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HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 83; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-83 (Post.15,998)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,998

Date uploaded in London – 20 July 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx 

Ra words continued

Radha

Radha, the divine consort of Krishna, evolved from a minor gopi in early puranic verses into the supreme goddess of love and devotion. Her literary journey is marked by intense emotional and spiritual symbolism, shifting from a simple milkmaid to the ultimate representation of the individual soul yearning for the divine.

Puranic Literature: Texts like the Brahma Vaivarta Purana and Padma Purana elevate Radha from a cowherd girl to an eternal goddess, describing her as the feminine counterpart of the absolute truth.

The Bhagavata Purana does not explicitly name Radha as a milkmaid. However, in Book 10, Chapter 30, it describes a specific, unnamed gopi (milkmaid) whom Krishna favors and takes away into the forest during the Rasa Lila, a detail later theologians interpret as Radha. The Unnamed Gopi: The scripture describes how Krishna becomes deeply pleased with one special milkmaid who pleases Him above all others (anayārādhito nūnaṁ), which translates to “worshiping”

Poets like Vidyapati and Chandidas in Bengal, and later Surdas and Mirabai in the north, popularized Radha’s devotion in regional languages. Their literature emphasizes prema-bhakti (devotion through love), focusing on the emotional pain of separation and the mystical union of the soul.

Gatha Saptasati (circa 1st-5th century CE): An early Prakrit anthology where Radha appears as a favourite milkmaid who shares a dynamic, pastoral romance with Krishna.

Gita Govinda (12th century CE): Written by the Sanskrit poet Jayadeva, this masterpiece cemented Radha as the central figure of Krishna’s life. It explores vipralamba (longing in separation) and sambhoga (union), establishing her as the epitome of passionate, supreme devotion.

***

Raghavendra Swami

Guru Raghavendra Swamy, also known as Guru Rayaru is considered to be an incarnation of the mythical Prahlada, a child and ardent devotee saved by Lord Vishnu, himself, adorning the Narasimha avatar.

Raghavendra Swamy conducted many spiritual discourses, lectures and commentaries to uplift mankind from the route of banality. He undertook many pilgrimages across the country, spreading the holy words of Srimad Madhwacharya, and the Madhwa tradition.

In his lifetime, Raghavendra Swamy came to be attributed with many miraculous acts, magical feats and philosophical achievements – from curing people of illnesses, to healing negative effects of witchcraft, to eliminating mental illnesses (like depression, suicidal tendencies, anxiety and other major disorders) and bestowing people with the most desired boons, fulfilling wishes and redeeming mankind. The Raghavendra Swami mantra recited by millions is as follows:

Poojyaaya Raaghavendraaya

Satya Dharma Rathaayacha

Bhajathaam Kalpa Vrikshaaya

Namathaam Kaamadhenuvey

पूजयाया राघवेंद्राय सत्य धर्म रतायच

भजतां कल्प वृक्षाय नमतां कामधेनुवे

Mantralayam,  has the temple of Sri Guru Raghavendra, whose mortal remains are consecrated in the brindavanam there. Sri Raghavendra Tirtha was born as Venkatanatha in the town of Bhuvanagiri, Tamil Nadu, into a Kannada Madhwa Brahmin family of Gautama Gotra of musicians and scholars.

His great-grandfather Krishna Bhatta was a teacher to the renowned Vijayanagara Emperor, Sri Krishnadevaraya.

After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, Thimmanacharya migrated to Kanchipuram with his wife Gopikamba. Venkatanatha had two siblings—Gururaja and Venkatamba. Venkatanatha’s education was taken care of by his brother-in-law Lakshmi Narasimhacharya at Madurai after the early demise of his father, and he subsequently got married.

It was in 1624, that Sri Raghavendra Tirtha became the pontiff of the Kumbhakonam Matha, which was earlier known as Vijayeendra Matha or Dakshinadi Matha, now known by the name of Mantralaya Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matha.

After a short stay at Kumbakonam, he went on a pilgrimage to Rameswaram, Ramnad, Srirangam, and Mathura. Later, he moved westwards to Udupi and Subramanya, and then to Pandharpur, Kolhapur, and Bijapur. At Kolhapur, he is said to have stayed for a long time.

