is the Mantra from Taittriya Upanishad

Taittiriya Upanishad (Brahmananda Valli, Chapter 2, Section 1) of the Krishna Yajurveda

It outlines the creation of the universe, explaining how all elements and life emerged sequentially from the Supreme Brahman (the ultimate cosmic reality).

तस्माद्वा एतस्मादात्मन आकाशः सम्भूतः ।
आकाशाद्वायुः । वायोरग्निः । अग्नेरापः ।
अद्भ्यः पृथिवी । पृथिव्या ओषधयः ।
ओषधिभ्योऽन्नम् । अन्नात्पुरुषः ॥

Tasmād-vā etasmād-ātmana ākāśah sambhūtah |
Ākāśād-vāyuh | Vāyor-agnih | Agner-āpah |
Adbhyah prithivī | Prithivyā oshadhayah |
Oshadhibhyo-‘nnam | Annāt-purushah ||

“From that (Supreme) Atman, space (Akasha) was born. From space, air (Vayu). From air, fire (Agni). From fire, water (Apah). From water, earth (Prithivi). From earth, herbs and plants (Oshadhayah). From plants, food (Annam). From food, the human being (Purushah).”

Space – air—fire—water—earth- -plants—food- man .

This is what scientists also tell us. Big Bang happened in Space. Then Atmosphere (air) was formed; fire subsided and oceans formed; water receded and land appeared; plants appeared and animals and men came.

****

Item 587  Origin of Vahanas and Flags

Many foreign scholars dated Hindu Puranas around Gupta Dynasty which is definitely after Sangam Tamil literature. They are wrong. Because they don’t know Tamil they bluffed and Hindu scholars of British Rule period also followed them. But the Puranic stories, Epic paintings, Hindu Vahanas, Hindu Flags are in 2000 year old Tamil literature. So Puranas are older than Sangam Tamil literature. 

Just a few examples:

Palmyra tree flag of Balarama ,

Garuda/ eagle flag of Vishnu ,

Piniukha vahana of Muruga/Skanda ,

Are mentioned by Nakkirar in verse 56.

We have got more references to fish flag of Manmata in Paripatal .

It is a well known fact that chera choza pandya also had flags with bow, tiger and fish pictures.

****

Picture – Rama Duta Anjaneya in Yaga Fire

Item 588 Vishnudasan praised

Yaagaas , Yajnaas = Fire sacrifices

n Purananuru 166, poet Avur Mulan kizar praises one Brahmin called Vinnan Dayan.

Vinnan Daayan is the tamilized Sanskrit name Vishnu dasa. Poets surname shows that he was from the caste of agriculturists.

He got gifts, probably, after attending the Yajna . This shows that even non Brahmins attended yagas and received prizes.

The verse begins with a praise for Lord Shiva. He says Vishnu dasa was a great devotee of Lord Shiva whose mouth is always reacting Vedas .

He praised Brahmins mastered Four Vedas And Six ancillary subjects. We know that it includes grammar, astrology, etymology etc.

He also said Brahmins rejected the atheists’ argument and established One Dharma.

While praising Brahmins like this he says Vishnu dasa came in the family of who did 21 types of Yagas.(see the explanation at the bottom)

This is the one which helps us to understand RV I-164-3.

Dirgatamas, the blind poet of Rig Veda, used lots of numbers.

He says

THE SEVEN WHO ON THE SEVEN WHEELED CAR ARE MOUNTED HORSES, SEVEN IN TALE, WHO DRAW THEM ONWARD.

SEVEN SISTERS UTTER SONGS OF PRAISE TOGETHER, IN WHO THE NAMES OF THE SEVEN COWS ARE TREASURED… RV 1-164-3

Commentators interpreted the Seven as seven swaras of music, seven meters in

Prosody, seven rays of sun etc.

The three sevens may mean 3×7 Yagas. The Vedic hymn might have meant two types of cows like the Tamil poem.

Here is another mantra with Number Seven,

KNOWING THE LAW, THE SEVEN STRONG FLOODS FROM HEAVEN, FULL OF GOOD THOUGHT, DISCERNED THE DOORS OF THE RICHES.

SARAMA FOUND THE CATTLE S FIRM BUILT PRISON WHERE BY THE RACE OF MAN IS STILL SUPPORTED – RV 1-72-8.

Here also the seven floods from heaven is not explained satisfactorily.

Three Sevens are all not explained by the Vedic commentators.

So we have to review all the sevens in the verses. Sangam Tamils commentaries may help us to clear the vagueness.

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Picture- Hindu Women gathering flowers for Gods.

Item 589

27 Yagas in Purananuru

What is 3 X 7 ?

In the commentary of Puram 166,

The doyen of Tamil literature Dr U V Swaminatha Iyer listed all the 21 yagas..

They are broadly divided into three sevens and they are

Soma Yajnas 7

Havir yajnas 7

Paga Yajna  7.

(I have given all the 21 names in my Tamil article.)

What is  2 X 7 ?

And in another Tamil line of the verse two (2×7)  sevens come. These are ghee made from the milk of seven domestic cows and ghee made from the milk of seven wild cows.

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Item 590

Special Dress for Yaga in Puram 166

Later the poet added that the Brahmin ladies who assisted Vishnu dasa wore special head ornaments and the gentleman wore deer skin.

Sangam Age Tamils were very familiar with the Himalayas and the Ganges river because of Kalidasa’s works. Of the 1500 images and similes of Kaliadsa, Sangam poets have used at least 200 similes. Avur Mulankizar wished the king to live a “long life like the Himalayas”.

When he praised the wife of Vishnu dasa he praised their chastity and their beauty. He added two interesting points also,

She is a woman of few words.

And she did what he said.

Here we are reminded of the saying of Greek philosopher Democritus, who said,

FEWSNESS OF WORDS IS AN ORNAMENT TO A WOMAN- Democritus.

Vishnudasa performed the Yagas, Fire Ceremonies, where

His use of Ghee (clarified butter) shamed Water

His lot of Yagas shamed the Numbers

His Spread of fame shamed the Earth

(such was his great ness, says the poet.)

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Tags- Purananuru wonders-35, Tamil Encyclopedia-75, One Thousand Interesting Facts ,Part 75, Flags, Vahanas, Yagas, Tattriya Upanishad, item 590

To be continued ……………………….