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Brahmins lived not only in India but also in Sri Lanka and all over Southeast Asia. The Tamil and Sanskrit inscriptions and books like Mahavamsa confirm it. Agastya and Kaundinya, two Brahmins, occupy an important place in the literature, Historical inscriptions and folklore of Southeast Asian Countries. Sanskrit inscriptions of Mulavaman, Purnavarman (Fourth Century CE) and others were discovered inside the deep virgin forest of Borneo (Indonesia). Yupas (Yaga Pillars) were also found there. That shows Brahmins did big Yagas as well.
The suffix Varman has been continued with the name of Kings from Mahabharata days to the modern period.
Sangam Tamil poets proudly include their Gotra names. Dr R Nagaswamy, famous historian and archaeologist, N.Subramanian, Tamil scholar gave us a list of the gotras found in Tamil Nadu in their books.
Here is a list given by N.Subramanian in his book The Brahmin in the Tamil country, Madurai, 1989 :
The following Brahminical Gotra names are heard of in early and medieval Tamil inscriptions:
1.MAUTKALYAYANA
2.SRIVATSA
3.KAUNDINYA (GNANA SAMBANDAR’S GOTRA)
4.KASYAPA
5.BHARADVAJA (NACHCHINARKINIYAR GOTRA)
6.JATUKARNA
7.VADULA
8.AGNIVESHYA
9.ATREYA
10.VISHNU VRIDHDHA
11.LOHITA
12.VASISTHA
13.GAUTAMA
14.PARASARA
15.HARITA
16.MUTKALA
17.KAUSIKA
18.SANDILYA
19.TARAYANA
20.AUSITHA
21.SAVARNI
22.SANKRIYAYANA
23.MASHALA
24.GARKA
25.RATHITARA
26.KANEKA
27.SALAVATA
28.KUTSA
29.VARAKYA
30.KAPI
31.TUMRAYANA
32.PAURUKUTSA
33.SAMKRASHTI
34.MATTARA
35.JANATKARNA
36.MADALA
37.KAPPA (KAVYA?
38.UDAMEGHA
39.LAKSHANYA
40.KANVAYANA
41.VISVAMITRA
42.ASHMATYA
****
The following Sutra names are also found in inscriptions:
Chaturvi- one who mastered four Vedas; oldest Tamil book was approved by Chaturvedi Acharya of Tiruvithankodu in Kerala.
Trivedi- one who mastered three Vedas.
Dvivedi – one who mastered two Vedas.
Tamil Brahmins were great scholars; throughout Sangam Tamil literature we hear only Chaturvedi (in Tamil Naan Marai)
Sanghvi is Shat Andga Vit= one who is an expert in Six Angas/parts of Vedas.
In Tamil we call it Sadangu.
***
The following sacrifices are also mentioned:
Vajapeyam (Indian Prime minister Atal Behari Vajpeyi was from the family of Vajapeya Yaga experts)
Agnishtomam;
Asvamedham (horse sacrifice)
Rajasuyam is mentioned in Purananuru (Sangam Tamil Literature)
Kalidasa mentions that Pandyas are always with wet clothes because eof bathing called Avabrudha Snanam (in Raghuvamsa; it may be about Pal yaaga salai Mudu Kudumi Peruvazuthi)
Pal yaaga saalaa= one who constructs many Yaga Kundas at the same time)
The following Sakais (shakaa= branch) or Charanams are mentioned:
Brahmin poets of Sangam age identified themselves by thier Gotras. This gives valuable information to us. Even when Asoka sent his emissaries to Sri Lanka, they were welcomed by Brahmin priests. Mahavamsam says Brahmins were living in Sri Lanka even before Vijayan’s arrival there. It shows Brahmins were there at least from sixth Century BCE.
But most famous Brahmin poets Kapilar, Paranar, Mamulanar (Maamuulanaar) ,Kadiyalūr Uruthirankannanār etc. never mentioned their castes. Only other poets praised Kapilar as the most celebrated Brahmin because he was pure and self-controlled.
From other sources we know Chandilya, Bharadvaja Gotras. Most famous commentator Nachchinarkiniyar , and Nedum Bharatayanar, Teacher of a Chera king, belong to Bharadwaja Gotra.
Post Sangam epic Silappadikrama gives more information. Dr Nagaswamy, famous historian and archaeologist, lists 32 Gotras that lived in Tamil Nadu, from post Sangam period inscriptions.
List of Brahmin poets and their contribution in Sangam/ Cankam literature:
List of Famous Brahmin Poets:
Agasthyar ,who received Tamil language from Shiva
Tolkappiyar (Thruna dumagni), who wrote grammar after Agaththiyam became obsolete.
Amur Gowthaman Sathevanar (Sahadevan)
Kadiyalur uruththiran Kannanar ( Rudra Aksha)
Kodimangalam Vathula (Gothra) Narsenthan
Sellur Kosikan (Kausika Gothra) kannanar
Madurai Teacher Nalanthuvan
Madurai Ilam kausikanar
Madurai Kanakkayanar
Nakkiran,son of Madurai Kanakkayanar
Madurai gownian (Kaundinya Gothra) daththnar
Mamulanar
Uraiyur enicheri mudamosi
Perunkundrur Perungkausikan
Kumattur kannan
Gowthaman
Valmiki
Vadamavannakkan damodaran
Vembathur kumaran
Paranar
Kapilar-Paranar
*****
Books written by Brahmin poets
Tolkappiyam (Pre Cankam period); His name was Truna Dhumagni, according to most famous commentator Nachchinarkiniyar. Tolkappiyar beloned to Kavya Gotra ( Kappiyak Kuti in Tamil) Lord Krishna in Bagavad Gita praised this clan. Usanas was the greatest Kavi= Kavya= Kappiya.
Kurinji pattu (lines 261)
Thiru murugatruppadai (lines 317)
Pattinap palai (Lines 301)
Perumpanatrup padai (Lines 500)
Malaipadukadam (lines 583)
Nedunal vadai (lines 188)
Six out of Ten Idylls sung by Brahmins
Pathitrup pathu (all except one)
Ainkurunuru (Kapilar’s 100)
Brahmin’s contribution adds up to 10,000 lines, nearly one third of the Sangam/ Cankam literature.
14 Jan 2012 — Without Brahmins Tamil would have died or at least become poorer two thousand years ago. The reason being Brahmins were the teachers of that language
Also more details are given in my article No Brahmins, No Tamil.
–Subham—
Tags- Brahmins, Gotras, Yagas, Tamil inscriptions, Brahmin poets, Sutras, Tolkappiar
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
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NAMES OF ARYAN HUSBANDS???? AND DRAVIDIAN!!!! WIVES (White men Interpretation)
Rig Vedic seer Deergatamas- Married Dasa caste woman Mamata;
Rishi Kavacha Ailusar – married Dasa caste woman;
Sudasa is a famous king in Rig Veda supported by Rishis;
Satyakama kama Jabala- son of servant maid Jabala.
Rama’s son Kusa- married Naga Princess Kumudavati;
Rama’s son Lava – Naga Princess Kanjajana;
Brahmin Ravana – married Asura kula Mandodari;
Shantanu- Fisher woman Matsyagandha; Son- Veda Vyasa
Matsyagandha means Fish Smell; She was called Yojanagandha, so smelly, her bad smell will go up to one Yojana= eight miles!
Bhima – married Demoness Hidimba; their son- Kadothkajan;
Arjuna- married Naga woman Ulupi; Pandyan Girl Alli (Chitrangatha)- their Son Aravan of Mahabharat;
Lord Muruga- Huntress Valli;
King Yayati- Brahmin Devayani;
Krishna’s son Pradyumna- married Asura Kula Prabhvati;
Vidharpa Desa Princess Maya – married Narakasura; their son Bagatdatta supported Kauravas)
Asura Guru – Brahmin Sukra!
Deva Guru- Brihaspati (These Gurus are in Sangam Tamil Literature)!
Brahmin Asura Vrtrasura was killed by Indra in Rig Veda ;
Brahmin Asura Trisiras was killed by Indra in Rig Veda;
Brahmin Asura Namuchi was killed by Indra in Rig Veda;
(In Bhutan and Nepal Namuchi is used as names of people even today)
Varuna is praised as ASURA in Rig Veda;
Rig Vedic Indra and Varuna are praised as Gods of Tamil Lands by the oldest Tamil book Tolkappiam;
Siva is praised as ARYAN by great Saivite saints who lived around 600 CE or before
No DRAVIDIAN is found anywhere in ancient Tamil literature
All ASURAS prayed to Lord Shiva and Brahma and received boons. Asuras also were practising Hindus.
The above facts explode the myth of foreign writers who said Demons, Asuras, Black skinned men are Dravidians.
Even the Asura names are in Sanskrit!
***
Toda woman in Nilgris
Cousin Marriage
Cousin marriage is followed in Tamil Nadu until this day and it is in all Tamil films as well. But it is also followed in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Orissa. Arjuna married cousin Subhadra, Krishna’s son married cousin Rukmavati. Ther also Northern Aryan custom, Sothern Dravidian custom is exploded.
Whatever foreigners wrote about “Dravidian” and “Aryan” are proved false and mischievous.
***
According to British rulers of India and Christian preachers in India, Dravidians were black and Aryans were white; according to them Dravidians were driven to south by invading Aryans; according to them Dravidians were described as Asuras, Rakshasas and low caste by the Aryans. Look at the list above which explodes this view.
A gang of foreigners led by Max Muller, John Marshall Mortimer Wheeler, John Mackay misled the world by giving racial connotations to two words Aryan and Dravidian. Neither 2000 year old Sangam Tamil literature nor 5000 year old Vedic literature has no evidence for it.
Arya is found in Rig Veda and the later Tamil Sangam literature. In Sanskrit it meant Cultured, educated, disciplined etc. In Tamil Sangam literature it meant Rishis in the Himalayas, People living in the North. No where Arya meant a race of people.
DRAVIDIAN IS NOT AT ALL FOUND IN TAMIL LITERATURE. Later when it is found in Jain literature it meant South. A reference about Dravida Sangam established by a Jain Muni is oft quoted without any detail. It is understood that there is nothing about Tamil or Tamil Nadu. This is the condition in fifth century CE. Three hundred years after this, Kumarila Bhatta mentioned Dravida Bhasa and refereed to Tamil word Soru (cooked rice). That is the only reference to connect this word DRAVIDA with Tamil. There also he meant a language spoken in the SOUTH. Because the ancient division of India as 56 Countries show Dravidian Desa out side Tamil Nadu. Chera Chola, Pandya desas have nothing to do with it.
Desa= country
One more reference from First Century BCE comes from the most famous Jain King Kharavela. He talks about breaking the Dramila Sanghatan which is 130 year old. Here is a controversy, only interesting to linguists. One group argued the very word TAMIL came from DRAVIDA:
Dravida=Dramila= Tamil.
Another group put it in reverse gear and argued:
Tamil=Dramila= Dravida.
It is true that M becomes V.
Most famous Saivite Saint Manikka vasagar changed Mirugam= Virugam (animal-Mrga)
Mandodari= Vandodari (Ravana’s wife and daughter of Demon Mayan, who married Brahmin Ravana)
Tamil Villagers use Muzi= Vizi (pupil in the eye).
Leaving this to linguists, if we move on to Indus Valley (Harappan or Sarasvati River Civilization), there is no Dravidian skeleton; all the skeletons discovered were of Aryan stature. The mischievous gang led by Jonhn Marshall, Mortimer Wheeler and John Mackay used the word Dravidian with racial tone and misled the world. Because of this misleading, until this day the script remains undeciphered.
Max Muller after getting severe beatings and bricks from scholars like Goldstucker, changed his tone and said I used it without any racial connotation. When he started writing about Vedas he declared I am a German and so I am an Aryan. Germans are Aryans. Hitler used it in his auto biography and killed millions.
***
What did Hindus say about classification of People?
Before foreign Christian preachers and foreign rulers misused and abused the word DRAVIDIANS, Hindus knew nothing about the word.
