WRITTEN BY London Swaminathan
swami_48@yahoo.com
Date: 13 DECEMBER 2019
Time in London – 17-
Post No. 7337
Pictures are taken from various sources; beware of copyright rules; don’t use them without permission; this is a non- commercial, educational blog; posted in swamiindology.blogspot.com and tamilandvedas.com simultaneously. Average hits per day for both the blogs 12,000
Posted by Tamil and Vedas on December 13, 2019
https://tamilandvedas.com/2019/12/13/kannakis-praise-for-seven-great-tamil-women-post-no-7337/
Written by London Swaminathan
Date: 4 JUNE 2018
Time uploaded in London – 14-31
Post No. 5075
Pictures shown here are taken from various sources such as Facebook friends, Books, Google and newspapers; thanks. Pictures may be subject to copyright laws.
WARNING: PLEASE SHARE MY ARTICLES; BUT DON’T SHARE IT WITHOUT AUTHOR’S NAME AND THE BLOG NAME. BE HONEST; OTHERS WILL BE HONEST WITH YOU
Tamil epic Silappadikaram have two Sanskrit words Maha Nayaka (maanaaykkan in Tamil) and Maha Saarthavaaha (maasaaththuvaan in Tamil) as the names of the fathers of hero and heroine (Kannaki and Kovalan) of the poem. These are common nouns and not proper nouns.
The roots of these Sanskrit words are in ancient Sanskrit literature. Though the word Saarthavaaha (Leader of the Merchants) did not find a place in the Vedas they used the word ‘Pani’ for the businessmen.
The word Saarthavaaha is in Amarakosa. The commentator explains it- ‘one who is the leader of the travelling merchants who invested their own capital’. Saartha is defined as the group of travellers. They invest equal amount of money and travel to other market places in groups. Like the Hindu devotees go in groups under some Gurus, they have caravan leaders.
Atharva Veda (12-1-47 etc) speaks about trade routes. The Prithvi Sukta (Earth Hymn) says about Panthas or routes of our great land.
Now the salient features of Earth Hymn in connection with the Trade and Commerce:-
Thy many pathways for men to travel on
the roads for chariots, and for wagons to pass through
on which walk together both good and evil men,
may we be masters of those, and drive out the thief and foe. (12-47)
May the earth with people who speak various tongues
and those who have various rites
according to their places of abode
pour for me treasure in a thousand streams
like a constant cow that never fails (12-45)
(Vedic people visited several countries speaking different language)
Earth in which are cities, the work of Devas
and fields where men are variously employed;
Earth that bears all things kin her womb
may the Lord of Life make her graceful for us from every side (AV 12- 43)
The following points are considered important in the hymn:
1.This land has many routes
2.Thesee routes were the principal means of communication of the people.
3.On these routes the chariots plied.
4.They were routes for Bullock carts as well.
7.Well guarded and safe routes symbolised the happiness of the earth.
Ancient Tamil and Sanskrit literature have several verses about the robbers who waylaid merchants and snatched their goods or even goods of the public.
Panini, the grammarian of Seventh century BCE, says about Uttarapatha (Grand Route in North India). When he says ‘Uttara’, we may assume there was also Dakshina patha (Grand Route to/in South India).
Agastya laid a grand road route to South India between 800 and 1000 BCE. While Rama and others used coastal route before, Agastya for the first time laid a land route via the Vindhya mountains.
Following is from my very old post:
Did Agastya drink ocean?
Agastya was one of the greatest travellers of ancient India. He was mentioned in the Rig Veda and the Ramayana. He slowly moved southward and established an ashram at the western ghats- Pothya malai. There are lot of myths about him. All this can be explained scientifically. He did divert the river Cauvery to the present Chola mandala like Baghiratha diverted Ganga. But in thousands of years it became a myth and we read a crow tilted the ‘kamandalam’ (pot) of Agastya and thus came River Cauvery.
Another story told about Agastya is that he travelled to the south at the behest of Lord Siva. It is true that either Siva or a Saivite saint requested him to go to the south to disperse the population. The story of Siva’s (Meenakshi wedding) Tirulkalyanam makes it clear by saying the overcrowding of the earth tilted the balance and Siva requested Agastya to go southward (with a big group). Our fore fathers were such a great planners that they did what we are doing today-building satellite cities! This story is in Tiruvilayadal puranam and other books.
Did Agastya drink the ocean? Agastya was the first person to cross the Indian ocean for the first time to establish a great Hindu empire in South East Asia. We now knew that there was a flourishing Hindu colony in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia (Angkor Wat temple), Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia (Borobudur Stupi) for 1500 years. Now they are all converted as Muslims. Like Columbus and Magellan, he crossed the ocean- that is he ‘drank’ the ocean! It is a symbolic story. Agastya’s statues are displayed through out South East Asian countries even today.
One another myth about Agastya is that he made the Vindhya Hill not to grow again. This is another symbolic story to say that he crossed the Vindhyas for the first time through the ‘land route’. Before him North and South Indians used coastal sea routes. Tamil literature also makes it very clear in several places that Agastya came to the south with 18 groups of people and he was the one who codified a grammar for Tamil. A massive exodus from the North followed Agastya.
This is explained in the Puranas as Agastya ‘belittling’ the Vindhyas in the Puranas/mythology. Agastya was the first one to find a sea route to South East Asia around 1000 BCE which the Puranas .
The Dasakumara Charita of Dandi mentioned the name Raameshu (Hindu name) as Captain of a Ship. It is a typical Hindu name. Even today we can find names Ramesh, Rama Seshan, Ramesan in South Indian and North Indian telephone directories. Old authors guessed it as Rama jesus. It is wrong. It is like saying I am selling ‘Hot Ice Cream’.
–SUBHAM–
Posted by Tamil and Vedas on June 4, 2018
https://tamilandvedas.com/2018/06/04/trade-and-commerce-in-vedic-days-post-no-5075/
IS SILAPPADIKARAM A BRAHMANA KAVYA? (Post No.4612)- Part 3
Research Paper Written by London Swaminathan
Date: 14 JANUARY 2018
Time uploaded in London 7-04 AM
Post No. 4615
Pictures shown here are taken from various sources such as Facebook friends, Books, Google and newspapers; thanks.
WARNING: DON’T SHARE IT WITHOUT AUTHOR’S NAME AND BLOG NAME. BE HONEST; OTHERS WILL BE HONEST WITH YOU.
PART 1 AND PART 2 WERE PUBLISHED HERE IN THE PAST TWO DAYS.
14.Matavi and Manimekalai
Matavi having heard all the tragic news shaved her hair and entered the Buddha Vihara. These people died because they heard this news from me; therefore I come to bathe in the holy waters of Ganges ( in order to purify myself). Long live you, O king of kings!
When Matalan finished, Senkuttuvan asked what happened to the Pandya kingdom.
Thus Matalan was used to give all the news about all the important characters in the epic.
15.One Thousand Goldsmiths Executed!
Matalan continued, “O King, you destroyed in a day the nine umbrellas of nine enemy kings who joined together in an alliance against your brother in law Killivalavan. Listen! The victorious Ver Celiyan residing at Korkai offered a human sacrifice of one thousand goldsmiths in a day to the divine Pattini who had twisted off one off her breasts.
When Matalan gave all this information the sun set and then the court astrologer said, “ Long live the ruler of the earth. It is now thirty two months since we left Vanci.
When Senkuttuvan asked about the succession in the Cola kingdom, Matalan praised the Colas whose forefathers destroyed the three fortresses suspended in the sky (mythological story), who gave flesh to a kite to save a dove (mythological Sibi Story) would never move away from the righteous path , Senkuttuvan became very happy and said to the Brahmana,
“O Brahmana Matalan, please accept the gift of fifty Tulams of pure gold” equal to Senkuttuvan’s own weight (Tula Bharam).
17.BRAHMIN’S ADVICE TO SENKUTTUVAN!
Matalan in Natukar Katai
“Then a Cakkayan, a dancing expert from Paraiyur, which was famous for Brahmans versed in the four Vedas, exhibited for king’s pleasure, the dance known as Koticetam danced with Uma as part of Himself by the mighty Siva, while the anklet worn on his beautiful feet tinkled.
In the Natukar Katai Matalan speaks:
“O King wearing a long garland of victory and possessing a huge army! O Lion of kings, who knows all that can be known from great men, dismiss your wrath! Ruler of the earth, may the days you have yet to live become more numerous than the particles of sand in the cool river An Porunai.
