Himalaya Mountain in Three Languages மூன்று மொழிகளில் இமய மலை வருணனை -2 (Post.14,950)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,950

Date uploaded in London –  6 September 2025

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  

PART 2

உள்ளங்கால் மிக நொந்து உறைந்த பனிக்கட்டி மேலே

கடினமான தங்களது கொங்கைகளின் கனத்தால்

மெல்ல மெல்லச் செல்வார்கள் மங்கையர்கள் அங்கு

उद्वेजयत्यङ्गुलिपार्ष्णिभागान्मार्गे शिलीभूतहिमे ऽपि यत्र ।

न दुर्वहश्रोणिपयोधरार्ता भिन्दन्ति मन्दां गतिमश्वमुख्यः ॥ १।११॥

Where the celestial damsels are unable to desist from their usual leisurely walking even if their toes and heels are disquieting to tread on the pathways condensed with snow, appurtenance to the slowed down pace owing to the weight of their broad hips and beamy bosoms, that sort of leisure-mountain is there in the North. [1-11]

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கதிரவனைக் கண்டதினால் கலக்கமுற்று ஓடும்

காரிருளைக் குகையினிலே காப்பாற்றுவான் ஹிமவான்;

சரணடைந்த சிறியோரை மேலோர்கள் 

 நட்புடனே காப்பது  பெரியோருக்கு இயல்புதானே

दिवाकराद्रक्षति यो गुहासु लीनं दिवा भीतमिवान्धकारम् ।

क्षुद्रे ऽपि नूनं शरणं प्रपन्ने ममत्वमुच्चैःशिरसां सतीव ॥ १।१२॥

He who safeguards the lowly darkness that burrowed itself in his caves, as though that darkens is frightened from the day making sun, is objectionable insofar as his propriety as a shelter is concerned; but that objection is voidable, as noblemen ought to protect anyone or anything seeking shelter as his own person. [1-12]

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மதியின் ஒளிக்  கிரணம்போல மிக அதிகம்  வெளுத்த

வால்களையே சாமரமாய் வீசும் கவரிமான்கள்;

கிரிராஜன் இவரென்று அழகாக காட்டும் !

लाङ्गूलविक्षेपविसर्पिशोभैरितस्ततश्चन्द्रमरीचिगौरैः ।

यस्यार्थयुक्तं गिरिराजशब्दं कुर्वन्ति वालव्यजनैश्चमर्यः ॥ १।१३॥

On whom the thick furred animals, chAmara, wave their tails spreading breeze in the quality of moonbeams; in doing so they appear to be fanning a royal with furred fanning instruments, and thus they render the title of ‘king of the mountains’ more meaningful to that mountain that is there in the North. [1-13]

***

அம்மலையின் குகைகளிலே அன்பான  தங்கள்

கணவருடன்  விளையாடும் கிம்புருஷ மாதரரின் 

ஆடையில்லா வெட்கத்தை  அழகான திரைபோல 

காக்குமாங்கே மேகங்கள் குகை வாயை மூடி .

यत्रांशुकाक्षेपविलज्जितानां यदृच्छया किम्पुरुषाङ्गनानाम् ।

दरीगृहद्वारविलम्बिबिम्बास्तिरस्करिण्यो जलदा भवन्ति ॥ १।१४॥

Where the clouds dangling on the doorways of homelike caves are luckily becoming door curtains for the much-abashed celestial womenfolk when their upper cloths are suddenly snatched away by their males, such a romantic mountain is there in the North. [1-14]

****

தேவதாரு மரங்களது திவ்ய கந்தம் வீசும்

கங்கை நீர் திவளைகளால் குளிர்ந்து சுகம் கொடுக்கும்

மயிலின் தோகைகளை மெல்ல மெல்ல அசைக்கும்

காற்றுவாங்கி வேடர்கள் சிரமம் தன்னைக் களைவார்கள்

भागीरथीनिर्झरसीकराणां वोढा मुहुः कम्पितदेवदारुः ।

यद्वायुरन्विष्टमृगैः किरातैरासेव्यते भिन्नशिखण्डिबर्हः ॥ १।१५॥

On which the breeze wafts the spays of River Ganga’s watercourses wobbling the deodar trees time and again, whereby peacocks apprehensive of rainfall outspread their plumage, and commingling all the other perfumes that breeze becomes enjoyable to the tribal people that are fatigued in their hunting, such a breezy mountain is there in the North. [1-15]

Both the actions are in hyperbole. Neither the sages in highest constellation can bend down, nor the sun with downward sunrays can possibly shoot his rays up. This is only to show the loftiness of Himalayas.

****

வேள்விக்கு வேண்டுவதாம் வித விதமாம் பொருளும்

பூமியெல்லாம் வசிப்பதற்குப் போதுமான பலமும்

பர்வதத்தில் கண்டதால் பிரம்மாவும் மகிழ்ந்து

மலைகளது ராஜனுக்கு வேள்வியில் பங்கும்

நடப்புடனே தானாக முன்னாளில் ஈந்தார்

सप्तर्षिहस्तावचितावशेषाण्यधो विवस्वान्परिवर्तमानः ।

पद्मानि यस्याग्रसरोरुहाणि प्रबोधयत्यूर्ध्वमुखैर्मयूखैः ॥ १।१६॥

Whose plenteousness to provide sacred material like special firewood, Soma creepers etc to Vedic rituals, and whose capacity and perseverance to bear the earth is clearly examined by Brahma, whereby Brahma personally ordered for oblational share of oblations in Vedic rituals to him along with the lordship on other mountains, such a munificent mountain Himavan is there in the North. [1-16]

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यज्ञाङ्गयोनित्वमवेक्ष्य यस्य सारं धरित्रीधरणक्षमं च ।

प्रजापतिः कल्पितयज्ञभागं शैलाधिपत्यं स्वयमन्वतिष्ठत् ॥ १।१७॥

He who is the provisioner to Vedic rituals with sacred material like special firewood, Soma creepers etc, and whose capacity and perseverance to bear the earth is clearly examined by Brahma, whereby Brahma personally ordered for oblational share of Vedic rituals to Himavan along with the lordship on other mountains, such a beneficent mountain is there in the North. [1-17]

***

மேருவுக்குத்  தோழனான மன்னன் ஹிமவானும்

முன்னோரின் கடன் தீர்க்க மனதினிலே எண்ணி  

தன்னழகுக்கிசைந்தவளாம், தபசிகளும் புகழும் ,

மேனையென்னும்  பெண்மணியை  மணம்புரிந்தார் முறையே 18

स मानसीं मेरुसखः पितॄणां कन्यां कुलस्य स्थितये स्थितिज्ञः ।

मेनां मुनीनामपि माननीयामात्मानुरूपां विधिनोपयेमे ॥ १।१८॥

Such a well-mannered lord of the mountains Himavan who is the friend of Mt. Meru customarily married Lady Mena Devi, the daughter of manes called agniShvAt et al, an estimable girl even for sages, thus becoming a worthy maiden for himself for the flourish of his dynasty. [1-18]

