All posts tagged travel

July 2026 Calendar with Golden Sayings from Kamba Ramayana (Post No.15,929)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,929

Date uploaded in London –29 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 

July 17 Dakshinayana Begins; 25 Ashada Ekadasi; 26 Chaturmasya Vrata/Four Month Vow begins; 29 Purnima, Vyasa Puja/Guru Purnima; 

ஜூலை 14 Amavasyai/New moon day ; 29 Purnima/Full moon day;

Hindu Fasting Days/ Ekadasi 10, 25;

Auspicious Days for Weddings: July 2, 5, 9, 12 ;

***

Tiru Valluvar, author of Tiruukural, is the greatest poet of ancient Tamil Nadu; Kamban,author of Ramayana, is the greatest poet of Middle ages and Bharatiyar is the  greatest poet of the Modern Age in Tamil Literature.

No English Translation will justify the beautiful Tamil verses of Kamban. Yet I use mostly from P R Ramachander’s website. Thanks. Here are 31 golden sayings from Tamil Ramayana:

July 1 Wednesday

1.He   who forever  plays   the sports   of

Creating  all the world  by his thought,

Looks  after  it  and destroys it ,

And is our lord and we only surrender to him.

***

July 2 Thursday

3.Those   people learned the beginning , end and rare  of everything ,

But know that  Vedas are that   which can be measured   and not measured,

***

July 3 Friday

Those who do not  have any desires   would not catch  hold of any other feet ,

Except  the feet   of He   who is the abode of wisdom, good conduct  and goodness.

***

July 4 Saturday

4.One cat reached   that  great ocean of milk

And desired   to drink it all  by licking and slapping,

And  like that I desired to tell   the  whole story ,

Of Rama who  won over everything   without   committing any fault .

***

July 5 Sunday

5.I started spinning    this tale by using  simple  understandable words ,

Of  the greatness  of that great one , who by one arrow pierced    the seven Mara Maras (7 trees)

***

July 6 Monday

9, If  on the floors of the room   little children and dancing dames ,

Make scratches , would   the   architects   bother about it?

Reading  this inferior poems written by me, which does not have,

Even  with a little knowledge of God, would  expert writers  get angry?

***

July 7 Tuesday

12. Both those five edged  arrows which do  many crimes,

And   the arrow  like eyes of those ladies  who have .

Busts  laden   with  very many ornaments ,

Do not go  beyond Dharma in the Kosala  country,

***

July 8 Wednesday

15. Similar  to the devas thinking that  that Himalaya mountain was made  of Gold,

And made the stars  fall  all over the mountain like a rain of silver,

Similar  to the philanthropists   giving their    all ,

The clouds gave away    all the water they had  to that mountain.

***

July 9 Thursday

16.The water  in the river (Sarayu)  flowed rapidly like ,

The travel of the fame  of those great kings  who ruled under  a cool umbrella ,

***

July 10 Friday

18.Because it was flowing carrying gems, gold , peacock feathers,

Pretty   tusks of the elephant. Incense ,sandal , incomparable garlands

From one place to other , that river resembled the men of trade.

***

July 11 Saturday

20.Because it was  carrying Mountains, Uprooted  trees ,

And nearby leaves and bringing them,  that river  resembled ,

The  movement  of the monkeys when Rama    wanted

To bridge   the ocean  which  was full of waves.

***

July 12 Sunday

30 The waters of  the river   born in between rocks of Himalayas,

And merging with the  waters  of the sea ,

Seems to say that  the boundless Vedas,

Were  telling , “This is the divine truth,”

***

July 13 Monday

By being  single while   it began and later  spread,

Among the lakes   and ponds   all over ,

And was similar to the words of  many religious scholars ,

Who studied the books and told about  a single divine truth.

***

July 14 Tuesday

32.Using  four lined   verses , the great one called Valmiki,

Composed   sweet poems which were  drunk by devas  using their ears,

After drinking the alcohol called love , I am now talking ,

About the country he described like  a dumb one who has started talking.

***

July 15 Wednesday

35.With peacocks playing in the garden , With lotus flowers holding the lamps,

With clouds making sound like drums, With kuvalai flowers opening their eyes and seeing,

With water storages shining like curtains, With bees singing like the honey sound of lute

It appeared  as if the lady  of cultivable  land  was sitting   in a regal  manner.

***

July 16 Thursday

41.The farm women spoke words   which are as sweet as poems,

***

July 17 Friday

50. Since the country was protected by a king, who knew the rules of ruling,

Who kept his desires under control , Who got angry  when and where  he should,

Who knew the amount of tax that  he was collecting  and who was merciful to his citizens,

That country was  avoiding the burden and were similar  to  the land which was like  god to them,

***

July 18 Saturday

69. To all those citizens of that    Kosala   country,

Ships would  continuously bring    them very great wealth,

The  cultivable lands    continuously  would   lead them  to prosperity

The mines would continuously   give them precious      stones,

And the difficult to get clan heritage would give them good  conduct.

***

July 19 Sunday

70.Since nothing wrong is committed there , there is no unnatural  death,

Due to the purity of thought of people  , there is no anger  there,

Due to absence of activities which are not good  ,

Except for   progress there is  no deterioration.

***

July 20 Monday

71.That which spreads crossing   its  path  there,  is the flood,

That which has  lost its recognition,  is the shoulders  of saffron mark,

That which is    small is the thin , are  waists of ladies there ,

And that which is scented there is the hair of girls  decorated by flowers.

***

July 21 Tuesday

72.The smoke raised by putting incense sticks  in fire, The smoke from kitchen,

The  good smoke   coming from  Sugarcane processing places,

And   the   pretty smoke coming from  Vedic fire sacrifices,

Spread   everywhere      and were looking  like exuberant clouds.

***

July 22 Wednesday

84.Since poverty is not there, there is no charity there,

Since there are none to fight face to face  ,Strength cannot be exhibited,

Since no body tells a lie ,  there is no definition of truth,

And since wealth of questions are asked , there  is no ignorance.

***

July 23 Thursday

85.Since carts bringing huge stocks of gingelly, millets , ragi  and maize

And the   carts bringing lot of salt from the slushy   salt farms

Are  not able  to be driven properly   due to heaviness of  their  load,

They are being pushed by men who  meet  and mingle with each other.

***

July 24 Friday

86.Like those souls who cannot get salvation due to  lack of divine wisdom,

Are born several times    to   completely wipe away  Karmas done   earlier,

Sugar, honey  , sugary juices  , the curd of  lands of cowherds and toddy.

***

July  25 Saturday

90. The outer   beauty  was permanent due to their inner  beauty,

Due to their  being without   a lie , their justice lives permanently,

Due to  love of their women  , all the dharmas  were permanent,

And due to the virtuous life of their women , the seasonal  rain was permanent.

***

July 26 Sunday

94.Is the city  of Ayodhya , the face of the earth or the thilaka on its face,

Is it the very long auspicious thread of the marriage?

Is it the gem studded necklace worn over the breasts?

***

July 27 Monday

97.The   opinion of    the great Vedas is that,

Those who do blessed deeds   would reach heavens after death,

And who else is there  in this world    except  Raghava,

Who nurtured dharma with penance   in this world?