Pray do not dismiss my words! Even after passing through fifty years of your protection on this earth you do not perform religious sacrifice but continue to perform the sacrifice at the battle. Among your ancestors in this city one king distinguished himself by destroying the Katampu of the seas, another exhibited great prowess by carving the bow emblem on the Himalayas, another enabled a Vedic Brahmana in return for composing some poems, to ascend bodily to the higher world, another commanded the messenger of death not to take away lives indiscriminately but only in particular order; another Cera penetrated the golden region of the high mountain in the fertile kingdom of the Barbarous Yavanas. After adding two more ancestor king’s adventures Matalan says, “It is not necessary to point out to men of wisdom that youth will not last for ever. The goddess of wealth abides in your chest, for you see your own body covered with grey hairs. Even good souls in divine bodies may, it is just possible, enter human frames on earth. Souls of those who are born as men now may by chance be reborn as animals. Men are but actors on a stage, and will have no enduring embody in only one fixed form. That life after death will depend upon deeds done in a previous birth is a significant statement which is not untrue”.
“O King of the powerful sword! I have chosen not to solicit rare gifts from you. I cannot suffer to see a good soul wrapped within a good body travel the path trodden by the common people of this vast world. O king who has crossed the limits of learning! you should therefore do that great and fruitful yajna with the help of sacrificial priests learned in the four Vedas in order you may gain that superior path which Gods extoll.
“If you say that good deed can be done tomorrow it may chance that your good soul trained in Vedic lore will leave your body even today.”
When the learned to tongue of the Vedic Brahmana, thus ploughed and sowed the seeds of divine wisdom in the kings’ ears, those seeds sprouted forth in right time.
With a desire to enjoy the fruits of the harvest of virtue, the king with the resounding anklets, commanded the presence of those sacrificial priests who had completed their studies by listening to teachers belonging to a group of traditional interpreters of the four Vedas. They were asked to commence the festival of sacrificial rituals in the manner instructed by Matalan.
18.Matalan’s Last appearance in Varantaru Katai
Brahmana Miracle!
In the chapter Varanataru Katai there is a long anecdote where Devanti gives the history of Manimekalai, daughter of Kovalan and courtesan Matavi. Then Devanti was possessed by Pasanatan Cattan.
It is said that there are three girls in the crowd—twin daughters of Arattan Cetti and a little daughter of Cetak Kutumpi, a temple priest. If Matalan sprinkled the water of a divine pool on those girls, they would reveal their past births. Devantikai gave that water to Matalan which kept in his string-bag (Uri).
Seeing all this Senkuttuvan was lost in wonder and turned towards Matalan when he said with good cheer: ‘Hear this O King! Let all your ills disappear.
Then Matalan sprinkled the water on the three girls. They recited their previous births. Senkuttuvan looked at the face of Matalan, wearing the sacred thread on his chest, he blessed him: O King of Kings! Long may you live. These three were, in previous births, attached to the devoted wife of Kovalan, who seized the mad elephant’s tusk to release a Brahmana from the clutches of the mad elephant.
Matalan finished his speech with a good advice:
“It is not strange that people who do good things attain heaven and people who have worldly minds are reborn and that good and bad deeds have their own reward and those born should die, and those dead should be re born. Those are ancient truths ( Bhagavad Gita echo: Jaatasya hi dhruvo mrtyuh dhruvam janma mrtasya ca)
Matalan continues:
You (Senkuttuvan) were born through the grace of Him who rides on the sacred bull (Lord Shiva) and have won distinction as a king in this wide world, saw, clear as an object held in the palm of your hand, the fruits of righteous deeds and the forms of holy people. Long live from eon to eon protecting the earth! Live long gracious monarch!
Pleased with what the Brahmana Matalan said, the king endowed grants to the temple of the ever youthful Pattini who had twisted off her breast and there by raised flames which enveloped the noisy Kutal (another name for Madurai) of the great Pandyan Kingdom, much celebrated in poetical themes. He further ordered the conduct of daily festivals by instructing Devantikai to offer flowers, perfume and incense.
The monarch of the world circumambulated the shrine thrice and stood proffering his respects. Many kings including the Gajabahu of sea girt Sri Lanka participated in the festival.
Kannaki too when she burnt Madurai down asked the Agni Deva (Fire God) to spare Brahmins, old people, cows, chaste women, invalids and all good people.
19.Chief Duties of the Lady of the House
The chief duties of the lady of the house were giving of gifts to the deserving, the serving of the Brahmins and the entertaining of the ascetics and guests, as evidenced by Kannaki’s own words in canto XVI.II 71-3 Kolaikkala Katai
There are more references to Brahmins throughout the epic
A Brahmin ambassador by name Kausikan delivered the message of Matavi to Kovalan and took back his message to his parents – Purancheri Irutta Katai
Brahmin actors (Kuutta Chakkaiyar) staged a show in front of Senkuttuvan- Natukar Katai
Keeranthai, a Brahmin, told his wife that Pandyan king would protect her when he went out of the city and that led to Porkai Pandya Story (Pandya with a Golden Hand)—Katturai Katai
Ilango says that Pandyan kings always hear the Vedic recital but never the justice bell (katturai Katai)
A Brahmin poet by name Palaik Kautamanar going to heaven with his body- Natukar Katai
Madurai is full of smoke from the Vedic Fire altars—Naatu Kaan Katai
Conclusion:
Hundreds of lines were attributed to Brahmin Matalan and he gave us lot of information to fill the gaps in the epic. Miraculous incidents happen in front of the Brahmana and the king Senkuttuvan. He commands the king to do Yagas and yajnas and the king readily obeys. Kannaki lamented that she could not feed the Brahmins and saints. She spared Brahmins when she burnt down Madurai. Parasaran- Dakshinamurthy anecdote showed the condition of Vedic education in Tamil Nadu. Kovalan could read s Sanskrit manuscript. Brahmins are praised as great scholars in Tamil (Vandamiz Maraiyor in Katturaik Katai; it speaks of the Brahmin who composed a poem on Chera king in Patitrup Pattu and went to heaven with his wife in his human body).
Why did Ilango do it?
Why did Ilango do it? did he write a Brahmana Kavya? My opinion is that he did not exaggerate anything. He described the real condition of second century CE Tamil Nadu where Brahmins commanded great respect. They could command great and mighty kings like Senkuttuvan. They could guide them what to do for the welfare of the community. Through Parasran-Dakshinamurthy anecdote, Ilango not only showed that even a child in a remote village of Tamil Nadu could recite Vedas perfectly, but also Brahmins were unselfish and could donate their wealth for the Vedic children. Ilango was the first poet in Tamil to show the weddings conducted by the Brahmins in front of fire.
Silappadikaram was the most popular epic. It was the only epic which based its story on a pure Tamil theme.
Paranar and other poets of Patitrup Pattu, one of the 18 books of Sangam Tamil literature, confirmed all that was said by Ilango. There is no doubt that the history second century Tamil Nadu was a golden period in the history of Tamil Nadu.
References:
The Cilappatikaram,Prof. V R Ramachandra Dikshitar,The South India Saiavasiddhanta Works Publishing Society, Tinnelvelly Limited, Madras,600 001, 1978
Akananuru, Varthamanan Pathippakam, A Manikkanar,Chennai- 600 017,1999
Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Anna, Sri Ramakrishna Mutt, Chennai-600 004,1965
–Subahm–
Posted by Tamil and Vedas on January 14, 2018
https://tamilandvedas.com/2018/01/14/is-silappadikaram-a-brahmana-kavya-post-no-4612-part-3/
KANNAKI COOKING, WORLD TAMIL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR PICTURE
Research Paper Written by London Swaminathan
Date: 13 JANUARY 2018
Time uploaded in London 6-16 AM
Post No. 4612
Pictures shown here are taken from various sources such as Facebook friends, Books, Google and newspapers; thanks.
WARNING: DON’T SHARE IT WITHOUT AUTHOR’S NAME AND BLOG NAME. BE HONEST; OTHERS WILL BE HONEST WITH YOU.
PART 2 (PART 1 WAS PUBLISHED YESTERDAY)
6.Parasaran- Dakshinamurthy Anecdote in the Katturai Katai is equally interesting:
“An able Brahmana, Parasara, who belonged to the good and fertile Kingdom of the Lord of the highly reputed Pukar wielding a righteous sceptre and a triumphant sword – one of whose kings weighed (his flesh) to save a dove (Story of Sibi) and another awarded justice to a cow (story of Manu Niti Cholan) who had heard the peerless munificence of the Cera of the curved lance, by offering the heavens to a Tamil Brahmana poet, said to himself, “I shall see the Cera of great valour and long lance”. He then passed through jungles and country places and towns leaving behind him the tall Malaya Hills. There by the force of his dialectical skill which he had acquired in the traditional manner, from the twice born Brahmana—who with the thought of achieving oneness with the Infinite, kindled the three fires as ordained in the four Vedas and performed the five great sacrifices (Pancha Maha Yajna) and the six great duties- he defeated his rivals and earned the title of Parpana Vakai.
(A typical Brahmin’s profile!)