After that, he returned to Kumbakonam. By 1663 he left for Mysore where he got a grant from Dodda Devaraya Odeyar. Finally, he chose to settle down in Mantralayam. Guru Raghavendra shed His physical body in 1671 in Mantralayam. It is a village on the bank of the Tungabhadra river in Adoni Taluk in Andhra Pradesh.

Mantralayam is a renowned Hindu pilgrimage town located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is situated roughly 90 km from Kurnool and 250 km from Hyderabad, and is globally famous for the Jeevasamadhi of the revered Madhva saint, Sri Raghavendra Swamy.

Raghavendra is known as a scholar par excellence. Some of his works are mentioned below,

Tantra Deepika: An interpretation of the Brahma Sutra from the perspective of Dvaita

Mantramanjari: A commentary on the first three chapters of the Rigveda

Geetartha Sangraha: A commentary on the Gita, also known as Geeta-Vivrutti

Prameya Deepika Vyakhya: A commentary on Madhwacharya’s Geeta Bhashya

***

Ramana Maharishi

Ramana Maharshi, born on December 30, 1879, in a small village called Tiruchuzhi in Tamil Nadu, India, began life as a regular boy named Venkataraman Iyer. His family was deeply rooted in traditional Hindu values, and he grew up under the care of his mother, Alagammal, and his father, Sundaram Iyer, who worked as a pleader.

Ramana was like any other child—playing, attending school, and occasionally getting into mischief.

The real transformation in Maharshi Raman’s life came at the age of 16. One day, seemingly out of nowhere, he was struck by a deep fear of death. Lying down in his uncle’s house in Madurai, he felt an overwhelming sense that his body was about to die. But instead of panicking, Venkataraman decided to face this fear head-on. He began to ask himself: What happens when the body dies? And then, more profoundly: Who is it that dies? What followed was a spontaneous and transformative realisation. He recognised that the body is just a shell, and the true self—the “I”—is eternal, beyond birth and death.

Shortly after his awakening, Venkataraman came across a book called the Periyapuranam, a collection of stories about the lives of Tamil saints. One of these stories spoke of saints who had realised the divine through their devotion to Arunachala. Reading this, he felt an almost magnetic pull toward the hill. It was as if Arunachala was calling him home.

Around the same time, he learned that Arunachala Hill was located in Tiruvannamalai, not far from his home in Tamil Nadu. The name itself had always resonated with him, but now, with his newfound understanding of the self, he felt an unshakeable urge to go there.

In August 1896, at the age of 16, Venkataraman made the life-changing decision to leave home.

He left a note for his family, stating simply: “I am going in search of my father. Nobody should grieve for me.” 

With just a few coins in his pocket, he boarded a train to Tiruvannamalai. It wasn’t an easy journey. He had to endure long hours of travel, sell his jewellery to buy a ticket, and walk the final stretch on foot. But nothing could deter him. The pull of Arunachala was too strong.

When Venkataraman finally arrived in Tiruvannamalai, he went straight to Arunachaleswarar Temple, the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at the base of the hill. As he stepped into the temple, he felt a profound sense of belonging. He knew he was home.

In the early years at Arunachala, he lived in total silence and solitude. He spent most of his time meditating in caves and temples, completely immersed in the self. People who encountered him were struck by his serenity and radiance, even though he never spoke a word.

One of his early dwelling places was Virupaksha Cave, a simple cave on the slopes of Arunachala Hill. Later, he moved to Skandashram, another cave higher up the hill. These places remain sacred sites for devotees to this day, filled with the energy of Ramana’s deep meditations.

As the years passed, people began to notice this young man who radiated such peace and wisdom. Devotees started gathering around him, seeking his guidance and blessings.

By the time he was in his early twenties, he had become known as Sri Ramana Maharshi.

As more people began to recognise Ramana Maharshi as a beacon of peace and wisdom, the need for a dedicated space where devotees could gather naturally arose. What started as a few followers seeking guidance from the silent sage eventually evolved into the creation of Sri Ramanasramam, one of the most serene spiritual centres in India.

