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Purananuru Wonders -21 Full-fledged Hinduism in Tamil Sangam Literature(Post No.15,625)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,625

Date uploaded in London –16 April 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 

Purananuru Wonders -21 Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia -Part 61; One Thousand Interesting Facts -Part 61

Item 458 Puranas in Sangam Tamil Literature

Tamils living during Sangam age (100 BCE to 300 CE) were ardent Hindus. We did not have the name of Gautama Buddha or Mahavira in the 30,000 lines in 2500+ Sangam poems sung by 450++ poets. Only Hindu Gods are praised in those poems.

Purananuru verse 56 composed by famous and controversial poet Nakkirar (nakkeerar) shows Hinduism in full colour. Here we see Lord Siva, Lord Skanda/Kartikeya/Muruga, Lord Vishnu and Balarama along with their flags or Vahanas.

Since all the Puranic details and stories are in Sangam poems, Puranas must be dated in the BCE period. We know Hindus were keen in updating everything, which they did up to Gupta period and so foreigners dated them wrongly. When it came to writing, the updating slowed down. We will deal with the details in verse 56 one by one.

***

Item 459 Lord Siva on Bull


“Sivan has a victory flag with a bull, flame-like bright matted braids,
axe that is hard to avoid and a sapphire blue neck”.

Lord Siva is shown as we see in Siva Purana and later Tevaram and Tiruvasagam hymns.

Name Siva is not in the Rig Veda as well as 34,000 lines of Tolkappiam and Sangam literature. But He is described in other ways. Here Nakkirar says Siva rides on Bull with red coloured matted hair. The matted hair is in Yajur Veda (see Rudram Chamakam Mantras).

This shows Tamils were well versed in the Vedas and Puranas. This is confirmed by various other Sangam poets (Even Indra’s molestation of Ahalya is in Paripaatal poems).

***

Item 460 Balarama

“Balarāman has
a white body as white as whorled conch growing in the ocean, kills
with his murderous plough and carries a palmyra palm on his flag”. 

Lord Krishna and his brother Balarama were household names in Tamil Nadu. It has been there for at least 2500 years. Even today children are named after them. Film songs praise Krishna or use Him as a simile.

Here the poet described his flag with Palmyra tree emblem, his skin colour, his picture with a plough on his shoulder. During Mahabharata war, he differed with Krishna and went on a pilgrimage to the South and he spread agriculture through out India. The plough symbol mentioned by the poet confirms it.

***

Item 461

“Thirumāl who is the colour of lovely, blue, washed sapphire, longs for
triumph, and has a bird is on his flag which towers high into the sky”.

In the same way Lord Vishnu (Tirumaal) is portrayed with his Eagle Flag (Garuda) ; Pul means bird, but in Tamil this word is sued to mention Garuda Vahana of Vishnu). His skin colour was Bluish Black. Krishna means Black.

Black colour was very much  appreciated and even most beautiful Draupadi was called Krishnaa (aa—long sound)

Tamil were thorough with all the Vishnu, Siva, Devi Puranas.

***


Item 462
“Murukan who has never been defeated, glows, has a peacock on his
flag and rides a peacock.”

Lord Skanda was always victorious and he was riding on a peacock. He is the most popular god among village folk in Tamil Nadu. In the Puranas he is shown as Deva Senaapati- Commander in Chief of the Divine Army.

In other poems we see Tiruchendur , one of His Six Abodes, where he became victorious after killing the demon Sura Padman (suura Padman).

The same poet has written another work called Tiru Murukaatruppadai in praise of Lord Skanda/Muruga.

***

Item 463 Kings are Gods

In Tamil the same word is used for King and God (iraivan in Tamil) and for the place where they reside (Ko il in Tamil).

Here the poet explains in what way the king is like Hindu Gods (described above). Manu smriti and other Sanskrit scriptures also describe the king in this way. This is a Hindu concept; kings are gods.

***

Item 464 Yavana Ships

“wearing bright bangles serve you fragrant and cool wine brought in fine ships
by the Yavanas, pouring from finely made pitchers made of gold.  O Māran
whose sword is raised high!” 

In the Sangam Tamil literature Yavanas are mentioned at least six time. They wee not Greeks but Romans. The contact between Rome and South Indian ports 2000 years ago is confirmed by the Roman coins unearthed in a lot of places in South India. Coins from Augustus Ceasar period confirmed the Age of Sangam Literature as well.

Tamil kings liked Roman wine.

Dr R Nagaswamy, world famous historian and archaeologist of Tamil Nadu, ha given full details in his book Roman Karur.

Yavana/Roman ships came to Tamil Nadu ports with gold and exchanged it with pearls, black pepper, spices, ivory, Indigo etc

***

Item 465 Long Live like Sun and Moon

“May you live in this earth for long, like the sun
with hot rays that drives away darkness in the sky, and like the cool moon
that spreads its rays from the west!”

Hindus were great astronomers even 2000 years ago. They named famous constellations after Hindu Puranic figures. They used strs and heavenly bodies as similes. They knew Sun and Moon are eternal (in human years) and compared them with the kings or one’s life span. They used to sing this Ramayan story will be sung on earth as long as Sun and Moon exist. The inscriptions also used the cliché As long as the Sun and Moon exist. Manu Smriti and epics also use the Sun and Moon with regard to kings.

****

Puranānūru 56, Poet Mathurai Kanakkāyanār Makanār Nakkeeranār sang to Pandiyan Ilavanthikaipalli Thunjiya Nanmāran

1

Sivan has a victory flag with a bull, flame-like bright matted braids,
axe that is hard to avoid and a sapphire blue neck. 

2 

Balarāman has
a white body as white as whorled conch growing in the ocean, kills
with his murderous plough and carries a palmyra palm on his flag. 

3
Thirumāl who is the colour of lovely, blue, washed sapphire, longs for
triumph, and has a bird is on his flag which towers high into the sky.

 4

Murukan who has never been defeated, glows, has a peacock on his
flag and rides a peacock.

 5

You are to be placed among these four gods who protect the earth and
bring on destruction, whose fame cannot be ruined.  With your anger
that cannot be opposed, you are like Kootruvan in his killing.  You are
like Balarāman in might.  In your great fame, you are like Thirumāl
who kills enemies.  You are like Murukan who has the might to create
the end of time, because you finish tasks that you set out to do.  There is
nothing that you cannot perform, since you resemble these gods.

6

May you live sweetly, giving away precious ornaments to those who come
in need and never run out of them, while you enjoy life every day as women

7
wearing bright bangles serve you fragrant and cool wine brought in fine ships
by the Yavanas, pouring from finely made pitchers made of gold.  O Māran
whose sword is raised high! 

8

May you live in this earth for long, like the sun
with hot rays that drives away darkness in the sky, and like the cool moon
that spreads its rays from the west!

***

புறநானூறு 56, பாடியவர்: மதுரைக் கணக்காயனார் மகனார் நக்கீரனார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: பாண்டியன் இலவந்திகைப்பள்ளித் துஞ்சிய நன்மாறன், 

ஏற்று வலன் உயரிய எரி மருள் அவிர் சடை,
மாற்று அருங் கணிச்சி மணி மிடற்றோனும்,
கடல் வளர் புரி வளை புரையும் மேனி,
அடல் வெந்நாஞ்சில் பனைக்கொடியோனும்,
மண்ணுறு திருமணி புரையும் மேனி,  5
விண் உயர் புள் கொடி விறல் வெய்யோனும்,
மணி மயில் உயரிய மாறா வென்றிப்
பிணிமுக ஊர்தி ஒண் செய்யோனும், என
ஞாலங் காக்கும் கால முன்பின்,
தோலா நல் இசை நால்வர் உள்ளும்,  10
கூற்று ஒத்தீயே மாற்று அருஞ் சீற்றம்,
வலி ஒத்தீயே வாலியோனைப்,
புகழ் ஒத்தீயே இகழுநர் அடுநனை,
முருகு ஒத்தீயே முன்னியது முடித்தலின்,
ஆங்கு ஆங்கு அவரவர் ஒத்தலின் யாங்கும்  15
அரியவும் உளவோ நினக்கே அதனால்,
இரவலர்க்கு அருங்கலம் அருகாது ஈயா
யவனர் நன்கலம் தந்த தண் கமழ் தேறல்
பொன் செய் புனை கலத்து ஏந்தி நாளும்
ஒண்தொடி மகளிர் மடுப்ப, மகிழ் சிறந்து,  20
ஆங்கு இனிது ஒழுகுமதி ஓங்கு வாள் மாற
அங்கண் விசும்பின் ஆரிருள் அகற்றும்
வெங்கதிர்ச் செல்வன் போலவும், குடதிசைத்
தண் கதிர் மதியம் போலவும்
நின்று நிலைஇயர், உலகமோடு உடனே!  25

****

Item 466 Lord Vishnu Again

“Whether they have talent or not, you give gifts
to them like Thirumāl, O King Māran with fame
and greatness fit for words!  Let me tell you
something!”

Like Nakkirar in Puram verse 56, poet Kaarik Kannanaar , also compared the king with Lord Vishnu for his generosity. All the Tamils knew the story of Kuchela/Sudama, where Krishna made his hut into a palace in a second.

***

Item 467 Tamil atrocities 

Tamils were ferocious and aggressive in wars. The plundered enemy lands and they set fire to big towns. Even today we hear about such atrocities in the Middle East War.

The surprising thing is Tami poets praised it!

*** 

Item 468 Don’t cut trees

Here is an irony. The same poet supported burning cities of enemies, but he was against cutting trees. But it is ironical statement. We don’t know whether the poet was a Tree lover, an environmentalist or advising the king to occupy the land permanently and tie his war elephants there.

May be the poet was an environmental warrior and supporter of the trees.

***

Item 469 Bhagavad Gita reference

Poet says,

“Whoever it is you give them ADVICE like Vishnu”.

These lines are interpreted as Krishna’s advice given to Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita and to Kunti, Draupadi and others.

Whether they have talent or not, you give ADVICE
to them like Thirumāl, O King Māran with fame
and greatness fit for words

***

Puranānūru 57, Poet Kāviripoompattinathu Kārikannanār sang to Pandiyan Ilavanthikaipalli Thunjiya Nanmāran,

1
Whether they have talent or not, you give ADVICE
to them like Thirumāl, O King Māran with fame
and greatness fit for words!  Let me tell you
something!

2

When you seize lands of others,
let your young warriors plunder fields where
stalks are bent with heavy grains, let fires eat
large towns, and let your tall spear, bright like
lightning flashes, kill enemies. 

3

But do not cut
down their protected trees, for they will serve
as posts to tie your tall, fine elephant!

***

புறநானூறு 57, பாடியவர்: காவிரிப்பூம்பட்டினத்துக் காரிக்கண்ணனார், பாடப்பட்டோர்: பாண்டியன் இலவந்திகைப்பள்ளித் துஞ்சிய நன்மாறன், 

வல்லார் ஆயினும், வல்லுநர் ஆயினும்,
புகழ்தல் உற்றோர்க்கு மாயோன் அன்ன,
உரை சால் சிறப்பின் புகழ் சால் மாற!
நின்னொன்று கூறுவது உடையேன், என் எனின்,
நீயே பிறர் நாடு கொள்ளுங் காலை, அவர் நாட்டு  5
இறங்கு கதிர் கழனி நின் இளையரும் கவர்க,
நனந்தலைப் பேரூர் எரியும் நைக்க,
மின்னு நிமிர்ந்தன்ன நின் ஒளிறு இலங்கு நெடுவேல்
ஒன்னார்ச் செகுப்பினும் செகுக்க, என்னதூஉம்
கடிமரம் தடிதல் ஓம்பு, நின்  10
நெடுநல் யானைக்குக் கந்து ஆற்றாவே.

****************************************

Item 470

Velliampalam Silver Stage in Madurai

Poet Karikkannan (kaarikkannanaar)  in verse 58 refers to Choza and Pandya kings with the places where they died. It is seen only in Tamil literature. Here Velliampalam throws more light on the history of Madurai. Chidambaram has Pon Ambalam- Golden Stage where Nataraja/ Siva danced. Madurai temple has Silver Stage where Nataraja danced. Probably Pandya king died of heart attack while he was worshipping in the temple.

Velli/ Silver Ambalam has more stories in Tiru Vilaiyadal Puranam.

***

Item 471

Poet mentioned what made them great and advised them to be united. Kaveri river is great in Choza country  and Pandya lost his father and he is a young ruler; but yet he supports all like Banyan roots.

***

Item 472

Poet used the cliché in Tamil literature. They believed that thunder and lightning destroy snakes. That simile is used here for the destruction of his enemies.

***

 Item 473

Then the poet says what is special about two capitals. Choza capital Uranthai (Uraiyur near Trichy) was famous for the Justice Court there. Pandya capital Madurai was famous for Tamil Sangam.

***

Item 474

Kings are compared to Lord Vishnu and Lord Balarama. This is in previous poem as well.

***

Item 475

Tamil poets always supported unity among three Tamil Kingdoms. They always praised whenever two or three kings sitting together in a place or in an event. Poets knew Tamils always fought with one another.

