Date uploaded in Kumbakonam, India – 14 March 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
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The temple of Airavatesvara in Darasuram (Tamil Nadu), dating from the second half of the twelfth century, is one of the four biggest temples erected by the Choza Dynasty.
I have already visited Thanjavur Big Temple and Gangaikonda Chozapuram many times. On Tenth March 2026, I visited the Darasuram temple for the first time. I took an auto from Kumbhakonam and reached the temple within half hour. I spent an hour taking pictures. The entry is free. But compared with other two temples it is less shiny. Many of the sculptures are worn out. 800 years ago, it was the capital of Choza empire with the name Rajarajeswaram. Later it became popular with the name Airavateswar Temple.
Airavatam is the white elephant and the vehicle/ Vahana of Indra. Once it came under the curse of Durvasa Muni and lost its lustre. It came and worshiped Lord Shiva here and got out of the curse. Now we can have good darshan of Lord Airavateswara in Siva Linga form and Goddess Deivanayaki. The temple com[plex maintained by the archaeological department is huge and has 40,000 sculptures. All the Vedic Gods and later gods are sculpted and occupy the niches. Beautiful decorative stone windows are in between the Gods.
Here are salient features:
The temple is constructed like a stone chariot pulled by the horses.
The entire temple complex is filled with rich carvings and inscriptions that narrate stories from ancient Indian Puranas. It has musical steps. These 7 singing steps that lead to the altar are intricately carved and represent seven musical notes.
The reliefs all along the base of the main temple narrate the stories of the sixty three Shaiva Bhakti saints called Nayanars. These stories are found in the Periya Purana by Sekkilar.
On the outer walls of the main sanctum are sculpture niches; They show various Hindu deities, with the middle one of each side showing Shiva in different aspects.
There are variousNorthern face: Adi Chandesvara, Gangadevi, Tumburu Nardar, Vaisravana, Chandra, Maha Sata, Nagaraja, Vayu
East: Agni deva, Agastya, Sri devi, Durga devi, Devendran, Padma Nidhi, Surya, Subrahmanya, Kshetrapala, Sarasvati, Visvakarma, Isana inscriptions in the temple.
Airavatesvara Temple was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list of Great Living Chola Temples in the year 2004. The American astronomer Carl Sagan visited the Airavatesvara Temple for his 1980 television documentary series, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage.
Please see the pictures taken by me to appreciate the efforts of great and dedicated sculptors.pictures speak more than words
–Subham—
Tags- Darasuram, Airavateswarar temple, My visit, Choza monument, 40000 sculptures.
Date uploaded in Kumbakonam, India – 12 March 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
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Athi Varadar festival in Kumbakonam featuring the rare, once-in-12-years public viewing of the idol ended on tenth March 2026. Over 500,000 devotees had the darshan standing in the long queue for hours.
Here are the key details from the news reports (as of March 2026):
12-Year Cycle: Unlike the 40-year cycle in Kanchipuram, the Athi Varadar idol at the Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kumbakonam is brought out from its underground chamber once every 12 years.
Current Event (2026): The idol was brought out for public worship in March 2026, marking the end of its 12-year seclusion.
Duration: The special darshan, which includes rituals like Thailakappu (oil anointing) and Oonjal Sevai (swing ritual), is scheduled for a limited period, often spanning about 10 days, attracting thousands of devotees.
Location: The temple is located on Brahmman Koil Street in Kumbakonam.
In a spiritually significant event, the sacred Athi Varadar idol will be brought out from the underground chamber of the Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kumbakonam after a gap of 12 years. The rare occasion drew devotees not only from Tamil Nadu but also from Andhra, Telangana, Kerala and a few North Indian states.
The Athi Varadar idol, carved from the sacred athi (fig) tree, is preserved in a subterranean chamber within the temple premises as part of a long-standing tradition. According to temple customs, the idol is taken out only once every 12 years for a brief period of public worship. Along with the main deity, Sri Devi and Bhoodevi are also part of the ceremonial display.
During the special darshan period, which lasted for ten days, elaborate rituals and poojas were conducted in accordance with Agama traditions. Ceremonies such as Thailakappu (oil anointing), Pushpa Alankaram (flower decoration), and Oonjal Sevai (swing ritual) were performed with devotional fervour.
Temple authorities made extensive arrangements to manage the surge in devotees, including regulated darshan timings and security measures. The event transformed Kumbakonam into a major spiritual hub, as devotees gathered to witness and participate in this rare and auspicious tradition.
Only one incident was reported ;a devotee passed away while waiting in the long queue for the darshan on March 10, 2026.
( The Athi Varadar idol in Kumbakonam is distinct from the more famous, larger Athi Varadar idol in Kanchipuram, though both are made of fig wood.)
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Adi Varaha Perumal /Vishnu Temple
I visited Adi Varaha Perumal /Vishnu Temple (aadi varaaha perumaal) on 10th March 2026 and had good darshan. It is a small temple compared to Sarngapani and Chakrapani Vishnu temples. It is very near the famous Kumbeshwar Siva Temple.
God/Moolavar : Sri Adhi Varaha Perumal
Goddess/Thayar : Sri Ambujavalli
It has no tall tower. but instead there is an Arch which is East facing. On top of the Welcome Arch Sri Varaha Perumal is seen along with few other Gods. There is a gold plated Dwajasthambam, a Bali Peedam and a Garudalwar who faces the Moolavar Sannadhi. It is about 800 years old.
Thayar/Goddess Ambujavalli is in a separate shrine in a sitting posture with abhaya varada hastam.
According to Sthala Purana/ local history,Demon Hiranyaksha took Bhumadevi deep inside the earth. Bhumadevi prayed to Maha Vishnu to rescue her. Maha Vishnu took the Varaha avatar, dug the earth with his nose, and brought her back. Hence, Maha Vishnu of this temple is called Adhi Varaha Perumal Temple. Varaha means boar. It I one of the Ten Avatars/Dasavatar.
This Temple is one of the five Templescelebrating Mahamaham festival that is held once in 12 years. Inside the Sanctum Sanctorum Adhi Varaha Perumal can be seen along with His Consort Bhoomadevi on His Lap and Adisesham can be seen in a standing posture.
This is a Vadakalai temple with Nigamantha Desikan shrine inside the temple.
One of the special features of the temple is a rare Prasad/Food offering. A root called Korai Kizangu is used in the food offering to God here. Since the God is in the form of Boar, this is considered appropriate offering.
Korai Kizhangu, or Nut Grass (Cyperus rotundus), is a traditional Ayurvedic and Siddha tuberous root known for its diverse medicinal, skincare, and hair removal properties. It is used to treat skin infections, improve skin texture, boost immunity, and aid digestion, often consumed as a powder or used as a topical paste.
Date uploaded in Kumbakonam, India – 11 March 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
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I was fortunate to have good darshan at Kumbesshwar Shiva temple and Nageswara Shiva temple in Kumbakonam. I visited Kumbeshwar temple for the fourth time in the past four years. This time I went there specifically to thank the Lord and the priest for retrieving my lost passport. During my visit in 2025, my British passport was pickpocketed by someone. Finding no money in the passport bag, he threw it into the temple flower heap. The priest saw that while clearing the flowers and gave it to his wife to find the owner. She found me after a great effort and spending much time. After a few hours of phoning people, she googled swaminathan from London, and all my books appeared in google and amazon. Then she found the publisher Pustaka.co.in and phoned the proprietor. He is a good friend of my brother in Bengaluru. When my brother phoned me the good news, I booked a taxi to and from Chennai and reached Kumbakonam just before midnight. I thanked the priest and his wife and travelled back to Chennai to catch my flight to London. When I gave some money as a token of thanks, they refused to take it and asked me to donate it to the temple. It was almost midnight and the temple was closed. This time on 5-3-2026, I went to Kumbeshwar temple and put the money in the temple Hundi thanking both lord Shiva and the priest family.
Kumbheswar is the God who gave the name to the town. Here are the salient features:
The Adi Kumbeswarar Temple in Kumbakonam is at least 1400-year-old Shiva temple ;it is the site for the Mahamakam Festival held every 12 years. The big Mahamakam tank is near the temple.
Temple features a unique, sand-mixed lingam created by Lord Shiva and houses a rare, ancient stone Nagaswaram
Deity: Lord Shiva as Adi Kumbeswarar and Parvati as Mangalambigai Amman.
Significance: It is the primary temple in Kumbakonam, linked to the pot of nectar in Hindu mythology.
Features: It showcases Chola and Nayak architecture, including a 1400-year-old legacy.
Cultural Reference: it has rare statue of Jvaradeva/Jurakareśvara and a stone Nagaswaram.
The Siva Linga is slightly tilted at the top towards left.
It has four towers in four directions; The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 128 feet (39 m) .
The sixteen-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagara period has all the 27 stars and 12 zodiacs sculpted in a single stone.
During cosmic dissolution, a pot containing nectar (Amirta) was floating and lord Siva came in the disguise of a hunter and pierced the pot with an arrow, thereby making the nectar to flow through it’s nostril on all sides. Hence this place is named Kudamooku (kuda – pot; mooku – nostril or tip). Kudam in Sanskrit is Kumbham. The Kumbeswarar (Linga) is on the form of conical lingam. That gave the name Kumbha konam.
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Special Features of Nageshwar Shiva Temple
The presiding deity is revered in the 7th-century Tamil Tevaram. The temple is one of the earliest of all Chola temples. Shiva in the guise of Nagaraja, the serpent king.
Sun rays fall directly on the deity during April-May.
WHITE FIGURE- PADAKACHERI SWAMI WHO RENOVATED THE TEMPLE IN 1920S.
Key Details of Nageshwar Temple, Kumbakonam:
Deity: Lord Shiva is worshipped as Nageswaran, Naganathar, or Koothandavar.
Architecture: Known as Kudandai Keezhkkottam, the temple is a masterpiece of Chola engineering, with the main sanctum constructed in the shape of a chariot.