They divided the mankind into 18 groups of people. It is in Tamil commentaries on Sangam literature. It is also in Sanskrit literature.
One important point is man kind moved from one place to another place in the past 5000 years. But the big question is whether they moved from West to East or East to West. Tamil literature never know there is a river called Indus/Sindhu! But they sang about the Himalayas and Ganges. Since Vedic God Indra was assigned direct East and Rig Vedic rivers list started from Ganga Hindus believe that Hindus originated in this land. Nowhere in Sangam Tamil literature or in Vedic literature there is evidence. Only linguists said look at Matha=Mother, Bratha= Brother, Hora=Hour; this shows you came fromoutside India. But Hindus argue millions of words spoken by Indians are not found outside India, so there is no connection linguistically. They also pointed out thousands of ancient customs of Hindus are not found anywhere in the world. What the Christian foreigners showed so far is HORSE. Even that argument was exploded because Rig Veda mentioned the number of Ribs which is not same in the European horses.
Th Hindus believed in mixed marriages; all the famous Hindus had black skin which exploded the Aryan White Skin and Dravidian Black Skin.
Veda Vyasa= utter black= born to fisherwoman.
Krishna = utter black= Yadava caste; now a backward caste claiming benefits from Government!
Draupadi/ Krishnaaa= Black Woman
Rig Vedic Rishis Dirgatamas (Long Darkness), Kavacha Ailusha, Satyakama Jabala and many others were from Dasa caste!
So called low caste people like meat vendor Dharmavyadha, cart driver Raivak taught Vedic wisdom to great kings according to Upanishads.
The list of Mixed marriages is given in the beginning is only a short list, mostly from ancient literature. If we look into history we get hundreds of examples.
***
Naga Mystery
Over 20 Sangam poets are Naga poets; even Gupta inscriptions have names like Ganapati Nagan. Tamil epic Manimekalai described Sri Lanka as naga island. It said those Naga women used to entice sailors and devour them according to Mahavamsa. Only Buddha civilised them according to Sri Lankan chronicles.
My conclusion is that there were no Dravidians according to Tamil and Sanskrit literature, but black skinned and white skinned people lived together. Asuras followed certain customs like eating human flesh which others detested Even according to Eight Types of marriages in Tolkappiam and Manu Smriti, Asura marriage is violent abduction of brides. It shows Asuras believed in uncontrolled violence. Bhagavad Gita and other scripture also described the qualities of good and bad people. People with balanced mind wont quote one or two slokas from scriptures, but look at the whole picture and judge.
–subham—
Tags- Aryan, Dravidian, Asura, Demon, Devas, marriage, white skin, Black skin, Naga mystery, mixed marriage, Cousin Marriage
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
N Words
Nabhaga / naabhaaga
Many characters in the Puranas have this name; a bit confusing!
Nabhaga (नभग):—
One of the ten sons of Śrāddhadeva and Śraddhā. This name is not to be confused with Nābhāga (another son of Manu whose name is sometimes replaced with Kavi). (see Bhāgavata Purāṇa 9.1.11-12)
Nābhāga (नाभाग).—Naabhaaga-
A brother of Ikṣvāku. The famous Ambarīṣa was Nābhāga’s son. After conquering all the worlds, he ruled the kingdom strictly along the path of truth and righteousness. (Vana Parva, Chapter 25, Verse 12). In the evening of his life Nābhāga gifted away the whole land to Brahmins. Since she could not leave Nābhāga, Bhūmidevī herself assumed physical form and went to him on the occasion. This emperor never consumed meat. He lives in Brahmaloka according to Chapter 115, Anuśāsana Parva. (Śānti Parva, Chapter 96, Verse 124).
Another story
Nābhāga (नाभाग).—A son of Vaivasvata Manu and father of Ambarīṣa.*
The last son of Nabhaga and a bachelor; saw his father’s property divided among his other brothers and himself left with nothing; on his father’s advice he went to the sacrifice of Angīra’s descendants and explained the sixth day rituals relating to Viśvedevas. When the sacrificers went to Heaven their unspent wealth was presented to him. At this time appeared a person of dark complexion who was Rudra and who claimed all the property as his own; when Nabhaga was consulted he said that on a certain occasion, all the remainder in a sacrificial hall was left to Rudra. So Nābhāga apologised and gave away all that wealth. With this Rudra was pleased and initiated him into the knowledge of the Brahman. After making a present of all that wealth to the prince, he disappeared.
A mysterious name in Indian History and Tamil Sangam Literature; over twenty Tamil poets have this name. Naga lokam is located in the middle of rivers or seas. Arjuna married Naga Kanya Ulupi. Manimekalai, Tamil epic, described Nagaloka. It says Sri Lanka was full of Naga Kanyas.All the river side beauties and sea side beauties are described as Naga Kanyas (snake nymphs). The very word SNAKE is derived from Sanskrit S+naka!
In Sangam Tamil literature Naaka lokam is heaven/Swarga.
Gupta inscriptions talk about Ganapati Naga etc.
Wisdomlib.org gives more on Nagas:
1) Nāga (नाग).—An asura (demon). (See under Nāgāstra).
2) Nāga (नाग).—A class of serpents. It is stated in Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Araṇya Kāṇḍa, Sarga 14, that of the ten daughters of Kaśyapa, from Surasā, the nāgas and from Kadrū, the Uragas (both are serpents) came into the world.
Nāga (नाग) refers to a group of inhabitants of ancient Kaśmīra (Kashmir valley) according to the Nīlamatapurāṇa.—The Nāga deities of the Nīlamata have power over rain, storm and snow, and dwell generally in lakes, pools and springs.
Creatures born with human forms above the naval and of snakes below; born of Kaśyapa and Kadru; their capital was Bhogavatī; their chief was Ananta;1 came to Dvārakā with the gods;2 attacked the chariot of the Lord;3 residents of the Naiṣadha Hill, of all talams and especially Pātalam; capital Māhiṣmatī, renowned for Karkoṭaka sabhā; worship Pitṛs;4 Vāsuki, as their overlord;5 when milking the cow-earth Takṣaka was the calf;6 celebrated the marriage of Śiva and Umā;7 to be worshipped in Palace buildings.
Nāga (नाग) is a name mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. I.34, I.35, I.31.6, I.35, I.60.66) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places.
From Kashmir Ananta nag to Kanyakumari Nagerkoil ,we have hundreds of names with Naga
***
Nagara
In Sangam Tamil literature Nagar means Temple (in Madurai).
Nāgara (नागर, “townsmen”):—The Sanskrit name for a group of Prāsādas (‘town buildings’), according to the 11th-century Samarāṅgaṇasūtradhāra (chapter 63). This work, authored by Bhojadeva, is an encyclopedia dealing with various topics from the Vāstuśāstra.āsāda
Nāgara (नागर) refers to one of the six types of Temples, according to chapter 4 of the Puruṣottamasaṃhitā
Nagara (नगर) refers to a “city” (suitable for the householder to settle down as a citizen), according to chapter 1.4 of Vātsyāyana’s Kāmasūtra:
***
Nachiketa
Son of Rishi Uddalaka Aruni.
The story of Nachiketas appeared first in the Rig Veda. Later Taitriya Brahmana and Katha Upanishad dealt with it. Vajra sravasva or Uddalaka Aruni, father of Nachiketa, desirous of attaining heaven, performed great sacrifices and was profuse in his gifts to the Brahmins. Nachiketa, as a boy, noted that his father had given only old and barren cows to them.
Nachiketa told his father that he had not given all and asked him ‘To whom I shall be given?’ On repeating the question three times, father angrily replied, ‘To Death’ (Mrtyu).
Thereupon he fell down as though dead and found himself in the presence of Yama, abode of Death. After staying there for three nights, Yama was forced to offer him a boon. He prayed to see his father again and he reconciled. This boon was granted and another one was offered. All kinds of blessings were proposed but the boy refused to be contented with anything but a true knowledge of the soul. Yama then proceeded to instruct him.
In Mahabharata , it is told that Nachiketa expressed a desire to see some great persons there. Yama then arranged Nachiketa to see some of the great persons who had given away cows to Brahmanas. Bhishma related this episode to Yudhisthira to stress the importance of gifting cows to Brahmana.
***
Nahusha
An ancestor of Kuru Dynasty; son of Ayu and father of Yayati. Once in the temporary absence of Indra, he became the king of Swarga/heaven. There he became intoxicated with power and began to behave like a tyrant. He even entertained a desire that Indrani (Sachi) wife of Indra, should submit to him. Indrani had to seek the help of Brahma and together they devised a plan to topple him
Sachidevi (Indrani) went to Nahusha’s palace. There, she said, “O mighty king of the gods! Before I become your wife, I have a request to make. I wish you to come majestically to my house in a grander style than the Lord Vishnu or Shiva. Let the seven rishis bear your palanquin.” Nahusha, already riding high in his pride, instantly fell into the trap.
Seven revered rishis carried him in a palanquin on the dreadful day of Nahusha’s supposed meeting. Engulfed in lust, Nahusha was impatient to reach Sachidevi soon. Agastya, shortest of the Rishis, also joined the seven Rishis. Because he was too short the palanquin had wobbled. So Nahusa began goading the rishis to go faster and, out of mad wickedness, kicked the pious sage Agastya, saying “sarpa, sarpa.” Sanskrit has two meanings of ‘sarpa’- one is ‘‘to move’, and the other is ‘serpent’. Agastya cried out loud in anger, “O wicked Nahusha, you out of pride had made us the rishis bearer of your palanquin. On top of it, you are also goading us and saying sarpa, sarpa constantly. I curse you now and here that thou shall fall from heaven and become a sarpa on earth.”
Immediately, Nahusha fell headlong from heaven and became a python in the jungle. There, he had to wait for long period for deliverance. His progeny, Yudhisthira, came to rescue him in Dwapara Yuga.
When Nahusha got his deliverance from the curse, he told Yudhisthira:
सुप्रज्ञमपि चेच्छूरमृद्धिर्मोहयते नरम् ।
वर्तमानः सुखे सर्वो मुह्यतीति मतिर्मम ।।
suprajñamapi cecchūramṛddhir mohayate naram
vartamānaḥ sukhe sarvo muhyatīti matir mama
“O righteous king Yudhisthira! The wealth and opulence fascinate even the most intelligent and brave man. I believe that everyone immersed in pleasure is disillusioned by it and subjected to the great fall as I did.”
Goswami Tulasidas ji also said in Ramcharitmanas:
नहिं कोउ अस जनमा जग माहीं,
प्रभुता पाई जाहि मद नाहीं ।
nahim kou asa janama jaga māhī,
prabhutā pā’ī jāhi mada nāhī
“Never has a creature born in this world who doesn’t get intoxicated with pride when exalted with power and opulence.”
The story of Nahusha proves that excessive fame and power lead to pride, and pride leads to the ultimate downfall. So, one must always be conscious of one’s surroundings and not allow pride to take over.
***
Nakula
Youngest of the five Pandava brothers, he was the son of Madri and twin brother of Sahadeva. He was an extremely handsome youth renowned for his mastery in sword fighting. As he was an expert rider, he had no difficulty in obtaining a post as the keeper of royal stable of King Virata of Matsya Desa during the thirteenth year of banishment. Under the name of Granthika, he spent one year without anyone recognising him. At the end, just before revealing his identity, he fought along with the Matsya forces against the invading army of Susharma of Trigarta desa and earned the respect of King Virata.
Mythologically he was the son of Aswins, also known as Nasatya in the Vedas. He had a son named Niramitra by his wife Karenu-mati, a princess of Chedi desa.
In Indonesia, Nakula is a highly prominent name in Bali. It is a major street in the upscale resort town of Seminyak (Jalan Nakula) and the namesake of Nakula, a leading Bali-based hospitality and private villa management company
***
Nala and Damayanthi
This interesting love story of Nala and Damayanthi is in the third chapter, Vana Parva, of Mahabharata. The story was adapted into Tamil by two poets Pukazenthi and Athi Veera Rama Pandyan. Other poets of Tamil epic Silappadikaram and Thevaram made passing references to it. Because the story is so moving, a lot of other important things in the story are missed by many.