***

Item 476 Tamil Emblems

Modern Tamils are more inclined towards erecting statues for their leaders. But ancient Tamils were keen to carve their symbols on peaks, particularly the northern Himalayas. Pandya symbol Fish and Choza Symbol Tiger are referred to. We have the history of Tamils for over 1500 years. They never changed their symbols or Flags.

***

Puranānūru 58, Poet Kāviripoompattinathu Kāri Kannanār sang to Chozhan Kurāpalli Thunjiya Perunthirumāvalavan and Pandiyan Velliampalathu Thunjiya Peruvazhuthi,

1

You are the ruler of Kāviri River with cool waters!
He is born of great lineage of an ancient Pandiyan
clan, and because his ancestors have vanished, he is
the support, like a hanging root from a non-flowering
banyan tree that supports a long branch that offers dense
shade, after the thick trunk has died. 

2

Even though he
is young, he is a bull among Pandiyars with war wisdom.
Like white lightning and thunder that attacks snakes and
their families, he will not tolerate his enemies.

3

You are lord of Uranthai where justice resides.  He is the
king of Koodal where Thamizh flourishes, where he rules with
his cool, just scepter and he commands three royal drums
with resounding voices, in a city that gets sandalwood from
the mountains, pearls from the ocean waves, and water and
paddy is easily available for all.

4

You two are like the great gods – Balaraman with a palmyra
flag whose skin is white as milk and Thirumal who is blue,
and wields a discus, glowing together and causing terror.
Is there anything sweeter? 

5

Listen to more!  May your fame
flourish forever!  If you help each other and do not ruin
this unity, you will win this beneficial world that is
surrounded by oceans.  So, be good and fair to each other.

Paying attention to the path that your ancestors took, may
your unity continue with caring hearts like it is today,
while paying no attention to strangers who come between you!
May your spears see victory after victory in murderous
battlefields!  In the lands of others, where mountains rise high,

6
may the peaks be incised with the signs of the tiger with
curved stripes and of the carp from the deep waters!

***

புறநானூறு 58, பாடியவர்: காவிரிப்பூம்பட்டினத்துக் காரிக்கண்ணனார், பாடப்பட்டோர்: சோழன் குராப்பள்ளித் துஞ்சிய பெருந்திருமாவளவனும் பாண்டியன் வெள்ளியம்பலத்துத் துஞ்சிய பெருவழுதியும், திணை: பாடாண், துறை: உட ன் நிலை


நீயே தண் புனல் காவிரிக் கிழவனை, இவனே,
முழு முதல் தொலைந்த கோளி ஆலத்துக்
கொழு நிழல் நெடுஞ்சினை வீழ் பொறுத்தாங்குத்,
தொல்லோர் மாய்ந்தெனத் துளங்கல் செல்லாது,
நல்லிசை முதுகுடி நடுக்குஅறத் தழீஇ,  5
இளையது ஆயினும் கிளை அரா எறியும்
அரு நரை உருமின் பொருநரைப் பொறாஅச்
செரு மாண் பஞ்சவர் ஏறே, நீயே,
அறந்துஞ்சு உறந்தைப் பொருநனை, இவனே,
நெல்லும் நீரும் எல்லார்க்கும் எளியவென  10
வரைய சாந்தமும் திரைய முத்தமும்,
இமிழ் குரல் முரசம் மூன்றுடன் ஆளும்
தமிழ் கெழு கூடல் தண் கோல் வேந்தே,
பால் நிற உருவின் பனைக்கொடியோனும்,
நீல் நிற உருவின் நேமியோனும், என்று  15
இரு பெருந்தெய்வமும் உடன் நின்றாஅங்கு,
உருகெழு தோற்றமொடு உட்குவர விளங்கி,
இந்நீர் ஆகலின் இனியவும் உளவோ?
இன்னும் கேண்மின்! நும் இசை வாழியவே!
ஒருவீர் ஒருவீர்க்கு ஆற்றுதிர், இருவீரும்  20
உடனிலை திரியீர் ஆயின், இமிழ் திரைப்
பெளவம் உடுத்தஇப் பயங்கெழு மாநிலம்
கையகப்படுவது பொய்யாகாதே,
அதனால் நல்ல போலவும் நயவ போலவும்,
தொல்லோர் சென்ற நெறிய போலவும்  25
காதல் நெஞ்சின் நும் இடை புகற்கு அலமரும்
ஏதில் மாக்கள் பொதுமொழி கொள்ளாது,
இன்றே போல்க நும் புணர்ச்சி வென்று வென்று
அடு களத்து உயர்க நும் வேலே, கொடுவரிக்
கோள் மாக் குயின்ற சேண் விளங்கு தொடு பொறி  30
நெடுநீர்க் கெண்டையொடு பொறித்த
குடுமிய ஆக, பிறர் குன்று கெழு நாடே.

-subham—

Tags- – Purananuru Wonders -21, Full-fledged Hinduism , Tamil Sangam Literature, Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia -Part 61, One Thousand Interesting Facts -Part 61, Hindu flags, Hindu Vahanas, Hindu Gods,

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HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 50; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-50 (Post.15,608)


Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,608

Date uploaded in London –11 April 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 

Tamil Version will be posted tomorrow.

Kurukshetram

Kurukṣetra (कुरुक्षेत्र).—Name of an extensive plain near Delhi, the scene of the great war between the Kauravas and Pāṇḍavas; Kurukshetra is the city located in Haryana.

Hindus’ most famous scripture Bhagavad Gita begins with these words: धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः (dharmakṣetre kurukṣetre samavetā yuyutsavaḥ) Bhagavadgītā (Bombay) 1.1; Manusmṛti 2.19.

Wisdomlib.org website adds,

Kurukṣetra (कुरुक्षेत्र).—Founded by Kuru and sacred to Harī.1 Watered by the river Sarasvatī.2 Capital city of the Kurus.3 Sages of Kurukṣetra visited Dvāraka. At Kurukṣetra Kṛṣṇa performed sacrifices for twelve years.4 The battlefield where the Pāṇḍavas fought with the Kurus led by Duryodhana.5 Here Paraśurāma dug a lake called Syamantapañcaka.6 On the occasion of a sacrifice Sūta narrated the br. purāṇa here.7 Purūravas met Urvaśī after their separation at; the residence of Sanatkumāra and Dharmarāja fit for śrāddha offerings, and sacred to Pitṛs. Founded by Kuru, son of Samvaraṇa;8 residence of sage Kauśika, and sacrifice of Adhisīmakṛṣṇa for 2 years at; sacred in Dvāpara;9 Dharmakṣetra where a great sacrifice was performed.10 Residence at, leads to mukti; no shaving or upavāsa required here.11 Noted for ambhojasaras or lotus tank.12 R. Sarasvatī flows here: noted for a temple of Vāmana.13

***

Kuvalayapeedam

Kuvalayāpīḍa (कुवलयापीड).—Name of the elephant posted at the gates of Mathurāpurī to kill Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Balabhadrarāma, who went there to witness the dhanuryajña. But, they killed the elephant.Kuvalayāpīḍa (कुवलयापीड).—The state elephant of Kaṃsā. When Kṛṣṇa came to the mallaraṅga or the wrestlers’ arena, it was ordered that this elephant should be stationed at the gate of the arena to attack him. When Kṛṣṇa entered the araṅga, the mahout Ambaṣṭha led the animal against him, when Kṛṣṇa took hold of its tail, and whirling it round and round, hit its front when it died with the keeper. He seized its tusks and entered the enclosure in glee. At this Kaṃsā was perturbed; its keeper was killed by Rāma.*

***

Kubera

Kubera (कुबेर) Kubera is the lord of the Yakṣas, he is known also by two other names Vaiśravaṇa and Dhanada, and is regarded as the giver of wealth.  He is a friend of Śiva and the Nāga Nīla. Kubera is the son of Viśravas by Iḍaviḍā  He is mythologised as having three legs and eight teeth. His name Ku-bera or Ku-vera signifies his deformed body having three legs and eight teeth. He is married to Yakṣī, the daughter of the Dānava Mura. As friend of Śiva he is called Śiva-sakhā. His capital Alakā on the Himālaya mountain is mentioned also in the Ṛig veda.

Lord of Alaka and son of Pulastya and resident of Kailāsa; vanquished by Rāvaṇa; wife Ṛddhi and son Nalakūbera. Man is his vahana.

Kubera (कुबेर) refers to one of the eight guardians of the quarters, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.2.22.

Navanidhi (नवनिधि).—m. (pl.) the nine treasures of Kubera. i. e. महापद्मश्च पद्मश्च शङ्खो मकरकच्छपौ । मुकुन्दकुन्द- नीलाश्च खर्वश्च निधयो नव (mahāpadmaśca padmaśca śaṅkho makarakacchapau | mukundakunda- nīlāśca kharvaśca nidhayo nava) ||

The nine treasures of Kubēra, are [padma, mahapadma, shamkha, makara, kacchapa, mukamda, kumda, nila] and  kharva).

In the Hindu palaces and now in Chettiar houses in Tamil Nadu, the main door has Sankha and Padma, Conch and the Lotus, representing Nine Treasures.

***

Kunti

 Kuntī (कुन्ती).—(PṚTHĀ). Wife of King Pāṇḍu and the mother of the Pāṇḍavas, Kuntī is a noble heroine in the Mahābhārata. Kuntī was the sister of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s father Vasudeva. Her real name was Pṛthā. Vasudeva and Pṛthā were the children of King Śūrasena of the Yādava dynasty. King Kuntibhoja was the son of Śūrasena’s sister. He had no issues. Śūrasena had promised to give the daughter first born to him as the adopted daughter of Kuntibhoja, and accordingly his first-born daughter Pṛthā was given to Kuntibhoja, and Kuntī was brought up in his palace. From that day onwards Pṛthā came to be known as Kuntī. (Ādi Parva, Chapter 111).

Queen Kunti, had in her youth been granted the power to invoke the Devas by Rishi Durvasa. Each god, when invoked, would place a child in her lap. Urged by Pandu to use her invocations, Kunti gave birth to Yudhisthira by invoking the Lord of Righteousness, Yama. 

She was the first wife of Pāṇḍu. As he was prevented by a curse from having progeny, he allowed his wife to make use of a charm she had acquired from the sage Durvāsas, by means of which she was to have a son by any god she liked to invoke. She invoked Dharma, Vāyu and Indra, and had from them Yudhiṣṭhira, Bhīma and Arjuna respectively. She was also mother of Karna by the deity Sun whom she invoked in her virginhood to test her charm. Being an unmarried girl, she abandoned her first son Karna in a box, and this was discovered by Adhiratha who brought him up.

Other two Pandavas Nakula and Sahadeva were born to Madri (maadri), second wife of Pandu Kunti died in a forest fire.

***

Kuni/ Kooni

Kooni, or Manthara, was a hunchbacked nursemaid and close confidante to Kaikeyi. Manthara was not just a maid, but a loyal caretaker who accompanied Kaikeyi from her home kingdom (Kekeya) to Ayodhya.

 As a child, Rama once hit her on her hunched back with a clay ball when he was practicing archery, fostering a lasting bitterness.

 Upon hearing of Rama’s upcoming coronation, she feared for her own status and manipulated Kaikeyi by claiming that if Rama became king, Kaikeyi would be treated as a slave by Kausalya.

She reminded Kaikeyi of the two boons granted by King Dasharatha, instructing her to demand Bharata’s coronation and Rama’s 14-year exile.

In some versions of the story, particularly Tulasidas’s Ramcharitmanas, she is guided or possessed by Goddess Saraswati to ensure Rama leaves the city to fulfil his destiny of destroying evil, such as Ravana.

Often referred to as “Kooni” in Tamil, which means “hunchback”. This word is related Sanskrit word Kuni which means crippled.

 *****

Kurma Avatar /Kurma Purana

Kūrmāvatāra (कूर्मावतार) refers to the “tortoise incarnation” of Viṣhṇu.

Kūrmāvatāra (कूर्मावतार) is found depicted at the Kallazhagar Temple in Madurai. The god Kūrmāvatāra is represented with the lower part as tortoise’s feet and the upper part in the usual form of the god. The god in this form is found with four arms where the upper hands hold the discus and the conch, and the other two right and left hands are in abhaya and dolā-hasta respectively.

During the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), Vishnu assumed this form to support Mount Mandara on his back, acting as a pivot to prevent it from sinking, allowing gods and demons to obtain the nectar of immortality. Srikurmam temple in Andhra Pradesh is one of the temples representing this avatar.

The Kurma Purana (कूर्म पुराण) is one of the eighteen Mahapurana. It is believed to have been directly narrated by the Lord Vishnu to the sage Narada, and it contains the details about the Kurma Avatar. Narada is believed to have stated the contents of this Puranas to Suta, who narrated this Purana to an assembly of great sages.

The printed editions of this text are divided into two bhāgas (parts),

The Pūrvabhāga has 53 chapters and the Uttarabhāga has 46 chapters.

***

Kumbha mela

Kumbhamela is a major 5,000-year-old Hindu pilgrimage and religious fair, occurring every twelve years at Prayag in Uttar Pradesh, India.

 Prayag is the city where rivers Ganga Yamuna and Saraswati meet. It is the largest religious gathering in the world. The most recent major gathering happened from January 13 to February 26, 2025. 400 million devotees took holy bath in the rivers. The place is called Triveni Sangam because three rivers meet there. Nowadays Saraswati River is not visible. It dried long ago but Hindus believe it runs underground.

