All posts tagged temples

HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 99; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-99 (Post.16,098)

Hitler misused Swastika.

Hindus’ Auspicious symbol Swastika 

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 16,098

Date uploaded in London – 17 August 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 

Subhadra

Subhadra was daughter of Vasudeva, sister of Krishna and Balarama, and wife of Arjuna. She was the mother of Abhimanyu.

Subhadra (सुभद्र) is a name mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. VI.68.8) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places. Her name is found in many stories as a proper noun. Hare Krishna Movement has made her popular through Rath Yatras around the world. The sister of Jagannath whose image is worshipped with those of that deity and his brother Balarama, and carried in procession with them in the Ratha- Yatra, or annual movement of the car of Jagannath.

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Sukra/ sukracharya

Sukra is planet Venus, meaning white. Sukracharya is Asura Guru—brahmin teacher of the Demons in Hindu literature. Sukra as planet Venus is in Purananuru, Sangam Tamil Book, and Brhat Samhita. The planet’s movement is associated with rain on earth; yet to be proved by science.

Sukracharya is also mentioned in Sangam Tamil books as Two Great Brahmins (other one is Brhaspati, planet Jupiter, teacher of Devas.

Point to be notes is all Asuras worshipped Hindu Gods and got boons and they were taught by Brahmins. .

Sukracharya’s daughter was Devayani . her love affair with Kacha, son of Deva Guru Brhaspati, was a long and popular story; feature fils had been made on Kacha Devayani. Another story is her clash with Sarmishta.

Devayānī (देवयानी).—Name of the daughter of Śukra, preceptor of the Asuras. [She fell in love with Kacha, her father’s pupil, but he rejected her advances. On this she cursed the youth, who in return cursed her that she should become the wife of a Kṣatriya (See kaca.) Once upon a time Devayānī and her companion Śarmiṣṭhā, the daughter of Vṛṣaparvan, the king of the Daityas, went to bathe keeping their clothes on the shore. But the god Wind changed their clothes, and when they were dressed they began to quarrel about the change until Śarmiṣṭhā, so far lost her temper that she, slapped Devayānī’s face, and threw her into a well. There she remained until she was seen and rescued by Yayāti, who, with the consent of her father, married her, and Śarmiṣṭhā became her servant as a recompense for her insulting conduct towards her. Devayānī lived happily with Yayāti for some years and bore him two sons, Yadu and Turvasu. Subsequently her husband became enamoured of Śarmiṣṭhā, and Devayānī, feeling herself aggrieved, abruptly left her husband and went home to her father, who at her request condemned Yayāti with the infirmity of old age. (Kacha Devayani Story is already given under Devayani, Kacha).

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Sukra niti

Śukrācārya (शुक्राचार्य) or Uśanā is one of the most important political thinkers of India, The school established by him had become famous and came to be recognised by the names or Auśanasa. It appears that he and his followers and disciples had introduced quite a large number of works to propagate their views and popularise their idealism. But till today only one of such works is available and that is also most probably an abridged edition of one of his texts. The name of that book is Śukranītisāra .

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Sundara kanda

Sundara kaanda is the fifth book in Valmiki Ramayana. this is the most celebrated part in Ramayana. People read the full canto in Sanskrit or Tamil as a ritual. It is believed that such a reading or recitation will bring all the auspicious things into a family. Those who seek wealth or wish someone’s wedding read it in the prayer room. Even the printed book is worshipped by the Hindus.  Hanuma is the hero who meets Sita Devi and Lanka report it back to Lord Rama. So it is considered a story of a successful venture. Those who do traditional discourse receive gifts from the listeners when the Golden Ring part is narrated

Chapter 1 – The Departure of Hanuman

Chapter 2 – Hanuman’s Arrival in Lanka

Chapter 3 – Hanuman enters the City

Chapter 4 – Hanuman observes the City and its Inhabitants

Chapter 5 – Hanuman ranges the City without finding Sita

Chapter 6 – Hanuman explores Ravana’s Palace

Chapter 7 – Description of the Aerial Chariot Pushpaka

Chapter 8 – Further Description of the Aerial Chariot Pushpaka

Chapter 9 – Hanuman searches the Harem

Chapter 10 – Hanuman sees Ravana surrounded by his Wives

Chapter 11 – Description of the Banqueting Hall

Chapter 12 – Hanuman becomes despondent

Chapter 13 – Hanuman’s Dilemma

Chapter 14 – The Ashoka Grove

Chapter 15 – Hanuman sees Sita

Chapter 16 – Hanuman’s Reflections on seeing Sita

Chapter 17 – Description of the Female Titans who guarded Sita

Chapter 18 – Ravana goes to the Ashoka Grove

Chapter 19 – Sita’s Grief

Chapter 20 – Ravana begs Sita to wed him

Chapter 21 – Sita rejects Ravana’s Advances with disdain

Chapter 22 – Ravana’s Threats

Chapter 23 – The Female Titans seek to persuade Sita to wed Ravana

Chapter 24 – Menace of the Female Titans

Chapter 25 – Sita gives way to Despair

Chapter 26 – Sita prophesies the Titan’s Destruction

Chapter 27 – Trijata’s Dream

Chapter 28 – Sita’s Lament

Chapter 29 – Sita observes auspicious Portents

Chapter 30 – Hanuman’s Reflections

Chapter 31 – Hanuman praises Rama

Chapter 32 – Sita sees Hanuman

Chapter 33 – Hanuman’s Converse with the Princess Sita

Chapter 34 – Sita’s Uncertainty on seeing Hanuman

Chapter 35 – Hanuman makes himself known to Sita

Chapter 36 – Sita questions Hanuman

Chapter 37 – Sita refuses to be rescued by Hanuman

Chapter 38 – Sita gives Hanuman her Jewel

Chapter 39 – Hanuman calms Sita’s Fears

Chapter 40 – Hanuman takes leave of Sita

Chapter 41 – Hanuman destroys the Ashoka Grove

Chapter 42 – Hanuman destroys the Kinkaras

Chapter 43 – Hanuman burns the Temple and Monument

Chapter 44 – The Death of Jambumalin

Chapter 45 – Hanuman slays the Sons of Ravana’s Ministers

Chapter 46 – Hanuman annihilates five Generals and their Forces

Chapter 47 – The Death of Aksha

Chapter 48 – Hanuman allows himself to be taken captive by the Titans

Chapter 49 – Hanuman’s astonishment on beholding Ravana

Chapter 50 – Hanuman is questioned by the Titans

Chapter 51 – Hanuman’s words

Chapter 52 – Bibishana pleads for Hanuman

Chapter 53 – Hanuman is led bound through the City

Chapter 54 – Hanuman sets fire to Lanka

Chapter 55 – Hanuman’s Anxiety concerning Sita

Chapter 56 – Hanuman’s takes leave of Sita

Chapter 57 – The Return of Hanuman

Chapter 58 – Hanuman recounts his Experiences

Chapter 59 – Hanuman appeals to the Monkeys to rescue Sita

Chapter 60 – mbavan rejects Angada’s Project

Chapter 61 – The Devastation of Madhuvana

Chapter 62 – The Fight Between Dadhimukha And The Intruders

Chapter 63 – Dadhimukha relates how Madhuvana has been laid waste

Chapter 64 – Sugriva consoles Rama

Chapter 65 – Hanuman tells Rama of his Meeting with Sita

Chapter 66 – Rama’s Grief

Chapter 67 – Hanuman describes his Interview with Sita

Chapter 68 – Hanuman repeats his Words of Consolation to Sita

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Sumeru

One meaning is North Pole. Hindu literature says Sun and Moon are going around it for ever which is scientifically correct if one lives in North Pole  or in polar regions. Another meaning is Golden Mountain.

Sumeru (सुमेरु).—One of the mountains of Jambūdvīpa.—Sumeru has received a fabulous treatment at the hands of ancient Indian writers. Kālidāsa and other Sanskrit poets call it a mountain of gold and make it the dwelling place of supernatural beings like Vidyādharas and Kiṃpuruṣas. According to Rājaśekhara the Meru mountain is situated in the middle of the Jambūdvīpa. It is encircled by Ilāvartavarṣa.

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Sura (intoxicating liquor/Toddy)alcoholic drinks

Vedas and Sanskrit books clearly differentiate alcoholic Sura from Soma, the Divine Elixir.

Surā (सुरा) refers to a type of drink mentioned in the Ṛgveda VIII.2.12, and is commonly found in literature dealing with the topics of dietetics and culinary art, also known as Pākaśāstra or Pākakalā.—Other common intoxicating drinks mentioned in Vedic literature are parisrut, kīlāla and māsara. Ṛgveda describes another drink also which is known as surā. This was prepared by fermenting barley or wild paddy after distilling it. Drinking of sura is not considered as meritorious as soma.

According to Ayurvedic saṃhitas/ treatises, intoxicating drinks can be prepared with rice , sugar (śārkara), and unboiled juice of sugarcane (śīdhu). According to Suśruta, in the preparation of these drinks, when surā is used instead of water it was called surāsavā. Liquors were also prepared with madhūka flowers and honey.

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Surya vamsa

Sūryavaṃśa (सूर्यवंश):—According to Puranas, one of the two great dynasties of ancient India, the counterpart to the Candravaṃśa or ‘Lunar Dynasty’. The descendants of Iḷa’s eldest son, Ikṣvāku, including, notably, Rāma, belong to the Sūryavaṃśa/ Solar Dynasty.