Astronomy & Light: The temple is designed so that sun rays fall on the central lingam for three days in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April/May).
Significance: It is one of the 12 temples associated with the Mahamaham festival.
Legend: It is believed that the serpent king Adisesha worshipped Shiva here. Another legend features kings and sages worshipping here to overcome obstacles.
Specialty: It is a major spot for relieving Rahu dosham, with special prayers held on Mondays and Thursdays.
The temple complex is famous for its intricate carvings and its role as a key historical site representing the Chola dynasty’s architectural prowess.
The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Nageswarar, Pralayamkathanathar and Periyanayagi being the most prominent..
This place has been referredto in Tevaram written by Saint Tamil poet of 7th Century CE, Thirugnana Sambanthar. So it is older than 1400 years.
The temple had been a centre of learning as seen from the inscriptions in the temple. The inscriptions indicate specific subjects like Purvamimansa styled as Pravahakarma. There were also provisions made for feeding and maintaining for teachers and students
–subham—
Tags- Famous Shiva Temples in Kumbakonam, Kumbeshwar, Nageshwar, Stone Nadaswara, Stone Chariot, Mahamakam Tank, Festival, Adishesan, Snake worship, PICTURES BY LONDON SWAMINATHAN
Date uploaded in Kumbakonam, India – 10 March 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
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xxxx
Like Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu is also dotted with several Vishnu and Shiva temples. They are called Temple Towns; only difference is Kanchi has Jain temples as well. In Kanchi one can see more Pallava influence and in Kumbakonam one can see more Choza influence.
The Vishnu temples I visited on 5-3-2026, are Bow Holder Temple (Sarangapani) and Wheel Holder Temple (Chakrapani). They are sung by Alvars, Tamil Vaishnavite saints and dated 1200 to 1500 years old. Both the temples have some unique features.
Vishnu has five weapons in his hands.
Vanamali Gadi Sarangi Shanki Chakri Cha Nandaki Shriman Narayano Vishnur Vasudevo Bhirakshatu.
वनमाली गदी शार्ङ्गी शङ्खी चक्री च नन्दकी।
श्रीमान् नारायणो विष्णुर्वासुदेवोऽभिरक्षतु॥
Vanamali (वनमाली): One who wears the Vanamala, a divine garland made of forest flowers (Vaijayanti), representing the subtler elements of nature.
Gadi (गदी): The bearer of the mace named Kaumodaki;
Sharngi (शार्ङ्गी): The wielder of the Sharnga bow;
conch (Shankhi), discus (Chakri), and sword (Nandaki).
Lord Narayana, who is adorned with these divine weapons and symbols, including the conch (Shankhi), discus (Chakri), and sword (Nandaki). It is chanted for safety and to remove obstacles.
Let us first visit Sarngapani (saarngapaani) Sarngam is the bow and Paani in Sanskrit is Hand.
The Sarangapani Temple is a 1000 year old Hindu temple in dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is depicted holding the sharanga (bow). It is one of the 108 Divya Desams and a significant Pancharanga Kshetram located on the Kaveri River bank. It features unique chariot-shaped architecture and legends.
Situated in Kumbakonam, this temple is revered in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by seven Alvars (poet-saints).
Architecture: The main sanctum is designed like a chariot (Ratha) pulled by elephants and horses, featuring intricate carvings from the Chola and Nayak periods.
Deity: Lord Sarangapani is in a reclining posture (Bhujanga sayanam) on the chariot bed.
Legends: The temple is associated with Sage Hemarishi, who did penance to have Lakshmi as his daughter, and it is a Pancha Kshethram where Goddess Lakshmi was born as Bhargavi.
Key Spots: Includes the Pathala Srinivasan sanctum (underground) and the Mettu Srinivasan (above ground) sanctum.
Festivals: The temple celebrates major festivals, including the chariot festival (Rathotsavam).
Lakshmi emerged from the Potramarai tank among thousand lotuses and was thus named Komalavalli (the one who emerged from lotus). Vishnu descended to earth as Aravamudhan in a chariot drawn by horses and elephants from his abode Vaikuntam.He stayed in the nearby Someswaran Temple to convince Lakshmi to marry him and the couple eventually got married. The temple follows Pancharatra Agama and Vadakalai tradition.
Tallest tower
The Sarangapani Temple dates back to the Pallava era; however, the existing edifice is linked to the Vikrama Chola period, beginning in 1121 AD. Its importance grew significantly during the reigns of the Vijayanagara and Nayaka dynasties from the 15th to the 17th centuries, which saw considerable expansion of the temple’s structure
A notable highlight of the Sarangapani Temple is its main entrance, the rajagopuram, which rises to a height of 173 feet and consists of eleven tiers. This structure is the tallest temple tower in Kumbakonam and ranks as the third tallest gopuram among the Divya Desams, following Srirangam (236 feet) and Srivilliputhur (192 feet).
Trial Run of the New Chariot
Trial run of the New Ratha/ Chariot of Sarngapani
Is taking place on 13-3-2026. This is one of the biggest chariots of Tamil temples.
Height – 60 feet; Weight 500 Tons;
Chariot’s horses and other figures are made up of papier mache and bamboo. It will be used next Chitrai month . Thousands of people will pull it using 300 metre long huge rope.
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Chakrapani temple
All the Shiva and Vishnu temples are in walking distance. Chakrapani temple is unique in many respects.
In the Chakrapani Temple, Lord Vishnu appears in the form of a discus or Chakra to put down the pride of Surya, who subsequently became his devotee. Like Lord Shiva, Lord Chakrapani has a third eye on his forehead.
Lord Vishnu appears as the fiery Sudarshana Chakra with eight arms and a third eye, resembling Lord Shiva to subdue Surya’s pride. It is known for its “Bhaskara Kshetram” where the Sun God worships the deity. Bhaskra means Sun/Surya.
Picture shows Sun God worshipping Chakrapani.
Unique Deity Form: Lord Chakrapani is depicted not as a human avatar but as the radiant, Sudarshana Chakra (wheel ) housed in a central sanctum.
Third Eye & Eight Arms: Unlike typical Vishnu forms, this idol has eight arms holding weapons and a third eye on the forehead, similar to Lord Shiva.
Bilva leaves are used here instead of Tulsi.
Sun Worship (Bhaskara Kshetram): Legend holds that the Sun God (Surya) worshipped the Chakra here to regain his lost brilliance, making it a prominent place for Sun worship.
Architecture & Entrances: The temple has a five-tiered Raja Gopuram and features two entrances—”Thatchinaya Vayil” and “Utharavana Vayil”—and an outer Prakara built like a balcony.
Historical Significance: A bronze statue of the Maratha King Serfoji II is present, as he is said to have been cured of a severe illness by the deity.
Important Rituals: It is one of the five Vishnu temples involved in the Mahamaham festival, with major, unique celebrations including the, Thirumanjanam (holy bath) and special, worship during Masi Magam.
Pancha Mukha Hanuman: The temple complex contains an idol of the five-faced Hanuman.
The temple is also known for, being a place where worshippers, pray for relief, from, physical, or, mental, illnesses.
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As per Hindu legend, Chakra (also called Sudarshana), is the most powerful weapon of god Vishnu. He once sent his weapon to nether world to kill king Jalandasura. The weapon is believed to have come out of the nether world through river Kaveri. God Brahma, installed the image of Sudarshana in the place where the temple is now located. Surya, the Sun god, who was glowing in brilliance, had his brightness diminished by the effulgent Sudarshana. Surya worshipped Sudarshana and pleased by his devotion, Sudarshana restored all the powers of Surya. He worshiped Chakrathazhwar (personified Wheel or Discuss) during Masi Magam and every year Masi Magam festival is celebrated during the day, commemorating the event. The temple car is drawn around the streets of the temple during the day.
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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What is the distance between you and the God?
S. Nagarajan
Narada is a great sage. He is devoted to Lord Narayana who is the protector of Universe according to the Hindu religion.
All the scriptures says that Narayana resides at Vaikunda, a sacred place in the sky.
Once Narada went to Vaikunda, where Narayana is supposed to be dwells.
But to his surprise Narada did not see the Lord, there!
He started searching the Lord.
At that time one devotee came in front of him.
He asked Narada, “oh! Great sage, wherefrom you are coming?”
Narada replied to him that he is coming from Vaikunda. He also said that he did not see the Lord at Vaikunda and in search of him he is wandering:’
The devotee laughed at him.
“Oh! Great sage! You do not know where he is. He is at a calling distance,” said the devotee.
Narada was wonderstruck.
He told the devotee that he is not able to understand the meaning of his words.
The devotee said, “It is simple. He is at a distance to hear your call. When the elephant Gajendra called “Oh, the Origin of everything”, he heard that call and immediately came to the elephant’s rescue.
Actually, the elephant’s leg was grabbed by a crocodile in a river and at any moment it may be dragged into the river.
Similarly, the Pandavas Queen Draupadi called him, “Oh, my lord who is dwelling in my heart. Pl come and rescue me. The wretched Gaurav Dussasana is stripping my sari.”
On hearing Draupadi’s call he came immediately to her rescue and started supplying numerous saris.
Telling all these things the devotee asked Narada, “I hope now you understand where he would be. Go and find him in devotees’ assembly.
Narada accordingly found the Lord in a large gathering where devotees were chanting His name.
Narada finding the Lord there prostrated before Him.
Narada told the Lord that he is coming from Vaikund in search of him.
The Lord laughed at him and said the famous reply.
“I am not residing at Vaikunda nor at the yogi’s heart. Wherever my devotees are chanting my name, oh, Narada, you may find me there.
Narada understood the power of the devotion.
God is in your heart and that is the distance between you and the God!
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
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About sixty years ago, we used to travel from Madurai to Vaitheeswaran Koil to worship our family deity Shiva. There Lord Shiva is called Mr Doctor (In Sanskrit Vaidyanathan) . He is doctor for the diseases our body catches as well as the disease of birth and death. And we used to stay in our uncle’s house at Mayavaram, also known as Mayuram, Mailaduthurai ; in fact Mayiladuthurai is the name used by the Thevaram saints. Since the God Mayuranathar is sung by Appar/Tirunavukkarasar and his junior Gnana Sambandar the place is well known for at least 1400 years.