As he was returning home with great and valuable gifts, he reached the village of Tankal (Tirutankal near Sivakasi) of the righteous Pandyan and of Dharmic Brahmanas. In this village, on a platform beneath the Bodi tree, luxuriant with green leaves, the tired man stayed awhile with his staff, water bowl, white umbrella, fire stick, a small bundle of articles and slippers (the impedimenta of an orthodox Brahmana; white umbrellas can be used only by the Kings and Brahmins who did Soma yaga) and said,
“Long live the victor whose protecting white umbrella assures his certain success. Long live the protector who uprooted the Katampu from the sea (Marine attack on sea pirates)! Long live the king who engraved his bow on the Himalayas! Long live the Poraiyan, possessor of the cool and beautiful Porunai! Long live King Mantaran Ceral! (contemporary king of Ceran Senkuttuvan)
Surrounded by a group of playful youths, some with curly hair and some with tufts and some with lisping mouths and coral lips, toddling some distance from their homes, he addressed them,
“Young Brahmana boys, if you can recite the Veda after me you may go away taking this little bundle of jewels.” Then the son of famous Brahmana Vartikan, by name Aalamar Selvan (Dakshinamurthy) whose rose lisps still retained the fragrance of his mother’s milk, in the presence of his playmates, with prattling tongue and great inward pleasure, recited the Veda, faultlessly observing the correct rhythm. The elderly man was exceedingly pleased with young Dakshinan and presented him with a sacred thread of pearls and bright jewels, as well as with bangles and earrings before departed for his native place”.
7.VEDIC TAMIL NADU
Here Ilango was so poetic that we are captivated by every word he said here. This gave the beautiful description of Vedic education in the second century Tamil Nadu. Every word of Ilango praised the Brahmins and Brahmin boys. A little boy could recite Vedas with a learned Pundit. He described the appearance of Vedic Brahmins in minute details
The translator adds a beautiful note here:
The Brahman’s love for the Veda and his magnanimity in giving away the valuable jewels to a child reciting Vedas according to established practice show how unselfish were the learned Brahmins of those golden days.
Through Matalan and Parasaran and a little boy we know that Vedas were recited in nook and corner of Tamil Nadu.
8.A MIRACLE HAPPENED!
“When Vartikan’s child departed with the little bundle of jewels, Vartikan was accused of misappropriating treasure trove which belongs to the king. So Vartikan was imprisoned. His wife Kartikai grew frantic. She wept in grief. She threw herself on to the ground rolling and fulminating. Seeing this the Goddess Durga of untarnished glory refused to open the door of her temple for the conduct of daily worship. When the king of the mighty spear heard that the massive door remained shut and would not open, he was confounded, and inquired, “Has any injustice been done? Come and tell me if you have heard of any failure in the discharge of our duties to the Goddess of Victory”.
“Then his young messengers made obeisance to the protecting king and informed him the case of Vartikan. “This is not fair, burst forth the king in anger and addressed Vartikan, It is your duty to forgive me. My righteous rule still has life, though owing to the ignorance of my men, it has deviated from the ordained path”.
“The king granted him Tankal with its paddy fields watered by tanks and Vayalur of immeasurable yield and prostrated himself on the ground before Vartikan, the husband of Kartikai. Then the door of the Goddess who rode upon the stag, opened so loudly as to be heard throughout the long and broad streets of mountain like mansions of the ancient city.
Then he issued a proclamation to release all the prisoners and allowed everyone to enjoy the treasures they find!”
Such is the power of Brahmins. Even mighty kings fell at their feet!
9.In this chapter (Katturai Katai) , Brahmins are praised as Vandamil Maraiyor i.e people who speak chaste Tamil. This answered the question whether Brahmins are sons of the soil!
10.Matalan Again!
Matala Maraiyon, the influential Brahmin, appears again in the last three sections:
Nirppataik Katai
Natukar Katai
Varantaru katai
Matalan giving Important News!
Ilango uses Matalan to fill the gaps in the epic. Mighty Cera King Senkuttuvan brought the stone from the holy Himalayas and bathed it in the Holy Ganges and carved the stone into the Goddess Pattini.
Following is in the Nirppataik Katai
“While Senkuttuvan was sitting on his throne ( in North India), the Brahmana Matalan appeared before him and said, Long live our king! The seashore song of the lady Matavi made the crowns of Kanaka and Vijaya bear a weight (the implied meaning is that Kovalan left Matavi’s house and other events followed resulting in Kannaki becoming a goddess; Kanaka and Vijaya who challenged Senkuttuvan made to carry the stone on their heads).
The Brahmana Matalan then continued: “The maid Matavi, whilst sporting on the cool beach, had a lover’s quarrel with Kovalan. Then governed by fate she sang the seashore song appropriate to her dance. This not resulted in their reunion but in their separation, and necessitated his entry with his virtuous wife into the ancient towered city of Madura, whose reigning king with his wreath of leaves attained blissful heaven as a result of the murder of Kovalan, whose wife, O Lord of the Kutavar, entered your country. And now she is being borne upon the crowned heads of the northern kings”.
11.Matari commits suicide!
“Be good enough to listen also to the reason for my coming here, O king of kings holding the illustrious spear! After going round the Potiyil Hills sacred to the great sage (Agastya) and bathing in the famous ghat of Kumari, I was returning, when as if impelled by fate, I went into Madura belonging to far famed Tennavan of the sharp sword. There when Matari heard that the beautiful Kannaki had defeated the Pandyan king of the mighty army with her anklet, she proclaimed in the Taateru manrdram (common meeting point of the Yadava community), ‘O People of the cowherd community! Kovalan has done no wrong; it is the king who has erred; I have lost her to whom I gave refuge. Have the king’s umbrella and the sceptre fallen from the righteous path? With these words she threw herself into the burning flames in the dead of night!
12.Kavunti died of Starvation!
Kavunti, distinguished for her holy penance, waxed wroth; but when she heard of the death of the great king renowned for his righteous sceptre, her ire was appeased and she burst out: Was this the fate of those who joined my company? She took a vow to die of starvation and thus gave up her life.
13.Kovalan’s mother died of Depression!
I heard in full detail all this and also of the devastation that overtook the great city of Madura ruled by the Pandyan of the golden car. Overcome by great I went back to my native place, the ancient capital of the Colas, and informed the chief men there of this. Kovalan’s father heard what happened to his son and daughter in law and also to the righteous monarch of Madura and became deeply afflicted. He distributed all his wealth in charity, and entered Seven Indra Viharas (The Buddhist Temple) and began to practise self -denial like the three hundred monks who roam the sky, having renounced the world to obtain release from the cycle of births. The wife of him who thus renounced, unable to endure the sorrowful news of the death of her son under such tragic circumstances, died of pity.
Kannaki’s father also gave away his wealth in religious gifts and adopted Dharma in the presence of Ajivakas like sages engaged in penance of a high order. The noble wife of him who made these gifts gave up her good life within a few days.
TO BE CONTINUED……………………………………….
Posted by Tamil and Vedas on January 13, 2018
https://tamilandvedas.com/2018/01/13/is-silappadikaram-a-brahmana-kavya-post-no-4612-part-2/
Written by London swaminathan
Date: 15 APRIL 2017
Time uploaded in London:- 15-59
Post No. 3821
Pictures are taken from various sources; thanks.
contact; swami_48@yahoo.com
Silappadikaram, the Tamil epic, is the story about Kannaki and Kovalan (The details of the story are given at the end of this post).
Matalan, the Brahmin, is a link in the story. He plays a key role and fills the gaps in the story. He advised the mighty king Cheran Senguttuvan about the good things in life (Dharma).
In the Nirpataik (Chapter) Kaathai of the epic he gives some important details:-
While King Senguttuvan was sitting on the throne, the Brahmana Matalan appeared before him and said:
“Long live the King! After going around the Potiyil Hills, sacred to the great sage (Agastya) and bathing in the famous ghat of Kumari, I was returning, when, as if impelled by fate, I went into Madura belonging to far-famed Tennavan (Pandya King) of the sharp sword.
There when Matari heard that beautiful (Kannaki) had defeated the Pandyan king of the mighty army with her anklet, she proclaimed in the Taateru manram (common meeting place of the cowherds and cowherdesses, and was generally under a tree):-
“O people of the cowherd community! Kovalan had done no wrong; it is the king who has erred; I have lost her to whom I gave refuge. Have the king’s umbrella and the sceptre fallen from the righteous path?” With these words, she (Matari) threw herself into the burning flames in the dead of night.
Kavunti, distinguished for her penance, took a vow to die of starvation and thus gave up her life.
I heard in full detail all this and also of the devastation that over took the great city of Madurai ruled by the Pandyan of the golden car. Overcome by this I went back to my native place (KaveriPumpattinam, Port city of Chozas) and leant that Kovalan’s father distributed all his wealth in charity and entered Indra Viharas/Buddhist temple and practised penance. Kovalan’s mother died of pity. Kannaki’s father also gave away his wealth in religious gifts and adopted Dharma in the presence of Ajhivakas. His wife gave up her good life within a few days ( of Kovalan’s execution , followed by the death of Pandya King and Queen and Kannaki burning Madurai city).