Held every 12 years (with a Mahakumbh occurring every 144 years), it is the world’s largest religious gathering, featuring extensive security, tent cities, and UNESCO-recognized spiritual traditions.

Location: Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati).

Significance: It is the most sacred of Kumbh Melas, commemorating where drops of the immortal nectar (Amrit) fell during the Samudra Manthan.

The festival spans 45 days, featuring intense spiritual activities including Shahi Snan (royal baths) by Naga Sadhus. They are naked saints living in the Himalayas.: The event attracts millions of holy men (sadhus) who travel from across India, including naked Naga sadhus who lead the dawn bathing rituals.

Apart from this every four years Mini Kumbh mela is held in Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik in rotation.

·         Maha Kumbh: Every 144 years (Prayagraj).

·         Purna Kumbh: Every 12 years (Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nashik, Ujjain).

·         Ardh Kumbh: Every 6 years (Haridwar, Prayagraj).

·         Magh Mela (Mini Kumbh): Every year.

***

Kumbakonam

This town is known for its temples, Maths/monasteries, Archaeological monuments (Darasuram), betel leaves and coffee. Nine Planets temples are near by this place.

There are more than 100 Hindu temples within the municipal limits of Kumbakonam. Apart from these, thereare  hundreds of temples around the town thereby giving the town the sobriquets “Temple Town” and “City of temples”.

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple is the oldest Shiva shrine in the town, constructed by the Cholas in the 7th century.

Sarangapani temple is the largest Vishnu temple. The present structure of the temple having a twelve storey high tower was constructed by Nayak kings in the 15th century. It is one of the “Divya Desams”, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 Alvar saint-poets.

Around this town are Navagraha Nine Planets shrines dedicated to Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn and Rahu, Ketu.

Like Kumbha mela in the north, Mahamakam (mahaa makam) festival is heled once in 12 years which attracts lakhs of people to the tank called Mahamakam tank in front of the main Shiva temple.

***

Kuraip /Koorai pudavai /saree

Koorai silk saree, also referred to as Koorai  Pudavai,  is a traditional nine-yard saree originating from Koranad in Mayiladuthurai;   Traditionally worn by brides during Hindu wedding ceremonies, the saree is recognized for its unique weaving patterns and cultural significance. It is produced by the Sāliyan weaving community using a blend of silk and cotton in red colour. The saree was originally woven from cotton. By the early 20th century, it transitioned to silk and became a prominent bridal garment.  Original Red colour is also changed now. Red means Mangalam/ auspicious like Red Kunkum of Hindu women.

–subham—

Tags- HINDU DICTIONARY, ENGLISH AND TAMIL 50, இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-50, Kurukshetra, Kumbhamela, Kumbakonam, Kuraip pudavai,  Koorai saree, Kurma

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Image Worship in Sangam Tamil Literature! – Part 59 (Post No.15,604)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,604

Date uploaded in London –10 April 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  

Purananuru Wonders -19  Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia -Part 59; One Thousand Interesting Facts -Part 59

***

Item 442


There are at least three interesting points in the Purananuru verse 51. Five elements are used to compare the greatness of the king. We see this in Kalidasa who lived in the second century BCE. Comparing a king with the Five Elements is a Hindu concept which is also in Manu Smriti of Second century BCE or earlier. Poet Iyur Mudavaanar must be a great Sanskrit scholar. But we see such a comparison in the poems of other Sangam poets as well. (see Puram 2)

Kalidasa in Raghuvamsam 1-29; 4-11 (five elements and king)

Manusmriti – 1-20;1-76 12-12 to 21 five elements )

***

Item 443 Concept Five Elements/ Pancha Bhuta

The concept of Five Elements, known as Pancha Bhuta in Indian languages, is found in Greek and Babylonian cultures. But they borrowed it from India. Greeks left one of the elements, Sky, and used the other four elements i.e. water, fire, earth and wind. Empedocles of Greece mentioned the four elements.

In the Babylonian myth, Enuma Elis, the elements are mentioned. But the hymn is like the creation hymn in the Rig Veda

Following hymn in Taiittiriya Upanishad:

From – divine – soul, verily,

space arose;

from space wind;

from wind fire;

from fire water;

from water the earth;

from earth the herbs and food;

from food semen and from semen the person/purusa

—-Taittiriya Upanishad, Brahmavalli, Anuvak.1

Kalidasa used the five elements in Raghuvamsa and his other works.

Raghuvamsa 1-29

Brahma created Dilipan with five elements. This is true indeed because all his virtues are useful to others (like five elements).

Raghuvamsa 4-11

As soon as Raghu became king, even the Pancha bhutas attained new vigour.

Raghuvamsa 3-4

Dilipan’s wife Sudakshina who was pregnant, ate sand out of craving .

Sangam Tamil Puram verse 20 by Kurungkoliyur kizar said the same thing.

Kings were called “Bhubuk” i.e. eaters of land (of other kings)

***

More Pancha Bhuta references in Sangam Tamil Books:

Pari. 3-4; 3-66; 3-77. Pari.13-18; 24-15

Mathur. -line 453; Puram-2- 1; 20-1; 51-1;55-15

Pathitr- 14-1; Kurun.3-1.

Tol -305; Murukku. Line 254

The strange coincidence is, all the poets use the Pancha Bhuta matter in the very beginning of the poems.

Post Sangam book – Tiruk Kural 271

***

Item 444 Science

Life span of white ants is known to all Tamils . Some die in a day or two other ants live for long. Another meaning is the termite mounds are demolished in a minute or two by bears or human beings. They are compared to king’s enemies.

***

Item 445 Tamil arrogance or war mongering

From Asokan times, from Kharavela times, we see the Tamil front consisting of Chera Choza Pandya. But they fought among themselves continuously for 1500 years. Here the king thinks Tamil Nadu does not belong to all the three kings but his own. This infighting was not seen in any other race. But yet Chera Choza Pandyas ruled for 1500 years which is also unique in the world. One language, one religion one culture ; but ruled for- 1500 years; unique in world history.

***

Item 445 Koodakārathu Thunjiya Māran Vazhuthi

What is Koodaagaaram ? What is Thunjiya?

Tamils were unique in affixing the place of death of a king to his name. We don’t see such naming in any other parts of the world. We see Thunjiya/ Death in other Tamil poems as well. To identify or differentiate one king from another they say where the king died/Thunjiya mening who had died…

***

Item 446

Koodaagaaram கூடாகாரம் mystery!

Commentators skip this word Koodaagaaram கூடாகாரம். 1935 Ananda Vikatan dictionary gives two meanings: Nilavarai- underground shelter or dungeon or Upper part of a house. We don’t see this word much in Tamil. Some people tried to identify this with salt cotar.

“Kottaram” (Koṭṭāram கொட்டாரம்) meaning a granary or “godown” is still used. So I would guess this Pandya king died in the underground. He might have been imprisoned or murdered there? No one dared to explain this word. If there is any explanation by some people, that is only a guess work not authenticated.

***

Please see my earlier posts:

1

Purananuru (Tamil Sangam Book) wonders -2; Upanishad and Kalidasa in verse Two! (Post.15,278)

2

Tamil Hindu Encyclopaedia -10 பஞ்சபூதம் (Pancha Bhuta)—Post No.11,359

3

Cosmology in Appar, Nammalvar, Puram Poems (Post No.15,196)

***

Puranānūru 51, Poet Aiyur Mudavanār sang for Pandiyan Koodakārathu Thunjiya Māran Vazhuthi,

1
When water overflows, there is no dam to contain it!
When fire exceeds, there is no shadow that can shade
the living!  When there is too much wind, no strength
can resist it!  Vazhuthi, radiant and fierce in battle
is like all these.

2 

He will not tolerate if they say that
cool Thamizh Nadu is common, and undertakes wars.
If he requests tributes, kings who say, “take it” and
give willingly, do not tremble.

Those who are very pitiable are those who have lost his
graces. 

3

Like the termites from red mounds built with
difficulty by tiny termites, they whirl around just for a day.

Notes:  Puranānūru poems 51 and 52 were written for this king.   He hailed from a town called Koodakāram.   He was a contemporary of Chozhan Kulamutrathu Thunjiya Killivalavan.  His successor was Pandiyan Ilavanthikai Palli Thunjiya Nanmāran.Aiyur Mudavanār wrote Puranānūru 51, 228, 314 and 399.

***

புறநானூறு 51, பாடியவர்: ஐயூர் முடவனார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: பாண்டியன் கூடகாரத்துத் துஞ்சிய மாறன் வழுதி, திணை: வாகை, துறை: அரச வாகை

1


நீர் மிகின் சிறையும் இல்லை, தீ மிகின்
மன்னுயிர் நிழற்றும் நிழலும் இல்லை,
வளி மிகின் வலியும் இல்லை, ஒளி மிக்கு
அவற்றோர் அன்ன சினப்போர் வழுதி!

2
தண் தமிழ் பொது எனப் பொறாஅன், போர் எதிர்ந்து  5
கொண்டி வேண்டுவன் ஆயின், கொள்க எனக்
கொடுத்த மன்னர் நடுக்கற்றனரே,
அளியரோ அளியர் அவன் அளி இழந்தோரே,

3
நுண் பல் சிதலை அரிது முயன்று எடுத்த
செம்புற்று ஈயல் போல,  10
ஒரு பகல் வாழ்க்கைக்கு உலமருவோரே.

****

Item 447

Two things in Puram 52 are important. It is about Image worship.

அணங்குடை நெடுங்கோட்டு அளையகம் முனைஇ,
முணங்கு நிமிர் வயமான் முழு வலி ஒருத்தல்,

Tamil Hindus like their counterparts in North India believed that spirits are dwelling in the mountains, lakes, forests, gardens, and trees. Here the mountain cave is described as Spirit living place. Anangu in Tamil meant the spirit that is terrifying or ghost

***

Item 448

Tamils worshipped images like their North Indian brothers. We get coins from second century BCE showing Hindu Gods. Here Maruthan Ilanakanar, a late poet, who mostly imitate his predecessors, talk about

“where offerings with uproar are not given to
the gods who have abandoned their pillars”.

It is made clear that Tamils made offerings to Gods in the pillars. Even today the offerings are made in the temple Bali Peedam near the Dwajasthamba/pillar. Moreover, Brahmins also erected venerable Yupa Stambha when they performed Yagas/fire ceremonies. Purananuru used the Sanskrit Yupa in a few poems. So the poet might have mean Yupa pillars or Dwajasthambas or Nadukal/herostones. Tamils worshipped Hero Stones too.

***

Puranānūru 52, Poet Maruthan Ilanākanār sang to Pandiyan Koodakārathu Thunjiya Māran Vazhuthi,

A male tiger in a cave on a terrifying, tall peak,
hating to stay in, rises and stretches, full of strength,
and goaded by desire for meat, takes whatever direction he may wish.

You are like him with your intent to kill the kings of the
north, O Vazhuthi with a well fashioned chariot, who fights ferocious battles.  Since you have willed war, the kings in this wide world are to be pitied, in whose lands long streamers
of smoke that smelled of flesh rose once from roasting fish in every town near fields and surrounded the curved branches
of marutham trees.  They used to be prosperous towns. That has changed.  Now, they are ruined, and turned to forests where forest hens with spots lay eggs in the depressions
caused by the gambling gadgets of white-haired old men in public places,

 where offerings with uproar are not given to
the gods who have abandoned their pillars.

***

புறநானூறு 52, பாடியவர்: மருதன் இளநாகனார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: பாண்டியன் கூடகாரத்துத் துஞ்சிய மாறன் வழுதி, திணை: வாகை, துறை: அரச வாகை

1


அணங்குடை நெடுங்கோட்டு அளையகம் முனைஇ,
முணங்கு நிமிர் வயமான் முழு வலி ஒருத்தல்,


ஊன் நசை உள்ளம் துரப்ப இரை குறித்துத்
தான் வேண்டு மருங்கின் வேட்டு எழுந்தாங்கு,
வட புல மன்னர் வாட, அடல் குறித்து,  5
இன்னா வெம்போர் இயல் தேர் வழுதி!
இது நீ கண்ணியது ஆயின், இரு நிலத்து
யார் கொல் அளியர் தாமே,  ஊர்தொறும்
மீன் சுடு புகையின் புலவு நாறு நெடுங்கொடி
வயல் உழை மருதின் வாங்கு சினை வலக்கும்  10
பெரு நல் யாணரின் ஒரீஇ, இனியே

2


கலிகெழு கடவுள் கந்தம் கைவிடப்
பலி கண் மாறிய பாழ்படு பொதியில்,


நரை மூதாளர் நாய் இடக் குழிந்த
வல்லின் நல்லகம் நிறையப் பல் பொறிக்  15
கான வாரணம் ஈனும்
காடாகி விளியும் நாடுடையோரே.

கந்துடை நிலை என்றது, இறைவன் அருட்குறியாகக் கல் தறி நட்டியிருக்கும் இடத்தை, பண்டைக் காலத்தே இறைவணக்கம் செய்தற்பொருட்டுக் கல்தறி நட்டு அதனை வணங்கி வந்தனர். .

