Who is a Good Wife? Sexy Story in Mahabharata- Part 9 (Post No.14,992)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,992

Date uploaded in London –  16 September 2025

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx  

In the Rig Veda, the oldest book in the world, we have this beautiful wedding mantra,

Bridegroom says to his bride,

With these seven steps become my friend.

I seek your friendship. May you never deviate.

From this friendship,

May we walk together

May we resolve together

May we love each other and enhance each other.

May our vows be congruent, and our desires shared.

Rig Veda (Tenth Mandala)

***

There is a sexy story in Anushasana Parva of Mahabharata. It is in the conversation between Bhishma and Yudhisthira . it is the story of Uttara disha and Ashtavakra.

Uttara disha means Northerly Direction; here it is the name of an ugly woman who acted as a sex maniac.

Ashtavakra means Body with Eight Bents; this name explains the science of sound and mantras. Because his father recited the Vedas with wrong pronunciation when Ashtavakra was in the womb of his mother, his body shrugged and eight bents came; Hindus are great scientists who said that sound can affect even a foetus. So, they always sent the pregnant women to their mother’s house where she will have sweet words and tasty food. We can’t see such a tender care for women in any part of the world.

***

Now let us go through the story as told by Bhishma in Mahabharata, the longest book in the world with two lakh lines.

Yudhisthira, eldest of the five Pandava brothers raised doubts about the role of woman. How can one consider a woman as Saha Dharmacharini/ part of  or helper of husband’s rituals.

Bhishma narrated the story in chapter 19 of Anushasana parva.

***

Ashtavakra went to sage Vadanya and told him that he wanted to marry his daughter Suprabha.

Tamil linguistics

Look at the name Su+ Prabha. We have scores of such SU prefixed names in Sanskrit books. Tamils also followed the same method and had Nal+Velli, Nal+ Keeran , Su + Lochana in Sangam literature. This explodes the theory of (Bluffing) of Caldwell gangs. From Kanya Kumari to Kashmir, Tamils had the same Six Paravas in Climate, same Four Divisions of Army , Same belief in the sanctity of Arundhati and Himalaya, same belief in Seven Steps in Friendship, same belief in Dreams, same belief in Bird Omens and  same belief in Eight Types of marriage etc. The prefix NAL=GOOD=SU is seen in Sanskrit and Tamil literature)

***

Sage Vadanya asked Ashtavakra to go to North and meet a woman and then come back to marry his daughter. When he asked the direction he gave the details of Alakapuri, Capital city of Kubera, Kaliash, Himalaya and beyond those places.

(This formed the plot of Kalidasa’s Meghaduta, the first travelogue in the World)

When Ashtavakra proceeded to North, he met seven beautiful girls who led him to a palace there. There was an ugly woman served by these seven girls. There were two beds. When the night came, he was asked to take a bed in the same room where the ugly lady was staying. As the night passed by, the ugly lady jumped on to Ashtavakra’s bed  and insisted sexual intercourse, but Ashtavakra rejected all her sexual advances. In the morning, she became a beautiful woman and praised Ashtavakra for his self -control. She asked him to go back and marry the daughter of the sage.

Ashtavakra came back as a victorious man and married Suprabha.

***

What is interesting here is the quotations of the characters involved in this story.

In the beginning Yudhisthira says,

Some of the law givers are of the firm opinion that women are given to untruth; if that is true, then how can one living with a woman order one’s life? It seems to me therefore, that saha dharma is no more than a secondary attribute of marriage, and what husband and wife do together is given the name dharma purely on functional grounds. The more I think about it , the more it appears highly complex to me. Can you throw some light on this subject? – Anusashana parva 19-1-8

***

The ugly woman who embraced Ashtavakra demanding sex, distressed by the lack of response from him said,

“The only thing woman wants , finding a man near her, is the gift of sex. Driven by Kama, I have come to your service. Take me, I will satisfy all your desires. Here we both will enjoy all the earthly enjoyments. To women, nothing is more desirable than physical intimacy with men” — Anusashana parva 19-86

Ashtavakra said,

“I swear I intend marrying someone I love, the daughter of a sage. Of these things I have but little knowledge. Moreover I shall not touch a woman who is another’s wife”.

Then again, the ugly woman said,

“Aroused with sexual desire, women behave as they wish. Burning with desire they can walk on burning sands, but their feet do not burn thereby.

Women desire not even Gods as they desire Kama, the lord of sexual desire, for by nature women are given to sexual pleasure, and to that alone.

Then they know neither father, nor family, nor mother. They regard neither brother, nor husband, nor children. Driven by their sexual desire, they break the bounds of family, even as the great rivers destroy their own banks.

May be there is one in a thousand women who is not greedy of sexual pleasure, and in a hundred thousand one who is sexually faithful to her husband.

Why, as you have seen, the fever of maithuna jwara – desire for sexual union—burns even in old woman”.

***

When Ashtavakra was steadfast in his view and showed his self-control, the ugly woman Uttara Disha (woman in the Northerly Direction) concluded by saying,

“On this earth, or in the heavens, wherever men and women are, they have in them, in physical proximity, the impulse for physical union.

By placing you in the situation of closest physical proximity of a woman, I was indeed putting you to test; but by doing so, I was also strengthening your resolve not to be swayed away from dharma. You have indeed conquered yourself and thus conquered all sacred spaces.

Sage Vadanya, the father of the girl you wish to marry, had sent you to me to teach you, and that I have done.

Ashtavakra returned and married Suprabha.

***

My comments

Newspaper reports show us every day many cases of both men and women straying away from dharma/law. This story explains the human psychology; it also shows how to conquer sexual desire through self- control. Tamil and Sanskrit literature have many examples to justify what Mahabharata said in Anusashana Parva.

The Seven Beautiful Girls in the story represent Seven Days of the week. One must have self -control all the days.

–subham—

Tags- who is a good wife, part 9, Ashtavakra, Suprabha, Tamil linguistics, Sage Vadanya.

Who is a Good Wife? Damayanti said….Part 8 (Post No.14,989)


Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,989

Date uploaded in London –  15 September 2025

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx  

The Mahabharata narrates the story of Nala Damyantti in Vanaparva Chapters 53-79. It is one of the longest stories in the epic. Brhadashva came to see the Pandavas in exile. Then Yudhishthira described his distressing condition. In answer to a question Brhadashva gave this story. Nala was the king of Nishada country and Damayanti was the princess of the kingdom of Vidharba. Both fell in love when they heard the virtues of both through a swan.

It is interesting in many aspects:

1

Bird Messenger: In the Rig Veda we have the oldest Dhuta Kavya in the story of Dog Messenger (Sarameyas)

Later in this epic we have Swan Messenger. 2000 year old Sangam Tamil Literature has many Birds, Insects as Messengers.

2

It described the Trade Routes of Sarthvahans. Business people travelled with big caravans. The dangers they met with are in graphic detail.

3

Horse Riding

Nala was famous for Cooking, Horse Riding and Gambling. The speed of the Horse drawn chariots show the best Road transport in the world. The speed of the horse chariots is also described.

4

Swayamvara

Hindu Kshatriya women had the wonderful freedom of choosing their husband. We see this in Bhisma attack on Kasi kingdom, then Sita Devi, then Draupadi, Damayanti Swayamvaras. Later we never hear about it until Kalidasa described Aja- Indumati Swayamvara.

Swayamvara shows that they followed one man – one woman principle.

The half -baked idiots who said that Hindus came from outside India could not show any example in any part of the world of Swayamvara. So, their Aryan Invasion theory is exploded by this and hundred more examples (use of water, wedding mantras etc).

5

If one is unclean, Kali will trouble him

6

ETs – Alien Civilization

The description of Aliens. They won’t wink; their feet won’t touch earth; their garlands wont wither etc.

7

This Nala Damayanti story inspired Kalidasa to write about Swaymavara, Cloud Messenger etc. This inspired Tamils to translate Nala Damayanti in Tamil verses.

