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Puducherry, also called Pondicherry, was ruled by French until 1954. The French de facto left Pondicherry on November 1, 1954, transferring control to India, with the formal de jure transfer occurring on August 16, 1962. The colony officially merged with India on July 1, 1963, ending nearly 300 years of French presence. Still we can see street names in French. Many of the residents have voting rights in France. Puducherry people cast votes in French elections.
There are many attractions in Puducherry: a few museums, Bharatiyar park, Manakkulam Vinayakar Temple Aravinda/ Aurobindo Ashram
Though I have visited the famous Ganesh temple a few times, this time, during my visit to the city on 13-3-2026, I have included all the three places. From Kumbakonam we rushed to Aravinda Ashram, knowing it would close at 11-30 am for lunch break. I entered the Ashram at 11-15 and went round the Samadhis of Sri Aravindar and Annai/Mother. One could feel the holy vibrations in the serene atmosphere. A lot of living flowering plants and a lot of flower garlands in the Samadhis are visible. But no one could stand there. Volunteers ask everyone to move forward. But you could do many rounds if here is not a long queue. Visitors touch the samadhis with both hands or their forehead to show their reverence. I spent 15 minutes there. No photography is allowed. The sentry at the entrance asks everyone to switch of their mobile phones et. Again, it opened at 2 pm and meditation is allowed.
The Ashram is located in the eastern part of Pondicherry, along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is 160 kilometres (100 miles) south of Chennai. The main Ashram building, where the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother is located, is open to all during visiting hours: 8.00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2.00 to 6.00 p.m. At other times, you need to have a pass in order to enter. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram Publication Department publishes the works of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and works by disciples on their life and teachings, in over 15 languages.
The Publication Department’s distribution unit is SABDA. It has two retail outlets, Service branch inside the Sri Aurobindo Ashram main building, and Kripa branch diagonally opposite it. The head office of the Publication Department and SABDA is at 17, Rue de la Marine (next to our Kripa branch).
I did not buy any book, because my father has left us his important works.
Aurobindo (Aravinda) was a poet, freedom fighter and a philosopher. He interpreted the Vedas in a different way, instead of translating them verbatim. His Vedic glossary give new meanings to important words.
Who is Aravindar?
Sri Aurobindo (Aurobindo Ghose, 1872–1950)
Early Life & Education: Born in Calcutta, Aurobindo Ghose was educated in England (Manchester and Cambridge) from age seven, becoming proficient in Western classics and languages before returning to India in 1893.
Nationalist Fighter (1893–1910): He was a key figure in the early Indian independence movement, advocating for complete independence (Purna Swaraj) rather than colonial self-government. He was jailed in 1908 in connection with the Alipore Bomb Case.
Spiritual Transformation & Ashram (1910–1950): Following intense spiritual experiences in Alipore jail, he withdrew from politics and moved to Pondicherry to focus on spiritual practice.
Integral Yoga & Philosophy: He taught that life is a divine manifestation and that humanity can evolve beyond the mind into a “Supermind,” uniting spiritual life with worldly activity.
Works: He was a prolific writer, with major works including The Life Divine (philosophy), The Synthesis of Yoga, and the epic poem Savitri.
The Mother: He was assisted in his spiritual work by Mirra Alfassa, known as “The Mother,” who took over the management of the Ashram after his passing in 1950.
Auroville: He is the inspiration behind the experimental township of Auroville, intended to be a city of human unity.
***
MANAKKULAM VINAYAKAR TEMPLE
It is a vibrant temple with lot of devotees visiting it every minute. Big temple with lot of Ganesh shrines inside. Walls are decorated with different forms of Ganapati/Vinayakar detailing the puranic stories. Entry is free and Thayir Sadham (Curd bath) Prasad is distributed. One can finish Darshan (Viewing ) in half hour or so. It is just opposite Aurobindo Ashram. Both the places are dotted with lot of street vendors selling different things for tourists.
Bharatiyar worshipped in the temple during his stay in Puducherry. His poem on this Ganesh made him popular in Tamil Nadu. I visited the temple on 13-3-2026, for the third time.
Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple was in existence before the French came and settled in Pondicherry i.e. before 1666. In Tamil ‘Manal’ means sand and ‘Kulam’ means pond near the sea, So the people called the god as Manal Kulathu Vinayagar means God near the pond of sand]. .The Jesuits and missionaries tried to demolish Manakula Vinayagar, but they could not demolish the temple. During 1700 French prohibited performing poojas and festivals particularly on Fridays in the temple. All the Hindus who were worshipping Lord Vinayaga objected and migrated to English Territory. Everything changed in course of time.
***
Disappointing Museum
After visiting Ashram and Temple, I visited Puducherry museum and bought Rs 10 ticket, probably the cheapest museum ticket in the whole wide world. All worn out statues are placed outside, but photography was not allowed inside.
Three things I would like to point out:
1. The Museum has beautiful bronze, numbering over 80. But you cant take pictures and no book is available with the pictures. No picture post cards are sold. Very disappointing. All over the world museums do roaring business by selling books and picture cards and mementos. I bought picture cards even in Colombo Museum. When I asked at the reception, they told me no book was published about the artifacts in the museum.
2. They must learn from other parts of the world. Ten rupees entry fee is dead cheap, ridiculously cheap; they must raise the fee and allow photography.
3. One can finish the viewing in 30 minutes. It must be placed in a larger building with more information.
Following is the summary from museum website
The Puducherry Museum presents glimpses of geological, archaeological and historical periods and seeks to highlight the many facets of its arts and crafts which have now become part of Puducherry’s rich heritage.
The following galleries/sections are set up in the museum.
The French India Gallery (One)
An issue of ‘Vijaya’ the first daily edited by Poet Subramania Bharathi is also on display there.
The Archaeology Section
The Bronze Gallery
This is the most attractive gallery.
Exquisite pieces of divine images, mostly found as treasure troves adorn the bronze gallery. The panchaloga images of the Dancing Siva (Nataraja) umamaheswara, thiripurantaka/thiripurasundari in the graceful tribhanga posture from Sorakkudi. There are specimens of bronzes of the Vijayanagar and Nayaka periods.
Display of Vehiccles (Southern Courtyard)
Sculptures (Courtyard- North and South)
A few specimen of Pallava and Chola sculptures were displayed in and around the ‘Place de Government’ since the French days.
French India Gallery (Two) Comprising
a) The Drawing Chamber/Salon (Central Hall)
b) The Dinning Chamber/Salle d’ Manger
c) The Bed Chamber/ Chambre a coucher
The Arms Gallery
Gallery of Art and Crafts (Western Wing)
Displayed in two adjacent halls respectively are a variety of hand made items and artifacts crafted by artisans in France and Puducherry.
The Geological Section (Southern Colonnade)
Puducherry Museum Visiting Hours
Opened For Public From Tuesday To Sunday
Timing: 10.00 AM To 5.00 PM(Without Lunch Break)
Monday is Weekly Holiday
Following sites show the pictures of some specimens. But the pictures are not of good quality.
That is why I ask them to allow the visitors to take pictures. They must raise the entry fee for public; concessions may be given to students. The museum needs a large venue for a better display.
–subham-
Tags: My visit, Puducherry, Museum, Manakulathu Vinayakar temple, Aurobindo Ashram, three birds, one stone
Date uploaded in Kumbakonam, India – 14 March 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
xxxx
The temple of Airavatesvara in Darasuram (Tamil Nadu), dating from the second half of the twelfth century, is one of the four biggest temples erected by the Choza Dynasty.
I have already visited Thanjavur Big Temple and Gangaikonda Chozapuram many times. On Tenth March 2026, I visited the Darasuram temple for the first time. I took an auto from Kumbhakonam and reached the temple within half hour. I spent an hour taking pictures. The entry is free. But compared with other two temples it is less shiny. Many of the sculptures are worn out. 800 years ago, it was the capital of Choza empire with the name Rajarajeswaram. Later it became popular with the name Airavateswar Temple.
Airavatam is the white elephant and the vehicle/ Vahana of Indra. Once it came under the curse of Durvasa Muni and lost its lustre. It came and worshiped Lord Shiva here and got out of the curse. Now we can have good darshan of Lord Airavateswara in Siva Linga form and Goddess Deivanayaki. The temple com[plex maintained by the archaeological department is huge and has 40,000 sculptures. All the Vedic Gods and later gods are sculpted and occupy the niches. Beautiful decorative stone windows are in between the Gods.
Here are salient features:
The temple is constructed like a stone chariot pulled by the horses.
The entire temple complex is filled with rich carvings and inscriptions that narrate stories from ancient Indian Puranas. It has musical steps. These 7 singing steps that lead to the altar are intricately carved and represent seven musical notes.
The reliefs all along the base of the main temple narrate the stories of the sixty three Shaiva Bhakti saints called Nayanars. These stories are found in the Periya Purana by Sekkilar.
On the outer walls of the main sanctum are sculpture niches; They show various Hindu deities, with the middle one of each side showing Shiva in different aspects.
There are variousNorthern face: Adi Chandesvara, Gangadevi, Tumburu Nardar, Vaisravana, Chandra, Maha Sata, Nagaraja, Vayu
East: Agni deva, Agastya, Sri devi, Durga devi, Devendran, Padma Nidhi, Surya, Subrahmanya, Kshetrapala, Sarasvati, Visvakarma, Isana inscriptions in the temple.
Airavatesvara Temple was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list of Great Living Chola Temples in the year 2004. The American astronomer Carl Sagan visited the Airavatesvara Temple for his 1980 television documentary series, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage.
Please see the pictures taken by me to appreciate the efforts of great and dedicated sculptors.pictures speak more than words
–Subham—
Tags- Darasuram, Airavateswarar temple, My visit, Choza monument, 40000 sculptures.
Date uploaded in Kumbakonam, India – 12 March 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
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xxxx
Athi Varadar festival in Kumbakonam featuring the rare, once-in-12-years public viewing of the idol ended on tenth March 2026. Over 500,000 devotees had the darshan standing in the long queue for hours.
Here are the key details from the news reports (as of March 2026):
12-Year Cycle: Unlike the 40-year cycle in Kanchipuram, the Athi Varadar idol at the Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kumbakonam is brought out from its underground chamber once every 12 years.
Current Event (2026): The idol was brought out for public worship in March 2026, marking the end of its 12-year seclusion.
Duration: The special darshan, which includes rituals like Thailakappu (oil anointing) and Oonjal Sevai (swing ritual), is scheduled for a limited period, often spanning about 10 days, attracting thousands of devotees.
Location: The temple is located on Brahmman Koil Street in Kumbakonam.
In a spiritually significant event, the sacred Athi Varadar idol will be brought out from the underground chamber of the Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kumbakonam after a gap of 12 years. The rare occasion drew devotees not only from Tamil Nadu but also from Andhra, Telangana, Kerala and a few North Indian states.