When we stay at our uncle’s house we used to go to the temple and spend much time sitting in the Prakara (corridor) discussing various matters. I visited the temple again on 5-3-2026.
The temple at Mayuram (Mayura in Sanskrit is Mayil in Tamil meaning peacock) has a story.
Goddess Parvati went to her father Daksha’s Yagna (Fire sacrifice) uninvited. Daksha invited all but not Shiva. He didn’t bother; but when he insulted Parvati she fell in the Yagna fire and sacrificed herself. Shiva became angry and sent Virabhadra to destroy all the people in the Yagna Hall. At the same time Shiva cursed even his own wife for not obeying to his instruction. She was cursed to become a peacock (peahen)and she worshipped Shiva at this place to get out of the curse.
Several inscriptions in the temple show the donations made by Choza , Pandya and Vijayanagara kings. So the temple has a long history.
Salient features of the Mayiladuthurai Temple are:
It is on the southern banks of the River Kaveri. Every Aippasi month (one of the 12 Tamil months) thousands of people take holy dip in the river in the early morning. At that time, it is as holy as Ganga and the town is as holy as Kasi (Varanasi/Benares). The 30 day holy bath (Thula Snanam) concludes in the first day of next month called Kartikai.
God Shiva appears in the form of Swayambu Linga here. Goddess is called Abhayambikai. In the same temple there is a shrine called Adi Mayuranathar shrine where Goddess is in peacock form.
The statuesof planet Saturn (Sani) and goddess Durga in the temple have unique features. Sani has Flame (fire) head; Durga has demons at her feet.
Nataraja here did Gauri Tandava. The tower is 165 feet tall and it is a nine storeyed tower.
Lord Ganapati is called Agastya Vinayaka. All the popular Hindu Gods have shrines in the temple. There is a tank attached to the temple.
· Architecture: Originally from the 7th century, it was significantly built/expanded by the Cholas (11th century).
· Mythology: Legend says Goddess Parvati worshipped Shiva here in the form of a peacock (Mayur).
· Location: Situated in the heart of Mayiladuthurai town, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu.
· Important Festivals: The “Thula Utsavam” in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November) is a major event.
· Address: Mayuranathar Colony, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu – 609001.
In the 14th century, Tamil poet Arunagirinathar composed a Tiruppugaz song on the deity Murugan, in this temple. The shrine is managed by Thiruvavaduthurai adheenam.
It is about 256 km (159 mi) southeast of Chennai, the state capital. The nearest railway station is Mayiladuthurai railway junction 2 km (1.2 mi) from the temple.
The temple is a huge temple and one needs an hour or less to complete the round.
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 26 February 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
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ஆங்கில எழுத்து K- ல் துவங்கும் சொற்கள்
Words beginning with “K”. (Tamil Version will be posted tomorrow)
Kalidasa (kaalidaasa)
Kalidasa is widely considered to be the greatest Indian poet and playwright of all time. He wrote in Sanskrit. There are seven works written by him-two epic poems, two shorter poems and three plays. They are 1.Raghu Vamsa (dynasty of Raghu),2.Kumara Sambhava (Birth of Kumara, 3.Megha Duta (Cloud Messenger),4.Ritu Samhara (Cluster of Sesons), 5.Malavikagnimitram (Malavika and Agnimitra),6.Abijnana Shakuntala (The recognition of Shakuntala) and 7.Vikramorvasiya (Urvasi won by valour).His master piece was Shakuntala.
The age of Kalidasa has been debated for long. He could have lived anytime between 2nd century BC and 4th Century AD. Though the western scholars have placed him in the period of Gupta dynasty, Indians believe that he lived in the time of the great Indian King Vikramaditya who started his own Vikrama era in 56 BCE. Kalidasa was one of the Nine Jewels (Navaratna) of Vikramaditya’s court.
My research into Tamil Cankam (also known as Sangam) literature shows that Kalidasa lived sometime before the birth of Christ. Tamil poets have used a lot of his similes. Kalidasa was most famous for his apt similes. The Sanskrit poets praised him as Upama Kalidasasya: ( Kalidasa owns similes).Tamil poets have used lot of common Indian/ Hindu beliefs. The source may be different ancient Indian works. But there are very clear indications to show that the poets have got them from Kalidasa’s works. There are over 200 similarities between the works of Kalidasa and the Sangam Tamil works. No one can reject them as coincidences or of pan Indian origin.
Seven Books—40,000 words—93 commentaries for three of his works—he beat Shakespeare in writing poetry+ dramas+ Epics+ stotras (Shyamaladandakam) and usage of similes. He covered the history of 29 kings in Raghuvamsam. He used 1250 similes! He gives a description of a vast geographical area from Iran to Indonesia! He called the Himalayas “the measuring rod of earth” even before George Everest told the world the height of Everest Peak!!! An amazing poet the world has ever produced. First poet to write a travelogue called Meghadutam in Sanskrit and first poet to report the progress o South West Monsoon from South India to Himalayas.
First poet to link Pandyas and Agastya, which is the foundation of Tamil History.
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Kalpa
Kalpa (कल्प) refers to “one day in the life of Lord Brahmā. It is equivalent to one thousand catur-yugas. Each catur-yuga is one cycle of the four yugas: Satya, Dvāpara, Tretā and Kali, totalling 4,320,000,000 years.
It signifies a period of creation, duration, and destruction of the universe.
One of the six Vedāṅgas, i. e. that which lays down the ritual and prescribes rules for ceremonial and sacrificial acts; शिक्षा कल्पो व्याकरणम् (śikṣā kalpo vyākaraṇam) Muṇdtod; 1.1.5 see under वेदाङ्ग (vedāṅga).
The doctrine of poisons and antidotes.
One of the trees of paradise; cf. कल्पद्रुम (kalpadruma).
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Kalpakavriksa- Wish fulfilling tree
Kalpavṛkṣa (कल्पवृक्ष).—A tree in Devaloka. It has the power of giving any object that one wishes to get. There are five Kalpavṛkṣas in Devaloka. Their names are: Mandāra, Pārijāta, Santāna, Kalpavṛkṣa and Haricandana.
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Kama (kaama)
Wish, desire; this Sanskrit word is used throughout ancient Tamil literature.
Kāma means desire, wish, longing in Indian literature. Kāma often connotes sexual desire and longing in contemporary literature, but the concept more broadly refers to any desire, wish, passion, longing, pleasure of the senses, the aesthetic enjoyment of life, affection, or love, with or without sexual connotations.
Love or desire of sensual enjoyments, considered as one of the ends of life (puruṣārtha); cf. अर्थ (artha) and अर्थकाम (arthakāma).
Dharama, Artha, Kama, Moksha are the four values that Hindus should aim for.
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Kama – God of Love
Kama is the God of Love and Lust. He is also referred to as Manamatha. He is the most handsome among both men and Gods. He is equivalent to the Greek/Roman Cupid. He uses a bow of sugarcane, and shoots flower tipped arrows at humans to make them fall in love. He is married to Rati, one of the daugters of Daksha.
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Kāmaśāstra (कामशास्त्र) refers to the “science of erotics”.
Kamasutra
Kāmasūtra (कामसूत्र).—
Name of an erotic work by Vātsyāyana.
First book on sex in the world. Vatsyayana wrote it in Sanskrit. First book in the world which prescribed educational syllabus for women.
“ A woman should study even before reaching adolescence, and then, once married should continue her studies with her husband.” ( Sutra 2, Chapter 3, Kamasutra of Vatsyayana)
Vatsyayana, the Brahmin author of Kamasutra listed all the 64 arts that a woman should learn. Tamil and Sanskrit poets referred to this 64 arts in their poems. Goddess Sarasvati is the source of those 64 subjects.
Kāmasūtra (कामसूत्र) (lit. “principles of love”’) is an ancient Indian Sanskrit text on sexuality, eroticism and emotional fulfillment in life.—The Kāmasūtra is a Sūtra-genre text with terse aphoristic verses that have survived into the modern era with different bhāṣyas (exposition and commentaries). The Kāmasūtra acknowledges the Hindu concept of Puruṣārthas, and lists desire, sexuality, and emotional fulfilment as one of the proper goals of life. Its chapters discuss methods for courtship, training in the arts to be socially engaging, finding a partner, flirting, maintaining power in a married life, when and how to commit adultery, sexual positions, and other topics.
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Kamadhenu- Wish fulfilling Cow
Kamadhenu is the wish fulfilling cow. The picture and statues of Kamadhenu are in Hindu houses and temples.
It refers to the “celestial cow” also known as Surabhi (सुरभि Surabhī).
Kamadhenu, the divine “cow of plenty” originating from the Churning of the Ocean, is revered as a symbol of abundance and divinity with the power to fulfil desires. According to tradition, she is depicted with various divine attributes, serves as a protective force for sages, and is worshipped for prosperity and to bring good luck to homes and businesses
Kāmadhenu (कामधेनु) was the mythical cow of Vasiṣṭha which satisfies all desires, cow of plenty (= surabhi).
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Karma
“Karma” (Sanskrit: कर्म) primarily means action, work, or deed, acting as the fundamental spiritual principle of cause and effect in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It governs the moral law of actions, shaping future destiny, rebirth, and experiences, often categorized into Sanchita (accumulated), Prarabdha (fruiting), and Agamya or Kriyamana (current).
Karma (कर्म) refers to “action”, “deed”.—1) any action or deed; 2) the principle of cause and effect; 3) a consequence or “fruit of action” (karmaphala) or “after effect” (uttaraphala), which sooner or later returns upon the doer. What we sow, we shall reap in this or future lives. Selfish, hateful acts (pāpakarma or kukarma) will bring suffering. Benevolent actions (puṇya-karma or sukarma) will bring loving reaction.
