Ancient kingdom of Kamrupa in Gauhati?

Is Guwahati the site where the ancient kingdom of Kamrupa existed? This and many more questions, which are still mired in controversy, could be answered more vividly when the archeologists excavate the entire Bhaitbari-Tikrikilla area in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district.
Hold your eyes as we take you to this remote archeological site that once shot into fame following excavation finding in 1992, but later on slipped into the back burner.

Wadagokgre is the site of an ancient civilization; believe to be cast out of the mighty majesty Bramaputra River in the fourth century AD or even earlier. The site is located in a small remote hamlet in West Garo Hills of Meghalaya. The excavation so far have clearly demonstrated that this site was a sprawling township with Buddhism, Hinduism and amalgamation of the two being widely practiced in this area.

In 1992, AK Sharma of ASI, Nagpur excavated the site and unearthed the three temple sites – with numerous Shiva lingas – and a Buddhist Stupa.
But the prominent and the most impressive discovery of the site is this Octagonal Temple with eight miniature octagons, each having a Shiva Lings. The structure is of a more magnificient architecture, having eight square subsidiary shrines radiating from the eight arms of the main octagon. This is perhaps one of the unique discoveries during the excavation. The total plan of the temple is 13 m in width and .90 m in height.
"Further excavations are likely to reveal further remains of an earlier habitation, besides unravelling the historical antiquity of the plains-belt of the State of which very little is known from recorded history," Williamson Sangma Museum curator Dr. Julius Marak said.
The Township viewed to be well fortified, has a large number of tanks inside and on the other prestigious heights is located a number of burn bricks temple. This is another thrilling unexpected discovery, the site of a structure associated with Buddhism, which is commonly known as stupa. The stupa belongs to a category of stupa, which is structurally termed as mud stupa. However, nothing is definitely known at present about the history of the site including the era it flourished.

Scholars believe that nearly 20 temple sites which have been there might have been palatial complexes and habitational areas for the population of the town. "Government will tie up with ASI North East circle to carry out further excavations of the entire Bhaitbari site, which is about 20 sq km" Dr. Marak said.
The archaeological findings which have yet to be adequately unraveled and carbon-dated are reported to be of considerable antiquity. The finds are of artifacts, which reveal the existence of planned places of worship with exquisitely designed masonry oil lamps.

In Williamson Sangma museum, Shillong deities of Ganesh, Parvati, Kubera and Yaksha have been preserved. The terracotta tiles and their stylistic taste and the existence of the stupa in Bhaitbari has forced the scholars somehow to conclude that this ancient fortified city may be contemporaneous to the reign of Harsha Vardhana, i.e., to the first half of the 7th Centry A.D.

The sites still stand as a challenge for those historians and scholars who have the will and courage to dig out its historic truth for the knowledge of the present and the benefit of the future. The site has not been properly promoted hence very few devotees, tourist and scholars visit this area. It demands an immediate attention, recognition, publicity and research.

It is only after the excavation of the 'inhabited' or 'residential' area can anything concrete be said about the history of the place.

Baital Deula Temple, Bhubaneshwar

Mahishasur Mardini panel, Baital Deula Temple, Bhubaneshwar.

 

Trimurti Hindu Temple in Laos 5 th century

Trimurti at Vat Phou temple, Laos
Dated: 5th century CE
Wat Phou was initially associated with the city of Shresthapura, which lay on the bank of the Mekong dir...ectly east of
mount Lingaparvata (now called Phu Kao). By the latter part of the 5th century the city was already the capital of a
kingdom which texts and inscriptions connect with both Chenla and Champa , and the first structure on the mountain was constructed around this time. The mountain gained spiritual importance from the linga -shaped protuberance on its summit; the mountain itself was therefore considered the home of Shiva , and the river as representing the ocean or the Ganges River. The temple was naturally dedicated to Shiva, while the water from the spring which emerges directly behind the temple was considered sacred.
The Temple Complex of Vat Phou bears exceptional testimony to the cultures of south-east Asia, and in particular to the Khmer Empire which dominated the region in the 10th–14th centuries. The Vat Phou complex is an outstanding example of the integration of symbolic landscape of great spiritual significance to its natural surroundings. Contrived to express the Hindu version of the relationship between nature and humanity, Vat Phou exhibits a remarkable complex of monuments and other structures over an extensive area between river and mountain, some of outstanding architecture, many containing great works of art, and all expressing intense religious conviction and commitment

