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HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL – 39; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-39 (Post.15,457)


Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,457

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.

xxxx  

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.

***

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.

***

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).

***

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):

  1. vak-tattva: speech (voice)
  2. pani-tattva: grasping (hands)
  3. pada-tattva: walking (feet)
  4. payu-tattva: excretion (anus)
  5. 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

 Prophetic, inspired, poetical; अशंसीत् काव्यः कविः (aśaṃsīt kāvyaḥ kaviḥ) Ṛgveda 8.8.11.

 Name of Śukra, preceptor of the Asuras.

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:

Cilappatikāram (or Silappadikaram), Maṇimēkalai, Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi (or Jivak Chintamani), Vaḷayāpati (or Valayapathi), Kuṇṭalakēci (or Kundalakesi)

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Karakam- Tamil Folk Dance

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 

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HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL –36; இந்துமத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-36 (Post No.15,443)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,443

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.

List of 24 Tirthankars

No       Name Father            Mother          Birth Place

1.        Rishabhadev  or Adinath              Nabhi Maru Devi    Ayodhya

2.        Ajitnath         JitSatru          Vijaya Ayodhya

3.        Sambhavnath          Jitari   Sena   Shravasti

4.        Abhinandan Swami            Samvar          Siddhartha   Ayodhya

5.        Sumatinath Megharath   Mangla Devi Ayodhya

6.        Padmaprabha          Shridhar        Susima Devi Kaushambhi

7.        Suparshvanath        Pratishtha     Prithvi Devi  Varanasi

8.        Chandraprabha       Mahasen       Lakshmana   Chandrapuri

9.        Suvidhinath  Pushpadanta           Sugriva          Rama Rani    Kakandi

10.      Shitaltnath   Dradharath  Nanda Rani  Bhadrilpur

11.      Shreyansnath          Vishnu           Vishnu Devi  Simhapuri

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.

***

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:

Himavān, Hemakūṭa, Niṣadha, Meru, Nīla, Gandhamādana,Mālyavān.

***

JAMADAGNI

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

***

JANAKI

Daughter of Janaka; another name of Sita Devi.

***

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.

***

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.

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JATI

Jāti (जाति).—1) Birth, production, सङ्कुलं जलजातिभिः (saṅkulaṃ jalajātibhiḥ) Rām.3.11.6; Pañcatantra (Bombay) 1.38; Manusmṛti 2.148;

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

JNANENDRIYA

Jñānendriya (ज्ञानेन्द्रिय).—an organ of perception; (these are five tvac, rasanā, cakṣus, karṇa and ghrāṇathe skin, tongue, eye, ear and nose.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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

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HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL-34; இந்துமத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-34 (Post No.15,431)

Indra on Iravata in Indus Valley Seal (Harappa)

 Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,431

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.

***

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.

***

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.

*** 

INDRANI

Wife of Indra.

***

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.

***

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.

Sundareswara, Maheswara, Someswara, Rameswara , Trayambakeswara

***

ISHTADEVATA

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.

***

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!

***

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.

***

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

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Purananuru Wonders 11; Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia  Part- 51 (Post No.15,422)

Tamil Ships

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,422

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

xxxx  

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

புறநானூறு 26, 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

2
முடித்தலை அடுப்பாகப்,
புனல் குருதி உலைக் கொளீஇத்,
தொடித் தோள் துடுப்பின் துழந்த வல்சியின்  10

அடு களம் வேட்ட அடு போர்ச் செழிய!

3


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.

****

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

வையத்துள் வாழ்வாங்கு வாழ்பவன் வான்உறையும்
தெய்வத்துள் வைக்கப் படும்.—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.

***

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.

புறநானூறு 27, 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

3
தேய்தல் உண்மையும், பெருகல் உண்மையும்,
மாய்தல் உண்மையும், பிறத்தல் உண்மையும்,
அறியாதோரையும் அறியக் காட்டித்,
திங்கட் புத்தேள் திரிதரும் உலகத்து
வல்லார் ஆயினும் வல்லுநர் ஆயினும்,  15

4
வருந்தி வந்தோர் மருங்கு நோக்கி
அருள வல்லை ஆகுமதி, அருளிலர்
கொடாஅமை வல்லர் ஆகுக
கெடாஅத் துப்பின் நின் பகை எதிர்ந்தோரே.

 —Subham—

Tags-Purananuru Wonders 11; Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia  Part- 51, Tamil Ships, Naval attacks

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Why did Christians burn Women alive in Europe? (Post.15,399)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,399

Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia –  6 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  

Fanatic Christians burnt alive millions of women in Europe. To hide their atrocities, they published fake SATI (wives burning themselves in pyres of Hindu husbands) drawings to malign Hindus.

World “famous” historians in their world “famous” books never wrote a single line in their books about these atrocities. Now we can rate those historians as notorious scoundrels. Despite their secrecy, now and then we see a few books and articles about the Christian atrocities.

Fanatic Christian bishops burnt millions of non- Christians , particularly women, dubbing them as witches. They spread the rumour that catastrophes will happen if they are allowed to live. They conducted fake enquiries and burnt them alive. The whole world knew how Joan of Arc was burnt alive thanks to Bernard Shaw’s book St Joan (London Swaminathan has translated it into Tamil).

***

On the other day, I walked into a library in Sydney, Australia and I got the August 2025 History Today Magazine .

I give below some interesting points from the article, with my inputs.

In one French city alone, they interviewed more than 5000 people during the Great Inquisition of Toulouse.

Toulouse is in Southwestern France, known as the “Pink City” (La Ville Rose), it’s France’s fourth-largest city .