8

Damyanti Quotations- Who is a Good Wife?

“In the face of even the most trying circumstances of life, women of good breeding protect themselves by the power of their own self, conquering thereby truth and the heavens, too: of this there is no doubt”.

Vanaparva – chapter 70-8

“When the Providence appears to be against and self effort bears no fruit, men living in truth do not grieve, nor lose heart”.

During Swayamvara – choosing your own husband—four gods from alien civilisation also joined the contest. They appeared exactly as Nala

Damayanti told the gods,

“On hearing about Nala from the white swan, I have from my heart chosen him as my husband. With the power of that truth, may the gods reveal to me Nala.

“In thought, in speech and in act (this is a phrase we see throughout Tamil and Sanskrit literature- Mano- Vaak- Kaayam), if I have never strayed from good conduct, by the power of that truth may the gods reveal to me Nala”.

****

Like Yudhisthira nala also lost his kingdom in a gambling game and they went to the forest. They suffered a lot, and Nala ran away in the middle of the night with half of Damayanti’s sari.

After wandering for three days, she went to another forest. The seers / rishis in the forest welcomed her. Astonished by her extraordinary beauty and grace, they asked her,

“Tell us who you are. Are you a goddess of this forest or the deity of the hills here or are you a deity of the river?”

Damayanti said,

“I am neither a goddess of this forest nor am I the deity of the hills, nor am I the deity of the river. I am a human being.”

Tamil Comparison

Sangam Tamil literature also talks about deities of hills, rivers, sea, lakes, even the musical instruments. This shows they had the same belief from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. A lover even mistakes his lady love to be a deity of the forest in Tamil verses. And all these deities were only women!!!

After narrating her story to the seers and enjoying their hospitality, she joined a caravan with their help which was attacked by forest elephants. Many traders died and a few of them thought Damayanti was an evil spirit causing this attack. Fearing that they would kill her she joined some Brahmins crossing the forest. She went to the capital of Chedi country and met the Raj mata/ Queen Mother; She helped her to go to Vidharba where she announced a Second Swayamwara, just to attract Nala. As expected, Nala came and joined her and  the story ended happily.

Before that ,

Having heard about second Swayamvara , Nala doubted her integrity. He questioned Damayanti about it.

Damayanti said

“Do not fling at me that accusation. I am not a wayward woman, the three gods of the universe Vayu/wind, Surya/sun and Chandra/ moon are the witness of my truth. I do not propose to take another husband and there is no second Swayamvara for Damayanti. The whole thing was set up as a ploy to bring you here”.

Her plan to bring him from Ayodhya to Vidharba and her test to see whether it was Nala or not etc are described in detail in Vanaparva of Mahabharata. How they covered such aa long distance in a short time also described in detail. Though it is a long story, there are many things which describe the condition of ancient Bharat.

All Hindu women must read the stories of Satyavan -Savitri, Nala-Damayanti and Draupadi to know the Woman Power and Woman’s Freedom. Neither in Greece, nor in Rome, nor in Egypt and Sumerian we have such true stories.

–Subham—

Tags= Who is a good wife, Part 8, Nala Damayanyi, Swayamvara, Horse Chariot, Ayodhya to Vidarbha

Varaha Sanskrit Inscription with Scorpion Puzzle! (Post No.14,978)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,978

Date uploaded in London –  13 September 2025

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx  

Where is it?

It is in Eran in Madhya Pradesh.

How old is it?

Over 1500 years old. It belongs to the Gupta Dynasty.

What is it?

It is a temple for Vishnu’s Varaha Avatara. The temple itself is shaped as Yajna Varaha (Boar Avatara of Maha Vishnu.)

Who built it ?

King Toramana.

Why did he build it?

To celebrate his victory over the earth (BHUMI) spreading towards ocean on four directions like Varaha Avatar who lifted the mighty earth from the bottom of the ocean which was hidden there by the demons/Asuras.

What is it called in science?

It is part of Geological Science. Hindus taught Geology through the fits three avataras. Mastya/Fish, Kurma/Tortoise and Varaha/boar.

What does it say?

Billions of years ago the earth was full of water. Then came the water borne creatures. Then came the amphibians; then the land animals appeared. Human beings with hard work reclaimed the land and started agriculture, Balarama and Parasurama Rama went with axe throughout earth and taught the people farming. Darwin copied the Dasavatara and wrote his theory. It is called Theory of Evolution.

What is written in Sanskrit here?

It is one of the oldest inscriptions in Sanskrit and the oldest Boar avatara statue. The king bosats that he won many countries like Lord Vishnu. He traces his ancestors: father Harivishnu, , great grandfather Indra Vishnu, a brahmana saint. He praised his brother Dhanya Vishnu. They were Bhagawats (all the Guta kings were Parama Bhagawats. That is great worshippers of Lord Vishnu.). They traced their origin to Vedic Gods Maitra Varuni (Mitra- Varuna)

When was it built?

On the Dasami thithi off Falguna month (in Tamilized Sanskrit  it is Panguni).

What is the scorpion Puzzzle?

The boar statue has the inscription on its throat. It has got garlands going around it. It has got 28 circles. Of the 28the circle it has got scorpion figure. Other 27 have got man and woman in half sitting posture. Scholars’ think these are 27 stars and the scorpion is Vrischika Rasi. Probably the temple was erected during Vrichchika Rasi time.

What is the conclusion?

Some half baked scholars wrote that the Greeks taught us Zodiac signs when Hindus were using only 27 stars. This inscription and Sangam Tamil book Paripatal explodes that theory. Of the 18 Sangam Books , which are 2200 years old, Paripatal, Purananuru and other books mention Zodiac Signs. Paripatal verse 11 used two Sanskrit words Panguni and Mithuna Rasi. Other books translated the symbols into Tamil like Aries/mesha=goat etc. Tamil verses used Mithuna, Makara , Budhan, all Sanskrit words. All the 12 Tamil months are in Sanskrit. This shows that 2200 years ago from Kanya Kumari to Kashmir people knew astronomy very well. Tamils had mentioned the Agastya star (Canopus) as well.

Compared with the above Gupta Inscription, we can conclude that zodiac signs such as Mithuna, Makara, Mesha , Vrischika are very familiar to Hindus. Strangely both Paripatal Tamil verse 11 and above Yajna Varaha inscription at Erakina village used the month Panguni . Only hitch is Panguni would not correspond with Vrischika Rasi. May be the King’s birth was Vrischika rasi or the temple work commenced in Vrishika Rasi . Malayali Hindus use only Zodiac signs as month names until today .

–subham—

Tags- Gupta inscription, Eran, Sanskrit, Varaha Avatara, Boar, Scorpion sign, 27 stars, Paripatal, Tamil

Himalaya Mountain in Three Languages மூன்று மொழிகளில் இமய மலை வருணனை -2 (Post.14,950)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,950

Date uploaded in London –  6 September 2025

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx  

PART 2

உள்ளங்கால் மிக நொந்து உறைந்த பனிக்கட்டி மேலே

கடினமான தங்களது கொங்கைகளின் கனத்தால்

மெல்ல மெல்லச் செல்வார்கள் மங்கையர்கள் அங்கு

उद्वेजयत्यङ्गुलिपार्ष्णिभागान्मार्गे शिलीभूतहिमे ऽपि यत्र ।

न दुर्वहश्रोणिपयोधरार्ता भिन्दन्ति मन्दां गतिमश्वमुख्यः ॥ १।११॥

Where the celestial damsels are unable to desist from their usual leisurely walking even if their toes and heels are disquieting to tread on the pathways condensed with snow, appurtenance to the slowed down pace owing to the weight of their broad hips and beamy bosoms, that sort of leisure-mountain is there in the North. [1-11]

****

கதிரவனைக் கண்டதினால் கலக்கமுற்று ஓடும்

காரிருளைக் குகையினிலே காப்பாற்றுவான் ஹிமவான்;

சரணடைந்த சிறியோரை மேலோர்கள் 

 நட்புடனே காப்பது  பெரியோருக்கு இயல்புதானே

दिवाकराद्रक्षति यो गुहासु लीनं दिवा भीतमिवान्धकारम् ।

क्षुद्रे ऽपि नूनं शरणं प्रपन्ने ममत्वमुच्चैःशिरसां सतीव ॥ १।१२॥

He who safeguards the lowly darkness that burrowed itself in his caves, as though that darkens is frightened from the day making sun, is objectionable insofar as his propriety as a shelter is concerned; but that objection is voidable, as noblemen ought to protect anyone or anything seeking shelter as his own person. [1-12]

****

மதியின் ஒளிக்  கிரணம்போல மிக அதிகம்  வெளுத்த

வால்களையே சாமரமாய் வீசும் கவரிமான்கள்;

கிரிராஜன் இவரென்று அழகாக காட்டும் !