 

Kantaji (Kantanagar) Temple Dinajpur Bangladesh

Ornate terracota carving at ancient Kantaji (Kantanagar) Temple Dinajpur Bangladesh

 

MAHABALIPURAM ROCK TEMPLE

MAHABALIPURAM ROCK TEMPLE ...... The Group of monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Mahabalipuram (Tamil: மகாபலிபுரம்) ...also known as Mamallapuram (Tamil: மாமல்லபுரம்) was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. It is believed to have been named after the Pallava king Mamalla. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th century, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is believed by some that this area served as a school for young sculptors. The different sculptures, some half finished, may have been examples of different styles of architecture, probably demonstrated by instructors and practiced on by young students. This can be seen in the Pancha Rathas where each Ratha is sculpted in a different style.
The monuments are mostly rock-cut and monolithic, and constitute the early stages of Dravidian architecture wherein Buddhist elements of design are prominently visible. They are constituted by cave temples, monolithic rathas (chariots), sculpted reliefs and structural temples. The pillars are of the Dravidian order. The sculptures are excellent examples of Pallava art.
 

Mahadev temple near Chalisgaon, Maharashtra

Little known intricately built Mahadev temple near Chalisgaon, Maharashtra
Dated: ~12 century CE or earlier

 

Ancient cave painting Pachmarhi(Madhya Pradesh)

Ancient cave painting depicted fight between Vyala(feline creature) and swordman,Pachmarhi(Madhya Pradesh)
Dating of these paintings is uncertain.
It is unfortunate that these beautiful ancient painting are constantly under threat due to poor maintenance and chiefly because of lack of sensitivity towards historical monuments shown by visitors.
 

Vaman Temple at Khajuraho

Ancient Vaman Temple at Khajuraho carved with amazing intricacy
The temple is the structural one which built by affixing carved stone without using any type of mortar.
 

Shiva Temple from Cambodia

Ancient Baphuon Shiva Temple from Cambodia
Dated: ~11th century CE
It is a three-tiered temple mountain built as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II dedicat...ed to the Hindu God Shiva. It is the archetype of the Baphuon style. The temple adjoins the southern enclosure of the royal palace and measures 120 metres east-west by 100 metres north-south at its base and stands 34 meters tall without its tower, which would have made it roughly 50 meters tall. Its appearance apparently impressed Emperor Chengzong of Yuan China's late 13th century envoy Chou Ta-Kuan during his visit from 1296 to 1297, who said it was 'the Tower of Bronze...a truly astonishing spectacle, with more than ten chambers at its base.'

 

Rock carved Shiv-lingam at Sahasraling, Sirsi(Karnataka

Rock carved Shiv-lingam at Sahasraling, Sirsi(Karnataka)
Sahasraling is a major pilgrimage site in Karnataka. It is said that there were originally thousand Shivlingam of which very few remain today.

Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebidu

Ornate Profile of Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebidu
Built: 1121CE
Lathe turned monolithic columns are visible with remarkable surface finishing. The columns are living testimony to ancient sophisticated architectural engineering.
 

Badami cave temple,

Varah sculpture Inside Badami cave temple, dated to 6th century.
They cut rock like Titans but finished like jewellers.
One noteworthy feature of these cave te...mples is the running frieze of Ganas in various amusing postures caved in relief on each plinth. The outside verandas of the cave temples are rather plain, but the inner hall contains rich and prolific sculptural symbolism. Art critic Dr. M. Sheshadri wrote of the Chalukya art that they cut rock like Titans but finished like jewellers.
 

temple kattumannar Kovil, Cuddalore

Little known ancient ornate temple kattumannar Kovil, Cuddalore(Tamilnadu)

wikipedia

 

Hindu Temple in Indonesia-Sukuh ( Indonesian)

Sukuh ( Indonesian : Candi Sukuh is a 15th-century Javanese-Hindu temple that is located on the western slope of Mount Lawu ( elev. 910 m (3000 ft)) on the bord...er between Central and East Java provinces.
The central main pyramid of the complex sits at the rear of the highest of three terraces. Originally, worshippers would have accessed the complex through a gateway at the westernor lowest terrace. To the left of the gate is a carving of a monster eating a man, birds in a tree, and a dog, which is thought to be a chronogram representing 1437 CE, the likely date of the temple's consecration.
The main structure of Sukuh temple is like no other ancient edifice; a truncated pyramid reminiscent of a Maya monument and surrounded by monoliths and meticulously carved life-sized figures.












