A TO Z INDIA - JUNE 2023

A TO Z INDIA English & Tamil Monthly Magazine Price Rs 65/- Volume 06 • Issue 11 June 2023 Ratha Yatra Puri, Odisha Tuesday, 20 June, 2023 Indian Culture ● Indian Art ● Indian Lifestyle ● Indian Religion

Submit your artwork, articles & essays to the e.mail id: [email protected] A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 2

FROM THE EDITOR A TO Z INDIA magazine covers the Indian through his art, culture, lifestyle, religion, etc. This magazine gives an insight into the life of Indians from an angle uncovered by others. Turn to find out what it is about and to immerse yourself into an entirely different culture. 05 Publication Team: PURI RATH YATRA 2023: CHARIOT FESTIVAL IN ODISHA, INDIA EDITOR: Indira Srivatsa Puri Rath Yatra, the world famous chariot or car festival, at the Puri Jagannath ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Temple in Odisha, India. Puri Rath Yatra 2023 date is June 20. It is celebrated Dwarak, Srivatsa on the second day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon or bright EDITORIAL fortnight) Ashadh month as per traditional Oriya Calendar. On the day of the CONSULTANTS: Santha, Ratha Yatra (car festival), chariots (Rath) carrying Lord Jagannath, Bhavani, Srinivasan Balabhadra and Subhadra is pulled to the nearby Gundicha Temple. REPORTING: Raghavan PHOTOGRAPHY: Adithyan 08 GRAPHICS ENGINEER: THE ‘GANDHI' OF TRIBAL’S: Chandra GANI RAJENDRA VIJAY Gani Rajendra Vijay, the pioneer Editorial Office: inside of the Sukhi Pariwar Campaign, E002, Premier the messiah of tribal life and Grihalakshmi eminent Jain saint has been Apartments, active on tribal issues for the Elango Nagar South, last 36 years. Virugambakkam, A TO Z INDIA: Editorial Address Chennai - 600092, Tamil Nadu, India. Communication Details: MOBILE: +91-7550160116 e.mail id: [email protected] Disclaimer: A TO Z INDIA Magazine has made a constant care to make sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s) opinions. A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 3

EID AL-ADHA: THE FEAST OF SACRIFICE EID AL-ADHA: THE FEAST OF SACRIFICE AND FEASTING AND FEASTING From the Editor's Desk: Eid al-Adha - the Feast of Sacrifice and Feasting Also known as the ‘Feast of the Sacrifice’, Eid al-Adha is the second-most important event in the Islamic calendar. During the three-day celebrations, Muslim families around the world come together to honour Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah with gifts and feasting. What is Eid al-Adha and how is it celebrated? According to the Quran, Ibrahim – known as Abraham in the bible – and his wife Hagar had a son after many years of praying to be blessed with a child. However, Allah asked Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of devotion. The couple travelled to Mecca to undertake the sacrifice – a route followed on the Hajj pilgrimage. But at the last minute, Allah told Ibrahim to stay his hand and provided him with a ram to sacrifice instead. On Eid al-Adha, Muslims traditionally honour Ibrahim’s devotion to God by sacrificing a sheep, goat, cow or camel in their homes or other designated sacrifice spots. This year, Eid al-Adha 2023 begins on the evening of Thursday, June 29, 2023, and ends on the evening of Friday, June 30, 2023. A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 4

Puri Rath Yatra 2023: Chariot Festival in Odisha, India Indira Srivatsa Puri Rath Yatra, the world famous chariot or car festival, at the Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha, India. Puri Rath Yatra 2023 date is June 20. It is celebrated on the second day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon or bright fortnight) Ashadh month as per traditional Oriya Calendar. On the day of the Ratha Yatra (car festival), chariots (Rath) carrying Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra is pulled to the nearby Gundicha Temple. The return journey of the chariots or Bahuda Jatra is on June 28, 2023. Importance of Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra: The Brahma Purana glorifies the importance of Puri Rath Yatra in the following words - "Those who are fortunate to see the deities of Srimandira in the Gundicha Temple, the final destination of the procession of the chariots, get the privilege of going to Vishnuloka, the abode of Vishnu or heaven." The concept of chariot in Hinduism of ancient origin. The Katha Upanishad states - "The body is the chariot and the soul is the deity installed in the chariot. Wisdom acts as the charioteer to control the mind and thoughts." A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 5