लाङ्गूलविक्षेपविसर्पिशोभैरितस्ततश्चन्द्रमरीचिगौरैः ।

यस्यार्थयुक्तं गिरिराजशब्दं कुर्वन्ति वालव्यजनैश्चमर्यः ॥ १।१३॥

On whom the thick furred animals, chAmara, wave their tails spreading breeze in the quality of moonbeams; in doing so they appear to be fanning a royal with furred fanning instruments, and thus they render the title of ‘king of the mountains’ more meaningful to that mountain that is there in the North. [1-13]

***

அம்மலையின் குகைகளிலே அன்பான  தங்கள்

கணவருடன்  விளையாடும் கிம்புருஷ மாதரரின் 

ஆடையில்லா வெட்கத்தை  அழகான திரைபோல 

காக்குமாங்கே மேகங்கள் குகை வாயை மூடி .

यत्रांशुकाक्षेपविलज्जितानां यदृच्छया किम्पुरुषाङ्गनानाम् ।

दरीगृहद्वारविलम्बिबिम्बास्तिरस्करिण्यो जलदा भवन्ति ॥ १।१४॥

Where the clouds dangling on the doorways of homelike caves are luckily becoming door curtains for the much-abashed celestial womenfolk when their upper cloths are suddenly snatched away by their males, such a romantic mountain is there in the North. [1-14]

****

தேவதாரு மரங்களது திவ்ய கந்தம் வீசும்

கங்கை நீர் திவளைகளால் குளிர்ந்து சுகம் கொடுக்கும்

மயிலின் தோகைகளை மெல்ல மெல்ல அசைக்கும்

காற்றுவாங்கி வேடர்கள் சிரமம் தன்னைக் களைவார்கள்

भागीरथीनिर्झरसीकराणां वोढा मुहुः कम्पितदेवदारुः ।

यद्वायुरन्विष्टमृगैः किरातैरासेव्यते भिन्नशिखण्डिबर्हः ॥ १।१५॥

On which the breeze wafts the spays of River Ganga’s watercourses wobbling the deodar trees time and again, whereby peacocks apprehensive of rainfall outspread their plumage, and commingling all the other perfumes that breeze becomes enjoyable to the tribal people that are fatigued in their hunting, such a breezy mountain is there in the North. [1-15]

Both the actions are in hyperbole. Neither the sages in highest constellation can bend down, nor the sun with downward sunrays can possibly shoot his rays up. This is only to show the loftiness of Himalayas.

****

வேள்விக்கு வேண்டுவதாம் வித விதமாம் பொருளும்

பூமியெல்லாம் வசிப்பதற்குப் போதுமான பலமும்

பர்வதத்தில் கண்டதால் பிரம்மாவும் மகிழ்ந்து

மலைகளது ராஜனுக்கு வேள்வியில் பங்கும்

நடப்புடனே தானாக முன்னாளில் ஈந்தார்

सप्तर्षिहस्तावचितावशेषाण्यधो विवस्वान्परिवर्तमानः ।

पद्मानि यस्याग्रसरोरुहाणि प्रबोधयत्यूर्ध्वमुखैर्मयूखैः ॥ १।१६॥

Whose plenteousness to provide sacred material like special firewood, Soma creepers etc to Vedic rituals, and whose capacity and perseverance to bear the earth is clearly examined by Brahma, whereby Brahma personally ordered for oblational share of oblations in Vedic rituals to him along with the lordship on other mountains, such a munificent mountain Himavan is there in the North. [1-16]

****

यज्ञाङ्गयोनित्वमवेक्ष्य यस्य सारं धरित्रीधरणक्षमं च ।

प्रजापतिः कल्पितयज्ञभागं शैलाधिपत्यं स्वयमन्वतिष्ठत् ॥ १।१७॥

He who is the provisioner to Vedic rituals with sacred material like special firewood, Soma creepers etc, and whose capacity and perseverance to bear the earth is clearly examined by Brahma, whereby Brahma personally ordered for oblational share of Vedic rituals to Himavan along with the lordship on other mountains, such a beneficent mountain is there in the North. [1-17]

***

மேருவுக்குத்  தோழனான மன்னன் ஹிமவானும்

முன்னோரின் கடன் தீர்க்க மனதினிலே எண்ணி  

தன்னழகுக்கிசைந்தவளாம், தபசிகளும் புகழும் ,

மேனையென்னும்  பெண்மணியை  மணம்புரிந்தார் முறையே 18

स मानसीं मेरुसखः पितॄणां कन्यां कुलस्य स्थितये स्थितिज्ञः ।

मेनां मुनीनामपि माननीयामात्मानुरूपां विधिनोपयेमे ॥ १।१८॥

Such a well-mannered lord of the mountains Himavan who is the friend of Mt. Meru customarily married Lady Mena Devi, the daughter of manes called agniShvAt et al, an estimable girl even for sages, thus becoming a worthy maiden for himself for the flourish of his dynasty. [1-18]

*****

***

HERE IS TRANSLITERATION

asty uttarasyāṃ diśi devatātmā himālayo nāma nagādhirājaḥ /
pūrvāparau toyanidhī vigāhya sthitaḥ pṛthivyā iva mānadaṇḍaḥ // Ks_1.1 //

yaṃ sarvaśailāḥ parikalpya vatsaṃ merau sthite dogdhari dohadakṣe /
bhāsvanti ratnāni mahauṣadhīś ca pṛthūpadiṣṭāṃ duduhur dharitrīm // Ks_1.2 //

anantaratnaprabhavasya yasya himaṃ na saubhāgyavilopi jātam /
eko hi doṣo guṇasaṃnipāte nimajjatīndoḥ kiraṇeṣv ivāṅkaḥ // Ks_1.3 //

yaś cāpsarovibhramamaṇḍanānāṃ saṃpādayitrīṃ śikharair bibharti /
balāhakacchedavibhaktarāgām akālasaṃdhyām iva dhātumattām // Ks_1.4 //

āmekhalaṃ saṃcaratāṃ ghanānāṃ cchāyām adhaḥsānugatāṃ niṣevya /
udvejitā vṛṣṭibhir āśrayante śṛṅgāṇi yasyātapavanti siddhāḥ // Ks_1.5 //

padaṃ tuṣārasrutidhautaraktaṃ yasminn adṛṣṭvāpi hatadvipānām /
vidanti mārgaṃ nakharandhramuktair muktāphalaiḥ kesariṇāṃ kirātāḥ // Ks_1.6 //

nyastākṣarā dhāturasena yatra bhūrjatvacaḥ kuñjarabinduśoṇāḥ /
vrajanti vidyādharasundarīṇām anaṅgalekhakriyayopayogam // Ks_1.7 //

yaḥ pūrayan kīcakarandhrabhāgān darīmukhotthena samīraṇena /
udgāsyatām icchati kiṃnarāṇāṃ tānapradāyitvam ivopagantum // Ks_1.8 //

kapolakaṇḍūḥ karibhir vinetuṃ vighaṭṭitānāṃ saraladrumāṇām /
yatra srutakṣīratayā prasūtaḥ sānūni gandhaḥ surabhīkaroti // Ks_1.9 //