The real turning point came in 1922 when Ramana Maharshi’s mother After her passing, her body was interred near the base of Arunachala Hill. This site eventually became the foundation of Sri Ramanasramam, with a shrine built in her honour. In 1948, when Ramana Maharshi was in his late 60s, he developed a small lump on his arm that was later diagnosed as cancer. Despite the pain and the repeated surgeries, he maintained the same serene composure he had shown throughout his life.

When devotees begged him to seek advanced medical treatment or allow supernatural healing, he gently refused. His response was profound: “Why are you so attached to this body? Let it go. The real Ramana is not this body.”

On the evening of April 14, 1950, Sri Ramana Maharshi breathed his last. Devotees gathered around him as he passed away peacefully, his face radiating the same calm and serenity it always had. At the exact moment of his passing, many reported seeing a bright light streak across the sky, heading toward Arunachala Hill. For his followers, this was a sign that Bhagavan Ramana had merged with the divine.

Over the years, various structures were added to Ramana Ashram:

  • The Shrine of Sri Ramana Maharshi, where his Samadhi (final resting place) now resides.
  • The Old Hall, a simple space where Ramana would sit and interact with visitors.
  • Meditation halls, dining areas, and a library filled with books on his teachings.

His  Teachings

1.     The Self is Eternal
According to Sri Ramana, the self is not something to be attained—it’s already present within each of us. The journey is about removing ignorance and recognising this eternal truth.

2.     The Illusion of the Ego
Ramana often spoke about the ego as the false “I” that creates a sense of separation. Through self-inquiry, this ego dissolves, revealing the true self.

  1. Silence as the Ultimate Teaching
    For Bhagavan Ramana, words were secondary. He often said that silence was the purest form of communication. Sitting in his presence, many devotees reported profound inner experiences without a single word being spoken.

***

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Born as Gadadhar Chattopadhyay in a quiet Bengali village, he would later be revered as Thakur Ramkrishna by his devotees. Unlike many religious teachers who stick to one tradition, Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa explored multiple paths, Hinduism, Islam, and even Christianity, not as a philosopher, but as a seeker who wanted to experience God in every form.

What makes Ramkrishna Paramhans different from many other enlightened beings is that he never sought to establish a new doctrine or movement. He did not write books or try to argue his beliefs. Instead, he lived in a way that proved the existence of the divine. His words were simple, his stories often humorous, but they carried a depth that touched even the most sceptical minds.

From a very young age, Gadadhar (as Ramakrishna was known in his childhood) showed little interest in academics. He was not drawn to traditional studies, and no amount of persuasion could make him sit with books for long. While other children were busy memorising scriptures or practicing writing, he was more interested in devotional songs, listening to stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and spending time in temples.

when playing Lord Shiva or Krishna in dramas, he wasn’t just acting, he became the deity itself. One of the most well-known incidents from his childhood was his first mystical experience. One day, while walking through the fields, he saw a flock of white cranes flying across the sky against a backdrop of dark storm clouds. The sheer beauty of the moment overwhelmed him so much that he lost consciousness and fell to the ground. When he woke up, he couldn’t explain what had happened, but he felt an unshakable peace. This was the first of many divine trances that would define his life.

His mother, Chandramani Devi, often worried about his frequent trances and unusual behaviour. At times, he would sit alone, lost in deep thought, or suddenly burst into devotional songs, unaware of his surroundings. People in the village admired his innocence and devotion, but some feared that he was too different.

When he was in his late teens, an important turning point came in his life. His elder brother, Ramakumar, was invited to become the head priest at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, built by Rani Rashmoni in Kolkata. To assist him, Gadadhar was also taken along.

It was here, at the feet of Goddess Kali, that the destiny of Sri Ramakrishna was sealed. The moment he saw the idol of Kali in the temple, something inside him awakened. He felt a deep, unexplainable connection. While others saw a beautifully sculpted deity, he saw a living presence. It was as if Kali was not just a statue, but a real mother standing before him.

Under the guidance of Bhairavi Brahmani, a female Tantric guru, he practiced Tantra Sadhana, a path often considered too extreme for mainstream Hinduism.