Karma is three fold:—sañcita,prārabda, kriyamāṇa (or āgāmi)
Also any religious act or rite (as sacrifice, oblation etc., [especially] as originating in the hope of future recompense.
Karman (कर्मन्).—[neuter] action, deed, work, [especially] holy work, sacrifice, rite; result, effect; organ of sense; the direct object ([grammar]); fate, destiny.
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Karmendriya
Karmendriya (कर्मेन्द्रिय):—[from karma > karman] n. an organ of action (five in number like the five organs of sense, viz. hand, foot, larynx/ogan of voice, organ of generation, and excretion).
The Five Faculties of Action (Karmendriya):
vak-tattva: speech (voice)
pani-tattva: grasping (hands)
pada-tattva: walking (feet)
payu-tattva: excretion (anus)
upastha-tattva: procreation (genitals)
Speaking, Grasping, Moving About, Excreting and Sexual Activities are the Soul’s Powers of responding to and interacting with, the external World.
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Karta
Karta (Sanskrit: कर्ता, kartā) primarily refers to the “doer,” “agent,” or “creator” of an action. It is a term deeply rooted in Indian philosophy, grammar, and traditional law, representing the individual responsible for bringing about change or taking initiative.
It is a foundational concept in Indian philosophy, grammar, and art, embodying initiative and responsibility.
Sanskrit Grammar (Vyakarana): Karta is the agent or subject of an action.
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Khadira
Khadira (खदिर)—Sanskrit word for a plant (Acacia catechu).
Khadira (खदिर) is mentioned frequently from the Rigveda1 onwards as a tree with hard wood—the Acacia catechu. The Aśvattha is referred to as engrafting itself upon it in the Atharvaveda, and from it the climbing plant Arundhatī is said to have sprung.
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Kavya (kaavya)
Kāvya (काव्य).
A poem; महाकाव्यम् (mahākāvyam); मेघदूतं नाम काव्यम् (meghadūtaṃ nāma kāvyam) . Poetics, poetry, a poetical composition
Mahākāvya (महाकाव्य):—the Raghu-vaṃśa, Kumārasambhava and Megha-dūta by Kālidāsa, the Śiśupāla-vadha by Māgha, the Kirātārjunīya by Bhāravi and the Naiṣadha-carita by Śrī-harṣa; [according to] to some the Bhaṭṭi-kāvya is also a Mahakavya.
In Tamil Five Great Epics (Tamil: Aimperumkāppiyaṅkaḷ) are:
Karakam, or Karagaattam, is a traditional, ancient folk dance from Tamil Nadu, India, performed to honour the rain goddess Mariamman. It features dancers balancing decorated pots (karakam) on their heads while performing intricate movements, acrobatics, and sometimes balancing on a rolling wooden block.
Though associated with religious festivals, nowadays they are part of cultural and political processions.
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Kavadi (kaavadi)
This semi-circular decorated canopy supported with wooden cross-pieces is called a kavadi, meaning ‘burden’ or ‘load’.
A kavadi is a ceremonial, often ornate, wooden or metal arch decorated with peacock feathers, flowers, and photos of Hindu deities, carried by devotees of Lord Murugan as an act of penance, gratitude, or devotion, during the Thaipusam and other Murugan (Skanda/Kartikeya) festivals. It represents a “burden” or sacrifice, often involving fasting, rituals, and sometimes body piercings with hooks or skewers, particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, and Tamil Nadu.
Devotees carry the kavadi to fulfill vows, seek blessings for health or success, or express gratitude to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and wisdom.
Types of Kavadi:
Paal Kavadi: A simple, less painful offering involving pots of milk (paal) carried on a wooden pole.
Alagu Kavadi: A more complex, heavy structure often attached to the body via hooks and spikes piercing the skin (alagu means small spears).
Sangili Kavadi: Involves dragging heavy chariot or metal structures via chains attached to the body.
During the procession, devotees often enter a trance-like state, facilitated by the rhythmic, loud, and intense drumming (urumi melam) and chanting of “Vel Vel” (referring to Lord Murugan’s spear).
In Malaysia, devotees often ascend 272 steps to the shrine in the Batu Caves during Thaipusam. Other famous Murugan temples are also on hills. They also climb the steps.
Gangajal taken in Kavadi poles
TO BE CONTINED……………….
–SUBHAM—
TAGS- Karakam, Kavadi, Kalpa, Kalidasa, HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL – 39, இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-39
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 21 February 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
xxxx
ஆங்கில எழுத்து J- ல் துவங்கும் சொற்கள்
Words beginning with “J”.
Tamil version will be posted tomorrow
J
JANARDHANA
Janardhana (Sanskrit: जनार्दन) appears as the 126th name in the Vishnu Sahasranama. It is a highly significant epithet of Lord Vishnu (and specifically Krishna), highlighting his role as the protector of devotees and the destroyer of evil
Meaning- “One Who Bestows Boons On One And All”
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JAGADGURU
Meaning: “Preceptor of The Universe”
used as an epithet of Brahmā and Siva in Siva Purana.
Used as an epithet of a name of Brahman, Viṣhṇu, Śiva, Rāma, [Rāmāyaṇa] 3, 6, 18.
Jagadguru is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms jagat and guru (गुरु).
In Tamil Nadu Kanchi Shankaracharya (1894-1994) was also called Jagadguru
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JAINA
Meaning – A Jaina, a follower of Jaina doctrines.
In Tamil they are called Samana or Amana. Because of their political involvement in converting Pallava and Pandya kings, they were severely criticised by Saivite saints who lived 1400 years ago. They have made a huge contribution to Tamil Literature in the middle period. Earlier Tamil epic Silappadikaram praised them.
JAINISM
A heterodox school of Indian philosophy that perceives the world as transitory and does not advocate dependence on an almighty God for existence. It views the world as transitory and self-existent, rejecting the notion of an almighty God who dictates existence.
In Jainism there are 24 Tirtankaras; a Tirthankara is a highly revered spiritual teacher. They are enlightened beings who establish a path to liberation, guide followers, and found a “tirtha,” or ford, to help individuals cross the cycle of rebirths. These figures, like Mahavira, are considered the highest order of spiritual teachers, with 24 recognized for their teachings. They are often associated with significant dreams, and their birth and teachings are central to the spiritual tradition, representing the pinnacle of spiritual attainment.
12. Vasupujya Swami i Vasupujya Jaya Devi Champapuri
13. Vimalnath Krutavarma Shyama Devi Kampilyapur
14. Anantnath Simhasen Suyasha Ayodhya
15. Dhramnath Bhanu Suvrata Ratnapur
16. Shantinath Vishvasen Achira Hastinapur
17. Kunthunath and Surasen Shree Devi Hastinapur
18. Arahnath Sudarshan Devi Rani Hastinapur
19. Mallinath Kumbha Prabhavati Mithila
20. Munisuvrat Sumitra Padmavati Rajgruhi
21. Naminath Vijay Vipra Mithila
22. Arishtanemi Samudravijay Shiva Devi Dwarka
23. Parshvanath and Ashvasen Vama Devi Varanasi
24. Mahavir Siddharatha Trishala Kshatriya Kund
Mahavir was senior to Buddha and lived in the Sixth Century BCE.
There are two sects in Jainism- Digamabaras, and Svetambaras
Meaning —Digambara (“sky-clad”) and Śvētāmbara (“white-clad”)—which separated around the 4th century BCE due to differences in ascetic practices and scriptural interpretation. Digambara monks renounce all clothing, while Śvētāmbara monks wear white robes
Jains are strict vegetarians.
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JAMBHUDWIPA
Mentioned in Mahabharata, Asokan inscriptions and Sangam Tamil Literature. One of the seven regions on earth.
In Tamil it is called Naavalam Tivu. Name is derived from Jambu Tree (Indian Blackberry; in Tamil Naaval)
One of the Purāṇically famous Saptadvīpas (seven continents). These seven continents are embankments separating the seven seas. Jambūdvīpa, Krauñcadvīpa, Śākadvīpa and Puṣkaradvīpa are included in the seven islands.These are the seven major mountains in Jambūdvīpa:
Jamadagni (जमदग्नि):—Son of Satyavatī (daughter of king Gādhi) and sage Ṛcīka. He married Reṇukā, the daughter of Reṇu. Many sons, headed by Vasumān, were born from the womb of Reṇukā. The youngest of them was named Rāma, or Paraśurāma. (see Bhāgavata Purāṇa 9.15.4-11)
Also mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. I.60.46) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places.
Renuka was such very devoted wife and the power of her chastity was manifest. Such was this power, that she used to fetch water from the river in a pot made of unbaked clay every day. The pot would hold together because of her devotion to her husband.
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JANAKA
Janaka (जनक) is the name of a famous king of Videha or Mithilā, foster-father of Sītā. He was remarkable for his great knowledge, good works, and holiness. After the abandonment of Sītā by Rāma, he became an anchorite-indifferent to pleasure or pain-and spent his time in philosophical discussions. The sage याज्ञवल्क्य (yājñavalkya) was his priest and adviser.
Shatapatha Brahmana and the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad mention King Janaka (c. 8th century BCE) as a great philosopher-king of Videha, renowned for his patronage of Vedic culture and philosophy, and whose court was an intellectual center for Brahmin sages such as Yajnavalkya
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JANAKI
Daughter of Janaka; another name of Sita Devi.
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JANAMEJAYA & JARATKARU
Many people and places had this name according to Mahabharata. But the most famous was the son of Parikshit.
Name of a celebrated king of Hastināpura, son of Parīkṣit, the grandson of Arjuna. [His father died, being bitten by a serpent; and Janamejaya, determined to avenge the injury, resolved to exterminate the whole serpent-race. He accordingly instituted a serpent sacrifice, and burnt down all serpents except Takṣaka, who was saved only by the intercession of the sage Astika, at whose request the sacrifice was closed. Brahmins recite a mantra in the daily Sandhyavandana recalling this anecdote.