***

July 28 Tuesday

99.All the kings are there, the best among ornaments are there,

All the gems which can never be got are all there ,

All  the elephants in rut with rope tied to their neck are all there,

All the things in this world are there  ,

***

July 29 Wednesday

And if all sages  , devas and asuras have all assembled there  ,

And if all of them praise   the greatness of that city,

Is there a comparison to it . It is definitely difficult to find

***

July 30 Thursday

And if we want to talk about those   great boundary walls  ,

WE can say it is as high as the true divine knowledge  ,

Which can be got after mastering     great books of wisdom  ,

And after that   bring them  to practice   and get it  in the micro form.

***

July 31 Friday

101.These  boundary walls  are similar to Vedas as their end cannot be seen,

They are like devas    because they  also have reached   the world of devas,

They are like  sages because  they control   outside attachments,

They are like  like Goddess Durga who rides on deer   as they both guard the city,

They   are like Goddess Kali , because both hold spears for war,(spears are attached to walls)

And are like God because both of them are difficult to reach.

TAGS– July 2026 Calendar, Golden Sayings, Kamba Ramayana, Tamil poet, Kamban

–subham–

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on June 29, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on June 29, 2026

https://tamilandvedas.com/2026/06/29/july-2026-calendar-with-golden-sayings-from-kamba-ramayana-post-no-15929/

Kick the trees, Hug the trees, Spit on the trees! They will blossom! (Post No.15,904)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,904

Date uploaded in London –22 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 

HINDU MONALISA IN SCULPTURE.

Indians from very early times have discovered and realised the mysterious link of sympathy and attraction which exists between plant life and human life. They know that plants also have feelings like human beings.

A well-known verse in Sanskrit illustrates how human reacts with plants:

“The Priyangu creeper  blossoms when touched by a woman, the  Bakula tree flowers when sprinkled by a mouthful of wine by a woman, the Asoka when struck by a damsel’s foot adorned with anklets, the Tilaka by a mere glance, the Kurabaka when embraced, the Mandara by the cracking of a joke, the Campaka by  a meaning and soft smile, the Cuta/mango tree by the breeze blown from the mouth, the Nameru by a song and Karnikara by a woman dancing  in front of it. It is however , always a young and beautiful woman alone can exert this benign influence.”

It is also noteworthy that the five arrows of the God of Love (Manmata) with which he subjugates the whole universe are fashioned out of five flowers.

Aravindamasokascha cuusaayakaah tam cha navamallikaa

Nilotpalam cha panchaite panchabaanasya

The Five Flower Arrows

Each arrow represents a specific flower and governs a particular state of emotion or sensory experience:

1.     Aravinda (Lotus)

o    Associated Emotion: Fascination, exhilaration, or a sense of youthful cheer.

2.     Aśoka (Ashoka Flower)

o    Associated Emotion: Disturbance or excitement, sometimes causing an outpouring of emotion.

3.     Cūta (Mango Blossom)

o    Associated Emotion: Delusion or infatuation; “losing one’s mind” to desire.

4.     Navamālikā (Jasmine)

o    Associated Emotion: Burning desire, anguish, or restlessness.

5.     Nīlotpala (Blue Lotus)

o    Associated Emotion: Stupor, immobility, or deep, absorbing love.

DEVI HOLDING FIVE FLOWERS.

Thus the human world and the plant world are said to act and react on each other in various ways. This is called Dohada.

***

What is Dohada?

Dohada literally refers to the cravings of a pregnant woman and in this context the desire of trees, just before they bloom, for some kind of contact with a woman.  Women can thus trigger their flowering by a sort of ritual that varies for each tree. 

In classical Sanskrit literature, the Ashoka tree (Saraca asoca) and its relationship with women is a famous motif.

Following  verse describes the beautiful, ancient poetic belief that the tree requires the touch of a woman’s foot to bloom.

Apakrīṇāśokaḥ sahate caraṇāhatiṃ sarojadṛśām |Vilasitabakulo vanitāmukhavāsī madyapāta iva ||

“Even the sorrow-less Ashoka tree endures the kick from the lotus-eyed lovely woman’s feet; just like an intoxicated person who is delighted by the fragrance of a woman’s breath.”

***

Dohada (दोहद).—[dohamākarṣa dadāti dā-ka] in Sanskrit Dictionary:

1) (a) The longing of a pregnant woman; प्रजावती दोहदशंसिनी ते (prajāvatī dohadaśaṃsinī te) R.14. 45; उपेत्य सा दोहददुःखशीलतां यदेव वव्रे तदपश्यदाहृतम् (upetya sā dohadaduḥkhaśīlatāṃ yadeva vavre tadapaśyadāhṛtam) 3.6,7. (b) The desired object itself.

2) Pregnancy.

3) The desire of plants at budding time (as, for instance, of the Aśoka to be kicked by young ladies, of the Bakula to be sprinkled by mouthfuls of liquor &c.); महीरुहा दोहदसेकशक्तेराकालिकं कोरकमुद्गिरन्ति (mahīruhā dohadasekaśakterākālikaṃ korakamudgiranti) N.3.21;R.8.63; Meghadūta 78; see अशोक (aśoka).

***

Kalidasa on Trees

1. The Meghaduta (Kalidasa)


In his famous Khanda-Kavya (lyric poem), Kalidasa uses the dohada of the Ashoka tree to express the sorrow and separation of the Yaksha’s beloved in Alaka.

raktāsokam̉ namayati patāduttamāyāsahastāt
“The red Ashoka bends down under the touch of the foot of the best of women…”

2. The Vikramorvashiyam (Kalidasa)


In this celebrated play, Kalidasa mentions the kurabaka tree which requires the embrace of a woman to bloom. The text is also noted for its early use of Doha (or Duha) verse forms, which are closely related metrical couplets used in Prakrit and Apabhramsha.

 ASOKA TREE

3. The Classical Poetic Paradox
In classical Sanskrit drama and poetry, the ultimate wonder for a poet is when spring arrives but these beloved trees bloom naturally, without the instigation of a woman’s foot, voice, or embrace. A well-known anonymous sloka encapsulates this dohada tradition:

nāliṅgitaḥ kurabakas tilako na dṛṣṭo
no tāḍitaś ca caraṇaiḥ sudṛśām aśokaḥ |
sikto na vaktram adhunā bakulaś ca caitre
citram tathāpi bhavati prasavāvakīrṇaḥ ||


नालिङ्गितः कुरबकस्तिलको न दृष्टो

नो ताडितश्च चरणैः सुदृशामशोकः।

सिक्तो न वक्त्रमधुना बकुलश्च चैत्रे

चित्रं तथापि भवति प्रसवावकीर्णः॥

Meaning: The Kurabaka was not embraced, the Tilaka was not looked at, nor was the Ashoka struck by the feet of beautiful-eyed women. The Bakula was not sprinkled with the nectar of a mouth in the month of Chaitra (spring), and yet it is astonishingly covered in blossoms.