Following subjects are dealt within the story:-
1.Extra Terrestrials
Art of Disguise
Eight Paranormal Powers
4.Bird Migration and Training Birds for communication
5.Art of Cookery
6.Art of Charioting
7.Magic Numbers
8.Art of Gambling and Manipulation
9.invisible Cloaking
10.Toxicology
11.Moral Teaching and Psychology
12.Letter Writing by Kings
13.Truth alone Triumphs
14.Necessity of cleanliness
15.Role of Poetry
16.Brahmin Ambassadors/ Role of Ambassadors
17.Travellers’ Tale & Business Travel & Robbers
18.Geography
19.History
20.Role of Saints/Psychologists
21.Child care
22.Unusual Freedom of Indian Women
23.Body marks
24.Science of Horses
25.Tree Science
NALA DAMAYANTI story was translated into Latin by Bopp and into English verse by Dean Milman.
DAMAYANTHI was the only daughter of King Bhima of Vidarbha (Nagpur region in Maharashtra). She was very beautiful and clever. Nala, King of Nishada, was a brave and handsome person. He was learned in Vedas and virtuous. He had great skills in arms, management of horses and cooking. His only weakness was addiction to gambling (which we see later in Yudhishthira of Mahabharata as well). Nala and Damayanti loved each other, though they have never met. Nala sent a message using swans.
(This shows the use of animals for human communication; it is in Sangam literature Purananuru verse as well.)
Bhima determined that his daughter should hold a swayamvara. The warrior class Hindu women of India had the highest freedom in the world. They chose the bravest and the cleverest prince or a king as their husband. This explodes the theory of Aryan immigration and Aryan-Dravidian division. Since it was not practised anywhere in the world except Hindus
Bhima sent letters to all the kings inviting them to Swayamvara (princess choosing her own partner).
Kings flocked to Damayanti’s Swayamvara and among them was Nala. Having heard the beauty of Damayanti through the Inter Galactic traveller Narada, even the Vedic Gods Indra, Varuna, Agni and Yama came to it. Nala who met them on the way, without knowing their intention, promised them to help. Even when they asked his help in marrying Damayanti, he did not go back on his words.
Nala reluctantly performed the promised task, but his presence perfected his conquest, and the maiden announced her resolve to pay due homage to Four Vedic Gods, but choose him for her lord. Nala entered the harem of Damayanti by becoming invisible with the power given by the Vedic gods. Now we read in science magazines about ‘Invisible cloaks’. We had such facilities thousands of years ago!
During the Swayamvara (princess freely choosing her own lord), all the four gods looked like Nala (art of disguise), but Damayanti was able to see the features of Extra Terrestrials in the Four heavenly Gods. Their feet never touched the ground (floating), they never winked (no beating of brows) and their garlands never withered.
When Damayanti chose Nala as her husband, they got married formally and lived happily for some time. Kali, the symbol of bad age- Iron Age- also came for the Swayamvara, but very late. When he heard that everything was over, he decided that he would separate the couple in future. One day when Nala did not wash his hands and feet before worshipping God, Kali entered him and made him an addict to gambling. Hindus always quote this event to emphasize cleanliness
At Kali’s instigation Pushkara, younger brother of Nala challenged him to come for a game of dice. Nala lost everything and his brother Pushkara became king. Both Nala and Damayanthi were forced to leave the country
As he lost even his clothes, he shared the cloth of Damayanti and decided at one stage that he should leave her alone. While she was sleeping, he slipped out leaving her in great distress. When she came to forest she wisely sent her two children Indrasena and Indrasenaa (long vowel is used for females in Sanskrit; Krishna is lord; Krishnaa is Draupadi).
This shows the importance of child care. A woman worries more about the safety and welfare of her children than her life.
Damayanti joined the caravan that was passing through the forest. We find such caravans going through forest in Tamil literature as well. The caravan of merchants was attacked by an elephant, and the chaotic scene is described vividly in the Mahabharata. Even Brahmins joined the group of tradesmen passing through the forest.
When the queen mother of Chedi Kingdom saw a beautiful woman with all the features of a queen, walking with the traders, she called her and gave her refuge.
Nala was bitten by the king of serpents Karkotaka in the forest, who was under a curse from which Nala was to deliver him. The serpent bit Nala and the poison should work upon him till the evil spirit (Kali) was gone out of him, and then he should restore his original handsome form. The serpent’s poison made him ugly and deformed. Here we learn about toxicology.
Later, Nala entered the service of King Rituparna of Ayodhya, as a trainer of horses and an accomplished cook, under the name of Bahuka.
Damayanti was sent to her father’s kingdom of Vidarbha where he found her children. Then she devised a clever plan to bring back Nala. She announced a second swayamvara.
In those days Brahmins were used as ambassadors, and Damayanti also employed a Brahmin to find Nala with all the available information. One Brahmin identified and informed Damayanti about his whereabouts.
In the meantime, Rituparna, having heard the second swayamwara of Damayanti, decided to attend it. Since he knew that Nala was a great driver of chariots, he employed the service of him to travel 800 miles in 24 hours (100 yojanas in the original).
On their way Rituparna taught Nala the science of numbers and the rule of chances and learnt from Nala, the science of horses. This shows the Exchange of Knowledge and Sharing Information. As soon as Nala acquired this knowledge, the evil spirit (Kali which means Dark) went out of him.
Damayanti convinced that it was her husband Nala by the flavour of a dish he cooked. Here comes the art of cooking.
Afterwards Nala and Damayanti met and Nala resumed his form. Now that he knew the science of numbers, he challenged Pushkara for a game of dice and won the game. Rituparna’s teaching helped him. Nala got back his kingdom and lived happily with his wife.
—Subham—
Tags-HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 71; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-71 (Post No.15,846), Nahusa, Nala, Nachiketa, Naga
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MO, MU words
Modaka/m
Modaka is found in the hand of Ganesh statues. This sweet rice dumpling is his favourite food. Tamil Brahmins and Maharashtrians make it and offer it to Lord Ganesh during Ganesh Chaturthi festival. It is a steamed snack in which coconut mixed with jaggery is stuffed into cups made up of rice flour.
Modaka (मोदक) refers to a “sweet ball”, according to the Vālmīki-Rāmāyaṇa Yuddhakhaṇḍa 131.38
Modaka (मोदक) refers to a type food-stuff used in the worship of Gaṇeśa, according to the Padmapurāṇa 1.65
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Moksha
One of the four stages in a Hindu’s life: Dharma, Artha, Kama Moksha; of the four stages, Moksha is the final goal all Hindus aim at.
Moksha most commonly refers to the ultimate spiritual goal in Indian religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Literally translating to “release” or “liberation” in Sanskrit, it signifies freedom from samsara—the eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
It is achieved by realizing the ultimate truth and freeing oneself from the illusions of the ego and karmic baggage
Most of the devotional songs or poems pray for this.
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Mookambhika
Sarasvati or Vak Devi.
Mookambika is Hindu Goddess of Knowledge and her famous abode, the Kollur Mookambika Temple, is located in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India.
She is an aspect of Adi Parashakti (the supreme mother goddess) and is considered a powerful union of Goddesses Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
The legend of the Kollur Mookambika Temple is deeply intertwined with the journey of Adi Shankara. The Goddess agreed to follow him to Kerala on the condition that he never looked back; when he did, she stayed in Kollur. Adi Shankaracharya meditated in the Chitramoola caves on the Kodachadri hills and requested the Goddess to come with him to Kerala. She agreed, but on the strict condition that she would walk behind him and he must never look back to check. When the tinkling sound of her anklets abruptly stopped, Adi Shankara turned back, breaking the vow. The Goddess stayed exactly where they were, which is the current location of the temple in Kollur. Adi Shankara then consecrated the four-armed idol and the Sri Chakra inside the shrine.
Tamil politicians and once chief ministers M G Ramachandran, Jayalalitha and others offered the deity valuable Diamond Sword, golden ornaments etc. This made her popular among their followers as well.
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Mooka kavi
“Mooka Kavi was dumb from birth; but obtaining the grace of Kamakshi he burst forth into exquisite poetry. He sang five hundred verses in praise of Sri Kamakshi in five satakas of 100 verses each. Muka Kavi means dumb (turned) poet. He used to go to Kanchi Kamakshi temple and prostrate before the statue of the goddess every day. One day he saw the goddess and suddenly started composing poems. He was one of the Kanchi Sankaracharyas.
According to Kanchi Mutt calculations Muka Sankara (398-437 CE) was the 20th Shankaracharya. He was the son of Vidyavati, an astronomer. He mastered Vedas after he became eloquent.
Matrugupta, King of Kashmir, and Pravarasena, all considered it a privilege to serve Sri Muka Sankara (Muka Kavi).
The Mooka Pancha Sathi (five hundred verses) is a celebrated Sanskrit devotional text composed by Muka Sankara in praise of Goddess Kamakshi of Kanchi.
The work is divided into five parts (or Shatakas), each containing exactly 100 verses:
Arya Satakam: Focuses on the physical beauty, grandeur, and divine grace of the Goddess, using the melodic Arya meter.
Padaravinda Satakam: Extols the divine, lotus-like feet of Goddess Kamakshi, emphasizing their power to grant salvation and peace.
Stuti Satakam: Comprises hymns of praise and surrender, deeply expressing the devotee’s reverence and reliance on the Goddess’s mercy.
Kataaksha Satakam: Describes the transformative and compassionate sidelong glance of Goddess Kamakshi, which removes sins and brings prosperity.
Mandasmitha Satakam: Details the enchanting and radiant smile of the Goddess, symbolizing her boundless grace and cosmic joy.
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Muchukunda
Very interesting stories are woven around a Choza king who was not recorded or documented in history. The Choza king Mucukunda is in the Puranas and Tamil literature. But history does not know him. From Kandhapurana and Silappadikaram commentaries we know the following details about him:
1.He helped Indra in defeating a demon. 2.Indra gave him a goblin (Bhuta) to protect his city. Later Chera took it to Vanji. 3.Mucukunda ruled from Pumpukar, Choza port city or Tiruvarur. 4.Mucukunda was an ardent devotee of Shiva. 5.He received several statues from Indra and installed them in and around Tiruvarur. 6.His face looked like a monkey (Musu = Monkey). 7.Mucukunda celebrated Indra Festival. He was very much into it. 8. A lot of Sthalapuranas have recorded Mucukunda’s role in local temples. He is connected with Tiruvarur, Tirumaraikkadu, Nagappatinam, Tirunallaru, Tirukkarayal, Tiruvaymur and Tirukkuvalai.
Following are the references from the Puranas and Tamil Epic Silappadikaram. Pumpukar was a port city in the Chola kingdom. The importance of Pukar was not long lived. Now part of it is under the sea– Bay of Bengal. Anticipating the forthcoming devastation of the city, ‘buta’ (goblin) at Butachahukkam, which was brought from Indra’s abode by Mucukunta, was removed to Vanji by the Chera king. Source : –Canto 28 commentary of Silappadikaram
Origin of Cholzas is shrouded in mystery. Pura Nanuru of Sangam literature and Silappadikaram of Post Sangam period praised Sibi Chakravarthy in many places as the forefather of the Chozas. Sibi ruled North West of India, far away from the Choza territory of Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Encyclopeadia Abidana Chintamani adds more interesting stories: Mucu means monkey and when he was born as a monkey in the Himalyas, he did offer Bilva leaves to Shiva. As a result of this Puja he was born as a son of Dilipa and Mangalvathy in the solar race found in Hindu Puranas. Then he married Vichitravathy and helped Indra in his fight against Vala. When Indra told him that he would give him a gift, Mucukundan wanted a particular Shiva idol from Indra. That was given to Indra by Vishnu. But Indra gave him a different idol. This happened six times and at last he got the idol he wanted. He installed all the idols in different temples in Thanjavur district. The main idol was installed in Tiruvarur.
