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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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._

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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

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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.

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Panchalam – paanchaalam-  Modern Punjab; Land of Five Rivers

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

****

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.

****

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.)

****

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

To be continued ……………………….

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,915

Date uploaded in London –25 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 

Part 73

N words continued…………………….

Nakkirar

A controversial and challenging Tamil poet of Sangam age. His clashes with Lord Shiva and others are in the stories of Tiru Vilaiyatal Purana and Tiru Murugatruppadai in Tamil . Tiru Murugu. Is a Sangam age work, that is 2000 years old. His poems are in Purananuru in praise of Hindu Gods. His controversy was documented by Appar (600 CE) in one of his poems, and so he must have lived at least 300 or 400 years before Appar.

***

Nalangu

A Tamil Post Wedding Ceremony to reduce the stress and strain of a wedding ceremony. It is full of fun and frolicks.

Both the bride and bridegroom are asked to take part in various competitive games. One example: a ring is placed in a pot full of water. When they are asked to GO, both dip their hands into the water pot; whoever takes the ring first is the winner; the winner’s family and friends jump with joy making big noise.

Both of them are asked to roll a coconut, powder a few Pappads in the air with both hands; both parties tease or mock at the other group with  some songs; they are like song caricatures of the bride or bride groom family.

An example : bride groom has Hitler moustache or pot belly; bride has a fake plait; hair is not long enough.

Nalangu is a traditional South Indian and Tamil post-wedding ceremony involving the application of sacred pastes and the playing of games to help the couple relax. As documented in ancient texts, this ritual aims to reduce stress and foster bonding between families.

In some communities it is done before the wedding. The bride and others are applied with turmeric paste. Participants also, particularly women, apply the turmeric paste on their feet and hands..

Something similar to North Indian Hindu ceremonies like Mehandi and Sangeet ceremonies.

***

Naalvar – The Four

The Great Four Saivite Saints; Naalvar means The Four persons; they are Appar alias Tirunavukkarasar, Sambandar (Tiru Gnana Sambanthar), Sundarar and Manikkavasagar (maanikkavaasakar); latest research shows that the last one lived at least 100 years before Appar, a contemporary of Mahendra varman, the greatest Pallava king (600 CE).

***

Namam ( naamam )

It is a symbol on the forehead of Vishnu devotees. They are three vertical lines in the shape of English letter Y or U. between the thick white lines a straight red line is drawn in the middle. Tamil Vaishnavites wear Dvaadasa Naamams on 12 places in the body that is comparable to Saivite Brahmins 12 placed Vibhuti (holy ash).

Y shaped Naamam- symbol of Tenkalai sect of Tamil Viashnavites; those who sing Tamil hymns of Alvars (Tamil Vaishnavite Saints)

U shaped Naamam- symbol of Vadakalai sect of Tamil Viashnavites; those who sing Sanskrit hymns of Vedanta Desikan.

Then= south ; Vada = north .

Even the Naamam on temple elephants will show one to which sect the temple belongs.

But when it comes to big temples like Titupati Balaji temple or Srirangam Ranganatha Temple, common devotees don’t bother about the sectorial divisions. But there are extremists in both sects who take the symbol cases up to the highest court in the country.

Vaishnavite Gurus/Acharyas called Jeeyars are very ardent followers of their respective sects and its practices.

***

Nammazvaar

One of the greatest Vaishnavite saints known in Tamil as Alvars (aazvaar).

Tamil Vishnu devotees believe that he composed Vedas in Tamil; his poems are great and meaningful. He was born in Alvar Titunagari in the southern part of Tamil Nadu. Like Buddha attained wisdom under the Peepal/Bodhi tree, Nammalvar  (nammaazvaar) attained wisdom under a Tamarind tree. Like Tansen’s tamarind tree, this tamarind also attained fame and worshipped until this day.

Following Thirumangai Alvar who composed 1,361 verses, Nammalvar is the second most prolific contributor, having composed exactly 1,296 verses across four works (most notably the Tiruvaymoli). They are part of Naalayira Divya Prabandham (the canonical collection of 4,000 Alvar hymns).

***

Nayanmar or Nayanar (naayanmaar or Naayanaar)

Sixty three Tamil saints and mystics are called Nayanmar or Nayanars. They were ardent followers of Lord Siva. Their stories are sung by Sekkizar in Periya Puranam in Tamil. They revived and spread Bhakti movement between fifth and ninth centuries. They belong to all castes. Of them three are women.