vanecarāṇāṃ vanitāsakhānāṃ darīgṛhotsaṅganiṣaktabhāsaḥ /
bhavanti yatrauṣadhayo rajanyām atailapūrāḥ suratapradīpāḥ // Ks_1.10 //

udvejayaty aṅgulipārṣṇibhāgān mārge śilībhūtahime ‘pi yatra /
na durvahaśroṇipayodharārtā bhindanti mandāṃ gatim aśvamukhyaḥ // Ks_1.11 //

divākarād rakṣati yo guhāsu līnaṃ divā bhītam ivāndhakāram /
kṣudre ‘pi nūnaṃ śaraṇaṃ prapanne mamatvam uccaiḥśirasāṃ satīva // Ks_1.12 //

lāṅgūlavikṣepavisarpiśobhair itas tataś candramarīcigauraiḥ /
yasyārthayuktaṃ girirājaśabdaṃ kurvanti vālavyajanaiś camaryaḥ // Ks_1.13 //

yatrāṃśukākṣepavilajjitānāṃ yadṛcchayā kiṃpuruṣāṅganānām /
darīgṛhadvāravilambibimbās tiraskariṇyo jaladā bhavanti // Ks_1.14 //

bhāgīrathīnirjharasīkarāṇāṃ voḍhā muhuḥ kampitadevadāruḥ /
yad vāyur anviṣṭamṛgaiḥ kirātair āsevyate bhinnaśikhaṇḍibarhaḥ // Ks_1.15 //

saptarṣihastāvacitāvaśeṣāṇy adho vivasvān parivartamānaḥ /
padmāni yasyāgrasaroruhāṇi prabodhayaty ūrdhvamukhair mayūkhaiḥ // Ks_1.16 //

yajñāṅgayonitvam avekṣya yasya sāraṃ dharitrīdharaṇakṣamaṃ ca /
prajāpatiḥ kalpitayajñabhāgaṃ śailādhipatyaṃ svayam anvatiṣṭhat // Ks_1.17 //

sa mānasīṃ merusakhaḥ pitṝṇāṃ kanyāṃ kulasya sthitaye sthitijñaḥ /
menāṃ munīnām api mānanīyām ātmānurūpāṃ vidhinopayeme // Ks_1.18 //

THE BIRTH OF THE WAR-GOD

The Birth of the War-god is an epic poem in seventeen cantos. It consists of 1096 stanzas, or about 4400 lines of verse. The subject is the marriage of the god Shiva, the birth of his son, and the victory of this son over a powerful demon. The story was not invented by Kalidasa, but taken from old mythology. Yet it had never been told in so masterly a fashion as had been the story of Rama’s deeds by Valmiki. Kalidasa is therefore under less constraint in writing this epic than in writing The Dynasty of Raghu. I give first a somewhat detailed analysis of the matter of the poem.

First canto. The birth of Parvati.–The poem begins with a description of the great Himalaya mountain-range.

God of the distant north, the Snowy Range
  O’er other mountains towers imperially;
Earth’s measuring-rod, being great and free from change,
  Sinks to the eastern and the western sea.

Whose countless wealth of natural gems is not
  Too deeply blemished by the cruel snow;
One fault for many virtues is forgot,
  The moon’s one stain for beams that endless flow.

Where demigods enjoy the shade of clouds
  Girding his lower crests, but often seek,
When startled by the sudden rain that shrouds
  His waist, some loftier, ever sunlit peak.

Where bark of birch-trees makes, when torn in strips
  And streaked with mountain minerals that blend
To written words ’neath dainty finger-tips,
  Such dear love-letters as the fairies send. p. 158

Whose organ-pipes are stems of bamboo, which
  Are filled from cavern-winds that know no rest,
As if the mountain strove to set the pitch
  For songs that angels sing upon his crest.

Where magic herbs that glitter in the night
  Are lamps that need no oil within them, when
They fill cave-dwellings with their shimmering light
  And shine upon the loves of mountain men.

Who offers roof and refuge in his caves
  To timid darkness shrinking from the day;
A lofty soul is generous; he saves
  Such honest cowards as for protection pray.

Who brings to birth the plants of sacrifice;
  Who steadies earth, so strong is he and broad.
The great Creator, for this service’ price,
  Made him the king of mountains, and a god.

–SUBHAM–

tags-Himalaya Mountain in Three Languages மூன்று மொழிகளில் இமய மலை வருணனை -2  குமாரசம்பவம் காளிதாசன்  

Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia -Part 2 (Post No.14,949)

One Thousand Interesting Facts about Ancient Tamils!

Prepared by London Swaminathan

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,949

Date uploaded in London –  6 September 2025

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx  

Part two

15

Arudra


three stars in the middle are known as Mrgaseersha= maan thalai= deer head .

It is part of Orion constellation; its name is Betelgeuse in astronomy.

The star is associated with Lord Shiva.

Thiruvathirai is a big Shiva festival until this day.

Malayali Hindus celebrate Tiru Athirai and Tiru Onam on a grand scale, one for Shiva and one for Vishnu.

They occur exactly in six months interval .

Only these two stars have the honorific suffix Tiru in Tamil , equivalent to Sri in Sanskrit. Westerners changed it to SIR title.

Pari .8-6; 11-77; Kali.150-20

(Karaikkal ammaiyar used Arudra. She lived after Sangam Age)

ARUDRA –STAR GOD–in Astronomy

Lord Siva is associated with the star Betelgeuse in the Orion constellation and so Siva is called Mr Arudra Star; the Kalittokai poet also says he is ( golden red) like Shanbaga flower

அரும் பெறல் ஆதிரையான் அணி பெற மலர்ந்த  20

பெருந் தண் சண்பகம் போல, ஒருங்கு அவர்

பொய்யார் ஆகுதல் தெளிந்தனம்

மை ஈர் ஓதி மட மொழியோயே! –கலித்தொகை 150

It is a prominent red supergiant star in the constellation Orion. Ardra is also the name of the sixth nakshatra (lunar mansion) in Hindu astrology.

****

16

Onam

Madu. 591

 Tiru onam is refereed to in post Sangam books Tevaram and Divya prabandham. It is in connection with Vamana and Tri Vikrama Avatar of Vishnu. Asura King Maha Bali was sent to Paatala Loka (may be Indian ocean Island or South America)

Malayali Hindus celebrate it like Deepavali in Tamil Nadu. During Sangam age and post Sangam age, Tamils also celebrated it.

Sangam verse makes three points very clear:

Vishnu killed the demon.

It was celebrated in Tamil Nadu as well.

It is the birth star of Vishnu (see U.Ve.Sa. commentary)

Most interesting fact is that there is no record in Tamil literature to say that Maha Bali ruled Kerala . Ancient Tamil literature says Vishnu killed demons whose birth star is Onam.

கணங்கொள் அவுணர் கடந்த பொழிந்தார் மாயோன் மேய ஓணநன்னாள் – மதுரைக்காஞ்சி 591.

***

Post Sangam literature

ஓணந்தான் உலகாளுமென்பார்களே  , நீ பிறந்த திருவோணம் — பெரியாழ்வார், திவ்யப் பிரபந்தம்

***

16 a

Onam in Astronomy

he Onam festival is associated with the star Thiruvonam, which is the Hindu lunar mansion (nakshatra) that aligns with the constellation Aquila. In Western astronomy, this set of stars includes Altair (the brightest star in the Aquila constellation) and two other stars, Beta and Gamma Aquilae. These three stars are often depicted as the “three footprints” of the dwarf god Vamana in his Trivikrama form, which is central to the Onam legend

Onam was observed as Vamana Jayanti during the Pallava dynasty.

17

Anthanar = Brahmins

Sangam Tamil literature used words such as Anthanar, Paarppanan, Ayyar, Iru Pirappaalar (twice born) Aru tholilor = those who do six tasks. Those who keep three fires.

The word meant inward looking. Those who search for God or looking to God in heart/mind.