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Mudagalya
Story of Mudgala is in Mahabharata, the longest epic in the world. Mudgala was a great sage. He ate only twice a month on Full Moon Day and New Moon Day. He used to gather grains from the field and cook it for his family. He lived with his wife Nalayani, his son and daughter in law. There may be many Rishis (seers) with this name; but the common belief is that the Maudgalya Brahmins came from this Vedic Rishi (sage).
Though Mudgala lived in poverty, he used to feed all the Brahmins, saints and others whoever came to him. He gleaned grains like a pigeon, but it never underwent diminution. This was a miracle like Akshaya patra (inexhaustible vessel) of Draupadi. Once sage Durvasa wanted to test his patience. He went in the disguise of a mendicant just before his fortnightly meals. Mudgala gave his share, but it did not satisfy the mendicant’s hunger. He demanded more and consumed all the food in the house. He returned after a fortnight and did the same- devoured all the available food. This happened six times. Mudgala never burst out in anger. He was happy to feed him.
Durvasa, the sage who was notorious for his anger, was extremely happy and revealed his identity. At the same time a messenger from the heaven came to take him to heaven in appreciation of his hospitality and generosity. He did not fall a prey for heavenly pleasures. He asked the messenger the benefits of going to heaven. Messenger told him that he would enjoy all the pleasures there as long as his merits are not exhausted. Once all the merits are used he would have to return to earth. Immediately he refused the offer and told him that he wanted to do more penance. He dismissed the messenger of the gods and began to practise ascetic virtues. He decided to go to the eternal abode where there is no sorrow, nor distress nor change. (3-216 Mbh).
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Mudra
BUDDHA SHOWING FIVE DIFFERENT MUDRAS
A mudra is a hand gesture with fingers pointing different directions or postures. The reason for having different postures is to channelize the body energy. Each Mudra brings or enhances certain type of energy in us.
All Hindu Gods show Mudra mostly Abhaya or Varada.
Mudras are used by Hindu priests differently. There is a book called ‘Mudra Vidanam’ giving a list of over 125 Mudras. A Brahmin who does Sandhyavandana ritual three times a day use Mudras as well. The Sanskrit slokas in the beginning of the book explain the significance of those Mudras. It says Mudras make the Devas (angels and gods) happy and it drives away the sins. The Devatas in charge of each Mantra (spell) are pleased with the Mudras. It also adds one should learn the Mudras used in Archana, Japa, Dhyana (Prayer and Meditation) Kamya Karmas (desire fulfilling rituals), Snanam , Avahanam (Bathing and Invoking), Prathista, Rakshanam and Naivedyam ( Installing, preserving and offering to god). The book classified Mudras under 11 titles and illustrated all Mudras with line drawings.
In the classical dance called Bharatanatyam, there are lot of Mudras called Karanas. They are used to express feelings and give different messages. The books about Mudras are in Sanskrit. There are 108 different Mudras shown on the tower of Chidambaram temple where the Lord of Dance Nataraja/Shiva appears in his dancing form. The dance Mudras are different from Yoga Mudras. The Tantric Mudras are different from these two categories.
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Muralidhara
Muralidhara (often spelled Muralidhar or Muralidhara) is a Sanskrit name meaning “the one who holds the flute.” [1, 2]
In Hindu mythology, it is one of the most popular epithets used for Lord Krishna, who is famously depicted as a cowherd boy enchanting the world by playing the divine melody on his flute (the murali).
Lord Skanda is called Murugan in Tamil.
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Muruga
Murugan means handsome one, beautiful.
He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
He is the younger brother of Ganesh .
His vehicle is peacock.
Skanda’s other names are Subrahmanya, Kartikeya, Shanmukha
Hindu gods like Ganesh, Murugan are shown with many hands, some with many heads.
He is the popular god with highest number of heads and hands.
He has six heads and 12 hands in Shanmuga form. Shanmukha means six faces. You may wonder why? If you are at school final level, please got to Level Two of Skanda Murugan.
In normal form, he is also shown as a child like Ganesa. He is Kumara (youth) or Bala kumara.
Subrahmanya means he possesses all the qualities of Brahman (god).
The name Kartikeya came to him because he was raised by six Krittika women personified as stars in the sky.
He was born in a grass land and so he is known as Saravana bhava.
Saravana is the name of the forest/grass land
We know that Ganesa is the head of Bhuta Ghana’s and in the same way Murugan is the Commander of the Divine Army. He killed Tarakasura and Sura pathman.
Skanda worship is very popular in Tamil speaking world. Tamils give Him a special status and so he is known as Tamil God.
They celebrate all his festivals with Kavadi. They carry it to the
Temple . A normal Kaavadi will have a long pole tied with two baskets on either side. Devotee s carry food and offerings to god in the attached pots or baskets. Later they constructed different shapes.
Another important thing is that his temples are mostly on top of hills or at the foot of the hills. There are six famous temples for him in Tamil Nadu
He married two women and they are Valli and Devasena (Deivaanai)
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Muladhara/m
Muladhara (the Root Chakra) is the first energy center in the body, located at the base of the spine. It governs your sense of stability, safety, and basic survival needs (like food and shelter). When balanced, you feel grounded and confident; when blocked, it can cause anxiety or fear.
Root Chakra (Mooladhara): The Gateway of Power
Sex Chakra (Svadhisthana): Overcoming Karma and Sensory Delusions
Navel Chakra (Manipuraka): The Seat of Power and Spiritual Mastery
Heart Chakra (Anahata): The Portal to Love and Divine Connection
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): The Repository of Karma and Truth
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): The Birthplace of Divine Wisdom
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Mulam star Mamular Tiru Mular
Mulam (also known as Moola) is the 19th lunar mansion in Vedic astrology, falling within the Sagittarius zodiac sign. Known as the “Foundation Star” or “Root Star,” it is symbolized by a tied bunch of roots and is governed by Ketu (the south lunar node) and the goddess Nirriti.
Mythological Association: It is frequently associated with Lord Hanuman’s birth star.
Literary references – Tiru Mular, Saivite saint of ninth century CE and Ma Mular of Sangam Tamil Literature are linked with Mulam star
The astronomical name of the Moolam star (or Moola Nakshatra) is Lambda Scorpii.
In modern astronomy, this refers to a multiple star system (primarily \(\lambda \) Scorpii) located in the tail of the Scorpius constellation
To be continued…………
Tags – Murugan, Moksha, Mookakavi, Modaa, Mulam star,HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 69; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-69
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Part 67
Mātaṅga (Sanskrit: मातंग) literally means an elephant.
MATANGA. ‘An elephant.’ A man who was brought up as a Brahman but was the son of a Chandala. His story, as told in the Mahabharata, relates that he was mercilessly goading an ass’s foal which he was driving. The mother ass, seeing this, tells her foal that she could expect no better, for her driver was no Brahman but a Chandala. Matanga, addressing the ass as ” most intelligent,” begged to know how this was, and was informed that his mother when intoxicated had received the embraces of a low-born barber, and that he, the offspring, was a Chandala and no Brahman. In order to obtain elevation to the position of a Brahman, he went through such a course of austerities as alarmed the gods. Indra refused to admit him. He persevered again for a hundred years, but still Indra persistently refused such an impossible request, and advised him to seek some other boon. Nothing daunted, he went on a thousand years longer, with the same result. Though dejected he did not despair but proceeded to balance himself on his great toe. He continued to do this for a hundred years, when he was reduced to mere skin and bone, and was on the point of falling. Indra went to support him, but inexorably refused his request, and, when further importuned, “gave him the power of moving about like a bird, and changing his shape at will, and of being honoured and renowned.” In the Ramayana, Rama and Sita visited the hermitage of Matanga near Rishyamukha mountain
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ME Words
Medathithi
Name of a Vedic seer in Kanwa clan. There is a legend in one of the Upanishads that he was carried up to heaven by Indra in the form of a ram, because the god had been pleased with his austerities.
He is compared with Ganymede of Greece who was abducted by the eagle of Zeus. His Phrygian cap denoting an eastern origin, and a river god.
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Medhavi
Son of rishi Baladhi. As a result of his father’s severe penances, he had obtained a boon that he wouldn’t die as long as the mountain remain standing. Thinking that he was immortal he became arrogant and illtreated other brahmana. At last rishi Dhanusaksha caused a ram to be born and this ram destroyed the mountain with its horns and thus brought an end to Medhavi’s life. This episode was related by Bharadwaja to his son Yavakrita to impress upon him that he who became arrogant came to grief in the end.
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Menaka
A beautiful apsaras whom Indra sent to earth to entice Vishwamitra rishi and distract him from his severe penances because Indra became concerned at the thought that Vishwamitra may accumulate too much merit and thus threaten his own security. Menaka appeared before him and seduced him. He lived with her for long and Menaka gave birth to Shakuntala .
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Mena
In the rig Veda Mena was the daughter of Vrishanaswa. Indra fell in love with here. In the puranas, wife of Himavat and mother of Uma and ganga and of a son named Mainaka .
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Meru
A fabulous mountain in the centre of the earth, on which is situated swarga, the heaven of Indra. It is north of Himalaya. It is depicted as north pole in some descriptions. Other names are Sumeru, Hemadri Ratnasaanu, Karnikaachala, Amaraadri, Deva Parvata .
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Mithila
Capital city of Videha, north Bihar. It was the country of king Janaka and the name of his capital Janakapura, now called Janakpur. Since Sita devi was born here she was called Mythili.
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Mlechcha
Foreigners, barbarians, people who came from out side india. Sangam tamil books also referred to them as people of harsh words “incomprehensible speech” or unintelligible accents; During medieval times, the term was frequently used to refer to Arab, Persian, and Muslim invaders who came into the subcontinent.
Mlecha in Mullaippattu:
In the200 year old Sangam Tamil literature we come across the word Mlecha in Mullaippaattu (line 66). Poet Napputhanar called the Yavanas as Mlechas. He described them as dumb who used only sign language. Lot of Roman or Greek bodyguards were used by the Tamil kings. Tamils called the Yavanas (Romans) ‘mlechas’ because they did not speak Tamil and they were from foreign soil.
Mlecha in Mahabharata: In the Adiparavam and Drona Parvam we come across the word Mlecha referring to an engineer (Purochana) who constructed the lac house and kings who fought in the Great Bharata War. They were all from the North West of India. Vidura was said to have spoken to him in the Mlecha language
Nigel Lewis observation on Mlecha in his book ‘The Book of Babel’ is very interesting. He says “the Greek equivalent of barbarians was Aglossoi, the speechless, while the Poles had the same idea about Germans, whom they called ‘niemiec’, the dumb people. The Turks got this word from the Poles and used it for the Austrians. Even Coleridge used it as nimiety with regard to Germans”.
“Commenting on the word vealh, oe wealh, the Barbarian British, or Welsh, Max Muller writes it is supposed to be the same as the Sanskrit mlekkha, and, if so, it meant originally a person who talks indistinctly. Mlekkah has also been identified with ‘Beluchi’: a strange area of probable common ground between Beluchistan and the principality of Wales, whose very name was an Anglo Saxon insult”.
“Also insulting was the now defunct nickname for the Jamaican Jabbering crow, it was called the Welshman because according to Edward Long ‘with their strange , noisy gabble of guttural sounds’… they are thought to have much the confused vociferation of a party of Welsh people”
-from ‘ The Book of Babel’
Mleccha (म्लेच्छ).—A tribe of people of ancient India. This tribe was born from the tail of the celestial cow Nandinī, kept by Vasiṣṭha for sacrificial purposes when there was a fight between Viśvāmitra and Vasiṣṭha. Mahābhārata gives the following information regarding them.
The mlecchas who sprang up from the tail of the celestial cow Nandinī sent the army of Viśvāmitra flying in terror. (Śloka 38, Chapter 174, Ādi Parva)
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Meganatha
Eldest Son of Ravana ; his epithet is Indrajit, one who conquered indra. His heroic acts were described in Ramayana.