The first of the four sons of Parīkṣit and Irāvatī.1 Father of Śatānīka.2 Finding that the death of his father was predicted to be by the snake Takṣaka, he performed a sarpa yāga to destroy all snakes. All except Takṣaka came, the latter being sheltered by Indra. At this Takṣaka and Indra were invoked together. Advised by Bṛhaspati to refrain from the cruel yāga, Janamejaya agreed; with the aid of Tura, the priest, he performed Aśvamedha and other sacrifices; after anointing his son on the throne he went into the woods for penance.
Sandhya Vandana mantra
The snakes acceded to his request and said, “He who recites the following need not have any fear from us:
‘I call to mind the famous Astika born of Jaratkaru, that Astika who saved the snakes from the snake-sacrifice. Therefore it behoves you not to bite me. O snakes of virulent poison, remember the words of Astika after the snake sacrifice of Janamejaya. You shall be blessed‘.
That snake who does not cease from biting even after hearing such mention of Astika, shall have his hood divided a hundredfold like the fruit of Sinsa tree”.
(Source: Adi Parva, Chapter 58)
नर्मदायै नमः प्रातः नर्मदायै नमो निशि
नमोऽस्तु नर्मदे तुभ्यं त्राहि मां विषसर्पदः
सर्पापसर्प भद्रं त गच्छ सर्प महाविष।
Alternative line
Apasarapa sarapa bhadram te duram gachcha mahaayasaah
जनमेजयस्य यज्ञान्ते आस्तीकवचं स्मर।।
जरत्कार्वोर्जरत्कर्वां समुत्पन्न महायशाः
अस्तीक सत्यसन्धो मां पन्नगेभ्यो अभिरक्षतु
पन्नगेभ्यो अभिरक्षतु om nama iti.
MEANING
O Narmada, I offer you salutations in the morning & night (during sandhya vandana); Protect me from poisonous snakes
Astika, born of muni Jaratkaru and his wife of the same name, was a great soul. He, the protector of the truth, will protect me from the serpents.
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JAPA
Japa (जप):—n. recitation; the practice of reciting mantras quietly/silently on prayer beads;Japa (जप).— Muttering, whispering.
2) Repeating passages of the Veda or names of deities &c.; Manusmṛti 3.74; Y.1.22.
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JATAKARMA
Jātakarman (जातकर्मन्).—n. a ceremony performed at the birth of a child; Manusmṛti 2.27,29; R.3.18. A ceremony performed when the navel string is divided, touching the infant’s tongue thrice with ghee, with appropriate prayers.
One of the Forty Samskaras (or Sixteen/Shodasa) from Birth to Death of a Hindu.
2) The form of existence fixed by birth. 3) Race, family, lineage, rank.
4) A caste, tribe or class (of men); (the primary castes of the Hindus are only four :-brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya and śūdra).
5) A class, genus, kind, species
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JAYADRATHA
Jayadratha (जयद्रथ).—A king of the Sindhu district and brother-in-law of Duryodhana, having married Duhśalā, daughter of Dhṛtarāṣṭra. [Once while out on hunting, he chanced to see Draupadī in the forest, and asked of her food for himself and his retinue. Draupadī, by virtue of her magical sthālī, was able to supply him with materials sufficient for their break-fast. Jayadratha was so much struck with this act, as well as her personal charms, that he asked her to elope with him. She, of course, indignantly refused, but he succeeded in carrying her off, as her husbands were out on hunting. When they returned they pursued and captured the ravisher and released Draupadī, and he himself was allowed to go after having been subjected to many humiliations. He took a leading part in compassing the death of Abhimanyu, and met his doom at the hands of Arjuna in the great war.
What happened on the 13th day of Mahabharata war? Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu Desa (Indus Valley King) killed Abimanyu, son of Arjuna on the 13th day of the war. Arjuna was furious and vowed to kill Jayadratha before the sunset next day. The whole Kaurava army gave Jayadratha full protection. When the sun appeared to set, Jayadratha poked his head out to show that he was victorious. Suddenly the sun reappeared in the sky and Arjuna shot Jayadratha down. The story goes that Krishna hid the sun with his Sudarsana chakra. Actually Krishna tricked Jayadratha with the knowledge of the solar eclipse happening on that day. Arjuna’s brothers Nakulan and Sahadevan were experts in such calculations.
People were told for a long time that the war started on a new moon (Amavasya) day. Latest research by scholars with computer software shows that it started on a full moon day. Another interpretation is that though it was started on New Moonday it was fought on alternate days.
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JAYADEVA
Name of the author of Gītagovinda with 24 Ashtapathis. He made Buddha one of the Ten Avatars of Vishnu.
Jayadeva (जयदेव).—A Sanskrit poet who lived in the 13th century A.D. He is the author of the play ‘Prasannarāghavam’. The famous work ‘Candrāloka’, a treatise on rhetorical figures, was written by this poet Jayadeva. His most important work is ‘Gītagovinda’, the theme of which is the early life of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, especially the love between Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Rādhā, which is very touchingly described. He used to sing lyrics before the image of Kṛṣṇa while his wife danced according to the beat.
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JIVA
Meaning- A creature, living being. The principle of life, the vital breath, life, soul. Jiva Atma is self; Parama Atma is God; Jiva is corrupted as Eve and Atma is corrupted as Adam in the Bible.
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JIVAN MUKTA
Jīvanmukta (जीवन्मुक्त).— Liberated Soull.a. ‘liberated while living’, a man who, being purified by a true knowledge of the Supreme Spirit, is freed from the future birth and all ceremonial rites while yet living.
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JNANA
1) Jnana (ज्ञान): Knowledge of the eternal and real. Knowing, understanding, becoming acquainted with, proficiency;
2) Knowledge, learning; 3) Consciousness, cognizance, knowledge; ज्ञानतोऽज्ञानतो वापि (jñānato’jñānato vāpi) Manusmṛti 8.288 knowingly or unknowingly, consciously or unconsciously.
4) Sacred knowledge; especially, knowledge derived from meditation on the higher truths of religion and philosophy which teaches man how to understand his own nature and how he may be reunited to the Supreme Spirit.
Jnana/does not mean a proficiency in a subject like chemistry or history. It is not mere learning but inward experience or awareness of a truth. In Advaita is the realisation of that one is inseparably united with the supreme.
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JNANENDRIYA
Jñānendriya (ज्ञानेन्द्रिय).—an organ of perception; (these are five tvac, rasanā, cakṣus, karṇa and ghrāṇathe skin, tongue, eye, ear and nose.
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Jatavedas:
One of the names of Agni.
He who knows all; Heat creates everything e.g. sun, body heat
The fire god Agni is extremely important in the Vedic religion. He is the messenger of the gods. He takes all the offerings poured into the fire to the gods. He is everywhere. He is in the sun and moon and as ‘jataragni’ in the stomach, says Sayana in his commentary. Jataragni is the metabolic activities in the body that produce heat. He is in the sea as Badava Agni. All the girls are possessed by him before the marriage. This means that all the girls must be married in front of him (sacrificial fire) as he gives them like a father gives his daughter to the bridegroom. The couple have to walk around the fire. It is called Saptapadi.
Orthodox Hindus keep fire in a pot from the birth to death and use it for all occasions. The ‘aupasana’ pot contains paddy husk burning forever. It is never extinguished. When a baby is born it is lighted and the same fire is used to light the funeral pyre when the person dies at an old age.
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JVARADEVA
Jvaradeva is a form of Lord Shiva. He destroyed Bhasmaasura . He is described in the Agamas as having three legs, three heads nine eyes and six arms. His images are found in many shiva temples including Madurai, Tirupparankundram, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, Tirunelveli, Bhavani etc.
Jvaradeva or Jurakareśvara is depicted in the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple (Ādi Kumbheśvara) in Kumbakonam (Kumbhakonam), representing a sacred place for the worship of Śiva.—Jvvradeva is a three-headed image of Śiva with four hands. The three heads include two animal heads emerging laterally from behind the human head. The head on the right is that of a lion while the other one seems to be that of an antelope. He holds triśūla (trident) in the right hand and small vessel in the left hand.
Jvāra-deva is also depicted in the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai .
Later Vaishnava texts like Harivamsa gives a sectarian view of Krishna encounter with Jvara deva wherein the leader of the Vrishnis created a Narayana-jvara to fight against the original Jvara deva.
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JYOTISHA
Means Light.
Jyotiṣa (ज्योतिष).—Astronomy and astrology. One of the six Vedāṅgas.
Jyotiṣa is a Sanskrit technical term used in ancient Indian sciences such as Astronomy, Mathematics and Geometry. It is part of Vedic School Syllabus for thousands of years.
it is the science about the stars and heavenly bodies. The heavenly bodies are the sun, the moon, the other planets and the stars etc. From the very ancient days men believed that these planets and stars in the sky played an important part in controlling the growth and activities of all the living and non-living things in the world.
1) Jyotiṣa (ज्योतिष) or Jyotiṣaka refers to an “astrologer” (one who is versed in Saṃhita, Astronomy and Horoscopy), according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 2), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “We shall now proceed to give a brief description of (the qualifications of) a jyotiṣaka. He must be of noble birth and of agreeable appearance; meek, truthful and without jealousy; of proportional limbs; of joints well built and of good growth; have no physical defects; be of fine hands, feet, nails, eyes, chin, teeth, ears, forehead, eye-brows and head; of fine physique and of high, sonorous voice”.
–Subham—
Tags- Jatavedas, Jnana, Jamadagni, Jayadeva, HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 36; இந்துமத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-36 , Jyotisha, Astrologer
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 17 February 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
xxxx
ஆங்கில எழுத்து I– ல் துவங்கும் சொற்கள்
Words beginning with “I ”. Tamil version will be published tomorrow.
INDRA
Indra is the most celebrated deity in the Rig Veda, with approximately 250 hymns directly dedicated to him. As the king of gods and god of storms/war, he is featured in over 25% of the 1,028 total hymns in the text, with an additional 50 hymns often co-praising him alongside other deities.