After Tantra, he turned to Vedanta, where he was guided by Tota Puri, a wandering monk.

Marriage to Sarada Devi and the Role of the Divine Consort

While Ramkrishna was lost in his spiritual practices, his family back in Kamarpukur was increasingly worried. His frequent trances, his strange behaviour, and his complete disregard for worldly matters convinced them that marriage was the only way to bring him back to normal life.

Marriage to Sarada Devi

After much effort, they found a match, Sarada Devi, a simple and devout girl from the nearby village of Jayrambati. She was only six years old when the marriage was arranged, while Ramakrishna Dev was in his early twenties.

when Sarada Devi grew older, she came to live with Shree Ramkrishna at Dakshineswar. By then, he had already become a well-known mystic. Many expected him to lead a traditional married life, but he saw Sarada Devi not as a wife but as the embodiment of the Divine Mother.

Sarada Devi, in turn, accepted her role as his spiritual companion. She later became known as “Holy Mother”, carrying forward his teachings after his passing. In many ways, she was the silent force behind Sri  Ramakrishna Paramhansa, providing him with support and maintaining balance in his life

As his fame grew, seekers from different backgrounds started coming to Dakshineswar to meet him. Some were ordinary householders, while others were young men searching for deeper truths. Among them was Narendranath Dutta, who would later become Swami Vivekananda, the disciple who would take Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa Dev’s message to the world.

By 1885, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa began suffering from intense throat pain. It was then discovered that he had throat cancer.

As his condition worsened, his devotees moved him to Cossipore Garden House.

His presence in Cossipore became a living lesson in detachment. He showed no fear of death, only deep, divine bliss.

Final Instructions to Disciples

Realising that his time was near, Ramakrishna Paramhansa gave his final instructions to his disciples. He passed on his spiritual power to Swami Vivekananda, instructing him to take his message to the world.

On 16 August 1886, in the early hours of the morning, Sri Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa Dev left his body. His passing was not a moment of sorrow; it was a divine departure. Even in his last moments, his face shone with an unearthly glow, as if he was merging back into the infinite.

***

Rath Yatra- Chariot Festival

Rath Yatra means Chariot festival or Car Festival.

The most famous Rath Yatra or Car Festival is held every year in Puri in Odisha in India. Nowadays it is held all over the world by various Hindu organisations. It is held for nine days. Hindu devotees in thousands pull the three chariots along the streets.

The celebration of this day starts much earlier that comprises the construction and decoration of the Raths or Chariot by numerous devotees & volunteers. The three chariots that are the highlights of the entire Yatra are pulled by strings. The chariot of Lord Jagannath which is 45 feet high, high comprises 16 wheels and is referred as Nandighosa. Balabhadra’s chariot is made 45.6 feet high with 14 wheels is called Taladhwaja. The chariot of Subhadra known as Devadalana has 12 wheels and is 44.6 feet high. All these chariots are decorated with various designs and colours by the artists of Puri that showcases their enthusiasm for the Yatra.

Two words came out of this Sanskrit word RATHA. In Tamil THER is temple chariot. It is the mirror image of Rath. English word Juggernaut also is derived from Lord Jagannath.

Hindus around the world place various deities in the chariot and pull them with huge and long ropes. Devotees on both sides of the roads worship by lighting lamps, placing garlands and offering coconut, banana, incense sticks etc. all along the routes volunteers are offered prasad (food items). In most of the places it is one day event. In Puri it is taken to a place and returns to the temple in nine days. Tribals are given an important role in it.

***

Ramavatar / Ram

Lord Vishnu took many avatars/ incarnations and of them Ten Avatars are called Dasavatar. Rama’s incarnation is celebrated most among them. Different versions of Rama’s life story known as Ramayana spread throughout Asia. Kings like Rama were allowed to have more than one wife in Hindu India. But Rama vowed not even to think about second wife. This and his friendship with hunters (Guhan), monkeys (actually people with monkey symbol; Vanara= Vana + Nara= Forst People), Bear people (Jhambavan), Bird People (Jatayu), Demons (of Sri Lanka- Vibhisana) made him unique. He never went back on his words. His wife Sita became an ideal wife by accompanying him to forest where she was abducted by Ravana, demon king of Sri Lanka. Rama killed the demon, rescued his wife and returned to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh in India.