8th verse in the vasanta section of the 18th chapter of the Kavirahasya in the Kavyamimamsa – Rājaśekhara

***

Kalidasa in Raghuvamsa

Remembering the favour you have done by trampling this Ashoka tree to blossom perfectly, to the chime of jingling anklets, that too impossible to get for other trees, it is mourning for you by shedding flower-tear-rain. [8-63]

स्मरतेव सशब्दनूपुरम् चरणानुग्रहमन्यदुर्लभम्|

अमुना कुसुमाश्रुवर्षिणा त्वमशोकेन सुगात्रि शोच्यसे॥ ८-६३

smarateva saśabdanūpuram caraṇānugrahamanyadurlabham|

amunā kusumāśruvarṣiṇā tvamaśokena sugātri śocyase || 8-63

***

Shalabhanjika

This literary concept of the dohada is intimately tied to the Shalabhanjika motif—the depiction of women engaging in garden sports and interacting gracefully with tree branches. It symbolizes the sacred bond of woman and nature.

Tags- Shalabhanjika, Dohada, Plants and women, Five flower arrows,

Kick the trees, Hug the trees, Spit on the trees! They will blossom!

–subham—

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on June 22, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on June 22, 2026

https://tamilandvedas.com/2026/06/22/kick-the-trees-hug-the-trees-spit-on-the-trees-they-will-blossom-post-no-15904/

Ornaments in Buddha Charita,Rajatarangini:Ancient Hindu Jewellery! You can get Ph.D.- Part 5 (Post15,885)

Hindu Mather Goddess in Harappan Civilization

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,885

Date uploaded in London –18 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 

Research article- Part 5

Madurai Menakshi (Wife of Siva).

We get interesting information about jewels and ornaments from Sangam Tamil literature, Rajatarangini of Kalhana and Buddha Charita of Asvaghosa.

Tamil Sangam literature has many Sanskrit words like Valaya (bangles, bracelets) Nupura (anklet), Mani (gem stones) and Mukta (Muthu,Pearl). Mukta may be taken from Tamil. Pravala is used as Pavalam in Tamil.

Tamils wore ornaments from head to foot like their north Indian counterparts.  Only later epic Silappadikaram has full details. Sangam Tamils wore bangles made up of seashells a lot. Both men and women had anklets (Kazal for men; Silambu for women). Children had foot ornaments as well; later literature mentioned Kolusu; but Sanskrit word Kinkini is in Sangam poems. As I mentioned earlier all the Five Tamil Epics are named with ornaments, but with Sanskrit words!

Most interesting thing is the mention of Makara rings (shark shaped) worn by the Sangam Tamils. We find such rings until today.

Kalhana who wrote the history of Kashmir in Sanskrit says in his work Rajataarangini,

“Now, gentle friend! Drink freely, your ears serving the mother of pearl glasses, of this River of Kings (raajatarangini) delightful with the flow of its sustained sentiment- 1-24”.

For this sloka R S Pandit (India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s brother-in-law) has given the following detail in the footnote:

Kalhana hoped his poem would be recited like the great epics in time to come. Mother of pearl glasses for drinking wine must have been in use among the people in his day. In Taranga V verse 169, there is a reference to jewelled glasses for liqueur which were used by the nobility.

Bernier speaks of Tibetan jade presented to Aurangazeb in Kashmir, which was “in great estimation in the court of the Mogol; its colour is greenish, with white veins, and it is hard to be wrought only with diamond powder. Cups and vases were made of this stone. I have some of the most exquisite workmanship, inlaid with strings of gold, and enriched with precious stones”– Bernier

***

Hindu woman in Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, UK.

Asvaghosha wrote four books Saundarananda, Buddha Carita, Vajrasuci and Sraddotpada  Sastra.

Jewellery is mentioned as

Bhuushana,

Aabharana ,

Mandana

It included the following ornaments: various kinds of necklaces called Mala (maalaa), Hara(haara), which sometimes were long enough to dangle up to breasts, special necklaces called Yoktraka, Suvarna Suutra and Kantha suutra.

Dangling earrings-Kundala and Mani kundala (studded with precious jewels);

Anklets (Nuupura), bracelets or armlets called Keyuura, Bhujapaasha;

Valaya- bangles and Angad;

Girdle called Mekhalaa, Kaanchi and Jhaghana Vibhuushana. Some of them had jingling bells.

Mahaavastu also mentioned these ornaments.

While ladies of high pedigree used gold, silver studded jewellery, common people used white shell ornaments.

From Begran in Gandhara region a beautiful collection of fragments of ivory toilet boxes have been found from the ruins of Kanishka’s palace.

The kings and princes used a large number of ornaments. Royal tiara with strings of pearls hanging over their shoulders, armlets in the arms, diadem with blazing jewels and necklaces.

Q.Curtius Rufus (First century CE) writes:

“Indians hang precious stones as pendants from their ears, and persons of high social rank or of great wealth, deck their wrist and upper arm with bracelets of gold…. The luxury of their kings or they call it, their magnificence is carried to a vicious excess without a parallel in the world”.

***

Yakshi with head to foot ornaments

Some important Sanskrit Words in modern usage:

Angada- armlet like a coiled snake;

Anguliyaka- finger ring;

Arsi- thumb ring set with mirror;

Baahu- armlet;

Bali- ring type earring with pearl strung on it;

Bina- star shaped forehead ornament;

Bindi -forehead ornament;

Chaulari- four stringed necklace;

Chuudaamani- ornament for hair, lotus shaped, its petals ornamented with pearls and precious stones;

Ekavali- single strand pearl necklace;

Chungru- anklet with small bells (kinkini)

Hamsa mithuna- decorative motif consisting of a pair of swans;

Hiranya- gold;

Hirnyasraj- gold garlands;

Kaksha- red seeds for making ornaments;

Kanaka kamala – a full blown lotus design earring set in rubies, still used in South India;

Kancala- elaborate earrings with pendants;

Kaachis- hip girdle with bells;

Kangan- bracelet;

male and female jewellery;  Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, UK.

Kanta- short necklace broad and flat;

Karnika- earring;

Karnphul-flower shaped earring;

Kinkini- anklet with small bells suspended;

Kirita- crown;

Kundela- simple earring or circular;

Maangaa maalaai- gold coin necklace of south Indians;

Manjira- hollw anklets;

Mekhalaa- hip belt or girdle;

Mukta – pearl; muktavali-pearl necklace;

Nishka- necklace of gold coins;

Pattabandha- ornamented gold strip for holding the turban in position;

Phalaka- slab like gems;

Phalaka haara- necklace with slab like gems at intervals;

Phalaka valaya – bracelet with slab like gems set into it;

Rasana-girdle;

Ratnajali- a net of braid and pearls worn around chignon by women ;

Ratnanguliya- finger ringsl studded with gems; one of them is NAVA RATNA RING;

Satlar- seven stringed necklace;

Tilari- three  stringed necklace;

Tulakoti- heavy anklets with two ends enlarges at their meeting point;

Valaya- bracelet; bangles;

Yashti- necklace of gems and gold beads with large central head.

Tamils of later days also had a long list of ornaments but not found in ancient literature. The sculptures and paintings show this jewellery.