We know the date of Sambandar, the greatest of the 63 saints. He lived around 650 CE. Kannappa Nayanar who was a hunter gave his eye to Lord Siva and attained Mukti/liberation. Woman saint Karaikkal Ammaiyar became famous and worshipped in southeast Asian countries too. Of the Four Great Saivite Saints, Manikkaavasagar is left out and not included in the list of 63. This problem has been debated until this day without a definite conclusion. But his poems are included in the Saivite Tirumurais (Scriptures or Hymns on Lord Siva). Indirect references show that he lived before 600 CE.

****

Narada

A great rishi who undertook frequent trips between heaven and earth.

Narada Muni is portrayed as the quintessential traveller, a supreme devotee of Vishnu, and the “first investigative journalist” of the cosmos. He was a messenger of divine wisdom, an Inter Galactic Traveller. He delivered essential philosophical lessons and stories of devotion to many.

He visited the Pandavas a number of times specially during the period of their banishment in the forest and gave them good advice. About righteous conduct and harmonious living. He illustrated his points by appropriate anecdotes  from past history/puranas. He also tried to persuade Dhritarashtra  to keep his son Duryodhana  in check and make peace with the Pandavas.

Nārada (नारद) was one of the twelve, who knew the dharma ordained by Hari; a celibate; an attendant of Hari; was taught the bhāgavata by the father; and he gave it in his turn to Vyāsa. Wherever he  goes he will create a problem and that will bring something good; end justifies means was his policy.

He was in the company of Bharata when he recited the Nāṭyaveda, according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 35.

He was a celebrated Devarṣi (deified saint or divine sage). He is one of the ten mind-born sons of Brahmā, being supposed to have sprung from his thigh (Manusmṛti 1. 35). He is represented as a messenger from the gods to men and vice versa and as being very fond of promoting discords among gods and men; hence his epithet of Kalipriya or kalahapriya. He is said to have been the inventor of the lute or Vīṇā. He is also the author of a code of laws which goes by his name.

In Tamil literature, he was referred to in Tamil epic Silppadikaram as Naradar Veenai (Veena of Narada). He always travelled with his Veena singing the glory of Vishnu.

Many people born later also had his name. So we find many books in his name. But the original Narada is attributed with one famous book, Narada Bhakti Sutra.

Narada Bhakti Sutra has 84 aphorisms on the nature of Bhakti and the condition of Bhaktas/devotees. Swami Vivekananda has explained it in good English. (see my blogs for more details).

***

Narakasura

Asura killed by Lord Krishna and that day is celebrated as Deepavali (Diwali) in Tamil Nadu.

Narakasura was the son of Goddess earth, (referred to as Dharthi), by Lord Vishnu himself during his Varaha (boar) avatar. It was foretold that he would be destroyed by a later incarnation of Vishnu. His mother, the earth, sought the boon from Vishnu that her son should have a long life, and that he should be all powerful. Vishnu readily granted these boons.

Narakasura became evil, in association with another Asura named Bana. Drunk with power, as he knew himself to be unrivalled in prowess, he brought all the kingdoms on earth under his control. Next he turned his eyes towards Swargaloka/ heaven. Even the mighty Indra could not withstand the assault of this son of Vishnu and had to flee the heavens. Now Narakasura had become the overlord of both the heavens and earth. His reign of oppression was in full swing. His capital was in modern Assam

Once granted immense power, he built a seemingly impregnable fortress, terrorized the three worlds, stole divine treasures (such as the earrings of Aditi), and imprisoned 16,000 celestial princesses

Divine Intervention: The tormented devas sought the help of Lord Krishna to defeat Narakasura.

The Battle: Accompanied by his wife Satyabhama—who was the earthly incarnation of Bhudevi—Lord Krishna rode to Pragjyotishapura to confront the demon.

The Final Blow: Because of the boon that only his mother could kill him, Satyabhama took the bow and struck the decisive blow, paving the way for Krishna to sever Narakasura’s head with his Sudarshana chakra.

Liberation: Following Narakasura’s defeat, Krishna liberated the 16,000 captive women and married them to restore their societal honour.