Indra is a supreme heroic figure, often associated with the star Antares. These hymns focus on his martial prowess, destruction of Vritra, and role as protector, with significant references in the Rig Veda and Atharva Veda.
Known as the King of Gods (Vendhan in Tamil literature) and a powerful warrior. He possesses over 35-40 names, including Vritrahan (slayer of Vritra) and Aaji krt (race maker).
He is the God of the East.
His name is used in male names throughout Asia until this day. His weapon is Vajrayudha.
Indra is not one person according to Kanchi Shankaracharya (1894-1994)
It means leader, head, chief; examples- Mrgendra, Gagendra, Gajendra
According to the Mahabharata, Indra seduced or tried to seduce Ahalya, wife of Gautama Rishi. And the sage’s curse impressed upon him a thousand marks resembling the female organ, so he was called Sa-yoni; but these marks were afterwards changed to eyes and hence he is called Netra Yoni and Sahasraksha, the thousand eyed (Yoni is female organ). But there is no support for this story in the Rig Veda, the oldest book in the world.
Tiru Jnana Sambandar who lived 1400 years ago during the reign of Mahendra Pallava and Pandyan Nedumaran refers to 1000 eyes of Indra. After Indra’s prayer Lord Shiva changed his 1000 Yoni signs into 1000 eyes.
In Tamil Nadu you may find men named ‘ Mr One Thousand’ (Kan Ayiram in Tamil)
Indra in Tamil Literature
Indra is the most popular Tamil God according to the oldest Tamil book Tolkappiam. Tolkappiar wrote this grammatical treatise around 1st century BC. He lists all the four important Vedic Gods INDRA, VARUNA, VISHNU and SKANDA (another form of AGNI) as Gods of four Tamil Lands.
Tolkappiar was not the only one who praised Indra. We see Indra throughout Tamil literature. Sangam Tamil literature mentions his name in several places and the heaven under Indra is mentioned in innumerable places. Pura Nanauru, Tirukkural and Tamil epics did not miss his name.
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INDRA FESTIVAL
Indra Festival was a very popular festival in ancient Tamil Nadu according to twin Tamil epics Silappadikaram and Manimekalai. It was first mentioned in Mahabharata and Ramayana. But in the Vedas we have some information which is interpreted by scholars as Indra festival. Atharva Veda mentioned Indra Dwaja (banner or flag of Indra). Rig Veda hinted at it.
At present Indra festival is celebrated as a grand Royal festival in Nepal. Gunabhadra, a king of 10th century CE started this festival in Nepal. They call it Yenya or Indra Jatra. Bengalese also celebrated it.
Raksha Bhandan celebrated all over India and the Water Festivals celebrated in Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Burma has got some links with Indra, the god of rain.
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IRAVATA
Airavata, also known as Iravata or Irawatha, is the mythical white elephant and vahana of Indra, the King of the Gods, considered the “king of elephants”. Airavata represents power, is associated with rain and clouds, and its depiction alongside Indra is found on seals from the Indus Valley Civilization.
He is shown with Four Heads or Four Tusks in sculptures, stamps and seals of South East Asia.
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INDRANI
Wife of Indra.
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ILVALAN
Ilvalan is a character from Hindu mythology, an Asura brother of Vatapi, known for a trap where Vatapi would turn into an animal to be eaten by Brahmins before being called out of their stomachs. The stories highlight that Sage Agastya defeated them by digesting Vatapi. Vatapi Jeerno Bhava- Let Vatapi be digested—story shows that Agastya annihilated the cannibals in the Indian forests.
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ISVARA
A term used in the text to refer to God, indicating the supreme deity worshipped by the followers. Mostly used with Lord Siva as a suffix.
Iṣṭadeva (इष्टदेव).—a favourite god, one’s tutelary deity. The deity one particularly likes to aore.
Derivable forms: iṣṭadevaḥ (इष्टदेवः).
Iṣṭadeva is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms iṣṭa and deva (देव).
a chosen tutelary deity, favourite god, one particularly worshipped. Each family has a Kula Devata as well. Mostly, that God will be Ista Devata.
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INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION
Tiger Goddess in Harappa
Narabali in Harapa
The world was misled by some scholars in the case of Indus Valley Civilization. They made two or three false statements as a result of which we are unable to decipher the script until today. More than fifty different decipherments are available today and none of them is accepted by everyone. The first false statement made by the early excavators introduced the Aryan- Dravidian division into it. The second false statement introduced the Dravidian decipherment theory in the script. Both not only failed to make any progress but also prevented others to look at it from different angles.
Calling the greatest civilization of the world as “Indus” Valley Civilization itself is wrong. Most of the scholars agree on it because more than 2000 sites have been discovered since the excavation of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa on the banks of River Indus. Satellite information from space and ground water analysis by the nuclear scientists show that the mighty River Saraswati was flowing through North India long ago
Religious belief of Indus valley people remains a puzzle until today. John Marshal, Director General of Archaeology made some sweeping statements about certain objects he discovered in Mohenjo-Daro and misled the world. He was very unprofessional and forgot to mention where these objects were discovered.
He described some objects as symbols of phallic worship. He said the circular stone objects were representations of female genital organs (Yoni) and lingam shaped objects were male organs. Those were up to two feet in height. Marshal classified these objects into three groups: Lingas, Baetylic Stones and Ring Stones. No information is published to show where they were found. Neither Mackay nor Vats (later excavators) gave any information or new finds in their reports.
Later scholars pointed out the linga stones may be gamesmen or weights. Ring Stones might have been used to erect pillars or used for astronomical calculations. Since they did not find anything like this anywhere else in further excavations they even questioned the statement ‘’Phallic worship was an important element of Harappan religion’’.
Ghost Seal in Harappa
Sir Mortimer Wheeler was the one who made all Indians idiots! He fooled all the Indians by saying that he found a clinching evidence for the massacre of Indus people when he saw 37 skeletons scattered in disorderly manner at Mohenjodaro. “It may be no mere chance that at a late period at Mohenjodaro, men, women and children appeared to have been massacred there. On circumstantial evidence, Indra stands accused” (Wheeler 1947:82). Later, on examination G.F.Dales did find that Wheeler has misread the archaeological evidence. Neither they belonged to one and the same stratigraphical context nor were there proof of any massacre. Most of the skeletons positively showed that the persons were actually drowned in severe and sudden flood in the river Indus. Only two or three out of 37 skeletons bore cut marks and those too were found to have healed up. So he wrote a paper entitled ‘The Mythical Massacre at Mohenjo-Daro’ and exploded the myth of Aryan destruction of Harappan cities. K.M Srivatsava aptly remarks “ Indra, therefore ,stands completely exonerated”.
Indus civilization is not Indus civilization anymore. There are more sites on the banks of River Sarasvati than Indus. BB Lal says 50 major sites are on Indus river where as 177 early and 283 mature Harappan sites are on the banks of dried Saraswati river. All the early scholars were proved wrong on Indus Civilization when the scientific proof for drying of Sarasvati was dated 1700 BC. According to Kalyanaraman (2002), out of 2600 archaeological sites, over 1500 settlements were found on the Saraswati River Basin.
Horse: Use of Horse was debated for long. At first, foreigners wrote that Aryans came by horses and destroyed Indus people with iron instruments. But they could not find any iron or horse bones! They contradicted themselves! Now there are horse bones. But they are not foreign horses!
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IYER, IYENGAR
The name “Iyer” is a title and a caste name primarily associated with a Brahmin community from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The term “Iyer” is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word “Arya,” signifying a person of noble or respectable lineage. Historically, Iyers have been priests, scholars, and administrators, known for their adherence to Vedic traditions and their contributions to various fields, including Carnatic music, literature, and mathematics. The name is a marker of social identity and is often used as a surname by individuals belonging to this community. Derivable or associated names are not typically found, as Iyer is more of a caste marker than a given name. Later others also used it to mean they are equal to Iyers. Even Christian preachers misused it.
There are subsects in the community like Vadama, Brahacharnam , Ashtasahsram etc.
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The name Iyengar is a surname primarily found among the Vaishnavite Brahmin community of Tamil Nadu, India. It is a derivative of “Aiyar,” a common Brahmin surname, with the honorific suffix “-gar” added, denoting respect and status.
Tami Followers of Vishnu also are divided into sub sects like Vadakalai (northern branch) and Thenkaalai (southern branch) and Sellur Iyangars.
Iyers have Vibhuti as caste mark and Iyangars have Namam as caste mark. Thenkalai followers have Y shaped Namam (naamam). Vadakalai followers have Ushaped Namam (naamam).
To be continued ………………………..
Tags- HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL-34; இந்துமத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-34, Indra, Indus valley, Iyer, Iyengar
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 14 February 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
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Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia -Part 51; One Thousand Interesting Facts -Part 51
Item 355
Ships as big as Elephants
In Puram verse 26 poet Mankudi Kizaar compared ships in the Tamil Navy to the elephants in the Tamil battle field. If one expands one’s imagination one can imagine how big the Tamil Naval ships were.
Item 356 Secret of Monsoon Wind
Tamils used the wind force to sail their ships. Since they knew the direction and the force of the monsoon winds, they were able to go from the Ganges to up to Indonesia and Philippines. Hindus knew this trick from the time of Ramayana. Surphanakha and Ravana were able to sail up to Godavari river. Mahavamsam clearly explains how the Buddhist preachers used monsoon winds to come to Patna (Pataliputra) and waited for a few months to use the returning monsoon winds to go back to Sri Lanka. One Tamil idiot Ippalan (Hippalus) taught this trick to Westerners and enabled Persian king Darius and Greek King Alexander to invade India.
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Item 357 Battle Field = Oven Simile
Tamil poets used one simile at least in five Sangam poems
They compared the battle field to cooking in the oven. Here the poet says Pandya king Nedunchezian’s battled field looked like
Heads of Enemy kings = Oven
Enemy Hands= Ladles
Enemy Blood = Water in the Cooking Pot.