(Imagine if you are one of them who will be burnt alive. Also imagine how much fear would have been spread in the small town)

Spanish Inquisition is known to many. But it started even centuries before that.

Hersey is believing Non-Christian worship. The heretics were described as a big infectious disease. 12th century Augustinian William of Newburgh referred to a group of foreign heretics that arrived in England in 1163 as a pestilence. And another person dubbed it as cancer.

The largest of the investigations in the Middle Ages was held at the vast Romanesque abbey of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse between May 1245 and August 1246. More than 5000 men and women from 100 villages were interviewed by the clergy.

Typical questions in the interview

Did you see any heretics?

Where, when, and who else was there ?

Did you eat and drink with them and did you give them anything ?

Did you ever swear to keep silent about all of this ?

Did you ever conceal the truth?

Use of torture

Torture was not practised in the early stage. Pope Innocent IV allowed torture methods in 1252.

Punishments

Excommunication

Pilgrimages to far flung places

Those who are found guilty must wear yellow crosses

Guilty and unapologetic will be executed.

Burning heretics began in 1022

The first case of heretics being burned occurred in 1022 at Orleans, but death by burning became a more common punishment from the 13th century. Burning heretics brought great joy to the faithful. Killing people and Violent deaths were enjoyed by thousands and thousands which people saw during French Revolution and executions of queens in the Tower of London in Britain.

(Joan of Arc was executed on May 30, 1431. At approximately 19 years old, she was burned at the stake in the Vieux-Marché (Old Market) in Rouen, France. She was condemned for heresy following a politically motivated trial by English-allied French clerics)

In the 1230s the chronicler and the inquisitor William of Pehission recounted an episode in the city of Alibi  in which inquisitors  condemned  the heretics Peter of Odiumperditum and Peter Bomacip to be burned- this execution terrified many other heretics and brought great joy to the faithful, according to William.

Historians called the heretics Cathars, a Greek word, meaning pure. But it is not found in the available manuscripts.

Doctors were heretics !

Even practising medicine was dubbed as anti-Christian. There was a rumour that heretics can have a book of medicine. Heretics Arnauts and Pons Faure  were sought out be one deponent  because they were the ‘best doctors’. Records show many heretics were doctors. People were banned going to doctors. Relatives brought the sick family members to the so called heretics  in the hope that they would be cured.

And in the manuscripts showed only pro clergy approach. It also reported street corner debates between the heretics and the clergy.

The statements of the people were translated into Latin, far removed from the vernacular dialects of Occitan that the deponents spoke.

The 13th century chronicle of William of Puylarns captures the general feeling of people of Toulouse towards heretics with this anecdote;  a knight when asked by the bishop of Toulouse why he and his comrades had not attempted to expel the heretics from their territory replied,

 “We cannot; we were brought up with them, there are many of our relatives among them, and we can see their way of life is a virtuous one”.

The article in the magazine was written by Josua Rice of Britain. I have included my comments in the article.

–subham—

Tags- Toulouse inquisitions , Christian atrocities, burning women alive, History Today article, torture and punishments.

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NEW BOOK ‘SHARANAGATI- SURRENDER’ (Post.15,397)

WRITTEN BY S NAGARAJAN

Post No. 15,397

Date uploaded in London – 5 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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SHARANAGATI

SURRENDER

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Originally trained as a Civil Engineer and later as an Architect, John David left behind a successful career in London to follow a deep inner calling.

His search took him to Japan, where a spiritual awakening began to stir, and then to India, where he spent 15 years with his first master Osho, and later 5 years with Papaji, a direct disciple of Sri Ramana Maharshi. His interviews with Indian Masters brought him eminent friends. These profound encounters deeply shaped his understanding.

Today, John David shares his wisdom through Satsang, Books, Films, Paintings, and his thriving International Centres for Inner Transformation, Open Sky. These communities in Spain and Germany offer a powerful and supportive environment for deep Inner work, Creative expression, and Silence.

John David’s multi-facetted teaching approach is simple, direct and free of religious or ideological frameworks.

His heartfelt presence, down-to-earth nature, and humor make his teachings accessible to people from all walks of life and whatever their level of knowledge.

**

The Foreword is given by Santhanam Nagarajan for this book.

Foreword

Santhanam Nagarajan

Santhanam Nagarajan is a deeply spiritual man and devoted follower of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. A prolific Advaita writer, he has travelled widely and authored over 230 books and 6,400 articles on spirituality and Indian culture. Regularly featured on ‘All India Radio’ and ‘Jaya TV’, his life’s work is to awaken spiritual awareness, especially among the youth, and share the timeless wisdom of Self-realisation.         

We first connected with Nagarajan while looking for a translator for the Aham Sphurana edition in Tamil. Since then, his extraordinary kindness and devotion to this project have been an invaluable support.

It is indeed a great pleasure to have this book in hand, since one can only have it because of the good deeds he has done in the past births.

To describe and explain the ways of Self Realisation is very difficult.

Bhagavan Ramana, the Sage of Arunachala, out of great karuna [compassion], made this complicated task a simple and direct one.

He showed the world that the inquiry in the form of Nan Yar – ‘Who Am I?’ – is the principal means to realise the Self. Yet again and again, through his words, his life in the Ashram, and his own shining example, he also pointed to the path of Surrender as the highest expression of that same inquiry – where the seeker, the seeking, and the sought become one.

Sri Ganapathi Aiyyer, an ardent devotee of Bhagavan, came to Ramana Ashram in July 1936. From his instant Surrender to his Master, he started recording all the conversations that took place daily in the Old Hall. From his diaries, written with love and devotion, this book presents a thoughtfully chosen selection devoted to the topic of Surrender.