–subham—

Tags- Ornaments, Buddha Charita, Rajatarangin, :Ancient Hindu Jewellery,  You can get Ph.D., Part 5, Research article

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on June 18, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on June 18, 2026

https://tamilandvedas.com/2026/06/18/ornaments-in-buddha-charitarajataranginiancient-hindu-jewellery-you-can-get-ph-d-part-5-post15885/

Jewellery in Kamasutra: Ancient Hindu Jewellery! You can get Ph.D.- Part 4 (Post No.15,879)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,879

Date uploaded in London –16 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 

Jewellery in Kamasutra: Ancient Hindu Jewellery! You can get Ph.D.- Part 4 (Post No.15,879)

Hindu Mother Goddess in Indus Valley

Vatsayayana’s Kamasutra, the oldest Sex Book in the world, has details of types of jewellery that was used 2000 years ago.

Kamasutra in Sanskrit has the world’s oldest syllabus for teenage girls; Hindu women were far advanced in learning than other ancient cultures. One of the 64 subjects that a girl should study is JEWELLERY.

Apart from jewellery, he has dealt with garland making, the art of dressing and crowns and head ornaments.

Pronunciation – vaatsyaayana, kaama suutra;

1

Crowns and head ornaments

Headbands or circlets of flowers of all colours used especially by town people.

2

Theart of dressing

To chose garments and jewels to embellish the body, according to place and circumstances.

3

Ivory and mother of pearl ornaments

4

Perfumes

5

Jewellery

These are of two kinds: necklaces ornamented with jewels worn around the hips, used mostly for the theatre.

Under the topic of  the conduct of the well-bred townsmen vatsyayana says,

At dusk numerous people gather for reception, including singers, dancers and the players of instruments.

Gentlemen should go to the reception room elegantly dressed. Elegance is a matter of the quality of the clothes and jewels. Bharata gives some indications in his Natya Shastra (naatya shaastra). An elegant man wears four kinds of clothes made of vegetable silk/kshauma, cotton/kaarpaasa, natural silk/kaushysa or wool/rangava. Vegetable silk is made from hemp fibre and can also be made from bark.

After this gentlemen put on their jewels. Varahamihira describes thirteen kinds of precious stones and nine kinds of golden jewels. The gemstones are

Diamond/ vajra,

Pearl/mukta,

Ruby/pamaraga,

Emerald/ maragata

Sapphire/ indranila,

Lapis lazuli/vaidurya,

Topaz/puhparaga,

A black stone,

A whet stone,

Amber/pulaka,

Garnet/rudhiraaksha,

Amethyst/bhiisma

Crystal/sphatika, opla/pravaala.

Jewels are of four kinds:

picture of African Negro Dancer from Indus Valley with Jewels.

Avedhya – for which the flesh is pierced: earrings, diamond in the nose;

Nibhandaniiya- attached with bands; attached to the arm/angada, headband for the hair/venii; crown /shikaa dridhikaa, belt/shroni suutra, diadem/chuudaamani.

Prakshepya –slipped on : ring/urmikaa, nail guards/kataka, bracelets/valaya, anklets/manjiira.

Aaropya – worn around the neck; necklaces/hara, necklace of twenty seven perarls/nakshatramaalikaa.

Then vaatsyaayana describes other flower decorations and perfume types.

Later in a chapter he gives details of how a woman should behave:

For amorous encounters, she must dress luxuriously with many jewels, many flowers and ointments.

On going out to amusements, she must wear elegant but unpretentious garments, only a few jewels, discreet scent and makeup, white flowers in her hair.

Pretty but simple clothes, simple ear rings, no colours that are too flashy.

If her husband practises periodic abstinence or fasting, she does the same. She tells him” We are bound to one another. I am not independent”.

She does as he does to show her devotion.

When her husband departs on a journey abroad, she removes the married woman’s marks and her jewels, dedicates herself to devotion, and looks after the house according to the rules established by her husband.

She attends to worshipping the gods, praying, fasting, and must behave as her husband has taught her.

She must sleep beside her parents-in-law and obey their instructions.

Vaatsyaayana gives more details of daily routine. I am not writing here because it has not anything to do with jewellery.

–to be continued

Tags – Kamasutra, Vatsyayana, jewellery, part 4, Jewellery in Kamasutra: Ancient Hindu Jewellery, You can get Ph.D.

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on June 16, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on June 16, 2026

https://tamilandvedas.com/2026/06/16/jewellery-in-kamasutra-ancient-hindu-jewellery-you-can-get-ph-d-part-4-post-no-15879/

Brahmin Gotras on Tamil Inscriptions (Post.15,862)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,862

Date uploaded in London –12 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 

Brahmins lived not only in India but also in Sri Lanka and all over Southeast Asia. The Tamil and Sanskrit inscriptions and books like Mahavamsa confirm it. Agastya and Kaundinya, two Brahmins, occupy an important place in the literature, Historical inscriptions and folklore of Southeast Asian Countries. Sanskrit inscriptions of Mulavaman, Purnavarman (Fourth Century CE) and others were discovered inside the deep virgin forest of Borneo (Indonesia). Yupas (Yaga Pillars) were also found there. That shows Brahmins did big Yagas as well.

The suffix Varman has been continued with the name of Kings from Mahabharata days to the modern period.

Sangam Tamil poets proudly include their Gotra names. Dr R Nagaswamy, famous historian and archaeologist, N.Subramanian, Tamil scholar gave us a list of the gotras found in Tamil Nadu in their books.

Here is a list given by N.Subramanian in his book The Brahmin in the Tamil country, Madurai, 1989 :

The following Brahminical Gotra names are heard of in early and medieval Tamil inscriptions:

1.MAUTKALYAYANA

2.SRIVATSA

3.KAUNDINYA (GNANA SAMBANDAR’S GOTRA)

4.KASYAPA

5.BHARADVAJA (NACHCHINARKINIYAR  GOTRA)

6.JATUKARNA

7.VADULA

8.AGNIVESHYA

9.ATREYA

10.VISHNU VRIDHDHA

11.LOHITA

12.VASISTHA

13.GAUTAMA

14.PARASARA

15.HARITA

16.MUTKALA

17.KAUSIKA

18.SANDILYA

19.TARAYANA

20.AUSITHA

21.SAVARNI

22.SANKRIYAYANA

23.MASHALA

24.GARKA

25.RATHITARA

26.KANEKA

27.SALAVATA

28.KUTSA

29.VARAKYA

30.KAPI

31.TUMRAYANA

32.PAURUKUTSA

33.SAMKRASHTI

34.MATTARA

35.JANATKARNA

36.MADALA

37.KAPPA (KAVYA?

38.UDAMEGHA

39.LAKSHANYA

40.KANVAYANA

41.VISVAMITRA

42.ASHMATYA

****

The following Sutra names are also found in inscriptions:

1.APASTAMBHA

2.PRAVACHANA

3.BAHUVRIKSHA

4.SANDIKA

5.VASAUNI

6.HIRNYAKESI

7.ASVALAYANA

8.BAUVISHYA

9.KALARASPA(KALASARPA?)

10.KALARCHCHA

11.VAJAYANESYA

****

Following suffixes to names occur

1.SARMA, 2.BATTAR, 3.SOMASI (SOMA YAJI), 4.KILAN, 5.SARMAN, 6.CHATURVEDI, 7.VASANTAYAJI, 8.TRIVEDI, 9.SANGHVI (SATANGAVIT), 10.AIYAN, 11.VAJAPEYI, 12.UPADYAYA, 13.DVIVEDI

Chaturvi- one who mastered four Vedas; oldest Tamil book was approved by Chaturvedi Acharya of Tiruvithankodu in Kerala.