 

Ancient India,Combodia and Guatemala

Ancient connections:
Left is Baksei Chamkrong is a small Hindu Shiva temple located in the Angkor complex (Siem Reap, Cambodia)....
[Right] pyramid 12 at Tikal, Guatemala
Baffling Links to Ancient India: History is full of misnomers; one such term is the New World, as applied to the Americas. The landing of Columbus in 1492 undoubtedly created a new life on the continents, but it neither created nor discovered a new world. Many centuries ago Asian migrants had come to the western shore in substantial numbers. What if the popular idea that Tibetans and American Indians have much in common in terms of their spiritual culture is largely a result of another historical scenario?
What if Hindus and Hopis, Advantins and Aztecs, Tibetan Monks and Mayans were part of one world culture - a spiritual one? Baron Alexander von Humbolt an eminent European scholar and anthropologist, was one of the first to postulate the Asiatic origin of the Indian civilizations of the Americas.
Dr. Robert Heine Geldern anthropologist, has written that: "Those who believe the ancient peoples of Asia were incapable of crossing the ocean have completely lost sight of what the literary sources tell us concerning their ships and their navigation. Many of the peoples of Southeastern Asia had adopted Indian Hindu-Buddhist civilizations. The influences of the Hindu-Buddhist culture of southeast Asia in Mexico and particularly, among the Maya, are incredibly strong, and they have already disturbed some Americanists who don't like to see them but cannot deny them." "Ships that could cross the Indian Ocean were able to cross the Pacific too. Moreover, these ships were really larger and probably more sea-worthy than those of Columbus and Magellan."
"Ships of size that carried Fahien from India to China (through stormy China water) were certainly capable of proceeding all the way to Mexico and Peru by crossing the Pacific. One thousand years before the birth of Columbus Indian ships were far superior to any made in Europe up to the 18th century."
American born Swami B. V. Tripurari asks, "What mysterious psychological law would have caused Asians, and Americans to both use the umbrella as a sign of royalty, to invent the same games, imagine similar cosmologies, and attribute the same colors to the different directions?"
Source- 
www.hinduwisdom.info/Pacific.htm

Hindu Temple in China-MAHAVIRA HALL Kaiyuan Temple

MAHAVIRA HALL OF ...Kaiyuan Temple (Chinese: 開元寺; pinyin: Kaiyuan Si; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Khai-gôan-sī), also known as the Ziyun Hall (Chinese: 紫雲堂; pinyin: Zǐyún táng; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Chí-hûn-tông), is a Buddhist temple in West Street, Quanzhou, China, the largest in Fujian province with an area of 78,000 square metres (840,000 sq ft).
It was originally built in 685 or 686 during the Tang Dynasty. Behind its main hall "Mahavira Hall”, there ar...e some columns with fragments from a Shiva temple built in 1283 by the Tamil community in Quanzhou. The carvings are dispersed across five primary sites in Quanzhou and the neighboring areas. They were made in the South Indian style, and share close similarities with 13th-century temples constructed in the Chola Nadu region in Tamil Nadu. Nearly all of the carvings were carved with greenish-gray granite, which was widely available in the nearby hills and used in the region's local architecture. In 1983, the Kaiyuan Temple was designated as a national temple.

Angor vat

Once in 4000 year view of Angor Vat 

Vettuvan Koil

Vettuvan Koil (A Sculptor’s paradise) is a Hindu temple built between the 8th and 9th century. Kalugumalai is a priceless unfinished Pandyan monolith cave temple, part of the iconographic richness that helped chronicle the burgeoning richness of the Tamil culture, traditions, and sacred centres containing religious art. 
About 7.5 meter of the mountain is excavated in a rectangular fashion and in the middle the temple is sculpted from a single piece of rock. The carvings reflect the southern temple style of the Pandya era. Only the top portion of the temple is completed. The temple has an entrance and centre hall for the main deity. In the later days Ganesha’s idol is kept and worshipped. At the top of the temple beautiful sculpture of Uma Maheswarar, Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu and Brahma can be found. There are around 122 sculptures in the rock cut temple. The intricately carved statues are from fine granite.