***

Ramdas (Samartha), Ramdas (Bhadrachala), Ramdas (Kanhangad)

There were three great men with the name Ramdas. Samartha Ramdas lived during the days of Hindu king Veera Sivaji. He inspired Sivaji in Maharashtra to fight against the Muslim invaders. He led Sivaji in a victorious path. Chatrapati Shivaji .(1627/30–1680) ruled a vast area in the seventeenth century.

*

Another great saint was Ramadas of Bhdrachalam in Telangana. He was jailed for nonpayment of collected tax money. At last Rama and Lakshmana in disguise paid the money and he was released.  His compositions are sung in concerts and Bhajans. Bhadrachala Ramadasu (1620–1688), born Kancharla Gopanna, was a 17th-century devotional poet, Carnatic composer, and Tehsildar in the Golconda Sultanate. He is renowned for building the iconic Sri Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple in Bhadrachalam and composing timeless Telugu keerthanas dedicated to Lord Rama.

*

Kanhangad Swami Ramdas (also known as Papa Ramdas), was born as Vittal Rao and established renowned Anandashram in Kanhangad, in the Kasaragod district of northern Kerala. He became a wandering ascetic at a young age and was an advocate of Bhakti Yoga. His teachings centre around universal love, selfless service, and the constant chanting of the Rama Mantra

***

Rameswaram/ Ramanatha (swami)

Most famous pilgrimage town in Tamil Nadu. Rameswaram is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines spread over India. Hindus believe that they should visit Rameswaram and Kasi IVaranasi) in their lifetime.  It is an island where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Siva in Linga form.

Perched at the southern tip of the Indian peninsula, Rameswaram is a tranquil and sacred destination that weaves together breathtaking natural beauty with ancient pilgrimage sites. Home to the renowned Ramanathaswamy Temple, it is linked to the mainland by the impressive Pamban Bridge, a true marvel of human engineering. Rameswaram sits closest to Sri Lanka, and whispers of history suggest a bygone land bridge – the legendary Ram Setu – once connected the two nations.

***

Ramtheerth, Punjab

Ramtheerth  refers to Swami Rama Tirtha (1873–1906), a renowned Indian philosopher, mystic, and leading teacher of the Hindu philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. He was a pioneer in bringing the message of “Practical Vedanta” to the West and extensively lectured in the United States and Japan. Born in Punjab (now in Pakistan), he was originally a professor of mathematics before embracing asceticism and retreating to the Himalayas. His life’s work, lectures, and writings are extensively documented in a seven-volume collection titled In Woods of God Realization.

***

Rasa – Navarasa

The nine sentiments (navarasa) are:

  1. vīra (heroism)
  2. śṛṅgāra (eroticism)
  3. adbhuta (wonder)
  4. raudra (fury)
  5. vṛdānaka, (shame, which is not in other Indian schools)
  6. bībhatsa (disgust)
  7. hāsa (comedy or humour)
  8. karuṇā (pity or compassion)
  9. śānta (tranquillity)

In his ancient treatise, the Natyasastra, Bharata Muni actually only defined eight rasas (aesthetic flavors or sentiments). He explained that these are evoked in the audience through the combination of bhavas (emotions), anubhavas (physical acting/gestures), and vyabhicharibhavas (transitory mental states).

The ninth sentiment, Shanta (Peace/Tranquility), was later formalized by later aesthetic scholars like Abhinavagupta in his commentary Abhinavabharati.

Rasa also means juice, essence etc

To be continued……………………….

Tags- Ramdas, Ramteerth, Rameswaram, rasa, Raghavendra, Ramakrishna, Ramana maharishi, Rama, Ramayana, Radha,

83HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 83; இந்து மத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-83

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

Picture of Tirumalai Nayak Mahal/ Palace

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,979

Date uploaded in London – 13 July 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sceptre Festival


Picture by Dr A Narayanan, Sydney.