அணங்கு உடை நெடுங்கோட்டு – in the fearful tall peak, in the tall peak with gods,

***

Item 449 Kudos to Brahmin Poet Kapilan

Here the great Brahmin poet Kapilan is praised. He wrote more poems than other poets. He was the only poet mentioned by more poets. 

Puranānūru 53, Poet Porunthil Ilankeeranār sang to Cheraman Māntharancheral Irumporai, Thinai: Vākai, Thurai: Arasa Vākai


To remove the anguish to Vilangil town,
……….where women wearing bright bangles play on
……….verandas of mansions with glittering gems
……….that awe eyes, that are on the long stretches
……….of sand spread like pearls from mature shells,
you took to battle with your fast horses and elephants.

O Poraiyan!  If I sing your praises in full, it will be too long.
If I sing in short, I will miss much.  Those like me with
bewildered hearts cannot sing your glory in full.  This is
the huge world in which we are born, and we cannot live
hating it.
We heard you say, “If only Kapilan were alive today, he whose
fame was radiant and knowledge immense, he with eloquent
tongue, could produce perfect verses in an instant and
how wonderful that would be!”  Yet, I will sing suitably of
your might in battle and how you overwhelmed your enemies.

***

புறநானூறு 53, பாடியவர்: பொருந்தில் இளங்கீரனார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சேரமான் மாந்தரஞ்சேரல் இரும்பொறை, திணை: வாகை, துறை: அரச வாகை


முதிர் வார் இப்பி முத்த வார் மணல்,
கதிர் விடு மணியின் கண் பொரு மாடத்து,
இலங்கு வளை மகளிர் தெற்றி ஆடும்
விளங்கு சீர் விளங்கில் விழுமம் கொன்ற
களங்கொள் யானைக் கடுமான் பொறைய!  5


விரிப்பின் அகலும் தொகுப்பின் எஞ்சும்,
மம்மர் நெஞ்சத்து எம்மனோர்க்கு ஒருதலை
கைம்முற்றல நின் புகழே என்றும்
ஒளியோர் பிறந்த இம் மலர்தலை உலகத்து
வாழேம் என்றலும் அரிதே, தாழாது  10

செறுத்த செய்யுள் செய் செந்நாவின்
வெறுத்த கேள்வி விளங்கு புகழ்க் கபிலன்
இன்று உளன் ஆயின் நன்று மன், என்ற நின்
ஆடு கொள் வரிசைக்கு ஒப்பப்
பாடுவன் மன்னால், பகைவரைக் கடப்பே.  15

 தாழாது செறுத்த செய்யுள் செய் – created meaningful verses without delay, செந்நாவின் – with an eloquent tongue, வெறுத்த கேள்வி – dense learning, abundant learning (வெறுத்த – செறிந்த), விளங்கு புகழ்க் கபிலன் இன்று உளன் ஆயின் – if poet Kapilan with bright renown were alive today, நன்று  – it would be good,

 –subham—

Tags- Item 449, Kapilan, Purananuru wonders, Image Worship , Sangam Tamil Literature!- Part 59

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by Tamil and Vedas on April 10, 2026  •  Permalink
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Tiruppavai in Pictures with English Translations- Part One (Post No.15,573)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,573

Date uploaded in London – 3 April 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 

When I went to the famous Uppliappan Vishnu temple near Kumbakonam on 12-3-2026, I had good and free darshan quickly. Since first two weeks in March are exam season in India, less crowd was seen in all the temples. I was very much impressed by the big wall paintings of 12 alvars, 10 Vishnu avatars and 108 Divya Kshetras of Vishnu. I took lot of pictures, yet I could not take all the shrines portrayed on the wall.

One of the 12 Alvars was Andal, the teenage poetess as well as a great saint. Her 30 Tamil verses known as Tiruppaavai used to echo in all the temple streets of Tamil Nadu in the month of Maarkazi (Margasirsa in Bhagavad Gita; Dec-January in English calendar) every year. As a person who lived Near Krishnan Kovil in North Masi Street, Madurai for quarter of a century, I knew most of the verses by heart, which were broadcast around 4-30 am. The pictures on the wall of Uppiliappan temple inspired me to go through the three different English translations of Tiruppaavai  by American Tamil Scholar Kausalya Hart, PR Ramachander and Dr Chenni Padmanabhan M D, a great devotee of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. I have collected the translations from the Project Madurai website and books. Please read them together with the Tamil original and enjoy!

Kausalya Harts’ Translation from Project Madurai

Aṇḍal.: Thiruppāvai (474 -503 of Divya Prabandham)

 

1.

மார்கழித் திங்கள் மதிநிறைந்த நன்னாளால்!

நீராடப் போதுவீர் போதுமினோ நேரிழையீர்!

சீர்மல்கும் ஆய்ப்பாடிச் செல்வச் சிறுமீர்காள்!

கூர்வேல் கொடுந்தொழிலன் நந்தகோபன் குமரன்

ஏரார்ந்த கண்ணி யசோதை இளம்சிங்கம்

கார்மேனிச் செங்கண் கதிர் மதியம் போல்முகத்தான்

நாராயணனே நமக்கே பறை தருவான்

பாரோர் புகழப் படிந்தேலோர் எம்பாவாய்

Girls waking up their friends.

474. The girls come and wake up their friends. They say,
“Today is the auspicious full moon day of Markazhi month.
O you adorned with beautiful ornaments,
let us go bathe. Come!
We are the beloved young girls of the flourishing cowherd village.
Nārāyaṇan, the son of Nandagopan,
who looks after the cows with a sharp spear,
the young lion of lovely-eyed Yashoda
with a dark body, beautiful eyes
and a face bright as the shining moon
will give us the Paṛai.
Come and let us bathe and worship our Pāvai
as the world praises him.”

***

Mr P R Ramachander’s Translation

1

In this month of Marghazhi[1]
On this day filled with the light of moon,
Come for bathing,
Oh ladies who are richly dressed,
And Oh ladies in rich homes of cowherds,
For he with the sharp spear,
He who kills his enemies without mercy,
He who is the son of Nanda gopa[2]
He who is the darling son of Yasodha[3]
Who wore scented flower garlands,
He who is a lion cub,
He who is pretty in black colour,
He who has small red eyes,
He who has a face like the well-lit moon,
And He, who is our Lord Narayana[4]
Is going to give us big drums,
So that we bathe and worship Our Goddess Pavai,
In a way that the whole world sings about.

***

Dr Chenni Padmanabhan’s Translation

It’s Margali month, moon replete and the day is proper

We shall bathe, girls of Ayarpadi prosperous

Will you move out? You wealthy adorned fine jewels,

Narayana, son of relentless Nandagopala,

Whose job wielding a spike ever alert and

The lion cub of Yasoda with eye gracious

And the lad with dark complexion, handsome eye

And face sunny bright pleasant as moon

Sure shall grant us the desire soon

To the esteem of this earth as a boon

Oblige, involve, listen and consider, our damsel.

***

2

வையத்து வாழ்வீர்காள்! நாமும் நம் பாவைக்குச்

செய்யும் கிரிசைகள் கேளீரோ!

பாற்கடலுள் பையத் துயின்ற பரமன் அடிபாடி,

நெய்யுண்ணோம்; பாலுண்ணோம்; நாட்காலை நீராடி

மையிட்டெழுதோம்; மலரிட்டு நாம் முடியோம்;

செய்யாதன செய்யோம்; தீக்குறளைச் சென்றோதோம்;

ஐயமும் பிச்சையும் ஆந்தனையும் கைகாட்டி

உய்யுமா றெண்ணி உகந்தேலோர் எம் பாவாய். (2)

475. The girls come to wake up their friends. They say,
“O people of the world!
Hear how we worship our pāvai.
We worship the feet of the highest lord
resting on the milky ocean.
We don’t eat ghee, we don’t drink milk,
we bathe early in the morning,
we don’t put kohl to darken our eyes,
we don’t decorate our hair with flowers,
we don’t do evil things, we don’t gossip.
We give alms to all beggars and sages.
Come and let us be happy and worship our Pāvai.”

***

2

Oh, people of this world,
Be pleased to hear of those penances,
That we daily do for the worship of Pavai,
We will sing of those holy feet,
Of Him who sleeps in the ocean of milk[5]
We will not take the very tasty ghee,
We will avoid the health giving milk,
We will daily bathe before the dawn,
We will not wear any collyrium[6]
We will not tie flowers in our hair,
We will not do Any act that is banned,
We will not talk ill of any to any one else,
We will give alms and do charity,
As much as we can,
And do all those acts to make others free of sorrow,
And worship our Goddess Pavai.

***

You who enjoy life on earth, listen!

The rituals for deity go through we duteous.

Chant the foot of the Supremo who had

Reposed in stealth on the ocean milky;

Bathe we early; relish not ghee or milk

Nor would kemp, nor adorn with flower beauteous;

Grace not with eyeliner; nor bids forbidden.

Nor go around ear kiss tale or malicious gossip

Help the worthy and poor utmost by giftd or alms tossed

With mind pleasant, study the chores engrossed

Listen and consider our damsel.

***

3

ஓங்கி உலகளந்த உத்தமன் பேர்பாடி

நாங்கள் நம் பாவைக்குச் சாற்றி நீர் ஆடினால்,

தீங்கின்றி நாடெல்லாம் திங்கள் மும்மாரி பெய்து

ஓங்கு பெருஞ்செந்நெநெல் ஊடு கயல் உகளப்

பூங்குவளைப் போதில் பொறிவண்டு கண் படுப்பத்,

தேங்காதே புக்கிருந்து சீர்த்த முலைபற்றி வாங்கக்

குடம் நிறைக்கும் வள்ளல் பெரும் பசுக்கள்

நீங்காத செல்வம் நிறைந்தேலோர் எம் பாவாய். (3)

476. The girls come to wake up their friends. They say,
“Let us sing and praise the name of the virtuous lord
who measured the world with his tall form
and let us decorate our Pāvai and bathe it.
If we do that, rain will fall three times a month
without fail all over our land,
paddy in the fields will flourish,
fish will frolic in the fields,
bees will sleep on the buds of the kuvaḷai blossoms
and the cows will not hide their milk
but yield generously to fill up the pots
when the cowherds milk them.
Let riches be abundant!
Come and let us bathe and worship our Pāvai.”

If we sing the praise of Him,
Who grew big and measured the world[7]
And worship our Goddess Pavai,
Then would there be at least three rains a month,
And the red paddy plants would grow big,
And in their fields would the fish swim and play,
And the spotted bees after sipping honey,
To their hearts content,
Would sleep in the flower themselves
After having their fill,
And the cows with big udder
Would fill milk pots to the brim,
And healthy cows and never diminishing wealth,
Would fill the country,
And all this I assure by worship of our Goddess Pavai.

Should we sing the name of the magnanimous

Outgrown and meted the world and assent

To bathe for deity, rain it shall, pour country over

Thrice monthly with no despair;

Shall facilitate tall growth of paddy crop

Carp to jump amidst like aquatic feet,

Spotted bee to perch on lily fair and

Donor cows to stand still, with udders thick

Allow milking to fill vessels copious

To ordain never vanishing wealth bounteous;

Listen and consider our damsel.

To be continued…………………….

Tags- Andal, Tiruppavai, in Pictures, three English Translations, Kausalya Hart, PR Ramachander, Dr Chenni Padmanabhan, Project Madurai , Uppiliappan Temple, Part one

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by Tamil and Vedas on April 3, 2026  •  Permalink
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April 2026 Calendar with more Quotes from Kanchi Shankaracharya (Post No.15,557)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,557

Date uploaded in London – 31 March 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx 

In November 2022 Calendar I posted 30 quotes under  Kanchi Shankaracharya’s Golden Sayings (Post.11,395); now I add more quotes from the 68th Jagadguru of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamigal 1894-1994 (popularly known as Maha Periyava or the Kanchi Paramacharya).

***

Festivals- April 1 Panguni Uththiram; 3 Good Friday;5 Easter ;14 Tamil New Year ; 20 Akshaya Trtyai; 21 Sankara Jayanti; 22 Ramanuja Jayanti; 28 Madurai Meenakshi Kalyanam; 30 Narasimha Jayanti.

***

Amavasyai-17; Purnima-2; Ekaadasi Fasting Days 13,27

***

Muhurta/ Auspiscious Days

April 20,  23,  30;

(also 6, 12, 13, 16)

***

April 1 Wednesday

The Vedas are eternal and the source of all creations. The Vedas are also notable for the lofty truths that find expression in the mantras.

***

April 2 Thursday

The remarkable about the Vedas is that they are of values much for their sound as for their verbal content. While the sound has its own creative power, the words are notable for the exalted character of the meaning they convey.

***

April 3 Friday

There are mantras that are especially valuable for their sound but are otherwise meaning less. Similarly, there are works pregnant with meaning but with no special Mantrik power.

***

April 4 Saturday

The Vedas indeed constitute the apex of our law books.

***

April 5 Sunday

What is a Yajna ? it is the performance of a religious duty involving Agni, the sacrificial power with the chanting of Mantra.

***

 April 6 Monday

The concept of Yajnas not present in other systems of worship. There is a big difference between our religion, the Vedic Mata, and other faiths.

***

April 7 Monday

An important difference between the Vedic religion and other faiths is this: while followers of other religions worship one God, we worship many deities and make offerings to them.