The lady Matavi (courtesan), shorn of her hair with the flower wreaths therein, entered the Buddha Vihara and received the holy instruction. She told her mother that her daughter should not become a courtesan.
Brahmin Matalan continued………….
“These people died because, they heard this news from me, therefore I come to bathe in the holy waters of the Ganges (In order to purify myself). Long live you, O King of Kings!
When Matalan gave the king the tragic news about Kannaki’s parents, Kovalan’s parents, Cowherd woman Matari, Jain woman saint Kavunti and courtesan Matavi, the mighty lord of the Cheras, asked Matalan:
“May I hear what happened in the highly flourishing Pandya Kingdom after the king’s death?”
Matalan said,
“May you long live, King of the great world! You destroyed in a single day nine umbrellas of nine kings, who joined together in an alliance against your brother in law Killi valavan.
Human Sacrifice of 1000 people!
“The victorious (Pandya king) Ver Chezian residing at Korkai (Port City of the Pandyas), offered a human sacrifice of one thousand goldsmiths in a day to divine Pattini (chaste woman) who had twisted off one of her breasts (with which Kannaki burnt Madurai city).
“And when ancient Maduria lost her glory and was chafing in untold trouble owing to royal injustice, this Pandyan prince of the lunar line (Chandra vamsa) which was celebrated for the exemplary way in which it gave protection to the people of the southern regions, mounted in succession the royal throne of Madura, like the (sun) mounting in the morning, with his rays crimson, the divine chariot with the single wheel, yoked to seven horses with tiny bells attached to its necks. May the king of our land live for all time protecting the world from aeon to aeon; live he in fame.”
Thus, from the Brahmin Matalan we come to know the fate of cowherdess Matari, Jain woman saint Kavunti, Courtesan Matavi, Parents of Kannaki and Kovlan and the human sacrifice of 1000 goldsmiths.
Silappadikaram Story:–
Silappathikaram is the earliest among the available Tamil epics. It was written by a poet cum prince Ilango. The story of the epic is as follows:-
Kannaki and Kovalan were the daughter and son of wealthy merchants of the port city Kaveri Pumpattinam of Choza kingdom . Both of them were married and before long Kovalan fell into the spell of courtesan Matavi. But Kannaki was a faithful wife and received Kovalan wholeheartedly when he came back to her. They wanted to start a new life away from their home town and so they travelled to the renowned city of the Pandyas, Madurai.
Kannaki came to Madurai along with her husband Kovalan to sell her anklet and start a new life. But, her husband was unjustly accused of stealing the anklet of the Queen by a GOLDSMITH and was killed under the orders of the Pandya King. To prove the innocence of her husband, and expose the heinous crime of the Great Pandya King, Kannaki went to his court with one of her anklets. She accused the Pandya King of having ordered the death of her husband without conducting proper trial. The Pandya Queen’s anklet had pearls whereas the anklet of Kannaki had gems inside. She broke her anklet in the presence of the king and proved that her husband Kovalan was not guilty. Immediately Pandya King and Queen died, probably of massive heart attack.
Image of Kannaki and Kovalan
Afterwards Kannaki burnt the city by twisting one off her breasts and throwing it in the streets of Madurai City , Capital of the Pandya Kingdom, sparing the elderly, invalids, children, Brahmins and women. In other words, all the bad people were burnt alive. Later she went to Chera Nadu (present Kerala in South India) and ascended to Heaven in the Pushpaka Vimana/ pilotless airplane, that came from the Heaven. When the Chera King Senguttuvan heard about it from the forest tribes who witnessed her ascension, he decided to go to Holy Himalayas to take a stone and bathe it in the holy Ganges and then carve a statue out of it for Kannaki. King Senguttuvan’s brother Ilango composed the Silappadikaram giving all the details about the chaste woman/Patni Kannaki. Though the incidents happened in the second century CE, the epic in its current form is from the fourth or fifth century CE (Post Sangam Period).
–Subham–
Posted by Tamil and Vedas on April 15, 2017
https://tamilandvedas.com/2017/04/15/why-did-a-tamil-king-kill-1000-goldsmiths-post-no-3821/
Written by London swaminathan
Date: 23 FEBRUARY 2017
Time uploaded in London:- 9-59 am
Post No. 3663
Pictures are taken from various sources; thanks.
contact; swami_48@yahoo.com
Silappathikaram is the earliest among the available Tamil epics. It was written by a poet cum prince Ilango. The story of the epic is as follows:-
Kannaki came to Madurai along with her husband Kovalan to sell her anklet and start a new life. But, her husband was unjustly accused of stealing the anklet of the Queen and was killed under the orders of the King. To prove the innocence of her husband, and expose the heinous crime of the Great Pandya King, Kannaki went to his court with one of her anklets. She accused the Pandya King of having ordered the death of her husband without conducting proper trial. The Pandya Queen’s anklet had pearls whereas the anklet of Kannaki had gems inside. She broke her anklet in the presence of the king and proved that her husband Kovalan was not guilty. Immediately Pandya King and Queen died, probably of massive heart attack.
Afterwards Kannaki burnt the city by twisting one off her breasts and throwing it in the streets of Madurai City , Capital of the Pandya Kingdom, sparing the elderly, invalids, children, Brahmins and women. In other words, all the bad people were burnt alive. Later she went to Chera Nadu (present Kerala in South India) and ascended to Heaven in the Pushpaka Vimana that came from the Heaven. When the Chera King Senguttuvan heard about it from the forest tribes who witnessed her ascension, he decided to go to Holy Himalayas to take a stone and bathe it in the holy Ganges and then carve a statue out of it for Kannaki. King Senguttuvan’s brother Ilango composed the Silappadikaram. Though the incidents happened in the second century CE, the epic in its current form is from the fourth or fifth century CE (Post Sangam Period).
Kannaki is worshipped in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka as the Goddess of Chastity. Of the five Tamil epics, Silappadikaram (Cilappadikaram) is the most popular one. Chera King Senguttuvan was very powerful and he defeated the sea pirates and the Romans in the West coast of India. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Just before leaving for the Himalayan Mountains, he went around the Shiva Temple with the sandals of Lord Shiva on his head. Later when the priests from the nearby Vishnu temple brought ‘prasadam’, he placed them on his shoulders. When he completed the Himalayan journey successfully and erected a statue for Kannaki, all the powerful North Indian Kings and Gajabahu of Sri Lanka were invited to see the consecration of the statue. A Brahmin by name Madalan figured in the epic from the very beginning. At the end, he blessed the king to live for eons, i.e. his name and fame will live for thousands of years. Madalan also praised him as a great devotee of Lord Shiva.
Let us look at the description of his devotion to Lord Shiva in the words of great poet Ilango:–
“The sovereign lord of the sharp sword, decorated his crown of gems with Vanci blossoms form the unflowering Vanci when the morning drum sounded at the gate, announcing the time for other kings of the earth, to pay their tributes. With the vicorious Vanci wreath were worn THE SANDALS OF THE GREAT GOD IN WHOSE FORM THE WHOLE UNIVERSE MANIFESTS ITSELF (SIVA), AND WHO WEARS THE CESCET MOON IN HIS LONG, DARK MATTED HAIR; AND HAVING LAID THE HEAD THAT BOWED TO NONE ELSE AT HIS HOLY SHRINE, HE CIRCUMAMBUATED IT. The sweet fumes from the sacrificial fires offered by the Vedic Brahmins deprived his garlands of its luxurious colour. He then mounted the nape of his proud war elephant.
There appeared before him some persons bearing the pracaatam pf the Lord Vishnu who slumbers in a yogic trance at Aatakamaatam and addressed him with benedictory words: May success attend on Kuttuvan, the Lord of the West! Since the king already placed on his crown of gems the beautiful sandals of the Lord whose matted hair bears the Ganga, he received this pracaatam and carried on his fair, bejewelled shoulders.”
–from Kalkot Katai, Cilappatikaram, Translated by Prof.V R Ramachandra Dikshitar, 1939
This shows that Senguttuvan was a follower of orthodox religion which consisted in the worship of Siva and Vishnu.
Aatakamaatam is identified with the Padmanabhaswamy temple of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Some scholars thing it was another temple at Karur, which was known as Vanchi in the olden days.
There are numerous references to Lord Shiva in the epic. Siva’s dances and Siva’s temples are referred to in other sections.
