Prasasti CiaruteunPrasasti Ciaruteun found on the banks of the river Ciampea Ciaruteun, not far from the river Sadane River, Bogor, Indonesia.. The inscription of the kingdom of Tarumanagara.According to the Rajya text Rajya I Bhumi archipelago parwa 2, sarga 3, page 161 states that possessed Tarumanagara Rajamandala (dependencies), called "Pasir Muhara".
Prasasti Ciaruteun reported by Bataaviasch leader van Kunsten en Wetenschappen Genootschap (now the National Museum) in 1863. Due to the great flood in 1893 this inscription stone drift away few yards downstream and become part of the stone that read upside down position. Then in 1903 the inscription is moved into right place. In 1981 the Directorate of Protection and Development of Historical and Archeological Department of Education and Culture made a permanent platform so that flood will not effect the stone..
Prasasti Ciaruteun made of natural rock.
Prasasti Ciaruteun bergoreskan Pallawa arranged in the form of Sanskrit mantra with Anustubha sloka consisting of four rows and at the top of the posts are carved a pair of feet, drawing bulbs and tendrils (helical) and spiders.
The Text:
vikkrantasyavanipat eh
srimatah purnnavarmmanah
tarumanagarendrasya
visnoriva padadvayam
Translation:
"This (sign) a pair of lotus feet of Vishnu (preserver) is a glorious palm of the Purna Varman, king in the land of Taruma, a valiant king of the world".
The feet symbolizes the power of the king over the area where the discovery of the inscription. This means that confirms the position that likened Purna Varman Vishnu then regarded as the ruler and protector of the people
Sri Karavera Nathar (Brahmmapureeswarar) templeMoolavar : Karavera Nathar (Brahmmapureeswarar)Amman / Thayar : Pratyakasha MinnammaiOld year : 1000-2000 years old
The shrine is praised by the three celebrated Saivite Saints, Sambandar, Tirunavukkarasar and Sundarar. This is the 91st Lord Shiva temple on the southern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns.
Lord Shiva in the temple is a swayambumurthy.
Vinayaka of the temple is praised as Lord Raja Ganapathy.
On new moon days, women water the Sthala Vruksha – sacred tree near the Samadhi of Sage Gautama and worship Lord Brahmmapureeswarar then in the hope that their marriage would be materialized before next new moon day. Devotees stay in the temple for a night and worship the Lord next day to overcome various hardships they face in life.
Lord Shiva appointed Sage Gautama to take care of the Linga which He installed Himself. The sage stayed in this sacred land, performed penance and sought the grace of Lord Shiva. Granting Darshan to the sage, Lord asked him his wish. The sage said that after his life time, nobody should see his mortal body. As the devotees would worship him also in the temple, he wanted to become the sacred tree of the temple and sought that boon. Lord obliged the sage. It is on the basis of this story, women use to water the sacred tree on every new moon day and worship Lord Brahmmapureeswarar then.
Karaveeram means Ponnalari a flower. The place is named after this plant-sacred tree. Saint Tirugnana Sambandar had to stay here as night fell then. In his hymn on the Lord of Karaveeram, in each verse he had emphasized that the devotee would be relieved of his problems-Vinai in Tamil. Devotees therefore stay here for a night, worship the Lord next day for solutions to their problems.
A donkey performed penance in this place on Lord Shiva for His darshan. As its wish was not in sight, frustrated, it decided to fall in the sea at Nagore. The animal heard a sound and turned back and its joy knew no bounds as Lord granted His darshan and also salvation, according to puranas. Because of this event, there is no flag post before Lord’s shrine and houses or buildings up to Nagore from this place. The philosophy is that Lord does not discriminate among beings to shower His grace.