In the traditional genealogies of the Suryavamsha (Solar Dynasty) recorded in Hindu Puranas (such as the Vishnu Purana and Agni Purana), a total of 146 kings are listed from the founder Ikshvaku down to the final recorded ruler, Sumitra. Then Nanda Dynasty ruled India.

The lineage traces back from the Sun God (Vivasvan) to Vaivasvata Manu, whose son Ikshvaku became the first earthly king of the dynasty.

Choza Kings of Tamil Nadu belong to Surya Vamsa and Pandya Kings belong to Chandra Vamasa (lunar dynasty, according to ancient inscriptions.

Indus Valley Theories Exploded

Even if 20 year rule per king is given, the beginning will be 3000 years before sixth century BCE (Nanda Dynasty).

Those who believe this cant agree with foreigners’ date of Rig Veda or Indus Valley civilization.

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Surya

Sun God in Hindu literature. Tamil Nadu temples have his statue in the corridor. In Tamil and Sanskrit literature he has been portrayed as riding a one wheeled chariot pulled by seven horses. It is a symbolic way of describing the rainbow (VIBGYOR in science).

Most of the Sanskrit books and inscriptions end with the sentence AS LONG AS THE SUN AND MOON EXIST, which shows their knowledge in science. Uless one knows the continuous existence of heavenly bodies one could not make such statement . in ancient India there were special temples for Sun God like Konark in Odisah, which were destroyed by Muslim invaders. Most beautiful description of the temple Multan temple is still available but not the temple. Maga Brahmins of Saka Dwipa worshipped Sun. They migrated from Iran to India.

Astrological and Astronomical descriptions of Sun are available from Rig Vedic periods.

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Surya Siddhanta

The Sūrya-siddhānta is by far the most widely used Sanskrit text on astronomy. It has been held in great esteem in India. Its opening verses say that an incarnation of the sun taught it to the great asura named Maya at the end of the last kṛta-yuga, or age of perfection. According to the information given in its first chapter on the lengths of the yugas and how many of these ages have passed in this kalpa or world-period, this would have been more than two million years ago. If so, the Sūrya-siddhānta has undergone a lot of change since then. Based solely on what can be seen in the last 1,500 years, material has been deleted from it, material has been added to it, and its arrangement has frequently been altered.

It is attributed to Lāṭadeva, a student of Aryabhatta and the current edition is dated to somewhere between the end of the 4th and 5th centuries by most modern scholars, and it comprises fourteen chapters.

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Sushruta

Sushruta who lived 2600 years ago in India is the Father of Surgery. He described  over 100 medical instruments. He was famous for nose surgery known as rhinoplasty. The amazing thing about the Nose Surgery is that it was used even 300 years ago in India.

Suśruta (सुश्रुत).—Reputed master of the science of Surgery, Suśruta was the grandson of King Gādhi and son of Viśvāmitra. (Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 4, Verse 55).

 Name of the author of a system of medicine, whose work, together with that of Charaka, is regardad as the oldest medical authority, and held in great esteem in India even to this day.

Sushruta was the Father of Surgery. He describes a lot of surgical instruments. On the basis of his description, model instruments were created

Among the surgical techniques described in the  Ssruta Samhiat is rhinoplasty, the repair of a severed nose. Variations of this technique have survived in India over the centuries. In 1794, an article in the Gentleman’s magazine of London reported an operation carried out on an employee of the British East India Company who had been captured and mutilated during the Mysore Wars. As witnessed by Company surgeons, a flap of skin incised from the forehead was grafted onto the stump from which a new nose was formed. Such reports heled the resurgence of Indian surgical methods in the 1700s and foreshadowed the modern plastic surgery.

His statues are installed in several reputed medical institutions around the world

The Sushruta Samhita contains a total of 186 chapters (and up to 184–186 depending on the recension), divided into two main parts: the Purva-tantra (5 sections with 120 chapters) and the Uttara-tantra (66 chapters).

Purva-tantra (First Part – 120 Chapters)

  • Sutra Sthana (46 chapters): Basic principles, definitions, surgical instruments, medical student training, and pharmacology.
  • Nidana Sthana (16 chapters): Pathogenesis and causes of various diseases.
  • Sharira Sthana (10 chapters): Human anatomy, embryology, and vital body parts (marmas).
  • Chikitsa Sthana (40 chapters): Therapeutics, general treatment methods, and surgical procedures.
  • Kalpa Sthana (8 chapters): Toxicology, including animal and plant poisons and antidotes.
  •  

Uttara-tantra (Complementary Part – 66 Chapters)

  • Deals with specialized branches including eye, ear, nose, and throat diseases (Shalakya Tantra), pediatrics (Kaumara Bhritya), psychiatry (Bhuta Vidya), and general medicine (Kaya Chikitsa)

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Swayambhu

Sanskrit: स्वयम्भू) translates to “self-born,” “self-existent,” or “self-manifested”. Statues in several temples are considered Self born. Some natural rocks or stone formations looked like divinities. Some natural formations such as the famous Kailash Mountain or Tiruvannamlai hill look like Shivaling. This is nature’s work of art. Some are scientifically explained. The most famous Amarnath Ice Linga is formed by dropping water through the mountain crevices. But yet it is a natural wonder to see it in a particular season every year in Amarnath, Kashmir. But there is another category explained by science.

Brahma is also called Swayambhu.

Science behind Swayambhu Lingams

A letter published in London Times newspaper on 20th May, 1994 explains this. Anne C.A. Silk wrote this letter in reply to a reader’s query. The letter gives some interesting information about “stone growing fields” in Chiltern Hills. (These Hills are not far from London). “There was a local industry of gathering the large flints, some the size of a fist, to sell to local builders by the roadside.

There is a further reason for the ascending mode of flints and rocks worldwide, over and above the fork disturbance proposed by Brian Parker (May 14 letter). This is the natural extremely low frequency (ELF) seismic energy from deep within earth.

Micro seismic activity from faults such as Church Stratton Fault, Mere Fault, Great Glen Fault, sub terranean settling and indeed traffic at roundabouts will generate ELF energy sufficient enough to vibrate rocks and stones to the surface.

It is of relevance to note that ELF frequencies from 30 Hz to 300 Hz also cover brain waves in humans”.

So we can conclude that Swayambu Lingams come from below the earth by ELF or some forces yet unknown to science.

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Sukanya

Sukanyā (सुकन्‍या): Meaning – Fair-maid, Sukanya was a princess. She once mistakenly blinded the sage Chyavana, and to make amends for her mistake married him. He was much older than her, yet they were very happy together. The Ashwini twins were smitten by her beauty so they came up with a plan to trick her. They offered to restore her husband’s sight and youth. As she did not have any suspicions of their motive, she accepted.

Another version gives more details

Sukanyā (सुकन्या).—A daughter of Sayāti: when once she went with her father to the hermitage of Cyavana, she saw an anthill with two luminous objects in holes which she pricked with a thorn. This resulted in blood-flowing from the eyes of the sage Cyavana. The king asked the sage’s pardon by giving his daughter in marriage. Aśvins called on them and made Cyavana look young to the puzzle of Sukanyā. The Aśvins revealed to her of Cyavana’s rejuvenation. Once her father came and seeing her with a young man, he took him to be her paramour and scolded her. But when he heard the truth of the matter he was pleased.*

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Svetasvatara Upanishad

This Upanishad belongs to the Krishna-Yajurveda. It gets its name from Rishi Svetasvatara who taught the truth contained in it to his disciples. It presents a mixture of Vedanta, Sankhya and Yoga tenets.
In this Upanishad Siva or Rudra is declared to be the creator, preserver and destroyer of the world. He is the material and efficient cause of this world. He is identified with the Supreme Brahman.

It explores the Supreme Reality (Brahman), individual souls, and yoga. It bridges philosophical knowledge with devotion (Bhakti) and meditation to achieve liberation.

The text has six Adhyaya (chapters), each with varying number of verses. The epilogue verse 6.21 is a homage to sage Shvetashvatara for proclaiming Brahman-knowledge to ascetics.

The name “Shvetashvatara” has the compound Sanskrit root Shvetashva (श्वेताश्व, Shvet + ashva), which literally means “white horse” and “drawn by white steeds. The chronology of Shvetashvatara Upanishad is contested, but it is generally accepted to be a late-period Upanishadic composition.

The text is  notable for its multiple mentions of both Rudra and Shiva, along with other Vedic deities, and of crystallization of Shiva as a central theme.

Adi Shankara did not write an undisputed formal commentary (bhashya) on the Svetasvatara Upanishad. While a commentary on it has been historically attributed to him by some traditions and minor printings, mainstream scholars and traditional Advaita authorities do not count it among his authentic works

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Swarga

Svarga (स्वर्ग) refers to “heaven” (i.e., Svarga signifies the heaven of Indra which is supposed to be situated on Mount Meru), according to the Siva Purana. Svarga (स्वर्ग) represents the number 21 (twenty-one) in the “word-numeral system” (bhūtasaṃkhyā), which was used in Sanskrit texts.

In Tamil it is called Thurakkam, a word formed by linguistic rules S=T

Like in hundreds of English words TION=SION, here also S becomes T and thus  Suvarkka became Turakka. According to Hindu scriptures, SEX is banned in Swarga. The residents are in the form of Light, but can travel faster than light. There are beautiful girls like Rambha, Urvasi, Tilottama, Menaka etc

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Swastika

Swastik refers to “An auspicious figure generally drawn on the floor near main door of a house”. Svastika (स्वस्तिक) refers to a mystical cross which is believed to bring good fortune to the wearer thereof and which resembles a Greek cross with ends turned in at right angles.