The Athi Varadar idol, carved from the sacred athi (fig) tree, is preserved in a subterranean chamber within the temple premises as part of a long-standing tradition. According to temple customs, the idol is taken out only once every 12 years for a brief period of public worship. Along with the main deity, Sri Devi and Bhoodevi are also part of the ceremonial display.
During the special darshan period, which lasted for ten days, elaborate rituals and poojas were conducted in accordance with Agama traditions. Ceremonies such as Thailakappu (oil anointing), Pushpa Alankaram (flower decoration), and Oonjal Sevai (swing ritual) were performed with devotional fervour.
Temple authorities made extensive arrangements to manage the surge in devotees, including regulated darshan timings and security measures. The event transformed Kumbakonam into a major spiritual hub, as devotees gathered to witness and participate in this rare and auspicious tradition.
Only one incident was reported ;a devotee passed away while waiting in the long queue for the darshan on March 10, 2026.
( The Athi Varadar idol in Kumbakonam is distinct from the more famous, larger Athi Varadar idol in Kanchipuram, though both are made of fig wood.)
***
Adi Varaha Perumal /Vishnu Temple
I visited Adi Varaha Perumal /Vishnu Temple (aadi varaaha perumaal) on 10th March 2026 and had good darshan. It is a small temple compared to Sarngapani and Chakrapani Vishnu temples. It is very near the famous Kumbeshwar Siva Temple.
God/Moolavar : Sri Adhi Varaha Perumal
Goddess/Thayar : Sri Ambujavalli
It has no tall tower. but instead there is an Arch which is East facing. On top of the Welcome Arch Sri Varaha Perumal is seen along with few other Gods. There is a gold plated Dwajasthambam, a Bali Peedam and a Garudalwar who faces the Moolavar Sannadhi. It is about 800 years old.
Thayar/Goddess Ambujavalli is in a separate shrine in a sitting posture with abhaya varada hastam.
According to Sthala Purana/ local history,Demon Hiranyaksha took Bhumadevi deep inside the earth. Bhumadevi prayed to Maha Vishnu to rescue her. Maha Vishnu took the Varaha avatar, dug the earth with his nose, and brought her back. Hence, Maha Vishnu of this temple is called Adhi Varaha Perumal Temple. Varaha means boar. It I one of the Ten Avatars/Dasavatar.
This Temple is one of the five Templescelebrating Mahamaham festival that is held once in 12 years. Inside the Sanctum Sanctorum Adhi Varaha Perumal can be seen along with His Consort Bhoomadevi on His Lap and Adisesham can be seen in a standing posture.
This is a Vadakalai temple with Nigamantha Desikan shrine inside the temple.
One of the special features of the temple is a rare Prasad/Food offering. A root called Korai Kizangu is used in the food offering to God here. Since the God is in the form of Boar, this is considered appropriate offering.
Korai Kizhangu, or Nut Grass (Cyperus rotundus), is a traditional Ayurvedic and Siddha tuberous root known for its diverse medicinal, skincare, and hair removal properties. It is used to treat skin infections, improve skin texture, boost immunity, and aid digestion, often consumed as a powder or used as a topical paste.
Date uploaded in Kumbakonam, India – 11 March 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
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I was fortunate to have good darshan at Kumbesshwar Shiva temple and Nageswara Shiva temple in Kumbakonam. I visited Kumbeshwar temple for the fourth time in the past four years. This time I went there specifically to thank the Lord and the priest for retrieving my lost passport. During my visit in 2025, my British passport was pickpocketed by someone. Finding no money in the passport bag, he threw it into the temple flower heap. The priest saw that while clearing the flowers and gave it to his wife to find the owner. She found me after a great effort and spending much time. After a few hours of phoning people, she googled swaminathan from London, and all my books appeared in google and amazon. Then she found the publisher Pustaka.co.in and phoned the proprietor. He is a good friend of my brother in Bengaluru. When my brother phoned me the good news, I booked a taxi to and from Chennai and reached Kumbakonam just before midnight. I thanked the priest and his wife and travelled back to Chennai to catch my flight to London. When I gave some money as a token of thanks, they refused to take it and asked me to donate it to the temple. It was almost midnight and the temple was closed. This time on 5-3-2026, I went to Kumbeshwar temple and put the money in the temple Hundi thanking both lord Shiva and the priest family.
Kumbheswar is the God who gave the name to the town. Here are the salient features:
The Adi Kumbeswarar Temple in Kumbakonam is at least 1400-year-old Shiva temple ;it is the site for the Mahamakam Festival held every 12 years. The big Mahamakam tank is near the temple.
Temple features a unique, sand-mixed lingam created by Lord Shiva and houses a rare, ancient stone Nagaswaram
Deity: Lord Shiva as Adi Kumbeswarar and Parvati as Mangalambigai Amman.
Significance: It is the primary temple in Kumbakonam, linked to the pot of nectar in Hindu mythology.
Features: It showcases Chola and Nayak architecture, including a 1400-year-old legacy.
Cultural Reference: it has rare statue of Jvaradeva/Jurakareśvara and a stone Nagaswaram.
The Siva Linga is slightly tilted at the top towards left.
It has four towers in four directions; The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 128 feet (39 m) .
The sixteen-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagara period has all the 27 stars and 12 zodiacs sculpted in a single stone.
During cosmic dissolution, a pot containing nectar (Amirta) was floating and lord Siva came in the disguise of a hunter and pierced the pot with an arrow, thereby making the nectar to flow through it’s nostril on all sides. Hence this place is named Kudamooku (kuda – pot; mooku – nostril or tip). Kudam in Sanskrit is Kumbham. The Kumbeswarar (Linga) is on the form of conical lingam. That gave the name Kumbha konam.
***
Special Features of Nageshwar Shiva Temple
The presiding deity is revered in the 7th-century Tamil Tevaram. The temple is one of the earliest of all Chola temples. Shiva in the guise of Nagaraja, the serpent king.
Sun rays fall directly on the deity during April-May.
WHITE FIGURE- PADAKACHERI SWAMI WHO RENOVATED THE TEMPLE IN 1920S.
Key Details of Nageshwar Temple, Kumbakonam:
Deity: Lord Shiva is worshipped as Nageswaran, Naganathar, or Koothandavar.
Architecture: Known as Kudandai Keezhkkottam, the temple is a masterpiece of Chola engineering, with the main sanctum constructed in the shape of a chariot.
Astronomy & Light: The temple is designed so that sun rays fall on the central lingam for three days in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April/May).
Significance: It is one of the 12 temples associated with the Mahamaham festival.
Legend: It is believed that the serpent king Adisesha worshipped Shiva here. Another legend features kings and sages worshipping here to overcome obstacles.
Specialty: It is a major spot for relieving Rahu dosham, with special prayers held on Mondays and Thursdays.
The temple complex is famous for its intricate carvings and its role as a key historical site representing the Chola dynasty’s architectural prowess.
The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Nageswarar, Pralayamkathanathar and Periyanayagi being the most prominent..
This place has been referredto in Tevaram written by Saint Tamil poet of 7th Century CE, Thirugnana Sambanthar. So it is older than 1400 years.
The temple had been a centre of learning as seen from the inscriptions in the temple. The inscriptions indicate specific subjects like Purvamimansa styled as Pravahakarma. There were also provisions made for feeding and maintaining for teachers and students
–subham—
Tags- Famous Shiva Temples in Kumbakonam, Kumbeshwar, Nageshwar, Stone Nadaswara, Stone Chariot, Mahamakam Tank, Festival, Adishesan, Snake worship, PICTURES BY LONDON SWAMINATHAN
Date uploaded in Kumbakonam, India – 10 March 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
xxxx
Like Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu is also dotted with several Vishnu and Shiva temples. They are called Temple Towns; only difference is Kanchi has Jain temples as well. In Kanchi one can see more Pallava influence and in Kumbakonam one can see more Choza influence.
The Vishnu temples I visited on 5-3-2026, are Bow Holder Temple (Sarangapani) and Wheel Holder Temple (Chakrapani). They are sung by Alvars, Tamil Vaishnavite saints and dated 1200 to 1500 years old. Both the temples have some unique features.
Vishnu has five weapons in his hands.
Vanamali Gadi Sarangi Shanki Chakri Cha Nandaki Shriman Narayano Vishnur Vasudevo Bhirakshatu.
वनमाली गदी शार्ङ्गी शङ्खी चक्री च नन्दकी।
श्रीमान् नारायणो विष्णुर्वासुदेवोऽभिरक्षतु॥
Vanamali (वनमाली): One who wears the Vanamala, a divine garland made of forest flowers (Vaijayanti), representing the subtler elements of nature.
Gadi (गदी): The bearer of the mace named Kaumodaki;
Sharngi (शार्ङ्गी): The wielder of the Sharnga bow;
conch (Shankhi), discus (Chakri), and sword (Nandaki).
Lord Narayana, who is adorned with these divine weapons and symbols, including the conch (Shankhi), discus (Chakri), and sword (Nandaki). It is chanted for safety and to remove obstacles.
Let us first visit Sarngapani (saarngapaani) Sarngam is the bow and Paani in Sanskrit is Hand.
The Sarangapani Temple is a 1000 year old Hindu temple in dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is depicted holding the sharanga (bow). It is one of the 108 Divya Desams and a significant Pancharanga Kshetram located on the Kaveri River bank. It features unique chariot-shaped architecture and legends.
Situated in Kumbakonam, this temple is revered in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by seven Alvars (poet-saints).
Architecture: The main sanctum is designed like a chariot (Ratha) pulled by elephants and horses, featuring intricate carvings from the Chola and Nayak periods.
Deity: Lord Sarangapani is in a reclining posture (Bhujanga sayanam) on the chariot bed.
Legends: The temple is associated with Sage Hemarishi, who did penance to have Lakshmi as his daughter, and it is a Pancha Kshethram where Goddess Lakshmi was born as Bhargavi.
Key Spots: Includes the Pathala Srinivasan sanctum (underground) and the Mettu Srinivasan (above ground) sanctum.
Festivals: The temple celebrates major festivals, including the chariot festival (Rathotsavam).
Lakshmi emerged from the Potramarai tank among thousand lotuses and was thus named Komalavalli (the one who emerged from lotus). Vishnu descended to earth as Aravamudhan in a chariot drawn by horses and elephants from his abode Vaikuntam.He stayed in the nearby Someswaran Temple to convince Lakshmi to marry him and the couple eventually got married. The temple follows Pancharatra Agama and Vadakalai tradition.