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HERE IS TRANSLITERATION

asty uttarasyāṃ diśi devatātmā himālayo nāma nagādhirājaḥ /
pūrvāparau toyanidhī vigāhya sthitaḥ pṛthivyā iva mānadaṇḍaḥ // Ks_1.1 //

yaṃ sarvaśailāḥ parikalpya vatsaṃ merau sthite dogdhari dohadakṣe /
bhāsvanti ratnāni mahauṣadhīś ca pṛthūpadiṣṭāṃ duduhur dharitrīm // Ks_1.2 //

anantaratnaprabhavasya yasya himaṃ na saubhāgyavilopi jātam /
eko hi doṣo guṇasaṃnipāte nimajjatīndoḥ kiraṇeṣv ivāṅkaḥ // Ks_1.3 //

yaś cāpsarovibhramamaṇḍanānāṃ saṃpādayitrīṃ śikharair bibharti /
balāhakacchedavibhaktarāgām akālasaṃdhyām iva dhātumattām // Ks_1.4 //

āmekhalaṃ saṃcaratāṃ ghanānāṃ cchāyām adhaḥsānugatāṃ niṣevya /
udvejitā vṛṣṭibhir āśrayante śṛṅgāṇi yasyātapavanti siddhāḥ // Ks_1.5 //

padaṃ tuṣārasrutidhautaraktaṃ yasminn adṛṣṭvāpi hatadvipānām /
vidanti mārgaṃ nakharandhramuktair muktāphalaiḥ kesariṇāṃ kirātāḥ // Ks_1.6 //

nyastākṣarā dhāturasena yatra bhūrjatvacaḥ kuñjarabinduśoṇāḥ /
vrajanti vidyādharasundarīṇām anaṅgalekhakriyayopayogam // Ks_1.7 //

yaḥ pūrayan kīcakarandhrabhāgān darīmukhotthena samīraṇena /
udgāsyatām icchati kiṃnarāṇāṃ tānapradāyitvam ivopagantum // Ks_1.8 //

kapolakaṇḍūḥ karibhir vinetuṃ vighaṭṭitānāṃ saraladrumāṇām /
yatra srutakṣīratayā prasūtaḥ sānūni gandhaḥ surabhīkaroti // Ks_1.9 //

vanecarāṇāṃ vanitāsakhānāṃ darīgṛhotsaṅganiṣaktabhāsaḥ /
bhavanti yatrauṣadhayo rajanyām atailapūrāḥ suratapradīpāḥ // Ks_1.10 //

udvejayaty aṅgulipārṣṇibhāgān mārge śilībhūtahime ‘pi yatra /
na durvahaśroṇipayodharārtā bhindanti mandāṃ gatim aśvamukhyaḥ // Ks_1.11 //

divākarād rakṣati yo guhāsu līnaṃ divā bhītam ivāndhakāram /
kṣudre ‘pi nūnaṃ śaraṇaṃ prapanne mamatvam uccaiḥśirasāṃ satīva // Ks_1.12 //

lāṅgūlavikṣepavisarpiśobhair itas tataś candramarīcigauraiḥ /
yasyārthayuktaṃ girirājaśabdaṃ kurvanti vālavyajanaiś camaryaḥ // Ks_1.13 //

yatrāṃśukākṣepavilajjitānāṃ yadṛcchayā kiṃpuruṣāṅganānām /
darīgṛhadvāravilambibimbās tiraskariṇyo jaladā bhavanti // Ks_1.14 //

bhāgīrathīnirjharasīkarāṇāṃ voḍhā muhuḥ kampitadevadāruḥ /
yad vāyur anviṣṭamṛgaiḥ kirātair āsevyate bhinnaśikhaṇḍibarhaḥ // Ks_1.15 //

saptarṣihastāvacitāvaśeṣāṇy adho vivasvān parivartamānaḥ /
padmāni yasyāgrasaroruhāṇi prabodhayaty ūrdhvamukhair mayūkhaiḥ // Ks_1.16 //

yajñāṅgayonitvam avekṣya yasya sāraṃ dharitrīdharaṇakṣamaṃ ca /
prajāpatiḥ kalpitayajñabhāgaṃ śailādhipatyaṃ svayam anvatiṣṭhat // Ks_1.17 //

sa mānasīṃ merusakhaḥ pitṝṇāṃ kanyāṃ kulasya sthitaye sthitijñaḥ /
menāṃ munīnām api mānanīyām ātmānurūpāṃ vidhinopayeme // Ks_1.18 //

THE BIRTH OF THE WAR-GOD

The Birth of the War-god is an epic poem in seventeen cantos. It consists of 1096 stanzas, or about 4400 lines of verse. The subject is the marriage of the god Shiva, the birth of his son, and the victory of this son over a powerful demon. The story was not invented by Kalidasa, but taken from old mythology. Yet it had never been told in so masterly a fashion as had been the story of Rama’s deeds by Valmiki. Kalidasa is therefore under less constraint in writing this epic than in writing The Dynasty of Raghu. I give first a somewhat detailed analysis of the matter of the poem.

First canto. The birth of Parvati.–The poem begins with a description of the great Himalaya mountain-range.

God of the distant north, the Snowy Range
  O’er other mountains towers imperially;
Earth’s measuring-rod, being great and free from change,
  Sinks to the eastern and the western sea.

Whose countless wealth of natural gems is not
  Too deeply blemished by the cruel snow;
One fault for many virtues is forgot,
  The moon’s one stain for beams that endless flow.

Where demigods enjoy the shade of clouds
  Girding his lower crests, but often seek,
When startled by the sudden rain that shrouds
  His waist, some loftier, ever sunlit peak.

Where bark of birch-trees makes, when torn in strips
  And streaked with mountain minerals that blend
To written words ’neath dainty finger-tips,
  Such dear love-letters as the fairies send. p. 158

Whose organ-pipes are stems of bamboo, which
  Are filled from cavern-winds that know no rest,
As if the mountain strove to set the pitch
  For songs that angels sing upon his crest.

Where magic herbs that glitter in the night
  Are lamps that need no oil within them, when
They fill cave-dwellings with their shimmering light
  And shine upon the loves of mountain men.

Who offers roof and refuge in his caves
  To timid darkness shrinking from the day;
A lofty soul is generous; he saves
  Such honest cowards as for protection pray.

Who brings to birth the plants of sacrifice;
  Who steadies earth, so strong is he and broad.
The great Creator, for this service’ price,
  Made him the king of mountains, and a god.

–SUBHAM–

tags-Himalaya Mountain in Three Languages மூன்று மொழிகளில் இமய மலை வருணனை -2  குமாரசம்பவம் காளிதாசன்  

Sayings from Arthasastra of Chanakya; September 2025 Calendar (Post No.14,922)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,922

Date uploaded in London –  31 August 2025

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  

Festivals:

·         Onam – September 5

·         Chandra grahana-lunar eclipse -7

·         Pitru Paksha Shradh Begins – September 8

·         Bharatiyar Memorial Day 11

·         Mahalaya Amavasyai – September 21

·         Navratri Begins – September 22

·         Durga Ashtami – September 30

Pitru Paksha is a 16-day period dedicated to honouring ancestors. 

Ekadasi fasting days- 3,17; Auspicious day -4;

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Quotes are taken from website; for more quotations please go to the website.

September 1 Monday

Beauty is spoiled by an immoral nature; noble birth by bad conduct; learning, without being perfected and wealth by not being properly utilised.

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September 2 Tuesday

Low class men desire wealth; middle class men both wealth and respect; but the noble, honour only; hence honour is the noble man’s true wealth.

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September 3 Wednesday

Those base men who speak of the secret faults of others destroy themselves like serpents that stray onto anthills.