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Item 358 Great Supporter of the For Vedas
Though the poet sang abut the victorious battle, he did not forget to mention that the king was a great supporter of Vedic Brahmins who were well versed in the Four Vedas- Rik, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana Veda.
The reference to Four Vedas is sung by the poets from Tolkappiar times. Tolkappiam got the approval from the Acharya of Tiruvithankotu who was well versed in Four Vedas. Panamparanar gave us this information to us in the Foreword to Tolkappiam.
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Item 359 Enemies were Lucky
Poet makes a sarcastic remark that the king’s enemies must have done some penance to be killed by him. Hindus believe that Kamsa, Sisupala, Ravana, Hiranyakasipu, Vali, Kabandhan were lucky to be killed by Vishnu. They go to heaven directly. And the fact is their names will survive as long as Vishnu’s name survive.
Nedunchelian defeated Two Kings and five chieftains. Their names also survive until this day.
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Puranānūru 26, Poet Mānkudi Maruthanār sang to Thalaiyālankānathu Cheruvendra Nedunchezhiyan,
1 Lifting your spear with a shining blade, you went on your elephant into the wide battlefield, splitting the enemy army like a ship a ship driven by the wind in the
huge, ocean with great depths, attacked and killed your enemy kings, and with fame, seized their royal drums.
2
Using crowned heads as stoves, you boiled their blood, stirring it with their braceleted hands you used as ladles. O Chezhiyan of murderous battles! You did perfect ritual
3 offerings in battlefields, surrounded by Brahmins of the four Vedas, calm with the breadth of their knowledge.
4
O Ruler whose sword never fails! Your enemies have certainly performed penances, for once they have won the fame of being your enemies, even though they are not victorious, they will live forever.
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புறநானூறு26, பாடியவர்: மாங்குடி மருதனார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: பாண்டியன் தலையாலங்கானத்துச் செருவென்ற நெடுஞ்செழியன், திணை: வாகை, துறை: அரச வாகை
1 நளி கடல் இருங்குட்டத்து வளி புடைத்த கலம் போலக், களிறு சென்று களன் அகற்றவும், களன் அகற்றிய வியல் ஆங்கண் ஒளிறு இலைய எஃகு ஏந்தி, 5 அரைசு பட அமர் உழக்கி, உரை செல முரசு வெளவி
ஆன்ற கேள்வி அடங்கிய கொள்கை நான்மறை முதல்வர் சுற்றமாக, மன்னர் ஏவல் செய்ய மன்னிய வேள்வி முற்றிய வாய்வாள் வேந்தே! 15
4 நோற்றோர் மன்ற நின் பகைவர் நின்னொடு மாற்றார் என்னும் பெயர் பெற்று ஆற்றார் ஆயினும் ஆண்டு வாழ்வோரே.
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Item 360
In Puram verse 27, poet Poet Uraiyur Muthukannan Sāthanār translated Sanskrit word Satapatra Lotus as as 100 petalled flower (lotus)
சேற்று வளர் தாமரை பயந்த, ஒண் கேழ் நூற்றிதழ் அலரின் நிறை கண்டன்ன,
Śatapatrayoni (शतपत्रयोनि) is a Sanskrit term that refers to an epithet of Brahman (the creator god in Hinduism).
Meaning: It signifies one who has the “hundred-petaled” (lotus) as their source or origin.
***
Item 361 Visa Free Entry to Heaven
Hindus believe that those who live like great men praised by great poets enter into heaven. No Visa is required; Valluvar beautifully said that why Hindus believe all the Avatars and all the Saivite saints are called Gods. Arunagirinathar has Sung Saivaite saint Sambandhar is Lord Muruga himself.
He who on earth has lived in the conjugal state as he should live, will be placed among the Gods who dwell in heaven- Tirukkural Couplet 50
உலகத்தில் வாழவேண்டிய அறநெறியில் நின்று வாழ்கிறவன், வானுலகத்தில் உள்ள தெய்வமாகவே மதிக்கப்படுவான்.
This is also a reference to Kannaki and Kovalan sung by Ilango.
Here the poet says
I have heard that those whose fame is sung by poets gain chariots that fly in the sky without charioteers.
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Item 362 Aeronautics in Tamil
The reference to Pilotless Plane shows the advancement of Hindus in Aeronautics. Valmiki Ramayana show that Rama’s plane (Originally belonged to Kubera and seized by Ravana later) was fast and expandable and thought powered. Only now we see such Drones and pilotless planes and driverless cars in the Western world.
Kannaki and Kovalan went to heaven by pilotless plane.
***
Item 363 Lesson from Moon
Oriental religions only believe in rebirth and Sangam literature never knew the Abrahamic religions. Sangam Tamil poems explain only Hindu way of life.
Rebirth is in Bhagavad Gita and Bhajagonindam and the poet explains it with the waxing and waning moon.
The moon god that roams above shows clearly even to those who don’t understand that waning is true, waxing is true, dying is true and being born is true.
Great Philosopher Adi Sankara said it in Bhaja Govindam
पुनरपि जननं पुनरपि मरणं
पुनरपि जननी जठरे शयनम् |
इह संसारे बहु दुस्तारे
कृपयाऽपारे पाहि मुरारे ‖22 ‖
punarapi jananaṃ punarapi maraṇaṃ
punarapi jananī jaṭhare śayanam |
iha saṃsāre bahu dustāre
kṛpayā’pāre pāhi murāre ‖ 22 ‖
Birth again, death again, again resting in the mother’s womb! It is indeed hard to cross this boundless ocean of saṁsāra (cycle of repeated birth and death). O Murāri! by your causeless mercy please protect me (from this transmigratory process)
Before Sankara, Lord Krishna said it Bhagavad Gita
जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्युर्ध्रुवं जन्म मृतस्य च |
तस्मादपरिहार्येऽर्थे न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि || 27||
jātasya hi dhruvo mṛityur dhruvaṁ janma mṛitasya cha
tasmād aparihārye ’rthe na tvaṁ śhochitum arhasi
Translation
BG 2.27: Death is certain for one who has been born, and rebirth is inevitable for one who has died. Therefore, you should not lament over the inevitable.
***
Item 364 Poet’s Advice to the king
Even if they have talents or not, please shower your graces rapidly on those who come with sorrow,
This is one of the 32 Virtuous acts explained in Hindu scriptures.
Annadhanam Pictures
AMAZING LIST OF 32 GOOD ACTIVITIES IN HINDU SCRIPTURES (Post No.7687)
March 13, 2020 9:37 am
Written by London Swaminathan
Post No.7687
Date uploaded in London – 13 March 2020
meritorious activities. Though the lists have a few changes in different texts most of them are same.
Here is the list of 32 good things with some examples:-
1.Setting up Maternity Homes
2.Providing Pre-Natal and Ante-Natal care for women
(Maternity care is provided in every culture around the world; but no one has listed it as one of the duties or as a meritorious work)
3.Piercing Ears of the Young born babies
4.Providing them Ear Studs
(Hindus have been practising acupuncture for thousands of years. I have already written how the grand old celibate of Mahabharata Bhisma lived on Arrow Bed for two months and decided the date of his departure from the earth. Hindus found out that piercing the ears in early years and wearing gold studs or at least a wooden stick will open the wisdom nerves. For women an extra piercing of nose is done when they reach teen age)
5.Giving Milk to Children
(Now we send milk powder to famine affected or economically backward countries. In the olden days provision of milk is listed as one of the 32 Dharmas (duty which earns merits).
6.Constructing Choultries
(From the period of Asoka till the Muslim and British occupation of India ,Hindu kings constructed Free Boarding and Lodging facilities for travellers, particularly pilgrims. My home town Madurai was famous for Mangamma Chattiram (choultry) very near Railway Station. About 100 years ago everyone stayed free of cost in the huge building with 100s of rooms. Very near that was a Marwari Choultry for people travelling to Rameswaram and Kanyakumari. I myself have taken 100s of pilgrims for Free lodging during the Opening Ceremony of Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari. Several Tamil towns still bear the suffix Chattiram/Choultry in Tamil Nadu until this day reminding us of the golden days of free lodging and free boarding service)
7.Constructing Mutts
Mutts are religious centres with one religious head where Tamil or Sanskrit hymns are taught. They provided free hostel stay for students. Like the Christian parish, each Mutt has its own catchment area.
8.Pillars for Cows
Hindus’ greatest contribution to the world is domestication of cows and horses (and Decimal System). They worshipped Cow as goddess. So they constructed pillars to cows where they can rub their bodies to relive itching. And in such places water tanks provided continuous water supply for cows, horses and birds.
9.Setting up brothels
The needs of amorous men should not affect common men. To save the family women and teenage girls, Hindus provided (or allowed) separate places for Devadasis. Sangam Tamil Literature provides the pictures of Paraththai Cheris (Para Stree became ‘Paraththai’ in Tamil and Prostitute in English; cheri is locality)
10.Provision of Dhobis/ Laundry Service
11.Provision of Barbers
Both these services were available free of cost for mendicants and ascetics. Others supported them by giving money or all the provisions for their families.
12.Provision of Mirrors
(When Hindu women celebrate some auspicious events in their houses they always invite young and teenage girls and provide them mirrors, combs and Kunkumam. So provision of mirrors is considered one of the good things. Till this day women are doing it during Navaratri, Durga Puja and several other women only events)
13.Water Distribution from Thatched Sheds
(From Mahabharata Sallian to Apputhi Adikal of Periya Purana in Tamil, we see people setting up water distribution sheds to provide good, clean and sweet water to everyone. Even today during Hindu festivals , hundreds of such thatched sheds are constructed to distribute water, butter milk (diluted Yogurt) and Panakam (sweet liquid with jaggery, cardamom and other spices. In a tropical country like India pilgrims desperately need this. Hindus follow this custom even in London ; during Tamil Temple festivals, Hindus distribute water bottles, juice cartons and butter milk.)
