Religion
As the epitome of motherly love (vaatsalyam) in Hindu mythology, Yashoda has been immortalized by saints, storytellers, poets and singers. While comparisons are mere exercises in futility, it is hard to think of anyone who has expounded Yashoda’s love better or more elaborately than Periyaazhwaar. And the following lines (from the decad வெண்ணையளைந்த) is probably [...]
Sundara Kaandam is considered by many as among the most beautiful sections of the Ramayana. Indeed the title itself serves as an adjective (sundara = beautiful), while another meaning could be that it is the set of chapters about Hanuman (Sundara being one of his names). One of the most celebrated sections of the Sundara [...]
In writing about Thirumazhisai Aazhwar’s “கிடந்தவாறு எழுந்திருந்து பேசு வாழி கேசனே” verse, I had stated that this is something that people instantly recall when they think of the SArangapANi / ArAvamudhan temple. But that is not the only verse that is intimately associated with the sacred temple town. In the classic book, “Hindu Dharma” (Tamil original: தெய்வத்தின் [...]
The SArangapANi Temple at Kumbakonam (Thiru Kudanthai) ranks high in the hierarchy of Srivaishnava temples. It is one of the Pancharanga kshetrams – the five Ranganatha temples along the banks of the Kaveri river. The temple complex is imposing from the outside, and unique with regards to its innermost prakaaram – the sanctum sanctorum, which [...]
Today I heard someone talk about preserving the history and heritage of towns and cities. During this, he referred to the city of Chester, Pennsylvania. The city, it seems, had a historic sign (now taken down, sadly) which read “What Chester makes makes Chester.” Which quote bowled the listeners over. This set met thinking on [...]
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