***

Puram 397 referred to the Six Duties of Brahmins. It is a direct translation of the Sanskrit word

अध्यापनमध्ययनं यजनं याजनं तथा ।
दानं प्रतिग्रहं चैव ब्राह्मणानामकल्पयत् ॥ 1-88॥ Manu

adhyāpanamadhyayanaṃ yajanaṃ yājanaṃ tathā |
dānaṃ pratigrahaṃ caiva brāhmaṇānāmakalpayat || 1-88 || Manu

For the Brāhmaṇas he ordained teaching, studying, sacrificing and officiating at sacrifices, as also the giving and accepting of gifts. (88).-Manu smriti

****

OVER SIXTY DIRECT REFERECES ARE THERE.

They are associated with Numbers 1,2,3 and 6.

There are innumerable to brahmins. ANTHANAR meant only Brahmins because the prefix Four Vedas and Three Fires are used.

Here are some evidences: Puram 2- three fire worshippers;

Puram 6-

Pandya king will bow and respect three eyed shiva and four veda reciters brahmins.

முக் கட் செல்வர் நகர் வலம் செயற்கே!

இறைஞ்சுக, பெரும! நின் சென்னி சிறந்த

நான்மறை முனிவர் ஏந்து கை எதிரே!

வாடுக, இறைவ! நின் கண்ணி ஒன்னார்- Puram 6-

ஆன்ற கேள்வி, அடங்கிய கொள்கை,

நான் மறை முதல்வர் சுற்றம் ஆக,

மன்னர் ஏவல் செய்ய, மன்னிய

வேள்வி முற்றிய வாய் வாள் வேந்தே! Puram 26-

அணங்குஉருத் தன்ன கணங்கொள் தானை

கூற்றத் தன்ன மாற்றரு முன்பின்

தாக்குரல் கேண்மின் அந்த ணாளிர்

நான்மறை குறித்தன்று அருள்ஆ காமையின்;

அறம்குறித் தன்று பொருளா குதலின்;  Puram 362

நான்மறை விரித்து, நல் இசை விளக்கும்

வாய்மொழிப் புலவீர்! கேண்மின், சிறந்தது:-Paripaatal 9

***

19

Anthanar Two

Two Brahmin Gurus are referred to in Hindu scriptures.

They are Jupiter= Brhaspati and

Venus= Sukracharya.

Bruhaspati = Viyaazan in Tamil is the Guru/teacher of Devas;

Sukracharya = Velli is the Guru of Asuras.

Tamils referred to them as Brahmins Two in Kalittokai 99 and Jupiter only in Pari 11-7;

Very rarely the poets used Anthanar  to mention Siva in Akam. Invocation.

20

Aathimanthi / adimanti

Daughter of Karikal choza (karikaal chozaa)

She was greatly devoted to her husband Aattanaththi  and when he was washed away by river Kaveri, she followed him and recovered/ saved him through another woman named Maruthi. Maruthi committed suicide  later.

Akam 45, 76, 135, 222, 236, 396

காதலற் கெடுத்த சிறுமையொடு, நோய் கூர்ந்து,

ஆதிமந்தி போல, பேதுற்று

அலந்தனென் உழல்வென்கொல்லோபொலந்தார்,    அகம் 45 Akananuru

வான் உற நிவந்த நீல் நிறப் பெரு மலைக்

கான நாடன் உறீஇய நோய்க்கு, என்

மேனி ஆய் நலம் தொலைதலின், மொழிவென்;

முழவு முகம் புலராக் கலி கொள் ஆங்கண்,

கழாஅர்ப் பெருந் துறை விழவின் ஆடும்,        5

ஈட்டு எழில் பொலிந்த ஏந்து குவவு மொய்ம்பின்,

ஆட்டன் அத்தி நலன் நயந்து உரைஇ,

தாழ் இருங் கதுப்பின் காவிரி வவ்வலின்,

மாதிரம் துழைஇ, மதி மருண்டு அலந்த

ஆதிமந்தி காதலற் காட்டி,             10

படு கடல் புக்க பாடல்சால் சிறப்பின்

மருதி அன்ன மாண் புகழ் பெறீஇயர்,

சென்மோ வாழி, தோழி! பல் நாள்,Akam.222

21

Agni= thee in Tamil= muth thee= Three Fires

Brahmins had three types of fire in their houses.

This is referred to by Sangam poets

Ref. puram 122-3; 2-22;367-13;Murugu.181; kali.69-5

The three fires are called-

Brahmin households maintain three essential ritual fires—Garhapatya (the domestic hearth), Dakshina (the southern fire), and Ahavaniya (the sacrificial fire)—collectively known as the Tretagni. These fires are central to the Yajna (Vedic fire sacrifice) and are used in household rituals and larger sacrifices to honour deities, ensure spiritual cleansing, and represent foundational elements of existence.

The Three Fires

Garhapatya (Garhapatya): This is the household fire, used for cooking and domestic purposes. It serves as the primary source of fire, from which the other two fires are eventually lit.

Dakshina (Daksinagni, Daksina): Known as the southern fire, this fire is used for offerings and rituals intended to avert negative influences. It is never extinguished.

Ahavaniya (Ahuneyyaggi, Ahavaniya): The eastern fire, this is the main sacrificial fire where most offerings are made to the gods during a Yajna. It is kept in a square fire pit.

To identify them brahmins kept them in a geometrically designed fire pits. According to tamil scholar u.ve.sa square, triangular and semi circular fire pits are used for aahavaneeyam, dakshinaagni and gaarhapatyam

Puram 367-13;

Pari.5-42

மூன்றுவகைக் குறித்த முத்தீச் செல்வத்து

இருபிறப் பாளர் பொழுதறிந்து நுவல

ஒன்பது கொண்ட மூன்றுபுரி நுண்ஞாண்—திருமுருகாற்றுப்படை181-183

***

அந்தி அந்தணர் அருங் கடன் இறுக்கும்

முத் தீ விளக்கின், துஞ்சும்

பொற் கோட்டு இமயமும், பொதியமும், போன்றே- புறம் 2

***

ஒன்று புரிந்து அடங்கிய இருபிறப்பாளர்

முத்தீப் புரையக் காண்தக இருந்த

கொற்ற வெண் குடைக் கொடித் தேர் வேந்திர்!—புறம்367

***

Post Sangam Tamil Epic Silappdikaram attributes up to 123456 facts to Brahmins23-67/70

One principle, twice born, three fire worshippers, four veda reciters, five yajna performers, six task doers

22

Asura /Avunar

Madu -591; kuru 1-1; murukku 59; pathir-11-4; pari.3-56; 5-7; 8-8; puram 174-1; kali.2-3

In Puram 174, poet Miss Nappasalai praised Mr Sri Krishna (in Tamil Thiru Kannan) singing about the Mahabaharata episode of Krishna causing solar eclipse by his Sudarsana wheel so that Arjuna could slay Jayadratha. It was a real solar eclipse attributed as Krishna’s miracle. There  the poet says Anangudai Avunar /fearful Rakshasas hiding sun and then Mr Black (Anjana Uruvan= collyrium dark person) saving it . Here Anangu means Fearful.

(fighting took place on certain days only during ; they did not fight continuously for 18 days. So one New moon day occurred in between and the solar eclipse can happen only on New moon days/Amavasyai)

Arakkan is the tamilized form of rakshasa. It is in puram with reference to Ravana

Arakkan -puram 378-19;kali.38-3; 84-3; akam 14-1; pathi.30-27

23

Anangu

Fear evoking harming elements

Anangu in Sangam books

As God/Divine in 29 places

As Divine women in 2 places (+ 2 places in Tirukkural)

As harming spirit – 3 places

As on the chest of woman – 5 places

As living in houses 3 places

As part of Lyre/ Yaaz in Tamil – 1

In Kadamba Tree – 1

In the elephant head and tusk – 2

In the water sources – 12 places

(This is in Yaksha Prasna of Mahabharata too)

As trouble causing Skanda (Muruga)- 6 places

Kalidasa also says that women are harmed by Lod Skanda /Muruga. Sangam Tamils also mentioned it in

Natrinai- 47-8; 376-10; 386-6; Puram.299-6; Kali.52-10; Muruku-289

(for abbreviations of Tamil books, please see first part of this article)

Anangu as troubling, fear causing element is used in over 30 places in Sangam literature

In one place ,a ladylove  is compared to  Anangu (Surangani??) – Pari.12-57

(When I was visiting temples from Shirdi to Nasik, in one of the shrines, my wife and other women in our group were not allowed inside Skanda/ Muruga shrine. A big curtain with an announcement said-‘ No women can enter. This is Skanda/ Kartikeya shrine’. In ancient Tamil Nadu love sick women behaved strangely. Immediately their mothers says she is affected by Murugan/Skanda and invited prophesy tellers to drive the love sickness out. They sacrificed goats to the gods during the ceremony.