The Svastika has been observed on  Harappan seals, greek pottery of antiquity, on innumerable ornaments in the catacombs of Rome, on ancient personal ornaments in Scandinavia, on ancient urns and weapons in Britain, in devices in Japan and Britain, on coffins in China and on Church bells in England..

Hitler used this symbol in his army, flags etc. Since Max Muller boasted Germans and Aryans, Hitler used this symbol  and proclaimed that Aryan race is a superior race.

North Indians print this symbol even in Wedding invitations.

To be concluded ………………..

Tags- Swastika, Sukanya, Sukra, Surya , Sumeru, Sundara Kanda, HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 99; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-99 , sushruta

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by Tamil and Vedas on August 17, 2026  •  Permalink
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Posted by Tamil and Vedas on August 17, 2026

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Interesting titbits about Madurai Tirumalai Nayak Mahal (Palace)- Post No.15,979

Picture of Tirumalai Nayak Mahal/ Palace

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,979

Date uploaded in London – 13 July 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 

Picture of Tirumalai Nayak Mahal/ Palace from 1956 TVS book on Madurai

Those who visit Madurai in Tamil Nadu never miss the world-famous Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. For local people it is simply Meenaachchi koyil! Those who have more time will visit the famous palace of Tirumalai Nayak. For local people it is simply mahaal. Both the temple and the palace were built by the famous Nayak King Tirumalai Naayakkar. Though the temple has been there in the same place for at least 2000 years, Nayak was the one who constructed it with huge and tall and colourful towers.

Whenever our relatives visited us in Madurai, we used to take them to these places and Mariamman Teppakulam (huge tank) as well. As long as Madurai exists name and fame of the great Nayak king will survive. When we went there our favourite activity was enjoying the smoothness of the mighty tall shining white colonnades/pillars. We used to stroke it and try to hug it. Three or four boys were needed to circle it to join their hands. Nowadays the authorities don’t allow such things.

It is said that the Nayak king sought the help of an Italian architect to design the palace; but the secret of the mighty, strong, smooth colonnades is totally a local technique; it is given in a verse in Madurai Tiruppani Malai (Poem about Madurai Temple Renovation). It gives the secret behind the marble looking, strong tall colonades/pillars. The sculptors mixed lime, sugarcane juice, gooseberry, black gram, myrobalan, terminalia bellerica in a particular proportion; soaked some of them in water to get thick juice out of it. It will be good if our modern engineers or architects try this technique.

The palace called Mahal was built in 1636. At present only one fourth of the original structure remain. When it was built, it had two main parts called Swarga vilasa (Celestial Pavilion) and Ranga Vilasa. Besides these two royal residences, there were a theatre, a shrine, queens’ apartments, an armoury, a building for housing palanquins, royal music hall, a pond, gardens and quarters for relatives and workers. The rampart wall was 900 feet in length and 660 feet in width, and 40 feet in height.

Main palace has pillars 40 feet in height. An ancient description of the palace Tn tamil records that

this pavilion Swarga vilasa,  is so constructed  in a way that it to be said that in no other country is there a court equal to it, by reason of its splendid ornaments, their excellence, number, extent, curious workmanship and great beauty. In the middle of the hall there was a jewelled throne on which the king used to sit and reign. During the Nine Nights Festival – Navaratri Viza- Nayak used to sit there in special ornamental dress; other kings under his rule used to come and pay him homage.

Sceptre Festival


Picture by Dr A Narayanan, Sydney.

Old Picture of Tirumalai Nayak Mahal/ Palace

Like Travancore Maharajas ruling in the name of Anantha Padmanabhaswamy of Thiruvananthapuram temple, Tirumalai Nayak ruled part of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the name of Goddess Meenakshi. She was the Queen of Madurai 2000 years ago. Every year a function called Sceptre Festival was celebrated; in fact, a symbolic annual Sceptre Festival is done even today. Tirumalai Nayak combined two different festivals to unite Saivites and Vaishnavites and made Chitra Festival (April/May is Chitra month in Hindu Calendar). On the eighth day of the famous Chitra Festival, Sceptre festival was celebrated. The king would visit the temple and after special worship, receive from the hand of the goddess, the royal sceptre set with precious gems. The sceptre would be brought to the palace on the royal elephant accompanied by a great procession. The sceptre would be placed on the throne and would receive special worship from the hands of the king. The dignitaries, commanders, poets and other palace servants would receive royal gifts and royal titles on the occasion. The sceptre would be enthroned in this celestial pavilion the whole day and after due worship will be returned to the temple the next day. This function was symbolic of the country being ruled by Goddess Meenakshi, and the Nayak ruler administered the country as a servant of Goddess. Even Queen Mangammal and other successors continued this festival until the end of Nayak rule.

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Three Important Points

Tirumalai Nayak worshipped Raja Rajeswari every day in the special Puja Hall in the palace.

In the music hall 18 different types of Musical instruments were used.

The Natakasala, that is the theatre, was 135 feet long by 68 feet wide and 40 feet in height, to the centre of the roof is 70 feet. Nayak used to watch performances by the dancing damsels with the help of oil lamps and torch bearers.

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Notorious Thief Honoured and Beheaded!

One tradition says that a thief/kallan in Tamil, entered the palace by making a hole in the roof. It is said that the king used to sleep in a cot hung by long chains from hooks in the roof. The thief used the same chain to come down and steal all the royal jewels. The king promised a jagir (vast land) to anyone who would bring him the thief. The thief heard it and gave himself and claimed the award. The king gave him the jaghir and then promptly had him beheaded.  For many years that chamber was used as a district court.

(A “jaghir” is a historical form of land grant in India dating back to the Islamic Sultanate and Mughal periods, where a ruler assigned the right to collect land taxes or administrative revenues from a specific district to a noble in exchange for military service or administrative duties.)

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Ranga vilasa and Ten Pillars

Once the palace had a protective rampart wall 900 feet in length, 660 feet in width and 40 feet in height. Part of the place was covered with golden sheets. Elephant ivory was used for decorations.

We can see even now ten pillars. Originally this portion was part of a big palace. There was another palace like Celestial Pavilion (Swarga Viasa) called Ranga Vilasa (Colourful Pavilion). Tirumalai Nayak’s younger brother Muthialu Nayak lived there. There is a street named Navabathkana street now. This was also part of the palace.

Thirumalai Nayak’s grandson Chokkanatha Nayak changed the capital to Thiruchi and removed the throne, costly jewels and other treasures.  He even demolished some parts of the dilapidated palace and took the building materials to Thiruchi to build a new palace. He could not succeed fully in his plans.

Slowly the reminder of the buildings got more dilapidated because of the rains. In 1858, Lord Napier, the then Governor of Madras, spent some money and restored the palace. Now it is maintained by the State Department of Archaeology.

–Subham—

Tags- Tirumalai Nayak, Palace, Mahal, Sceptre festival, Chitra festival, Thief beheaded, Goddess Meenakshi,

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HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 69; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-69 (Post No.15,824)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,824

Date uploaded in London –3 June 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 

MO, MU words

Modaka/m

Modaka is found in the hand of Ganesh statues. This sweet rice dumpling is his favourite food. Tamil Brahmins and Maharashtrians make it and offer it to Lord Ganesh during Ganesh Chaturthi festival. It is a steamed snack in which coconut mixed with jaggery is stuffed into cups made up of rice flour.

Modaka (मोदक) refers to a “sweet ball”, according to the Vālmīki-Rāmāyaṇa Yuddhakhaṇḍa 131.38

Modaka (मोदक) refers to a type food-stuff used in the worship of Gaṇeśa, according to the Padmapurāṇa 1.65

***

Moksha

One of the four stages in a Hindu’s life: Dharma, Artha, Kama Moksha; of the four stages, Moksha is the final goal all Hindus aim at.

Moksha most commonly refers to the ultimate spiritual goal in Indian religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Literally translating to “release” or “liberation” in Sanskrit, it signifies freedom from samsara—the eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

It is achieved by realizing the ultimate truth and freeing oneself from the illusions of the ego and karmic baggage

Most of the devotional songs or poems pray for this.

***

Mookambhika

Sarasvati or Vak Devi.

Mookambika is Hindu Goddess of Knowledge and her famous abode, the Kollur Mookambika Temple, is located in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India.

She is an aspect of Adi Parashakti (the supreme mother goddess) and is considered a powerful union of Goddesses Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

The legend of the Kollur Mookambika Temple is deeply intertwined with the journey of Adi Shankara. The Goddess agreed to follow him to Kerala on the condition that he never looked back; when he did, she stayed in Kollur. Adi Shankaracharya meditated in the Chitramoola caves on the Kodachadri hills and requested the Goddess to come with him to Kerala. She agreed, but on the strict condition that she would walk behind him and he must never look back to check. When the tinkling sound of her anklets abruptly stopped, Adi Shankara turned back, breaking the vow. The Goddess stayed exactly where they were, which is the current location of the temple in Kollur. Adi Shankara then consecrated the four-armed idol and the Sri Chakra inside the shrine.

Tamil politicians and once chief ministers M G Ramachandran, Jayalalitha and others offered the deity valuable Diamond Sword, golden ornaments etc. This made her popular among their followers as well.