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September 4 Thursday

The power of a king lies in his mighty arms;that of a brahmana in his spiritual knowledge; and that of a woman in her beauty youth and sweet words.

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September 5 Friday

Swans live wherever there is water, and leave the place when water dries up; let not a man act so — and comes and goes as he pleases.

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September 6 Saturday 

Accumulated wealth is saved by spending just as incoming fresh water is saved by letting out stagnant water.

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September 7 Sunday

He who has wealth has friends and relations; he alone survives and is respected as a man.

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September 8 Monday

She is a true wife who is clean (suci), expert, chaste, pleasing to the husband, and truthful.

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September 9 Tuesday

When one is consumed by the sorrows of life, three things give him relief: offspring, a wife, and the company of the Lord’s devotees.

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September 10 Wednesday

Learning is like a cow of desire. It, like her, yields in all seasons. Like a mother, it feeds you on your journey. Therefore learning is a hidden treasure.

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September 11 Thursday

As long as your body is healthy and under control and death is distant, try to save your soul; when death is imminent what can you do?

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September 12 Friday

He who runs away from a fearful calamity, a foreign invasion, a terrible famine, and the companionship of wicked men is safe.

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September 13 Saturday 

Do not keep company with a fool for as we can see he is a two-legged beast.Like an unseen thorn he pierces the heart with his sharp words.

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September 14 Sunday

At the time of the pralaya (universal destruction)the oceans are to exceed their limits and seek to change, but a saintly man never changes.

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September 15 Monday

He who befriends a man whose conduct is vicious, whose vision impure, and who is notoriously crooked, is rapidly ruined.

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September 16 Tuesday

Avoid him who talks sweetly before you but tries to ruin you behind your back, for he is like a pitcher of poison with milk on top.

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September 17 Wednesday

Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should pretend to be venomous.

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September 18 Thursday

Never make friends with people who are above or below you in status. Such friendships will never give you any happiness.

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September 19 Friday

As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it.

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September 20 Saturday 

The earth is supported by the power of truth; it is the power of truth that makes the sun shine and the winds blow; indeed all things rest upon truth.

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September 21 Sunday

The world’s biggest power is the youth and beauty of a woman.

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September 22 Monday

Purity of speech, of the mind, of the senses, and the of a compassionate heart are needed by one who desires to rise to the divine platform.

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September 23 Tuesday

When there are many enemies, treaty should be entered into with one.

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September 24 Wednesday

A thing may be dreaded as long as it has not overtaken you, but once it has come upon you, try to get rid of it without hesitation.

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September 25 Thursday

The learned are envied by the foolish; rich men by the poor; chaste women by adulteresses; and beautiful ladies by ugly ones.

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September 26 Friday

Learning is a friend on the journey; a wife in the house; medicine in sickness; and religious merit is the only friend after death.

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September 27 Saturday 

The poor wish for wealth; animals for the faculty of speech; men wish for heaven; and godly persons for liberation.

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September 28 Sunday

By means of hearing one understands dharma, malignity vanishes, knowledge is acquired, and liberation from material bondage is gained.

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September 29 Monday

Time perfects all living beings as well as kills them; it alone is awake when all others are asleep. Time is insurmountable.

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September 30 Tuesday

He who gives up shyness in monetary dealings, in acquiring knowledge, in eating and in business, becomes happy.

–Subham-

Tags- Sayings , Arthasastra , Chanakya, Kautilya, Quotations,  September 2025, Calendar

 PM Modi presented Daruma Doll in Japan

PM Modi presented Daruma Doll in Japan: Read what is the doll, its significance in Japanese culture, and its connection to India through Bodhidharma

The Indian connection to the Daruma Doll lies in its very origin, the figure of Bodhidharma, the Zen Buddhist monk from India.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing visit to Japan, he was gifted a Daruma Doll, a symbolic gift deeply rooted in Japanese culture and history. The doll was presented to him by Rev Seishi Hirose, the Chief Priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple in Takasaki. The Daruma Doll, a simple looking round figurine, carries profound meaning in Japan and also has a unique connection to India.

The Daruma Doll, also known as “Dharma Doll,” represents Bodhidharma, the Indian Buddhist monk who travelled to China around the 5th or 6th century CE and founded the Zen school of Buddhism. Bodhidharma is known in Japan as Daruma Daishi. Over centuries, Bodhidharma became an iconic figure in East Asia, associated with meditation, resilience, and determination. In Japan, his story inspired the creation of the Daruma Doll, which embodies the spirit of never giving up.

The handmade doll itself is usually round, hollow, and weighted at the bottom with a round base so that it always returns to an upright position even if pushed over. This feature symbolizes the Japanese proverb “Nanakorobi yaoki” (fall down seven times, get up eight), a reminder of perseverance and bouncing back from setbacks.

Daruma Dolls are made of paper mache, and are traditionally coloured red. The letter Fukuiri is written at the bottom, which means here is happiness in it. The eyebrows represent a crane and the beard represents a turtle’s tail. There is a Japanese saying that cranes live 1000 years and turtles live 10000 years, and they are regularly used as symbols of celebration.

They are known as a symbol of perseverance and good luck, and are often used to represent setting and achieving goals. Traditionally, the doll has blank eyes. When someone sets a goal, they paint one eye black, and once the goal is achieved, they fill in the other eye, completing the doll’s vision and marking the fulfilment of determination.

At the end of the year, all the Daruma dolls are brought back to the temple they were purchased from. The returned dolls are burned in a traditional burning ceremony, called the daruma kuyō. This ceremony is generally held right after New Year’s Day. People then buy new Daruma dolls at the temple to be used in the new year.

Daruma dolls at a shop

The Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple in Takasaki, where the doll originated, is the most famous centre of Daruma-making in Japan. The temple holds annual fairs where people buy new dolls, set fresh goals for the year, and return old dolls for ceremonial burning, symbolizing closure and renewal.

While the dolls are traditionally bought at the start of the new year and returned at the end of the year, they are available for purchase throughout the year. Moreover, people may keep them, instead of returning to a temple for ceremonial burning. Companies and political parties in Japan also buy the dolls to achieve desired goals.

Ceremonial burning of lucky Daruma Dolla


The Indian connection to the Daruma Doll lies in its very origin, the figure of Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma was a monk from southern India, often linked with the Kancheepuram region. His journey across Asia not only shaped the practice of Zen Buddhism but also influenced martial traditions like Shaolin Kung Fu in China.

As per legend, Bodhidharma lost his limbs by performing the Zen meditation Zazen for nine years. To represent this, Daruma dolls were made without limbs.

In Japan, his austere life of meditation and endurance became the foundation of the Daruma legend. Thus, while the doll is a quintessentially Japanese cultural object, its spiritual roots trace back to India.

For India, receiving the Daruma Doll during Modi’s visit is more than a ceremonial gesture. It symbolizes the deep cultural bonds shared between India and Japan through the legacy of Buddhism

In essence, the Daruma Doll is far more than a decorative artifact or a religious symbol. It is a centuries-old reminder of how Indian philosophy travelled abroad, adapted into new traditions, and continues to inspire millions with its message of unwavering determination.OPINDIA REPORT.

–SUBHAM–

TAGS- JAPAN, MODI, DARUMA DOLL, ZEN

Ganesh worship in Ancient Sangam Tamil Literature (Post No.14,915)

 Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,915

Date uploaded in London –  29 August 2025

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are takn from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

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Lord Ganesh with Erukkam flowers

Research article by London swaminathan

Tami name of Lord Ganesh is PILLAIYAAR.