Tallest tower
The Sarangapani Temple dates back to the Pallava era; however, the existing edifice is linked to the Vikrama Chola period, beginning in 1121 AD. Its importance grew significantly during the reigns of the Vijayanagara and Nayaka dynasties from the 15th to the 17th centuries, which saw considerable expansion of the temple’s structure
A notable highlight of the Sarangapani Temple is its main entrance, the rajagopuram, which rises to a height of 173 feet and consists of eleven tiers. This structure is the tallest temple tower in Kumbakonam and ranks as the third tallest gopuram among the Divya Desams, following Srirangam (236 feet) and Srivilliputhur (192 feet).
Trial Run of the New Chariot
Trial run of the New Ratha/ Chariot of Sarngapani
Is taking place on 13-3-2026. This is one of the biggest chariots of Tamil temples.
Height – 60 feet; Weight 500 Tons;
Chariot’s horses and other figures are made up of papier mache and bamboo. It will be used next Chitrai month . Thousands of people will pull it using 300 metre long huge rope.
***
Chakrapani temple
All the Shiva and Vishnu temples are in walking distance. Chakrapani temple is unique in many respects.
In the Chakrapani Temple, Lord Vishnu appears in the form of a discus or Chakra to put down the pride of Surya, who subsequently became his devotee. Like Lord Shiva, Lord Chakrapani has a third eye on his forehead.
Lord Vishnu appears as the fiery Sudarshana Chakra with eight arms and a third eye, resembling Lord Shiva to subdue Surya’s pride. It is known for its “Bhaskara Kshetram” where the Sun God worships the deity. Bhaskra means Sun/Surya.
Picture shows Sun God worshipping Chakrapani.
Unique Deity Form: Lord Chakrapani is depicted not as a human avatar but as the radiant, Sudarshana Chakra (wheel ) housed in a central sanctum.
Third Eye & Eight Arms: Unlike typical Vishnu forms, this idol has eight arms holding weapons and a third eye on the forehead, similar to Lord Shiva.
Bilva leaves are used here instead of Tulsi.
Sun Worship (Bhaskara Kshetram): Legend holds that the Sun God (Surya) worshipped the Chakra here to regain his lost brilliance, making it a prominent place for Sun worship.
Architecture & Entrances: The temple has a five-tiered Raja Gopuram and features two entrances—”Thatchinaya Vayil” and “Utharavana Vayil”—and an outer Prakara built like a balcony.
Historical Significance: A bronze statue of the Maratha King Serfoji II is present, as he is said to have been cured of a severe illness by the deity.
Important Rituals: It is one of the five Vishnu temples involved in the Mahamaham festival, with major, unique celebrations including the, Thirumanjanam (holy bath) and special, worship during Masi Magam.
Pancha Mukha Hanuman: The temple complex contains an idol of the five-faced Hanuman.
The temple is also known for, being a place where worshippers, pray for relief, from, physical, or, mental, illnesses.
***
As per Hindu legend, Chakra (also called Sudarshana), is the most powerful weapon of god Vishnu. He once sent his weapon to nether world to kill king Jalandasura. The weapon is believed to have come out of the nether world through river Kaveri. God Brahma, installed the image of Sudarshana in the place where the temple is now located. Surya, the Sun god, who was glowing in brilliance, had his brightness diminished by the effulgent Sudarshana. Surya worshipped Sudarshana and pleased by his devotion, Sudarshana restored all the powers of Surya. He worshiped Chakrathazhwar (personified Wheel or Discuss) during Masi Magam and every year Masi Magam festival is celebrated during the day, commemorating the event. The temple car is drawn around the streets of the temple during the day.
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
About sixty years ago, we used to travel from Madurai to Vaitheeswaran Koil to worship our family deity Shiva. There Lord Shiva is called Mr Doctor (In Sanskrit Vaidyanathan) . He is doctor for the diseases our body catches as well as the disease of birth and death. And we used to stay in our uncle’s house at Mayavaram, also known as Mayuram, Mailaduthurai ; in fact Mayiladuthurai is the name used by the Thevaram saints. Since the God Mayuranathar is sung by Appar/Tirunavukkarasar and his junior Gnana Sambandar the place is well known for at least 1400 years.
When we stay at our uncle’s house we used to go to the temple and spend much time sitting in the Prakara (corridor) discussing various matters. I visited the temple again on 5-3-2026.
The temple at Mayuram (Mayura in Sanskrit is Mayil in Tamil meaning peacock) has a story.
Goddess Parvati went to her father Daksha’s Yagna (Fire sacrifice) uninvited. Daksha invited all but not Shiva. He didn’t bother; but when he insulted Parvati she fell in the Yagna fire and sacrificed herself. Shiva became angry and sent Virabhadra to destroy all the people in the Yagna Hall. At the same time Shiva cursed even his own wife for not obeying to his instruction. She was cursed to become a peacock (peahen)and she worshipped Shiva at this place to get out of the curse.
Several inscriptions in the temple show the donations made by Choza , Pandya and Vijayanagara kings. So the temple has a long history.
Salient features of the Mayiladuthurai Temple are:
It is on the southern banks of the River Kaveri. Every Aippasi month (one of the 12 Tamil months) thousands of people take holy dip in the river in the early morning. At that time, it is as holy as Ganga and the town is as holy as Kasi (Varanasi/Benares). The 30 day holy bath (Thula Snanam) concludes in the first day of next month called Kartikai.
God Shiva appears in the form of Swayambu Linga here. Goddess is called Abhayambikai. In the same temple there is a shrine called Adi Mayuranathar shrine where Goddess is in peacock form.
The statuesof planet Saturn (Sani) and goddess Durga in the temple have unique features. Sani has Flame (fire) head; Durga has demons at her feet.
Nataraja here did Gauri Tandava. The tower is 165 feet tall and it is a nine storeyed tower.
Lord Ganapati is called Agastya Vinayaka. All the popular Hindu Gods have shrines in the temple. There is a tank attached to the temple.
· Architecture: Originally from the 7th century, it was significantly built/expanded by the Cholas (11th century).
· Mythology: Legend says Goddess Parvati worshipped Shiva here in the form of a peacock (Mayur).
· Location: Situated in the heart of Mayiladuthurai town, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu.
· Important Festivals: The “Thula Utsavam” in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November) is a major event.
· Address: Mayuranathar Colony, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu – 609001.
In the 14th century, Tamil poet Arunagirinathar composed a Tiruppugaz song on the deity Murugan, in this temple. The shrine is managed by Thiruvavaduthurai adheenam.
It is about 256 km (159 mi) southeast of Chennai, the state capital. The nearest railway station is Mayiladuthurai railway junction 2 km (1.2 mi) from the temple.
The temple is a huge temple and one needs an hour or less to complete the round.
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 26 February 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
xxxx
ஆங்கில எழுத்து K- ல் துவங்கும் சொற்கள்
Words beginning with “K”. (Tamil Version will be posted tomorrow)
Kalidasa (kaalidaasa)
Kalidasa is widely considered to be the greatest Indian poet and playwright of all time. He wrote in Sanskrit. There are seven works written by him-two epic poems, two shorter poems and three plays. They are 1.Raghu Vamsa (dynasty of Raghu),2.Kumara Sambhava (Birth of Kumara, 3.Megha Duta (Cloud Messenger),4.Ritu Samhara (Cluster of Sesons), 5.Malavikagnimitram (Malavika and Agnimitra),6.Abijnana Shakuntala (The recognition of Shakuntala) and 7.Vikramorvasiya (Urvasi won by valour).His master piece was Shakuntala.
The age of Kalidasa has been debated for long. He could have lived anytime between 2nd century BC and 4th Century AD. Though the western scholars have placed him in the period of Gupta dynasty, Indians believe that he lived in the time of the great Indian King Vikramaditya who started his own Vikrama era in 56 BCE. Kalidasa was one of the Nine Jewels (Navaratna) of Vikramaditya’s court.
My research into Tamil Cankam (also known as Sangam) literature shows that Kalidasa lived sometime before the birth of Christ. Tamil poets have used a lot of his similes. Kalidasa was most famous for his apt similes. The Sanskrit poets praised him as Upama Kalidasasya: ( Kalidasa owns similes).Tamil poets have used lot of common Indian/ Hindu beliefs. The source may be different ancient Indian works. But there are very clear indications to show that the poets have got them from Kalidasa’s works. There are over 200 similarities between the works of Kalidasa and the Sangam Tamil works. No one can reject them as coincidences or of pan Indian origin.
Seven Books—40,000 words—93 commentaries for three of his works—he beat Shakespeare in writing poetry+ dramas+ Epics+ stotras (Shyamaladandakam) and usage of similes. He covered the history of 29 kings in Raghuvamsam. He used 1250 similes! He gives a description of a vast geographical area from Iran to Indonesia! He called the Himalayas “the measuring rod of earth” even before George Everest told the world the height of Everest Peak!!! An amazing poet the world has ever produced. First poet to write a travelogue called Meghadutam in Sanskrit and first poet to report the progress o South West Monsoon from South India to Himalayas.
First poet to link Pandyas and Agastya, which is the foundation of Tamil History.
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Kalpa
Kalpa (कल्प) refers to “one day in the life of Lord Brahmā. It is equivalent to one thousand catur-yugas. Each catur-yuga is one cycle of the four yugas: Satya, Dvāpara, Tretā and Kali, totalling 4,320,000,000 years.
It signifies a period of creation, duration, and destruction of the universe.
One of the six Vedāṅgas, i. e. that which lays down the ritual and prescribes rules for ceremonial and sacrificial acts; शिक्षा कल्पो व्याकरणम् (śikṣā kalpo vyākaraṇam) Muṇdtod; 1.1.5 see under वेदाङ्ग (vedāṅga).
The doctrine of poisons and antidotes.
One of the trees of paradise; cf. कल्पद्रुम (kalpadruma).
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Kalpakavriksa- Wish fulfilling tree
Kalpavṛkṣa (कल्पवृक्ष).—A tree in Devaloka. It has the power of giving any object that one wishes to get. There are five Kalpavṛkṣas in Devaloka. Their names are: Mandāra, Pārijāta, Santāna, Kalpavṛkṣa and Haricandana.
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Kama (kaama)
Wish, desire; this Sanskrit word is used throughout ancient Tamil literature.
Kāma means desire, wish, longing in Indian literature. Kāma often connotes sexual desire and longing in contemporary literature, but the concept more broadly refers to any desire, wish, passion, longing, pleasure of the senses, the aesthetic enjoyment of life, affection, or love, with or without sexual connotations.
Love or desire of sensual enjoyments, considered as one of the ends of life (puruṣārtha); cf. अर्थ (artha) and अर्थकाम (arthakāma).
Dharama, Artha, Kama, Moksha are the four values that Hindus should aim for.