***

Mooka kavi

“Mooka Kavi was dumb from birth; but obtaining the grace of Kamakshi he burst forth into exquisite poetry. He sang five hundred verses in praise of Sri Kamakshi in five satakas of 100 verses each. Muka Kavi means dumb (turned) poet. He used to go to Kanchi Kamakshi temple and prostrate before the statue of the goddess every day. One day he saw the goddess and suddenly started composing poems. He was one of the Kanchi Sankaracharyas.

According to Kanchi Mutt calculations Muka Sankara (398-437 CE) was the 20th Shankaracharya. He was the son of Vidyavati, an astronomer. He mastered Vedas after he became eloquent.

Matrugupta, King of Kashmir, and Pravarasena, all considered it a privilege to serve Sri Muka Sankara (Muka Kavi).

The Mooka Pancha Sathi (five hundred verses) is a celebrated Sanskrit devotional text composed by Muka Sankara in praise of Goddess Kamakshi of Kanchi.

The work is divided into five parts (or Shatakas), each containing exactly 100 verses:

Arya Satakam: Focuses on the physical beauty, grandeur, and divine grace of the Goddess, using the melodic Arya meter.

Padaravinda Satakam: Extols the divine, lotus-like feet of Goddess Kamakshi, emphasizing their power to grant salvation and peace.

Stuti Satakam: Comprises hymns of praise and surrender, deeply expressing the devotee’s reverence and reliance on the Goddess’s mercy.

Kataaksha Satakam: Describes the transformative and compassionate sidelong glance of Goddess Kamakshi, which removes sins and brings prosperity.

Mandasmitha Satakam: Details the enchanting and radiant smile of the Goddess, symbolizing her boundless grace and cosmic joy.

***

Muchukunda

Very interesting stories are woven around a Choza king who was not recorded or documented in history. The Choza king Mucukunda is in the Puranas and Tamil literature. But history does not know him. From Kandhapurana and Silappadikaram commentaries we know the following details about him:

1.He helped Indra in defeating a demon.
2.Indra gave him a goblin (Bhuta) to protect his city. Later Chera took it to Vanji.
3.Mucukunda ruled from Pumpukar, Choza port city or Tiruvarur.
4.Mucukunda was an ardent devotee of Shiva.
5.He received several statues from Indra and installed them in and around Tiruvarur.
6.His face looked like a monkey (Musu = Monkey).
7.Mucukunda celebrated Indra Festival. He was very much into it.
8. A lot of Sthalapuranas have recorded Mucukunda’s role in local temples. He is connected with Tiruvarur, Tirumaraikkadu, Nagappatinam, Tirunallaru, Tirukkarayal, Tiruvaymur and Tirukkuvalai.

Following are the references from the Puranas and Tamil Epic Silappadikaram.
Pumpukar was a port city in the Chola kingdom. The importance of Pukar was not long lived. Now part of it is under the sea– Bay of Bengal. Anticipating the forthcoming devastation of the city, ‘buta’ (goblin) at Butachahukkam, which was brought from Indra’s abode by Mucukunta, was removed to Vanji by the Chera king. Source : –Canto 28 commentary of Silappadikaram

Origin of Cholzas is shrouded in mystery. Pura Nanuru of Sangam literature and Silappadikaram of Post Sangam period praised Sibi Chakravarthy in many places as the forefather of the Chozas. Sibi ruled North West of India, far away from the Choza territory of Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Encyclopeadia Abidana Chintamani adds more interesting stories: Mucu means monkey and when he was born as a monkey in the Himalyas, he did offer Bilva leaves to Shiva. As a result of this Puja he was born as a son of Dilipa and Mangalvathy in the solar race found in Hindu Puranas. Then he married Vichitravathy and helped Indra in his fight against Vala. When Indra told him that he would give him a gift, Mucukundan wanted a particular Shiva idol from Indra. That was given to Indra by Vishnu. But Indra gave him a different idol. This happened six times and at last he got the idol he wanted. He installed all the idols in different temples in Thanjavur district. The main idol was installed in Tiruvarur.

***

Mudagalya

Story of Mudgala is in Mahabharata, the longest epic in the world. Mudgala was a great sage. He ate only twice a month on Full Moon Day and New Moon Day. He used to gather grains from the field and cook it for his family. He lived with his wife Nalayani, his son and daughter in law. There may be many Rishis (seers) with this name; but the common belief is that the Maudgalya Brahmins came from this Vedic Rishi (sage).

Though Mudgala lived in poverty, he used to feed all the Brahmins, saints and others whoever came to him. He gleaned grains like a pigeon, but it never underwent diminution. This was a miracle like Akshaya patra (inexhaustible vessel) of Draupadi. Once sage Durvasa wanted to test his patience. He went in the disguise of a mendicant just before his fortnightly meals. Mudgala gave his share, but it did not satisfy the mendicant’s hunger. He demanded more and consumed all the food in the house. He returned after a fortnight and did the same- devoured all the available food. This happened six times. Mudgala never burst out in anger. He was happy to feed him.

Durvasa, the sage who was notorious for his anger, was extremely happy and revealed his identity. At the same time a messenger from the heaven came to take him to heaven in appreciation of his hospitality and generosity. He did not fall a prey for heavenly pleasures. He asked the messenger the benefits of going to heaven. Messenger told him that he would enjoy all the pleasures there as long as his merits are not exhausted. Once all the merits are used he would have to return to earth. Immediately he refused the offer and told him that he wanted to do more penance. He dismissed the messenger of the gods and began to practise ascetic virtues. He decided to go to the eternal abode where there is no sorrow, nor distress nor change. (3-216 Mbh).

***

Mudra

BUDDHA SHOWING FIVE DIFFERENT MUDRAS

A mudra is a hand gesture with fingers pointing different directions or postures. The reason for having different postures is to channelize the body energy. Each Mudra brings or enhances certain type of energy in us.

All Hindu Gods show Mudra mostly Abhaya or Varada. 

Mudras are used by Hindu priests differently. There is a book called ‘Mudra Vidanam’ giving a list of over 125 Mudras. A Brahmin who does Sandhyavandana ritual three times a day use Mudras as well. The Sanskrit slokas in the beginning of the book explain the significance of those Mudras. It says Mudras make the Devas (angels and gods) happy and it drives away the sins. The Devatas in charge of each Mantra (spell) are pleased with the Mudras. It also adds one should learn the Mudras used in Archana, Japa, Dhyana (Prayer and Meditation) Kamya Karmas (desire fulfilling rituals), Snanam , Avahanam (Bathing and Invoking), Prathista, Rakshanam and Naivedyam ( Installing, preserving and offering to god). The book classified Mudras under 11 titles and illustrated all Mudras with line drawings.

 In the classical dance called Bharatanatyam, there are lot of Mudras called Karanas. They are used to express feelings and give different messages. The books about Mudras are in Sanskrit. There are 108 different Mudras shown on the tower of Chidambaram temple where the Lord of Dance Nataraja/Shiva appears in his dancing form. The dance Mudras are different from Yoga Mudras. The Tantric Mudras are different from these two categories.

***

Muralidhara

Muralidhara (often spelled Muralidhar or Muralidhara) is a Sanskrit name meaning “the one who holds the flute.” [1, 2]

In Hindu mythology, it is one of the most popular epithets used for Lord Krishna, who is famously depicted as a cowherd boy enchanting the world by playing the divine melody on his flute (the murali).

Lord Skanda is called Murugan in Tamil.

***

Muruga

Murugan means handsome one, beautiful.

He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati

He is the younger brother of Ganesh .

His vehicle is peacock.

Skanda’s other names are Subrahmanya, Kartikeya, Shanmukha

Hindu gods like Ganesh, Murugan are shown with many hands, some with many heads.

He is the popular god with highest number of heads and hands.

He has six heads and 12 hands in Shanmuga form. Shanmukha means six faces. You may wonder why? If you are at school final level, please got to Level Two of Skanda Murugan.

In normal form, he is also shown as a child like Ganesa. He is Kumara (youth)  or Bala kumara.

Subrahmanya means he possesses all the qualities of Brahman (god).

The name Kartikeya came to him because he was raised by six Krittika women personified as stars in the sky.

He was born in a grass land and so he is known as Saravana bhava.

Saravana is the name of the forest/grass land

We know that Ganesa is the head of Bhuta Ghana’s and in the same way Murugan is the Commander of the Divine Army. He killed Tarakasura and Sura pathman.

Skanda worship is very popular in Tamil speaking world. Tamils give Him a special status and so he is known as Tamil God.

They celebrate all his festivals with Kavadi. They carry it to the

Temple . A normal Kaavadi will have a long pole tied with two baskets on either side. Devotee s carry food and offerings to god in the attached pots or baskets. Later they constructed different shapes.

Another important thing is that his temples are mostly on top of hills or at the foot of the hills. There are six famous temples for him in Tamil Nadu

He married two women and they are Valli and Devasena (Deivaanai)

***

Muladhara/m

Muladhara (the Root Chakra) is the first energy center in the body, located at the base of the spine. It governs your sense of stability, safety, and basic survival needs (like food and shelter). When balanced, you feel grounded and confident; when blocked, it can cause anxiety or fear.

Root Chakra (Mooladhara): The Gateway of Power

Sex Chakra (Svadhisthana): Overcoming Karma and Sensory Delusions

Navel Chakra (Manipuraka): The Seat of Power and Spiritual Mastery

Heart Chakra (Anahata): The Portal to Love and Divine Connection

Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): The Repository of Karma and Truth

Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): The Birthplace of Divine Wisdom

***

Mulam star Mamular Tiru Mular

Mulam (also known as Moola) is the 19th lunar mansion in Vedic astrology, falling within the Sagittarius zodiac sign. Known as the “Foundation Star” or “Root Star,” it is symbolized by a tied bunch of roots and is governed by Ketu (the south lunar node) and the goddess Nirriti.