To be continued………………………….

 tags- Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia ,Part 2 ,1000 facts, Athimanthi, Anangu, Arudra, Betelgeuse, Anthanar, Brahmins, Asura guru, Deva guru, nymphs

Who is a Good Wife? Mahabharata answers! – Part 2 (Post.14,936)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,936

Date uploaded in London –  3 September 2025

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are takn from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx   

Anamika story in Vana Parva of Mahabharata; Chapters 205 and 206

Anaamikaa= nameless woman i.e. Anonymous

English word Anonymous is derived from Sanskrit word Anamika. (Pronunciation- anaamikaa)

Yudhisthira put a question to sage Markandeya about the place of women in life.

“That a woman carries a child in her womb for ten months, and gives birth at the ripe time, what can be more awesome than that?

Often with danger to her life a woman bears a child gives birth in great pain and brings up her children with tender care- this seems to me to be even more difficult.

Still more difficult, indeed exceedingly difficult, is how woman look after a husband who is uncaring and cruel, from whom they receive only insulting behaviour, and yet, regardless, they live in the truth of their own dharma”.

Markandeya narrated the story of arrogant Brahmin Kaushika.

Kaushika was brahmin who mastered all scriptures and did severe penance. One day, sitting under a tree he was reciting Veda.  A bird sitting on the same tree soiled his clothes. In great anger he looked at the bird and the bird instantly fell dead. Then he set out on his daily round of begging for food, what is called Biksha (Tamil word Pichchai is derived from it.)

He had arrived at a house and gave the customary call. Ane the woman answered from inside the house, ‘Please wait’.

The mistress of the house took some time and Kaushika became very angry. When she came out with food, he reproached her.

She apologised for the delay and told that her husband came just before he cam for food. She had been attending on her husband and hence the delay.

Kaushika raised his voice in ager and said,

“So, for you, your husband is has greater importance than a Brahmana. Even Gods bow their head to Brahmanas, what to say about the mortals. You arrogant woman. Don’t you know the power of Brahmanas? They are like fire. If they wish they can burn the whole earth.

Nameless woman/Anaamikaa, said to him,

“Don’t be angry, Sir! I meant no disrespect to you, but I am not that little bird that you reduced to ashes with your anger. What can your ngr do to me? It cannot touch me even remotely”

“The dharma I obtain from taking care of my husband is what I delight in. I put him in a place higher than even the Gods.

It is the kind of life that I live , ordinary, but in devotion to my husband , that brought me some powers too.

Just see that is how I have the foreknowledge of your burning with your anger that little bird. But, Sir, anger is the enemy that resides in man’s body.

This is in Tamil Veda Tirukkural too,

தெய்வம் தொழாஅள் கொழுநன் தொழுதெழுவாள்

பெய்யெனப் பெய்யும் மழை.- குறள் 55

Even rains fall at the command of the wife Who upon rising worships not God, but her husband- Tirukkural 55.

Sanskrit (संस्कृतम्)

पतिमेव हरिं मत्वा प्रातर्या भजते ऽन्वहम् ।

त्वं वर्षेंति तंयाऽऽशप्तो देवोपि किल वर्षति ॥ (५५)

***

Woman said to Kaushika, before leaving,

“Sir if you do not know what Dharma (rightful conduct) is, you should learn it from Dharmavyadha, a meat seller, by going to Mithila. He takes care of his parents. He is truthful and a man of self -control. Should I have said more than I should have, or something offensive, forgive me. Those who live in dharma know also that women are adandaniya, above punishment”

Kaushika said to the woman,

I am very pleased with you. My anger has vanished. Then he went to Mithila and met Dharmavyadha.

To be continued……………….

Similar story is told in Tamil about a Siddha saint called Konkanava. கொக்கென்று நினைத்தாயோ கொங்கணவா?

Hey You Konkanava, Did you think that I am like that bird heron/stork (you burnt a while ago)?

–subham—

Tags- power of woman, arrogant Brahmin, Kaushika, Mahabharata, Vana parva, husband is god, woman is unpunishable. கொக்கென்று நினைத்தாயோகொங்கணவா

Ganesh worship in Ancient Sangam Tamil Literature (Post No.14,915)

 Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,915

Date uploaded in London –  29 August 2025

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are takn from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx  

Lord Ganesh with Erukkam flowers

Research article by London swaminathan

Tami name of Lord Ganesh is PILLAIYAAR.

We have very clear proof for Ganesh worship in 2000-year-old Sangam Tamil literature.  One must understand that there are two stages in the worship of Hindu Gods. In the first stage, they are not part of popular worship and so the evidence is hidden in literature. When they become popular, we see them clearly in literature, statues and paintings. Ganesh is found around the world in statues. Sri Lanka Buddhist Viharas have Ganesh. Tallest Ganesh statue is in Thailand. Largest Muslim country in the world Indonesia has Ganesh image in their currencies. Roman God Janus is none other than Ganesh. Japanese also worship Ganesh.

Let us look at some examples. In the works of Kalidasa and Sangam Tamil literature we come across Lord Siva in the first verse, that is the Invocation or in praise of God. Four out of seven works of Kalidasa have Lord Shiva in the invocation. In Tamil at least five works have Lord Shiva in the invocation. After ninth century we have Ganesh instead of Shiva.

In the Vedic rituals , they do Ganesh puja first with image made with turmeric powder or clay idol. Tamils just wrote the letter u உ (Tamilஉ Vowel) to symbolise Ganesh. From fifth century onwards  we see big Ganesh statues in South India. Now in Tamil Nadu Ganesh Festival has become more popular like Maharashtra. Even in Maharashtra B G Tilak only made it a grand festival to arouse Nationalism.

Now let us look at some examples:

Because of actors Mookambika, Santoshi Mata, Ayyappa, Ragavendra- all became popular. But the worship of those have been in vogue for centuries. Now Brahmins only worship Vedic Gods thrice a day at home. Others go to Shiva and Vishnu temples also Skanda/Muruga and Ganesh.

Another example of how Gods become popular come from the life of Chaitanya. He popularised the worship of Krishna with street dance and music. Bhakti Vedanta Parabhuapada took it to western countries and now devotees of Hare Krishna movement are doing the same street dance and music around the world. But Krishna worship has been there for more than 2000 years. Ancient Tamils worshipped Balarama along with his younger brother Krishna. But now several ancient Tamil temples have some empty space next to Krishna. Balarama has disappeared. He has lost popularity.

1

Ganesh in Sangam Literature

There is one clear reference to Ganesh in Tiru Murugaatrup Padai , but not in the main verse. So scholars consider it as an appendix. But they forgot to see other references. Face with one hand is found in this book.

2

Kabilar, a Brahmin poet, has contributed the highest number of verses in Sangam Literature. His name itself is the name of Ganesh. Priests in India do Ganesh puja with 16 names of Ganapathy and one of them is Kabila. That poet sys in Purananuru verse 106, “God  wont reject a devotee’s offering even if it just grass or Erukkam flower. Here we see more evidence. A poet who entered Hindu Book of Records by listing 99 flowers at one go, refers just erukkam flower. That is Calotropis gigantea or Arka in Sanskrit. Nowadays this flower is associated with Lord Ganesh only. There is a very big demand for this flower in Tamil Nadu during Ganesh Chaturthy or Vinayaka Chaturthy. Kabila not only used this but also used Pul for grass. Arukam Pul is the only grass used to worship Ganesh on all days like Tulsi for Vishnu and Vilva for Lord Shiva.