But for a sincere sadhaka [spiritual aspirant], hundreds of questions arise in the mind.

The three books – Aham Sphurana, Vichara, and Sharanagati – born from the Aham Sphurana manuscript, provide answers to all such questions one may ask.

Bhagavan has declared categorically in the clearest possible way:

Renounce the Renouncer.

Give up the Ego. Surrender.

Here in Sharanagati [Surrender], Bhagavan teaches that the mind’s endless striving is itself the cause of restlessness. Human life, he says, is like a man swimming tirelessly against the current of a vast ocean, struggling to stay afloat in a battle that can never be won. To such a one, Bhagavan gives this compassionate instruction: ‘Stop swimming and drown! This is not death, but awakening into true life.’ (p.115)

To ‘stop swimming’ means to stop resisting the natural flow of Divine Will. The drowning Bhagavan speaks of is not physical death, but the Surrender of the false sense of individuality into the boundless ocean of Being. When the ego ceases to struggle, it is discovered that we were never separate from that ocean at all – we are That.

He continues, ‘“Let go,” is the secret of Realisation. By drowning yourself in pure Subjective Consciousness beyond possibility for revival or resuscitation, you will realise that imperishable Immortality which is verily your inherent nature.’ (p.115)

This is not annihilation but awakening – the end of effort and the beginning of true life. Liberation, Bhagavan reveals, is not the fruit of laborious striving, but of a single moment of complete yielding to the Divine.

‘If one would simply Surrender unconditionally, he is freed from all karma in a single stroke.’ Here, Bhagavan assures us of the transforming power of true Surrender. The law of karma binds only the doer. When the sense of doership dissolves, the entire web of bondage vanishes instantly, and the heart rests in effortless peace. (p.116)

For this, the Viharas Margam – the path of inner abiding – is the most efficient way. The inquiry ‘Who Am I?’ is the principal means.

When a devotee asked Bhagavan, ‘What if full Surrender is not possible?’, Bhagavan advised him to begin with partial Surrender. He revealed the secret that ‘some force takes charge’ (p.95) and will unfailingly guide the seeker to the Guru, who is none other than the Self.

To a householder who feared that Surrender might conflict with his worldly duties, Bhagavan speaks with deep compassion: ‘To truly Surrender is to completely cease to care. You no longer have any cares, for all your cares are now His.’ (p.11) He explains that Surrender is not withdrawal from life but release from the burden of ownership. Actions continue, but the sense of ‘I am the doer’ falls away. In that freedom, one lives and works joyfully as an instrument of the Divine.

He further taught, ‘Having Surrendered to God, leave it to Him to fulfil your needs and responsibilities in any way He sees fit, by using you as a tool.’(p.11) This, Bhagavan said, is the life of divine partnership. When one ceases to impose personal will upon the world, the Higher Power acts through that being spontaneously. Success and failure lose meaning, for the ego has yielded to the will of God.

Finally, Bhagavan declared, ‘The state of absolute Surrender, or complete relinquishment of the ego, is not any sadhana, but the goal itself.’ (p.122) Thus, he reveals the summit of all spiritual effort: complete Surrender is not a means to Realisation – it is Realisation. When the ego has wholly dissolved, there remains no seeker, no effort, and no path – only the silent radiance of the Self, timeless and complete.

This luminous jewel of a book, Sharanagati, contains many stories, also in order to understand complicated problems, giving living examples that can be understood by all.

Even the design of the book – the layout, the fonts, and the headings – has been lovingly crafted for the reader to become fully absorbed in Bhagavan’s presence and teachings.

This book is not a ‘Read and Leave’ book. This is a permanent guide for a whole lifetime till one learns the spiritual art of Surrender in its real meaning.

May Bhagavan’s grace ever shine upon all who open these pages. May He bless every reader with the courage to inquire ‘Who am I?’ and with the humility to Surrender completely into the Heart.

S.Nagarajan, Bangalore, November 2025

**

Interested persons may contact office@openskypress.com

Tel & WhatsApp +49 (0) 152 22 473 253

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Purananuru Wonders 7- Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia Part 47 (Post No.15,366)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,366

Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia –  27 January 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  

310

Yaga, Yajnas and Sanskrit in Sangam Age!

Poems composed by Nettimaiyar on Mudukudmi Peruvazuthi, one of the oldest Pandya kings, show that Sangam Age was full of Vedic rituals. Not only Mudukudumi, but also another Choza king did Rajasuyam, which was done by Yuthisthira in the Mahabharata Period. We have confirmation of Sangam Tamil Age as Vedic Age from Kalidasa as well. Kalidasa referred to only a Pandya king. He was introduced as a person doing lot of Yagas in Raghuvamsam. That Pandya king was associated with Agastya as well. Kalidasa lived before Sangam age or a contemporary of Sangam age kings.

***

311

Purananuru verse 13 has two interesting details.

Like Lord Siva, Choza king also wore an armour made up of Tiger skin. He was compared to Yama (for his enemies).

***

312

Second interesting thing is the similes. The king’s march on an elephant was like a ship in the ocean and moon amidst stars in the night sky. Swords of warriors are compared to the sharks in the sea.