Mythological Association: It is frequently associated with Lord Hanuman’s birth star.

Literary references – Tiru Mular, Saivite saint of ninth century CE and Ma Mular of Sangam Tamil Literature are linked with Mulam star

The astronomical name of the Moolam star (or Moola Nakshatra) is Lambda Scorpii.

In modern astronomy, this refers to a multiple star system (primarily \(\lambda \) Scorpii) located in the tail of the Scorpius constellation

To be continued…………

Tags – Murugan, Moksha, Mookakavi,  Modaa, Mulam star,HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 69; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-69

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HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 65; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-65 (Post.15,785)

Madurai Mariamman Tank near the temple.

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,785

Date uploaded in London –25 May 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

Bangkok Mariamman Temple

MARIYAMMAN

Hindu Goddess worshipped in Tamil Nadu. She is the goddess of rain, prosperity, and healing. Mariamman is a manifestation of the goddess – Parvati, an incarnation embodying Mother Earth with all her terrifying force. She protects her devotees from unholy or demonic events. Hindu migrant workers have erected her temples around the world, particularly in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, South Africa and other countries. Even in UK, there are three temples dedicated to her. When ever there is an outbreak of diseases such as small pox devotees vow to offer her body parts in silver or walk on fire in Fire Walking Ceremonies. Neem tree leaves are hung around the fire pots the devotees carry during festivals. Madurai Mari Amman temple is one of the famous temples with a big tank opposite it.

In some towns devotees suspend themselves in ropes and an iron hook through the flesh of the back and whirled around a pole. Villagers believe she can cause diseases and eradicate diseases. They offer her Rice Pongal or Rice Gruel. High caste Hindus offer her Maa Vilakku= sweet flour with ghee lamp in the middle. In each village same ceremonies are done to local goddesses with different names. Some local anecdotes or incidents are linked to her.

Foreigners who could not understand the ceremonies have used wrong words to describe her.

***

MARMA STHANA

Marma sthaana refers to vital points in the body that are crucial for health and well-being, as detailed in Shilpashastra, Ayurveda, and scientific perspectives. These locations, often associated with critical biological functions, are marked by their vulnerability; injury to them can lead to serious consequences such as deformity or death. Marma sthaana also means excretory organs in common parlour.

***

Marichi

A spark of fire; मरीच्य इव निष्पेतु- रग्नेर्धूमाकुलार्चिषः (marīcya iva niṣpetu- ragnerdhūmākulārciṣaḥ) Rām.1.56.18.

-ciḥ 1 Name of a Prajāpati, one of the ten patriarchs created by the first Manu, or one of the ten mindborn sons of Brahman; he was father of Kaśyapa.

He married Kala , the daughter of Kardama rishi by Devahuti . Kashyapa was his son.

***

Markandeya with Siva; Yama is kicked away by Lord Siva.

Markandeya

Mārkaṇḍeya (मार्कण्डेय)  the son of Sage Mṛkaṇḍu was born to a couple when they propitiated Śiva with their prayers. At the time of granting them their wish, Shiva offered them two choices, a son who would be wealthy, powerful and long lived, but of ill character, or a son who would be virtuous, but who will die when he turns sixteen. The Brahmana asked for a son who would be virtuous. The Lord granted the boon and disappeared. The young Mārkaṇḍeya was not only extremely intelligent but also a great devotee of Śiva. When Yama, God of Death came to take his life at the age of sixteen, he was praying to Shiva as usual. He hugged Shiva Linga when he saw Yama with terrible appearance. When Yama tried to pull him away from Shiva’s statue, Lord Shiva himself came out and kicked Yama away. Lord Shiva told Yama that he will remain Sixteen for ever. There is a Purana called Markandeya Purana detaining the story.

Pronunciation- maarkandeya.

***

Marut

Vedic God of storm. Vedas say that Maruts are sons of Rudra.

The storm gods hold a very prominent place in the Vedas and they are represented as friends and allies of Indra. Various origins are assigned to them. They are sons of Rudra, brothers of Indra and and sons of ocean and earth. They are armed with lightnings and thunderbolts, and ride on the whirlwind and direct the storm. The number of them is said in one place to be thrice sixty and in another only 27.

In Ramayana, they are represented to have their origin in an unborn son of Diti, whom Indra dashed into 49 pieces with his thunderbolt and in compassion converted them into Maruts. They have obtained their name from the words maa roadih , weep not, which Indra addressed to them.

One more view is Siva and Parvati beheld them in great affliction and Parvati asked Siva to transform the lumps into boys; he accordingly made them boys of like form, like age, and similarly accounted, and gave them to Parvati as her sons, whence they are called the sons of Rudra.

The world of the Maruts, called Maaruta, is the appointed heaven of Vaisyas. The god of the wind, and regent of the north west quarter. Maruti , Anjaneya is related to the word Wind/Marut

Puranic Story:  Marut (मरुत्).—Fortynine in number, born of Diti and Kaśyapa; seven in each of the seven vātaskandhas; brothers of Indra and participators in sacrifices;1 when Diti conceived a son to be the slayer of Indra, the latter began to serve her throughout her pregnancy. Once finding that she did not keep to her vows he entered her womb and cut the foetus into 49 pieces, when they cried. He said to them mā ruda and hence māruta: being divine, were born as 49 sons: at the request of their mother Indra made them a Devagaṇa, called Marutgaṇa

***

Maruti– Another name of Anjaneya/ Hanuman. Son of Vayu Deva.

See Hanuman and Anjaneya

***

MARUTHAM MANTHA/ CHANDA

Maarutham is wind or Breeze. Mantha Marutham is the southern breeze coming from Malaya Mountain (part of Western Ghats/ Sahyadri. Chanda Marutham is gale fore wind.

***

Matali – maatali

Charioteer of Indra. World’s first pilot of Space Shuttle.

He came down to earth to escort Arjuna to Swarga/heaven and then return him to earth after five years. He is the first pilot of space shuttle in literature. During Arjuna’s stay in swarga/heaven  it was Matali who showed him celestial places. Arjuna’s space travel is in Vana Parva of Mahabharata.

***

MATHA/ MUTT

Religious centres where the head of a particular sect lives. Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt in Tamil Nadu and Sringeri Mutt in Karnataka and Ahobilam Mutt in Andhra Pradesh are very famous. In Tamil Nadu, Adeenams are Mutts of Saivite saints . Vaishnavites have Jeeyar Mutts. All these Mutts have branches in different parts of the country. Pujas and worship happen everyday in the popular Mutts. In Tamil they are called Matam.

***

Matsya Avatara

Matsyāvatāra (मत्स्यावतार).—the first of the ten incarnations of Viṣṇu; (during the reign of the seventh Manu, the whole earth, which, had become corrupt was swept away by a flood, and all living beings perished except the pious Manu and the seven sages who were saved by Viṣṇu in the form of a fish.

Matsya means Fish; in Tamilized form it is Machcha. Lord Vishnu’s first Avatar/incarnation. This story is in various religions as Nova or Flood Story etc.

Name of a country as well in ancient India.

***

Matsya purana

It gives the story of fish incarnation of lord Vishnu. it has about 15,000 slokas/couplets. Many of its chapters are same as the parts of Vishnu and Padma Puranas.

***

Maya

A Daitya  who was the architect of the Asuras and as Viswakarma as the architect of the Devas.

Maya was the son of Viprachitti and father of Vajra karma and Mandodari, wife of Ravana.The Mahabharata speaks of a palace he built for the Pandavas. In Hari-vamsa he appears frequently both as victor and vanquished in contests with the Gods.

Story in Mahabharata

When Khandava forest was being burnt by Arjuna and Krishna with the help of  Agni, Maya sought and received protection from Arjuna.  To show his gratitude he built the central court of Yudhisthira’s new capital Indraprastha; the court was unparalleled in beauty and architectural skill. It was to this court Duryodhana was invited later at the time of Yudhithira’s Rajasuya Yajna and where Duryodhana mistook  the highly polished marble floors for water and vice versa bringing ridicule upon himself. Draupadi with her companions, watched it from the balcony , laughed, which hurt Duryodhana very much. He revenged upon her by disrobing her IN public assembly when Pandavas lost everything including her in the gambling.

***

Maya- mayaa

Illusion, deception.

Illusion personified as a female form of celestial origin, created fro the beguiling some individual. Goddess Durga is also called Mahaa Maayaa or Maayaa Devi. The name shows that she is capable of destabilising even people of wisdom, if they do even a single mistake.

Om jñānināmapi cetāṁsi devī bhagavatī hi sā
balādākr̥ṣya mohāya mahāmāyā prayacchati

Meaning:
“Even the minds of the wise are forcibly drawn by the Goddess Bhagavati—the Great Maya—and led into delusion.”- says Durga Saptasati/ Devi Mahatmya.

Adi Shankara frequently used this word in his propagation oof Advaita. He said seeing a rope as a snake is Maayaa/illusion.

***

Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat, located on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, India, is one of the oldest and holiest cremation grounds in Hinduism. It operates 24/7, with hundreds of pyres burning continuously as families gather to cremate their deceased with the belief that it grants eternal liberation (Moksha).