Old Picture of Tirumalai Nayak Mahal/ Palace

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

***

Three Important Points

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

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

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

***

Notorious Thief Honoured and Beheaded!

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

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

***

Ranga vilasa and Ten Pillars

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

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

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

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

–Subham—

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

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by Tamil and Vedas on July 13, 2026  •  Permalink
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Posted by Tamil and Vedas on July 13, 2026

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TWO GOLD RINGS DISCOVERED WITH SANSKRIT WORDS PUSHYA RAKSHITA

FROM BANGKOK POST AND NEW YORK POST WITH MY INPUTS 

BANGKOK — Two gold rings, aged around 2,000 years old, were discovered during an excavation at a new archaeological site in western Thailand, officials said.

The rings were found with human bones during an ongoing dig at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi province last week, the Thai government’s Fine Arts Department said in a statement.

One ring found on Thursday was engraved with characters believed to be the Brahmi script, an ancient Indian writing system.

An initial assessment by experts identified the script reading as “pusarakhitasa,” meaning “the one protected by Pushya,” said to be one of the most auspicious zodiac signs in Indian astronomy, the department said.

Pusarakhitasa= Pushya Rakshita

The other ring found with the same skeletal remains is a plain gold ring without any pattern.

Experts believe the rings’ owner may have been a merchant of the ancient Indian caste system, the Vaishyas, the department said.

The Don Yai Thong archaeological site, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of the capital Bangkok, was discovered early this year after residents found pieces of ancient bronze drums in a rice field, leading to further excavation.

The site was dated to a late prehistoric era in Thailand, a period of human settlement also known as the Iron Age, established to be around 1,500 to 2,500 years ago.

Since February, archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewellery, pottery, and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people or members of the society’s upper classes.

The excavation is expected to be complete in another month, with plans to showcase the archaeological finds to the public, the Fine Arts Department said.

The engraving seems to reference an “auspicious” zodiac sign in Indian or Vedic astrology

Pushya Nakshatra (the 8th lunar mansion in Vedic astronomy) is widely referred to by various regional names across India and in ancient texts. The most common alternative names include:

  • Sanskrit / Vedic Names: Tishya (meaning “to look” or “auspicious”) and Sidhya (meaning “to succeed”).
  • Regional Language Names: Poosam (Tamil), Pooyam (Malayalam), and Pushyami (Telugu/Kannada).
  • Modern Astronomy: It corresponds to the stars Gamma (γ) Cancri, Delta (δ) Cancri, and Theta (θ) Cancri in the Cancer constellation. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

From the time of Ashoka (the Mauryan period) through the Kushan and Satavahana eras, names ending in “Rakhit” (such as Buddharakhit, Dhammarakhit, and Sangharakhit) were very common among monks and donors in Brahmi inscriptions. The word “Pusarakhit” is formed by combining “Pusa” and “Rakhit.” In this context, “Pusarakhit” could mean “a person protected under the aegis of Pushya Star.

The other gold ring was plain, and did not have any writing. Initial hypotheses place the rings’ former owner within the Vaishya social class or varna, the third-highest of the four traditional social classes of Hindu India. The Vaishyas were commoners and worked for a living as merchants, farmers and traders.

Researchers plan to conduct 3D scans of the site and send charcoal samples to the United States for scientific dating, per the Bangkok Post.

Posted by London swaminathan 8-7-2026

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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–

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by Tamil and Vedas on June 29, 2026  •  Permalink
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Posted by Tamil and Vedas on June 29, 2026

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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—

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by Tamil and Vedas on June 22, 2026  •  Permalink
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Posted by Tamil and Vedas on June 22, 2026

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,824

Date uploaded in London –3 June 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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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.

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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)

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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

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Mulam star Mamular Tiru Mular

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

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

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

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

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

To be continued…………

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

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

Madurai Mariamman Tank near the temple.

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,785

Date uploaded in London –25 May 2026

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx 

Tamil version will be posted tomorrow

Bangkok Mariamman Temple

MARIYAMMAN

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

See Hanuman and Anjaneya

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Mayavati- maayaavati

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

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

To be continued……………………

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

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