Prasasti Ciaruteun

Prasasti Ciaruteun

Prasasti 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) temple

Sri Karavera Nathar (Brahmmapureeswarar) temple

Moolavar : Karavera Nathar (Brahmmapureeswarar)
Amman / Thayar : Pratyakasha Minnammai
Old 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 Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple

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 renovated

Utasavar 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 9003800574

Sri 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 Samithi

Mobile : + 91 9381026729.

Madurai Temple

Acoustic Marvel of Madurai Temple

Ancient 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

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

Somnath Temple Gujrat

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 temple

Sri Adhi Ratneswarar temple

Moolavar : Adhi Ratneswarar
Amman / Thayar : Snehavalli
Thala 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.

Nisumba soodhini Temple, Thanjavur:

Nisumba soodhini Temple, Thanjavur: War Deity of Imperial Chola



Many travelers may come to Thanjavur (தஞ்சாவூர்) solely to visit the Big Temple (பெருவுடையார் கோயில்) (‘ராஜராஜுச்சுரம்’) (Rajarajeswaram temple), an outstanding example of Chola (சோழர்) architecture and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. Over a total of 30,000 foreign tourists and 4.10 lakh domestic tourists passing through Thanjavur, making it the fastest growing tourist spot in Tamil Nadu, India. Thanjavur, an important pilgrim centre and a major tourist destination of Tamil Nadu, also includes many other interesting heritage temples.

Cult of Kali in Thanjavur

Thanjavur is also popular for the cult of 'Kali' (காளி) (the mother goddess - specific Sakthi cult). In Thanjavur there are eight Kali temples as guardian deities with different names:

1. Nandhi Makali; 2. Selliamman; 3. Ugra Kali (Nisumba soodhanai); 4. Kodiamman (Karanthai); 5. Vanchiamman; 6. Samavarthiniyamman; 7. Vada Bhadra Kali (Nisumba soodhani); and Kunthalamman. Kali is an incarnation of Parvati 'Kali' means black or kala (Hindi). Kali is a warrior goddess, who protects humanity and the gods from horrible demons, but she is also a deity of feminine energy, creativity, fertility, guardian, protector, ruler of eternal time, goddess of death and doomsday.

Hindu iconography depicts Kali all the more gruesome and she appears in absolute rage, with lolling tongue and protruding fangs as well as with her ornaments of necklace of snakes, skulls and heads of her sons and a belt from, which hangs demon's hands. The deity often appear with the number of arms being four (Kali, Ruthra Kali), eight (Chamundi), ten (Bhadra Kali), twelve, fourteen (Mahakali), eighteen (Bhadra Kali) or even one hundred (Bhadra Kali) and each of hand holding weapon or other objects including a sword, dagger, trident dripping with blood, cup, drum, chakra, lotus bud, whip, noose, bell, and shield. She is the destroyer of demons such as Mahisasura, Chanda, Munda, Shumbha, Nishumbha as well as Madhu and Kaitabha.

History

It is also interesting to witness the cult of Nisumba soodhini (நிசும்பசூதினி), a form of Kali in mythology and the war deity of Imperial Cholas associated with war, combat or bloodshed. The cult of Korravai was present during Sangam period and the Tamil kings of Sangam period worshiped Korravai (கொற்றவை), a local presiding deity of war and victory in the Tamil region. Perumpidugu Mutharaiyar II (c. 705 - 745 A.D.) (பெரும்பிடுகு முத்தரையன் சுவரன் மாறன் II) ruled over Cauvery Delta Region - Mutharaiyar Nadu (முத்தரையர் நாடு) before the Cholas. The cult of Pidari (பிடாரி) (a form of Kali and the protecting deity as well as war deity) probably evolved in the sixth and seventh centuries AD and is generally restricted to southern India. The feudatory king was a formidable Warrior and was engaged in 12 battles with Pandya and Chera and was victorious in all the battles i.e., Kodumbaalur, Manalur, Thingalur, Kaandhalur, Azhindhiur, Kaarai, Maangur, Annavoil, Semponmari, Thanjaisembulanattu Venkodal, Pugazhi and Kannanur. He built the temple devoted to Pidari at Niamam (நியமம் பிடாரி அம்மன் கோயில்). The four pillars erected by the king bears the inscriptions (27 stanzas) reciting the wars, victories and other accomplishments. Inscriptions found at mandapam of Sundareswarar temple, Senthalai states:

செந்தலை சுந்தரேஸ்வரர் கோயில் முன் மண்டபத்தில் காணப்பெறும் .செந்தலை கல்வெட்டுகளில் "சுவரன் மாறன்னானவன் எடுபித்த பிடாரிகோயில் அவநெரிந்த ஊர்களும் அவன் பேர்களும் அவனை பாடினர் பேர்களும் இத்தூண்கள் மேலுழுதின இவை "என அக்கல்வெட்டு கூற்கின்றது.

Goddess Pidari was also worshiped by Pandya king Maranchadaiyan Paranthaka Veeranarayanan alias Nedum Chadayan (பாண்டியன் மாறன் சடையன் பராந்தக வீரநாராயணன் என்ற நெடுஞ்சடையன் ( 866 - 911 A.D.), Nandivarman II (Pallavamalla) (இரண்டாம் நந்திவர்மன் (பல்லவமல்லன்) (720–796 CE) and Aditya Chola I (பரகேசரி முதலாம் ஆதித்த சோழன் (கி.பி 871 - 907 A.D.).

In the same tradition Vijayalaya Chola (848-891 A.D.) aka. Parakesarivarman (விசயாலய சோழன் என்ற பரகேசரிவர்மன்) built the temple for goddess Nisumba soodhani to commemorate his victory. The Chola king was once a feudatory of the Pallavas. This Thirupurampiyam (திருப்புறம்பயம் போர்) (Near Kumbakonam) war hero captured Thanjavur in 848 A.D. from Elango Mutharayar (final ruler of Mutharaiyar dynasty) and established as a semi autonomous state. He became the real founder of the Chola dynasty of Thanjavur and his dynasty rose to its prominence during the middle of the 9th century A.D. The Imperial Cholas believed that goddess Nisumba soodhini as the personification of valour and would bless them with victory in the battle. This faith made them to pray for goddess 'Nisumba soodhini' before leaving for the battle field. This information was recorded in Thiruvalangadu copper-plate inscriptions:

“தஞ்சாபுரீம் சௌத சுதாங்காராகாம
ஐக்ராஹ ரந்தும் ரவி வம்ச தீப:
தத:பிரதிஷ்டாப்ய நிசும்ப சூதனீம்
சுராசுரை:அர்ச்சித பாத பங்கஜாம்
சது : சமுத்ராம்பர மேகலாம் புவம்
ரஹாஜ தேவோ தத்பராசதந”

Meaning: The idol of Nisumba soodhani, who conquered and annihilated the demons Shumba and Nishumba, was consecrated in Thanjavur. With the grace of the worshipful feet of Nisumba soodhani, the king ruled the earth surrounded by ocean with the ease, as if wearing like a garland.

The original temple built by Vijayalaya Chola is not existing at present. Now there are two temples devoted goddess Nisumba Soodhani located in the heritage town Thanjavur.

Present Temples

Vada Bhadra Kali Amman Temple (வடபத்ரகாளி அம்மன் கோவில்), Poomal Rauther Koil street in Keezha Vaasal.

The 1160 years old deity (!) comes under Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) administration and well maintained by Thanjavur Palace Devasthanam.

The temple was built by Vijayalaya Chola (848-891) aka. Parakesarivarman, once a feudatory of the Pallavas. The temple has the sanctum sanctorum, ardhamandapa and the mahamandapa (temporary tin sheet shed). The deity of goddess Nisumba soodhini

The temple is 2 km away from Old Bus stand of Thanjavur and there are number city buses and auto rickshaws available from here.

Temple Timings: 07.00 am - 11.00 pm and 05.00 pm - 08.00 pm. Temple popularly known among the local people as "Ragukaala Kali Temple".

Ugra Kali Amman Temple (உக்ரகாளி அம்மன் கோவில்), Kuyavar street in Keezha Vaasal.