***

April 8 Wednesday

The Vedas proclaim that the one Brahman, call it Truth or Reality, is manifested as so many different devatas or deities.  Since each devata is extolled  as Paramatman we know for certain that monotheism  is a Vedic tenet.

***

April 9 Thursday

The Vedic sacrifices have a threefold purpose. The first is to earn the blessings of the deities so that we as well other creatures may be happy in this world.

***

April 10 Friday

The second is, to ensure after our death we will live happily in the world of the celestials.

***

April 11 Saturday

The third purpose is the most important and it is achieved by performing the sacrifices (Yajnas), as taught by the Bhagavad Gita, without any expectation of rewards. Here we desire neither happiness in this world nor residence in the paradise.

***

April 12 Sunday

Many matters pertaining to the Vedas may not seem to be in conformity with science and for that reason they are not to be treated as wrong.

***

 April 13 Monday

Money is not essential to the performance of the rites enjoined by the sastras nor is pomp and circumstance essential to worship. Even tried Tulsi and BilVa leaves are enough to perform puja.

***

April 14 Monday

Sages transcended the frontiers of human knowledge and became one with the universal reality. It is through them that the world received the Vedic mantras.

***

Kanchi Shankaracharaya visited Madurai Dinamani office at the request of my father V Sanatanm, News Editor, Dinamani, Madurai.

April 15 Wednesday

The noble characters who figure in the puranas serve as an ideal for all of us to follow. When we read their stories, we are inspired by their examples.

***

April 16 Thursday

Manu Parasara, Yajnavalkya, Gautama, Harita, Yama Vishnu Sankha, Likhita Brhaspati, Daksha, Angiras Pracetas, Samvarta Acanas Atri Apastamba and Saataatapa are the eighteen sages who mastered Vedas with their superhuman power and derived the smritis/ law books from them.

***

April 17 Friday

Apart from these 18 Smritis,  there are 18 subsidiary smritis called upa smritis. It is customary to include Bhagavad Gita among the smritis.

***

April 18 Saturday

If we call ourselves Hindus we must bear certain external marks , outward symbols. Now we have come to such a pass that nobody wears any of the external marks of our religion.

***

April 19 Sunday

People ask me why should not the sasrtas be changed to suit our times. The Vedic word cannot and must not be changed at any time and on any account. The same applies to the rules and laws laid down in the smritis/law books of Hindus.

***

 April 20 Monday

The greatest of the mahakavis, Kalidasa makes a reference to the smritis in his Raghuvamsa. Sudakshina , of matchless purity and character, following her husband Dilipa is likened to the smritis  closely following the Vedas.

***

April 21 Monday

To discriminate between Sruti and Smriti is not correct. Sankara is said to be the abode of the three Sruti Smriti  Purananam alayam- abode of Sruti, Smritis, Puranams;  if the three were at variance with one another, how can they exist together in harmony in the same person?

***

April 22 Wednesday

In the Puranas the Vedic truths are illustrated in the form of stories.

***

April 23 Thursday

We speak of three worlds: Deva loka/ world of celestials, Manushyaloka (world of ours) and Naraka (hell)

***

April 24 Friday

A man’s actions, his works, together with his character, determine his passage to other worlds. Only in this Karmabhumi can we perfect our character by performing virtuous acts and thus qualify to go to another world.

***

Kanchi Shankaracharaya visited Madurai Dinamani office at the request of my father V Sanatanm, News Editor, Dinamani, Madurai.

April 25 Saturday

Pura means in the past. That which gives an account of what happened in the past is a purana, even though it may contain predictions about future also.

***

April 26 Sunday

Ramayana and Mahabharata are two Ithihsams. Iti-haa- asam – means it happened thus. The haa in the middle means without doubt, truly. So an Itihaasa means a true story, the word can also mean thus speak they

***

 April 27 Monday

Our nation, it is often alleged, does not have a sense of history. In my opinion the Puranas are history. History must be taught along with lessons in dharma; then alone will it serve the purpose of bringing people to the right path.

***

April 28 Monday

According to the sastras, Vyasa composed the Puranas 5000 years ago, at the beginning of the age of kali, but they must have existed before him also. In the Chandogya Upanishad,  Narada speaks about the subjects learned by him and they include the Puranas. From this we infer that they must have existed during the time of the Vedas and the Upanishads.

***

April 29 Wednesday

I regard Vyasa as the first journalist, the ideal for all newspapermen of today.  He composed the puranas and made a gift of that great treasure to humanity.

***

April 30 Thursday

Vyasa composed the Puranas in 400,000 granthas.  A grantha is a stanza consisting of 32 syllables. Of these Skanda purana alone accounts for 100,000. It is perhaps the world’s biggest literary work. The remaining 17 puranas add up to 300,000 granthas. Apart from them Vyasa composed the Mahabharata , also nearly , 100,000 granthas.

–subham—

Tags- April 2026, Calendar, Sayings, Kanchi Swamikal, Sankaracharya, Maha periyava, 1894-1994, paramacharya, Vedas, Puranas, Itihasa

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by Tamil and Vedas on March 31, 2026  •  Permalink
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Posted by Tamil and Vedas on March 31, 2026

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HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 44; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-44 (Post.15,554)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,554

Date uploaded in London – 30 March 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx 

Words beginning with letter KA continues…………………………….

Tamil version will be posted tomorrow

***

Kanishka

Kanishka  was a 2nd-century CE emperor of the Kushan dynasty who reigned around 127–150 CE. Known for his extensive military conquests, his empire stretched from Central Asia and Gandhara to Pataliputra, with capitals at Purushapura (Peshawar) and Mathura. He was a major patron of Buddhism, hosting the Fourth Buddhist Council and facilitating its spread along the Silk Road

***

Kanva Maharishi

Kanva is celebrated as the hermit who found the infant Shakuntala surrounded by Sakuntas (birds) in the wilderness, protected her, and raised her in his beautiful ashram (hermitage) on the banks of the river Malini. He is referred to as the foster father who enabled her union with King Dushyanta.

He is identified as the son of Rishi Medhatithi and is associated with the lineage of the Rishi Kashyapa, The name “Kanva” also signifies a Vedic school associated with the White Yajurveda (Kanva-Samhita), which includes 40 chapters and 2,086 verses.

***

Kartikeya

Kārttikeya (कार्त्तिकेय) is the name of Śiva’s son born for the purpose of slaying the asura Tāraka and to protect the realm of Indra .

Kārttikeya was born out of the fire having six faces. Accordingly, “When thus addressed by Śiva, the goddess (Umā) worshipped Gaṇeśa, and the fire became pregnant with that germ of Śiva. Then, bearing that embryo of Śiva, the fire shone even in the day as if the sun had entered into it. And then it discharged into the Ganges the germ difficult to bear, and the Gaṇas, by the order of Śiva, placed it in a sacrificial cavity on Mount Meru; it became a boy with six faces.”

The name Kārttikeya is derived from the fact he was nursed by the breasts of the six Kṛttikās.

***

Kartavirya

Kārtavīrya (कार्तवीर्य).—The son of Kṛtavīrya and king of the Haihayas, who ruled at Māhiṣmatī. Having worshipped Dattāttreya, he obtained from him several boons, such as a thousand arms, a golden chariot that went wheresoever he willed it to go, the power of restraining wrong by justice, conquest of earth, invincibility by enemies. According to the Vāyu Purāṇa he ruled justly and righteously for 85 years and offered sacrifices. He was a contemporary of Rāvaṇa whom he once captured and confined like a beast in a corner of his city;  Kārtavīrya was slain by Paraśurāma for having carried off by violence the Kāmadhenu of his  father Jamadagni. Kārtavīrya is also known by the name Sahasrārjuna.

***

Kapila

The great sage Kapila had chosen the netherworld to perform a terrible penance. At this time, the king Sagara had been performing the Ashwamedha (horse) sacrifice, but the sacrifical horse had wandered away. As the horse had strayed near the hermitage of sage Kapila, the 60,000 sons of Sagara came there in search of it.

The din caused by the arrival disturbed the sage, but he still did not open his eyes. When the sons of Sagara saw that the horse was there, they mistakenly assumed that Kapila was responsible for its theft. They started insulting the sage. At last, the sage could not bear it any longer. He opened his in wrath. Such was the potency of his gaze, that all the sons of Sagara were burned to ashes on the spot

Kapila is a revered ancient sage in Hindu tradition, best known as the founder of the Sāṅkhya school of philosophy, which analyses matter and spirit; he is the son of Kardama Muni and Devahūti. Kapila is associated with Satya-yuga .

Famous Sangam Tamil poet name is also Kapila; that Brahmin poet contributed the largest number of poems in Sangam literature.

***

Kasi

Kāśī has been known for centuries under five different names, viz., Vārāṇasī (modern Banaras), Kāśī, Avimukta, Ānandakānana and Śmaśāna or Mahāśmaśāna.

Kāsī is one of the sixteen Mahājanapadas of the Majjhimadesa (Middle Country) of ancient India, as recorded in the Pāli Buddhist texts 

It is situated on the left side of the river Ganga. As it is situated between the river Varuna and Ashi, it is known as Varanasi

Before the time of the Buddha, Kāsī was a great political power.

One of the oldest sacred places of learning in India. The Purāṇic name of the modern city of Benares in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Ambā, Ambikā and Ambālikā were abducted by Bhīṣma from this city, according to Mahabharata.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s most sacred Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, featuring a 2-foot-high black stone lingam. It is one of the Seven Sacred Cities of India.

***

Katopanishad

The Katha Upanishad is a collection of philosophical poems representing a conversation between the sage Naciketas and Yama (God of death). They discuss the nature of Atman, Brahman and Moksha (liberation). The book is made up of six sections (Valli). Adi Sankara wrote a commentary.

This commentary by Shankara focuses on ‘Advaita Vedanta’, or non-dualism.

***

Kaurava

Kaurava is a Sanskrit term referring to descendant of Kuru, a legendary king of India who is the ancestor of many of the characters of the epic Mahabharata. Usually, the term is used for the 100 sons of King Dhritarashtra and his wife Gandhari.

The descendants of King Kuru who fought against the Pāṇḍavas in the Battle of Kurukṣetra.

From Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Duryodhana and his brothers were born and from Pāṇḍu were born the Pāṇḍavas. All members born in the family of Kuru were known as Kauravas. But later, the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra came to be known by the name ‘Kauravas’

***

Kaushika

 Kaushika is a Sanskrit term with multiple meanings, primarily referring to a descendant of Kusha, frequently used as a name for  Sage Vishvamitra: Often synonymous with Vishvamitra, who was originally a king (Kaushika) of Kanyakubja before becoming a Brahmarishi  Refers to the lineage or clan founded by the sons of Vishvamitra, noted for ascetic virtues and intermarriage with various Rishis.

The Story of Kaushika: A narrative involving a scholarly brahmin who is taught that duty and virtue, regardless of station, are superior to arrogant learning, often linked to the story of the virtuous butcher (Dharmavyadha).

Means “derived from the cocoon of a silkworm”; a gotra name; another meaning owl. Poets belonging to Kausika Gotra are in Sangam Tamil literature.

***

Kausalya

1) Kausalyā (कौसल्या).—A queen of King Daśaratha and mother of Śrī Rāma. Daśaratha had three wives Kausalyā, Kaikeyī and Sumitrā. Kausalyā gave birth to Śrī Rāma, Kaikeyī to Bharata and Sumitrā to Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna. (Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa, Sarga 16).

2) Kausalyā (कौसल्या).—Queen of the King of Kāśī. Ambā, Ambikā, and Ambālikā were daughters of this Kausalyā. Of these daughters Ambālikā also was called Kausalyā. After the death of Pāṇḍu she went to the forest with Ambikā. (Mahābhārata Ādi Parva, Chapter 129).

To be continued………….

Tags-  Kanishka, Kapia, Kasi, Kaurava, Part 44, HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 44; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-44

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Hinduism through 500 Pictures in Tamil and English 47; படங்கள் மூலம் இந்து மதம் கற்போம்-47 (Post.15,545)

Budha/ Mercury

Sukra/ Venus

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,545

Date uploaded in London – 28 March 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx  

Chandra and other Grahas/Planets / Thingal in Tamil

The moon is regarded as one of the grahas surrounding the sun and going round and round the mountain Meru. He is born of the sea and of sage Atri. He is said to have only face and hands , but no body. He turns towards the sun and holds white lotuses in his hands or sometimes a club and the boon conferring hand- Abhaya hasta.  He rides on a two wheeled chariot drawn by ten horses. His caste is Vaisya.

***

Mars/ Kuja/ Mangal / Sevvay in Tamil

Kuja is the son of the earth and of sage Bharadwaja; his country is Avanti. His caste is Kshatriya . He wears red garments and a crown and has four arms holding weapons Sakti and club, and the postures Abhaya and Varada hastas. He faces the sun and rides on a ram.

He is called Angaaraka, Bhauma ,Bhuumii putra and

Mahiisuta. He is also called Siva- gharmaja/born of the sweat of Siva,Gaganolmuka- the torch of the sky,

Lohita – the red, Navaarchi- the nine rayed,Chara- the spy, Rinaantaka- the ender of the debts or the patron of the debtors.