புறநானூறு 13, பாடியவர்: உறையூர் ஏணிச்சேரி முடமோசியார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சோழன் முடித்தலைக் கோப்பெருநற்கிள்ளி

புலி நிறக் கவசம் (Tiger Armour)

களிறே முந்நீர் வழங்கு நாவாய் போலவும், (Similes)

பன் மீன் நாப்பண் திங்கள் போலவும்,

சுறவு இனத்து அன்ன வாளோர் மொய்ப்ப

***

313

Puranānūru 13, Poet Uraiyur Ēnichēri Mudamōsiyār sang for Chozhan Mudithalai Kōperunarkilli

riding an elephant, appearing like Kootruvan (Yama, God of Death),

wearing on his handsome chest an armor made with

tiger skin ……

moving like a boat plying on the ocean and like the moon

amidst many stars, swarmed by shark-like swordsmen.

****

314

One more point to be noted is the use of Navy in Tamil as Naavaay.

Tamil and Sanskrit have same root and so we find thousands of Tamil words in English.

***

315

Meat Dishes

Puram verse 14 composed by Kapilar has some information about non vegetarian food. Tamils of Sangam age were predominantly non vegetarians. There are more references to roasted meat, barbeque etc. in Sangam poems. Kapilar, thouh a brahmin, never hesitated to sing about the meat dishes

புறநானூறு 14, பாடியவர்: கபிலர், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சேரமான் செல்வக்கடுங்கோ வாழியாதன், திணை: பாடாண், துறை: இயன் மொழி

***

316

Shamudrika Lakshana

வலிய ஆகும் நின் தாள் தோய் தடக்கை

The kings hands were  long . In Sanskrit it is called Aaajaanu Baahu, arms touching the  knee. Lord Raa was praised as Aajaanubaahum aravinda lochanam (lotus like eyes)

புலவு நாற்றத்த பைந்தடி

பூ நாற்றத்த புகை கொளீஇ, ஊன் துவை

கறி சோறு உண்டு வருந்து தொழில் அல்லது, (Meat Dishes)

Puranānūru 14, Poet Kapilar sang to Cheraman Selva Kadunkō Vāzhiyāthan, Thinai: Pādān, Thurai: Iyan Mozhi

With your long hands that reach to your legs,

***

317

King is like Lord Skanda (Murugan )

In battles, your strength is like that of the vast earth.

You are like Murukan in battles.

***

318

Puram Verse 15 composed by Nettimaiyar praised the Pandya king Mudukudumi Peruvazuthi

புறநானூறு 15, பாடியவர்: நெட்டிமையார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: பாண்டியன் பல்யாகசாலை முதுகுடுமிப் பெருவழுதி, திணை: பாடாண், துறை: இயன் மொழி

***

319

Donkeys

Ploughing the land of enemies using Donkeys. This is in Karavela inscription as well. The victorious kings destroyed the palaces of their enemies and ploughed them with ploughs pulled by donkeys.

கடுந்தேர் குழித்த ஞெள்ளல் ஆங்கண்,

வெள்வாய்க் கழுதைப் புல் இனப் பூட்டிப்

பாழ் செய்தனை,

***

320

Four Vedas

Half baked people argue on the words Tri Veda and Chatur Veda. Those fools argued three Vedas mean earlier period and four Vedas mean later period. Since those people are not practising Vedic Brahmins they bluffed and bluffed. The word Tri Veda is used in the context of Vedic rituals where only three Vedas Rik, Yajus and Sama are used. The fourth Veda—Atharvana has Rig Vedic hymns in addition to secular matter. Here the poet mentioned Four Vedas.

Pure Tamil word for Yaga /Yajna is Velvi. But at the same time poet used also Yupam (Vedic post made up of wood)- a Sanskrit.

Sanskrit words

Veda, Yupam are Sanskrit words.

புரையில்

நற்பனுவல் நால் வேதத்து,

அருஞ் சீர்த்திப் பெரும் கண்ணுறை

நெய்ம்மலி ஆவுதி பொங்கப் பன் மாண்

வீயாச் சிறப்பின் வேள்வி முற்றி,  20

யூபம் நட்ட வியன் களம் பல கொல்?

***

321

Puranānūru 15, Poet Nettimaiyār sang to Pandiyan Palyākasālai Muthukudumi Peruvazhuthi, Thinai: Pādān, Thurai: Iyan Mozhi

On the streets of your enemy countries dug up by your

fast chariots, you yoked dull coloured donkeys with

white mouths, and plowed their protected vast spaces.

***

to fight against your army with shining weapons, or

the number of huge fields where you have planted columns

after performing faultless rituals prescribed by the four good

Vedas, with precious sacrificial elements and abundant ghee?

***

322

Rajasuya Yajna performed by Choza King Perunarkilli

புறநானூறு 16, பாடியவர்: பாண்டரங்கண்ணனார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சோழன் இராசசூயம் வேட்ட பெருநற்கிள்ளி,

செல் சுடர் ஞாயிற்றுச் செக்கரின் தோன்றப்,

Puranānūru 16, Poet Pāndarankannanār sang to Chozhan Rāsasooyam Vētta Perunarkilli

***

323

In Sanskrit literature Lod Skanda is portrayed as the Chief of the Army – Senapati

Tamils also compared kings to Lord Murukan

is donned with dried sandal paste, O Lord who is as fierce as Murukan!

***

324

Tamil armies set fire to the enemy towns and plundered the towns unlike Ramayana and Mahabharata wars.

You lit bright flames in their protected lands, devastating

huge, lovely fields that knew nothing of forest but sugarcane,

tangled vallai vines, white waterlilies, cool pakandrai and

fruiting bittermelon vines.  O Lord!  Your elephants unite

and fight as one, in fierce, fine battles!