And Kabila’s Puram verse 106 is nothing but an echo of Bhagavad Gita

पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति |

तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मन: ||9- 26||

If one offers to Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even water, I delightfully partake of that item offered with love by My devotee in pure consciousness.

patraṁ puṣhpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ yo me bhaktyā prayachchhati

tadahaṁ bhaktyupahṛitam aśhnāmi prayatātmanaḥ

So, we know Hindu worship with flowers, leaves (Tulsi, Bilva, Dharba, Dhurva/ Arka grass) and water has been there from Mahabharata days, i.e.. for at least 5000 years.

Hindus showering God with water. Hindus invented this shower.

3

Modakam in Sangam Literature

The longest of the 18 Sangam books is Maduraik Kaanchi by a poet named Maangudi Maruthanaar. He mentioned MODAKAM by using the same Sanskrit word. Modakam is associated with Hindu Gad- Ganesh only.

(Modakam or Modak refers to the Sanskrit word for “a small portion of bliss” or “sweetmeat,” and it also refers to a type of sweet rice dumpling, which is a favourite food of the Hindu deity Lord Ganesha. The term also appears in a devotional hymn by Adi Shankaracharya, where the first line, “Muda Karaatta Modakam,” describes Lord Ganesha joyously holding this sweet.)

4

Adi Sankara divided Hindu worship into six main sects and one of them is Gaanaapatyam, i.e. Ganesh worship. If we go by the date of Sankara given by Kanchi Paramacharya (1894-1994), then Ganaapatyam came into vogue in the first century BCE or earlier.

Modakam with Coconut jaggery inside. Adi Shankara mentioned it in his Ganesa Pancharatanam.

5

The reference to Modaka, sold in Madurai shops along with Appam , (Maduraik Kanchi lines 625-629) another sweet dish, show that there existed Ganesh worship in Tamil Nadu. Because Appam (Fried sweet pan cake) is also associated Lord Ganesh. About 500 years ago , famous Tamil devotional poet Arunagiri Natharbegan his book Tiruppugaz with an invocation to Lord Ganesh, he mentioned Appam as a favourite dish of Lord Vinayaka.

Siruthondar, commander in Chief of the Pallava army, defeated the Chaukya king and brought the famous Ganesh statue from Baadaami (correct name Vaataapi). Then Ganesh became popular in Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion

Evidence from Nakkirar’s T M Padai, Kabila’s Puram verse, and Maduraik Kaanchi’s Modakam reference may be taken as a very clear evidence for Ganesh worship during Sanam Age. His worship became popular from fifth century CE.

–Subham—

Tags- Ganesh worship, Pillaiyar, Sangam literature, Kalidasa, Modakam, Kozukkattai, Kabilar, Erukkam flower, Puram 106

Three Mysteries in Kalidasa’s Life (Post No.14,905)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,905

Date uploaded in London –  26 August 2025

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx  

Kalidasa is the greatest poet of India. He lived 2100 years ago in North India. His seven great works survived until this day. No poet in the world excelled him until this day. He used over 1500 imageries, similes, metaphors and allegories in his books. Not even Shakespeare in his 37 plays and over 154 sonnets used such imageries. In fact, Shakespeare even copied him and created Miranda (The Tempest) in the model of Shakuntala. He copied the Vidushakas of Kalidasa and created Caliban (The Tempest).

Like all great Hindu poets Kalidasa left no personal details. Of all the historical Hindu dynasties, he used only Magadha dynasty’s name. it proved that he lived during or immediately after the Magadha rule. In his Raghuvamsa we see Raghu conquering all countries up to Iran. We know that Vikramaditya was the one who ruled such a vast empire. Kalidasa is associated with the great ruler Vikramaditya and even Chandragupta II took that title later.

Kalidasa’s work Kumara sambhava made a big impact on the Vaishnavite Gupta empire and they suddenly switched over to Saivite names such as Kumara Gupta and Skanda Gupta. Three Gupta Kings named themselves as Kumaragupta.

First Mystery

He lived in the first century BCE. Bhasa, another great playwright credited with 13 plays, lived before him. He used stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata for his dramas. Kalidasa took Lord Skanda (also known as Kumaara) for his work. This shows he lived before the Parama Bhagavathas, i.e. The Gupta kings. Gupta kings used title Parama Bhagavathas in their coins and inscriptions to say that they are followers of Vishnu.

But why did Kalidasa choose Lord Skanda/ Kartikeya/Kumara rejecting Vishnu and Siva? It is a mystery. The legend is that he was blessed by Kali. His very name suggested that he was blessed by Kali. But he never did any work on Kali. But in all his seven works he praised Brahma, Vishnu and Siva and said all are one and the same. In most of his works he used Siva in the initial Prayer song.  All these show that he lived before Vaishnavite/ Parama Bhagvathas Gupta kings.

The reason for him choosing Lord Skanda may be the Yaudheya Kings who produced coins with the image of Lord Skanda.

Second Mystery

Why didn’t he finish Kumarasambhava, the birth of Lord Kumara/Skanda? What happened to him? Where did he go? Did he die suddenly? No clue is available in any Hindu literature. But Gupta inscriptions and sculptures show his great influence. Most famous art historian Sivaramamurti rightly pointed out that Kalidasa must have lived long before the Gupta rule, because sculptures and paintings follow what is written in literature not vice versa. This has been proved around the world.

Third Mystery

In Kumarasambhava Kavya, we see the role of Sapta Rishis- Seven Great Seers. Even today Brahmins worship Sapta Rishis three times a day in their Sandhyavandana, in the order Atri, Brhu, Kutsa, Vasishta, Gautama, Kashyapa and Angirasa. The surprising thing is that Panini used them in the same order 2700 years ago. But Kalidasa gave importance to the junior most Angiras in the list. He is the one who requests Himavan to give his daughter Uma to Lord Siva in marriage. Traditions of the Seven Rsis by John E. Mitchiner says saint Valmiki refers only to six seers and Mahabharata has two different lists. He added that Kalidasa and Varahamihira used the new list and so this new list must be in use between 300 BCE and 300 CE. But why did Kalidasa choose junior most or the last one (Angiras) to head the representation to Himavan? It remains as an unsolved mystery.

Another interesting point is 2000 year old Sangam Tamil literature mentioned Sapta Rishis in two poems saying Tamils worshipped them (Natrinai 231 and Pari.5-43)

***

UMA Mystery in Tamil Literature

One more mystery is there, but it is from Tamil literature.

Sangam Tamil literature, mostly secular, but refers to all Hindu Gods, both Vedic and post Vedic gods. Among the goddesses Lakshmi , Durga , and Kali  are mentioned but with Tamil names only. Uma is the only Goddess name used with Sanskrit name UMA (in Tamilized form UMAI). It shows that Kalidasa’s Kumarasambhava has made a big impact on Tamils and so they copied Uma from his book.

And this is not the only place. Even the description of Muruga/Skanda has many similarities ( I have written about it in articles on Skanda/Muruga)

–subham—

Tags- three mysteries, Kalidasa plays, Uma mystery, in Sangam Literature

VERY BAD STAMPS OF INDIA! Pictures of 2500 Indian Stamps! – Part 74 (Post No.14,862)


Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,862

Date uploaded in London –  12 AUGUST, 2025

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx  

PART 74

***

Pictures of 2500 Indian Stamps continued……………………

I have got 25,000 stamps with beautiful designs.

London Swaminathan has been collecting stamps for 65 years continuously.

In my London, stamp dealers would not touch Indian stamps because they are very dirty; but I would not blame India for it. If u collect stamps in India, it would be spoiled quickly because of the weather conditions. The same stamps can be preserved better in Britain because it is a cold place. But producing bad designed stamps is inexcusable.