The 1160 years old deity (!) comes under Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) administration and well maintained by Thanjavur Palace Devasthanam.

The temple was built by Vijayalaya Chola (848-891) aka. Parakesarivarman, once a feudatory of the Pallavas. The temple has two sanctum sanctorums, ardhamandapa and the common spacious mahamandapa. In the main sanctum the 19th century idol of goddess Nisumba soodhini appears seated. The priest told that this deity belongs to Maratta period. All poojas are performed to this deity in the main sanctum. The other sanctum sanctorum on the left side of the main sanctum lies another sanctum housing the 9th century CE idol of Nisumba soodhini.

The iconography of seated Nisumba soodhani depicts annihilation of the Nisumba with her right and left legs engaged pressing against demon. One of her right hand holds the Trident (Trishul) and pointing towards Nisumba. The goddess also appears seated on the bodies of four demons (Chanda , Munda, Raktha Bheeja, and Shumba) with head slightly tilted.

The temple is 2 km away from Old Bus stand of Thanjavur and there are number city buses and auto rickshaws available from here.

Temple Timings: 06.00 am - 12.00 pm and 05.00 pm - 08.00 pm. Temple popularly known among the local people as "Ukkira Kali Temple".

Legend

According to Devi Mahathmyam (Chandi), Raktha Bheeja, the commander of Shumbha and Nishumba opposed to goddess Parvathi. Goddess Parvathi created 'Kaushiki.' Kaushiki was spotted by Chanda and Munda, Shumbha Nishumba's two assistants and reported about Kaushiki. Shumba and Nishumba sent proposals of marrying Kaushiki through a messenger. Kaushiki invited both for a fight and the winner could marry her. There was fierce fighting between the demons Chanda and Munda and the goddess Kaushiki and killed them. Hence the name (Chamundi (Chanda+Munda). On seeing the death of Chanda and Munda the demons attacked the goddesses Kaushiki. At that moment, from the bodies of the various devas, women forces began emerging and took the form of Kali. Among the asuras there was one commander known as Raktha Bheeja. Every drop of blood oozing from the body of Raktha Bheeja turns another demonic form of Raktha Bheeja. Kali was instructed to drink all the blood that oozes from the body of Raktha Bjeeja. On hearing death of Raktha Beeja, Nishumba assaulted Kaushiki and the goddess retaliated with a weapon known as 'Khura' and made him unconscious. Shumba came to the rescue of Nishumba and fell unconscious. At the end of the fight both Shumba and Nishumba were annihilated and the goddess Kaushiki became victorious.

Comilla Jagannath Temple in Bangladesh built by King of Tripura

Comilla Jagannath Temple 

In the Comilla district of Bangladesh is an ancient temple of Lord Jagannath. Following its long and interesting history, the story of this temple is of particular interest because it is now under the seva administration of the local ISKCON devotees.

Comilla Jagannath Temple, also known as Saptaratna ('seven jewels') Mandir, is dedicated to the worship of Lord Jagannath. The temple was built in the 16th Century by Sree Sreejoktou Moharaja Rada Kishor Manikuo Bahadur, the King of Tripura. This is one of the oldest temples in Comilla, which is located in eastern Bangladesh along the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway. Comilla is one of the three oldest cities in Bangladesh. The temple complex resides on the southeast sides of Comilla City (also known as Kandirpar) at Jagannathpur village, five kilometers east of the city on the Comilla-Bibir Bazar Road.

Comilla Jagannatha Temple is believed to have been built during the century, if not during the lila period of Sri Krsna Chaitanya, under the patronage of King Ratna Manikyo Bahadur. The exact time of construction is not known, but the temple is generally dated by its terracotta architecture. At the time of King Badhadur's reign, Comilla was known as Tippera (or Tripura).

The princely State of Tripura, including all of the Comilla region, was ruled by the Deva dynasty in the 8th Century, then came under the reign of the kings of the Harikela in the 9th Century. It came under the rule of East India Company in 1765.

Tripura, an ancient seat of Vaisnavism, was bordered by Bangladesh to the north, south, and west, with Assam and Mizoram to its east. Tripura is mentioned in many Vedic texts, including the Mahabharata and Puranas. It's also mentioned in the Edicts of Ashoka, stone pillar inscriptions from the 3rd Century B.C. In ancient times, Tripura was known as Kirat Desh ("The land of Kirat").