Trivedi- one who mastered three Vedas.

Dvivedi – one who mastered two Vedas.

Tamil Brahmins were great scholars; throughout Sangam Tamil literature we hear only Chaturvedi (in Tamil Naan Marai)

Sanghvi is Shat Andga Vit= one who is an expert in Six Angas/parts of Vedas.

In Tamil we call it Sadangu.

***

The following sacrifices are also mentioned:

Vajapeyam (Indian Prime minister Atal Behari Vajpeyi was from the family of Vajapeya Yaga experts)

Agnishtomam;

Asvamedham (horse sacrifice)

Rajasuyam is mentioned in Purananuru (Sangam Tamil Literature)

Kalidasa mentions that Pandyas are always with wet clothes because eof bathing called Avabrudha Snanam (in Raghuvamsa; it may be about Pal yaaga salai Mudu Kudumi Peruvazuthi)

Pal yaaga saalaa= one who constructs many Yaga Kundas at the same time)

The following Sakais (shakaa= branch) or Charanams are mentioned:

Asvalayana – Rig Veda;

Apastambha , Bharadvaja, Baudhayana, Satyasadha, Vaikanasa 0f Yajur Veda; Katyayana- Sukla Yajur Veda; Drahyayana- Sama Veda.

From Madurai N Subramanyam’s book

****

My old article on this subject follows: –

Brahmin Poets and Gotras

Brahmin poets of Sangam age identified themselves by thier Gotras. This gives valuable information to us. Even when Asoka sent his emissaries to Sri Lanka, they were welcomed by Brahmin priests. Mahavamsam says Brahmins were living in Sri Lanka even before Vijayan’s arrival there. It shows Brahmins were there at least from sixth Century BCE.

But most famous Brahmin poets Kapilar, Paranar, Mamulanar (Maamuulanaar) ,Kadiyalūr Uruthirankannanār etc. never mentioned their castes. Only other poets praised Kapilar as the most celebrated Brahmin because he was pure and self-controlled.

Pulan Azukkatra Anthanaalan – in Tamil

செறுத்த செய்யுட் செய் செந்நாவின், வெறுத்த கேள்வி விளங்கு புகழ்க் கபிலன்’  (புறம்.53) ;

‘புலன் அழுக்கற்ற அந்தணாளன்’ – நப்பசலையார் (புறம் 126); ‘

பொய்யா நாவிற் கபிலன் (புறம் 74)

***

We find the following Gotras in Sangam books:

The Gotras mentioned are: Atreya, Kausika, Kaundinya, Gowthama, Kasyapa, Kapya (Kaavya), Vatulya, Gargya,

Ilankousikanār         இளங்கௌசிகனார்

Iraniyamuttathu Perunkundrūr Perunkousikanār     இரணியமுட்டத்துப் பெருங்குன்றூர்ப் பெருங்கெளசிகனார்

Kallil Āthiraiyanār   கள்ளில் ஆத்திரையனார்

Kāppiyan Chēnthanār       காப்பியஞ் சேந்தனார்

Kāppiyātru Kāppiyanār     காப்பியாற்றுக் காப்பியனார்

Kāsipan Keeranār   காசிபன் கீரனார்

Kavuthaman Sāthēvanār  கவுதமன் சாதேவனார் (ஆமூர் கவுதமன் சாதேவனார்)

Kondimankalathu Vāthuli Narchēnthanār       கொடிமங்கலத்து வாதுளி நற்சேந்தனார்

Kōthamanār  கோதமனார்

Madhurai Ilankanni Kōsikanār    மதுரை இளங்கண்ணிக் கோசிகனார்

Madhurai Ilankousikanār மதுரை இளங்கௌசிகனார்

Madhurai Kavuniyan Poothathanār      மதுரைக் கவுணியன் பூதத்தனார்

Neythal Kārkkiyār  நெய்தல் கார்க்கியர்

Pālai Gouthamanār           பாலைக் கெளதமனார்

Perunkousikanār    பெருங்கௌசிகனார்

Sellūr Kōsikan Kannan      செல்லூர் கோசிகன் கண்ணனார்

From other sources we know Chandilya, Bharadvaja Gotras. Most famous commentator Nachchinarkiniyar , and Nedum Bharatayanar, Teacher of a Chera king, belong to Bharadwaja Gotra.

Post Sangam epic Silappadikrama gives more information. Dr Nagaswamy, famous historian and archaeologist, lists 32 Gotras that lived in Tamil Nadu, from post Sangam period inscriptions.

List of Brahmin poets and their contribution in Sangam/ Cankam literature:

List of Famous Brahmin Poets:

Agasthyar ,who received Tamil language from Shiva

Tolkappiyar (Thruna dumagni), who wrote grammar after Agaththiyam became obsolete.

Amur Gowthaman Sathevanar (Sahadevan)

Kadiyalur uruththiran Kannanar ( Rudra Aksha)

Kodimangalam Vathula (Gothra) Narsenthan

Sellur Kosikan (Kausika Gothra) kannanar

Madurai Teacher Nalanthuvan

Madurai Ilam kausikanar

Madurai Kanakkayanar

Nakkiran,son of Madurai Kanakkayanar

Madurai gownian (Kaundinya Gothra) daththnar

Mamulanar

Uraiyur enicheri mudamosi

Perunkundrur Perungkausikan

Kumattur kannan

Gowthaman

Valmiki

Vadamavannakkan damodaran

Vembathur kumaran

Paranar

Kapilar-Paranar

*****

Books written by Brahmin poets

Tolkappiyam (Pre Cankam period); His name was Truna Dhumagni, according to most famous commentator Nachchinarkiniyar. Tolkappiyar beloned to Kavya Gotra (  Kappiyak Kuti in Tamil) Lord Krishna in Bagavad Gita praised this clan. Usanas was the greatest Kavi= Kavya= Kappiya.

Kurinji pattu (lines 261)

Thiru murugatruppadai (lines 317)

Pattinap palai (Lines 301)

Perumpanatrup padai (Lines 500)

Malaipadukadam (lines 583)

Nedunal vadai (lines 188)

Six out of Ten Idylls sung by Brahmins

Pathitrup pathu (all except one)

Ainkurunuru (Kapilar’s 100)

Brahmin’s contribution adds up to 10,000 lines, nearly one third of the Sangam/ Cankam literature.

****

No Brahmins, No Tamil!!


Tamil and Vedashttps://tamilandvedas.com › 2012/01/14 › no-brahmins…

14 Jan 2012 — Without Brahmins Tamil would have died or at least become poorer two thousand years ago. The reason being Brahmins were the teachers of that language

Also more details are given in my article No Brahmins, No Tamil.