We have very clear proof for Ganesh worship in 2000-year-old Sangam Tamil literature.  One must understand that there are two stages in the worship of Hindu Gods. In the first stage, they are not part of popular worship and so the evidence is hidden in literature. When they become popular, we see them clearly in literature, statues and paintings. Ganesh is found around the world in statues. Sri Lanka Buddhist Viharas have Ganesh. Tallest Ganesh statue is in Thailand. Largest Muslim country in the world Indonesia has Ganesh image in their currencies. Roman God Janus is none other than Ganesh. Japanese also worship Ganesh.

Let us look at some examples. In the works of Kalidasa and Sangam Tamil literature we come across Lord Siva in the first verse, that is the Invocation or in praise of God. Four out of seven works of Kalidasa have Lord Shiva in the invocation. In Tamil at least five works have Lord Shiva in the invocation. After ninth century we have Ganesh instead of Shiva.

In the Vedic rituals , they do Ganesh puja first with image made with turmeric powder or clay idol. Tamils just wrote the letter u உ (Tamilஉ Vowel) to symbolise Ganesh. From fifth century onwards  we see big Ganesh statues in South India. Now in Tamil Nadu Ganesh Festival has become more popular like Maharashtra. Even in Maharashtra B G Tilak only made it a grand festival to arouse Nationalism.

Now let us look at some examples:

Because of actors Mookambika, Santoshi Mata, Ayyappa, Ragavendra- all became popular. But the worship of those have been in vogue for centuries. Now Brahmins only worship Vedic Gods thrice a day at home. Others go to Shiva and Vishnu temples also Skanda/Muruga and Ganesh.

Another example of how Gods become popular come from the life of Chaitanya. He popularised the worship of Krishna with street dance and music. Bhakti Vedanta Parabhuapada took it to western countries and now devotees of Hare Krishna movement are doing the same street dance and music around the world. But Krishna worship has been there for more than 2000 years. Ancient Tamils worshipped Balarama along with his younger brother Krishna. But now several ancient Tamil temples have some empty space next to Krishna. Balarama has disappeared. He has lost popularity.

1

Ganesh in Sangam Literature

There is one clear reference to Ganesh in Tiru Murugaatrup Padai , but not in the main verse. So scholars consider it as an appendix. But they forgot to see other references. Face with one hand is found in this book.

2

Kabilar, a Brahmin poet, has contributed the highest number of verses in Sangam Literature. His name itself is the name of Ganesh. Priests in India do Ganesh puja with 16 names of Ganapathy and one of them is Kabila. That poet sys in Purananuru verse 106, “God  wont reject a devotee’s offering even if it just grass or Erukkam flower. Here we see more evidence. A poet who entered Hindu Book of Records by listing 99 flowers at one go, refers just erukkam flower. That is Calotropis gigantea or Arka in Sanskrit. Nowadays this flower is associated with Lord Ganesh only. There is a very big demand for this flower in Tamil Nadu during Ganesh Chaturthy or Vinayaka Chaturthy. Kabila not only used this but also used Pul for grass. Arukam Pul is the only grass used to worship Ganesh on all days like Tulsi for Vishnu and Vilva for Lord Shiva.

And Kabila’s Puram verse 106 is nothing but an echo of Bhagavad Gita

पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति |

तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मन: ||9- 26||

If one offers to Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even water, I delightfully partake of that item offered with love by My devotee in pure consciousness.

patraṁ puṣhpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ yo me bhaktyā prayachchhati

tadahaṁ bhaktyupahṛitam aśhnāmi prayatātmanaḥ

So, we know Hindu worship with flowers, leaves (Tulsi, Bilva, Dharba, Dhurva/ Arka grass) and water has been there from Mahabharata days, i.e.. for at least 5000 years.

Hindus showering God with water. Hindus invented this shower.

3

Modakam in Sangam Literature

The longest of the 18 Sangam books is Maduraik Kaanchi by a poet named Maangudi Maruthanaar. He mentioned MODAKAM by using the same Sanskrit word. Modakam is associated with Hindu Gad- Ganesh only.

(Modakam or Modak refers to the Sanskrit word for “a small portion of bliss” or “sweetmeat,” and it also refers to a type of sweet rice dumpling, which is a favourite food of the Hindu deity Lord Ganesha. The term also appears in a devotional hymn by Adi Shankaracharya, where the first line, “Muda Karaatta Modakam,” describes Lord Ganesha joyously holding this sweet.)

4

Adi Sankara divided Hindu worship into six main sects and one of them is Gaanaapatyam, i.e. Ganesh worship. If we go by the date of Sankara given by Kanchi Paramacharya (1894-1994), then Ganaapatyam came into vogue in the first century BCE or earlier.

Modakam with Coconut jaggery inside. Adi Shankara mentioned it in his Ganesa Pancharatanam.

5

The reference to Modaka, sold in Madurai shops along with Appam , (Maduraik Kanchi lines 625-629) another sweet dish, show that there existed Ganesh worship in Tamil Nadu. Because Appam (Fried sweet pan cake) is also associated Lord Ganesh. About 500 years ago , famous Tamil devotional poet Arunagiri Natharbegan his book Tiruppugaz with an invocation to Lord Ganesh, he mentioned Appam as a favourite dish of Lord Vinayaka.

Siruthondar, commander in Chief of the Pallava army, defeated the Chaukya king and brought the famous Ganesh statue from Baadaami (correct name Vaataapi). Then Ganesh became popular in Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion

Evidence from Nakkirar’s T M Padai, Kabila’s Puram verse, and Maduraik Kaanchi’s Modakam reference may be taken as a very clear evidence for Ganesh worship during Sanam Age. His worship became popular from fifth century CE.

–Subham—

Tags- Ganesh worship, Pillaiyar, Sangam literature, Kalidasa, Modakam, Kozukkattai, Kabilar, Erukkam flower, Puram 106

Three Mysteries in Kalidasa’s Life (Post No.14,905)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,905

Date uploaded in London –  26 August 2025

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

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Kalidasa is the greatest poet of India. He lived 2100 years ago in North India. His seven great works survived until this day. No poet in the world excelled him until this day. He used over 1500 imageries, similes, metaphors and allegories in his books. Not even Shakespeare in his 37 plays and over 154 sonnets used such imageries. In fact, Shakespeare even copied him and created Miranda (The Tempest) in the model of Shakuntala. He copied the Vidushakas of Kalidasa and created Caliban (The Tempest).

Like all great Hindu poets Kalidasa left no personal details. Of all the historical Hindu dynasties, he used only Magadha dynasty’s name. it proved that he lived during or immediately after the Magadha rule. In his Raghuvamsa we see Raghu conquering all countries up to Iran. We know that Vikramaditya was the one who ruled such a vast empire. Kalidasa is associated with the great ruler Vikramaditya and even Chandragupta II took that title later.

Kalidasa’s work Kumara sambhava made a big impact on the Vaishnavite Gupta empire and they suddenly switched over to Saivite names such as Kumara Gupta and Skanda Gupta. Three Gupta Kings named themselves as Kumaragupta.