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Meghaduta
Cloud messenger is the meaning. It is a celebrated work by Kalidasa. It is the oldest travelogue describing the beauty of central india and north India; it is the oldest meteorological work I Sanskrit about the progress of South West Monsoon. A banished yaksha implores the monsoon cloud to covey his message to his wife
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Mitra (Varuna)
Vedic god Mitra meant sun, positive energy and light. He is associated with Varuna in the Vedic hymns; there Varuna meant sea, darkness and negative energy. They were like positive and negative nodes in a battery. Both are required to produce heat or light or energy. Mitra was the ruler of the day and Varuna was the ruler of night. They together uphold and rule the earth and sky, guard the world, encourage religion, and chastise sin. Mitra was one of the Adityas or sons of Aditi. One more example for link is sun/Mtra draws sea water/Varuna and pours down as rain/ Indra that goes to Sea/Varuna.
Mitra is a Vedic god. He is associated with the Sun. Mitra is another name of Sun as well. This Vedic god was worshipped throughout the Roman empire 2000 years ago. At one time there were 700 temples for Mitra in Rome. The worship reached Rome from Iran in a degenerated form. Wherever the rule of the Romans was extended there the cult of Mitra was also practised. Even in London they have excavated one Mitra temple sixty years ago.
In London an inscription dated to 310 CE was discovered. It said, “For the salvation of our Lords, the four emperors and the Caesar, and to the God Mithras the invincible sun from the east to the west”. Most of the British Christian churches were built in the model of Mithraeums.
Mithra in Germany, Picture by Subhashini, THF
To be continued……………………..
Tags- HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 67; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-67 ,Mitra, Menaka, Medathithi
Bhagavad Gita and Brahmins’ Big Role! Purananuru wonders-30, Tamil Encyclopedia-70 (Post.15,807)
Written by London Swaminathan
Post No. 15,807
Date uploaded in London –30 May 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
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Purananuru wonders-30, Tamil Encyclopedia-70; One Thousand Interesting Facts -Part 70
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Item 553 Kural Echo in Puram verse 92
Here the Yaaz music and prattle of children are compared; Commentators say that shows the relationship between the poetess Avvai and chieftain Athiyaman. Valluvar’s Kural also says about this. But Valluvar says prattle of children is sweeter (only for their parents!) than instrumental music.
Kural 66
66.‘The flute is sweet, the lute is sweet’ say those who have never heard the pretty prattle of their little ones
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Puranānūru 92, Poet Avvaiyār sang to Athiyamān Nedumān Anji,
Little children’s babbling words are no match for yāzh music. Their tenses do not match, and they cannot be understood. Yet their fathers shower their graces on them.
O Nedumān Anji who has seized many enemy fortresses, their walls well-guarded! The words out of my mouth are just like that, because of your graces.
யாழொடும் கொள்ளா, பொழுதொடும் புணரா, பொருள் அறிவாராயினும் தந்தையர்க்கு அருள் வந்தனவால் புதல்வர் தம் மழலை, என் வாய்ச் சொல்லும் அன்ன, ஒன்னார் கடி மதில் அரண் பல கடந்து 5 நெடுமான் அஞ்சி, நீ அருளல்மாறே.
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Item 554 Brahmin’s Big Role
Throughout Sangam Tamil literature we see the big role played by the Brahmins. Brahmin (braahmana) poets contributed more than the poets from other castes (See Kapilar, Paranar, Nakkeerar, Rudrankannan, Perum Kausikan etc).
Here in Puram verse 93, a strange custom is referred to. Those kings who meet death by natural causes were also cut (symbolically) and then laid to rest, because they did not die in battle fields. This was done by the Brahmins who were well versed in Four Vedas. They spread the holy Darbha grass and placed the body of the kings and then did the ceremony. They recited the mantras and sent the king to heaven. Those who die in battlefield go to heaven directly according to Bhagavad Gita. Being ardent Hindus , Tamil kings also believed in it. In Puram verse 74 Chera King Kanaikkal Irumporai also mentioned it. We see Tamil kings performing Yagas like Rajasuyam, Asvamedam etc. We come across Yupam (Yaga Pole) in Purananuru poems.
Here are the Bhagavad Gita slokas for comparison
In Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains that a warrior (Kshatriya) who fights righteously fulfils their duty. He states that if you fall in battle, you will attain heaven (swarga), and if you are victorious, you will enjoy the earthly kingdom.
Krishna highlights this path in two specific verses:
Verse 2-32: Krishna describes the battlefield as an unsought opportunity that opens the doors to heaven.
Verse 2-37: Krishna directly tells Arjuna: “If you fight, you will either be slain on the battlefield and go to the celestial abodes [swarga], or you will gain victory and enjoy the kingdom on earth. Therefore arise with determination…
“O Partha (Arjuna), happy are the Kshatriyas (warriors) to whom such fighting opportunities come unsought, opening for them the doors of the heavenly planet
If you fight, you will either be slain on the battlefield and go to the celestial abodes, or you will gain victory and enjoy the kingdom on earth. Therefore arise with determination, O son of Kunti, and be prepared to fight.2-37
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Puranānūru 93, Poet Avvaiyār sang to Athiyamān Nedumān Anji,
With tightly strapped battle drums roaring, how can there be more victories to be won? Enemy kings who came could not stand against your foot soldiers. They scattered and ran.
The kings without pride killed by you avoided what would have been done to them, had they died naturally of disease, their bodies laid out on fine green grass by Brahmins who desire righteousness, who know the four Vedas, who chant, “Go where the great warriors with splendid war anklets go, those who have died in battles with bravery as their crutch,” and forgetting any love they had for them, they would have cut their bodies with swords to escape the dishonor of being buried.
But you are a great man who fights harsh battles, shattering the battlefield around you, as noble elephants fall down, the juices of their musth flowing into their mouths where bees hum, and you have good battle wounds!
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புறநானூறு93,பாடியவர்: ஔவையார்,பாடப்பட்டோன்: அதியமான் நெடுமான் அஞ்சி,திணை: வாகை,துறை: அரச வாகை திண்பிணி முரசம் இழுமென முழங்கச் சென்று அமர் கடத்தல் யாவது? வந்தோர் தார் தாங்குதலும் ஆற்றார், வெடிபட்டு, ஓடல் மரீஇய பீடு இல் மன்னர் நோய்ப்பால் விளிந்த யாக்கை தழீஇக், 5 காதல் மறந்து அவர் தீது மருங்கு அறுமார், அறம் புரி கொள்கை நான்மறை முதல்வர் திறம் புரி பசும் புல் பரப்பினர் கிடப்பி, “மறம் கந்து ஆக நல் அமர் வீழ்ந்த நீள் கழல் மறவர் செல்வுழிச் செல்க” என 10 வாள் போழ்ந்து அடக்கலும் உய்ந்தனர் மாதோ, வரி ஞிமிறு ஆர்க்கும் வாய் புகு கடாஅத்து அண்ணல் யானை அடு களத்து ஒழிய, அருஞ்சமம் ததைய நூறி, நீ பெருந்தகை விழுப்புண் பட்டமாறே. 15
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Item 555 Elephant Simile
Here in Puram verse 94 poetess Avvai compared the king to an elephant in rut and an elephant not in rut.
This contrast is seen by us in Rudra and Siva, Uma and Kali.
Two sides of every one of us. When a father is happy the child plays on his back. When the same dad is angry, the child runs away and hides behind its mother.
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Puranānūru 94, Poet Avvaiyār sang to Athiyamān Nedumān Anji,
To us, you are sweet, O Greatness, like a huge bull elephant that relaxes in the town’s bathing port since children wash its white tusks!
But to your enemies, you are harsh, like the harshness of that elephant which is unapproachable when it is in rut!
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புறநானூறு94,பாடியவர்: ஔவையார்,பாடப்பட்டோன்: அதியமான் நெடுமான் அஞ்சி,திணை: வாகை,துறை: அரச வாகை ஊர்க் குறுமாக்கள் வெண்கோடு கழாஅலின், நீர்த் துறை படியும் பெருங்களிறு போல, இனியை பெரும எமக்கே, மற்று அதன் துன் அருங்கடாஅம் போல, இன்னாய் பெரும நின் ஒன்னாதோர்க்கே. 5
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Item 556 Sarcasm
Ancient Tamil poets were bold like Vedic Rishis (seers). They can go to any country; they can praise or criticise a king without fear. They were very bold and used sarcastic remarks too. Here in poem 95, we see poetess Avvai making sarcastic remarks to Chieftain Thondaiman who showed her, his brand new ,shining weapons beautifully decorated inside the armoury. Avvai said your enemy’s weapons are blunt because he fought many wars. Thondaiman had no such battle experience!
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Puranānūru 95, Poet Avvaiyār sang to Thondaimān for Athiyamān Nedumān Anji, Thinai: Pādān, Thurai: Vāl Mangalam Here, these spears are adorned with peacock feathers and decorated with garlands, their strong, thick shafts anointed with ghee and they are in perfect condition, in this palace that is guarded.
There, they are in the small blacksmith’s shed, his sharp spears, their blade tips broken by piercing enemies. When he has plenty, he gives food. Even when he does not have enough, he shares and eats what he has, our noble king, a leader to those who do not have.
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புறநானூறு95,பாடியவர்: ஔவையார்,பாடப்பட்டோன்: அதியமான் நெடுமான் அஞ்சி,திணை: பாடாண்,துறை: வாள் மங்கலம் இவ்வே பீலி அணிந்து, மாலை சூட்டிக், கண் திரள் நோன் காழ் திருத்தி, நெய் அணிந்து கடி உடை வியன் நகர், அவ்வே அவ்வே, பகைவர்க் குத்திக் கோடு நுதி சிதைந்து, கொல் துறைக் குற்றில மாதோ, என்றும் 5 உண்டாயின் பதம் கொடுத்து, இல்லாயின் உடன் உண்ணும், இல்லோர் ஒக்கல் தலைவன், அண்ணல் எம் கோமான், வைந்நுதி வேலே.
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Item 557
In Puram verses 96,97,98 we see some usual praises on Athiyaman and his son Pokuttezini. He looked very handsome. Athiyaman was compared to Yama, God of death, because he kept on killing his enemies. Using white mustard seed smoke to drive away the ghosts is also mentioned.
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Item 558
Athiyamans came from Noth India with Sugarcane.
Once again we come across some information about the ancestors of Athiyaman. They were Ikshvakus (Sanskrit word for sugarcane people) who brought sugarcane cultivation to Tamil Nadu. They did Vedic ceremonie sand brought sugarcane cultivation to Tamil Nadu,according to Avvaiyar. Since Sugar cane is discovered in Harappa and Mohanja Daro, Ikshwakus must be older than Indus Valley people. Puranas give 140 ++ generations before Mauryas. Even if we give 20 years for a king we can place Ikshwakus around 3100 BCE corresponding to Hindu Kali Yuga. That shows Ikshwakus as part of Indus- Saraswati River Civilization.
Fifteen years ago, I posted this matter here in my two blogs Please see the attached article.
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Puranānūru 99, Poet Avvaiyār sang to Athiyamān Nedumān Anji, Thinai: Vākai, Thurai: Arasa Vākai Like your ancestors of ancient tradition who served the gods and offered oblations to secure the gift that is hard to obtain, sugarcane for this land, and rolled the wheel of their power around this world surrounded by ocean, you inherited by right the beautiful gold warrior anklets you wear on your legs, the garland of dark palmyra, gardens with abundance of flowers, tall spears with fresh flesh, seven royal symbols, and your rightful kingship to the land.
Not satisfied with these, you advanced against seven kings with strength, their battle drums roaring, and won. Singers could not sing to you at that time. Now Paranan has sung of you and about your strong hands that held the discus that destroyed forts and strong, hostile Kōvalūr.