  • Location: Situated in the Kashi region of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Operation: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Visitors typically observe the process from a boat on the Ganges River or from designated safe vantage points onshore.

Costs: For those arranging a cremation, costs range from ₹4,000 to ₹20,000 depending on wood quality and specific rituals.

The ghat is named after Sati’s (a Hindu goddess) earring, which is believed to have fallen there.

The Eternal Flame: According to tradition, the main funeral pyre has been continuously burning for over 3,000 years.

The Dom Community: The cremation rituals are traditionally overseen and managed by the local Dom community, who prepare the bodies and maintain the sacred fires

***

Mayadevi – maayaadevi-

Māyādevī (मायादेवी).—Name of the mother of Buddha.

The Maya Devi Temple refers to one of the sacred or popular destinations of Lumbini (Rupandehi District, Nepal).—Description of the Maya Devi Temple: This UNESCO world heritage site is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), the son of King Suddhodhana, the once ruler of the ancient kingdom of Kapilvastu, and his Queen Maya Devi. The queen gave birth here in the garden of Lumbini Park, while on her way home, holding onto a branch of a Sal tree. Today, this site is where the Maya Devi temple stands. There is an older temple structure under the current building. A few years ago, ancient tree roots dating to the 6th century BCE were found in the temple, which correlates to the story of how Queen Maya gave birth to Buddha.

***

Mayavati- maayaavati

Māyāvatī (मायावती).—An incarnation of Ratidevī. An asura named Śambara made her his wife. But Pradyumna, son of Kṛṣṇa, carried her away to Dvārakā.

Māyāvatī (मायावती).—Rati in her former birth: when her husband was burnt by śiva, she was reborn as the superintendent of Śambara’s kitchen. Hearing from Nārada that Pradyumna was Kāma and that he was thrown into sea by Śambara and swallowed by a fish and was brought to her kitchen, she nursed him lovingly and when he came of age, she spoke the truth and taught him mahāmāyā vidyā with which he killed Śambara: She took him by air to Kṛṣṇa and was rejoiced to become the daughter-in-law of Kṛṣṇa and Rukmiṇī.*

To be continued……………………

Tags—Mayadevi, Mayavati, Manikarnika, Markandeya, Mariamman, HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 65; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-65

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by Tamil and Vedas on May 25, 2026  •  Permalink
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Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 25, 2026

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HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 61; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-61 (Post.15,720)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,720

Date uploaded in London –10 May 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 

M words continued………………………………

Snake or Rope illusion = Maayaa 

Tamil Version will be posted tomorrow.

***

Mangalasanam 

Twelve Tamil Vaishnavite Saints known as Alvars, have sung the glory of Vishnu in 108 divine shrines spread over India and beyond. Those temples which are sung by an Alvar or more Alvars are said to have Mangalaasanam of this Alvar or these Alvars. The 108 Divine Shrines are called Divya Desam. The 4000 compositions of Alvars in praise ofVishnu shrines are in a Tamil book known as Divya Prabandham.

***

Madayanthi

Madayanti (or Madayanthi) is a virtuous queen of King Saudasa (Kalmashapada) in the Mahabharata and Puranas. Known for her loyalty, she aided her husband in overcoming a curse from Sage Vashishtha and is associated with the birth of their son, Ashmaka. 

Wife of King Saudasa of the Ikshwaku dynasty. She is depicted as a virtuous queen who, along with her husband, survived a difficult curse.

When her husband was cursed to be a cannibal, she remained by his side. Later, she was involved in a complex narrative involving the sage Vashishtha to obtain a son.

The name is sometimes spelled Madayanti and should not be confused with Madayantika, which is the botanical name for henna (Lawsonia inermis). 

It is a plant with medicinal properties known for treating skin diseases, jaundice, and as a natural hair dye.

 ***

MADURAI

A big city in Tamil Nadu known for its big and beautiful Siva temple called Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. About 2000 years ago, there was a Tamil Academy called Tamil Sangam here with 49 poets. Madurai is synonymous with Tamil language because of this Tamil Sangam. Sangam Tamil literature has more than 40 poets with the prefix Madurai. Chitra festival celebrated here every year attracts lakhs of people.

***

Malayalam

It is the name of a language and the land where it is spoken. The place is called Kerala now. It is adjacent to Tamil Nadu. As a language it is junior to Tamil language. Kerala is also known for its temples and natural beauty. In the olden days it was called Chera Nadu.

***

Malaya Parvata

Common name of Western Ghats also known as Sahyadri. Pothikai hill is part of this mountain chain Where sage Agastya lived and wrote the first grammar book for Tamil. The mountain chain runs for over 1000 miles from the land’s tip up to Maharashtra.

***

Mathura

One of the Seven Sacred Cities in India. Lord Krishna was born here, and his playing field is called Brindavan It is in modern Uttar Pradesh with a beautiful Krishna temple.

***

Mahabharata & War

Mahabharata is one of the two Hindu epics; the other epic is Ramayana. Mahabharata is the longest religious book in the world with one hundred thousand Slokas/couplets describing the history of Pandavas and Kauravas. It has 18 chapters and the most popular Bhagavad Gita is in one of the 18 Chapters.

The 18 day war between the five Pandavas and their 100 cousins Kauravas was fought in Kurukshetra, now in Haryana. Hindus believe that the war was fought just before Kali Yuga began, that is before 3102 BCE. Majority of the modern historians believe that it should have happened around 1500 BCE.

Apart from the conflict, the epic has lot of sub stories ad a lot of didactic materials. And it is said thus in a famous quote:

“यदिहास्ति तदन्यत्र यन्नेहास्ति न तत्क्वचित्”Yad ihāsti tad anyatra, yan nehāsti na tat kvacit “What is here [in the Mahabharata] is found elsewhere, but what is not here is nowhere else”. The epic covers all aspects of human life.

***

Mahabhasyam

Mahabhayasam is the celebrated commentary on grammar given to the world by Maharshi Patanjali based on Ashtadhyayi of Maharshi Panini. It  deals with the theory of language from Bharatiya perspective. The siddhantas behind the origin and development of sound, syllable, word, sentence and context and their interrelated features are discussed in this commentary. It consists of nine ahnikas (Units) .

***

Mahamakam

Mahamaham is a major Hindu festival celebrated every 12 years in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, often referred to as the Kumbh Mela of South India. It occurs during the Tamil month of Masi (Feb–Mar) when Jupiter passes through Simha Rasi, drawing millions for a holy dip in the sacred Mahamaham tank, which is surrounded by 16 small mandapams. It is very near the famous Siva temple- Kumbeswarar.

The next Mahamaham festival in Kumbakonam is scheduled to take place on March 9, 2028

 The Mahamaham tank is a massive, historic pond located in the heart of Kumbakonam town, featuring 20 “theerthams” (holy wells) on its banks, each associated with specific deities or blessings. During the festival all the nearby temples take part in it. 500 years ago, famous king Krishnadeva Raya travelled all the way from Vijayanagara to take part in it.

***

Maya, Mahamayi. Mahamaya

Maya is illusion.

Mahamaya (“Great Illusion”) is a multifaceted term in Indian philosophy and religion, primarily referring to the divine, all-encompassing, and bewildering creative energy of the Supreme Goddess (Shaktism) or the material world’s illusory nature (Vedanta). It represents the power that creates, maintains, and veils reality, often associated with Goddess Durga and the material world’s distracting, worldly attachments. 

In Tamil, Mahamayi is the goddess of small pox. If some one is sick with any type of pox, they hang Neem leaves outside the house to avoid spreading the disease. After recovering, they go to Marai Amman Goddess temple and offer Maa Vilakku. It is a flour and jaggery dish with ghee lamps lighted in the middle. They consume it after the lamp is extinguished

Mahamaya (or Yoga-maya) is the divine energy of illusion and Vishnu’s potency who facilitated Krishna’s birth to destroy the tyrant King Kamsa. She transferred Krishna from Kamsa’s prison to Gokul and replaced him with her own form, ultimately warning Kamsa that his killer had already been born, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Kamsa’s downfall. When Kamsa tried to strike her with his sword it flew into sky and disappeared.

To be continued………………

Tags-  Maya, Madurai,  Mangalasanam, Divya desam, mahamaham,

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Famous Shiva Story in Purananuru- Part 60 (Post No.15,616)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,616

Date uploaded in London –13 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 -20 Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia -Part 60; One Thousand Interesting Facts -Part 60

***

Item 450 Notable similes

Two similes are notable in Puram verse 54.

“He gives to everybody who comes to him,
without limits and without stopping, shaming the generosity of clouds”,

King’s generosity is compared to rainy clouds. This is a common simile in Tamil and Sanskrit. The meaning is that both did not expect anything in return.

Another simile is

“are like a whistling goat herder who wears
soiled clothes and a dirty garland, who is unable to go near a vast place where a tiger lives, with his goats with small heads”

Enemy kings are like small headed goats; our king Kothai is like a tiger.

***

Item 451 Whistling


Another interesting thing about the cowherd or goatherd. When the day comes to an end they whistle to bring back all the goats into the shed. They use the dogs to round up the goats and sheep to drive them back into the shed. Even Scottish  shepherds  whistle to do this. It is strange that all over the world they whistle using their mouth to do this.

***

Item 452 Appearance

The description of the goat herd or shepherd  is notable. In other poems in the Sangam literature, they add the word Kallaa- uneducated, illiterate–.to cowherders. Even Andal in Tiruppavai repeated that. So we know they never go to school for basic education; there may be one or two exceptions. Here the poet says,

“like a whistling goat herder who wears
soiled clothes and a dirty garland”.