Festival of Lights: The triumph of good over evil that day is spiritually commemorated as Deepavali (Diwali), specifically the day of Naraka Chaturdashi

Sanskrit phrase 60,000 0r 16,000 means a lot, uncountable, innumerable. Even in English we use a million dollar question etc

***

Nikhumba

Several rakshasas had this name. one of them is referred to in Ramayana .

According to Mahabharata, Nikhumba was the father of demons Sunda and Upasunda who killed each other in an intoxicated fight to get hold of apsara

Tilottama . he was a descendent of Hiranyakasipu.

According to Ramayana,

Nikumbha (निकुम्भ).—A very mighty Rākṣasa. Son of Kumbhakarṇa (Rāvaṇa’s brother) by his wife Vajramālā. He had an elder brother called Kumbha.

When Kumbha was killed in the Rāma-Rāvaṇa war Nikumbha rushed to the front line and fought fiercely, and he was killed by Hanūmān. (Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Yuddha Kāṇḍa, Canto 77).

Nikumbha (निकुम्‍भ): One of Ravana’s generals who led the rakshasas against the host of monkeys and was slain

When Indrajit, son of Ravana tried to do an all powerful Yaga to destroy Rama, timely intervention of Lakshmana spoiled it

According to Puranas

the “dreadful cave of Shatpura” is a foreboding site of deception and imprisonment famously linked to the powerful being Nikumbha.

According to ancient texts, Nikumbha—a powerful figure and lord of the Pisacas—used this cave to harbour captives. Its mythological significance centres around a few key details:

The Standoff: Nikumbha emerged from the dreadful cave wielding a thorn-covered club.

The Conflict: Upon stepping out, he was confronted in combat by Dhananjaya (Arjuna), who shot arrows from his Gandiva bow to block the thoroughfare.

Symbolism: The cave serves as an ominous backdrop for themes of entrapment and trickery during pivotal battles.

***

Nimi

Son of Dattatreya. He grieved greatly at the death of his son Shrimana and then he undertook various ritual for the eternal good of his son. It is said that this constituted the beginning of thee “Shraddha” ceremonies relating to death.

***

Nivatakavacha, Nivātakavacha

These innumerable Danavas/demons occupied a city which previously belonged  to Devas. Not being able to defeat the Nivatakavacha danavas, Indra sought the help of Brahma who said that Indra himself in another form would be able to defeat them. Thus it was when Arjuna  had come to the end of his five years stay in Swarga/heaven and was preparing to return to earth, Indra asked as a parting gift he should get rid of his enemies the Nivatkvachas.  Arjuna went to the abode of the Danavas with Matali as his charioteer and using various divine weapons obtained from heaven he defeated the  Nivatkvacha demons.

More  details

The nivatakavachas (Sanskrit: निवातकवच, romanized: Nivātakavaca, lit. ‘the impenetrable armoured ones’) are a sect of daityas, the children of Kashyapa and Diti, classified under the race of asuras in Hindu mythology. They are best known for their battles against Ravana and Arjuna, the latter of which caused their annihilation.[1]

Thirty million nivatakavachas were born in the daitya clan. Allied with the kalakeyas, they triumphed over the devas in battle. They are described to have been skilled in magic and warfare, wielding powerful weapons to defeat their foes.

From Ramayana

The nivatakavachas are said to have terrorised the world, living deep beneath the ocean, and residing in the city of Maṇimatī after securing boons from Brahma. In the Ramayana, Ravaṇa with his sons Meghanada, Atikaya, and with his army attacked these daityas, but found himself unable to defeat the sect after centuries of battle. The two sides finally formed an alliance after Brahma intervened.

From Mahabharata

In the Mahabharata, Indra sought the destruction of the nivatakavachas from his son, Arjuna, as his dakshina (honorarium). Describing the sect as his foes, he stated that the nivatakavachas lived in a fortress under the ocean, numbered thirty million, and were alike in shape, size, and prowess. To achieve this task, Indra sent his own charioteer, Matali, to drive Arjuna to the location of his foes. The devas offered Arjuna a conch named Devadatta, and Matali offered him ornaments that resembled his own. When the two reached the city of the daityas, they closed their gates, fearing that Indra himself had appeared to slay them. When Arjuna blew his conch, the nivatakavachas attacked him, loosing tridents, spears, and arrows upon him. Arjuna released arrows from his Gandiva, slaying the daityas in the thousands. The nivatakavachas rendered themselves invisible, and showered elemental attacks on Arjuna. The prince grew disheartened when he realised that he was unable to manoeuvre their attacks due to the intensity of their barrage.