***

325

Puram Verse 17 explodes the myths of English educated idiots. Those who studied history books written by the British thought that British united India.  In fact, there were more wars and killings in Europe than in ancient India. In spite of the local wars, people considered the whole country as one holy land. People were travelling from Himalayas to Kanyakumari without Visa. Tamils have sung Himalayas and Kumari in the same poem many times. This shows the one nation concept that existed 2000  years ago. In Sanskrit also the Bharata Kanda concept is recited every day by priests and Brahmis in their daily rituals. The wonder of wonders is that they repeat every day (in Sankalpa) the historical period and geographical location where they perform their ritusls.

—subham—

Tags- Purananuru Wonders 7, Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia Part 47 ,Yaga, Yajnas and Sanskrit in Sangam Age!, Shamudrika Lakshana

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Three Beautiful Temples that I Visited in Bangkok, Thailand! (Post No.15,349)

Teenage Girls taking video film by dancing in front of the Bangkok Hindu Temple

Bangkok Buddha Temple pictures

Goddess Mother Earcth in Buddhist temple

Description of the Buddhist temple with lot of golden coloured Buddha Statues

Goddess Mother Earth worshipped in Road Junctions.

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,349

Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia –  21 January 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  

Three Beautiful Temples that I Visited in Bangkok, Thailand! (Post No.15,349)

I visited three beautiful temples in Bangkok, capital city of Thailand, on 6th and 7th of January, 2026. They are

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

Buddha Temple and

Mother Earth Temple

***

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is a Hindu temple on Silon Road in the heart of Bangkok city. It is about 220 years old started by the Tamil Immigrants. Vaithi Padaiyachi constructed it in a shed and slowly extended it. His son expanded it and now it looks very modern with all Hindu Gods including Brahma. The main shrine accommodates Maha Mariamman, a form of Goddess Shakti. Village God Kaththavarayan, popular gods Siva, Vishnu, Uma, Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Ganesh , Muruga/Skanda and Buddha are all worshipped there.

Sri Kannappa Kurukkal of Mariamman Temple in Bangkok.

Thai Students worshipping Goddess Mari Amman/ Shakti

Two Surprises

When I entered the temple I saw a lot of Thai students in school uniform, mostly girls, worshipping with utmost devotion. Probably they are on their way to examinations. I find more Thail devotees than Tamils in the temple. They came with plates full of fruits and garlands to offer to different Gods.

Another surprise was teenage girls were taking video film with song and dance in front of the temple. They had Kunkum/tilak on their forehead establishing their identity. Probably they wanted to do a presentation about the temple or Hinduism.

Sri Kannappa Kurukkal of Vedaranyam is the chief priest there. I got his telephone number from Vellore Sri Kalyana Sundara Sivacharya, who took me around the temple and did the temple honours to me. He told me that Vedic students from Madurai, Coimbatore and Tirunelveli are appointed as priest there. They are all young.

***

Mother Earth Temple

On my way to the Grand Palace, I saw youngsters, mostly Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese gathering in front of the Goddess Mother Earth in a road junction and lighting incense sticks. I saw the same Goddess in two more places.

All the names of Mother Goddess are from Vedic Sanskrit, only the spellings are corrupted. It was an echo of Atharva Veda where we have the oldest hymn on Mother Earth in the name of Bhumi/ Prithvi Suktas. Bhumi, Prithvi, Dharani, Ma/mother, Vaudhara and Vasundhara are used in the description of Goddess Mother earth.

But Buddhists added a new story for the worship of Mother Earth through out South- East Asian countries.

When Buddha was meditating under the Bodhi tree, Maran, the evil demon, tried to distract him and foil his attempt to attain enlightenment. But Buddha summoned Mother Earth through his Bhumi Sparsa Mudra (a hand gesture) where the fingers touch or point towards Bhumi/Earth.

Immediately Mother Earth came and twisted her long hair where from the water flew and washed away the evil Maran. These Mother Earth statues are in specially erected Mandapas, or in the gardens and in the Buddhist temples. She is on the left hand and holding Kalasha.Devotees go there to offer flowers, light up incense sticks and worship.

My Comments

Hindus are the first race in the world  to describe the land, country and earth as Mother.

Since we have no reference to Mother Earth with reference to Buddha in ancient Pali scriptures, it is actually a corrupted story of Mother Ganga and Bhumi Sukta of Atharva Veda; the proof lies in the pure Sanskrit words describing the earth.

Earth in Sanskrit words

Vasundharā -Wathondare (ဝသုန္ဓရေ) or Wathondara

Sri Dharaṇī=Preah Thoroni

Anangu in Tamil Nanga in Sanskrit= Nang Thorani (นางธรณี))

Kanishta Nanga= Neang Konghing (នាងគង្ហីង)

Evil Mara= Another name of Kaama/ Desire/ Manmatha

Atharva veda says

” Mata Bhumi putroham prithivyah ”  (माता भूमि पुत्रोहं पृथिव्या🙂 Meaning “Earth is my mother I am her son”. 

There are scores of other verses that glorify Mother Earth. The hymn of these verses is known as “Prithivi Sukta ” in AtharvaVeda .In these verses, prithi is described as vasudhara or vasudha (Possessor of wealth).

***

Buddha Temple with huge Golden coloured Buddha

In the heart of Bangkok city, there is a beautiful Buddha temple with serene atmosphere.

Buddhist Temple,Wat Thepthidaram, Samran Road, Bangkok

Rama III commissioned it in honour of his elder daughter Krommameaun Apson Suda Thep

52 cast figures of female monks made from tin, in meditative pose.

It is a monastic living quarters , with village atmosphere.

Great poet Sunthorn Phu resided here.