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Kama – God of Love
Kama is the God of Love and Lust. He is also referred to as Manamatha. He is the most handsome among both men and Gods. He is equivalent to the Greek/Roman Cupid. He uses a bow of sugarcane, and shoots flower tipped arrows at humans to make them fall in love. He is married to Rati, one of the daugters of Daksha.
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Kāmaśāstra (कामशास्त्र) refers to the “science of erotics”.
Kamasutra
Kāmasūtra (कामसूत्र).—
Name of an erotic work by Vātsyāyana.
First book on sex in the world. Vatsyayana wrote it in Sanskrit. First book in the world which prescribed educational syllabus for women.
“ A woman should study even before reaching adolescence, and then, once married should continue her studies with her husband.” ( Sutra 2, Chapter 3, Kamasutra of Vatsyayana)
Vatsyayana, the Brahmin author of Kamasutra listed all the 64 arts that a woman should learn. Tamil and Sanskrit poets referred to this 64 arts in their poems. Goddess Sarasvati is the source of those 64 subjects.
Kāmasūtra (कामसूत्र) (lit. “principles of love”’) is an ancient Indian Sanskrit text on sexuality, eroticism and emotional fulfillment in life.—The Kāmasūtra is a Sūtra-genre text with terse aphoristic verses that have survived into the modern era with different bhāṣyas (exposition and commentaries). The Kāmasūtra acknowledges the Hindu concept of Puruṣārthas, and lists desire, sexuality, and emotional fulfilment as one of the proper goals of life. Its chapters discuss methods for courtship, training in the arts to be socially engaging, finding a partner, flirting, maintaining power in a married life, when and how to commit adultery, sexual positions, and other topics.
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Kamadhenu- Wish fulfilling Cow
Kamadhenu is the wish fulfilling cow. The picture and statues of Kamadhenu are in Hindu houses and temples.
It refers to the “celestial cow” also known as Surabhi (सुरभि Surabhī).
Kamadhenu, the divine “cow of plenty” originating from the Churning of the Ocean, is revered as a symbol of abundance and divinity with the power to fulfil desires. According to tradition, she is depicted with various divine attributes, serves as a protective force for sages, and is worshipped for prosperity and to bring good luck to homes and businesses
Kāmadhenu (कामधेनु) was the mythical cow of Vasiṣṭha which satisfies all desires, cow of plenty (= surabhi).
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Karma
“Karma” (Sanskrit: कर्म) primarily means action, work, or deed, acting as the fundamental spiritual principle of cause and effect in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It governs the moral law of actions, shaping future destiny, rebirth, and experiences, often categorized into Sanchita (accumulated), Prarabdha (fruiting), and Agamya or Kriyamana (current).
Karma (कर्म) refers to “action”, “deed”.—1) any action or deed; 2) the principle of cause and effect; 3) a consequence or “fruit of action” (karmaphala) or “after effect” (uttaraphala), which sooner or later returns upon the doer. What we sow, we shall reap in this or future lives. Selfish, hateful acts (pāpakarma or kukarma) will bring suffering. Benevolent actions (puṇya-karma or sukarma) will bring loving reaction.
Karma is three fold:—sañcita,prārabda, kriyamāṇa (or āgāmi)
Also any religious act or rite (as sacrifice, oblation etc., [especially] as originating in the hope of future recompense.
Karman (कर्मन्).—[neuter] action, deed, work, [especially] holy work, sacrifice, rite; result, effect; organ of sense; the direct object ([grammar]); fate, destiny.
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Karmendriya
Karmendriya (कर्मेन्द्रिय):—[from karma > karman] n. an organ of action (five in number like the five organs of sense, viz. hand, foot, larynx/ogan of voice, organ of generation, and excretion).
The Five Faculties of Action (Karmendriya):
vak-tattva: speech (voice)
pani-tattva: grasping (hands)
pada-tattva: walking (feet)
payu-tattva: excretion (anus)
upastha-tattva: procreation (genitals)
Speaking, Grasping, Moving About, Excreting and Sexual Activities are the Soul’s Powers of responding to and interacting with, the external World.
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Karta
Karta (Sanskrit: कर्ता, kartā) primarily refers to the “doer,” “agent,” or “creator” of an action. It is a term deeply rooted in Indian philosophy, grammar, and traditional law, representing the individual responsible for bringing about change or taking initiative.
It is a foundational concept in Indian philosophy, grammar, and art, embodying initiative and responsibility.
Sanskrit Grammar (Vyakarana): Karta is the agent or subject of an action.
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Khadira
Khadira (खदिर)—Sanskrit word for a plant (Acacia catechu).
Khadira (खदिर) is mentioned frequently from the Rigveda1 onwards as a tree with hard wood—the Acacia catechu. The Aśvattha is referred to as engrafting itself upon it in the Atharvaveda, and from it the climbing plant Arundhatī is said to have sprung.
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Kavya (kaavya)
Kāvya (काव्य).
A poem; महाकाव्यम् (mahākāvyam); मेघदूतं नाम काव्यम् (meghadūtaṃ nāma kāvyam) . Poetics, poetry, a poetical composition
Mahākāvya (महाकाव्य):—the Raghu-vaṃśa, Kumārasambhava and Megha-dūta by Kālidāsa, the Śiśupāla-vadha by Māgha, the Kirātārjunīya by Bhāravi and the Naiṣadha-carita by Śrī-harṣa; [according to] to some the Bhaṭṭi-kāvya is also a Mahakavya.
In Tamil Five Great Epics (Tamil: Aimperumkāppiyaṅkaḷ) are:
Karakam, or Karagaattam, is a traditional, ancient folk dance from Tamil Nadu, India, performed to honour the rain goddess Mariamman. It features dancers balancing decorated pots (karakam) on their heads while performing intricate movements, acrobatics, and sometimes balancing on a rolling wooden block.
Though associated with religious festivals, nowadays they are part of cultural and political processions.
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Kavadi (kaavadi)
This semi-circular decorated canopy supported with wooden cross-pieces is called a kavadi, meaning ‘burden’ or ‘load’.
A kavadi is a ceremonial, often ornate, wooden or metal arch decorated with peacock feathers, flowers, and photos of Hindu deities, carried by devotees of Lord Murugan as an act of penance, gratitude, or devotion, during the Thaipusam and other Murugan (Skanda/Kartikeya) festivals. It represents a “burden” or sacrifice, often involving fasting, rituals, and sometimes body piercings with hooks or skewers, particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, and Tamil Nadu.
Devotees carry the kavadi to fulfill vows, seek blessings for health or success, or express gratitude to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and wisdom.
Types of Kavadi:
Paal Kavadi: A simple, less painful offering involving pots of milk (paal) carried on a wooden pole.
Alagu Kavadi: A more complex, heavy structure often attached to the body via hooks and spikes piercing the skin (alagu means small spears).
Sangili Kavadi: Involves dragging heavy chariot or metal structures via chains attached to the body.
During the procession, devotees often enter a trance-like state, facilitated by the rhythmic, loud, and intense drumming (urumi melam) and chanting of “Vel Vel” (referring to Lord Murugan’s spear).
In Malaysia, devotees often ascend 272 steps to the shrine in the Batu Caves during Thaipusam. Other famous Murugan temples are also on hills. They also climb the steps.
Gangajal taken in Kavadi poles
TO BE CONTINED……………….
–SUBHAM—
TAGS- Karakam, Kavadi, Kalpa, Kalidasa, HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL – 39, இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-39
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 18 February 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
xxxx
ஆங்கில எழுத்து I- ல் துவங்கும் சொற்கள்
Words beginning with “I ”. English version was posted yesterday.
Here is the Tamil Version
Human sacrifice in Indus valley
இந்திரன்
உலகின் மிகப்பழைய நூலான ரிக் வேதத்தில் இந்திரன் என்னும் கடவுளே அதிகம் போற்றப்படுகிறார் ; ஆனால் இது ஒரே கடவுளைக் குறிப்பது அல்ல; தலைவன் , எல்லோரையும் வழி நடத்துவோன் என்னும் பொருளில் வருகிறது பறவைகளில் பெரியவன் ககேந்திரன்; மிருகங்களின் தலைவன் – ம்ருகேந்திரன்/சிங்கம், யானைகளின் தலைவன் கஜேந்திரன் ; மனிதர்களில் சிறந்தவன் – நரேந்திரன் ; இந்தியாவின் முதல் ஜனாதிபதி ராஜேந்திரன் (பிரசாத்).
ரிக்வேதத்தில் 250 துதிகள் இந்திரன் மீதுள்ளன; மேலும் 50 துதிகளில் வேறு தெய்வங்களுடன் இந்திரன் பெயர் வருகிறது ரிக்வேதத்தில் உள்ள மொத்த துதிகள் 1,028 ; இவைகளில் 25 சதவிகிதத்தை இந்திரன் எடுத்துக்கொள்கிறார்.
மிகவும் பலம் உடையவன், வீரன் என்ற பொருளில் வரும் இந்திரன், விருத்திரன் முதலிய முப்பது அசுரர்களைக் கொள்கிறான். இவைகளில் பல ஆட்கள் அல்ல; இயற்கை சக்திகள் ; உதாரணமாக வான வில்லை இந்திர தனுஷ் என்பார்கள்.
தேவர்களைக் காப்பதால் தேவேந்திரன் என்றும் பெயர்; திசைகளில் கிழக்கு திசையின் அதிபதி; அவனுடைய ஆயுதம் வஜ்ராயுதம்; மனைவி- இந்திராணி/ சசி; மகன்- ஜயந்தன்
புராணக்கதை
கெளதம ரிஷியின் மனைவியான அஹல்யாவை இந்திரன் மானபங்கப்படுத்தியதால் அவரது உடலில் ஆயிரம் குறிகளை ஏற்படுத்தும்படி சாபம் இடுகிறார் ரிஷி; பின்னர் இறைவனை வேண்டி அவைகளைக் கண்களாக மாற்றியதாக சம்பந்தர் முதலியோர் தேவாரப்பாடல்களில் பாடியுள்ளனர்; தமிழிலும் கண்ணாயிரம் என்றபெயர் உண்டு.
சங்க இலக்கியத்தில் இந்திரன்
தொல்காப்பியம் என்னும் பழைய நூல் இந்திரனையும் வருணனையும் தமிழர்களின் தெய்வம் என்று கூறுகிறது; வேந்தன் என்ற பெயரில் அவரைத் தமிழர்கள் குறிப்பிடுகிறார்கள்; சங்க இலக்கியத்திலும் திருக்குறளிலும் இந்திரன் என்ற கடவுள் பல இடங்களில் வருகிறார். புத்தரும் தம்மபத்தில் இந்திரனைப் போற்றுகிறார்.