First Mystery

He lived in the first century BCE. Bhasa, another great playwright credited with 13 plays, lived before him. He used stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata for his dramas. Kalidasa took Lord Skanda (also known as Kumaara) for his work. This shows he lived before the Parama Bhagavathas, i.e. The Gupta kings. Gupta kings used title Parama Bhagavathas in their coins and inscriptions to say that they are followers of Vishnu.

But why did Kalidasa choose Lord Skanda/ Kartikeya/Kumara rejecting Vishnu and Siva? It is a mystery. The legend is that he was blessed by Kali. His very name suggested that he was blessed by Kali. But he never did any work on Kali. But in all his seven works he praised Brahma, Vishnu and Siva and said all are one and the same. In most of his works he used Siva in the initial Prayer song.  All these show that he lived before Vaishnavite/ Parama Bhagvathas Gupta kings.

The reason for him choosing Lord Skanda may be the Yaudheya Kings who produced coins with the image of Lord Skanda.

Second Mystery

Why didn’t he finish Kumarasambhava, the birth of Lord Kumara/Skanda? What happened to him? Where did he go? Did he die suddenly? No clue is available in any Hindu literature. But Gupta inscriptions and sculptures show his great influence. Most famous art historian Sivaramamurti rightly pointed out that Kalidasa must have lived long before the Gupta rule, because sculptures and paintings follow what is written in literature not vice versa. This has been proved around the world.

Third Mystery

In Kumarasambhava Kavya, we see the role of Sapta Rishis- Seven Great Seers. Even today Brahmins worship Sapta Rishis three times a day in their Sandhyavandana, in the order Atri, Brhu, Kutsa, Vasishta, Gautama, Kashyapa and Angirasa. The surprising thing is that Panini used them in the same order 2700 years ago. But Kalidasa gave importance to the junior most Angiras in the list. He is the one who requests Himavan to give his daughter Uma to Lord Siva in marriage. Traditions of the Seven Rsis by John E. Mitchiner says saint Valmiki refers only to six seers and Mahabharata has two different lists. He added that Kalidasa and Varahamihira used the new list and so this new list must be in use between 300 BCE and 300 CE. But why did Kalidasa choose junior most or the last one (Angiras) to head the representation to Himavan? It remains as an unsolved mystery.

Another interesting point is 2000 year old Sangam Tamil literature mentioned Sapta Rishis in two poems saying Tamils worshipped them (Natrinai 231 and Pari.5-43)

***

UMA Mystery in Tamil Literature

One more mystery is there, but it is from Tamil literature.

Sangam Tamil literature, mostly secular, but refers to all Hindu Gods, both Vedic and post Vedic gods. Among the goddesses Lakshmi , Durga , and Kali  are mentioned but with Tamil names only. Uma is the only Goddess name used with Sanskrit name UMA (in Tamilized form UMAI). It shows that Kalidasa’s Kumarasambhava has made a big impact on Tamils and so they copied Uma from his book.

And this is not the only place. Even the description of Muruga/Skanda has many similarities ( I have written about it in articles on Skanda/Muruga)

–subham—

Tags- three mysteries, Kalidasa plays, Uma mystery, in Sangam Literature

THE QUEEN AND THE PRINCE – BEAUTIFUL SANSKRIT POETRY IN NEPAL PILLAR EPIGRAPH (Post No.14,883)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,883

Date uploaded in London –  19 August 2025

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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 THE CHANGU NARAYAN PILLAR INSCRIPTION , NEPAL 464 CE

THE QUEEN AND THE PRINCE

His wife was the grand sree Rajyavatii

She was the offspring of a pure family, a Lakshmii

To his Visnu with all her virtues. And he loved her

More than life itself.

… he had shed the lustre of his fame over this whole world, but then he left

For the realm of the gods—it was peaceful like a trip

To a pleasure garden—but his wife suddenly collapsed

Wild with the fever of grief… utterly immobilised—

A woman before her separation from her husband

Was ever busy with rites and rituals and the feeding of the gods

Now this Queen Rajyavatii—called the king’s wife

But really his royal power incarnate

Was about to follow her husband,

Her thoughts fixed on the other world.

She came to her son, Prince Maanadeva, a man

Of faultless conduct, in beauty like autumn moon

And like the moon a delight to all the people

The words catching in her throat, drawing sighs

So slowly her, her face stained with tears she shed,

With deep emotion, “Your father has gone to Heaven

O my son, there is no reason for me to live,

Now that your father has passed away. My dear son,

Rule the kingdom, I will take the path,

My husband took, before the day is out.

How could I live without my husband, held back by the hope—

Which long years of mutual pleasure still arouse

Of being reunited with him, when that never could be

More than a dream or mirage? I am going “ she said

With determination. But then her broken hearted son

Touched his head to her feet in devotion and firmly spoke.

“What use would I have for pleasures, what possible joy

In living if I parted from you?

First I willgiveup my life—and only then

Can you go from this world to heaven”. These words of his

Moistened with tears  from his lotus eyes, were the cords

Of a net that trappedher like a bird. And trapped she she stayed….

Sheldon Pollock

Sheldon Pollock has translated the Sanskrit poem into English  The inscription shows Kalidasa’s influence.

This epigraph and earlier Kumara Gupta’s Sanskrit epigraphs clearly show Kalidasa’s influence over a vast area from Madhya Pradesh to Nepal. More over irt shows that Kalidasa must have lived several centuries before these poems. Tha proved Art Historian Sivaramamurti’s view that Kalidasa lived before Gupta period because we could see his influence in Gupta sculptures.

The important points to be noted here are similes used by the poet. Kalidasa used similes mostly in good auspicious context. Here similes are not missed even it is about king’s death and queen’s grief.

Around the same time, we have over 1000 Sanskrit inscriptions from Central Asia to Southeast Asia. We know that Sanskrit is spoken or understood over a vast area. Moreover, Vedic sacrifices and Vedic Gods are also mentioned in those inscriptions.

***

The Cangu Narayan Pillar Inscription is a significant ancient inscription found in Nepal, primarily documenting the reign of King Mānadeva and his lineage. It is located at the Cangu Narayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The inscription is divided into three sections, each etched on a different side of the pillar. These sections provide insights into the political, social, and religious landscape of the Licchavi period in Nepal.  

Key aspects of the inscription: 

  • King Mānadeva’s Reign:

The inscription details King Mānavanadeva’s lineage, his mother Queen Rājyavatī, and his accomplishments. 

  • Social and Religious Context:

It sheds light on the social structure, religious beliefs, and practices of the time, including references to deities like Vishnu (Hari), Lakshmi, and the concept of sati (widow immolation). 

  • Political Events:

The inscription also records military campaigns and territorial conquests during Mānadeva’s reign, particularly his western expedition. 

  • Licchavi Dynasty:

The inscription provides valuable evidence about the Licchavi dynasty, which played a crucial role in Nepali history. 

Specific details from the inscription sections:

  • East Side:

Describes King Vṛṣadeva, his virtues, and his rule, highlighting his prowess and the well-behaved nature of his sons. 

  • North Side:

Focuses on Queen Rājyavatī, her grief over her husband’s death, and her son Mānadeva’s ascension to the throne. 

  • West Side:

Narrates Mānadeva’s military expedition to the western lands, his victory over a rebellious feudatory, and his generosity towards Brahmins. 

The inscription is a crucial historical document for understanding the Licchavi period in Nepal, offering valuable information about the political, social, and religious landscape of the time. 