Women of the celestial world once met Lord and Mother at Mount Kailash and sought wedding boon. Mother Parvathi looked at Lord for the reply. Lord Shiva made a Shivalinga Himself, installed it on the southern bank of Cauvery and advised the women to worship the Linga. They followed the advice and were rewarded with suitable matches. Even today, women use to water the sacred tree here on new moon days and worship Lord Brahmmapureeswara then to gain wedding boon. It is believed that their wish is materialized before the next new moon da
Periyamarai is situated 10 kms from Thiruvaiyaru in Thirumanur Post , near Sullangudi village in a peaceful rural surroundings. An impressive arch welcomes us into Periyamarai. Few houses greet us and the main road is well cemented. A tall majestic Dwajasthambham has been erected as one of the recent additions.Srinivasa Perumal and Alamelmangai Thaayar are the presiding deities at this temple. This is believed to be an ancient temple and has been around for more than 1000 years and was built by Chola Rajas. Utsavar is so captivating that people call him Kan Niraindha Perumal (கண் நிறைந்த பெருமாள்). He is also called as Kalyana Venkatesar . Those desirous of Marriage and Putra Bhagyam are blessed by this Perumal. Utsavar is also called Veda Narayanan because that village name Periyamarai, marai means Vedam.About 25 years ago , the Utsava Murthis were stolen from the temple. The thieves took them to the near by Kaveri padukai , where they suddenly lost their eye sight and unable to carry them further , they left the Utsava Murthis there. It was found by the local people and restored to the temple after long procedure.This temple was kept closed till about 10 years , when Perumal appeared in the dreams of Sri Renganatha Desikan , the current trustee who maintains the temple, directed him to open the temple and start daily aradhanams. Based on this he has made many efforts in renovating and conducting Maha Samproshnam for this temple. One can now, find new sannidis for Hayagreevar, Chakrathazwar, Oragattan , Guruvayur appan and Swami Desikan. Sannidhis for Thayar and Renganathar were also renovatedUtasavar adorns Vyapaka Mudrai akin to Danvanthiri Perumal and is believed to cure His devotees of ailments of all sorts. The trustees have appointed an exclusive Bhattar at the temple. Narayana Bhattar is young and active and takes good care with focus on increasing the visitors and improving the festivities. People of this village and its surroundings visit the temple especially during Saturdays and worship. Baghavathas travelling to either Kumbakonam, Srirangam , Thrivaiyaru or Thanjavur are requested to visit this beautiful temple and worship Lord Srinivasa and Alarmel Mangai Thayar and seek their Blessings.Srirangam Kumbhabhisheka Thilakam, Sri.Sara Narayana bhatar, MA(Aagamam) who has finished 8 yrs of study in Aagamam sasthras who also conducts many Kumbhabhishekams in South India , can be contacted for Seva at this temple at +91 9003800574Sri Renganatha Desigan Swami has arranged daily Sahasranama archanai.. Akshaya Thritjyai ,Garuda Vahanam, Karthigai Deepotsavam, Dhanurmasa Utsavam and Laksharchanai.Another humble request is made to all those who are from this area and those desirous of making a Kainkaryam,To contact : Sri Renganatha Desikan Swami , Trustee- Periyamarai Srinivasa Perumal Seva SamithiMobile : + 91 9381026729.
Acoustic Marvel of Madurai TempleAncient Tamils have used the principles of “vibration of bodies” in constructing musical pillars in Madurai Meenakshi Temple, according to a study made by a team of ENT specialists in Tamil Nadu on the acoustic beauty of this glorious temple.
The sculptors have cleverly varied the length and diameter of the pillars to obtain different musical sounds choosing the right type of stone. By using the same stone, but by varying the shape, they were able to achieve it.
Besides the medical team led by Dr S Kameswaran, Project Director and Chief of the ENT institute in General Hospital, Madurai, geologists, musicologists and audiologists took part in the research. HRCE of Tamil Nadu Government funded this research project.
The study team is of the view that the temple is an ‘acoustic marvel’. The noise level at the Ashta Sakthi Mandapam situated near the road was only 40 decibels during non visiting hours. Near the Lotus Tank and adjoining sanctum sanctorum (Garba Gruha), the sound level is again in the order of 40 DB. With this ambient noise it is possible for a person to contemplate and meditate the divinity. The sound level recorded during the peak hours in the evening is of the order of 70 to 80 DB. What is remarkable is there is absolutely no echo in any part of the temple and even with all the crowd around, the sound level seldom exceeds 80DB. There is built in mechanism for containing the echo and at the same time, the total noise does not exceed a specific level.