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இந்திரா விழா
மழை பெய்வதற்காக ஆண்டு தோறும் இந்திரவிழாவைக் கொண்டாடுவார்கள்; கடைசி நாளில் இந்திரத் த்வசம்/ கொடி உள்ள கம்பத்தைச் சாய்ப்பார்கள்; இதை ராமாயணத்தில் உவமையாகப் பயன்படுத்துகிறார் வால்மீகி. இந்திர விழாவை தமிழ் காவியங்களான சிலப்பதிகாரம் மணிமேகலை நூல்களிலும் காணலாம்.
தென் கிழக்கு ஆசிய நாடுகளில் இந்திர விழா இன்றும் தண்ணீர் விழா WATER FESTIVAL என்ற பெயர்களில் நடைபெறுகிறது; ஆசியா முழுதும் இந்திரனின் பெயர்களை இன்றுவரை மக்கள் ஆண் குழந்தைகளுக்குச் சூட்டுகிறார்கள்; மன்னர்களின் பெயர்களில் இந்திரன் அதிகம் வருகிறார். நேபாள நாட்டில் இப்போதும் இந்திரவிழாவைக் கொண்டாடுகிறார்கள்.
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ஐராவதம்
இந்திரனின் யானையின் பெயர் ; தமிழ்நாட்டில் இந்தப்பெயரை ஆண்களுக்கும் சூட்டுகிறார்கள் ;ஐராவதநல்லூர் போன்ற ஊர்ப் பெயர்களும் இருக்கின்றன. தென் கிழக்கு ஆசிய நாடுகளில் தெருச் சந்திப்புகளிலும், பூங்காக்களிலும் தபால் தலை களிலும் நான்கு தலைகள் அல்லது நான்கு தந்தங்களுடன் ஐராவதம் உருவம் உள்ளது.
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இல்வலன்
வாதாபியும் அவனுடைய சகோதரன் இல்வலனும் மனித மாமிசம் உண்ணும் அரக்கர்கள்; பிராமண ரிஷிகளுக்கு வாதாபியை வெட்டி சமைத்துப் போடுவார்கள் . அவர்கள் சாப்பிட்டவுடன் வாதாபி வெளியே வா என்று இல்வலன் கூவுவான். பிராமண ரிஷிகளின் வயிறு கிழிய அவன் வெளியே வருவான். அப்படிப்பட்ட வாதாபியை அகத்தியர் தன்னுடைய வயிற்றைத் தடவி வாதாபி ஜீர்ணோ பவ என்று சொல்லி அவனை ஜீரணம் செய்தார் . இல்வலனும் அழிந்தான்.
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ஈஸ்வர
சிவனின் பெயர்; கடவுள் என்ற பொதுப் பெயரில் ஏனைய கடவுளுக்கும் பொருந்தும். சிவ பெருமானுடைய பெயர்களில் பின்னொட்டுகளாக ஈஸ்வர வரும்; உ-ம் சுந்தரேஸ்வரர், மஹேஸ்வரன், சோமேஸ்வரன், த்ரயம்பகேஸ்வரன், ராமேஸ்வரன்.
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இஷ்டதேவதா
ஒருவர் மிகவும் விருப்பப்பட்டு வணங்கும் தெய்வம் ; சிலருக்கு பிள்ளையாரையும் சிலருக்குப் பெருமாளையும் பிடிக்கலாம். பெரும்பாலும் எல்லோரும் குடும்பத்துக்குரிய குல தெய்வத்தை இப்படி இஷ்ட தேவதையாகக் கருதுவார்கள் .
இண்டஸ் வேலி INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION
என்னும் சிந்து சமவெளி நாகரீகம்
சுமார் நூறு ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்னர் மொஹன்சதாரோ ஹரப்பா என்னும் (பாகிஸ்தான்) நகரங்களில் பெரிய நாகரீகம் கண்டுபிடிக்கப்பட்டதால் இப்பெயரை வெள்ளைக்காரர்கள் சூட்டினார்கள்; ஆனால் இப்போது இது கங்கை- யமுனை நதிக்கரை வரையிலும் குஜராத், ராஜஸ்தான் வரையிலும் 2500 இடங்களில் காணப்படுவதால் இந்தப் பெயர் பொருந்தாது; மேலும் சிந்துவுக்கு முந்திய சரஸ்வதி நதி தீர விஞ்ஞான ஆராய்ச்சி முடிவுகள் அந்த நதியையும் இத்தோடு தொடர்பு படுத்துகிறது. மார்ட்டிமர் வீலர், மக்கே சார் ஜான் மார்ஷல் Sir John Marshall: Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) ,Mortimer Wheeler: Excavated Harappa and Mohenjo-daro in the 1940s, Mackay போன்ற ஆராய்ச்சியாளர்கள் அவசரப்பட்டு உளறினார்கள். இதனால் இந்த நாகரிக ஆய்வுகள் திசை மாறிப்போய் இன்று வரை எழுத்துக்களைப் படிக்க முடியாத அவல நிலை ஏற்பட்டுள்ளது.
ஐம்பதுக்கும் மேலான ஆராய்ச்சியாளர்கள் வெவ்வேறு மொழிகளில் எழுத்துக்களைப் படித்தும் விளக்கியும் மக்களைக் குழப்பத்தில் ஆழ்த்திவிட்டார்கள் .
ஆரியர்கள் தாக்கியதால் அழிந்தது; திராவிடர்கள் பயந்து ஓடிவிட்டார்கள் என்று உளறிய வெள்ளைத் தோல் ஆராய்ச்சியாளர்கள் ஆரியர்களின் குதிரைகளையோ, இரும்பு ஆயுதங்களையோ காட்ட முடியாமல் பேந்தப் பேந்த முழிக்கிறார்கள்! ; ஆண்குறி போல இருப்பது சிவலிங்கம் என்றும் மிருகங்கள் சூழ்ந்த உருவம் பசுபதி என்றும் உளறியவர்கள் நர பலி, புலி ராணி, பேய் முத்திரைகள், ஏழு பெண்கள் , நாகராணி, சுவஸ்திகா சின்னங்களுக்கு விளக்கம் சொல்ல முடியாமல் திணறுகிறார்கள் தற்கால ஆராய்ச்சியாளர்கள், இந்த உளறல் பேர்வழிகளுக்குத் தக்க பதிலடி கொடுத்து வாயை மூடி இருக்கிறார்கள். திராவிட அரசியல்வாதிகள் மட்டும் இது தமிழர் நாகரீகமே என்று சொல்லி நான் பிடித்த முயலுக்கு மூன்றே கால்கள் என்று சொல்லி எல்லோரையும் நகைக்க வைக்கிறார்கள் . கிடைத்த எலும்புக்கூடுகள் எதிலும் திராவிடGENE மரபணுவும் இல்லை; திராவிடகுட்டை உருவமும், திராவிடபோண்டா மூக்கும் இல்லை. இதுவரை சிந்து சமவெளி மொழியைப் படிக்க ஒரு தமிழனாலும் முடியவில்லை. ஹீராஸ் பாதிரியார் போன்றோர் சொன்ன விளக்கங்கள் எல்லோரையும் விழுந்து விழுந்து சிரிக்க வைக்கிறது . அஸ்கோ பர்போலா எழுதிய மிக அருமையான புஸ்தகத்தில் நமது காலத்தில் யாரும் இந்த எழுத்தைப் படிக்க முடியாது என்றே தோன்றுகிறது என்று சொல்லி முடித்துவிட்டார் .
இதன் காலம் 2500 BCE to 1700 BCE
எத்தனை பேர் இது தமிழ் மொழி எழுத்து என்று சாதித்தார்களோ அத்தனை பேர் இது சம்ஸ்க்ருத எழுத்து என்றும் சாதித்து இருக்கிறார்கள் ; எத்தனை பேர் இது திராவிட நாகரீகம் என்று சத்தியம் செய்தார்களோ அத்தனை பேர் இது ஆரிய நாகரீகம் என்றும் சத்தியம் செய்கிறார்கள்!
புதிருக்கு இன்று வரை விடை இல்லை. சிந்து வெளி புஸ்தகங்களைப் படித்தால் மண்டை குழம்பும்; அல்லது நல்ல நல்ல ‘ஜோக்’குகள் கிடைக்கும்!!
முதலில் ஆராய்ச்சி செய்த வெள்ளை முட்டாள்கள், எது எந்த இடத்தில் PROVENANCE , எந்த மட்டத்தில் கிடைத்தது என்று எழுதாததால் அவர்களுக்கு தற்கால ஆராய்ச்சியாளர்கள் முட்டாள் பட்டம் சூட்டுகிறார்கள்.
Neither John Marshal, Director General of Archaeology nor Mackay nor Vats (later excavators) gave any information about the places, layers in their reports.
Later, on examination G.F.Dales did find that Wheeler has misread the archaeological evidence. Neither they belonged to one and the same stratigraphical context nor were there proof of any massacre of Dravidians. Most of the skeletons positively showed that the persons were actually drowned in severe and sudden flood in the river Indus.. K.M Srivatsava aptly remarks “ Indra, therefore ,stands completely exonerated”.
BB Lal says 50 major sites are on Indus river where as 177 early and 283 mature Harappan sites are on the banks of dried Saraswati river that existed before 1700 BC !
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ஐயர் , ஐயங்கார்
தமிழ்நாட்டிலும் அருகாமை இடங்களிலும் பிராமணர்களுக்கு ஐயர் , ஐயங்கார் என்ற பின்னொட்டு surname suffix இருக்கும் .
உ-ம் பால கிருஷ்ண ஐயங்கார் , சாமிநாத அய்யர்.
ஆர்ய என்றால் கற்றவர் , பாண்பாடு உடையவர், உயர்ந்தோரென்று பொருள்; இது பிராக்ருதத்ததில் அஜ்ஜ என்று மருவி தமிழில் அய்யர் என்று மாறியது. பெரும்பாலும் விபூதி பூசும் சைவர்கள் இப்படி தங்களை அழைத்துக்கொண்டார்கள்; அவர்களிலிருந்து வேறுபடுத்திக் காட்டுவதற்காகப் பெருமாளை வணங்கும் வைஷ்ணவ பிராமணர்கள் கார் என்ற உயர்வுப் பெயரைச் சேர்த்துக்கொண்டு அய்யங்கார் ஆனார்கள்; இப்பொழுதும் தெலுங்கில் பெரியவர்களுக்கு காரு அடைமொழி உண்டு .
சைவர்களாகிய தமிழ் நாட்டுப் பிராமணர்களில் வடமா, பிரஹத்சரணம், அஷ்டஸஹஸ்ரம் முதலிய பிரிவுகள் உண்டு.
அதேபோல வைவ்ணவர்களில் தென் கலை, வடகலை, செல்லுர் அய்யங்கார் பிரிவுகள் உண்டு.