–subham— 

Tags- Nepal, Changu Narayan Pillar, Sanskrit, Poetry inscription, Queen and Prince,

How Goddess Meenakshi helped British Collector and King Tirumalai Nayak! 4 Miracles!! (Post No.14,844)

MADURAI KING TIRUMALAI NAYAK WITH HIS WIVES.

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,844

Date uploaded in London –  8 August 2025

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  

Madurai Meenaakshii Sundareswarar (Shiva ) temple is considered one of the wonders of the world. It is because it contains over 30,000 sculptures (stuccos) and paintings. The stone sculptures are carved with very great precision. A small mistake would have made the sculptor to restart the work again and work for many years. It had beautiful and tall towers during the visit of Tamil Miracle Boy Saint Tiru Gnana Sambandar around 600 CE. Sekkilzar of tenth century mentioned the tall towers in Peria Puranam; Sambandar mentioned just the towers. But the present structure has only one old tower built in 12th century by Sundara Pandya. Later Madurai Nayak Kings, particularly Tirumalai Nayak, and Nattukkotai Nagarathar Chettiyars added several towers and Mandapas/buildings.

The British took over the management of the temple when corruption was reported in the 18th century. There are several miracles of Goddess Meenakshi well documented in the temple records. Let us look at some miracles.

1

Peter Pandya alias Rous Peter

Rous Peter was the collector of Madurai between 1812 and 1828. He was a devotee of Madurai Goddess Meenakshi. He made lavish gifts to Madurai temple and Alagarkoil (Kalla Azakar) Vishnu temple.  He was popularly called Peter Pandya. It is said that once he shot a wild elephant and it started attacking him. Immediately he prayed to Goddess Meenakshi and fired another shot which killed the elephant. This story appeared in print.

Another popular version is that one day he was sitting in his court hall and writing a judgement during rainy season. At that time a beautiful little girl appeared before him and asked him to come out of the building. Attracted by her charm he followed her , but she disappeared. As soon as he came out of the building, it collapsed. He realised that it was Goddess Herself came and saved his life twice. As a thanksgiving he donated some jewels to the temple, and they are still used on festival days.

2

Tirumalai Nayak (1623-1659)

Tirumalai Nayak renovated the temple completely during his reign. His wife constructed Ashtasakthi Mandapam. During his reign the beautiful Pudumandapam in front of the temple was built. He showed personal interest in the development of the temple. He revived the Sengol/ sceptre Festival. This meant he was only a servant of Goddess Meenakshi who gives her golden sceptre to him to rule Her country . Since Greek ambassador Megasthenes (3rd century BCE) mentioned the Pandya queen in his book Indica, this must have started 2300 years ago.

Rev. William Taylor has recorded Nayak’s personal involvement in the administration of the temple to weed out corruption. It reports a miracle. Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati, wife of Shiva) appeared in Nayak’s dream and told him there is no care for me. Very next day he called the temple administrator and told him quietly, “for the future we ourselves will piously undertake the anointing, the purveying of offering food (prasaadam) to God, the robing of the images with garlands and flowers, lighting of the sacred lamps and the whole of the daily duties throughout the temple”. He also donated lands yielding 12,000 pons (gold coins) every year for the administration of the temple.

Later, from the first day of the month Thai, Eswara year, on the Makara Sankaranthi Day, he handed charge over to one Paranetha Pandaram, the son of the hereditary female lamp-lighter of the temple. This is recorded in a translation by Rev William Taylor.

3

Early Miracle recorded in Temple Document

In 1365, Kumara Kampana Udayar, a prince of the Vijayanagara Empire, invaded Madurai in Tamil Nadu after conquering many kings on his way. He sounded the death knell of the Muslim Sultanate which ruled Madurai for half a century. Ibn Batuda, the African traveller, has recorded all the atrocities done to Hindus by the Muslim sultans. Though he was a Muslim he was disgusted by the sultans massacring Hindu women and Children; he has given a graphic account of incidents which he saw with his own eyes.

When Kumara Kampana entered Madurai with his wife Queen Ganga Devi (author of Madura Vijayam in Sanskrit) he saw a miracle. Nelson gives a graphic account of the reopening of the Meenakshi temple after the elimination of Sultans:

“Kampana Udayar was taken on an appointed day to witness the reopening of the Pagoda (temple) and on his entering and approaching the shrine for the purpose of looking upon the face of God. Lo! and behold! Everything was precisely in the same condition as when the temple was first shut 48 years ago. The lamp that was lighted on that day was still burning and the sandal wood powder, the garland of flowers and the ornaments usually placed before the idol on the morning of the festival day were found to be exactly as it is .

This is not Nelson’s words. This is written in the Temple Record book called Seethala Kurippedu in old Tamil. Nelson has given a brief translation. And such a record written in the temple never exaggerates nor tell lies.

4

Fourth Miracle

My father V Santanam, freedom fighter and News Editor, Dinamani, Madurai was part of the 1963 Kumbabishekam (consecration done every 12 years) of the Madurai Temple. Then Kumbaabishekams were done in 1974 and 2009. During the last Kumbabishekam there was a controversy about the Consecration Date. A section of the temple priests was not happy about the chosen date. But it was already announced publicly. There was a big embarrassment about changing the date. At last, all the parties concerned, agreed to leave it to Goddess Meenakshi to pass a final judgement.  The modus operandi generally followed in such a dilemma, is to write YES and NO on paper bits and roll them out and put them in a pot. One from the audience of devotees is called at random, again by someone unconnected with this process, and asked to pick up ONE rolled paper bit. A little girl from the audience was called to pick up Yes or No paper bit on an auspicious day. To the surprise of all the girl picked YES paper bit. Then casually someone asked the girl her name, she said MY NAME IS MEENAAKSHI. Everyone was wonderstruck and had the hair stood on end (goosebumps, elation).

Miracles never stop. They do happen even today. My friend Siddhivinayakam on a casual telephone call from India told me how he named his baby daughter. When he was struggling with different names suggested by family members, he heard someone saying Meenakshi suddenly from unknown source. We call it Asariri, i.e. ‘not from human body’ or from an unseen person.

God Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi have been worshipped for at least 2300 years in Madurai temple. Now millions visit the temple every month.

–subham—

Tags- Madurai Temple, Goddess Meenakshi, Four miracles, Peter Pandya, Tirumalai Nayak, Kampana Udayar, Ganga Devi

Hindu Gods in Gupta Inscriptions (Post No.14,830)

Delhi Iron Pillar with Gupta inscription

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,830

Date uploaded in London –  4 August 2025

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  

Varaha Avatara in Udayagiri Caves, Gupta Period.

Kings of Gupta dynasty were great Hindus. Their rule is considered the Golden period of India. According to Chinese pilgrim and others, people slept leaving their house doors open. No theft, no robbery was reported; it was Rama Rajya. The kings called themselves Parama Bhagavatas, i.e. great followers of Lord Vishnu. But they donated liberally to all faiths. Their gold coins are in all museums of the world. British museum has displayed it at the entrance of the coin section.

Gupta inscriptions frequently depict and refer to various Hindu deities, particularly Vishnu and Lakshmi, alongside other gods and goddesses. The Gupta period saw a flourishing of Hindu art and iconography, solidifying the forms of many deities that are still recognized today. Vishnu is prominently featured, with inscriptions often associating Gupta rulers with him and emphasizing their role as his representatives on Earth.