–Subham—

Tags- Brahmins, Gotras, Yagas, Tamil inscriptions, Brahmin poets, Sutras, Tolkappiar

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on June 12, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on June 12, 2026

https://tamilandvedas.com/2026/06/12/brahmin-gotras-on-tamil-inscriptions-post-15862/

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

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on June 3, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on June 3, 2026

https://tamilandvedas.com/2026/06/03/hindu-dictionary-in-english-and-tamil-69-%e0%ae%87%e0%ae%a8%e0%af%8d%e0%ae%a4%e0%af%81-%e0%ae%ae%e0%ae%a4-%e0%ae%95%e0%ae%b2%e0%af%88%e0%ae%9a%e0%af%8d%e0%ae%9a%e0%af%8a%e0%ae%b2%e0%af%8d/

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

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on May 25, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 25, 2026

https://tamilandvedas.com/2026/05/25/hindu-dictionary-in-english-and-tamil-65-%e0%ae%87%e0%ae%a8%e0%af%8d%e0%ae%a4%e0%af%81-%e0%ae%ae%e0%ae%a4-%e0%ae%95%e0%ae%b2%e0%af%88%e0%ae%9a%e0%af%8d%e0%ae%9a%e0%af%8a%e0%ae%b2%e0%af%8d/

Damirica and Limirica in South India (Post No.15,717)

Subhashini of Tamil Heritage Foundation has posted (in Facebook) the Map of Damirica as displayed in a museum in Vienna, Capital of Austria.

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,717

Date uploaded in London –9 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 

Periplus of the Erythraean Sea- Around 60 CE.

Claudius Ptolemy- 150 CE (Geographer and astronomer)

***

Interesting references to South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, are available from Roman and Greek writers of early centuries. K A Nilakanta Sastri and others have done some research and published their works long ago. But nothing is proved beyond doubt. So, we must do more research with the help of newly discovered inscriptions, Sanskrit works and Linguistics. For instance, world famous poet Kalidas mentioned Uragapura under Pandya rule. Some interpreted it as Nagappattinam, Uraiyur and Madurai. According to my research it fits very well with the name of Madurai.  Like Nagapattinam , Madurai is also called Snake city. In Tamil it is Aalavaay. Gnana Sambandar of Pallava- Pandya period (650 CE) used the word snake/ aalavaay city to mention Madurai.

The Kalinga king Kharavela makes two interesting statements regarding the Far South in his Hathikhumba cave inscription:

1

“and (he) thoroughly breaks up the confederacy of Tramira (Dramira) countries of one hundred and thirteen years which has been source of danger to (his) country (Janapada)”

2

“and a wonderful and marvellous enclosure of stockade for driving in the elephants (he)……..and horses, elephants, jewels and rubies as well as numerous pearls in hundreds (he) causes to be brought here from the Pandya king.

But is Sangam Tamil literature there is no reference to the 113 year joint front of the Tamil Kings. We have one reference to Rajasuya Yagam performed by a Choza King which was attended by the other two, Pandya and Chera kings. But we can’t place it in the first or second century BCE.

The second statement is also not clear. We don’t know whether he defeated the Pandya king or got all these as presents from the Pandya king. Pearls of Pandya kingdom were mentioned in the Arthasastra of Kautilya as Pandya Kavaatam.

****

Who is Kharavela?

Kharavela was the emperor of Kalinga (present-day eastern coast of India) in the 2nd or 1st century BC. The primary source for Kharavela is his rock-cut Hathigumpha inscription. The inscription is undated, only four of its 17 lines are completely legible, others unclear, variously interpreted and disputed by scholars. The inscription is written in Brahmi script with Jainism-related phrases recites a year by year record of his reign. He was a follower of Jainism. Much of the available information about Kharavela comes from the undated, much damaged Hathigumpha inscription and several minor inscriptions found in the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves in present-day Odisha. According to the Hathigumpha inscription, Kharavela spent his first 24 years on education and sports, a period when he mastered the fields of writing, coinage, accounting, administration and procedures of law. He was the prince to the throne (yuvaraja) at 16, and crowned King of Kalinga at age 24. The Hathigumpha inscription details his first 13 years of his reign.

Kharavela is known for his military campaigns in Northern and Southern India. He has led victorious expeditions against Magadha, Satavahana and Tamil confederacy (lead by Pandya dynasty) and other kingdoms such as Rashtrikas and Bhojakas of Berar and Maharastra regions during his reign. He was not only a great military general but also a good administrator. He undertook public works for the benefit of his people and in order to please them he remitted taxes and provided them with the occasions for merrymakings. The Hathigumpha inscription also mentions his public works such as repairing of the gates and buildings of his capital Kalinganagara, which was destroyed by a storm. These repairs and some other public works in the same year cost him thirty-five hundred thousand coins.

****

Periplus of the Erythraean Sea says, “from Comari toward the south this region extends to Colchi (Korkai), where the pearl fisheries are; (they were worked by the condemned criminals); and it belongs to the Pandyan kingdom”.

K A N Sastri pointed out that Pan Kou, a very early Chinese writer, mentioned commercial contacts between China and South India in Han period, beginning from the second century BCE.

Strabo said that a Pandyan embassy was sent to the court of Roman emperor Augustus. It is stated that the embassy was accompanied by an Indian sophist who committed himself to the flames at Athens, like Kalanos, who had exhibited a similar spectacle in the presence of Alexander.

Reference to the western side of India is available from the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, composed by an anonymous sailor between 60 and 80 CE. He divides peninsular India into two divisions : Dachinebades (Dakshinapatha) and Damirika (Tamilakam) , country of the Tamils. Damirika on the other hand was parcelled into three kingdoms, Cerobothra, the Pandian kingdom and the coast country.

He gives the following place names:

Naura (identified with Cannanore)

Tyndis (Ponnani)

Muziris (Cranganore)

Nelcynda (near Kottayam).

He adds Muziris abounds in ships with cargoes from Arabia and by the Greeks .

Nelcynda is part of Pandian Kingdom.

According to Sangam literature Chera king Imayavaramban Neduncheral Adan (155 CE) captured the Yavanas, poured oil on their heads, bound their hands behind them and did not release them until they paid him a huge ransom.

***

Choza KIngdom

According to Periplus it extended toward north from Colchi (Korkai). Places mentioned by him are as follows:

Argaru- Uraiyur;

Camara- Kaveripatnam or Puhar;

Poduca – Puducherry?

Sopatma – Markanam

Chryse- Burma?

***

Limirica

Ptolemy in his Geography mentions Limirica, identical with Damirica of the Periplus and speaks of the following political units:

The Kingdom of Karorura ruled by Kerobothra (Kerala Putra)

Pounatta ( S W Mysore)

The Kingdom of Aioi, with capital at Kothiara, usually located at south Travancore

The Kingdom of Pandioi with capital at Madura .

The Kingdom of Kareoi, possibly in the valley of the river Tamraparni

The Kingdom of Batoi, with capital at Nikama

The Kingdom of Orthoura, ruled by Soringoi possibly Choza country

The Kingdom of Malanga ruled by Basaranagas.

The Kingdom of Sora ruled by Arkatos .

From the above account, it is clear at the time of Ptolemy, the far south was divided into at least eight smaller kingdoms, leaving out of course Pounatta the political status of which is not clearly stated.

There is another reference to the mountains,

Between Mount Bettigo and Adeisathros  are the Sorai nomads , with these towns

Sangamarta (Sangam Madurai?)

Sora , the capital of Arkatos .

The Mount Bettigo is the same as tamil Pothikai, i.e. the Malaya ranges, while the Adeisthros refers to the Sahyadri or the Western Ghats.