Matali urged him to employ the thunderbolt missiles he had brought with him, which devastated the daityas, and defeated them. The daitya women sought shelter in their houses as Arjuna entered Maṇimatī, thinking that it looked better than the city of the devas. The charioteer explained that the city had previously belonged to the devas, but had been captured by the daityas following a boon granted to them by Brahma. Brahma assured Indra that the latter himself, in another form, would defeat the daityas, which had just transpired. He encouraged Arjuna to also lay waste to Hiranyapura, a neighbouring city of the danavas who opposed his father as well, which the prince achieved.

***

Nara Narayana

Nara-Narayana are twin sages and a twin-brother avatar of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism, representing the eternal connection between humanity (Nara) and divinity (Narayana). Together, they represent human effort and divine grace working in harmony to uphold righteousness (dharma

The Name: In Sanskrit, Nara means “human being” or “eternal spirit,” while Narayana refers to the Supreme Being (Vishnu).

Divine Origins: They were born as the sons of Dharma (the god of righteousness) and Murti (the daughter of Daksha).

Life of Penance: The twins famously traveled to the Badari hermitage (modern-day Badrinath) in the Himalayas. They engaged in severe austerities and deep meditation to defeat evil and preserve world order.

Mahabharata Connection: Hindus believe Nara and Narayana reincarnated as the heroes Arjuna (human) and Krishna (divine guide) during the events of the Mahabharata.

Iconography: In traditional art, Nara is usually depicted with two hands and wearing deer skin, while Narayana is portrayed with four hands, holding a mace, discus, conch, and lotus.

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Narasimha

Narasimha is the fourth, half-man and half-lion avatar of Lord Vishnu, manifesting in the Satya Yuga to protect the devotee Prahlada by destroying the demon king Hiranyakashipu. By overcoming Hiranyakashipu’s invincibility boon at twilight on a threshold, this form symbolizes divine intervention that transcends conventional limitations to uphold dharma.

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Nalanda

Nalanda was an acclaimed university, a large Buddhist monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern-day Bihar) in India. The site is located about 95 kilometres southeast of Patna near the town of Bihar Sharif, and was a centre of learning from the fifth century CE to1200 CE. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 The highly formalized methods of Vedic learning helped inspire the establishment of large teaching institutions such as Taxila, Nalanda, and Vikramashila which are often characterised as India’s early universities. Nalanda flourished under the patronage of the Gupta Empire in the 5th and 6th centuries and later under Harsha, the emperor of Kannauj.The liberal cultural traditions inherited from the Gupta age resulted in a period of growth and prosperity until the ninth century. 

Muslims burnt the library

Historical consensus and primary records attribute the final destruction and burning of the Nalanda Mahavihara to a Turko-Afghan military general Bakhtiyar Khilji of the Delhi Sultanate in the late 12th century.

The Sacking (c. 1200 CE): During his conquests in northern and eastern India, Khilji famously led a marauding army that attacked and plundered several major Buddhist centers, including Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Odantapuri.

The Library Burning: Nalanda boasted a colossal collection of manuscripts housed in multi-story libraries known as Ratnasagara, Ratnadadhi, and Ratnaranjaka. The attackers set fire to the institution, with historical accounts stating the massive fires burned for three months.

While Khilji is widely cited for the fatal sacking and mass slaughter of the monks, historians and researchers point out that the destruction was not a one-time total evaporation:

Eyewitness Accounts: Tibetan monk Dharmasvamin visited the site in 1234 CE, nearly 40 years after Khilji’s campaign. He found the institution heavily ruined but still functioning, with a small fraction of about 70 monks being taught by a 90-year-old abbot.

Continuous Raids: Surviving monks and local patrons attempted to revive the university, but persistent raids by subsequent groups of Turkish soldiers over the following decades ultimately forced the permanent abandonment of the site

Tags- Nakkirar, Nalangu, Namam, Nalanda, Narasimha, Nivatakavacha, Narakasura, HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 73; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி- 73

To be continued……………………