Here’s a more detailed look:

•          Vishnu:

Gupta rulers often identified themselves with Vishnu. For example, an inscription from Govindnagar, Mathura, refers to a pillar dedicated to Vishnu. Vishnu’s boar avatar, Varaha, is also depicted in the Udayagiri caves, showcasing his importance.

•          Lakshmi:

The goddess Lakshmi, often associated with wealth and prosperity, is also frequently depicted in Gupta art and inscriptions. She is sometimes shown as Rajya-Lakshmi, associated with kingship and the coronation ritual, highlighting her role in legitimizing the ruler’s authority.

•          Other Deities:

Besides Vishnu and Lakshmi, other deities found in Gupta inscriptions and art include:

•          Karttikeya (Skanda Kumara, Mahasena): The god of war, often depicted with a peacock.

•          Shiva: Depicted with his mount, Nandi, and associated with the Udayagiri caves.

•          Brahma: The creator god, also found in the Udayagiri caves.

•          Adityas, Agni, Vayu, Vasus, Rudras, Rishis: Various deities and sages from the Vedic tradition are also represented.

In the Gupta epigraphs, the exploits of a king equalled to those of Indra . it is seen in inscriptions of Samudra Gupta and Mathura stone inscription of Chandra Gupta. Tamils also called the king, Indra. Tolkappiam named Indra as King, Venthan in Tamil.

In the Kusana and Gupta sculptures, Varuna is represented  as riding a crocodile and bearing a noose, pasa, of chastisement. He is also mentioned in the Mathura stone inscription. The Mathura pillar inscription of Chandragupta II is an important historical document from the Gupta period in ancient India. It records the installation of two Shiva Lingas by Udita Acharya in the “year 61 following the era of the Guptas”. This corresponds to approximately 380 CE, though some scholars like Harry Falk suggest a date of 388 CE. The inscription is found on a pillar in Mathura and is also known as the Lakulisa Mathura Pillar Inscription.

Neither Kalidasa nor Sangam Tamil poets mentioned the world Linga. But both have praised Linga shaped Kaliash. This shows Kalidasa lived before Sangam or Gupta age.

Kalidasa refers to the deity Surya having seven horses, all green in colour harnessed to his chariot—haridasva-Raghu 3-22.

Oldest Post- Vedic reference to Vishnu is in Panini’s Ashtadhyayi 4-3-98

An ambassador of the Indo Greek king Antialklidas named Heliodorus called himself bhagavata and erected a Garuda pillar in Besnagar in second century BCE.

Imperial Guptas called themselves Parama Bhagavatas according to Gadhwa stone inscription of Chandra Gupta II. Gupta coins also had the title paramabhagavatas.

This also shows Kalidasa lived long before the Guptas. A court poet always follows the state religion. But Kalidasa was associated with Vikramaditya of first century BCE and he praised Shiva sky high as Jagadguru in Kumarasambhavam and Parents of the Earth in Raghuvamsa.

A four armed Vishnu figure carved on a panel at Udayagiri is dated in the Gupta era 82, i.e. 400 CE.

Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudra Gupta mentioned Vishnugopa of Kanchi

****

Vishnu in Delhi Iron Pillar Inscription

The king in Delhi Iron Pillar is now generally identified with the Gupta King Chandragupta II. This identification is based on several points:

The script and the poetic style of the inscription, which point to a date in the late fourth or early fifth century CE: the Gupta period.

The inscription describes the king as a devotee of the God Vishnu, and records the erection of a dhvaja (“standard”, or pillar) of Vishnu, on a hill called Viṣṇupada (“hill of the footprint of Viṣṇu”).  Other Gupta inscriptions also describe Chandragupta II as a Bhagavata (devotee of Vishnu). The names of the places mentioned in the inscription are also characteristic of the Gupta Era. For example, Dakṣiṇa Jalanidhi (the Indian Ocean) and Vaṅga (the Bengal region).

The short name ‘Candra’ is inscribed on the archer-type gold coins of Chandragupta II, while his full name and titles appear in a separate, circular legend on the coin.

A royal seal of Chandragupta’s wife Dhruvadevi contains the phrase Śrī Viṣṇupada-svāmī Nārāyaṇa (“Nārāyaṇa, the lord of the illustrious Viṣṇupada”).

***

Surya -Sun god

Kumara Gupta’s Mandasor stone inscription and Bandhuvarma mentioned the repairs to a sun temple.

Kalidasa mentioned Surya with the word Savita in Rtu Samhara. God Surya is in the Rig Veda where ten hymns are addressed to him .  Adi Sankara made it as one of the six faiths (shan matha) of Hindus. It is called Sauram. Surya became Solar in European languages is a well-known fact.

The tradition preserved in the Bhavishya Purana that the first sun temple was built in Sindhu on the Chandrabhaga by Samba, , son of Krishna by Jambavati . she brought Maga priests from Sakadvipa. Varahamihira also mentioned that Maga- Sakadvipa Brahmanas should be appointed as priests in sun temples- Brhat Samhita 60-19.

Even today Sun cult is followed by millions of Brahmins in their daily ritual of Sandhyavandana and Surya Namaskar . And surya is associated with lord Vishnu in the Vedas.

Kalidasa refers to a temple containing an image of the  Sun deity and mentions people returning from that shrine, at the feet of which, obviously the feet of the image, –paadamuulam—their attendance was required-Vik 5-4

A sun temple standing in Multan on the bank of the Chandrahaga river—chenab—was seen by Chinese pilgrim Huen Tsang. The same temple which was seen by Alberuni four hundred years later was destroyed by Aurangzeb in the 17th century. The temple built by Samba, Krishna’s son must have existed for thousands of years in Multan.

Gupta Kings and their Dates:

Gupta

(c. 240 – c. 280)

Ghatotkacha

(c. 280–319)

Chandragupta I

(c. 319–335)

Kacha

(c. 335)

Samudragupta

(c. 335–375)

(Ramagupta)

(c. 375)

Chandragupta II

(380–415)

Kumaragupta I

(415–455)

Skandagupta

(455–467)

Purugupta

(467–473)

Kumaragupta II

(473–476)

Budhagupta

(476–495)

Narasimhagupta

(495–530)

(Bhanugupta)

(c. 510)

Vainyagupta

(c. 507)

Kumaragupta III

(c. 530 – c. 540)

Vishnugupta

(540–550)

The Sanchi inscription of Chandragupta II is an epigraphic record documenting a donation to the Buddhist establishment at Sanchi in the reign of king Chandragupta II (circa CE 375–415). It is dated year 93 in the Gupta era.

Art historian C Sivaramamurty in his book  EPIGRAPHICAL ECHOS OF KALIDASA gives a long list of inscriptions where influence of Kalidasa is very evident. He placed Kalidasa before the Gupta era, saying literature comes first and then paintings and sculptures follow it.  Sangam Age poets also proved it correct by using 200++ imageries of Kalidasa in their poems.

–subham—

Tags- Gupta inscriptions, Hindu Gods, Delhi Iron Pillar, Allahabad, Mandasor, Mathura

WALKING KUMBHAMELA! MILLIONS OF HINDUS MARCH TO HOLY GANGA RIVER.