Here is what the great Brahmin Madalan said in his blessings:
“It is not strange that people who do good things attain heaven and people who have worldly minds are reborn, and that good and bad deeds have their own reward and those dead should be reborn. Those are ancient truths. You who were born through the grace of HIM WHO RIDES ON THE SACRED BULL and have won distinction as king in the wide world, saw clear as an object held in the palm of your hand, the fruits of righteous deeds and the forms of holy people. Live long from aeon to aeon protecting the earth! Live long, gracious monarch.”
“Please with what the Brahmin Matalan said, the king endowed grants to the temple of the very youthful Pattini (Chaste woman) who twisted off her breast and there by raised flames which enveloped the noisy Kuutal (Madurai’s other name) of the great Pantiyan Kingdom, much celebrated in poetical themes.”
Silapadikaram has innumerable references to Hindu customs. Commentator Adiayrkkunallar has added encyclopaedic information about ancient Tamil Nadu.
–Subahm–
Posted by Tamil and Vedas on February 23, 2017
https://tamilandvedas.com/2017/02/23/lord-shivas-sandals-on-the-head-of-a-tamil-king-post-no-3663/
Written by London swaminathan
Article No.1844 Date: 4 May 2015
Uploaded at London time: 8-36 am
(This article was sent for publication in the Bharatiya Vidhya Bhavan, Delhi souvenir last year)
(S Swaminathan was a Senior Sub Editor of Dinamani, a Tamil language daily, in Madurai before taking over as the Producer of the BBC Tamil Service in London. Later he started teaching Tamil as a part time tutor at SOAS, University of London)
Tamil epic Silappadikaram (also written as Cilappatikaram) is an encyclopaedia of art and music of the ancient Tamils. Ilango Adikal, author of Silappadikaram, has dealt with almost all the topics under arts and culture of the land. But not many people know that Ilango was equally proficient in the geography and history of India as well. I would like to point out the amazing knowledge of Ilango about the Indian subcontinent. But for his reference to King Gajabahu of Sri Lanka, we wouldn’t have fixed the date of Kovalan and Kannaki. Though the story of Kannaki and Kovalan happened around second century CE, the epic must have been written a few centuries later. The language and style of the poetry in the epic serve as strong pointers in this direction.
The epic runs to 5270 lines and it contains 13,870 words. This is the biggest work closer to the Sangam period. It is worthwhile to compare it with the oldest Tamil work Tolkappiam. Tolkappiam, the Tamil grammar book, runs to nearly 4000 lines with 13,708 words. But again there is some controversy about the dating of Tolkappiam and particularly the third chapter of the grammar book, namely Porul Adhikaram that is considered a later addition by many scholars.
The epic is divided into three Kandams (cantos) on the basis of geographical and political divisions of Tamil country Choza, Pandya and Chera corresponding to Pukar, Madurai and Vanji. These are the capital or major cities of ancient Tamil Nadu. The use of the words Kandam for divisions is copied from Valmiki Ramayana which has seven Kandams(6+1).
We see a very clear shift from the four fold natural divisions of Sangam literature (Kurinji, Mullai, Neithal and Marutham) to a fully fledged city culture in the epic. The graphic description of Pukar(5-6/40) and Madurai streets (Ur Kan Katai) is remarkable. There is no denying the fact cities did exist even during Sangam period. But that was not the main basis of those poems. We see such descriptions in Madurai Kanchi, a Sangam Tamil work. In short we read more about urban culture in the epic than the rural culture of the Sangam literature. The absence of Kurinji, Mullai, Neithal and Marutham in the epic is noteworthy. Ilango mentioned even Ujjain (6-29) and the forests of Vindhya Mountains (6-29) in Madhya Pradesh.
Ilango did not miss the opportunity to describe in detail the two great rivers Kaveri and Vaigai that run through Choza and Pandyan territories. The beautiful descriptions of these rivers are a treat to nature lovers. The River Kaveri has not changed much in the past two thousand years, but Vaigai has lost its beauty. Even in Paripatal, an anthology of Sangam Literature, we see beautiful descriptions of Vaigai.
Ode to River Kaveri (kanalvari)
Hail, Kaveri!
Robed with flowers, swarmed by singing bees, you roam,
Sinuous and fanciful,
Casting dark glances from your swift
And carp like eyes
Your gait and charming looks are the pride
Of your lord, whose virtuous sceptre’s never gone astray
Hail, Kaveri!
(Another two stanzas are there in the epic)
River Vaigai in the background
Vaigai and the city of Madurai are described in the ‘Puranceri Irutha Katai’:-
The Vaigai River, daughter of the sky, wanders ever on the tongues of the poets, who sings the generous gifts she bestows on the land she has blesses. Most cherished possession of the Pandya Kingdom, she resembles a noble and respected maiden. Her dress is woven of all the flowers that fall from the date tree, the Vakulam, the Kino, the white Kadamba, the gamboges, the Tilak, the jasmine, the Myrobalan, the pear tree, the great Champak and the saffron plant. The broad belt she wears low around her hips is adorned with lovely flowers of Kuruku and golden jasmine, mixed with Musundai’s thick lianas, the wild jasmine, he convolvulus, the bamboo, the volubilis, the Pidavam, the Arabian jasmine. The sand banks, edged by trees in blossom, are her youthful breasts. Her red lips are the trees that spread their red petals along the shore her lovely teeth are wild jasmine buds floating in the stream. Her long eyes are the carp, which playing in the water, appear and vanish like a wink. Her tresses are the flowing waters filled with the petals (13-151/174).
Both Kannaki and Kovalan cried out in wonder, “This is not a river but a stream in blossom”.
This beautiful description of River Vaigai is different from River Kavery. This shows his skill and his love of nature.
River Kaveri (Cauvery)
Holy Mountain and Holy River
Tamils were very familiar with the Himalayas and the River Ganges. We have lot of references to these in the oldest part of Sangam literature such as Purananuru. There is no wonder that Ilango also referred to this mountain and the river in several places in the epic. Sangam poets used Himalayas and Pothiyam Hill in pairs (Puram 2-24), probably an indirect reference to sages of the Himalayas and Sage Agastya who had settled in the Pothiyam Hill from the North. The very concept of taking a stone from the holy Himalayas and bathing it in the holiest of the Indian rivers, Ganges, (Vazthu Katai) show that the ancient Tamils considered the big land mass from the southernmost Kanyakumari to the northernmost Himalayas as one entity that belonged to everyone in the country. Chera King Senguttuvan was praised as the ruler of the land between the Himalayas and Kumari.
Reference to holy shrines such as Venkatam where the most famous Balaji temple is located at present, and Srirangam (11-40/41), is also interesting.
Ilango’s reference to Senguttuvan’s sea expedition to destroy the pirates (23-81) and the foreign intruders are examples of his knowledge about the seas surrounding the peninsular. Marine trade with Rome and the West was flourishing during the first few centuries of our era. Though Silappadikaram is a post Sangam work, the Tamils must have felt very proud of their success in the foreign trade. Yavanas are mentioned in four places in the epic 5-10, 14-67, 28-141 and 29-26. The epic says that Chera king ruled the prosperous land of the Yavanas (28-141 and 29-26), may be the North West region of India. It was under the Indo-Greek kings for few centuries.
Ilango’s knowledge of the seas, rivers, mountains, cities and other spots of natural beauty, is amazing. To make the epic more interesting he had added some interesting details about the caves or underground tunnel routes (Katukan Katai) to Madurai from Alagarkoil, a Vaishnavite shrine near Madurai. As of now we don’t know any such route linking Madurai with Alagarkoil, but in his days probably mountain pass or caves must have existed. Until very recently Alagarkoil hill was very green with thick forests.
In the Venir Katai, he defined the boundaries of Tamil Nadu between Venkatam and the Southern seas. He refers to the semi mythical land Uttarakuru (2-10). Strangely the earliest reference to the River Jamuna and Krishna comes from Sangam Tamil Literature (Aka 59-4) and Ilango refers to it in Aychiyar Kuravai(17-22).
Gajabahu and King of Malava
At the end of the epic he narrates the consecration ceremony attended by Gajabahu, King of Sri Lanka and Kings from Malava (30-157/160). Earlier in the poem he refers to the Satavahanas, who were his friends.
Author’s e mail: swami_48 @ yahoo.com
Books used
The Cilappatikaram, translated by Prof.V R Ramachandra Dikshitar, 1939. Second edition, The South India Saiva Siddhanta Works Publishing Society Tinnelvelly Limited, 1978
Shilappadikaram (The Ankle Bracelet), translated by Alain Danilelou, A New Directions Book, New York, 1965
Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 4, 2015
https://tamilandvedas.com/2015/05/04/india-in-silappadikaram/
Otowa Warefall in Kiyomizu Dera Temple in Kyoto, Japan
Research Paper written by London Swaminathan
Post No.1315; Dated 28th September 2014.
I was talking to my friend today who visited Kyoto in Japan sometime ago. He was narrating an incident where he drank some holy water to get three benefits at one go. Suddenly I remembered one such thing in the Tamil epic Sillapadikaram.