The huge temple has a big Buddha in golden colour. On the both sides the corridors have more golden Buddhas. When I went there on 7-1-2026, about fifty Buddhist monks, young and old were reciting the Pali scriptures; it sounded like the Vedic recitation in Hindu Veda Patasalas/schools. But only five devotees were there.  Whoever enters the building will go into meditation. The complex has Mother Earth Statue as well. The walls have the paintings depicting Buddha Charita.

***

Sanskrit Everywhere

When one travels in car one can notice Sanskrit words everywhere. Indra, Sri, Nagara are very common. If one studies the names of Thai people, one would find them of Sanskrit origin. Description of Mother Earth has nothing but Sanskrit. Moreover, we find Indra Festival as water festival, Makara Sankranti and Tamil New Year day corresponding with Thai New Year day, Brahmin Priests officiating Royal Thai ceremonies, recitation of Tamil Tiruvempavai of Manikkavasagar etc in Thailand. Hindu Gods including Brahma are worshipped in different temples. Ayodhya (corrupted as Ayuthaya) was the ancient capital and Kings are named Rama. Statues of Airavata Elephant with four heads are in road junctions. All these points to Hindu origin rather than Buddhist origin of Mother Earth.

Atharvana Veda has the oldest song on Mother Earth with a long and beautiful description.

Evil Mara attacking Buddha with temptations of Desire

Mother Earth in Politics and  Water Board of Thailand

— Subham—

Tags – Bangkok, Temples, Mother Earth, Brahma, Hindu Gods, Maha Mariamman Temple,  Buddha Temple, Airavata, Sanskriit everywhere, London swaminathan visit, Thai students

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Interesting Titbits from Tamil Vaishnavite Alvar Poems (Post No.15,331)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,331

Date uploaded in London –  1 January 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  

Twelve Vaishnavite Tamil saints are called Alvars (aalvaar). Most of them lived 1200 years ago, a few of them even earlier.  4000 poems on Lord Vishnu and his Ten Avatars sung by them are compiled in the book called Divya Prabandham. Here is some interesting information about secular subjects and religious matters. (Translation of poems by Kausalya Hart are taken from Project Maduri)

Solar Eclipse in Mahabharata

(original poem is in Tamil)

335. If you want to see the young son of Devaki,
Kaṇṇan, the lord who hid the light of the sun with his discus
for thirty nalihais, made enemy kings wait and conquered them,
go to the people who saw him drive the chariot for Arjuna
when Arjuna fought and killed Jayathratha in the Bharatha war.

This episode is actually about solar eclipse happened 3000 years ago. The battle was fought on alternate days.

****

Space Travel

70. You listened to the words of the strong cowherds,
fought and controlled seven strong bulls
and married the dark-haired Nappinnai, lovely as a peacock.
You went on a bright shining chariot,
searched for the lost children,
found them and brought them back to their mother.
O dear one, shake your head and crawl for me once.
You are a bull and you fight for the cowherds. Crawl, crawl.

This poem says that they went in a space shuttle and returned in a moment


403. The Thiruppadi of the lord
who brought the four children of his guru
back to life quickly
when they could not be alive as soon as they were born
is Srirangam where good Vediyars
skilled the Vedas live,
making sacrifices with fire
and receiving guests happily.

Tamil Word in the poem is IRAIP POZUTHU which means a moment

Periyalvar and Nammalvar sang about this space travel.

Commentators added Muhurta and the meaning of Muhurta in ancient days was different from today. Now it means 48 minutes. But in Rig Veda it meant a moment

Sanskrit dictionary  (From Wisdomlib.org)

Muhūrta (मुहूर्त).—[hurch-kta dhātoḥ pūrvaṃ muṭ ca Tv.]

1) A moment, any short portion of time, an instant; नवाम्बुदानीकमुहूर्त- लाञ्छने (navāmbudānīkamuhūrta- lāñchane) R.3.53; संध्याभ्ररेखेव मुहूर्तरागाः (saṃdhyābhrarekheva muhūrtarāgāḥ) Pañcatantra (Bombay) 1.194; Meghadūta 19; Kumārasambhava 7.5.

2) A period, time (auspicious or otherwise).

3) A period of 48 minutes.

-rtaḥ An astrologer.

Derivable forms: muhūrtaḥ (मुहूर्तः), muhūrtam (मुहूर्तम्).

Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Muhūrta (मुहूर्त).—i. e. muhur + ta, I. m. and n. 1. A moment, [Rāmāyaṇa] 3, 50, 6; some time, [Vikramorvaśī, (ed. Bollensen.)] 40, 4 (paraṃ muhūrtāt, After some time, not yet). 2. The thirtieth part of a day and night, or forty-eight minutes. Ii. m. An astrologer.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Muhūrta (मुहूर्त).—[masculine] [neuter] moment, instant; hour ( = 1/30 day); [instrumental] & [ablative] in a moment, after a little while, immediately, directly.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Muhūrta (मुहूर्त) as mentioned in Aufrecht’s Catalogus Catalogorum:—jy. See Muhūrta (मुहूर्त):—[from muh] a m. n. a moment, instant, any short space of time, [Ṛg-veda] etc. etc. ([in the beginning of a compound], in a moment; tena ind. after an instant, presently)

***

Numbers in Periyalvar Poems


Who is God? What is God? What is the nature of God?

752. You are five things—taste, light, touch, sound and smell in earth.
You are four things—taste, light, feeling of touch, and sound in water.
You are three things—taste, light and heat in fire.
You are two things—the touch and the sound of the wind.
You are the unique ancient one.
You are many things on the earth.
You are the dark-colored one.
Who has the power to know who you are?

This is pure science. This deals with Big Bang to Evolution of earth and living beings.