14.Help to have oil bath
(India is a tropical country lashed out by two monsoons. Therefore, dust is unavoidable. Every Hindu man is supposed to have an oil bath on Saturdays and every woman on Fridays. They apply gingelly oil or coconut oil with or without herbs and take a bath. This relives the body of dirt and pain. So provision of such service to poor people is considered a great act of merit. In Madurai there was a freedom fighter(A V Vaidhyanatha Iyer) who used to provide such service to children of slum dwellers. Now a days the concept and habit of oil bath is disappearing with the advent of shampoo culture.)
15.Fodder to animals and Food for Birds
(Every Hindu is supposed to do Pancha Yagna / Five Sacrifices every day and one of them is Bhuta Yagna. That is to feed the pet animals, cow and birds in the vicinity and ants in the ground. Every housewife draws beautiful Kolams in the front of the house every morning. The Kolam/ Rangoli flour they use feed the ants. Then they cook rice and provide it to the crows. Others sprinkle grains for the birds. Feeding cows is a ritual for orthodox Hindus)
16.Cremating Dead Bodies
(If anyone who has no relatives dies, one or two take the responsibility of cremating the body with all due honours. Though it is a hard job, every town had some gooid people who did such work without expecting any money.)
17.Constructing Tanks, Lakes
(India is an agricultural country. Water is needed for irrigation. So kings constructed tanks and lakes in temples and outside the town. It helped irrigating the temple Parks called Nandavanams. It maintained the water table in every well at the back of the house. Now wells are replaced by taps. But yet tanks and lakes are needed for saving water. The town council maintain them. Sometimes they themselves construct them).
18.Saving Life
(Every day we read in news papers some stories where some people save the life of others. They become great heroes. If they survive then they get medals. Saving life is appreciated in every culture. In Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states every region has some Hero Stones for the heroes who saved the town from some dangers. Hindu epics and Puranas have lot of stories about saving even animals. Story of Sibi is in 2000 year old Sangam Tamil literature and earlier Puranas.)
19.Giving Eatables/Anna Dhanam
Providing sweets and other unavailable eatables to poor children is a good deed. During Deepavali (Diwali) sweets are distributed. Annadhanam , that is provision of food, is done in every temple.
20.Provision of Betel, Areca Nuts and Lime
Chewing betel leaves and Supari smeared with calcium hydroxide is a typical South Asian custom. This is considered one of the good things.
21.Helping the needy
It may be in the form of providing them food, attire, shoes/sheppals, specs, money. May even include psychological consultation. Consoling the bereaved.
22.Setting up Parks
Ancient Hindu literature, particularly, Buddhist Jataka Tales, give graphic accounts of big parks. Every South Indian Temple has attached Parks/ Nandavanam. People enjoyed going there. They served as rendez vous for lovers according to Sanskrit dramas. Hindus are environmentally conscious and allocated one particular tree for every temple.
23.Constructing Temples
India has over two lakh temples. Tamil Nadu alone has 45, 000 temples. They are huge architectural wonders. They serve the spiritual, religious, psychological, wander lust needs of Hindus.
24.Provision of Medicines
Jains of India set up hospitals even for birds and animals. All service is given free. We read from inscriptions that hospitals were also constructed by Hindu Kings.
25.Food for Students
Students who studied the Vedas and its allied six subjects went round the towns and begged for food. They collect freshly cooked food and share it with their Gurus. Buddha followed this custom and banned cooking inside Viharas, monasteries etc. In Madurai, the Vedic students from Dhanappa Mudali Street and Rameswaram patasalai near River Vaigai used to come to my house for (begging) food. They must go to Brahmins houses and beg with the words Bhavati Biksham Dehi. Manu Smrti says that students of three castes must do it. Only the three words were used in different order.
26.Constructing Roads or Tom Tomming
There is a word in Tamil (araithal) which may mean constructing roads or providing communication facilities like Tom Tom. In the olden days Orders of the Kings were communicated to people by drum beats. When I was a student, Madurai city faced Cholera disease. Then the tom tom man came and announced it by beating little drum. When ban orders under section 144 were proclaimed they did tom toming. So the word Araithal may be announcing, proclaiming or constructing roads with sand and stones.
27. Helping Prisoners with Food
Even community service to prisoners is listed as one. Tamil epic Manimekalai described the good service done to prisoners. Though they were named as criminals, Hindus never attached any taboo. Manu Smriti says the minute one undergoes punishment, the sin attached to the crime is done away.
28. Helping Beggars
Lame, Dumb, Blind and disabled or invalids beg for food. Hindus are asked to help them.
29.Helping to get Married
Nowadays we see Costly matrimonial service. In the olden days, some good hearted men and women helped youngsters to get married. They did not stop with exchanging horoscopes. They went all the way to cook food for hundreds of people who attend the wedding ceremonies. They collected money for the minimum gold jewels and the Mangala Sutra (Thali).
30.Feeding the Ascetics
Adi Shankara streamlined Hindu worship into six divisions; Providing them food for those is considered a great religious duty. Even Buddhis followed this. They went to monasteries and provided food to the monks.
31 and 32. In the above listing piercing ear and providing ear stud is given as one itme. But it is given as two different duties or meritorious acts in the Tamil verse. And in the same way provision of betel leaves and Lime are given as two different duties.
32 அறம்
1).வண்ணான் புன்னாவிதன் காதோலை சோலை மடந்தடம் வெண்
சுண்ணாம் பறவைப் பிணஞ்சுடற் றூரியஞ் சோறளித்தல்
கண்ணாடி யாவிற்குரிஞ்சுதல் வாயுறை கண்மருந்து
தண்ணீர் பந்தற் றலைக்கெண்ணை பெண்போகந் தரலையமே
2).மேதகுமாதுலர்க்குசாலை யேறுவிடுத்தல் கலை
யோதுவார்க் குண்டி விலங்கிற் குணவோடுயர்பிணிநோய்க்
கிதன் மருந்து சிறைச் சோறளித்தலியல் பிறரின்
மதுயற்காத்தநற்கந்நியர் தானம் வழங்கலுமே
3).கற்றவறுசமயத்தார்க் குணவு கருதும் விலை
உற்றதளித்துயிர் மீட்டல் சிறார்க்குதவனற்பான்
மற்று மகப்பெறுவித்தல் சிறாரை வளர்த்த்லெனப்
பெற்றவிவற்றினையெண்ணான்கறமெனப் பேசுவாரே
–உபமானசங்கிரஹம், இரத்தினச் சுருக்கம்
32 அறச் செயல்களின் பட்டியல்:-
1.ஆதுலர்க்குச் சாலை (ஏழைகள்=ஆதுலர்)
2.ஓதுவார்க்கு உணவு (மாணவர்களுக்கு)
3.அறுசமயத்தோர்க்கு உண்டி (உணவு)
4.பசுவிற்கு வாயுரை (உணவு)
5.சிறைக் கைதிகளுக்கு உணவு
6.ஐயமிட்டு உண் (பிச்சை போடுதல்)
7.திண்பண்டம் நல்கல் (விழாக் காலங்களில் பொங்கல், வடை)
8.அறவைச் சோறு (அன்னதானம்)
9.மகப்பெறுவித்தல் (பிள்ளை பெறுதல்)
10.மகவு வளர்த்தல் (பிள்ளைகளை வளர்த்தல்)
11.மகப்பால் வார்த்தல் (அவர்களுக்கு பால் வழங்கல்)
12.அறவைப் பிணஞ்சுடல் (அனாதைகள் இறுதிச் சடங்கு)
13.அறவைத் தூரியம் ( தூரியம்=மேள வாத்தியம்
அளித்தல்)
14.சுண்ணம் அளித்தல்
15.நோய்க்கு மருந்து வழங்கல்
16.வண்ணார்
17.நாவிதர்
18.காதோலை
19.கண்ணாடி
20.கண்மருத்து
21.தலைக்கு எண்ணெய்
22.பெண்போகம்
23.பிறர்துயர் காத்தல்
24.தண்ணீர் பந்தல்
மடம் அமைத்தல்
26.குளம் வெட்டல்
27.பூங்கா வைத்தல்
28.ஆவுறுஞ்சுதறி (பசு முதலிய பிராணிகளுக்கு நீர்)
29.விலங்கிற்குணவு
30.ஏறுவிடுத்தல் (இனப்பெருக்கத்த்துக்கு காளைகள்)
31.விலைகொடுத்துயிர்காத்தல்
32.கன்னிகாதானம்
***
Puranānūru 27, Poet Uraiyur Muthukannan Sāthanār sang to Chozhan Nalankilli,
1
When one counts those born in fine, noble families, only a few have gained fame and songs by poets, like a row of flowers with many petals, shining brightly, yielded by lotus plants that grow in mud. Many have vanished like the leaves of lotus plants.
2
I have heard that those whose fame is sung by poets gain chariots that fly in the sky without charioteers.
3
My Lord! O Chētchenni Nalankilli! The moon god that roams above shows clearly even to those who don’t understand that waning is true, waxing is true, dying is true and being born is true.
4
Even if they have talents or not, please shower your graces rapidly on those who come with sorrow, looking at their thin waists. May those who oppose your unspoiled strength, remain without generosity!
Ms Vaidehi Herbert’s Translation is used; thanks.
புறநானூறு27, பாடியவர்: உறையூர் முதுகண்ணன் சாத்தனார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சோழன் நலங்கிள்ளி,
1
சேற்று வளர் தாமரை பயந்த, ஒண் கேழ் நூற்றிதழ் அலரின் நிறை கண்டன்ன,
வேற்றுமை இல்லா விழுத்திணைப் பிறந்து, வீற்றிருந்தோரை எண்ணுங்காலை உரையும் பாட்டும் உடையோர் சிலரே, 5 மரை இலை போல மாய்ந்திசினோர் பலரே,
2 புலவர் பாடும் புகழுடையோர் விசும்பின் வலவன் ஏவா வான ஊர்தி எய்துப என்ப தம் செய் வினை முடித்து எனக் கேட்பல், எந்தை சேட்சென்னி நலங்கிள்ளி! 10