***

Item 453 No Visa Entry

In the ancient India, poets and saints did not have any restriction or hurdle in entering a palace or an assembly. They never needed a visa to enter another country or territory. This can be seen in all the Puranas. They simply inform the gatekeeper and immediately the king comes to the gate to receive them or give them immediate audience. Here also the bard or the poet makes it clear.

****

Puranānūru 54, Poet Kōnāttu Erichalūr Mādalan Mathurai Kumaranār sang for Cheraman Kuttuvan Kōthai,

In the ancient, uproarious town where my king is, those
like me can enter his great day assembly with our heads
held high!  It is easy for those like me to approach him.
Not just that.  He gives to everybody who comes to him,
without limits and without stopping, shaming the generosity
of clouds, Kōthai with charitable hands and fast horses.

The mighty kings who have risen up against our lord with
great strength, are like a whistling goat herder who wears
soiled clothes and a dirty garland, who is unable to go near a
vast place where a tiger lives, with his goats with small heads.
His country is not approachable by enemy kings.

Notes:  This is the only poem written for this king.  He was a contemporary of Chozhan Ilavanthikai Palli Thunjiya Nalankilli and Chozhan Kurāpalli Thunjiya Perunthirumāvalavan.  This poet wrote Puranānūru poems 54, 61, 167, 180, 197 and 394.  

****

Vaidehi Herbert’s translation is used, thanks.

***

புறநானூறு 54, பாடியவர்: கோனாட்டு எறிச்சலூர் மாடலன் மதுரைக் குமரனார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சேரமான் குட்டுவன் கோதை

1

எங்கோன் இருந்த கம்பலை மூதூர்
உடையோர் போல இடையின்று குறுகிச்,
செம்மல் நாள் அவை அண்ணாந்து புகுதல்
எம்மன வாழ்க்கை இரவலர்க்கு எளிதே,
இரவலர்க்கு எண்மை அல்லது புரவு எதிர்ந்து,  5

2

வானம் நாண, வரையாது சென்றோர்க்கு
ஆனாது ஈயும் கவிகை வண்மைக்
கடுமான் கோதை துப்பு எதிர்ந்து எழுந்த
நெடுமொழி மன்னர் நினைக்குங் காலைப்,

3
பாசிலைத் தொடுத்த உவலைக் கண்ணி  10
மாசுண் உடுக்கை மடிவாய் இடையன்,

4
சிறுதலை ஆயமொடு குறுகல் செல்லாப்
புலி துஞ்சு வியன் புலத்து அற்றே,
வலி துஞ்சு தடக்கை அவனுடை நாடே.

******

Item 454

“O Māran donning a flower garland!  You are like the god
with a blue throat, a glowing eye, and a crescent moon
on his head, who used the soaring mountain as a large bow,
and a snake as a string, and with one arrow ruined three forts and brought victory to the celestials”. 

Lord Shiva destroyed three hanging castles in the sky occupied by three demons. This anecdote is in the ancient Puranas and all the devotional songs sung by Saivite as well as Vaishnavite saints, Naayanmaars and Aalvaars.

Though Sangam literature mentioned Lord Shiva in many other places, this specific story is more important ; many Puranic stories reached common man in Tamil Nadu 2000 years ago!

Let us look at the story/anecdote:

Story of Tripurantaka murti- Tripuraantaka—is connected to puranas. Siva killed three demons and reduced their magic cities to ashes. During this campaign  the earth served Siva as a chariot and the sun and the moon as wheels. The four Vedas were the four horses and the Upanishads were the guiding reins; the mythic golden mountain Meru was the bow, the ocean was the quiver and god Vishnu was the arrow.

Images of Tripurantaka were made with right leg firmly placed on the pedestal and the left leg bent. The right forehand is in the simha karna posture holds the arrow and the left fore arm, the bow. The other hands hold the tanka or axe and the deer respectively. His locks are arranged in the form of a jatamakuta and the goddess Gauri stands on the left side.

In the chariot, at its front,  is seated the four faced brahma  and below him is a white bull.

  • The Demons: Tarakasura’s sons—Taarakaksha, Kamalaksha, and Vidyumaali—performed severe penance to Lord Brahma to gain immense power.
  • The Three Cities (Tripura): Brahma granted them three invincible, flying cities that could only be destroyed by a single arrow when they aligned, which happened once in a thousand years. The Asuras had three cities: the lowest was of iron, then there was one of silver, then one of gold
  • Symbolism: Shiva destroyed the cities with a single, flaming arrow. The story symbolizes Shiva’s role in destroying the three inner impurities—ignorance, ego, and negativity.

Shiva is often depicted as the “laughing” destroyer (Tripurantaka), holding a bow, and sometimes, in some versions, the cities were destroyed by a mere smile.

My interpretation

Hindus  thought of creating even space stations thousands of years before the modern space stations of Russia and America. Moreover Siva must have burnt them in a second with his laser sword. And the metals used to build them are also important. If one has to burn them one needs immense heat that can be generated with lasers. Siva did this by lauging is recited throughout Tevaram songs.

Tripura Antaka Statues are in famous temples like Madurai and Chidambaram. An image of tripurantaka murti in the thousand pillared hall of Madurai temple shows an actual figure of Vishnu on the arrow held by Siva.

This is seen in many archaeological monuments too

***

Item 455 Four fold Army

you own an army with these four divisions –
murderous elephants with fierce rage, proud swift horses,
tall chariots with rising flags, and foot soldiers with

Hindus invented the board game Chess and spread it throughout the world. We see the four- fold army there. It is in all our epics, inscriptions, Kalidas and other Sanskrit books. Being Pukka Hindu rulers, Tamils followed the same Six Seasons, Same Fourfold army, same Spy and Duta/ambassador system. (In my old articles I have given the relevant quotes)

***

Item 456 Sun and Moon

Sun and Moon are compared with the qualities of a king in Raghuvamsam of Kalidasa and Manu smriti. Er see it here in the poem.

with bravery and manliness like the sun, coolness and
tenderness like the moon and charity like the sky,

Raghuvamsam of Kalidasa – 4-12 and many more poems.

***

Item 457 Sand particles, rain drops

Greatness!  May your life be long with more days than the number  of sands

King is greeted to have long life and the years in his life span are compared to the number of raindrops or sand particles on a beach. This is repeated by many Sangam poets.

***

Item 457 Lord Muruga/ Skanda in Tiruchendur

roll from the deep waters in Senthil where Murukan rules!

Lord Skanda/ Kartikeya (Murugan in Tamil) is the subject of another Sangam book Tirumurukatruppadai. Lord Muruga is worshipped by millions of Hindus even today in his Six Abodes known as Aru Padai Veedukal. Tiruchendur on the eastern sea shore is one of the six abodes and the poet Maruthan Ilanaakan refers to it .

***

Puranānūru 55, Poet Mathurai Maruthan Ilanākanār sang to Pandiyan Ilavanthikaipalli Thunjiya Nanmāran

1
O Māran donning a flower garland!  You are like the god
with a blue throat, a glowing eye, and a crescent moon
on his head, who used the soaring mountain as a large bow,
and a snake as a string, and with one arrow ruined three forts and brought victory to the celestials. 

2

You are superior
to all the other kings!

Even though you own an army with these four divisions –
murderous elephants with fierce rage, proud swift horses,
tall chariots with rising flags, and foot soldiers with
strength in their hearts and desire for battles, esteemed
righteousness is the foremost cause for real victory.  So,
not thinking that they are ‘ours’ and being unjust to favor
them, and not hurting others because they are ‘not ours’,
3

with bravery and manliness like the sun, coolness and
tenderness like the moon and charity like the sky,
possessing these three great virtues, may you live a long life,
so that there will not be people in need without anything!

4

Greatness!  May your life be long with more days than the number
of sands brought and heaped by powerful winds, with deep scars,
on the lovely vast shores of the ocean where white-crested waves

5
roll from the deep waters in Senthil where Murukan rules!

***

புறநானூறு 55, பாடியவர்: மதுரை மருதன் இளநாகனார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: பாண்டியன் இலவந்திகைப்பள்ளித் துஞ்சிய நன்மாறன்,

1
ஓங்கு மலைப் பெருவில் பாம்புஞாண் கொளீஇ,
ஒரு கணை கொண்டு மூவெயில் உடற்றிப்
பெரு விறல் அமரர்க்கு வெற்றி தந்த
கறை மிடற்று அண்ணல் காமர் சென்னிப்
பிறை நுதல் விளங்கும் ஒருகண் போல, 5
வேந்து மேம்பட்ட பூந்தார் மாற!

2
கடுஞ் சினத்த கொல் களிறும்; கதழ் பரிய கலி மாவும்,
நெடுங் கொடிய நிமிர் தேரும், நெஞ் சுடைய புகல் மறவரும், என
நான்குடன் மாண்ட தாயினும், மாண்ட

3
அறநெறி முதற்றே, அரசின் கொற்றம்; 10
அதனால், நமரெனக் கோல்கோ டாது,
‘பிறர்’ எனக் குணங் கொல்லாது,,

4
ஞாயிற் றன்ன வெந்திறல் ஆண்மையும்,
திங்கள் அன்ன தண்பெருஞ் சாயலும்,
வானத்து அன்ன வண்மையும், மூன்றும், 15
உடையை ஆகி, இல்லோர் கையற,
நீநீடு வாழிய நெடுந்தகை!