***

Some guesses

Sora – Cola/ Choza

Arkatos – Arcot region

Arourarnoi –  Aruanadu

Though great scholars like K A Nilakanta Sastri have written about all these things after deep research, there is further scope for new research with the help of newly found inscriptions.

***

My comments

Look at the corruption of Tamil names by Greek and Roman writers. Even 300 years ago the English, French and the Dutch corrupted our names which are being corrected now by the rulers.

Damirica= Tamilaka is correct, because R=L changes are in Sanskrit Grammar.

But Limirica raises some questions. How D is Changed to L is a question. Indian linguistics show D =L changes through out the country in middle letters but not in initial letters.

My research shows

Cola= Coda in Asoka inscriptions; Coro in English; Coromandel coast = Choza Mandala Katarkarai

Ramadan= Ramalan = Ramzan (Muslim festival)

Utkala = Orissa= Odisah

Initial  L=D letter change is not known. Even Lemuria was used just a few hundreds years ago to mention the Land of Lemurs (animals found in Madagascar)

Even in Madagascar we see D=L change only in the middle letter.

The island country Madagascar is now called Malagasy  (D=L).

Map of Madagascar near Africa

–subham-

Tags – Damirica, Limirica, Ptolemy, Periplus, Kharavela

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on May 9, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 9, 2026

https://tamilandvedas.com/2026/05/09/damirica-and-limirica-in-south-india-post-no-15717/

Buddha, Skanda, Nammalvar – Three Great Avatars on Vaikasi Visakam Day! (Post No.15,682)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,682

Date uploaded in London –1 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 

(vaikaasi visaakam)

May 1, 2026 Vesak; May 30,2026 Vaikasi Visakam.

There are two Full Moon Days in May 2026.

Visaka , a star name, is corrupted as Vesak in Buddhist terminology. 

Vesak, often called “Buddha Day” or Buddha Purnima, is the most sacred holiday in Buddhism, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha on the full moon in May.

Significance: Celebrates the three major milestones of the Buddha’s life, which in many traditions occurred on the same day. 

When: Celebrated on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month, usually in May. In 2026,  May 1. 

Temple Visits: Buddhists visit temples for services and to make offerings.

“Bathing the Buddha”: A ceremony where water is poured over a statue of the infant Buddha to symbolize purification and the washing away of negative actions.

 Light and Decor: Homes and temples are decorated with lanterns and lights to symbolize the enlightenment of the Buddha.

Lifestyle: Many devotees wear white, eat vegetarian food, and observe the “eight precepts” (a code of morality) for the day.

Global Recognition: The United Nations recognized the day internationally in 1999 to acknowledge the contributions of Buddhism to spirituality and humanity.

 Vesak is primarily celebrated in South and Southeast Asia (Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Singapore) as well as by Tibetan and Mahayana traditions.

***

The festivalVaikasi Visakam is observed on the full moon day in the month of Vaikasi corresponding to the English month May -June. Moon is closer to the asterism/star Visaka. The day is said to be one in which god Subrahmanya incarnated in this world.

Dharmaraja , god of death, also known as Yama is also worshipped on this day. Hence this day is said to be doubly important and meritorious. Chaturdasi is the 14th day after a full moon day or new moon day; and the next day will be either full moon or new moon. If such a day happens to be a Tuesday in any of the dark fortnights, the occasion is said to be favourable for the worship of Yama. 

This is a month in which the days are extremely hot and sultry. Ponds and tanks dry up quickly and plants wither away. Rapidly.  Henc the sages have laid down that distribution of free food such as curd bath/yogurt rice with cool drinks or butter milk during such days will earn punya. Presentation of umbrellas and leather sandals, palm leaf fans as well as watering plants are considered acts of great religious merit.

 Certain places are considered to be especially important for such acts of charity, and Swamimalai is one of them.  It has a myth attached to it for its importance and it is in brief as follows,

 An asura by name Arikesa was giving Indra a lot of trouble. He visited various holy shrines to find a solution to solve this problem. When he went to Swamimalai and worshipped lord Subrahmanysa/ Muruga, He blessed him with the strength to shake off the demon and win back the kingdom he usurped.

 The observance of this festival at Tirumazhupadi near Thanjavur is considered especially important for the reason that Siva had on one occasion made a MAZHU or lance dance at this place and that took place on a Vaikasi Visaka day. And Siva’s sacred bull had its incarnation on this festive occasion.

 Alwar tirunagari in Tirunelveli district is the next important place for the observance of this festival. Most famous Vaishnava saint NAMMALVAR  was born here on Vaikasi Visaka day.

 There is an image of Narasimha Avatar of Vishnu is in the hill temple at Simhachalam in Andhra.  On all days of the year it is coated with sandal paste, but on the Vaikasi Visakam day the paste is scrubbed off, and the form is available for view. People flock to this place in large numbers to see the image.

***

 Inscriptions 

On the outside of the northern wall of enclosure of the

Thanjavur temple is a record in the sixth year of the Choza king Rajendradeva 1050-63 CE making provision for a daily allowance of paddy to a troop of actors to enact the drama of Rajarajeswara nataka on the occasion of the Vaikasi festival. On the rock outside the north prakara of the Ratnachaleswara temple at Ratnagiri in Trichy district, is an inscription relating to the 16th year,340th day of Tribhuvana chakravartin Konerumelkondan making a gift of land for the festival called Vaikasi tirunal.

***

My old article on Vaikasi  is given below: 

Significance of Tamil month Vaikasi (vaikaasi) 

This is the second month in Hindu Solar Calendar. Sun travels in second zodiac sign Rishaba, i.e, Taurus.

Tamil Hindus arrange auspicious events during this month. Marriages, Gruha Pravesa (house warming) , construction of buildings etc take place in this month.

Visaaka Star day (Viasaaka star and Moon together) known as Vaikaasi Visaakam is celebrated in Skanda/ Murugan temples. Millions of people visit Muruga/Kartikeya temples on that day.

For Buddhists Vesak (Visaka) is the most important festival of Buddha Jayanthi.

For Hindus, Tamil saints Sekkizar Jayanthi, Thiru Gnana Sambandar Jayanthi, Kanchi Mahaperiyavar Jayanthi (Shankaracharya of Kanchi Mutt (1894-1994) are important. This month roughly corresponds to May in English Calendar.

–Subham—

Tags- Vaikasi Visakam Festival, significance of Tamil month , Buddha Jayanti, Nammalvar, Vesak

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on May 1, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 1, 2026

https://tamilandvedas.com/2026/05/01/buddha-skanda-nammalvar-three-great-avatars-on-vaikasi-visakam-day-post-no-15682/

Madurai Chitra Purnima Festival and Kanchipuram Chitra Gupta Temple (Post.15,673)

Lord Vishnu (Kalla Azakar) entering Vaigai River in Madurai (Chitra Festival)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,673

Date uploaded in London –29 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 

The Hindu festival going by the name Chitra Pournami is observed on the full moon day in the month of Chithirai or Chaitra corresponding to the English month April – may , when the asterism/star Chitra holds sway.