***

753. You are the six actions—
learning, teaching, performing sacrifices,
making others perform sacrifices, giving and receiving.
You are worshipped by the fifteen sacrifices.
You are the beautiful two—wisdom and renunciation,
and the three devotions, devotion for god,
the devotion that gives knowledge to know god,
and the highest devotion that gives moksha.
You are the seven and six and eight.
You are many wisdoms,
the true and the false.
You are taste, light, touch, sound and smell.
You, Māyan, are everything on earth
yet who can see you?

Number 24

754. You are the chief of the twenty-four philosophies,
the five elements water, land, fire, wind and the sky,
the five sense organs, body, mouth, eyes, nose and ears,
the five organs of action, mouth, legs, hands, the unclean organs,
the five senses, taste, sight, hearing, smell and touch
and the four organs of knowledge,
mind, ego, knowledge, and ignorance.
You who stay in the sky are all these and more.
O Māyan, who can see you?

Number 33+5+16

755. You are the thirty-three Sanskrit sounds.
You are the five consonants,
and the sixteen vowels.
You are the lord of the five special sounds in Tamil
and the mantra with twelve sounds,
“Om namo bhagavate Vāsudevāya.”
You are the three faultless lights—the sun, the moon and the stars.
You have entered my heart—why, O my lord?

****

766. You are the four Vedas, the Six Angas (ancillary subjects)
and their meaning.
You, the precious one
rest on the wide ocean on many-headed Adishesha.
Aren’t you the one with a white conch and the Sarngam bow?

****

You are Three in One- Echo of Kalidasa

World famous Indian poet Kalidasa wrote that all the Three Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Siva are one entity. They are seen in different angles. This is echoed by Saivite and Vaishnavite Poets in many hymns.

768. You are unique,
but you, limitless, are also the three gods,
Shiva, Vishnu and Nānmuhan, and the four gods.
You who rest on Adishesha on the wide ocean
are the source of good karma,
and give joy and goodness to all.
No one can comprehend your form.
How can you, the ancient god,
come to the world in human form?

****

Numbers 7 8 9 10

865. O heart, if you want to remove the eight bad thoughts
and live without fault and reach moksha and rule the world,
you must think and worship the feet of the god, our father,
who is wisdom, the sun, and the world,
who took the form of a single-tusked boar and split open the earth.

828. The ancient lord is eight and eight and eight,
he is seven and seven and seven,
and he is eight and three and one.
Devotees worshiping with the eight letter mantra,
“Om namo Nārāyaṇāya,” will go to heaven and rule there.

829. If people love him tirelessly
and think of him always in their minds,
reciting the eight-letter mantra with love
and worshiping the beautiful ankleted feet
of the god who rests on the snake bed on the ocean,
they will go to heaven and rule there.

830. He is the ten directions,
the soul of the ten guardians of the directions,
the nine notes of music, the nine rasas of dance
and he, the ancient and the most powerful one,
came to this world in ten avatharams.
Only if devotees worship him with devotion
will they reach moksha.

***

Asuras Destroyed by Vishnu

858. You destroyed the angry king of Kasi,
Vakkaran, Pavuṇḍran, the furious Maliman,
Sumali, Kesi and Thenugan.
I will not give my love and affection to anyone,
only to your anklet-adorned feet.

***

810. You, a hero, bent your bow,
killed the Asurans Vakkaran, Karan and Muran
and sent their heads to Yama.
You, a cowherd, stay in flourishing Kuḍandai
with ponds and blooming groves
and rich fields protected by many fences.

—subham—

Tags- Interesting Titbits, Tamil Vaishnavite Alvar Poems, Space travel, Numbers, three gods

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Hinduism through 500 Pictures in Tamil and English-36; படங்கள் மூலம் இந்து மதம் கற்போம்-36 (Post.15,321)

Kalki Avatar by London Swaminathan

Narasimha Avatar sculptures, images

Trivikrama, Vamana Avatar sculptures, images

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,321

Date uploaded in London –  29 December 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  

Avatars

Avataara means a descent. The incarnation of a deity, especially of Vishnu. The origin of avatara is in the Rig Veda. Three steps of Vishnu, Varaha Avatara in the story of Emusha are in the Vedas. Flood story of Matsya Avatara is in all cultures around the world.

Boar incarnation is in Taitriya Samhita and Satapata Brahmana of Yajur Veda.

Kurma/ Tortoise Avatara is in Satapatha Brahmana as Prajapati assuming a form of Tortoise.

Matsya/Fish Incarnation

Fish Avatara is also in the same Brahmana book in the story of deluge. Manu found a small fish which grew to a large size which he left in the ocean. It directed him to construct a ship, Manu fastened the vessel to the horn of the huge fish. All boarded the ship and the fish/ Matsya Avatar saved them. Mahabharata repeated the story with some variations.

Kurma/Tortoise Avatara and the Churning of the Milky Ocean

The germ of this Avatara is Satapata Brahmana book. Later additions in the Puranas show Vishnu assuming the tortoise form. In the Satya Yuga, he placed himself at the bottom of the ocean of milk and made his back the base or pivot of the Mandara Mountain. The gods and demons twisted the great serpent Vasuki round the mountain and dividing into two parties, each took an end of the snake  as a rope and thus churned the ocean until they recovered the desired objects.

These were

Amrita- elixir of life;

Dhanvantari- Father of Medicine holding the cup of Amrita;

Lakshmi- Goddess of Fortune and Walth;

Suraa- Goddess of Wine;

Chandra- the Moon;

Rambha- Apsaras beauty;

Uchchaisrvas- Divine Horse;

Kaustuba- a celebrated jewel;

Parijata- paarijaata- a Celestial Tree;

Surabhi- Divine cow of Plenty;

Airavata- Elephant;

Sankha/ Conch- Conch of Victory;

Dhanus- a famous bow;

Visha/Poison.