தென்கலைப் பிரிவினர் ஆங்கில எழுத்து ஒய் Y போல நாமம் இட்டுக்கொள்வார்கள்; தமிழ் மொழிப் பாஸுரங்களைப் பாடுவார்கள். வடகலைப் பிரிவினர் ஆங்கில எழுத்து யு U போல நாமம் இட்டுக்கொள்வார்கள் ; சம்ஸ்க்ருத மொழி துதிகளைப் போற்றுவார்கள்.
To be continued ………………………..
Tags- HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL-34; இந்துமத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-34, இந்திரன், சிந்துவெளி நாகரீகம், அய்யர் , அய்யங்கார்
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 14 February 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
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Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia -Part 51; One Thousand Interesting Facts -Part 51
Item 355
Ships as big as Elephants
In Puram verse 26 poet Mankudi Kizaar compared ships in the Tamil Navy to the elephants in the Tamil battle field. If one expands one’s imagination one can imagine how big the Tamil Naval ships were.
Item 356 Secret of Monsoon Wind
Tamils used the wind force to sail their ships. Since they knew the direction and the force of the monsoon winds, they were able to go from the Ganges to up to Indonesia and Philippines. Hindus knew this trick from the time of Ramayana. Surphanakha and Ravana were able to sail up to Godavari river. Mahavamsam clearly explains how the Buddhist preachers used monsoon winds to come to Patna (Pataliputra) and waited for a few months to use the returning monsoon winds to go back to Sri Lanka. One Tamil idiot Ippalan (Hippalus) taught this trick to Westerners and enabled Persian king Darius and Greek King Alexander to invade India.
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Item 357 Battle Field = Oven Simile
Tamil poets used one simile at least in five Sangam poems
They compared the battle field to cooking in the oven. Here the poet says Pandya king Nedunchezian’s battled field looked like
Heads of Enemy kings = Oven
Enemy Hands= Ladles
Enemy Blood = Water in the Cooking Pot.
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Item 358 Great Supporter of the For Vedas
Though the poet sang abut the victorious battle, he did not forget to mention that the king was a great supporter of Vedic Brahmins who were well versed in the Four Vedas- Rik, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana Veda.
The reference to Four Vedas is sung by the poets from Tolkappiar times. Tolkappiam got the approval from the Acharya of Tiruvithankotu who was well versed in Four Vedas. Panamparanar gave us this information to us in the Foreword to Tolkappiam.
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Item 359 Enemies were Lucky
Poet makes a sarcastic remark that the king’s enemies must have done some penance to be killed by him. Hindus believe that Kamsa, Sisupala, Ravana, Hiranyakasipu, Vali, Kabandhan were lucky to be killed by Vishnu. They go to heaven directly. And the fact is their names will survive as long as Vishnu’s name survive.
Nedunchelian defeated Two Kings and five chieftains. Their names also survive until this day.
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Puranānūru 26, Poet Mānkudi Maruthanār sang to Thalaiyālankānathu Cheruvendra Nedunchezhiyan,
1 Lifting your spear with a shining blade, you went on your elephant into the wide battlefield, splitting the enemy army like a ship a ship driven by the wind in the
huge, ocean with great depths, attacked and killed your enemy kings, and with fame, seized their royal drums.
2
Using crowned heads as stoves, you boiled their blood, stirring it with their braceleted hands you used as ladles. O Chezhiyan of murderous battles! You did perfect ritual
3 offerings in battlefields, surrounded by Brahmins of the four Vedas, calm with the breadth of their knowledge.
4
O Ruler whose sword never fails! Your enemies have certainly performed penances, for once they have won the fame of being your enemies, even though they are not victorious, they will live forever.
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புறநானூறு26, பாடியவர்: மாங்குடி மருதனார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: பாண்டியன் தலையாலங்கானத்துச் செருவென்ற நெடுஞ்செழியன், திணை: வாகை, துறை: அரச வாகை
1 நளி கடல் இருங்குட்டத்து வளி புடைத்த கலம் போலக், களிறு சென்று களன் அகற்றவும், களன் அகற்றிய வியல் ஆங்கண் ஒளிறு இலைய எஃகு ஏந்தி, 5 அரைசு பட அமர் உழக்கி, உரை செல முரசு வெளவி
ஆன்ற கேள்வி அடங்கிய கொள்கை நான்மறை முதல்வர் சுற்றமாக, மன்னர் ஏவல் செய்ய மன்னிய வேள்வி முற்றிய வாய்வாள் வேந்தே! 15
4 நோற்றோர் மன்ற நின் பகைவர் நின்னொடு மாற்றார் என்னும் பெயர் பெற்று ஆற்றார் ஆயினும் ஆண்டு வாழ்வோரே.
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Item 360
In Puram verse 27, poet Poet Uraiyur Muthukannan Sāthanār translated Sanskrit word Satapatra Lotus as as 100 petalled flower (lotus)
சேற்று வளர் தாமரை பயந்த, ஒண் கேழ் நூற்றிதழ் அலரின் நிறை கண்டன்ன,
Śatapatrayoni (शतपत्रयोनि) is a Sanskrit term that refers to an epithet of Brahman (the creator god in Hinduism).
Meaning: It signifies one who has the “hundred-petaled” (lotus) as their source or origin.
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Item 361 Visa Free Entry to Heaven
Hindus believe that those who live like great men praised by great poets enter into heaven. No Visa is required; Valluvar beautifully said that why Hindus believe all the Avatars and all the Saivite saints are called Gods. Arunagirinathar has Sung Saivaite saint Sambandhar is Lord Muruga himself.
He who on earth has lived in the conjugal state as he should live, will be placed among the Gods who dwell in heaven- Tirukkural Couplet 50
உலகத்தில் வாழவேண்டிய அறநெறியில் நின்று வாழ்கிறவன், வானுலகத்தில் உள்ள தெய்வமாகவே மதிக்கப்படுவான்.
This is also a reference to Kannaki and Kovalan sung by Ilango.
Here the poet says
I have heard that those whose fame is sung by poets gain chariots that fly in the sky without charioteers.
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Item 362 Aeronautics in Tamil
The reference to Pilotless Plane shows the advancement of Hindus in Aeronautics. Valmiki Ramayana show that Rama’s plane (Originally belonged to Kubera and seized by Ravana later) was fast and expandable and thought powered. Only now we see such Drones and pilotless planes and driverless cars in the Western world.
Kannaki and Kovalan went to heaven by pilotless plane.
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Item 363 Lesson from Moon
Oriental religions only believe in rebirth and Sangam literature never knew the Abrahamic religions. Sangam Tamil poems explain only Hindu way of life.
Rebirth is in Bhagavad Gita and Bhajagonindam and the poet explains it with the waxing and waning moon.
The moon god that roams above shows clearly even to those who don’t understand that waning is true, waxing is true, dying is true and being born is true.
Great Philosopher Adi Sankara said it in Bhaja Govindam
पुनरपि जननं पुनरपि मरणं
पुनरपि जननी जठरे शयनम् |
इह संसारे बहु दुस्तारे
कृपयाऽपारे पाहि मुरारे ‖22 ‖
punarapi jananaṃ punarapi maraṇaṃ
punarapi jananī jaṭhare śayanam |
iha saṃsāre bahu dustāre
kṛpayā’pāre pāhi murāre ‖ 22 ‖
Birth again, death again, again resting in the mother’s womb! It is indeed hard to cross this boundless ocean of saṁsāra (cycle of repeated birth and death). O Murāri! by your causeless mercy please protect me (from this transmigratory process)
Before Sankara, Lord Krishna said it Bhagavad Gita
जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्युर्ध्रुवं जन्म मृतस्य च |
तस्मादपरिहार्येऽर्थे न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि || 27||
jātasya hi dhruvo mṛityur dhruvaṁ janma mṛitasya cha
tasmād aparihārye ’rthe na tvaṁ śhochitum arhasi
Translation
BG 2.27: Death is certain for one who has been born, and rebirth is inevitable for one who has died. Therefore, you should not lament over the inevitable.
***
Item 364 Poet’s Advice to the king
Even if they have talents or not, please shower your graces rapidly on those who come with sorrow,
This is one of the 32 Virtuous acts explained in Hindu scriptures.
Annadhanam Pictures
AMAZING LIST OF 32 GOOD ACTIVITIES IN HINDU SCRIPTURES (Post No.7687)
March 13, 2020 9:37 am
Written by London Swaminathan
Post No.7687
Date uploaded in London – 13 March 2020
meritorious activities. Though the lists have a few changes in different texts most of them are same.
Here is the list of 32 good things with some examples:-
1.Setting up Maternity Homes
2.Providing Pre-Natal and Ante-Natal care for women
(Maternity care is provided in every culture around the world; but no one has listed it as one of the duties or as a meritorious work)
3.Piercing Ears of the Young born babies
4.Providing them Ear Studs
(Hindus have been practising acupuncture for thousands of years. I have already written how the grand old celibate of Mahabharata Bhisma lived on Arrow Bed for two months and decided the date of his departure from the earth. Hindus found out that piercing the ears in early years and wearing gold studs or at least a wooden stick will open the wisdom nerves. For women an extra piercing of nose is done when they reach teen age)
5.Giving Milk to Children
(Now we send milk powder to famine affected or economically backward countries. In the olden days provision of milk is listed as one of the 32 Dharmas (duty which earns merits).
6.Constructing Choultries
(From the period of Asoka till the Muslim and British occupation of India ,Hindu kings constructed Free Boarding and Lodging facilities for travellers, particularly pilgrims. My home town Madurai was famous for Mangamma Chattiram (choultry) very near Railway Station. About 100 years ago everyone stayed free of cost in the huge building with 100s of rooms. Very near that was a Marwari Choultry for people travelling to Rameswaram and Kanyakumari. I myself have taken 100s of pilgrims for Free lodging during the Opening Ceremony of Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari. Several Tamil towns still bear the suffix Chattiram/Choultry in Tamil Nadu until this day reminding us of the golden days of free lodging and free boarding service)
7.Constructing Mutts
Mutts are religious centres with one religious head where Tamil or Sanskrit hymns are taught. They provided free hostel stay for students. Like the Christian parish, each Mutt has its own catchment area.
8.Pillars for Cows
Hindus’ greatest contribution to the world is domestication of cows and horses (and Decimal System). They worshipped Cow as goddess. So they constructed pillars to cows where they can rub their bodies to relive itching. And in such places water tanks provided continuous water supply for cows, horses and birds.
9.Setting up brothels
The needs of amorous men should not affect common men. To save the family women and teenage girls, Hindus provided (or allowed) separate places for Devadasis. Sangam Tamil Literature provides the pictures of Paraththai Cheris (Para Stree became ‘Paraththai’ in Tamil and Prostitute in English; cheri is locality)
10.Provision of Dhobis/ Laundry Service
11.Provision of Barbers
Both these services were available free of cost for mendicants and ascetics. Others supported them by giving money or all the provisions for their families.