***

VERY BAD STAMPS ON MAHABHARATA, FASHION.

THESE MINI SHEETS SHOW PEOPLE IN THE INDIAN POSTAL DEPARTMENT DON’T KNOW HISTORY, RELIGION, MAHABHARATA OR STAMP COLLECTING.

MAHABAHARATA STAMPS WOULD NOT BE UNDERSTOOD BY ANYONE BECAUSE EACH STAMP DON’T SAY WHAT IT IS.

MY MADURAI SETUPATI HIGH SCHIOOL TEACHER PSK USED TO CRITICISE BAD ,ILEGIBLE, DIRTY WRITING AS BEGGAR’S VOMIT.

MAHABHARATA STAMPS BELONG TO THAT CATEGORY.

THEY LOOK LIKE BEGGAR’S VOMIT.

FAHION STAMPS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH INDIAN CULTURE. THE MINI SHEET iS SO BIG IT WOULD NOT FIT INTO ANY STAMP ALBUM IN THE WORLD. SOME MAD MAN MIGHT HAVE DESIGNED IT WHEN HE IS DRUNK.

IT SHOWS THE PEOPLE IN THE P & T HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF STAMP COLLECTING.

PUNISH THEM; TELL THE WORLD HOW MUCH YOU SPENT TO DESIGN THESE STAMPS.

***

DO YOU COLLECT INDIAN STAMPS?

I HAVE GOT 100 MINI SHEETS.

I HAVE GOT SPARE STAMPS .

–subham—

Tags- Indian stamps, MINI STAMPS, 25,000, PART 74, MAHABHARATA, VERY BAD STAMPS, FASHION, PERFUME

How Goddess Meenakshi helped British Collector and King Tirumalai Nayak! 4 Miracles!! (Post No.14,844)

MADURAI KING TIRUMALAI NAYAK WITH HIS WIVES.

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,844

Date uploaded in London –  8 August 2025

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx  

Madurai Meenaakshii Sundareswarar (Shiva ) temple is considered one of the wonders of the world. It is because it contains over 30,000 sculptures (stuccos) and paintings. The stone sculptures are carved with very great precision. A small mistake would have made the sculptor to restart the work again and work for many years. It had beautiful and tall towers during the visit of Tamil Miracle Boy Saint Tiru Gnana Sambandar around 600 CE. Sekkilzar of tenth century mentioned the tall towers in Peria Puranam; Sambandar mentioned just the towers. But the present structure has only one old tower built in 12th century by Sundara Pandya. Later Madurai Nayak Kings, particularly Tirumalai Nayak, and Nattukkotai Nagarathar Chettiyars added several towers and Mandapas/buildings.

The British took over the management of the temple when corruption was reported in the 18th century. There are several miracles of Goddess Meenakshi well documented in the temple records. Let us look at some miracles.

1

Peter Pandya alias Rous Peter

Rous Peter was the collector of Madurai between 1812 and 1828. He was a devotee of Madurai Goddess Meenakshi. He made lavish gifts to Madurai temple and Alagarkoil (Kalla Azakar) Vishnu temple.  He was popularly called Peter Pandya. It is said that once he shot a wild elephant and it started attacking him. Immediately he prayed to Goddess Meenakshi and fired another shot which killed the elephant. This story appeared in print.

Another popular version is that one day he was sitting in his court hall and writing a judgement during rainy season. At that time a beautiful little girl appeared before him and asked him to come out of the building. Attracted by her charm he followed her , but she disappeared. As soon as he came out of the building, it collapsed. He realised that it was Goddess Herself came and saved his life twice. As a thanksgiving he donated some jewels to the temple, and they are still used on festival days.

2

Tirumalai Nayak (1623-1659)

Tirumalai Nayak renovated the temple completely during his reign. His wife constructed Ashtasakthi Mandapam. During his reign the beautiful Pudumandapam in front of the temple was built. He showed personal interest in the development of the temple. He revived the Sengol/ sceptre Festival. This meant he was only a servant of Goddess Meenakshi who gives her golden sceptre to him to rule Her country . Since Greek ambassador Megasthenes (3rd century BCE) mentioned the Pandya queen in his book Indica, this must have started 2300 years ago.

Rev. William Taylor has recorded Nayak’s personal involvement in the administration of the temple to weed out corruption. It reports a miracle. Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati, wife of Shiva) appeared in Nayak’s dream and told him there is no care for me. Very next day he called the temple administrator and told him quietly, “for the future we ourselves will piously undertake the anointing, the purveying of offering food (prasaadam) to God, the robing of the images with garlands and flowers, lighting of the sacred lamps and the whole of the daily duties throughout the temple”. He also donated lands yielding 12,000 pons (gold coins) every year for the administration of the temple.

Later, from the first day of the month Thai, Eswara year, on the Makara Sankaranthi Day, he handed charge over to one Paranetha Pandaram, the son of the hereditary female lamp-lighter of the temple. This is recorded in a translation by Rev William Taylor.

3

Early Miracle recorded in Temple Document

In 1365, Kumara Kampana Udayar, a prince of the Vijayanagara Empire, invaded Madurai in Tamil Nadu after conquering many kings on his way. He sounded the death knell of the Muslim Sultanate which ruled Madurai for half a century. Ibn Batuda, the African traveller, has recorded all the atrocities done to Hindus by the Muslim sultans. Though he was a Muslim he was disgusted by the sultans massacring Hindu women and Children; he has given a graphic account of incidents which he saw with his own eyes.

When Kumara Kampana entered Madurai with his wife Queen Ganga Devi (author of Madura Vijayam in Sanskrit) he saw a miracle. Nelson gives a graphic account of the reopening of the Meenakshi temple after the elimination of Sultans:

“Kampana Udayar was taken on an appointed day to witness the reopening of the Pagoda (temple) and on his entering and approaching the shrine for the purpose of looking upon the face of God. Lo! and behold! Everything was precisely in the same condition as when the temple was first shut 48 years ago. The lamp that was lighted on that day was still burning and the sandal wood powder, the garland of flowers and the ornaments usually placed before the idol on the morning of the festival day were found to be exactly as it is .

This is not Nelson’s words. This is written in the Temple Record book called Seethala Kurippedu in old Tamil. Nelson has given a brief translation. And such a record written in the temple never exaggerates nor tell lies.

4

Fourth Miracle

My father V Santanam, freedom fighter and News Editor, Dinamani, Madurai was part of the 1963 Kumbabishekam (consecration done every 12 years) of the Madurai Temple. Then Kumbaabishekams were done in 1974 and 2009. During the last Kumbabishekam there was a controversy about the Consecration Date. A section of the temple priests was not happy about the chosen date. But it was already announced publicly. There was a big embarrassment about changing the date. At last, all the parties concerned, agreed to leave it to Goddess Meenakshi to pass a final judgement.  The modus operandi generally followed in such a dilemma, is to write YES and NO on paper bits and roll them out and put them in a pot. One from the audience of devotees is called at random, again by someone unconnected with this process, and asked to pick up ONE rolled paper bit. A little girl from the audience was called to pick up Yes or No paper bit on an auspicious day. To the surprise of all the girl picked YES paper bit. Then casually someone asked the girl her name, she said MY NAME IS MEENAAKSHI. Everyone was wonderstruck and had the hair stood on end (goosebumps, elation).

Miracles never stop. They do happen even today. My friend Siddhivinayakam on a casual telephone call from India told me how he named his baby daughter. When he was struggling with different names suggested by family members, he heard someone saying Meenakshi suddenly from unknown source. We call it Asariri, i.e. ‘not from human body’ or from an unseen person.

God Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi have been worshipped for at least 2300 years in Madurai temple. Now millions visit the temple every month.

–subham—

Tags- Madurai Temple, Goddess Meenakshi, Four miracles, Peter Pandya, Tirumalai Nayak, Kampana Udayar, Ganga Devi