In Madurai Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) weds Lord Siva called Sundaresan just before the full moon day. It is followed by a Rath Yatra in the streets of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. On the Chitra full moon day Lord Vishnu enters Vaigai River in Madurai  and spends several days in the city. Lord Vishnu temple  is in Alagarkoil and his local name is Kalla Azakar which is Sundara Rajan in Sanskrit. This festival attracts lakhs of people from surrounding villages and towns.

Four hundred years ago the great Nayak King renovated and rebuilt several towers of the temple and made it one of the 100 wonders of the world.

All the full moon days are Hindu Festival days. Chitra Full moon day tops the list because it is happening in the summer ; people travel everywhere without fear.

Around Tiruvannamalai Shiva Shrine several thousand do Giri Pradakshina which means Going round the hill. In villages Grama devatas are worshipped with Fire Walking ceremonies. In fact, there is no Tamil temple without something special during this season.

Chitra Gupta, accountant of Yama, God of Death.

Kanchipuram has scores of Siva and Vishnu Temples. In addition, it has a temple for Chitra Gupta, accountant of Yama, God of death. He is worshipped on this day.

Chitra gupta in Sanskrit means hidden picture ;the meaning is all our deeds, words and thoughts (Mano Vak Kayam- mano vaak kaayam–) make pictures around us. It is a hidden picture=Gupta Chitram). Hindu saints can see it; on the day of our death Chitra Gupta who is like a Super Computer- present our Audio- Video recordings in a USB pen drive to Yama. Hindu God of Death’s popular name is Dharma Raja. Brahmins worship him with this name thrice a day in their Sandhya Vandana. He is called Dharma Raja, because he shows no favours for a king nor hatred towards the poor. He gives us  rewards or punishments according to the recordings in the USB pen drive. Since we could not see during our existence on earth it is called Gupta Chitra= Chitra Gupta= Hidden Pictures.  Hindu saints can see it if they want to.

He has one temple in Kanchipuram and another in Kodangipatti near Theni in Tamil Nadu.

Chitra Gupta idol in Kanchipuram temple, holds a styli and notebook in his hands to record our Mano Vaak Kaaya activities, i.e. Thoughts, Words and Deeds. Those who always think good gets pass mark and Visa free direct ticket to paradise; others go to hell.

Inscriptions on Chitra Festival

On a pillar in the upper rock cut cave on the hill at Trichy is a record of the Choza king Rajakesarivarman 985-1013 CE dated in his sixteenth year relating to a gift of land to feed brahmins and devotees in the nine days of Chitra Festival .

On the west wall of the Ganesh shrine in the temple of

Nedungalanathar in Tiru Nedungulam in Trichy district is another inscription of the same king Rajakesarivarman recording a gift of land for feeding 500 Sivayogins during the Chitra Festival.

Siva and Parvati (Meenakshi Sundareswarar)

Story behind Chitra Festival

Brihaspati, spiritual guru of devas, threw up his appointment since Indra, king of devas,  failed to show proper respect to him. In the absence of advice from his preceptor, Indra became a great sinner by his commissions and omissions. After sometime Brihaspati relented and returned to duty. He forgave Indra and pointed out to him how he may be purged of all his sins by visiting holy places. Indra acted accordingly came to a forest where he found that all was well with him and felt that all his sins removed. Looking about to him to find out the cause of his happy deliverance, he found a lingam near a tank. Being convinced that the influence radiating from it was the cause of the joy of his heart, he at once sent for Visvakarma, the celestial architect, and with his aid a splendid shrine for Siva linga erected. He also caused another shrine erected near containing Siva’s wife .

Indra then wanted to worship the god and goddess but found no flowers. He then prayed to them and there suddenly appeared beautiful golden lotuses on the surface of a pond. Indra did worship with those golden flowers. All this happened on the full moon day of Chitra month. Even now people believe that Indra visits the place every Chitra Pournami day.

The story of Indra worshipping the Linga is in Tiru Vilaiyadal Purana as well. When a businessman, by name Dhanapathy Chettiyar, crossed the forest after sunset saw brilliant lights and he saw Indra worshipping with his paraphernalia. Very next day he reported the wonder that he saw in the forest to the pandya king of Madurai. He built the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple for Siva and his wife Meenakshi/Parvati.

The miracle boy saint Tiru Gnan Sambandar visited Madura around 600 CE and cured the disease of a Pandya king with the Vibhuti (holy ash) of the Siva Temple. The detailed story is in Periya Purana. His Tevaram poems praise Siva and his consort Meenakshi whose Tamil name is Angayakanni. His poems clearly say that he could see the towers of the Madurai Temple from a long distance. Lord Siva is called Chokkar (handsome)  in Tamil.

***

Ratha Yatra in Madurai.

Following is from my earlier post:

Tamil calendar is solar calendar, i.e. based on the movement of sun. When it enters a zodiac sign the months begin. But other South Indians calculate the beginning of the month from the New Moon day called Amavasyai. When Sun enters the first Zodiac sign, first Tamil month begins. That is the Tamil New Year Day

Strangely the names of the months are lunar based. When the full moon is seen with a prominent star in Zodiac, then the month is named after it. Chitra is named after Star Chitra. That means the full moon happens in star Chitra.

(though stars are thousands of light years away from moon or earth, one can easily see the star and the moon together in the sky)

Tamils have some beliefs about each month; may be they were correct 2000 years ago, when transport facilities, medical facilities and communication facilities were scarce; and the weather condition was also different. If we go through each belief, we can easily find the scientific reason behind it.

Tamils believe that if a male child is born in this month, the father of the child will suffer a lot and there will be clashes between father and child. Unless we get some statistics to prove this belief, we may ignore it. This is my opinion.

For instance, if a person gets married in a month the woman may become pregnant immediately. Then they calculate her delivery time and see what facilities would be available at that time in her area. Then they form a common opinion and that becomes a belief or a proverb. In short all are based on experience. Now that the world has changed, all types of facilities are available in most parts of the world, the beliefs may be considered irrelevant.

xxx

1.Chitra (Tamil Month Chiththirai)

The first sign in the zodiac chart is Aries- Mesha Rasi. The travelling period of sun in this sign is called the month of Chiththirai. This is the first month of Tamil year. First day of this month falls on 14th of April. That is the New Year Day for the Tamils. Many communities celebrate that day in India and South East Asia.

All full moon days are festival days for Hindus. Full moon days during non -rainy season are more important. Electric lights were not there in the world a few hundred years ago. So Hindus used natural light of sun and moon to celebrate big festivals.

Chitra Pournami or Purnima is one of the famous festival days in Hindu calendar. Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple Chitra festival attracts million people. Many temples in Tamil Nadu have their important festivals during Chithrai.

Sri Shankara Jayanthi, birth day of the greatest Hindu philosopher Adi Shankara, Rama Navami, Narasimha Jayanthi and Ramanuja Jayanthi are celebrated in this month.

Jayanthi or Thiru Nakshatram means birth day.

–subham—

Tags- Tamil month Chithirai, Chitra Festival, Chitra Gupta temple, Madura, Kanchipuram Alaga Koil, Tirumalai Nayak, Indra, Pournami, Poornima , Rajakesari Varman, Choza, Pandya, Sambandar

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on April 29, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on April 29, 2026

https://tamilandvedas.com/2026/04/29/madurai-chitra-purnima-festival-and-kanchipuram-chitra-gupta-temple-post-15673/

« Older Posts