12.Provision of Mirrors
(When Hindu women celebrate some auspicious events in their houses they always invite young and teenage girls and provide them mirrors, combs and Kunkumam. So provision of mirrors is considered one of the good things. Till this day women are doing it during Navaratri, Durga Puja and several other women only events)
13.Water Distribution from Thatched Sheds
(From Mahabharata Sallian to Apputhi Adikal of Periya Purana in Tamil, we see people setting up water distribution sheds to provide good, clean and sweet water to everyone. Even today during Hindu festivals , hundreds of such thatched sheds are constructed to distribute water, butter milk (diluted Yogurt) and Panakam (sweet liquid with jaggery, cardamom and other spices. In a tropical country like India pilgrims desperately need this. Hindus follow this custom even in London ; during Tamil Temple festivals, Hindus distribute water bottles, juice cartons and butter milk.)
14.Help to have oil bath
(India is a tropical country lashed out by two monsoons. Therefore, dust is unavoidable. Every Hindu man is supposed to have an oil bath on Saturdays and every woman on Fridays. They apply gingelly oil or coconut oil with or without herbs and take a bath. This relives the body of dirt and pain. So provision of such service to poor people is considered a great act of merit. In Madurai there was a freedom fighter(A V Vaidhyanatha Iyer) who used to provide such service to children of slum dwellers. Now a days the concept and habit of oil bath is disappearing with the advent of shampoo culture.)
15.Fodder to animals and Food for Birds
(Every Hindu is supposed to do Pancha Yagna / Five Sacrifices every day and one of them is Bhuta Yagna. That is to feed the pet animals, cow and birds in the vicinity and ants in the ground. Every housewife draws beautiful Kolams in the front of the house every morning. The Kolam/ Rangoli flour they use feed the ants. Then they cook rice and provide it to the crows. Others sprinkle grains for the birds. Feeding cows is a ritual for orthodox Hindus)
16.Cremating Dead Bodies
(If anyone who has no relatives dies, one or two take the responsibility of cremating the body with all due honours. Though it is a hard job, every town had some gooid people who did such work without expecting any money.)
17.Constructing Tanks, Lakes
(India is an agricultural country. Water is needed for irrigation. So kings constructed tanks and lakes in temples and outside the town. It helped irrigating the temple Parks called Nandavanams. It maintained the water table in every well at the back of the house. Now wells are replaced by taps. But yet tanks and lakes are needed for saving water. The town council maintain them. Sometimes they themselves construct them).
18.Saving Life
(Every day we read in news papers some stories where some people save the life of others. They become great heroes. If they survive then they get medals. Saving life is appreciated in every culture. In Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states every region has some Hero Stones for the heroes who saved the town from some dangers. Hindu epics and Puranas have lot of stories about saving even animals. Story of Sibi is in 2000 year old Sangam Tamil literature and earlier Puranas.)
19.Giving Eatables/Anna Dhanam
Providing sweets and other unavailable eatables to poor children is a good deed. During Deepavali (Diwali) sweets are distributed. Annadhanam , that is provision of food, is done in every temple.
20.Provision of Betel, Areca Nuts and Lime
Chewing betel leaves and Supari smeared with calcium hydroxide is a typical South Asian custom. This is considered one of the good things.
21.Helping the needy
It may be in the form of providing them food, attire, shoes/sheppals, specs, money. May even include psychological consultation. Consoling the bereaved.
22.Setting up Parks
Ancient Hindu literature, particularly, Buddhist Jataka Tales, give graphic accounts of big parks. Every South Indian Temple has attached Parks/ Nandavanam. People enjoyed going there. They served as rendez vous for lovers according to Sanskrit dramas. Hindus are environmentally conscious and allocated one particular tree for every temple.
23.Constructing Temples
India has over two lakh temples. Tamil Nadu alone has 45, 000 temples. They are huge architectural wonders. They serve the spiritual, religious, psychological, wander lust needs of Hindus.
24.Provision of Medicines
Jains of India set up hospitals even for birds and animals. All service is given free. We read from inscriptions that hospitals were also constructed by Hindu Kings.
25.Food for Students
Students who studied the Vedas and its allied six subjects went round the towns and begged for food. They collect freshly cooked food and share it with their Gurus. Buddha followed this custom and banned cooking inside Viharas, monasteries etc. In Madurai, the Vedic students from Dhanappa Mudali Street and Rameswaram patasalai near River Vaigai used to come to my house for (begging) food. They must go to Brahmins houses and beg with the words Bhavati Biksham Dehi. Manu Smrti says that students of three castes must do it. Only the three words were used in different order.
26.Constructing Roads or Tom Tomming
There is a word in Tamil (araithal) which may mean constructing roads or providing communication facilities like Tom Tom. In the olden days Orders of the Kings were communicated to people by drum beats. When I was a student, Madurai city faced Cholera disease. Then the tom tom man came and announced it by beating little drum. When ban orders under section 144 were proclaimed they did tom toming. So the word Araithal may be announcing, proclaiming or constructing roads with sand and stones.
27. Helping Prisoners with Food
Even community service to prisoners is listed as one. Tamil epic Manimekalai described the good service done to prisoners. Though they were named as criminals, Hindus never attached any taboo. Manu Smriti says the minute one undergoes punishment, the sin attached to the crime is done away.
28. Helping Beggars
Lame, Dumb, Blind and disabled or invalids beg for food. Hindus are asked to help them.
29.Helping to get Married
Nowadays we see Costly matrimonial service. In the olden days, some good hearted men and women helped youngsters to get married. They did not stop with exchanging horoscopes. They went all the way to cook food for hundreds of people who attend the wedding ceremonies. They collected money for the minimum gold jewels and the Mangala Sutra (Thali).
30.Feeding the Ascetics
Adi Shankara streamlined Hindu worship into six divisions; Providing them food for those is considered a great religious duty. Even Buddhis followed this. They went to monasteries and provided food to the monks.
31 and 32. In the above listing piercing ear and providing ear stud is given as one itme. But it is given as two different duties or meritorious acts in the Tamil verse. And in the same way provision of betel leaves and Lime are given as two different duties.
32 அறம்
1).வண்ணான் புன்னாவிதன் காதோலை சோலை மடந்தடம் வெண்
சுண்ணாம் பறவைப் பிணஞ்சுடற் றூரியஞ் சோறளித்தல்
கண்ணாடி யாவிற்குரிஞ்சுதல் வாயுறை கண்மருந்து
தண்ணீர் பந்தற் றலைக்கெண்ணை பெண்போகந் தரலையமே
2).மேதகுமாதுலர்க்குசாலை யேறுவிடுத்தல் கலை
யோதுவார்க் குண்டி விலங்கிற் குணவோடுயர்பிணிநோய்க்
கிதன் மருந்து சிறைச் சோறளித்தலியல் பிறரின்
மதுயற்காத்தநற்கந்நியர் தானம் வழங்கலுமே
3).கற்றவறுசமயத்தார்க் குணவு கருதும் விலை
உற்றதளித்துயிர் மீட்டல் சிறார்க்குதவனற்பான்
மற்று மகப்பெறுவித்தல் சிறாரை வளர்த்த்லெனப்
பெற்றவிவற்றினையெண்ணான்கறமெனப் பேசுவாரே
–உபமானசங்கிரஹம், இரத்தினச் சுருக்கம்
32 அறச் செயல்களின் பட்டியல்:-
1.ஆதுலர்க்குச் சாலை (ஏழைகள்=ஆதுலர்)
2.ஓதுவார்க்கு உணவு (மாணவர்களுக்கு)
3.அறுசமயத்தோர்க்கு உண்டி (உணவு)
4.பசுவிற்கு வாயுரை (உணவு)
5.சிறைக் கைதிகளுக்கு உணவு
6.ஐயமிட்டு உண் (பிச்சை போடுதல்)
7.திண்பண்டம் நல்கல் (விழாக் காலங்களில் பொங்கல், வடை)
8.அறவைச் சோறு (அன்னதானம்)
9.மகப்பெறுவித்தல் (பிள்ளை பெறுதல்)
10.மகவு வளர்த்தல் (பிள்ளைகளை வளர்த்தல்)
11.மகப்பால் வார்த்தல் (அவர்களுக்கு பால் வழங்கல்)
12.அறவைப் பிணஞ்சுடல் (அனாதைகள் இறுதிச் சடங்கு)
13.அறவைத் தூரியம் ( தூரியம்=மேள வாத்தியம்
அளித்தல்)
14.சுண்ணம் அளித்தல்
15.நோய்க்கு மருந்து வழங்கல்
16.வண்ணார்
17.நாவிதர்
18.காதோலை
19.கண்ணாடி
20.கண்மருத்து
21.தலைக்கு எண்ணெய்
22.பெண்போகம்
23.பிறர்துயர் காத்தல்
24.தண்ணீர் பந்தல்
மடம் அமைத்தல்
26.குளம் வெட்டல்
27.பூங்கா வைத்தல்
28.ஆவுறுஞ்சுதறி (பசு முதலிய பிராணிகளுக்கு நீர்)
29.விலங்கிற்குணவு
30.ஏறுவிடுத்தல் (இனப்பெருக்கத்த்துக்கு காளைகள்)
31.விலைகொடுத்துயிர்காத்தல்
32.கன்னிகாதானம்
***
Puranānūru 27, Poet Uraiyur Muthukannan Sāthanār sang to Chozhan Nalankilli,
1
When one counts those born in fine, noble families, only a few have gained fame and songs by poets, like a row of flowers with many petals, shining brightly, yielded by lotus plants that grow in mud. Many have vanished like the leaves of lotus plants.
2
I have heard that those whose fame is sung by poets gain chariots that fly in the sky without charioteers.
3
My Lord! O Chētchenni Nalankilli! The moon god that roams above shows clearly even to those who don’t understand that waning is true, waxing is true, dying is true and being born is true.
4
Even if they have talents or not, please shower your graces rapidly on those who come with sorrow, looking at their thin waists. May those who oppose your unspoiled strength, remain without generosity!
Ms Vaidehi Herbert’s Translation is used; thanks.