Mangala / Mars/Angaaraka

The planet Mars, is identified with Kaartikeya , the god of war. He was the son of Siva and the earth/bhu

***

Budha / Mercury / Budhan in Tamil

Budha , the son of moon is a Vaisya of the Magadha country born in the lineage of Atri. He has four arms, a yellow body and the lion vehicle. He shows in his hands the shield, club, Varada mudra and the sword. He also faces the sun.

Budha /Mercury

Wise, intelligent ; buddhisaali- brainy.

The planet mercury, is son of soma, the moon, by Rohini or by Taaraa , wife of Brihaspati. He married Ilaa, daughter of Manu Vivasvata, and ha da  son, Puruuruva. Budha was an author of a hymn in the Rig Veda. From his parents he is called Saumya and Rauhineya. He is also called Praharshana, Rodhana, Tunga, and Syaamaanga, black bodied.

The intrigue of Soma with Taaraa was the cause of a great quarrel, in which the Gods/Devas and Asuras/demons fought against each other. Brahma compelled Soma to give up Taaraa and when she was returned to her husband she was pregnant.  A son was born, who was handsome that Brihaspati and Soma both claimed him. Taaraa for long refused to tell his paternity, and so excited the wrath and nearly incurred the curse of her son. At length, upon the command of Brahma, she declared Soma to be the father, and she gave the boy name Budha.

 ***

Brihaspati /Guru /Jupiter/ Viyaazan in Tamil

Brihaspati is a Brahmana and the Guru of Devas. Born of Angiras he comes from the Sindhu country. He has either two or four arms holding the book and the rosary. He also faces the sun.

***

Kanjanur Sukra Shrine

Sukra /Venus /Velli in Tamil

He is also a Brahmana, born of Bhrigu  and a native of Bhojakata. He is the teacher/ guru of Asuras/ demons. He is seated in a golden chariot drawn by eight horses or in a silver chariot yoked to ten horses. He has two hands one of which holds a Nidhi/treasure and in the other a book. According to other authorities, he has four arms in which are seen the staff, rosary, water pot and the Varada hasta.

Sukra

The planet Sukra/ Venus is the son of Bhrigu and the priest of daityas/demons. He is also called the son of Kavi. His wife’s name was Susumaa or Sataparwa. His daughter Devayaani married Yayaati of the lunar race/ Chandra vamsa and her husband’s infidelity induced Sukra to curse him.

Sukra is identified with Ushanas, and is author of a code of law- Sukra Niti.

The Harivamsa relates that he went to god Siva  and asked for means of protecting the asuras/demons against the gods. , and for obtaining his object, he performed a painful rite, inhibiting the smoke of chaff with his head downwards for a thousand years. In his absence, the gods attacked the asuras and Vishnu killed his mother, for which deed he cursed him to be born seven times in the world of men.

Sukra restored his mother to life, and the gods being alarmed lest sukra’s penance should be accomplished, indra sent his daughter Jayanti to lure him from it. She waited upon him and soothed him, but he accomplished his penance and afterwards married her.

Sukra is known by his patronymic Bhargava and also Bhrigu. He is also called Kavi, Kaavya, the poet.

Sukra/ Venus is called

Asphujit and

Maghaabhava- son of maghaa

Shodasaansu- having sixteen rays;

Sweta- the white.

***

Sani /Sanaischara /Saturn / Sani in Tamil

Sani is a Shudra from the Saurashtra country and a descendent of Kasyapa Rishi , also facing the sun.

He is supposed to be born of the sun, to have blue garments  and to ride on a crow or vulture or in an iron chariot drawn by eight horses. He is represented with two or four arms and stands on a lotus pedestal, but is more  often found  seated with four arms., his weapons  being the arrow, trident and the bow. 

Sani

The planet Saturn/ Sani is represented as a black man in black garments. Sani was the son of sun and Chaayaa, but another statement is that he was the offspring of Balarama and Revati. He is also known as

Aara ,Kona,Kroda  and by the patronymic  Saura

His influence is evil and hence he is called Kruura-dris

Kruura lochana- the evil eyed one. He is also

Manda- the slow moving, Pangu- the lame, Sanais chara- the slow moving , Saptaarchi- seven rayed and

Asita- the dark.

***

Rahu and Ketu

Rahu and Ketu are the ascending and descending nodes , but also represented as images. Rahu is a Shudra. He is of fearful face, wears black clothes and four arms holding the sword, trident and the shield. He rides on a black lion and faces the sun.

Ketu

Ketu is also a Shudra, comes from Kusadwipa  and is born in the lineage of Jaimini. He has an ugly face , rides on a vulture and exhibits in his two arms the club and the Varada posture.

Rahu Ketu

Rahu and Ketu are in astronomy the ascending and descending node. Rahu is the cause of eclipses, and the term is used to designate the eclipse itself. He is also considered one of the Nava Grahas, as king of meteors and the guardian of the south west quarter.

Mythologically Rahu is a Daitya/demon, who is supposed to seize the sun and moon and swallow them. It is described in literature as a snake devouring sun and moon. Since it is in Sangam Tamil literature as well, the belief has been there for at least 2000 years from south to north of India.

Rahu was son of Vipachitti   and Simhika, and is called by metronymic Sainhikeya. He had four arms and his lower part ended in a tail. He was a great mischief maker, and when the gods produced amrita by churning the ocean, he assumed a disguise, and insinuating amongst them, drank some of it. The sun and moon detected him and informed Vishnu, who cut off his head and two of his arms, but as he had secured immortality, his body was placed in the stellar sphere, the upper parts, represented by a dragon’s tail, being  Ketu the descending node.

Vishnu purana says eight black horses draw the dusky chariot of Rahu .  He is called  Abhra pisacha- the demon of the sky; Bharani- bhuu- born from the asterism Bharani; Graha- the seizer; And Kabandha – the headless.

Ketu

The descending node in astronomy, represented by a dragon’s tail; also a comet or meteor .

Dhumaketu is comet. He is said to be a daanava and son of Vipachitti and Cimhikaa. He is also calle

A-kacha- hairless

Asleshaa- bhava- born of asterism aaslesha;

Munda- bald

—subham—

Tags- Nine planets, Chandra, Mangal, Budha, Guru, Sukra, Rahu, Ketu, Navagraha, Sani, Sanaischara

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Hinduism through 500 Pictures in Tamil and English 43; படங்கள் மூலம் இந்து மதம் கற்போம்-43 (Post No.15,536)

Surya in Delhi Airport

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,536

Date uploaded in London – 26 March 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx  

(Tamil Version is given as Part 44)

Navagrahas – nine heavenly bodies

Strange Things about Navagraha Shrines

Navagraha Shrines are found mostly in Shiva temples; but there are exceptions. Madurai Koodal Azakar Perumal Temple , though a Vaishnava temple, has a Navagraha Shrine.

Famous Navagraha Shrines, at least nine in number are crowded in one area. That is Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu. Some Vaishnava Navagraha Shrines are also known. They are in Tirunelveli District.

Gangai Konda Chozapuram temple has a unique Navagraha Statue. The sculptor has selected a square stone where Sun occupies centre place; on four sides all the other eight Grahas are carved.

Tirunaraiyur Shiva temple has a special shrine for Sani and his family.

Since Hindus knew well about the solar system, Sun is placed in the centre and all others face towards the sun. Sun’s wives are Chaya and Usha; again this is also based on science. Before sunrise, we see dawn, that is Usha; Rig Veda has beautiful poems on Dawn/Usha. Sun creates shadow behind. Shadow in Sanskrit is Chaya.

Sun’s black spots cause big disruptions on communication on earth. Bhartruhari described them Ketus and Kabandhas , that is demons, in his Brhat Samhita.

Navagrahas are not Nine Planets; they are nine heavenly bodies with gravity. Graha means gravity. English words Grip, Grab, Gravity etc are derived from this Sanskrit word. That is the reason Hindu scientists named hem Graha and included Sun, Moon, Rahu and Ketu which are not planets. They have gravity. Tamils copied it and called them Kol. This also has the same meaning.

Hindus gave supreme importance to Sun which is considered Arogya Karaka- one who gives Health and long life. Without sun light all living beings will die within a few hours or few days. Sun light provides us Vitamin D. Moon has big impact on oceans and tides, so do they have influence on human bodies and particularly Mind.

Rig Veda says suns is important for Eyes and Moon is important for Mind (It is in Purushasukta, Tenth Mandala of RV).

Hindus have also discovered the relationship between planets. Throughout Sanskrit Literature and Sangam Tamil literature Venus is linked with Rains. Thoughtout Sanskrit literature Moon is linked with plants. They used the same word SOMA for moon and Soma Rasa, the elixir of life.

In the Navagraha hymn they sing about the relationship between planets. Some are symbolic and others have literal meaning.

Konark, Odisah Sun Rath and Sun God below

Navagraha- Nine Gem Ring

Navagraha shrines inside Temples

All South Indian temples have separate shrines for the Navagrahas inside the big temple complex.

Round the sanctum/ garbhagriha of Siva temple, we find this Navagraha shrine. The sun stands in the centre and other planets are fixed round him, each in a specified direction.  This shows Hindus knew that all the plants are orbiting around sun. The planets are highly respected and scrupulously worshipped by the Hindus as they are believed to influence the destinies of human beings.

Hindus cast horoscopes when a child is born. That will show his future life. Brahmins do Sandhyavandana three times a day and the Navagraha tarpanam is done to satisfy all the nine planets. This will avoid evil influence of planets.

Hindus only worship stars and planets in the world. This explodes Aryan immigration theories. Sangam Tamil literature mentioned all the nine planets with reverence. They mentioned even the worship of Saptarishi / ursa major constellation. This shows Hindus from north to south have the same belief even 2000 years ago. This shows Greek influence has nothing to do with Hindu astrology and Hindu astronomy. Moon / crescent worship, Rohini star worship are also in Tamil and Sanskrit books. Link between the pearl and swati star is also in both the ancient scriptures.

*****

In the Amarakośa, Amarasiṃha lists numerous synonyms for the Sun (Sūrya), highlighting its attributes such as radiance, timekeeping, and its role as the source of light.

Here are the key sun names found in the Amarakosa:

Sūra (सूर): The Sun.

Aryamā (अर्यमा): One of the Adityas.

Dvādaśātmā (द्वादशात्मा): The one with twelve souls (months).

Divākara (दिवाकर): Maker of the day.

Bhāskara (भास्कर): Maker of light/radiance.

Ahaskara (अहस्कर): Creator of the day.

Bradhna (ब्रध्न): The pale/white one.

Prabhākara (प्रभाकर): Creator of light.

Vibhākara (विभाकर): Maker of light/shining.

Bhāsvān (भास्वान्): Radiant/luminous.

Vivasvān (विवस्वान्): The shining one.

Saptāśva (सप्ताश्व): Drawn by seven horses.

Haridaśva (हरिदश्व): Having green/yellow horses.

Uşnaraśmi (उष्णरश्मि): Hot-rayed.

Vikartana (विकर्तन): The cutter (associated with the cutting of the sun’s limbs).

Arka (अर्क): The reverend/radiant one.

Mārtanda (मार्तण्ड): Born from a dead egg (bird), the sun.

Mihira (मिहिर): Friend/cloud-disperser.

Aruṇa (अरुण): Dawn/ruddy.

Pūşā (पूषा): Nourisher.

Dyumaņi (द्युमणि): Jewel of the sky.

Taraņi (तरणि): Swift/remover of darkness.

Mitra (मित्र): Friend.

Citrabhānu (चित्रभानु): Having brilliant rays.

Virocana (विरोचन): Illuminator.

Viśvāvasu (विश्वावसु): One of the Gandharvas, also used for the sun.

Grahapati (ग्रहपति): Lord of the planets.

Tvişāmpati (त्विषांपति): Lord of light.

Aharpati (अहर्पति): Lord of the day.

Bhānu (भानु): Ray/sun.

Hamsa (हंस): The swan/sun.

Sahasrāmśu (सहस्रांशु): Thousand-rayed.

Savitā (सविता): The Arouser/creator.

Tapana (तपन): The Heater.

Ravi (रवि): Praised by all.

Padmākşā (पद्माक्ष): Lotus-eyed.

Tejasāmrāśi (तेजसाम्राशि): Mass of glory.

Chāyānātha (छायानाथ): Lord of shadow.

Tamistahā (तमिस्रहा): Remover of darkness.

Karmasākşi (कर्मसाक्षी): Witness to actions.

Jagaccakşus (जगच्चक्षुस्): Eye of the world.

Lokabandhu (लोकबन्धु): Friend of the world.

Trayitanu (त्रयितनु): The three-bodied (associated with Vedas).

Pradyotana (प्रद्योतन): Shining/illuminating.

Dinamani (दिनमणि): Jewel of the day.

Khadyota (खद्योत): The sky-light.

Lokabāndhava (लोकबान्धव): Relative of the world.

Ina (इन): Strong/lord.

BhaŖga (भर्ग): Refulgent/shining.

Dhāmanidhi (धामनिधि): Repository of light.

Amśumāli (अंशुमाली): Garlanded with rays.

Abjinípati (अब्जिनीपति): Lord of lotus beds.