The artisans who built this huge temple must have been aware of the basic principles of acoustics. The huge icons on the unpolished pillars, the distribution of vents, the allocation of open spaces all around, are all mechanisms to contain the noise level, says the study team.
Again, the Hall of Thousand Pillars is a classical example of perfect sound engineering technique. The hall has got very low ceiling with 985 pillars—each pillar averaging about 12 feet in height. All are exactly of the same size and shape and at mathematically accurate positions. Many can sit in this echo resistant hall to hear the entire proceedings in quietitude.
The team which also studied the architectural beauty of the Meenakshi Temple saw an interesting feature of the floor in Kambaththadi Mandapam in the outer prakaram (corridor) in front of the Lord Sundareswarar. One finds large square slabs arranged from end to end covering conduits carrying drinking and drainage water separately and admired the perfect example of hygienic planning of the ancient architects. Even in recent times, with heavy downpour, one seldom sees stagnation of water inside the Mandapam
Virinchipuram Temple Inscription: Say No to Dowry by Brahmins of Padaividu kingdom A Tamil Inscription from Margabandeswarar Temple in Virinchipuram offers some respite for DOWRY, THE SOCIAL CURSE that has vexed Brahman community during the reign Devaraya II (reigned 1432–46), Vijayanagara emperor.Agreement against Dowry by Brahmanas of the kingdom of Padaividu
This inscription refers to the Brahmana Dharma (Sacred Law of Brahmans) and specific reference to the Brahmanas of the kingdom of Padaividu (town of Padavedu - previously known as Padaividu - now in the Polur Taluk, Thiruvannamalai district) including Karnataka, Tamil, Telugu and Lata (the old name of Gujarat) Brahmanas. An agreement, signed by the representatives of Brahmanas of the kingdom of Padaividu , vouch to conduct marriages in their families as mere 'Kanyadhana.' - the part of the marriage ceremony where the bride's father only gives away the bride to the bridegroom. Both fathers of bride and bridegrooms who accepted money and the who paid the money, should be subject to punishment by the king and to excommunication for their caste. The canonical works on sacred law discourages the practice of paying money as dowry. The marriage thus concluded is termed as 'Asura Vivaha' and the sacred law condemns such practices.
What is dowry? Dowry is a transaction between two parties involving cash, or other valuable articles such as precious metals, gems, clothing, appliances, real estate, or goods for entertainment, made as a condition for entering a marriage contract.
Although dowry was illegalized in 1961 (The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 in India), people from almost all castes are demanding dowry to different extents. Youngsters and parents view dowry as a 'way of accumulating economic capital.'
Newspapers and other media report daily about dowry harassment ranging from a lifetime of verbal abuse to extreme physical and sexual abuse. It is also closely interlinked to female infanticide, neglect of the girl child, denial of educational and career opportunities to daughters, domestic violence, rape, extortion, homicide and other kinds of discrimination against women.
In Tamil society dowry and prestige are the two closely related social issues. Those who are in their demanding side never wants to give up and those who are in the accepting side always yielding to the demand in spite of great deal of difficulties.
Present day consumerism wants to say no to dowry. Women’s rights organisations are turning the miseries of dowry victims.