புறநானூறு27, பாடியவர்: உறையூர் முதுகண்ணன் சாத்தனார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சோழன் நலங்கிள்ளி,
1
சேற்று வளர் தாமரை பயந்த, ஒண் கேழ் நூற்றிதழ் அலரின் நிறை கண்டன்ன,
வேற்றுமை இல்லா விழுத்திணைப் பிறந்து, வீற்றிருந்தோரை எண்ணுங்காலை உரையும் பாட்டும் உடையோர் சிலரே, 5 மரை இலை போல மாய்ந்திசினோர் பலரே,
2 புலவர் பாடும் புகழுடையோர் விசும்பின் வலவன் ஏவா வான ஊர்தி எய்துப என்ப தம் செய் வினை முடித்து எனக் கேட்பல், எந்தை சேட்சென்னி நலங்கிள்ளி! 10
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 11 February 2026
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tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
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ஆங்கில எழுத்து H- ல் துவங்கும் சொற்கள்
Words beginning with the English letter ‘H’
நாளைய தினம் தமிழில் வரும்; It will be posted in Tamil Tomorrow.
***
Halayudha
1) an epithet of Balarāma.
2) Name of the author of अभिधान-रत्नमाला (abhidhāna-ratnamālā).
Derivable forms: halāyudhaḥ (हलायुधः).
Halāyudha is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms hala and āyudha (आयुध).
Halāyudha (हलायुध).—A Sanskrit poet who lived in the 10th century A.D. A mahākāvya called Kavirahasya is his most important work The hero in the great poem is Krṣṇa III. A King of the Rāṣṭrakūṭa dynasty, and poet Halāyudha was a courtier of his.
***
Hala
Hala was a satavahana king who lived around first century CE. His wife was Malayavathy, Hala started composing poems. His Prakrit poems are part of Gatha Sapta Sati. He was called Kavi Vatsala, one who was a great patron of poets. He gave them gold coins for beautiful verses like his predecessor Emperor Vikaramaditya. He imitated Vikramaditya in all his deeds. Like Vikramaditya he started an era in his name, Salivahana Shahapta, though he did not win any big wars. Like Vikramnaditya who was the patron of great poet Kalidasa he was the patron of Gunatya and others. We can see the inspiration he got from Kalidasa and Vikramaditya. Many poets of Gatha Sapta Sati have imitated Kalidasa, but they are not very popular.
***
Hampi
Hampi was the capital of the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th-century.
Set amid dramatic boulder strewn hills and the calm flow of the Tungabhadra River, Hampi is one of Karnataka’s tourist destinations. Once the capital of the powerful Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi today stands as a vast open air museum. The closest railway station is in the city of Hospet (Hosapete), 13 km away.
Hampi spreads across a large landscape, with monuments. Important places include Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Matanga Hill and Tungabhadra Riverbanks.
***
Hariharan
Harihara is a composite Hindu deity representing the synthesis of Lord Vishnu (Hari) and Lord Shiva (Hara), symbolizing the ultimate unity of Vaishnavism and Shaivism. Depicted with Shiva on the right and Vishnu on the left, this form embodies the harmony between creation and destruction. It highlights that the two deities are one supreme, indivisible reality. Sankara Narayanan is another name.
***
Harijan
First recorded in 1930–35; from Neo-Sanskrit Harijana “person of Hari” (a name for Vishnu), hence, in Gandhi’s conception, a child of God. (in India) a member of a group formerly known as the untouchables.
***
Havis
Havis (Sanskrit: हविस्) primarily refers to an oblation, Cooked rice offering, or sacrifice in Hindu rituals, commonly consisting of ghee, grain, rice, or milk offered to gods in a Yagya/ Yaga/Havan. It represents items offered into fire, often used to signify dedication in sacred ceremonies. When they offer it, they say Idam na mama – It is not mine.
***
Hatha yoga
Haṭhayoga (हठयोग) pays particular attention to the acquisition of supernatural powers and the conquest of disease and death. Majority of the extant texts of Haṭhayoga are associated with the Nāth siddhas. The Tamil Siddhas of about the 10th to 15th century also wrote poems on the concepts of Haṭhayoga. Hatha-yoga is the physical aspect of the practice of yoga. There are 3 main factors involving practice of hatha-yoga: asanas (practice of postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and dhyana (meditation).
***
Harsha vardhana ( 606 to 647 CE)
King Harshavardhana was also known as Harsha. He was the son of Prabhakar Vardhana. He built a huge empire that extended from north & northwestern India till the Narmada in the South. His capital was Kannauj. Harsha was a great patron of the arts. He himself was an accomplished writer. He is credited with the Sanskrit works Ratnavali, Priyadarshika and Nagananda. Banabhatta was his court poet and he composed the Harshacharita which gives an account of Harsha’s life and deeds. Harsha generously supported the Nalanda University. His deeds were praised by Chinese Buddhist traveller Xuanzang in his writings.
***
Haridwar
The holy city of Haridwar (Gateway to God) in Uttarakhand is a breathtaking city, replete with temples. it is a magnet for religious pilgrims from all over the globe. Important temples include the Har ki Pauri and the Chandi Devi Temple.
Haridwar also termed as ‘Gateway to Gods’ is known as Mayapuri, Kapila, Gangadwar as well. Haridwar is also one of the four places; where Kumbh Mela occurs after rotation of every twelve Years and Ardh Kumbh after every six years. Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the planes. It is one of the Seven Holy Cities of India.
***
Heramba
Heramba is five-headed and ten-armed form of the Hindu deity Ganesha, symbolizing the protector of the weak, fearful, and oppressed. Seated on a lion (simha-vahana), this form represents supreme power, fearlessness, and the removal of inner and outer obstacles. The name is derived from He (weakness/helplessness) and ramba (protection), defining him as the saviour of the meek. Heramba Ganapati is one of 32 forms of Ganesha;it is depicted with five heads (representing the five senses or elements) and ten arms holding various weapons and symbols like a noose, beads, battle axe, and a broken tusk. Unlike the traditional mouse, Heramba rides a lion, symbolizing mastery over ego and primal instincts.
***
Himalaya
Himālaya (हिमालय):—means ‘abode of snow’; the Himālaya range of mountains in the north of India has the highest elevations in the world; in mythology personified as husband of Menā or Menakā .
KALIDASA used the following name for the Himalayas:-
This mountain is referred to in over 150 Sanskrit books covering all subjects including herbs, medicine, gems and animals. But the references in the Vedas, Ramayana , Mahabharata , Kautilya Arthashastra , Jataka Tales and 2000 year old Sangam Tamil Literature are important.
From Sangam Tamil literature, we have the following references :
Sindhu to Hindu: The term stems from the Sanskrit word Sindhu (river/Indus), which Persians changed to ‘Hindu’. They have n H in their language.
Boundaries: Ancient texts, such as the Brihaspati Agama quoted on the site, define the land of Hindus as spanning from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean (Himalayamh samarabhya yavat indu sarovaram).
2. Definition of a Hindu (Scriptural & Cultural)
a Hindu is one who is virtuous, shuns unnecessary violence but is capable of destroying anarchic elements, and is a protector of the Vedas and cows. It is the oldest religion in the world.
Beliefs: A Hindu is defined as one who accepts the “Pranava Mantra Om and the authority of the Vedas, believes in rebirth and Karma Theory; he worships the cow, and the River Ganga, and considers the Vedic Rishis as their Gurus.
3. “Hindu” in the Context of Tamil Culture Sangam Tamil literature has references to Hindu Gods, their flags, Vahanas, weapons, origins and their special attributes
Vedic gods, such as Raka, Muka, and Maha Maya, are worshipped in Tamil Nadu villages as Rakayee, Mukayee, and Mahamayee.
No Founder: Hinduism is emphasized as a religion without a single founder, often referred to as Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Law).
Hindu culture is unique in its consistent worship of the Goddess and high regard for women ; only religion where Women and Goddeses are worshipped till this day.
Holy Books- Vedas; Epics Ramayana , Mahabharata (Bhagavad Gita); Tamil and other vernacular language Hymns.
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Hiranya dhana
Hiranya denotes gold, a precious metal associated with gods and prosperity, frequently mentioned in hymns praising donations (Dhana Stuthis). It is one of the Sixten Dhanas mentioned in Hindu scriptures. Vedic literature describes the donation of gold alongside cattle and horses.
Mahādāna (महादान).—There are sixteen Mahādānas or “Great gifts”. They are: (1) Tulāpuruṣadāna, (2) Hiraṇyagarbha dāna, (3) Brahmāṇḍa dāna, (4) Kalpakavṛkṣadāna, (5) Gosahasradāna, (6) Hiraṇyakāmadhenudāna, (7) Hiraṇyāśva dāna, (8) Hiraṇyāśvaratha dāna, (9) Hemahastiratha dāna, (10) Pañcalāṅgalakadāna (11) Dhārādāna, (12) Viśvacakradāna (13) Kalpalatā dāna, (14) Saptasāgaraka dāna, (15) Ratnadhenu dāna, (16) Mahāpūtaghaṭa dāna. (Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 210).Hindu king Mulavarman of Indonesia of fourth century CE and Krishna Devaraya of 14th century did 16 Gifts Ceremony.
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Hinayana
The term “Hinayana,” meaning “Lesser Vehicle,” is used to describe the 18 earlier schools of Buddhism, with Theravada as the main surviving branch. This tradition focuses on individual salvation through strict adherence to monastic codes and views the Buddha as a human who attained Nirvana, contrasting with Mahayana’s later development and view of the Buddha as divine.
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Hiranyakasipu
Hiranyakashipu, a powerful Asura king and brother to the slain Hiranyaksha, sought vengeance against Vishnu by obtaining a near-invincible boon from Brahma. Consumed by pride and hatred, he banned Vishnu worship in his kingdom, but was eventually killed by Vishnu’s Narasimha (man-lion) avatar at twilight on a threshold, bypassing his boon. His son was Prahlada.
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Homa/ havan
Homa, also known as Havan, is an ancient Vedic fire ritual performed to purify the environment, remove negative energy, and offer prayers. The ceremony typically involves preliminary and concluding rituals, utilizing specific materials and symbolic items, with fire (Agni) acting as a witness and carrier of prayers. There are 400 types of Homas. Asvamedha, Rajasuya, Soma Yaga, Vajapeyam and Maha Rudram are some of the major Yagas. Ganapati Homam, Sudrasana Homam, Navagraha Homam are common sacrifices.
Huna
Kalhana was the author of Rajatarangini. Here is his report on the cruel Huna king Mihirakula who rolled 100 elephants down the hill and enjoyed their death.
Mihirakula was the Huna king who ruled North India from 515 CE to 530 CE. He was a son of Toramana. We know that his rule extended from Afghanisatan to Madhya Pradesh. But Kalhana says that he killed 30 million people and he attacked Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu. He was a king from the race of White Hunas. He decimated Buddhism in Afghanistan, but supported Saivism in Kashmir. Earlier he was defeated by Malawa King Yasovarman or Baladitya, the last Gupta king. Then he conquered Kashmir and Afghanisatan. Kalhana’s report about his expedition to Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu is not corroborated by secondary sources.
To be continued……………………………..
Tags-HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL-௩௨, இந்துமத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி–32
Tamil and Vedas 