Kiyomizu Dera Temple near Kyoto in Japan is a UNESCO heritage site. This temple was built 1200 years ago by an ancient Buddhist sect. Kiyomizu Dera Temple means The Temple of Pure Water. The main hall of the temple is considered a national treasure. Fifteen colourfully painted halls, Otowa Waterfall, Forty feet tall wooden columns, a wooden stage assembled with 410 cypress tree boards, Three storied Pagoda, Eleven headed -Thousand handed Bodisattva idol and decorative gates attract thousands of tourists every year.
It is halfway on the Otowa mountain. The temple met with several fire accidents and the latest structures are only 400 years old.
The Otowa Waterfall has some similarity to the Three Magic Ponds mentioned in the Tamil Epic Silappadikaram. The waterfall in Kyoto comes from a mountain stream and it is divided into three streams. It is said that one of the three gives you Longevity and the other two Wisdom and Health. Wisdom is interpreted as success in life or good marks in the examinations etc. So students are also attracted to it. People use metal cups to collect the water and drink. Tradition says that only two streams must be used. If anyone drinks water from all the three streams then the person is called a greedy person!
Tamil epic Silappadikaram has some magical element! Kovalan, with his young wife Kannaki, was travelling from Choza Kingdom to Pandya Kingdom. He met a Brahmin who performed Vedic sacrifices. Kovalan asked the learned Brahmin to show him the way to Madurai. Then the Brahmin explained to him the various routes. Following is the one that has similarity with three streams of Otowa water fall of Kiyomizu Dera in Japan:
“If you do not take the route lying to the right, but choose the route to the left, you will hear winged beetles singing the tune of Sevvali melody. Paasing this you reach Tirumaalkundram (Present Alakar Koil near Madurai) that opens into a cave which removes all delusion, and leads to the miraculous three ponds, greatly praised by the gods, and called the
Sacred Saravanam
Bava Karani and
Ishtasiddhi.
If you bathe in the sacred Saravanam you will get the knowledge of the book attributed to the King of Gods (commentators identify this book with Aindra Vyakaranam, a grammar book or a system).
If you bathe in the Bavakarani, you will learn the deeds of your past which lead to your present birth.
If you bathe in the Ishtasiddhi pond, you will gain all that you wish for.
If you choose to enter the cave, worship then the great lord on the lofty hill, meditating on his lotus feet and going thrice round the hill; then you will see a nymph by name Varottama near Cilambaru” – Katukan Katai, Silappadikaram
Kiyomizu Dear Temple, Kyoto, Japan
The above passage is almost similar to Japanese belief. I had been to Cilambaru and Nupura Ganaga, a small water fall at Alakar hill. Though I have not gone to Japan, the picture shows something like Nupura Ganga, a small stream falling as water fall. In both the places the holy water is said to have some magical properties. It gives one wisdom, health, longevity and wishes.
Madurai people throng to Alakar Hills to bathe in the medicinal cum holy water of Cilambaru. We too used to drink Cilambaru water for its medicinal qualities. Japanese drink it for its magic effects. Both the shrines are located up the hill.
Fu Lu Shou
Chinese Belief
Chinese also worship Fu, Lu, Shou representing Happiness, Prosperity and Longevity. They are worshipped as stars in the sky. Fu represents Jupiter (Guru), Lu represents (Vasishta Nakashatra in Ursa Major constellation or Saptarishi mandalam and Shou represents Agastya Nakashatra- Canopus in the southern sky. They have been worshipping these stars in the form of three human figures for at least 800 years. There is no doubt that they have learnt all these things from the Hindus. Vasishta and Arndhati are in Sangam Tamil literature which is at least 2000 years old. Agastya Star is visible only for people living in the southern latitudes. Only Hindus could have made him a God or a Star!
swami_48@yahoo.com
Posted by Tamil and Vedas on September 28, 2014
https://tamilandvedas.com/2014/09/28/japan-china-and-tamil-epic-a-strange-coincidence/
Compiled by London Swaminathan
Post No.1198; dated 27th July 2014.
One of the great classics of Indian culture is Silappadikaram, a Tamil Epic. Silappadikaram means ‘The Story of Anklet’. It was composed by Ilango. The incidents mentioned in the epic took place around second century CE in Tamil Nadu. This is the most popular story of the five Tamil epics. This book gives us a vivid picture of early Indian life in all its aspects.
(Translations by V R Ramachandra Dishitar, Cilappadikaram, 1939; my comments are given within brackets: swami)
1.So we shall write a poem, with songs, illustrating the three truths that
a) Dharma will become the God of Death to kings who swerve from the path of righteousness
b) That it is natural for great men to adore a chaste lady of great fame
c) And that destiny will manifest itself and be fulfilled — (Patikam)
2.Praised be the Moon! Praised be the Moon, for, like the cool white umbrella of the king who wears the pollen spreading garland, He blesses our beautiful world.
Praised be the Sun! Praised be the Sun, for, like the commands of the Lord of the Kaveri lands, He revolves round the Golden peaked Meru — (Mangala Vazthu)
(This prayer in the very beginning of the book shows that Sangam Age Tamils followed the same Hindu culture that was practised in the North. White Umbrella and Meru circled by the Sun are in very ancient Sanskrit works)
3.That was the day on which the Moon moving in the sky approached the star Rohini, when Kovalan who walked round the holy fire in accordance with the scriptural injunctions as directed by the revered Brahmin priest, approached his bride, divinely fair, resembling the Star Arundhati — (Mangala Vazthu)
(Tamils believed in astrology and they got married on the day when moon approached Rohini (Aldebaran). It is in two more verses in Akananuru. This and marrying with circumambulation of Fire God (Agni) are typical Hindu customs followed until today. The same culture existed in the North and the South of India).
Image of Ilango, author of the Epic.
4. The port city Pumpukar resembled Uttarakuru, the residence of great penance performers — (Mangala Vazthu)
(The reference to Uttarakuru, Arundhati, Mount Meru, Fire Worhip in the very first chapter shows that the Tamils were out and out followers of Vedic culture 2000 years ago).
5. Hero of the epic Kovalan praised his wife Kannaki:
O purest gold! O conch white pearl!
O faultless fragrance! O sugar-cane, honey!
Unattainable beauty, life giving nectar!
O noble child of nobly-born merchants! – (Maniyaram patutta Katai)
(Hero Kovalan and heroine Kannaki belonged to the wealthy merchant community of ancient Tamil Nadu. Kovalan is the Tamilized form of Gopala in Sanskrit and Kannaki is the Tamil translation of Meenakshi in Sanskrit. Author Ilango himself called Kannaki in several places ‘lady with fish like eyes’= Meenakshi)
6.They (Kovalan and Kannaki) resembled Kama and Rati – God and Goddess of Love —, enjoyed close embraces like smoke coloured serpents – (Maniyaram patutta Katai)
7.The great sage (Agastya) of the divine Potiyil hill once cursed Indra’s son (along with Urvaci), and the latter obtained redemption by displaying her skill on the stage — (Aranketru Katai)
8. When Kovalan, the hero of the epic fell for a dancing girl, his wife did not do certain things:
Her anklet was no more on her charming feet (Kannaki did no wear the anklet);
The girdle no longer graced her soft waists cloth;
Her breasts were no more painted with vermillion paste;
No jewel other than her sacred Tali – yellow thread – did she wear
No earrings were visible on her ears;
No perspiration adorned her shining moon like face;
Nor was there collyrium on her long fish like eyes;
No more was there tilak on her beaming fore head;
Her milk white teeth were not revealed to Kovalan in a loving smile;
Nor was her dark hair softened by oil (Anti Malai Sirappusey Katai)
(This is the same in Valmiki Ramayana and Megaduta. Wives won’t decorate themselves when their husbands are away; when they are fasting also, they do the same; which is confirmed by Andal a Tamil poetess of Seventh Century CE)
9.Then the auspicious drum was removed from the temple called Vajra Temple, placed on the nape of the elephant, and conveyed to the temple where the young white (Airavata) elephant stood. After this the auspicious tall flag (bearing the ensign of the white elephant) which stood in the Temple of Kalpaka Tree was hoisted aloft in the sky.
(The epic described Indra Festival in detail in this section. Indra Dwajam that was hoisted for 28 days is referred to in Valmiki Ramayana and other Sanskrit books. Indra Festival is celebrated even today throughout South East Asia as Water Festival. Airavata and Karpaka Tree are used in the flags of South East Asian Countries. Indra statues are found everywhere in South East Asian countries now)
10. Temples in Pumpukar:
Joy prevailed everywhere on account of Indra’s Festival in the
Temple of the Great Lord who was never born (Siva)
In the Temple of Six Faced Red Lord (Subramanya/Muruga)
In the Temple of Valiyon (Baladeva) whose complexion was like white conch shell
In the Temple of Netiyon – Vishnu – of the dark colour
And in the Temple of Indra of the victorious umbrella and the pearl garland.