Inscription inside the front gopura of the Virinchipuram Temple
(No.56 Inside the front gopura of the Virinchipuram temple, second inscription to the right: III - Inscriptions at and near Virinchipuram. Tamil and Grantha Inscriptions. South Indian Inscriptions)
Tamil Text
சுபமஸ்து. ஸ்வஸ்தி ஸ்ரீ . ஸ்ரீமன் மகா ராஜாதிராஜ பரமேசுவரரான ஸ்ரீ வீரபிர
தாப தேவராய மகாராஜர் ப்ரித்விராஜ்யம் பண்ணி அருளானின்ற சகாப்தம்
1347ழின் மேல் செல்லானின்ற விஸ்வாசு வருஷம் பங்குனி மாதம் 3க்கு
சஷ்டியும் புதன்கிழமையும்பெற்ற ஆநுசத்து நாள், படைவீட்டு இராஜ்யத்து
அஸேஷவித்யமஹாஜநங்களும் அகர்கபுஷ்கரணி கோபிநாத ஸன்னதியிலே
தர்ம ஸ்தாபந மையபத்ரம் பண்ணி குடுத்தபடி
இற்றைய நாள்முதலாக இந்த படைவீட்டு ராஜ் யத்து பிராமணரில்
கன்ன(டி)கர் தமிழர் தெலுங்கர் இலாளர் முதலான ஆஸேஷ கோத்திரத்து
அஸேஷசூத்தரத்தில் அஸேஷகையிலவர்களும் விவாஹம் பண்ணுமிடத்து,
கன்னியாதானமாக விவாஹம் பண்ணக் கடவராகவும் கன்னியாதானம்
பண்ணாமல் பொன் வாங்கி பெண் கொடுத்தால், பொன் கொடுத்து விவாஹம்
பண்ணினால், ராஜ தண்டத்துக்கும் உட்பட்டு பிராமண்யத்துக்கும்
புறம்பாகக் கடவரென்று பண்ணின தர்ம ஸ்தாபன மைய பத்ரம்; இப்படிக்கு
அஸேஷ வித்ய மகாஜனங்கள் எழுத்து
Translation
Let there be Prosperity! Hail! On the day of (the nakshatra) Anusham (Anuradha Star constellation) which corresponds to Wednesday, the sixth lunar day, the 3rd (solar day) of the month of Panguni (Tamil Calendar month) of the Visvavasu (Tamil Calendar year) year, which was current after the Saka (Shalivahana calendar) year 1347 (had passed), while the illustrious maharajadhiraja-parameswara, the illustrious Virapratpa-Devaraya-maharaja was pleased to rule the earth,-the great men of all branches of sacred studies of the kingdom (rajyam) of Padaividu drew up, in the presence of (the god) Gopinatha (of) Arkapushkkarini, a document (which contains) an agreement fixing the sacred law. According to (this document), if the Brahmanas of this kingdom (rajyam) of Padaividu, viz., Kannadigas, Tamilas, Telungas, Ilalas, etc.,of all gotras, sutras, and sakhas conclude a marriage, they shall, from this day forward, do it by kanyadana. Those who do no adopt kanyadana, i.e., both those who give away after having received gold, and those who conclude a marriage after having given gold, shall be liable to punishment by the king and shall be excluded from the community of Brahmanas. These are the contents of the document which was drawn up.
The following are the signatures of the great men of all branches of sacred studies:-
Virinchipuram Maragathambihai samedha Margabandheeswarar temple
Virinchipuram Maragathambihai samedha Margabandheeswarar temple is located near Vellore town in the Chennai-Bangalore Highway. The east facing temple is around 1300 years old and is very rich in extraordinary sculptures and artistic pillars. The legend is found in Arunachala Puranam, Siva Rahasiyam, Kanchi puranam and many other holy books . Aadhi Shankaracharyar did the Beejakshara Pradhishtai to the Simha theertham of the temple. The temple was venerated by Thirumoolar, Pattinathar, Thirugnana Sambhandhar, Appar, Arunagirinadhar, Appayya Dikshithar and few others. The holy tree is palm and the holy water tanks include Simha Theertham, Sooli Theertham and Brahma Theertham.
Reference
No.56 Inside the front gopura of the Virinchipuram temple, second inscription to the right: III - Inscriptions at and near Virinchipuram. Tamil and Grantha Inscriptions. South Indian Inscriptions
Saurash tradeshe vishade.atiramye jyotirmayam chandra kalavatamsam | bhaktipradanaya kripa vatIrnam tam somanatham sharanam prapadye ||“Jay Somanath! Jay Somanath”!
Somnath temple, the first in the twelve jyothirlingas, is located at the Viraval port - Prabhas Pattan in Saurashtra - Gujarat.
Troubled times and Hindu Resilience in rebuilding the great temple of Somnath
This grand temple of Somanath came under the attack of the Muslims several times. In the year 722, Junamad, the Sindh Subedar attacked it for the first time and looted innumerable items from its treasure.
The beautiful statue of Somanath, can be seen from the center because of the miraculous magnetic power. Ghajni Mohammed, destroyed this statue on Friday, the 11th of May 1025 AD. From then onwards, Ghajni Mohammed came to be known as the “Statute Destroyer” (Iconoclast). On that day, he plundered and looted a treasure worth 18 crores.