These names are described and commented upon in the Amara-koṣa-udghāṭana of Kṣīrasvāmin, which provides explanations for the origin and aspects of these sun-related terms. (from Wisdom Library)

****

Navagraha in Asmoleon Museum, Oxford

Navagras in British Museum, London

Oxford Museum

Nine Planets in Hindu Astronomy

Hindus called heavenly bodies Grahas. So Nava Grahas/ Nine Planets include Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. Strictly speaking, sun is a star and moon is earth’s satellite and Rahu and Ketu are north and south lunar nodes. Four of the “nine planets” are not planets. They calculated correctly the time of the eclipses in spite of these naming.

Thesauruses like Amarakosa in Sanskrit and Diwakaram and Pingalandhai in Tamil give several names for the planets. What do we know from these names or epithets for the planets? Navagraha stotras also describe the planets, their colours and their virtues. Now and then we read some “scholarly” articles about Hindus copying Greeks or the Babylonians. Is there any truth in it?

Following are taken from our Hymns or Thesarus:

Statement 1

Mars is the son of Earth (Bhumi putra, Mahisuta)

Statement 2

Mercury is the son of Moon (Induja, Somaja)

Statement 3

Saturn is the son of Sun (Chaya putra)

Statement 4

Venus causes rains (Rain planet in Tamil)

Statement 5

Moon influences Mind; moon is born out of the mind of God

Statement 6

Sun is linked to Eyes; sun is born out of the eyes of God

Statement 7

60,000 Valakilya Rishis, seers of thumb size, travel with the sun.

Statement 8

Guru/Jupiter is the Teacher (guru) of the Devas; Venus is the Teacher of Demons. Both are Brahmins.

Statement 9

Colours of the Planets: Saturn is black, Jupiter is Golden, Mercury is Green, Mars is red and Venus is white.

Statement 10

Saturn is lame or a slow coach; Jupiter measures the years.

What is the meaning?

The above statements are rough translations of the words found in thesaurus or the hymns. What do they mean? Are they scientific?

The short answer is most of them are yet to be proved by science. Let me give some explanations

About Statements 1, 2, 3

When you say that a particular planet is the son of another heavenly body (Graha) it may mean collision between the two heavenly bodies produced X planet. So we call the X planet is the son of so and so. In short it is an astronomical event happened long ago. In astronomical terms billions of years ago.

Another meaning is one looks like another. For instance Mars looks like earth and so we call it the son of the Earth.

The third meaning is that earthly creatures are going to settle in Mars in future. So we call Mars is the son of earth.

The fourth meaning is a hidden meaning which we don’t know now. May be future scientific discoveries may prove us right. If we take soil samples from both the planets and compare it, clearer picture will emerge.

For instance there are several theories about the origin of moon. Nothing is proved beyond doubt. Some say it is a big chunk thrown out of earth because of a collision and it can be easily fit into Pacific Ocean. Some others say it was caught by earth and made a slave (satellite) of earth. These theories can be made as beautiful Puranic stories (Mythology).

About Statement 4

Venus- Rain connection may be superficial or more than that. It is in Sanskrit books as well as Sangam Tamil books. The amount of rains or the drought is forecast by the position or movement of Venus in the sky according to Tamil commentators. Science hasn’t proved it yet.

About Statements 5,6

Rig Veda says that the sun and moon are born from the eyes and mind of the Supreme God. We know for sure the connection between the moon and the mind. Lot of articles have come out in science journals linking the lunatics and the full moon. Hindus believe that doing Surya Namaskar every day in the morning will brighten one’s eyes. Science has to prove it.

“Chandrama Manaso Jata: Chakshor Suryo Ajayata” (Purushasukta in the Tenth Mandala of Rig Veda).

About Statements 8,9, 10

The colours are partly right. When we look at Mars in the sky it is blood red in the night sky.

When we say Saturn is “lame” we know that is the planet that takes longer years than other planets in completing one circle in orbit (30 years). When we say that Jupiter is the planet that measures years we mean it moves from one zodiac sign to another sign every year and completes the 12 zodiacal signs in 12 years which decides Kumba mela, Maha makam and other big festivals.

Planets-lots-of-info-Chart1

I have already written about the Valakilya Rishis (Lilliputian seers travelling with sun). I have also written about the Heavy planet Guru and its sling shot effect in sending the rockets without fuel. Guru in Sanskrit means Heavy and one who sends up (elevates) others.

My Conclusions:

1.No other language has got so many names for the planets or stars like Tamil and Sanskrit. This shows that astronomy was born here and we have not borrowed it from the Greeks or the Babylonians.

2.Brahmins in their Sandhya Vandhanam every day, worship Navagrahas in the same order like Sunday , Monday, Tuesday …….. They couldn’t have borrowed it from someone and inserted it in their Vedic ceremonies.

3.Tamil saint Sambandhar of seventh century CE sang about the nine planets in the same order. So it is Vedic and not Greek.

4. Moreover these beliefs are listed in 2000 year old scriptures in Tamil and Sanskrit from Kanyakumari to Himalayas covering the vast sub continent. So they couldn’t have borrowed it during Alexander’s time and spread it over the entire country. There were no mobile phones or telephone lines or electronic communication at that time!

5. Foreign beliefs can’t be inserted into Hindu ceremonies that easily. They have a fool proof system.

6. Purusha sukta of Rig Veda linked mind to Moon. It is scientifically proved with lots of research confirming the link between the two.

We can conclude that Hindus spread it to the whole word like their decimal system and Hindu numerals.

******

Here is the Sanskrit Hymn

Navagraha strotram

SURYA:

       Om Japa Kusuma Sankasam Kashya peyum mahadyuthim

        Thamorim sarva papaghanam pranatosmi divakaram

Chandra:

        Om Dadhi sankha thusharabham kshirodarnava sambhavam

       Namami sasinam somam shabhormakuda Bhushanam

Mangal(Mars or Chouva)

     Om Dharani Garbha Sambhootham vidyuthi kanthi samaprabham

     Kumaram Sakthi Hastham tham Mangalam Pranamamyaham

Mercury (Budha)

     Om Priyangu Kalikashyamam roopena prathimam budham

      Soumyam soumyagunopetham tham Budham pranamamyaham

Jupiter (Brihaspathi or  Vyasham)

          Om Devanam cha rishinam cha gurum kanchana sannibham

          Budhhibhootham thrilokesham tham namami brihaspatham

Venus (Shukra)

        Om Himakunda mrinalabham dythyanam paramam gurum

          Sarava sastha pravaktharam bhargavam pranamamyaham

Saturn(Shani)

        Om Neelanjana samabhasam raviputhram yamagrajam

         Chhayya marthanda sambhootham tham namami shanaiswaram

Rahu

       Om Ardha kayam mahaveeryam chandradhithiya vimardanam

         Simihika Garbha Sambhootam Tham Rahum Pranamamayaham

Kethu

       Om Palasa Pushpa sankasam tharakagraha masthakam

        Roudram roudrathmakam ghoram tham Kethum pranamamyaham

Meaning

The first verse is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. In this verse sun is compared to Hibiscus (Japa Kusuma) with magnificence (Mahaa-dyutim). He is the descendent of Sage Kashyapa (Kashyapeeyam). Destroyer of darkness and sins (Tamorim sarva paapaghnam), He is the day-maker (Divakaram) too.   

The second hymn is on Chandra, the Moon. His colour is of Yogurt, Shell and Snow (Dadhi Shanka Tushara). He is born out of Milky Ocean at the time of Samudra Mathana (Ksheeror daarnava sambhavam) and bears the rabbit (Shashi) in Him. He is the head ornament of Shambhu (Shambhur mukuta bhushanam).

The third hymn is on Mangala, the Mars. He is Youth (Kumaram) Romans too consider Mars to be valiant youth. Born out of Earth (Dharani Garbha sambhutam) He is bright as lightening (Vidyut Kanti samaprabham).

The fourth hymn is on Budha, the Mercury. Like the bud of Priyangu (Aglaia Elaeagnoidea) He is Shyama (cloud colour) astronomers have observed Mercury to be grey. Roopene apratimam (matchless beauty). Gentle and composed nature (Sowmyam Sowmyagunopetam).

The fifth hymn is on Guru, the Jupiter. Resembling Gold (Kanchana sannibham) he is the preceptor of Deva and Rishis (Devanam cha Rishinam cha). He is embodiment of Intellect (Buddhi bhutam) and Lord of three worlds (Trilokesham).

The sixth hymn is on Sukra, the Venus. With the advantage of looking like the fibre of snow jasmine (Hima Kunda mirnalaabham), He is the teacher for Demons (Daityanam Paramam Gurum). He is the preacher of all science (Sarva shastra pravaktaaram).

The seventh hymn is on Shani, the Saturn. There is a mention of the Rings of Saturn (Neelanjana Samabhaasam) Neela is blue, Anjana is embellishment and Samabhaasam is resemble. He is (Raviputra) Son of Sun and Elder brother to Yama (Yamagrajam). He is son of Surya and Chayadevi (Chayamarthanda Sambootam) Marthanda is Sun.   

The eighth hymn is on Rahu, the north lunar node. He has half body but he is brave (Ardhakayam mahaveeram), He is the destroyer of Sun and moon (Chandraditya vimardanam) that is, while eclipse he destroys them. He is the son of Simhika, sister of Prahalada (Simhikagarbha sambootam).  

The ninth hymn is on Ketu, the south lunar node. He is red as Butea flower (Palasha Pushpa samkaasha). He is the head of all stars and planets (Tarakagriha mastakam). He is fierce and terrifying (Raudram Raudratmakam).


Gangaokonda Chozapuram Navagrahas in one stone.

To be continued………………

Tags- Navagrahas, Surya, Nine heavenly bodies, Gravity, Solar system, Hindu knowledge, Science in Navagraha Hymn, Synonyms for Sun, 29 Names

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by Tamil and Vedas on March 26, 2026  •  Permalink
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Krishna and Balram killed 21 Demons (Post No.15,526)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,526

Date uploaded in London – 23 March 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx  

Lord Krishna killed numerous demons and tyrants to restore dharma, primarily during his childhood in Vrindavana and later in Mathura and Dwarka. Key demons included Putana, Trinavarta, Aghasura, Bakasura, Dhenukasura, Keshi, Vyomasura, Narakasura, and his maternal uncle, Kamsa. His elder brother Balarama also joined him in his adventurous deeds.

1

Putana (Witch): Attempted to poison Krishna with her breast milk.

Putana was a demoness sent by King Kansa to kill the infant Krishna by breastfeeding him with poisoned milk. Disguised as a beautiful woman, she entered Gokul, but Krishna sucked her life force along with the poison, killing her.

2

Trinavarta (Whirlwind): Sent by Kamsa to carry away the infant Krishna.

 Trinavarta  was a demon in the form of a whirlwind sent by King Kansa to kill infant Krishna; he kidnapped the child by creating a massive dust storm in Gokul. As he flew into the sky, Krishna became unimaginably heavy, choking the demon, causing him to crash to the ground dead. Krishna was found unharmed, playing on the demon’s body.

3

Sakatasura (Cart): A ghost inhabiting a cart, broken by infant Krishna.

The Sakatasura anecdote tells of Lord Krishna killing a cart-demon sent by Kamsa to harm him during his childhood. As a three-month-old baby, Krishna kicked over a cart (his disguises) when it tried to crush him, killing the demon.

4

Vatsasura (Calf): Disguised as a calf, killed by being thrown into a tree.

Vatsasura was a demon sent by Kamsa to kill Krishna and Balarama in Vrindavana by disguising himself as a calf. While grazing calves, Krishna recognized the demon, caught him by his hind legs and tail, and spun him to death before throwing him into a tree.

5

Bakasura (Crane Demon):

One day, Kansa called for Bakasura – a fearsome bird – and told him to go get rid of Krishna. At that time, Krishna was playing in the forest with his friends, until a massive shadow fell on them. Looking up, the kids saw a monstrous bird flying straight at them. As Bakasura swooped down with his beak wide open, Krishna grabbed the sharp beak, and jumped right into it. Bakasura’s beak cracked and broke. The pain was too much, and the demon collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

6

Aghasura (Python): Younger brother of Putana, who swallowed the cowherd boys.

Aghasura was a gigantic serpent demon and brother to Putana and Bakasura, sent by Kamsa to kill Krishna in Vrindavan. He took the form of a long snake, creating a cave-like mouth that tempted cowherd boys and calves inside. Krishna rescued them by killing the demon from within, offering him liberation.

7

Dhenukasura (Ass): Killed by Balarama, with assistance from Krishna, at the palm tree forest.

Dhenukasura was a donkey-demon who guarded the Talavana (palm forest) near Vrindavan, preventing anyone from enjoying its fruits. At the urging of cowherd friends, Lord Balarama and Krishna entered the forest, where Balarama shook the trees, provoking Dhenukasura to attack. Balarama swiftly killed the demon by whirling him around and tossing him into a tree.

8

Kaliya (Serpent): Subdued and banished from the Yamuna river.

Kaliya, a Naga (serpent), moved to the Yamuna River to flee Garuda, contaminating the water so heavily that birds and trees died and the area was rendered inhabitable, say Villains Wiki and Facebook post.