Lord Siva devoured the poison to save Devas and demons, but his wife Parvati prevented it going down his gullet. When it was stopped at his neck/throat, that became blue in colour. So Siva was called Neelakanta (Blue throated). This name is in the Vedas and 2300 year old Sangam Tamil literature.

All these avataras were sung by Tamil saints. And many of them are in Tamil Sangam books. That shows all the Hindus from Himalayas to Kanyakumari were very familiar with Hindu Puranas.

***

Narasimha – man lion –avatara is more popular than Varaha avatara. in Tamil he is known as Singa Perumal.

The story of this incarnation of Vishnu is as follows:

Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakasipu were two demon brothers, hostile to Vishnu. Hiranyaksha was killed by Varaha avatar. Hiranyakasipu, then became the king of the demons and vowed eternal war with Vishu. His young son, Prahlada, was however became a devotee of Vishnu. Hiranyakasipu tried all means to change his mind, but in vain. Exasperated with this he asked the young boy, if his god Vishnu was all pervasive, could be found in the pillar in front of him; and then hacked it with his sword. The pillar cleft in twine and oust burst from it to the astonishment of Hiranyakasipu, the angry god in the shape of a Man-Lion. He tore to pieces the impious demon king. He was called Ugra Narasimha.

His anger subsided after Prahlada’s prayer; then he became Lakshmi Narasimha.

Yoga Narasimha is another form in which the god is seen squatting in a meditative mood. Simhachalam, Ahobilam , Namakkal, Narasimham near Madurai, Singa Perumal kovil are some of the places sacred to Narasimha. The usual Vaishnava symbols Sankha and Chakra are seen in his upper arms. The monolithic Ugra Narasimha found in the ruins of Vijayanagara was established by Krishna Deva Raya in 1528 CE. Statues of Narasimha are found on mountain tops, caves and deep forests. He has four hands.

***

VAMANA / TRIVIKRAMA AVATAR

Vamana, the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu, is worshipped as Trivikrama – in Tamil Ulgalantha Perumal. Trivikrama means ‘god who took three strides’. Tamil name means ‘the lord who measured the universe’ (with three strides).

The story is a powerful demon king named Bali, the great grandson of Hiranyakasipu conquered the three worlds and ruled them, in spite of his birth, in charity and with justice. Indra, the chief of devas, was thus superseded. Devas got alarmed and requested Vishnu to restore Indra to his legitimate position.

Vishnu could not go to war against Bali, as he was a virtuous king. So, he went in the guise of a dwarf Brahmana, as a Brahmachari, Vedic student. He begged of Bali for three feet of land on which he could sit and meditate on God undisturbed. The generous Bali granted the request. Then the dwarf grows to a height transcending the world, take in at one step the whole earth, covering the sky with the next, and demanding of Bali to show him room for the third. True to his promise, Bali offered his own head, on which the placed his foot and sent him down to lower regions. Because he was just, he was allowed to return to his kingdom every year. That day is celebrated even today.

At Tirukkovilur in Tamil Nadu is a celebrated shrine of Trivikrama. Another one is in the Ulagalanda Perumal temple at Kanchi. Mahabalipuram has one figure with eight hands. Brahma is also shown touching the finger of the god.

In the Ramaswami temple in Kumbakonam is a sculptured pillar on which the story of Vamana avatar is well represented.

Representations of Vamana figures with water pot and an umbrella are found in the demarcation stones of fields granted in charity.

A festival in honour of Bali is observed by the people of Mysore on the first day after Deepavali Amavasya.

In Kerala, people connect Bali with their harvest festival, the Onam, in which they worship a clay figure of this high-minded emperor. It is supposed that the king is permitted by Vishnu to visit every year the fair earth over which he ruled once and to satisfy himself that the people are quite happy and glad as in his time.

***

Rama and Krsina Avatar sculptures, images

Vishnu Avatar images, on Snake bed

KALKI AVATAR

Kalki avatar is only a prospective incarnation in which the god is expected to appear as a powerful hero riding on a white horse- back, a sword in hand, to suppress the growing wickedness of the Mlechchas (anti Hindu elements).

***

BUDDHA

The Buddha avatar is a later addition by Jayadeva of Orissa and so Hindus don’t worship him. No deity of Buddha is found in any old Hindu temple.

Apart from these avataras , lord Vishnu is depicted in various forms in ancient Hindu temples.

***

RAMA and KRISHNA

Most popular avataras Rama and Krishna are worshipped throughout India. All their leelas or their victories over demons are shown in paintings and sculptures. Since all these are in epics and Puranas, most of the people know the stories behind them.

In Sangam Tamil literature even the Yamnua River and Gopikas episode is sung by a poet. Untold stories of Rama are found in Sangam Tamil books.

Over 20 Avataras are mentioned in the Puranas. But only ten are called Dasaavataaraas (Dasa= Ten)

****

PARASURAMA

Three Ramas were sung by the saints: Dasaratha Rama, husband of Sita; Balaraman- brother of Krishna and Parasuraman- Rama with axe on his shoulder. He was born as the son of Jamadagni in Treta Yuga. He fought with arrogant Kshatriyas and finished their domination. But he bowed to Rama, a Kshatriya, and gave all his strength to him.

—Subham—

Tags- Avatara, incarnations, Ten, Dasa, Hinduism through 500 Pictures in Tamil and English-36; படங்கள் மூலம் இந்து மதம் கற்போம்-36 

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