On one side the Vedic sacrifices as ordained by Brahma, were faultlessly performed, and on another the festivals pertaining to the fur classes of the Devas (Vaus, Adityas,Rudras and Maruts) and the Eighteen Ganas and different gods, were separately and correctly conducted — (Indira Viazvu Etutta Katai)
(Foreign “scholars” divided Indians in to Aryas, Dravidas and Mundas. But Sangam Tamil (Pura Nanuru and Tiru Murukatru Padai) books and Sanskrit literature divided the living beings in to 18 groups. They never knew anything about Aryas, Dravidas and Mundas!!! The Eighteen divisions according to Tamils: Apsaras, Devas/celestials, Nagas, Siddhas, Gandharvas, Vidyadharas, Picasas, Tarakas, Bhogabumiyar, Kimpurusas, Senas, Asuas, Bhutas, Munis, Garudas, Raksasas, Yakshas and Caranas.
Author of the epic, Ilango, gives the list of temples in three more chapters in the epic. He has included the Buddhist Vikaras and Jain Shelters along with Hindu Mutts).
The above quotes are from the first five chapters of the epic. There are thirty chapters (Kaathai) in the epic.
Picture of students enacting Silappadikaram.
Silappadikaram is a Tamil Hindu Encyclopaedia with lot of information about the ancient music and dance. I have written about the “11 types of dances performed by Matavi”, the dancing girl, separately. All the dances performed by her at Pumpukar 2000 years ago were from the Puranas!! One full commentary and one incomplete commentary for the epic are available today. Even with those ancient commentaries, we could not understand the terms fully. No wonder we are not able to understand the Vedas which were composed (heard by the seers) several thousand years before the Tamil epic!
Contact swami_48@yahoo.com
Posted by Tamil and Vedas on July 27, 2014
https://tamilandvedas.com/2014/07/27/quotations-from-tamil-epic-silappadikaram/
Please read the First Part and then read it for better understanding.
வினையே ஆடவர்க்கு உயிரே
கீதையில் கண்ணன் கூறுகிறான் (3-5, 3-8):எவனும் ஒரு வினாடி கூட கருமம் செய்யாமல் இருக்க முடியாது. நீ விதிக்கப்பட்ட கடமையைச் செய். கருமம் செய்யாமையினும் கருமம் செய்தல் சிறந்தது அன்றோ. கருமம் செய்வதற்கே உனக்கு அதிகாரம். அதன் பற்றில் அல்ல(2-47)
பாலை பாடிய பெருங் கடுங்கோ (குறு.135) கூறுகிறார்: தொழில் தான் ஆண் மக்களுக்கு உயிர். இல்லத்தில் வாழும் பெண்களுக்கு கணவனே உயிர்.
வினையே ஆடவர்க்கு உயிரே வாணுதல்
மனையுறை மகளிர்க்கு ஆடவர் உயிரே
அகம் 33: வினை நன்றாதல் வெறுப்பக் காட்டி
மேலும் சில: குறள் 615
செல்வத்தின் பயனே ஈதல்
கீதையில் கண்ணன் கூறுகிறான் (3-13): எவர்கள் தமக்கெனவே சமைக்கிறார்களோ அவர்கள் பாவிகள். அவர்கள் பாவத்தையே உண்கிறார்கள்.
(புறம் 189 நக்கீரனார்):
உண்பது நாழி:உடுப்பவை இரண்டே;
பிறவும் எல்லாம் ஓரொக்கும்மே;
அதனால் செல்வத்துப் பயனே ஈதல்
புறம் 182( இளம்பெருவழுதி)
இந்திரர் அமிழ்தம் இயைவது ஆயினும், இனிது
எனத் தமியர் உண்டலும் இலரே
இதுவுமது: குறு. 143, குறள்-322, 85, 335, 333
கொடுப்போர் ஏத்தி கொடார்ப் பழிப்போர் (தொல்காப்பியம்)
சர்வ பூத ஹிதே ரதா: (எல்லா உயிர்க்கும் இன்பம்)
கீதையில் கண்ணன் கூறுகிறான்(12-4): எல்லா உயிர்க்கும் இன்புற்றிருக்க நினைக்கும் அன்பர்கள் என்னையே வந்தடைவார்கள்.
இதுவுமது: கீதை 11-55,9-29,5-25,6-40
சாஸ்வத்ஸ்ய சுகஸ்ய (கீதை 14-27): யாண்டும் இடும்பை இல (குறள்)
தொல்காப்பியரும் “எல்லா உயிர்க்கும் இன்பம்” என்று கூறுகிறார்.
ஐங்குறுநூற்றில் ஓரம் போகியார் :(இவர் வேத, உபநிஷத மந்திரங்களை அப்படியே மொழி பெயர்த்துள்ளார். இந்தக் கருத்து கீதையில் பல இடங்களில் வருகிறது)
நெற்பல பொலிக பொன்பெரிது சிறக்க
விளைக வயலே வருக இரவலர்
பால் பல ஊறுக பகடு பல சிறக்க
பகைவர் புல் ஆர்க பார்ப்பார் ஓதுக
பசியில்லாகுக பிணிகேண் நீங்குக
வேந்து பகை தணிக யாண்டு பல நந்துக
அறநனி சிறக்க அல்லது கெடுக
அரசு முறை செய்க களவில்லாகுக
நன்று பெரிது சிறக்க தீதில்லாகுக
மாரி வாய்க்க வள நனி சிறக்க
(பிராமணர்கள் எங்கே பூஜை செய்தாலும் முடிவில்– ஸ்வஸ்தி ப்ரஜாப்ய பரிபாலயந்தாம்– என்ற மந்திரத்தையும், –காலே வர்ஷது பர்ஜன்ய: –என்ற மந்திரத்தையும்– ஸர்வேஷாம் சாந்திர் பவது/ மங்களம் பவது –என்ற மந்திரத்தையும் சொல்லி வாழ்த்துவார்கள். இதை –வாழ்க அந்தணர் வானவர் ஆனினம்– என்ற பாடலாக ஞான சம்பந்தரும் மொழி பெயர்த்துள்ளார். சைவர்கள் இதையே –வான்முகில் வளாது பெய்க—என்ற பாடலில் கூறுவார்கள். ஆனால் ஒரம் போகியார் பல மந்திரங்களைத் தொகுத்து அழகாக சுருங்கச் சொல்லி விளங்கவைத்து விட்டார்.
உள்ளுவதெல்லாம் உயர்வுள்ளல் (குறள் 596)
கீதையில் கண்ணன் கூறுகிறான் (கீதை 6-5):உன்னை நீயே உயர்த்திக் கொள்ளவேண்டும்; உன்னை நீயே தாழ்த்திக் கொள்ளக் கூடாது, உனக்கு நீயே நண்பன், நீயே பகைவன்.
(கீதை 11-33) எழுந்திரு ! புகழடை!! உத்திஷ்ட ! யசோ லப !!
புறம் 214 (கோப்பெருஞ் சோழன்): யானை வேட்டைக்குப் போகிறவன் வெல்வான். குறும்பூழ் வேட்டைக்குப் போவோன் அது இல்லாமலும் திரும்புவான். உயர்ந்த குறிக்கோளுடன் கூடிய உயர்ந்தோனாக விளங்குக. இமயம் போல் புகழ் அடைக.
யானை வேட்டுவன் யானையும் பெறுமே
குறும்பூழ் வேட்டுவன் வறுங்கையும் வருமே
அதனால், உயர்ந்த வேட்டத்து உயர்ந்திசினோர்க்கு
………….
இமயத்துக் கோடுயந்தென்ன தம்மிசை நட்டு
புறம் 190 (நல்லுருத்திரன்): எலி, திருடிச் சேமித்துத் தின்னும். புலி இடப் பக்கம் விழுந்த பன்றியை விட்டு வலப்பக்கத்து விழுந்த யானையையே சாப்பிடும். அப்படிப்பட்ட உயர்ந்த நோக்கம் கொண்டோருடன் சேர்வாயாக.
கடல் நிரம்பாத அதிசயம் (கீதை 2-70)
கீதையில் கண்ணன் கூறுகிறான்: எங்கும் நிரம்பியதும் நிலை குலையாததுமான கடலில் நதிகள் போய் சங்கமிப்பது போல ஆசைகள் எல்லாம் எவனை அடைகின்றனவோ அவன் அமைதியை அடைவான். ஆசையைத் தொடர்பவனுக்கு அமைதி இல்லை.
பரணர் கூறுகிறார்: கடல்களில் எவ்வளவோ நதிகள் கலந்தாலும் அது நிரம்பி வழிவதில்லை. கடலிலிருந்து எவ்வளவு மேகங்கள் நீரை உறிஞ்சினாலும் அது வற்றுவதில்லை.