THIS IS LIKE KUMBHAMELA ON THE MOVE; IT BEATS THE KERALA SABARIMALA AYYAPPA YATRA, PANDHARPUR HOLY YATRA IN MAHARASHTRA AND GIRI PRADAKSHINA IN TAMIL NADU AND ADHRA PRADESH 

How Kanwar Yatra is helping with the consolidation of Hindu Society

July 22, 2025 HINDU POST

कांवड़ यात्राः सामाजिकआर्थिकआध्यात्मिक और वैज्ञानिक दृष्टिकोण

July 23, 2025

FROM THE HINDU POST

The Kanwar Yatra is a significant annual pilgrimage in India, where millions of devotees, known as Kanwariyas, travel—often barefoot—to collect holy water from the Ganges River and offer it to Lord Shiva. The Kanwar Yatra is a pilgrimage undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Kanwariyas, during the Hindu month of Shravan (July–August).

The Yatra is inspired by the legend of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), where Lord Shiva drank the poison (halahala) to save the universe. To cool him down, devotees began offering Ganga water to Shiva lingams.

Another legend involves Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, who is said to have carried Ganga water in a kanwar to offer to Lord Shiva in Kailash.

Pilgrims carry kanwars—decorated slings made of bamboo—on their shoulders, with pots filled with holy water from the Ganges River, which they offer to Shiva temples, especially the Shiva lingam at places like Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Sultanganj.

This religious and social event has grown in scale and visibility over the years and plays a notable role in the consolidation of Hindu society. Here’s a detailed look at how it contributes to that process:

Cultural and Religious Consolidation

1.     Shared Religious Identity – The Kanwar Yatra reinforces a collective Hindu identity by bringing together people from diverse regions, castes, and economic backgrounds under a common spiritual cause.

Example:
A Kanwariya from Uttar Pradesh walking alongside one from Bihar or Delhi creates a sense of unity that transcends regional and linguistic differences.

2.     Revival of Rituals and Traditions – The Yatra revives and sustains ancient Vedic traditions, especially those associated with Shaivism (worship of Lord Shiva), reinforcing cultural continuity.

Social Cohesion and Community Building

1.     Volunteerism and Seva (Service) – Local communities often set up free food stalls (langars), medical camps, and resting places for Kanwariyas. This fosters a spirit of service and mutual support.

Example:
In cities like Haridwar and Meerut, thousands of volunteers—many of them youth—participate in organizing logistics, which strengthens community bonds.

2.     Intergenerational Participation – Families often participate together, passing down values and traditions to younger generations, which helps preserve cultural heritage.

Political and Organizational Mobilization

1.     Grassroots Mobilization – The Yatra is often supported by local religious and cultural organizations, which use it as a platform to engage with the public and promote Hindu values.

Example:
Organizations like the VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) and local temple committees often provide logistical support, which helps them build networks and influence.

2.     Symbol of Hindu Assertion
In a pluralistic society, the Kanwar Yatra has become a visible assertion of Hindu identity in public spaces, especially in urban areas.

Digital and Media Amplification

1.     Social Media and Cultural Narratives – The Yatra is widely shared on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, where videos of Kanwariyas dancing, chanting, and performing rituals go viral. This digital presence helps spread awareness and pride in Hindu traditions.

Example:
Hashtags like #KanwarYatra and #HarHarMahadev trend during the season, creating a virtual community of devotees.

Challenges and Criticism
While the Yatra plays a unifying role, it also faces criticism for traffic disruptions, noise, and occasional clashes. However, many state governments have taken steps to manage these issues through better planning and infrastructure. On the other hand, most of the criticism is spread by highly biased and anti-Hindu brigade, who are always at horns with the Hindus.

The Kanwar Yatra is more than a religious journey—it’s a cultural phenomenon that strengthens Hindu social fabric through shared faith, community service, and public expression of devotion. As it continues to evolve, it remains a powerful example of how religious traditions can foster unity and identity in a diverse society.

—SUBHAM—-

TAGS- KANWAR YATRA, HINDU POST, BENEFITS, HINDU CONSOLIDATION, PICTURES

Tolkappian on Women in Business Trips!

tolkappian katturai

Written by London Swaminathan
Post no. 1192; Dated 24th July 2014.

Tolkappian was a great genius. Unlike other grammar works of the world, he added one more chapter to the usual grammar topics. The uniqueness of Tolkappiam lies in this last chapter called Porul Adikaram where he deals with the themes of literature. It gives lot of information about Tamil’s view of life, way of life, values in life and rules to write various themes in life. The most interesting point is his instructions about matters concerning sex.

Hindus have been following certain rules from the Vedic times. Though Sringara Rasa is dealt with in literature by poets like Kalidasa, explicit sex is not dealt with. Only in books like ‘Kamasutra’ of Vatsyayana we come across such things as explicit sex. It is not meant to be read by the common folks. It is probably meant for sexologists or psychologists who can advise youths in matters of sex. They can solve problems concerning sex.

Tolkappian , author of the oldest Tamil book Tolkappiam, advises people regarding topics on love.
Tamils have divided their literature into two parts Akam and Puram; Akam poems are about love and family life. Puram poems are about war, kings, death, values, poets’ lives, beliefs and generosity and philanthropy of kings and chieftains.

The first and foremost rule in Akam (love) poems is that you should never reveal the identity of the people involved. No name is found in Akam verses (Porul Adikaram Sutra-1000).

Tolkappiar says that wives are banned from foreign travel. When husbands go on travel for business, war or delivering messages, wives can’t accompany them.

Likewise when kings go on war expeditions, queen should not accompany the king (Porul Adikaram 1121). But musicians and dancers are allowed to travel with them. One of the powerful Tamil kings Senguttuvan took 102 dancing girls with him when he went to the Himalalayas to fetch a stone for Kannaki’s statue. But he left his wife at Vanji, the capital of Chera country (Kerala in South India).

cheran senguttuvan

Cheran Senguttuvan going in procession with Kannaki statue.

Mullaippattu and Nedunal vadai, two Sangam books, have vivid scenes of the camps in the battlefields. There we see women with swords guarding the camps, but not the queens or the wives of the army commanders. Some women were used to maintain the camps. Karpiyal section of Tolkappiyam has the rules for women in the camps.

Whenever some Tamil novels or films with explicit sex come out, big controversies erupt. People who oppose them quote ethics. People who justify them say that they are showing the real world. But yet whether it is real or artificial, fiction or fact, there are some norms to follow (Porul: 999):

Nataka vazakkinum ulakiyal vazakkinum
Patal Sandra pulaneri vazakkam (999)

In this sutra ‘pulaneri vazakkam’ is explained as only that is good, self controlled and cultured can be reported in writing.

Tolkaapiyar , in another sutra (couplet), talks about women’s virtues:
For the modesty and the simplicity in the act of love belong to the feminine nature, her amorousness will be known only by gesture and environment in accordance with the code of love.
Kamam thinaiyir kannindru varuum
Nanum madanum penmaiya (Porul -1054)
Even in the modern Western world, it is men who propose to women and not vice verse.

Please read my earlier posts on Tolkappiyam:—

Tolkappian – A Genius — posted by me on 12 September 2012
Did Tolkappian copy from Sanskrit Books? – posted by me on 10 September 2012
Who was Tolkappiar? posted by me on 9 September 2012
Agni in Tolkappiam – posted on 31 March 2014.
Indra in the Oldest tamil Book — posted on 14th June 2013
Vedic God Varuna in Oldest Tamil Book — posted on July 8, 2013
Four Tamil articles on the Age of Tolkappiam are posted in the blog.

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