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புறநானூறு99,பாடியவர்: ஔவையார்,பாடப்பட்டோன்: அதியமான் நெடுமான் அஞ்சி,திணை: வாகை,துறை: அரச வாகை அமரர்ப் பேணியும், ஆவுதி அருத்தியும், அரும் பெறல் மரபின் கரும்பு இவண் தந்தும், நீர் அக இருக்கை ஆழி சூட்டிய தொல் நிலை மரபின் நின் முன்னோர் போல, ஈகை அம் கழற்கால் இரும் பனம் புடையல், 5 பூ ஆர் காவின் புனிற்றுப் புலால் நெடுவேல் எழு பொறி நாட்டத்து எழாஅத் தாயம் வழு இன்று எய்தியும் அமையாய் செரு வேட்டு, இமிழ் குரல் முரசின் எழுவரொடு முரணிச் சென்று அமர் கடந்து நின் ஆற்றல் தோற்றிய 10 அன்றும் பாடுநர்க்கு அரியை, இன்றும் பரணன் பாடினன் மற்கொல், மற்று நீ முரண் மிகு கோவலூர் நூறி நின் அரண் அடு திகிரி ஏந்திய தோளே.
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The Sugarcane Mystery: Indus valley and the Ikshvaku
Dynasty
Written by London Swaminathan
Posted date-November 19, 2011
Ikshvaku was the founder of the Solar Dynasty. Lord Sri Rama, Bhageeratha and other great kings of the solar dynasty are well known to the Hindus. What is interesting is that we get more and more evidence to link him with the Indus Valley Civilisation, first Jain Thirthankara, Rishabadeva, the Rik Veda and a Tamil king called Adhiyamaan.
Ikshvaku was mentioned in Rik Veda. The meaning of his name is SUGARCANE. The plant sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is mentioned in the Atharva Veda. Ayurvedic authors Charaka and Susruta mentioned the sugarcane in many places. The word ‘sugar’ and the words for sugar in other European languages came from the Sanskrit word ‘Sharkara’. Columbus introduced the sugarcane to the Americas in 1439. Arabs took it from India to other parts of Asia around 8th century AD.
Encyclopaedias say that the people of New Guinea were the first to cultivate sugarcane around 6000 BC. But they did not extract sugar from it. They just chewed it to get the juice out of it. But King Ikshvaku was the first one to show the people of extracting sugar from the sugarcane. That is how he got this name Mr Sugarcane.
Who was Ikshvaku?
Ikshvaku was the son of Vaivasvata Manu who is equated with the King Satyavrata of Dravidian country in whose time the first avatar of Lord Vishnu- Matsyavatara (Fish incarnation) – took place. So all the facts lead us to the remotest period. Ikshvaku was more famous for his just rule rather than sugarcane juice.
Jains have another interesting story about the sugarcane. Their first Thirthankara Rishabadeva (Adi Nath) was the one who taught the people of extraction of sugarcane juice. So he was known as Ikshvaku. Another version is that he took sugarcane juice after a year of fasting. Both the Hindu and Jain Ikshvakus are probably one and the same.
Indus Valley civilisation has evidence to show that they knew sugarcane and sugar extraction. Crystallised sugar was used by the Indus Valley people. Hindu Gods and Goddesses such as Lalitha (Ref. Lalitha Sahasranamam), Kamakshi, Tripura Sundari and the Hindu Cupid Manmatha are depicted holding a sugarcane in one hand. The Sanskrit word Sharkara and these Hindu goddesses prove that sugarcane was very much Hindu and Indian.
Tamil King Adhiyamaan Nedumaan Anji
Another interesting fact about sugarcane is in Tamil literature. The word for sugarcane in Tamil is ‘Karumbu’.The grand old lady of Tamil literature Avvaiyar praised chieftain Adhiyamaan Nedumaan Anji of Thagadur (modern Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu) for his philanthropy in Puranaanuru verse 99. Avvaiyar lived two thousand years ago. While praising him she made a passing remark. She said that the forefathers of Adhiyamaan were the one who introduced sugarcane to the people. If we get all these facts together we get a good picture of sugarcane cultivation in India. Ikshvaku or Rishabadeva was the one who taught people how to get the juice and make sugar. But if Indus valley had it by 3000 BC then we had to push the date of Ikshvaku dynasty or Rishabadeva to 3000 BC as well. Tamils also say indirectly that Adhiyamaan was related to him. The South Indian Tamils corroborate what their North Indian counterparts said about the sugarcane. The idea that it was ‘introduced’ by some king is undeniable. The sugarcane mystery pushes back the date of Ikshvaku dynasty and the Jain Thirthankara to the remotest periods of Indian history.
Other Sanskrit words for sugarcane are Mahashira, Mahapushpaka and for jaggery ‘Gur’ or ‘Gud’ (Tamil word Vellam).
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
Tamil version will be posted tomorrow
Bangkok Mariamman Temple
MARIYAMMAN
Hindu Goddess worshipped in Tamil Nadu. She is the goddess of rain, prosperity, and healing. Mariamman is a manifestation of the goddess – Parvati, an incarnation embodying Mother Earth with all her terrifying force. She protects her devotees from unholy or demonic events. Hindu migrant workers have erected her temples around the world, particularly in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, South Africa and other countries. Even in UK, there are three temples dedicated to her. When ever there is an outbreak of diseases such as small pox devotees vow to offer her body parts in silver or walk on fire in Fire Walking Ceremonies. Neem tree leaves are hung around the fire pots the devotees carry during festivals. Madurai Mari Amman temple is one of the famous temples with a big tank opposite it.
In some towns devotees suspend themselves in ropes and an iron hook through the flesh of the back and whirled around a pole. Villagers believe she can cause diseases and eradicate diseases. They offer her Rice Pongal or Rice Gruel. High caste Hindus offer her Maa Vilakku= sweet flour with ghee lamp in the middle. In each village same ceremonies are done to local goddesses with different names. Some local anecdotes or incidents are linked to her.
Foreigners who could not understand the ceremonies have used wrong words to describe her.
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MARMA STHANA
Marma sthaana refers to vital points in the body that are crucial for health and well-being, as detailed in Shilpashastra, Ayurveda, and scientific perspectives. These locations, often associated with critical biological functions, are marked by their vulnerability; injury to them can lead to serious consequences such as deformity or death. Marma sthaana also means excretory organs in common parlour.
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Marichi
A spark of fire; मरीच्य इव निष्पेतु- रग्नेर्धूमाकुलार्चिषः (marīcya iva niṣpetu- ragnerdhūmākulārciṣaḥ) Rām.1.56.18.
-ciḥ 1 Name of a Prajāpati, one of the ten patriarchs created by the first Manu, or one of the ten mindborn sons of Brahman; he was father of Kaśyapa.
He married Kala , the daughter of Kardama rishi by Devahuti . Kashyapa was his son.
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Markandeya with Siva; Yama is kicked away by Lord Siva.
Markandeya
Mārkaṇḍeya (मार्कण्डेय) the son of Sage Mṛkaṇḍu was born to a couple when they propitiated Śiva with their prayers. At the time of granting them their wish, Shiva offered them two choices, a son who would be wealthy, powerful and long lived, but of ill character, or a son who would be virtuous, but who will die when he turns sixteen. The Brahmana asked for a son who would be virtuous. The Lord granted the boon and disappeared. The young Mārkaṇḍeya was not only extremely intelligent but also a great devotee of Śiva. When Yama, God of Death came to take his life at the age of sixteen, he was praying to Shiva as usual. He hugged Shiva Linga when he saw Yama with terrible appearance. When Yama tried to pull him away from Shiva’s statue, Lord Shiva himself came out and kicked Yama away. Lord Shiva told Yama that he will remain Sixteen for ever. There is a Purana called Markandeya Purana detaining the story.
Pronunciation- maarkandeya.
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Marut
Vedic God of storm. Vedas say that Maruts are sons of Rudra.
The storm gods hold a very prominent place in the Vedas and they are represented as friends and allies of Indra. Various origins are assigned to them. They are sons of Rudra, brothers of Indra and and sons of ocean and earth. They are armed with lightnings and thunderbolts, and ride on the whirlwind and direct the storm. The number of them is said in one place to be thrice sixty and in another only 27.
In Ramayana, they are represented to have their origin in an unborn son of Diti, whom Indra dashed into 49 pieces with his thunderbolt and in compassion converted them into Maruts. They have obtained their name from the words maa roadih , weep not, which Indra addressed to them.
One more view is Siva and Parvati beheld them in great affliction and Parvati asked Siva to transform the lumps into boys; he accordingly made them boys of like form, like age, and similarly accounted, and gave them to Parvati as her sons, whence they are called the sons of Rudra.
The world of the Maruts, called Maaruta, is the appointed heaven of Vaisyas. The god of the wind, and regent of the north west quarter. Maruti , Anjaneya is related to the word Wind/Marut
Puranic Story: Marut (मरुत्).—Fortynine in number, born of Diti and Kaśyapa; seven in each of the seven vātaskandhas; brothers of Indra and participators in sacrifices;1 when Diti conceived a son to be the slayer of Indra, the latter began to serve her throughout her pregnancy. Once finding that she did not keep to her vows he entered her womb and cut the foetus into 49 pieces, when they cried. He said to them mā ruda and hence māruta: being divine, were born as 49 sons: at the request of their mother Indra made them a Devagaṇa, called Marutgaṇa
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Maruti– Another name of Anjaneya/ Hanuman. Son of Vayu Deva.
See Hanuman and Anjaneya
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MARUTHAM MANTHA/ CHANDA
Maarutham is wind or Breeze. Mantha Marutham is the southern breeze coming from Malaya Mountain (part of Western Ghats/ Sahyadri. Chanda Marutham is gale fore wind.
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Matali – maatali
Charioteer of Indra. World’s first pilot of Space Shuttle.
He came down to earth to escort Arjuna to Swarga/heaven and then return him to earth after five years. He is the first pilot of space shuttle in literature. During Arjuna’s stay in swarga/heaven it was Matali who showed him celestial places. Arjuna’s space travel is in Vana Parva of Mahabharata.
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MATHA/ MUTT
Religious centres where the head of a particular sect lives. Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt in Tamil Nadu and Sringeri Mutt in Karnataka and Ahobilam Mutt in Andhra Pradesh are very famous. In Tamil Nadu, Adeenams are Mutts of Saivite saints . Vaishnavites have Jeeyar Mutts. All these Mutts have branches in different parts of the country. Pujas and worship happen everyday in the popular Mutts. In Tamil they are called Matam.
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Matsya Avatara
Matsyāvatāra (मत्स्यावतार).—the first of the ten incarnations of Viṣṇu; (during the reign of the seventh Manu, the whole earth, which, had become corrupt was swept away by a flood, and all living beings perished except the pious Manu and the seven sages who were saved by Viṣṇu in the form of a fish.
Matsya means Fish; in Tamilized form it is Machcha. Lord Vishnu’s first Avatar/incarnation. This story is in various religions as Nova or Flood Story etc.
Name of a country as well in ancient India.
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Matsya purana
It gives the story of fish incarnation of lord Vishnu. it has about 15,000 slokas/couplets. Many of its chapters are same as the parts of Vishnu and Padma Puranas.
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Maya
A Daitya who was the architect of the Asuras and as Viswakarma as the architect of the Devas.
Maya was the son of Viprachitti and father of Vajra karma and Mandodari, wife of Ravana.The Mahabharata speaks of a palace he built for the Pandavas. In Hari-vamsa he appears frequently both as victor and vanquished in contests with the Gods.
Story in Mahabharata
When Khandava forest was being burnt by Arjuna and Krishna with the help of Agni, Maya sought and received protection from Arjuna. To show his gratitude he built the central court of Yudhisthira’s new capital Indraprastha; the court was unparalleled in beauty and architectural skill. It was to this court Duryodhana was invited later at the time of Yudhithira’s Rajasuya Yajna and where Duryodhana mistook the highly polished marble floors for water and vice versa bringing ridicule upon himself. Draupadi with her companions, watched it from the balcony , laughed, which hurt Duryodhana very much. He revenged upon her by disrobing her IN public assembly when Pandavas lost everything including her in the gambling.
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Maya- mayaa
Illusion, deception.
Illusion personified as a female form of celestial origin, created fro the beguiling some individual. Goddess Durga is also called Mahaa Maayaa or Maayaa Devi. The name shows that she is capable of destabilising even people of wisdom, if they do even a single mistake.