மழைகொளக் குறையாது புனல் புக நிறையாது
விலங்கு வளி கடவும் துளங்கிருங் கமஞ்சூள் –(பதிற்றுப் பத்து 45)
உவமை
பிறர்க்கு உவமம் தான் அல்லது
தனக்கு உவமம் பிறர் இல் (உலோச்சனார், 377)
உரவோர் எண்ணினும் மடவோர் எண்ணினும்
பிறர்க்கு நீ வாயின் அல்லது
நினக்குப் பிறர் உவமம் ஆகா (ப. பத்து, அரிசில் கிழார்)
கீதையில் கண்ணன் கூறுகிறான் (கீதை 6-32:) எவன் எங்கும் சுகமாயினும் துக்கமாயினும் தன்னை உபமானமாகக் கொண்டு சமமாகப் பார்க்கிறானோ அந்த யோகிதான் சிறந்தவன் என்பது என் முடிவு
உவமை, உவமேயம் ஆகியன சம்ஸ்கிருத சொற்கள். ஆயினும் சங்கப் புலவர்களோ தொல்காப்பியரோ அவைகளை அப்படியே பயன் படுத்த அஞ்சியதில்லை!
இதுவுமது: புறம் 377,மது 516,பதி73-7, தொல்காப்பியம்-உவமவியல்
சம தர்சனம்-ஓடும் பொன்னும் ஒக்க நோக்குவர்
கீதையில் கண்ணன் கூறுகிறான் (5-18) : பசு, பார்ப்பனன், யானை, நாய், நாயை உண்ணும் புலையன் ஆகிய எல்லாவற்றிலும் ஆத்ம ஞானிகள் சம தர்சனம் உடையவர்கள். இன்ப துன்பத்தில் சமமாக இருப்பவனும் ஓடு,கல்,தங்கம் ஆகியவற்றைச் சமமாகப் பார்ப்பவனும் உயர்ந்தவன்.(14-24). புலன்களை வென்று மண், கல், தங்கத்தை சமமாகப் பார்ப்பவன் யோகி.(6-8)
கனியன் பூங்குன்றன் (புறம் 192) பக்குடுக்கை நன்கணியார் (194)
யாதும் ஊரே; யாவரும் கேளிர்;
தீதும் நன்றும் பிறர் தர வாரா;
நோதலும் தணிதலும் அவற்றோரன்ன;
சாதலும் புதுவது அன்றே; வாழ்தல்
இனிது என மகிழ்ந்தன்றும் இலமே; முனிவின்,
இன்னாது என்றலும் இலமே:
பொருள்: எல்லா ஊர்களும் எம் ஊரே, எல்லாரும் எம் உறவினரே. தீமையும் நன்மையும் யாரும் தருவதில்லை. நம்மால்தான் வருகிறது. இறப்பது புதிய செய்தி அல்ல.வாழ்வதால் மகிழ்ச்சியோ அல்லது அதை வெறுப்பதோ இல்லை பெரியாற்று வெள்ளத்தில் மிதவை அடித்துச் செலவது போல எல்லா உயிர்களும் முறையாகக் கரை சேரும் என்பது துறவியர் கண்ட உண்மை.ஆகையால் பெரியோரை மதிக்கவும் சிறியோரை இகழவும் தேவை இல்லை. அவரவர் ஒழுக்கத்தையே கருத்திற் கொள்வோம் ( ஒன்றாகக் காண்பதே காட்சி என்பதை அழகாகச் சொல்லிவிட்டார்)
நன்கணியார் (194) கூறுகிறார்: என்ன உலகம் இது? ஒரு வீட்டில் சாவுக் கொட்டு. மற்றொரு வீட்டில் திருமண மேளம். ஒரு வீட்டில் மகளிர் அழுகை. இன்னொரு வீட்டில் மகளிர் பூச்சூடல். இவ்வாறு இன்பமும் துன்பமும் சேர படைத்துவிட்டானே கருணையே இல்லாத பிரம்மா! இதை உணர்ந்து அல்லாதவற்றை ஒதுக்கி இனியவற்றை மட்டும் கண்டு மகிழுங்கள் (“ இன்னாது அம்ம இவ் உலகம்; இனிய காண்க, இதன் இயல்புணர்ந்தோரே”)
(190 முதல் 198 வரை எல்லாம் தத்துவப் பாடல்கள்)
போரின் கொடுமைகள்
போரின் கொடுமைகள் பற்றி புறம் 62ல் கழாத்தலையார் பாடுகிறார். இதையே கீதையின் முதல் அத்தியாயத்தில் அர்ஜுனனும் கூறுகிறான்.
ஆணின் ஆறு பண்புகள்
நற்றிணை 160: நீதி, நட்பு, இழிசெயலைக் கண்டு நாணுதல்,பிறர்க்கு பயன்படல், (பரோபகாரம்), நற்குணங்கள், பிறை தன்னை அறிந்து ஒழுகும் பாங்கு ஆகிய 6 பண்புகளை நான் கடைப் பிடிக்கிறேன்.
அகம் 173 பாடலில் முள்ளியூர் பூதியாரும் அறநெறியில் ஒழுகவேண்டும், பிறர் துன்பத்தைத் துடைக்க வேண்டும் என்று கூறுகிறார். கீதையின் 12ம் அத்தியாயத்தில் கண்ணன் பல நற்பண்புகளை விவரிக்கிறார். கீதை முழுதுமே நூற்றுக் கணக்கான இடங்களில் இத்தகைய கருத்துக்கள் வருகின்றன.
இம்மை, மறுமை—அற நிலை வணிகன்
கீதையில் கண்ணன் கூறுகிறான் (2-42/43): வேதத்தின் பெயரால் சொற்சிலம்பம் ஆடுவோர் அழகான வார்த்தைகளால் சுவர்க்கத்தை மனதிற் கொண்டு காரியம் செய்வார்கள்.
மேலும் சில: கீதை 2-49; 17-20,21,22
ஆய் பற்றி முடமோசியார் (புறம் 134)
இம்மைச் செய்தது மறுமைக்கு ஆம் எனும்
அறநிலை வணிகன் ஆய் அல்லன்
கீதையிலும் தமிழ் இலக்கியத்திலும் நூற்றுக் கணக்கான இடங்களில் வருவதால் இனியும் கூறத்தேவை இல்லை
சிலப்பதிகாரத்தில் இளங்கோ கூறிய கீதைக் கருத்துக்கள்:
”தெய்வம் தெளிமின் தெளிந்தோர்ப் பேணுமின்
பொய்யுரை அஞ்சுமின் புறஞ்சொல் போற்றுமின்
ஊனூண் துறமின் உயிர்க்கொலை நீங்குமின்
தானம் செய்ம்மின் தவம்பல தாங்குமின்.
செய்ந்நன்றி கொல்லன்மின் தீநட் பிகழ்மின்
பொய்க்கரி போகன்மின் பொருண்மொழி நீங்கன்மின்
அறவோர் அவைக்களம் அகலாது அணுகுமின்
பிறவோர் அவைக்களம் பிழைத்துப் பெயர்மின்
பிறர்மனை அஞ்சுமின் பிழையுயிர் ஓம்புமின்
அறமனை காமின் அல்லவை கடிமின்
கள்ளும் களவும் காமமும் பொய்யும்
வெள்ளைக் கோட்டியும் விரகினில் ஒழிமின்
இளமையும் செல்வமும் யாக்கையும் நிலையா
உளநாள் வரையாது ஒல்லுவ தொழியாது.
இன்னும் பல தலைப்புகளில் ஒற்றுமை உள்ளது. அவைகளை எல்லாம் GREAT MEN THINK ALIKE என்று விட்டுவிடலாம். ஆனால் ஒன்று மட்டும் உண்மை. இந்திய சிந்தனையில் ஆரிய திராவிட என்ற பிரிவினவாதத்துக்கு இடமே இல்லை. இமயம் முதல் குமரி வரை அற்புதமான ஒரே சிந்தனை!! அதிசயமான ஒரே அணுகுமுறை. படிக்கப் படிக்கத் தெவிட்டாது!!
Also available One Minute Bhagavad Gita, Krishna’s Restaurant vegetarian food
**************************
Posted by Tamil and Vedas on March 31, 2012
https://tamilandvedas.com/2012/03/31/%e0%ae%aa%e0%af%81%e0%ae%b1%e0%ae%a8%e0%ae%be%e0%ae%a9%e0%af%82%e0%ae%b1%e0%af%8d%e0%ae%b1%e0%ae%bf%e0%ae%b2%e0%af%8d-%e0%ae%aa%e0%ae%95%e0%ae%b5%e0%ae%a4%e0%af%8d-%e0%ae%95%e0%af%80%e0%ae%a4-2/
Tamil and Vedas 
You must be logged in to post a comment.