5

தாழ்நீர்!
வெண் தலைப் புணரி அலைக்கும் செந்தில்
நெடுவேள் நிலைஇய காமர் வியந்துறைக்
கடுவளி தொகுப்ப ஈண்டிய 20

6
வடுஆழ் எக்கர் மணலினும் பலவே!

–Subham—

Tags—Purananuru Wonders -20 ,Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia -Part 60, One Thousand Interesting Facts -Part 60, Shiva story, destruction of 3 hanging cities, Tripurantaka story, goatherds, whistling, item

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Posted by Tamil and Vedas on April 13, 2026

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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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My visit to Pratyangira Devi Temple in Ayyavadi (Post No.15,593)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,593

Date uploaded in London –8 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  

I was lucky to visit Pratyangira Devi Temple in Ayyavadi ,very near Kumbakonam , in Tamil Nadu. Earlier I had visited Pratyangira Devi Temple in Raja Kilpauk near Tambaram, Chennai. Swami Santhanada of Pudukottai installed Sarabeswarar and Pratyangira Devi in Skandashram near Tambaram. I visited the temple twice in the past few years. In Skandashram,  the statues are huge. But in Ayyavadi it is of normal size.

Pratyangira Devi is another form of Bhadrakali or Durga. In Ayyavadi, it is part of a thousand year old Shiva temple known as Agastheewarar Temple. When I went there on March 12, 2026 main Shiva temple  was closed for renovation work. But I had good darshan of Pratyangira Devi  in the same temple compound. One can feel the divine atmosphere there.

People believe that worshipping Her, they can destroy the evil forces. Those who want to win in some cases or to defeat their enemies go there and do Puja or Yaga.

On New moon days special Yagas/fire ceremonies are organised. In this temple, there are idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Sarswathy placed nearby the idol of Goddess Pratyangira. Goddess Lakshmi is standing in her Pratyangira form and also in her normal form.

H Krishna Sastri in his book South Indian Images of Gods and Goddesses (year  1916) adds the following details:

Pratyangira has four arms and a face as terrible as that of a lion. Her hair stands erect on her head. In her hands she holds a skull, trident, kettledrum and the noose (naaga paasa). She is seated on a lion and by her power destroys all enemies.

He has published tow pictures and he says, “The lion vehicle is missing in the Tirupparaithurai bronze. The Tiruchengodu statue has the sword and shield in place of skull and noose. And a breast band like Durga. Both are called Bhadrakaali by the people”.

***

In the Skandasramam book, following information is given:

“Umapathi Sivam says in his Kunchithangiri stava:

Yukte Bhagnorukaayam Narahari vapusham khandaperundarupi

Bhhutwaa garjanta magre sarabha kaghapathi: yasya faalaagni kundaath.

Ugraprathyangiraakyaam  dasasatavadanaam  kaalikaam aasu srutwaa

tasyaaH jigvaahra vahnim sutaruvath anyat  kunchithaangrim Bhaje

Angiras and Prathyangiras were the two ascetics who found out the mantra of this deity. The potency of the mantra is so high that one should not have any ill feelings towards the one who chants it.

She had sent Veerabhdra to violently interrupt and break up the sacrificial fire performed by Daksha, accompanied by Pratyangira. The mantras tell us she is but the embodiment of the wrath of Parvathi.

As Indrajit (in Ramayana) felt that he could not defeat Rama and Lakshmana in the battle, he got up to a sacrificial fire with the chanting of the Pratyangira mantra in the Nigumbala. On knowing this Lakshmana went there and broke it up”.

The book gives also the Mantras for this deity in Sanskrit. Any one interested in it may go through the book. It is in Devanagari lipi. ( I have one copy of the book)

Chennai Sri Skandasramam

Splendour and Vision

Published by Swayamprakasa Awadhuta Trust, Pudukkottai.

Available in Chennai, Salem and Pudukottai where the trust have centres.

***

Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology published by Hamlyn has a colour picture of the goddess with the following caption:

“Durga Pratyangira: one of the terrifying forms assumed by Siva’s wife.The goddess is seated on a jewelled Padmasana holding her husband’s trident, sword and drum and a bowl for blood. Her name, in this south Indian representation, has Tantric associations while her form as Kaali is seen in the long teeth and the tongues of fire. Kali in Vedic times is the name of Fire God’s black terrifying flame.  (Tricinopoly Painting, Nineteenth Century A D)”

***

In the Shaiva tradition, Shiva assumed the form of Sharabha, a bird-lion hybrid form with two wings of Shakti in the form of Shulini Devi and Pratyangira Devi to calm down Narasimha. Seeing this, Narasimha created Gandaberunda, a powerful two-headed bird, to fight Sharabha. Seeing that the fight between Sharabha and Gandaberunda was terrorizing the world, Pratyangira in her ugra form was released from the third eye of Sharabha. The war ended with Pratyangira’s roar. Narasimha resumed his Satvik form, and thus Dharma in the world was restored.

***

Wisdom lib.org gives following information about the goddess:

Pratyangira is endowed with four arms and a face as terrible as that of a lion. Her head is that of a male lion and her body is that of a human-female. Her hair stands erect on her head. In her hands she holds a skull, trident, Damaru and the noose (nagapasa). She is seated on a lion and by her power destroys all enemies.

In Tantric worship, Pratyangira is shown with a dark complexion, ferocious in aspect, having a lion’s face with reddened eyes and riding a lion wearing black garments, she wears a garland of human skulls; her hair strands on end, and she holds a trident, a serpent in the form of a noose, a hand-drum and a skull in her four hands. She is also associated with Bhairava, as Atharvana-Bhadra-Kali.

Pratyaṅgirā (प्रत्यङ्गिरा) is a form of Kālī and identified with Goddess Tvaritā, according to the Kulakaulinīmata verse 3.310.—Tvaritā is also identified as Pratyaṅgirā, a form of Kālī.

–subham—

Tags- Pratyangira devi, Ayyavadi temple, Chennai Skandasram temple,  London swaminathan , images of Pratyangira

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by Tamil and Vedas on April 8, 2026  •  Permalink
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My Three Country Tour in January-March 2026 (Post.15,563)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,563

Date uploaded in London – 1 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 

By God’s grace I went to three countries with my wife between January and March 2025 and spent much of the time in visiting new and unseen temples.. I have written detailed articles in Tamil about most of these places; and more articles are in the line.

During this trip, I visited Temples, archaeological monuments, gardens, Tourist spots, Shopping centres, libraries, museums and palaces.

Here is a brief tour plan I followed:

January 2, 2026- departure from London LHR.

January 2, 2026- stayed in Bengaluru.

January 3- stayed in Fortune JP Palace hotel in Mysuru.

Visited Melakote Vishnu temple, Sri Rangapatna Vishnu temple, Chamundeeswary Devi temple etc.

January 4- Mysore Palace, Somnathpur Kesava Temple/Archaeological Monument, Back to Bengaluru in the night.

January 5- Left Bengaluru for Bangkok in Thailand.

January 6, 2026- arrived in Bangkok and stayed in Villa de Kaoshanon Hotel; visited the Royal Palace.

January 7- Had darshan in Mariamman Temple in Bangkok. Did some shopping; also visited one of the oldest Buddhist temples very near out hotel.

January 8- Left for Sydney in Australia.

January 8- reached Sydney just before midnight.

Stay in Australia until 2 March 2026.

January 29- had darshan at Sri Karpaka Vinayakar Temple .

January 31- Sri Durga Kovil and Sri Shirdi Baba Mandir

March 2, 2026 – left for Chennai

March 3 – Chennai shopping

March 4- reached Sri vathsam Divine Inn hotel near Kumbakonam stayed there until 13-3-2026

March 5, 2026- Vaitheeswaran Siva temple,

Mayuranathar temple in Mayiladuthurai

Sivapuram Vedapatasala in Mayiladuthurai

Sarngapani temple, Kumbakonam

Chakrapani temple, Kumbakonam

Nageswarar temple, Kumbakonam

Kumbeswarar temple, Kumbakonam

March 6- Tiruchengattankudi Shiva/ Ganapathy temple

Tiruupugalur Appar/ Shiva temple

Srivanchiyam Shiva temple

March 9, 2026-Thiruvidaimarudur Shiva temple

Tirubhuvanam Shiva temple

Tiruvavaduthurai Shiva temple

Kanchanur Shiva temple/ sukran temple

March 10, 2026- Dharasuram Shiva temple/ Archaeological monument

Adivarahar Vishnu temple – Kumbakonam

March 12, 2026- Uppilappan Vishnu Temple

Ayyavadi Pratyankara/ Shiva temple

Tirunaraiyur Shiva temple / Sani graha shrine

Swarna akarshana Bhairava temple, Sembianvararampal near Ayyavadi

March 13, 2026- Veeranarayana Vishnu Temple, Kattumannar Koil,

Aravinda/Aurobindo Ashram at Puducherry

Manakkula Vinayakar Temple at Puducherry

Puducherry Museum

Back to Chennai in the night.

March 14- Chennai Shopping

March 15- Left Chennai by BA and reached LHR same day afternoon.

I took 500 to 600 pictures during my tour.

–subham-

Tags- My tour, Three countries, India, Australia, Thailand, Hindu temples, museums, palaces, London Swaminathan, January- March 2026., Buddhist temple

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by Tamil and Vedas on April 1, 2026  •  Permalink
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