There seems to be little information available about the Deities of this temple, except that Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra were originally installed in another temple located in 'hilly Tripura'. Once the new temple construction was completed, Their Lordships were moved and installed at Their new Comilla abode.

The architecture of Lord Jagannatha's Temple at Comilla is striking and beautiful, as seen in the circa 1843 sketch above, and current photographs. The temple is approx. 60 feet tall, being a four-storied conical shape built of brick on an octagonal base-stone. This is said to be the only octagonal shaped temple of its time in Bangladesh.

The temple is ornamented with various terracotta designs like flowers, leaves, etc. The Department of Archaeology renovated portions of the outer ground and first floors, and apparently some of the terracotta did not survive the process.

On the west side of the temple premises there is a tank, said to be as old as the temple itself. A tank is also depicted in the sketch above.

Lord Jagannatha's Rathayatra has been celebrated in Bangladesh for several centuries. Car festivals are held in Comilla, Chittagong, Dhaka, Damraj, Khulna, Barisal, Gopalganj, Sylhet, Mymensingh and Rangpur. (see Bangla Rathayatra). At Comilla, there are three Chariots for Their Lordships' annual outing, which has traditionally gone out around the last week of June or first week of July each year.

Comilla Jagannath Temple is now listed as a Heritage Site by the Bangladesh Department of Archaeology. A new temple structure and ashram has been built beside the ancient one for temple activities.

Talang Tuwo-7th-century Srivijaya inscription in Tamil in Bukit Seguntang near Palembang.Indonesia.

Translation of the inscription Talang Tuwo

The translation according to George Cœdès.

“ On 23 March 684, on that day the park named Śrīksetra was created under the order of Sri Baginda Śrī Jayanāśa. his majesty intention is: May all (plants) planted here, coconut tree, Areca catechu, Arenga pinnata, sagoo, and all kinds of trees, the fruits are edible, as well as haur bamboo, waluh, and pattum, et cetera; and may all other plants with the dams and ponds, and all of good deed that I've gave (contributed) can be enjoyed for the benefit of all creatures; the one that can moved around and ones that can not, and may this would be the best path to achieve happiness. If they were hungry, or need a rest during their journey, may they find foods and drinks. May all the orchard that they have opened be abundance (the harvest). May all kinds of animals that they have kept were fertile, and also their slaves. May the misfortunes would not befell upon them, not being tortured because can not sleep. What ever they done, may all the planets and stars favour their fortunes, and may they be spared from sickness and old age during their efforts. And may all their subjects are loyal and devoted, also may all their friend would not betrayed them, and may their wive are faithful. Moreover, may wherever they were, there will be no thieves, or people that using violence, killers and adulterers. Next to all those (good wishes), may they have a (faithful) friends; may from themselves born the thought of Boddhi and friendship (...) from three Ratnas. And may they always (acted) generous, following the rules, and be patience; may from themselves grew strength, diligence, knowledge of all kinds of arts; may their attention be focused, have knowledge, good memory and intelligence. May they have tenacious thought, with diamond body just like the Mahāsattvas with incomparable power, glorious, and remembering their previous lives, with complete senses, fully (beautiful) formed, happy, smiling, calm, have pleasant voice, the voice of Brahmā. May they be (born as) man, with very existence were (a blessing) because of themselves; may they become the vessel of cintamani sacred stone, have power of (cycle of) births, power upon karma, power upon stains, and may they finally achieved the perfect and grand (spiritual) enlightenment.

If we see the inscription closely the script which was used is Tamil.
Tamil is a very ancient language which is equally old to Sanskrit. We have learned that Tamil kings build Angkor Watt in Cambodia, Tamil kings had a country called Kadaram and Ganganagara in Malaysia, Tamil Kings also built temples in Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. It is undeniable truth that many Asian countries used Tamil letters as their official script. After the arrival of Islam in Asia, specifically in Indonesia and Malaysia, they have lost their Tamil script. Due to Islam civilization Kings in those countries started to use Arabic scripts. Today both countries lost their Tamil identity and scripts. They are just using Modern Latin alphabet.