In 1297 AD, Allauddin Kkhiji sent his Sardar Altaf Khan to Somanath on a mission of destroying and putting down the Somanath Mandir. The Somanath Temple was subjected to series of attacks starting in 1479 AD by Mohammad Begada, Mujaffar Shah, II, in 1503 AD, and finally by Aurangazeb, known to be the most intolerant towards other religions, in 1701 AD, where in, the temple was totally destroyed, plundered and looted in a most horrible way. A large number of people were killed mercilessly and a lot of money stolen
Sri Adhi Ratneswarar templeMoolavar : Adhi RatneswararAmman / Thayar : SnehavalliThala Virutcham : Vilwa
Theertham : Surya Pushkarini
Old year : 1000-2000 years old
The temple is praised by Saint Tirugnanasambandar in his Thevaram hymns. This is the 9th temple in Pandya region praised in Thevaram hymns.
This is one of the Shiva temples offering pujas to Sun God. Sun worshipped Lord Shiva placing Him on a stage - Avudayar – made of sapphire gems, hence the name of the Lord, Adhi Ratneswarar. When abishek is performed during midday, Lord appears blue.
This is one of the 14 Shiva temples praised in Thevaram hymns. Sages Agasthya, Markandeya and divine cow Kamadenu had worshipped Lord of this temple. Lord Muruga in the temple is praised in the Tirupugazh hymns of saint Arunagirinathar.
Devotees pray to Lord Adhi Ratneswarar for relief from the evil effects of past deeds. Special Sukhra (Venus planet) Homas are performed on Mother for child boon. Those under planet Shukra’s main or sub-periods are advised to pray to Mother in this temple.
Those consulting Nadi astrology in Tiruvannamalai and Vaitheeswaran Koil come to this temple to perform the remedial pujas.
Three yard sticks are used to decide the reputation of great temples, viz. Murthy, Sthala and Theertha. Temples are famous for one or two of these aspects and some have all the three attributes. Thiruvadanai Adhi Ratneswarar temple has all the three attributes. Lord Shiva is a swayambu. He is also praised as Aadanai Nathar and Aja Gajeswarar. The sacred springs are Surya Pushkarini, Varuna, Vaaruni, Markandeya, Aghasthya and Kamadenu theerthams. During their exile, Pandavas brother Arjuna got the pasupatha missile from Lord Shiva. He was asked by the Lord to come to Thiruvadanai to know how to use the weapon. As a mark of his bhakti, Arjuna installed the Somaskanda in the temple, according to a story.
Sun was very proud of his radiating power. When the brightness on Lord rose up, Nandhi the bull vehicle of the Lord drew it, the Sun losing his brightness. Sun begged Nandhi to show him the solution. Nandi advised Sun to worship Lord of Thiruvadanai installing Him on a seat made of sapphire gems for remedy. Sun being the Adhi-first among the nine planets worshipped Lord Shiva Adhi Ratneswarar as suggested. When abishek is performed on the Lord, He turns blue.
Mother Snehavalli is the deity for planet Shukra-Venus. The temple is famous for Shukra worship.
Vaaruni is the son of Varuna the God of rain. One day he stayed in the Ashram of Sage Durvasa who was in deep meditation. Vaaruni’s friends played there using the fruits and flowers in the ashram and disturbed the penance of the sage. The angry sage cursed Vaaruni for his deed to become a strange creature with the head of a goat (Aja) and body of an elephant (Gaja). In Tamil the name will be Aadu (goat) and Aanai (elephant), hence the name of the place Thiru Aadu Aanai – Thiruvadanai. Vaaruni realized his folly. Sages nearby suggested that he should go to this temple in the Pandya kingdom, pray to Lord Shiva for his remedy. Vaaruni followed the advice. Lord appeared before him and enquired of his wish. Vaaruni in his Aja Gaja (Aadu-Yanai) form begged the Lord that his life should be a lesson to those behaving badly towards respectful elders and that this place should be known as Thiruvadanai till the end of Kaliyuga. Lord granting his wish, the place came to be known with the suffix Thiru Aadu Aanai – Thiruvadanai.