Om jñānināmapi cetāṁsi devī bhagavatī hi sā balādākr̥ṣya mohāya mahāmāyā prayacchati
Meaning: “Even the minds of the wise are forcibly drawn by the Goddess Bhagavati—the Great Maya—and led into delusion.”- says Durga Saptasati/ Devi Mahatmya.
Adi Shankara frequently used this word in his propagation oof Advaita. He said seeing a rope as a snake is Maayaa/illusion.
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Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat, located on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, India, is one of the oldest and holiest cremation grounds in Hinduism. It operates 24/7, with hundreds of pyres burning continuously as families gather to cremate their deceased with the belief that it grants eternal liberation (Moksha).
Location: Situated in the Kashi region of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Operation: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Visitors typically observe the process from a boat on the Ganges River or from designated safe vantage points onshore.
Costs: For those arranging a cremation, costs range from ₹4,000 to ₹20,000 depending on wood quality and specific rituals.
The ghat is named after Sati’s (a Hindu goddess) earring, which is believed to have fallen there.
The Eternal Flame: According to tradition, the main funeral pyre has been continuously burning for over 3,000 years.
The Dom Community: The cremation rituals are traditionally overseen and managed by the local Dom community, who prepare the bodies and maintain the sacred fires
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Mayadevi – maayaadevi-
Māyādevī (मायादेवी).—Name of the mother of Buddha.
The Maya Devi Temple refers to one of the sacred or popular destinations of Lumbini (Rupandehi District, Nepal).—Description of the Maya Devi Temple: This UNESCO world heritage site is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), the son of King Suddhodhana, the once ruler of the ancient kingdom of Kapilvastu, and his Queen Maya Devi. The queen gave birth here in the garden of Lumbini Park, while on her way home, holding onto a branch of a Sal tree. Today, this site is where the Maya Devi temple stands. There is an older temple structure under the current building. A few years ago, ancient tree roots dating to the 6th century BCE were found in the temple, which correlates to the story of how Queen Maya gave birth to Buddha.
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Mayavati- maayaavati
Māyāvatī (मायावती).—An incarnation of Ratidevī. An asura named Śambara made her his wife. But Pradyumna, son of Kṛṣṇa, carried her away to Dvārakā.
Māyāvatī (मायावती).—Rati in her former birth: when her husband was burnt by śiva, she was reborn as the superintendent of Śambara’s kitchen. Hearing from Nārada that Pradyumna was Kāma and that he was thrown into sea by Śambara and swallowed by a fish and was brought to her kitchen, she nursed him lovingly and when he came of age, she spoke the truth and taught him mahāmāyā vidyā with which he killed Śambara: She took him by air to Kṛṣṇa and was rejoiced to become the daughter-in-law of Kṛṣṇa and Rukmiṇī.*
To be continued……………………
Tags—Mayadevi, Mayavati, Manikarnika, Markandeya, Mariamman, HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 65; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-65
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
Maitreyi
Maitreyī (मैत्रेयी).—Wife of the sage Yājñavalkya. She was one of the most learned and virtuous women in ancient India. There are innumerable references to her in the Purāṇa.
This shows the status of women in Vedic days. About 3000 years ago, they competed with men in attaining spiritual glory. Gargi Vachaknavi was her contemporary. She questioned Yajnavalkya in the Philosophers conference.
Maitreyi and Yajnavalkya are significant characters from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad who engage in a philosophical dialogue. Maitreyi questions Yajnavalkya about the nature of immortality, prompting a profound exchange about the Self and reality. Their conversation highlights key teachings on love and renunciation, illustrating the depth of Vedantic philosophy. This interaction not only emphasizes the quest for knowledge but also the importance of understanding the essence of existence and the relationship between love and spiritual enlightenment.
Maitreyi and Katyayani, the two wives of Yajnavalkya, are significant figures in Vedanta and Dharmashastra. Maitreyi is renowned for her philosophical discussions about Brahman, embodying a deep intellectual engagement, while Katyayani represents a more traditional and feminine perspective. Together, they illustrate the dual aspects of Yajnavalkya’s life, blending his domestic responsibilities with profound philosophical inquiry, showcasing the complementary roles women play in both personal and spiritual realms.
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Malayadwaja Pandya / Meenakshi
Malayadhvaja Pandya (Tamil: மலயத்வஜ பாண்டியன் n), is a legendary king of Madurai and ruler of the Pandya Empire. He is mentioned in the Hindu epic Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana. His queen consort is Kanchanamalai. He is the father of the goddess and queen of Madurai, Meenakshi. Tiruvilaiyatal Puranam written by two different authors give his full story.
According to a legend found in the Tamil text Tiruvilaiyadal Puranam, the childless Malayadhvaja Pandya and his wife Kanchanamala perform ninety-nine ashvamedha yajnas to propitiate the gods, seeking a son for the succession. However, a three-year-old girl emerged from the yajna fire, bearing three breasts, upon the lap of the queen.
A heavenly voice stated that the royal couple should treat her like a son, and that she would lose the third middle breast when she met her future husband. The girl is named Taḍātakai, and she is renamed Meenakshi by Sage Agastya during her ascension of the throne. She won many kings in the battles and at last when she met Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva), Meenakshi’s third breast disapered, and she recognised him as her groom. Returning to Madurai, Meenakshi married Shiva, who adopted the title of Sundara Pandya, with Vishnu offering her hand in marriage.
During the Kurukshetra War, Malayadhvaja Pandya sided with the Pandavas and was killed by Ashwatthama .
Meenakshi’s Tamil name is Ankayarkanni (translation of Sanskrit Meena+ Akshi= Fish like eyes). The name is used by Tiru Gnana Sambandar who visited Madurai 1400 years ago.
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Malavikagnimitram
Kalidasa,the celebrated Sanskrit poet and dramatist, wrote three plays – Abhigyana Shakuntalam, Vikramovarshiyam and Malavikagnimitram.
Malvikagnimitram is a 5 Act play about the love-story of King Agnimitra of Vidisha and Malavika, who is the maid to the chief Queen Dharini. He falls in love with her when he sees her portrait. His childhood friend Gautam (Vidushak – court entertainer) is his partner who helps him to get her. Gautam and Malavika’s friend, a fellow handmaiden Bakulavalika, help the couple avert the wrath of the queens Dharini and Iravati.
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Manas
English word Mind is derived from this Sanskrit word. Tamils used it from earliest times.
Manas (मनस्).—n. [manyate’nena man karaṇe asun]
1) The mind, heart, understanding, perception, intelligence; as in सुमनस्, दुमर्नस् (sumanas, dumarnas) &c.
2) (In phil.) The mind or internal organ of perception and cognition, the instrument by which objects of sense affect the soul; (in Nyāya phil. manas is regarded as a Dravya or substance, and is distinct from ātman or the soul);
3) Conscience, the faculty of discrimination or judgment.
6) Will, wish, desire, inclination; in this sense मनस् (manas) is frequently used with the infinitive form with the final म् (m) dropped, and forms adjectives; 5.4; cf. काम (kāma).
7) Reflection (dhyāna); मनसा जपैः प्रणतिभिः प्रयतः समुपेयिवानधिपतिं स दिवः (manasā japaiḥ praṇatibhiḥ prayataḥ samupeyivānadhipatiṃ sa divaḥ) Kirātārjunīya 6.22.
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Mandilam/ mandalam
Maṇḍala (मण्डल).— Round, circular; circular array of troops.
A division of the Ṛgveda (the whole collection being divided into 10 Maṇḍalas or eight Aṣṭakas). The halo round the sun or moon.
Timeor Period: While 41 days is standard, the duration can sometimes range from 40 to 48 days, depending on the specific tradition or astrological calculations. It is most famously observed as Mandala Vratham by devotees of Lord Ayyappa preparing for their pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Devotees observing a fasting period (Deeksha) for the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada typically undertake a highly auspicious 41-day or 45-day yatra. This penance is generally performed in the lead-up to the grand Dasara (Navaratri) festival
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Mandhata
2000 year old Sangam Tamil literature says Choza kings were descendants of Sibi of Solar Dynasty. Later inscriptions clearly mentioned Mandata and Muchukunda.
King Mandhata (Sanskrit: Māndhātṛ) is a legendary Chakravarti emperor of the Solar Dynasty (Suryavamsa) and a direct ancestor of Lord Rama. Revered in Puranas like the Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana, he is celebrated for conquering the entire world and his unwavering devotion to Dharma.
The Puranas and the epic Mahabharata detail several fascinating legends about his extraordinary life and lineage: Miraculous Birth: His father, King Yuvanashva, was childless. After mistakenly drinking a magic potion meant to make his queen pregnant, Yuvanashva himself gave birth to the child through his side. Because the father had no milk, Lord Indra offered his thumb for the baby to suckle. The gods named him Mandhata, meaning “He shall suck me”. He married Bindumati, the daughter of the Yadava king Shashabindu. They had three famous sons—Purukutsa, Ambarisha, and Muchukunda—and fifty daughters who all married the sage Saubhari. Muchukunda story is in Mahabarata.
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Mangaladevi/Kannaki Temple
The Mangaladevi Temple, located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Idukki, Kerala, opens to devotees once a year for the Chitra Pournami celebrations in April or May. This 1,000-year-old temple, built from granite and situated at an altitude of 1,337 meters, honours the deity Mangaladevi, also known as Kannaki.
Mangaladevi, the heroine of the Tamil epic Silapathikaram, symbolizes moral power and justice. The temple was established by the ancient Tamil king Cheran Chenguttuvan in her honour, commemorating her legendary act of burning the city of Madurai to avenge her husband’s wrongful death.
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Mangala sutra
The auspicious strig worn by the bride at her wedding. In the south it is called Thaali. A married woman prizes it more than any other ornament and is divested of it only on the death of her husband.
Tamil women also had it according to Sangam Tamil literature. It is called Seyizai or Aniyizai in Tamil.
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Mangalyadharana
Wearing of the Mangala Sutra or maangalya suutra during the marriage ceremony .
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Manipallavam
Identified with an island in Sri Lanka. Nainativu (Tamil: நயினாதீவு ) is a small but notable island off the coast of the Jaffna Peninsula in the Northern Province, Sri Lanka. The name of the island alludes to the inhabitants, the Naga people. It is home to the Hindu Nagapooshani Amman Temple.
Historians note the island is mentioned in the ancient Tamil epic Manimekalai where it was mentioned as Manipallavam (Tamil: மணிபல்லவம்). Ptolemy, a Greek cartographer, described the islands around the Jaffna Peninsula Nagadiba (Naga Dwipa) in the first century CE.
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Manisapanchakam
Manisha Panchakam is a set of five profound verses composed by the Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. It distils the core principles of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism)—teaching that the same divine consciousness exists in all beings, regardless of social standing, caste, or creed.
While walking to the Vishwanatha temple, in Kasi/Varanasi, Shankaracharya—who strictly upheld traditional caste structures at the time—asked a passing chandala (an outcast/sweeper) to move out of his path. The outcaste responded by profoundly questioning Shankaracharya: How can one physical body tell another to move away when the same universal consciousness resides equally in both? Stung and awakened by this wisdom, Shankaracharya realized the sweeper was Lord Shiva in disguise. He bowedto the outcaste and composed these five verses in response.
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Manmatha / Madana/ Maran
1) Cupid, the god of love; मन्मथो मां मथ्नन्निजनाम सान्वयं करोति (manmatho māṃ mathnannijanāma sānvayaṃ karoti) Daśakumāracarita 1; Meghadūta 75;
Long ago an Asura named Tāraka, who was proud of his invincible might, was causing much havoc and terror in the whole world. Even the gods were afraid of him because he had received a boon that Śiva’s son alone was capable of killing him. It was the time when Pārvatī, the daughter of Himavān, was performing a penance praying that Parameśvara should become her husband. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Indra sent Kāma to rouse the passion of love in Śiva’s mind. Kāma reached Śiva’s seat and tried to stir up his passions. Śiva who was enraged at this, opened his third eye blazing with fire. Kāma was. burnt to ashes in that fire. The place where Kāma’s body (Aṅga) fell, came to be called “Aṅgarājya”. Since he lost his body, Kāmadeva got another name “Anaṅga”. (Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. Bāla Kāṇḍa, Chapter 23).