At least Indonesia still preserving their Hindu temples and inscriptions but Malaysia is totally in the state of denial. The denial state Malaysia is trying to demolish all the Hindu evidence which they have. The Country which called Ganganagara was fully destroyed by the current government. Historically Indonesia and Malaysia had a big connection with Tamil culture and scripts.

Kubera,in Mongoliya

sKubera, the lord of the Yakhas, with Yakshas and the directional Devas, from ancient Mongolia.
प्राचीन मंगोलिया देश से प्राप्त यक्षराज कुबेर की प्रतिमा यक्षों तथा दिशाओं के अधिष्ठात्री देवताओं के साथ।
Please compare the features of this Mongolian Kubera with the Indian one... The big stomach is only found in the deities of Ganesha (who is therefore also known as Lambodara, the one with a big stomach) or then Kubera. No other deity in the Vedic pantheon has a huge stomach like that. Furthermore, if local traditions call him Bayan and Namsrai, and when scholars of Buddhism have informed us that they are the local/vernacular names of Vaishravana or Kubera, then it is clearly a Vedic Deva, because the name of Vaishravana comes for the first time in the Vedas. In any case, we often fail to appreciate the fact that most Devas in Buddhism worshiped as far as Japan are from the Vedic origin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vai%C5%9Brava%E1%B9%87a?hc_location=ufi

The "Indianizers" of Kambuja Desha (modern day Cambodia

The "Indianizers" of Kambuja Desha (modern day Cambodia). Thousands of years ago these men were among the intrepid pioneers who took India's culture to far away lands. We need to remember their names and be inspired by the great work they did, so that we can reawaken this spirit in our younger generation. These were the great souls who inspired the Vedic culture in ancient Cambodia, which eventually led to the construction of the largest Hindu temple complex in the world: The Angkor Vat temple which was dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This is also the largest religious structure in the world. Remnants of a glorious Hindu past, such as great temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and river-beds in which thousands of Shiva Lingas have been carved, are found all around Cambodia even today.
ये कुछ उन श्रेष्ठ भारतीय महामना धर्मप्रचारकों के नाम की सूची है, जिन्हें शायद हम आज भारत में भूल चुके हैं, लेकिन जिन्होंने प्राचीन काल में सैकड़ों मील दूर की यात्रा करके कम्बुज देश (आधुनिक कम्बोडिया) में वैदिक सनातन धर्म की स्थापना की थी, जिसके परिणाम स्वरूप आज भी हमें कम्बोडिया में जो वैदिक सनातन धर्म से जुड़े ध्वंसावशेष उपलब्ध होते हैं,वे वास्तव में आश्चर्य जनक हैं। कम्बोडिया का ९०० वर्ष प्राचीन विष्णु मन्दिर 'अंकोर वट' विश्व का सबसे विशाल हिन्दू मन्दिर ही नहीं, विश्व का सबसे विशाल धार्मिक स्थान है; अन्य कोई भी धर्म इससे विशाल धर्मस्थान न बना पाया। इसके साथ ही भगवान् सदा शिव आदि भारतीय विभिन्न देवी-देवताओं को समर्पित अनेकों विशाल मन्दिरों के ध्वंसावशेष आज भी कम्बोडिया में खड़े हैं। सबसे आश्चर्यजनक मुझे लगी क्बाल स्पिएन नदी, जिसके तल में पत्थरों पर हजारों शिवलिङ्ग तथा अन्य देवी-देवताओं की मूर्तियां प्राचीन काल में उकेरी गयी थीं। एक बार ध्यान दें इन महामना मनीषियों के नामों की ओर, शायद इनका शुभ संस्मरण ही हमारे अन्दर उस सोई हुई वैदिक आत्मा को जागृत कर दे, जिसके कारण ये मनीषी सैकड़ों मीलों की यात्रा करके इस वैदिक ज्योति के महान् ज्योतिवाहक बने॥

Thousands of Lingas in river bed in Combodia

Thousands of Lingas and other Vedic deities carved into the river-bed of the Kbal Spean river in Cambodia. 
कम्बोडिया की क्बाल स्पिएन नदी के तल में प्राचीन काल में उकेरे गये सैकड़ों शिवलिङ्ग तथा वैदिक देवी-देवताओं की प्रतिमायें॥