While playing, Krishna’s ball went into the river, prompting him to climb a Kadamba tree and jump in to confront the beast,

Kaliya wrapped his coils around Krishna, attempting to kill him. Krishna, as a child, grew in size and began dancing on the snake’s heads, crushing him.

Kaliya’s wives, the Nag-patnis, pleaded for mercy. Krishna granted this, ordering Kaliya to leave the Yamuna forever and return to Ramanaka Dwipa, promising him safety from Garuda.

9

Pralambasura (Fiery/Forest): Slain by Balarama (with Krishna’s aid).

Pralambasura was a powerful demon sent by King Kamsa to kill Krishna and Balarama, who disguised himself as a cowherd boy to join their games in Vrindavan. During a game of tag where losers carried winners, Pralambasura lost to Balarama and carried him, aiming to kill him, but Balarama killed him with a massive blow to the head.

10

Kesi (Horse): A horse demon who was killed by Krishna.

Keshi (also spelled Kesi or Keśī, meaning “the hairy one”) is a fearsome horse-demon who was sent by the evil King Kamsa to kill Lord Krishna.

  •  After his other demons failed to eliminate Krishna, Kamsa sent Keshi, a mighty demon capable of shapeshifting, to Vrindavan to destroy him.
  • Keshi took the form of a gigantic, ferocious horse. He created chaos in Gokula, terrifying residents, shattering the earth with his hooves, and roaring so loudly that clouds were scattered.
  • Krishna, along with his cowherd friends, challenged the horse. Keshi charged at Krishna with his mouth open, intending to devour him. Krishna, appearing unfazed, caught the demon’s legs and threw him a significant distance.
  • Reinvigorated, Keshi charged again. This time, Krishna thrust his left hand into the demon’s gaping mouth
  • Inside the demon’s throat, Krishna’s hand began to expand, choking Keshi. The demon fell to the ground dead.

11

Vyomasura (Sky/Bat): Killed while trying to hide with cowherd boys.

Vyomasura (“sky demon”) was a magical demon and son of Mayasura, sent by Kamsa to kill Krishna. While playing a game of thieves and sheep with cowherd boys on Govardhana Hill, Vyomasura disguised himself as a cowherd and kidnapped most of the boys, trapping them in a mountain cave. Krishna killed him to rescue his friend

12

Kamsa (Uncle): Tyrannical king of Mathura.

A tyrannical king of Mathura. Maternal uncle of Krishna . son of ugrasena and father of Devaki, mother of Krishna. He married twin daughters of Jarasandha named Asti and Prapti, king of Magadha. He deposed his father Ugrasena. It was foretold that a son born of Devaki should kill him. So he killed all children born to her except two. Balarama, her seventh son was smuggled out to Gokula and was brought up by Rohini. When Krishna was born as the eighth child his parents fled with him. The tyrant then gave orders to kill all vigorous male children . Kamsa persecuted Krishna and at the end Krishna killed him. Because of this he earned the enmity of Jarasandha. Kamsa was also called kalaankura, the crane.

***

13

Narakasura (Demon King): Killed for ruling with terror and imprisoning thousands of women.

Narakasura,, the son of Bhudevi (Earth Goddess) and Vishnu’s Varaha avatar, was known for his tyranny, abduction of 16,100 women, and theft of divine treasures. He was killed by Lord Krishna and Satyabhama (reincarnation of Bhudevi) to restore righteousness, with his death celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi before Diwali. 

  • Born from the union of Vishnu’s Varaha form and Bhudevi, he was initially pious but grew arrogant and evil due to the influence of Banasura.
  • He terrorized the three worlds (heavens and earth), stole Aditi’s (mother of gods) earrings, and forced 16,100 women into captivity.
  • Due to a boon, he could only be killed by his mother. Satyabhama, Krishna’s wife and Bhudevi’s reincarnation, fought him, while Krishna killed him with the Sudarshana Chakra.
  • Legacy (Diwali): He requested that his death be celebrated as a victory of light over dark, leading to the tradition of Naraka Chaturdashi, where his effigies are burned.
  • Liberation of Wives: Following his death, Krishna married the 16,100 women rescued from captivity to restore their social honor.

14

Shishupala

Shishupala was a Chedi king in the Mahabharata born with three eyes and four arms, destined to die at Krishna’s hands. Due to a promise made to Shishupala’s mother, Krishna forgave his first 100 insults, but killed him with the Sudarshana Chakra at the Rajasuya Yajna after the 101st insult, granting him liberation.

Birth & Prophecy: Born to Damaghosha and Shrutashrava (Krishna’s aunt), his physical abnormalities vanished when placed on Krishna’s lap, confirming the prophecy.

The Promise: His mother, knowing his destined death, persuaded Krishna to pardon 100 offenses.

Enmity toward Krishna: Shishupala harbored deep hatred after Krishna married Rukmini, who was intended for him.

The Final Insult: At Yudhishthira’s Rajasuya sacrifice, Shishupala insulted Krishna when he was honored as the supreme guest. Krishna unleashed the Sudarshana Chakra after the 100th insult.

Liberation: Shishupala was a reincarnation of Jaya (a gatekeeper of Vishnu) cursed to spend three lives as Vishnu’s enemy. His death by Krishna granted his soul liberation

15

Dantavakra: Dantavakra, the King of Karusha and a cousin to Krishna, was a ferocious enemy of Krishna, acting as a mortal incarnation of Vishnu’s gatekeeper, Vijaya. Seeking to avenge the death of his friend Shishupala, he attacked Krishna alone with a mace but was killed, granting him salvation.

16

Wrestler Chanura

The fight between Chanura/Mushtika and Krishna/Balarama was a pivotal wrestling match held in Mathura, orchestrated by King Kamsa to kill Krishna. 

  • Kamsa invited Krishna and Balarama to a Dhanur Yajna (bow ceremony) intending to trap them. He set up his strongest wrestlers, Chanur and Mushtika, to fight the young brothers, hoping to end them.
  • Despite the unfair matchup, Krishna fought Chanur while Balarama took on Mushtika. The fight took place in an arena watched by Kamsa.
    • Krishna defeated and killed Chanur, showcasing his divine strength.
    • Balarama defeated and killed Mushtik.
  • Aftermath: Following the defeat of these champions, Krishna killed the tyrant king Kamsa in a subsequent confrontation in the same arena.

17

Wrestler Mushtika

18

Arishtasura (Bull Demon)

The demon Ariṣṭa wanted to kill Krishna and Balarāma, and thus he assumed the form of a huge bull with sharp horns. Everyone in Kṛishṇa’s cowherd village became terrified when Ariṣṭāsura approached it;but twhen the bull demon charged him he seized him by the horns and threw him to the ground and thrashed him like a pile of wet clothing. The demon gave up his life.

19

Kala Yavana

Kalayavana- kaalayavana

Kālayavana (कालयवन).—a kind of yavanas and enemy of Kṛṣṇa and an invincible foe of the Yādavas. Kṛṣṇa, finding it impossible to vanquish him on the field of battle, cunningly decoyed him to the cave where Muchakunda was sleeping who burnt him down.

Lord Krishna was chased by a Kala yavana and Krishna entered the cave where Mucukunda was sleeping. When Mucukunda became tired he got a boon from God to sleep undisturbed for a long time in a cave. Kalayavana also entered the cave and slapped on Mucukundan thinking that it was Krishna pretending to sleep. When Mucukunda opened his eyes, Kalayavana was burnt to ashes. Tricky Krishna came out of his hiding and blessed Mucukunda.

20

Kuvalayapeedam

The anecdote of Kuvalayapida (often referred to as Kuvalaya Peedam in Tamil contexts) concerns a massive, intoxicated royal elephant sent by the tyrant King Kamsa to kill Lord Krishna and his brother Balarama upon their arrival in Mathura. 

  • The Trap: Knowing that Krishna was destined to destroy him, Kamsa arranged a wrestling match and stationed his most feared, maddened elephant, Kuvalayapida, at the gate of the arena, managed by a skilled rider.
  • The Challenge: As Krishna and Balarama approached the entrance, the mahout ordered the elephant to attack.
  • The Victory: Krishna accepted the challenge and, showcasing superhuman strength, seized the elephant by its tusks, broke them off, and used them to instantly kill both the beast and its rider. 

21

·         The Binding (Damodara): Dama means rope, udara means belly; Krishna is named Damodara for having a rope tied around His abdomen.

·         The Turning Point: Seeing His mother tired, Krishna allows Himself to be bound, demonstrating His love for His devotees.

·         The Liberation: While tied to the mortar, Krishna drags it and topples two Arjuna trees, liberating the sons of Kubera, Nalakubara and Manigriva, who were cursed to be trees.

–-subham—

Tags- Demons, killed by, Krishna, Balarama, 21 demons, Narakasura, Diwali, 

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by Tamil and Vedas on March 23, 2026  •  Permalink
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Posted by Tamil and Vedas on March 23, 2026

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Aththi varadar and Adi varahar Temples in Kumbakonam (Post No.15,491)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,491

Date uploaded in Kumbakonam, India –  12 March 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx  

Athi Varadar festival in Kumbakonam featuring the rare, once-in-12-years public viewing of the idol ended on tenth March 2026. Over 500,000 devotees had the darshan standing in the long queue for hours.

Here are the key details from the news reports (as of March 2026):

12-Year Cycle: Unlike the 40-year cycle in Kanchipuram, the Athi Varadar idol at the Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kumbakonam is brought out from its underground chamber once every 12 years.

Current Event (2026): The idol was brought out for public worship in March 2026, marking the end of its 12-year seclusion.

Duration: The special darshan, which includes rituals like Thailakappu (oil anointing) and Oonjal Sevai (swing ritual), is scheduled for a limited period, often spanning about 10 days, attracting thousands of devotees.

Location: The temple is located on Brahmman Koil Street in Kumbakonam.

In a spiritually significant event, the sacred Athi Varadar idol will be brought out from the underground chamber of the Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kumbakonam after a gap of 12 years. The rare occasion drew devotees not only from Tamil Nadu but also from Andhra, Telangana, Kerala and a few North Indian states.

The Athi Varadar idol, carved from the sacred athi (fig) tree, is preserved in a subterranean chamber within the temple premises as part of a long-standing tradition. According to temple customs, the idol is taken out only once every 12 years for a brief period of public worship. Along with the main deity, Sri Devi and Bhoodevi are also part of the ceremonial display.

During the special darshan period, which lasted for  ten days, elaborate rituals and poojas were conducted in accordance with Agama traditions. Ceremonies such as Thailakappu (oil anointing), Pushpa Alankaram (flower decoration), and Oonjal Sevai (swing ritual) were performed with devotional fervour.

Temple authorities made extensive arrangements to manage the surge in devotees, including regulated darshan timings and security measures. The event transformed Kumbakonam into a major spiritual hub, as devotees gathered to witness and participate in this rare and auspicious tradition.

Only one incident was reported ;a devotee passed away while waiting in the long queue for the darshan on March 10, 2026.

( The Athi Varadar idol in Kumbakonam is distinct from the more famous, larger Athi Varadar idol in Kanchipuram, though both are made of fig wood.)

***

Adi Varaha Perumal /Vishnu Temple

I visited Adi Varaha Perumal /Vishnu Temple (aadi varaaha perumaal) on 10th March 2026 and had good darshan. It is a small temple compared to Sarngapani and Chakrapani Vishnu temples. It is very near the famous Kumbeshwar Siva Temple.

God/Moolavar : Sri Adhi Varaha Perumal

Goddess/Thayar    : Sri Ambujavalli

It has no tall tower. but instead there is an Arch which is East facing. On top of the Welcome Arch Sri Varaha Perumal is seen along with few other Gods. There is a gold plated Dwajasthambam, a Bali Peedam and a Garudalwar who faces the Moolavar Sannadhi. It is about 800 years old.

Thayar/Goddess Ambujavalli is in a separate shrine in a sitting posture with abhaya varada hastam.

According to Sthala Purana/ local history,Demon Hiranyaksha took Bhumadevi deep inside the earth. Bhumadevi prayed to Maha Vishnu to rescue her. Maha Vishnu took the Varaha avatar, dug the earth with his nose, and brought her back. Hence, Maha Vishnu of this temple is called Adhi Varaha Perumal Temple. Varaha means boar. It I one of the Ten Avatars/Dasavatar.

This Temple is one of the five Templescelebrating  Mahamaham festival that is held once in 12 years. Inside the Sanctum Sanctorum Adhi Varaha Perumal can be seen along with His Consort Bhoomadevi on His Lap and Adisesham can be seen in a standing posture.

 This is a Vadakalai  temple with Nigamantha Desikan shrine inside the temple.

One of the special features of the temple is a rare Prasad/Food offering. A root called Korai Kizangu is used in the food offering to God here. Since the God is in the form of Boar, this is considered appropriate offering.

Korai Kizhangu, or Nut Grass (Cyperus rotundus), is a traditional Ayurvedic and Siddha tuberous root known for its diverse medicinal, skincare, and hair removal properties. It is used to treat skin infections, improve skin texture, boost immunity, and aid digestion, often consumed as a powder or used as a topical paste.

–subham—

Tags– Aththivaradar and Adivarahar Temples , Kumbakonam, Root vegetable Prasad, 12 years,Korai Kizhangu,

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by Tamil and Vedas on March 12, 2026  •  Permalink
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