His wife was Rathi and his flag was Makaradwaja. Ancient Tamil literature also mentioned him. Other names- Makaraketanan, Makatradwajan, Maran
Also,Manmatha (मन्मथ) refers to the twenty-ninth of the sixty-year cycle of Jupiter, according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 8).
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Mantra
A mantra is a sacred sound, word, or phrase repeated to aid concentration in meditation, calm the mind, or shift your mindset. The word originates from Sanskrit, combining manas (mind) and tra (tool)—literally translating to a “tool for the mind”.
Sacred sounds or phrases (like the Hindu syllable Om) believed to carry spiritual power and vibrational energy. Words repeated to boost motivation or shift mental states (e.g., “I am capable,” “This too shall pass”).
Most Popular mantra found in all the four Vedas is Gayatri Mantra.
Modern usage: A core principle, watchword, or phrase frequently repeated by organizations or individuals (e.g., “Quality first”)
Jaggi Vasudev explains: Mantra means a sound. Today, modern science sees the whole existence as a vibration. Where there is a vibration, there is bound to be a sound. So that means, the whole existence is a kind of sound, or a complex amalgamation of sounds – the whole existence is an amalgamation of multiple mantras. Of these, a few mantras or a few sounds have been identified, which could be like keys. If you use them in a certain way, they become a key to open up a different dimension of life and experience within you.
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Mantra Akshata
Unbroken rice grains that are imbued with the power of mantras are called Mantraaksata. Such rice grains mixed with turmeric powder and kunkuma are received with the blessings of Vedic scholars to the chanting of mantras.
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Mantra pushpa
There are sixteen different constituents in the worship of any deity: these are called sodosopacara. The fifteenth upacara is Mantra pushpa. In this, flowers are offered to the God with the chanting of Mantras. There is also a mantra pushpa associated with the honouring of an ascetic.
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Mantravadin/ Mantrika
One who recites mantras; one who tries to cure diseases with the chanting of mantras; an exorcist or a sorcerer. Maantrika means the same
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Manvantara
The regnal period of a Manu.
Manvantara (मन्वन्तर).—Kalpa, Manvantara and Caturyuga. The Prapañca (universe) is perishable. At one time, it takes its origin, at another time it perishes. Brahmā, the creator of the universe has birth and death. The period between the birth and death of a Brahmā is known as a “Mahākalpa”. The flood that comes at the death of a Brahmā is called “Mahāpralaya”. One day of Brahmā is called Kalpakāla. In the Purāṇas one Kalpa or one day of Brahmā is divided into fourteen parts. The master or ruler of each of these divisions is a Manu. There are fourteen Manus. The life span of each Manu is called a “Manvantaram”.
One thousand Mahayuga constitute the regnal period of the 14 Manus put together.
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Manu
Manu (मनु) refers to:—Universal rulers, lawgivers, and progenitors. Fourteen Manus appear in each day of Brahmā. The present Manu is Vaivasvata Manu.
A generic name for any of the fourteen universal rulers also known as Manvantara-avataras, who appear in each day of Lord Brahmā.
Their names are
1. Svāyambhuva;
2. Svārociṣa;
3. Uttama;
4. Tāmasa;
5. Raivata;
6. Cākṣusa;
7. Vaivasvata;
8. Savarṇi;
9. Dakṣasāvarṇi;
10.Brahmasāvarṇi;
11.Dharmasāvarṇi;
12.Rudrasāvarṇi;
13.Devasāvarni;
14.Indrasāvarṇi.
We have lot of references to Manu from the Rig Vedic times. It is no the name of a single individual.
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Manu Smriti
The Manusmriti contains exactly 2,684 verses (slokas) distributed across 12 chapters.
Manusmṛti (मनुस्मृति).is a code of conduct written by Manu; he was the father of man-kind . The book contains twelve chapters. The first chapter deals with the origin of the Smṛti and the origin of the world. No other
Certain historians believe it to have been written down around 200 C.E. under the reign of Pushymitra Sunga of Sangha clan.
Over fifty manuscripts of the Manusmriti are now known, but the earliest discovered, most translated, and presumed authentic version since the 18th century is the Calcutta manuscript with Kulluka Bhatta commentary”.Modern scholarship states this presumed authenticity is false, and that the various manuscripts of Manusmriti discovered in India are inconsistent with each other. The smriti praises women sky-high. It says if a woman is made to cry the whole family will be rooted out by God. It also adds brothers must buy them jewels and dress. It adds women must always be protected by father, brother or husband. Anti Shudra slokas were interpolations that were added during Sunga period.
To be continued……………………………….
Tags- Maitreyi , Manu, Manu Smriti, Status of Women, Mangaladevi, Kannaki, HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 63; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-63
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
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Recently Organiser weekly magazine has quoted some lines from this film song in an article about mathematics. Then I listened to the song on You Tube. This is an echo of Bharatiyar’s songs. Almost all lines are in Bharatiyar poems. All Indian children must be taught it at school. When a song comes though films, it gets more attraction. Moreover, the video, audio and lyrics are available to all. Easily accessible, free of cost too!
Here is the Hindi and English version; don’t forget to listen to the song on You Tube.
Song- Hai preet jahan ki reet sada…..Bharat ka rahne waala hoon (Purab aur Paschhim) (1970) Singer-Mahendra Kapoor, Lyrics-Indeewar, MD-Kalyanji Anandji
Chorus
Lyrics
When my india gave zero
India my india
Then the world learned to count .
India taught the world the language of the stars first
F india has not given decimal, it was difficult to go to the moon like this
It was difficult to estimate the distance between the earth and the moon
Where civilization came first, where art was born first,
Our india is that india after which the world followed
The world went on and on , went on like this, kept on growing
God bless it grow more, keep on growing and flourish.
Where love is the tradition since always, I sing songs of there
I am a resident of India, I speak about India
Where love is the tradition
There is no difference between the black and white,
we have a relation with every heart
we don’t know anything else, we know how to live with love
what the whole world has accepted, I repeat the same thing
I am a resident of India
Someone might have won Someone’s country, we have won hearts
Where still ram is in the male, goddess Sita still in the female
People are so pure that I always bow my head
I am a resident of India
So much maternal love for even rivers, here they are called mother
So much respect for human beings, even stones are worshipped
I was born on this earth, I feel proud thinking about it
I am a resident of India.
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Here is the Hindi Song from the film
Jab zero diya mere Bhaarat ne
Bhaarat ne mere Bhaarat ne
duniya ko tab ginti aayi
taaron ki bhaasha Bhaarat ne
duniya ko pehle sikhlaayi
deta na dashamlav Bhaarat to
Yoon chaand pe jaana mushkil thha
dharti aur Chaand ki doori ka
andaaza lagaana mushkil thha
Sabhyata jahaan pehle aayi
Sabhyata jahaan pehle aayi
pehle janmi hai jahaan pe kala
Apna Bhaarat wo Bhaarat hai
jiske peechhe sansaar chala
Sansaar chala aur aage badha
Yoon aage badha badhta hi gaya
Bhagwaan kare ye aur badhe
Badhta hi rahe aur phhoole phhale
Badhta hi rahe aur phhoole phhale
hmm hmm, hmm hmmm, ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho
Hai preet jahan ki reet sada
hai preet jahaan ki reet sada aa aa
hai preet jahaan ki reet sada
main geet wahaan ke gaata hoon
Bhaarat ka rehne waala hoon
Bhaarat ki baat sunaata hoon
Hai preet jahaan ki reet sada
ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho
kaale gore ka bhed nahin
har dil se hamaara naata hai
ae ae ae ae ae ae
kuchh aur na aata ho hamko
hamen pyaar nibhaana aata hai
ae ae ae ae ae ae ae
Jise maan chuki saari duniya
ho Jise maan chuki saari duniya
main baat
main baat wohi dohraata hoon
Bhaarat ka rehne waala hoon
Bhaarat ki baat sunaata hoon
hai preet jahaan ki reet sadaa
Jeete hon kisi ne desh to kya
hamne to dilon ko jeeta hai
ae ae ae ae ae ae ae
Jahaan Raam abhi tak hain nar mein
Nari mein abhi tak Seeta hai
ae ae ae ae ae ae ae
Itne paawan hain log jahan
ho itne paawan hain log jahan
main nit nit
main nit nit sheesh jhukaata hoon
Bhaarat ka rehne waala hoon
Bhaarat ki baat sunaata hoon
ho ho,ho ho,ho ho
itni mamta nadiyon ko bhi
jahaan maata kehke bulaate hain
aen aen aen aen aen
ho ho
Itna aadar insaan to kya
patthar bhi poojee jaate hain
aen aen aen aen
Uss dharti pe maine janam liya
ho Uss dharti pe maine janam liya
Ye soch
Ye soch ke main itraata hoon
Bhaarat ka rehne waala hoon
Bhaarat ki baat sunaata hoon
Hai preet jahaan ki reet sada
ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho
(Both English and Hindi versions are taken from the websites;thanks)
–subham—
Tags- patriotic Hindi film song, India’s contribution, to the world , in mathematics , Hai preet jahan ki reet sada
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
PDF Dream article is from the Ludwik Sternbach Felicitation Volume.
Lord Vishnu “sleeping” in Nepal
Recently I read an article about dreams in Milinda panha (Questions of Indo Greek King Menander/Milinda). I have translated it into Tamil and uploaded in these blogs. I am attaching the PDF English version here. Please see the attachments.
Hindus’ interpretation of dreams varies from Westerners like Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung (pronunciation Karl Young).
Tamils said that animals too dream in Sangam literature dated 2000 years ago. Sanskrit literature has prophetic dreams. Saivite literature like Periya Puranam has a lot of prophetic dreams. I post here the contents of My Book on Dreams to help research scholars.
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Hindu tradition interprets dreams as significant, often prophetic messages derived from ancient literature like the Vedas and Tamil Sangam texts. These sources indicate that dreams are viewed as divine communication, omens for the future, and, as noted in 2000-year-old Tamil texts, experiences shared by animals.
MY ENGLISH BOOK ON DREAMS
Contents
First Part: Dreams in Hindu Literature
1.Dreams in Kalidasa Kavyas and Sangam Tamil Literature- 1
2.Dreams in Kalidasa Kavyas and Sangam Tamil Literature- Part 2
3.Tamil Hindus Explode Freudian Theory on Dreams
4. Dreams in Tamil Epic Silappadikaram
5.Dreams in Valmiki Ramayana
6. Role of Dreams in Tamil Saivite Literature
7.Ten “Inauspicious Deams”; Dreams in Vedas and Upanishads!
8.Vedic Echo in Sumer and Egyptian Concept of Dreams
6.You will be born as a Dog Tamil Saint Tirumular Warns!
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Book cover shows a painting of British painter Frederic Leighton. The painting of the sleeping beauty is in the Sydney Art Gallery.
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Foreword
Hindus and western scholars view dreams differently. Hindus believe that dreams come true under certain circumstances. They also find meaning in the dreams. Moreover, they believe that they foretell good or bad things. Vast literature in Hinduism supports these views. Western psycho analysts and psychologists think that they have no meaning, and they can’t predict future events. In their opinion dream is the reflection of suppressed desires or jumbled thoughts. Hindus were first in saying that no one can avoid dreams. So, they included a verse in their daily prayer to stop bad dreams.
Here is a collection of articles that I wrote in my two blogs in the past few years. I also believe that Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud are wrong in their conclusions. I have given reasons for this in my articles.
The second part of the book deals with Animals in Hindu literature. I have already published a few books in Tamil and English with many true animal stories and myths from Tamil and Sanskrit literature. These articles will be useful to researchers and religious believers
I welcome your comments on these topics.
S Swaminathan
(Pen Name- London Swaminathan)
May 2025
swami_48@yahoo.com
swaminathan.santanam@gmail.com
—subham—
Tags- Dreams, Milinda panga, my book on dreams, Ludwik Sternbach Felicitation Volume, Part two
Tamil and Vedas 