Puri Rath Yatra 2023: Chariot Festival in Odisha, India Indira Srivatsa Lord himself comes out of the sanctum sanctorum to give darshan (vision) to his devotees is the greatness of Puri Rath Yatra. All people irrespective of caste, creed, status, fallen, … get opportunity to have darshan of Lord from close quarters. "Lord Swaying and moving like a wild elephant arrives at the grand avenue and rides his chariot and destroys in a flash all the sins of his devotees, even if these may be grave or unpardonable" - Saint/Poet Salabega At the world famous Puri Jagannath Temple in Orissa, Lord Krishna is worshipped as ‘Jagannath’ - ‘Master of the Universe.’ Balabhadra is the elder brother of Lord Krishna and Subhadra is his younger sister. The Making of the Rathas: The making of the Rathas for the annual festival begins on the Akshaya Tritiya day (April - May). Some initial rituals are done on Basant Panchami day (January - February). The main rituals associated with Puri Rath Yatra festival is spread over a month and several rituals, like Snana Purnima and Anasara, take place during this period. Bathing Festival: The Snana Yatra or Snana Purnima (Bathing Festival) takes place on the full moon day in the month of Jyestha (May – June). On this day, the three deities are bathed in 108 pitchers of water. Anasara: After the elaborate Snana Yatra festival, the three deities stay away from public view and this is known as ‘Anasara.’ It is believed that after such elaborate ritualistic bath the deities catch fever and therefore they do not return to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The idols of the three deities then make an appearance after 15 days of ‘anasara’ in a new appearance known as ‘Navaya Yauvana Vesha.’ The wooden idols of the deities are given a fresh coat of paint. The Rath Yatra: Next auspicious ceremony is the world famous Ratha Yatra. On this day, thousands of devotees pull the three huge chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra through the grand road (Bada Danda) to the Gundicha Temple. The deities visit their aunt here. The three deities come out in procession known as ‘Pahandi.’ When the deities are seated on the huge chariots, the Gajapati King of Puri, the first servant of Lord Jagannath, sweeps the chariots. The awe-inspiring act during the procession is the pulling of the huge chariots by thousands of people to the Gundicha Temple through the grand road (Bada Danda). The chariot of Balabhadra moves first, followed by Subhadra and Jagannath. The chariots with the idols wait outside the Gundicha temple. The deities enter the temple on the next day and stay there for seven days. In between, on the fifth day, Goddess Lakshmi, wife of Lord Jagannath, comes to the Gundicha temple in search of her Lord. On finding his chariot there, she returns back in anger after damaging Jagannath’s chariot. The Return: After the week-long stay, the three deities return and the journey is known as Bahuda Yatra. During the return journey, the chariot of Jagannath stops at the Ardhasani Temple (Mausa Ma temple). Here, Lord accepts his favorite rice cake known as Poda Pitha from his aunt who is the presiding deity of the temple. A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 6

Puri Rath Yatra 2023: Chariot Festival in Odisha, India Indira Srivatsa Picture: Puri, Odisha, India. The Festival of Sun worship on a February morning to celebrate the Sunrise and all it implies. To celebrate Birth and Re-Birth. Puri is famous for its festivals the most famous being the Rath Yatra (Chariot festival). It commemorates the journey from light into dark (Birth and Re- Birth)each year and it commemorates Krishna's journey from Gokul to Mathura. The three raths (chariots) are taken out with the Lords Jagganath, Subhadra, and Balbahadra, in them. The main rath is 43ft high 33ft wide and has 16 wheels. It is drawn by men. The Divine procession is taken to the Temple and is there for a week before being brought back. It is the home of Lord Jagganath (Lord of the Universe). It is one of the four Holy Dharmas of India. A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 7

By Lalit Garg Writer, Journalist, Columnist The ‘Gandhi' of Tribal’s: E-253, Saraswati Kunj Apartment 25 IP Extensions, Patparganj, Delhi-92 Gani Rajendra Vijay email: [email protected] Lalit Garg Phone: 22727486, 9811051133 Gani Rajendra Vijay, the pioneer of the Sukhi Pariwar Campaign, the messiah of tribal life and eminent Jain saint has been active on tribal issues for the last 36 years, he has launched many public welfare activities- schemes for the upliftment and development of tribal life, including education, service, medical and has taken initiatives for economic upliftment, which is a shining light in the lives of tribal people. Recently, while launching projects worth 4400 crores in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Gani Rajendra Vijay with affection and intimacy while talking to the tribal women of online quota, the whole country saw this scenario and felt their services. . Remembering this saintly man by Modi in this way, makes us feel his pride and existence. Definitely Gani Rajendra Vijayji is ready to give proper status to the tribal society and solve their problems. They themselves are capable and prosperous, so they themselves come forward for basic facilities like education. In a way, with the efforts of a saint, an entire backward and neglected tribal society is getting ready to build itself in an ideal form; this is an exemplary and commendable effort. But these tribal people also got political patrons, for this they made contact with the leaders of all political parties and made them aware of the pain of tribal life. The ideals that have been conceived in Indian society are accepted by Indians with the same reverence even today. The public's faith in price loyalty is not yet lost. Even if a person is alone but is in favour of morality and someone powerful is opposing him with crookedness and conspiracy, then the public will like the person alone. Establishment of these values is the aim of Gani Rajendra Vijay's mission and vision. Gani Rajendra Vijay is such a personality who has blossomed further in the effort of spiritual development and moral upliftment. He has been striving for the upliftment of tribal life for a long time and is especially aware of the plans for education in tribal life; In 2010, the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this school and other schemes among about one and a half lakh tribal people, such a huge tribal presence was showing Ganiji's influence in this area. Many public welfare schemes are being run under his leadership, in which Brahmi Sundari Girls Hostel is being run efficiently for girl’s education. In this tribal area, where a Gaushala is operated with the view of life, then the mobile hospital is also providing its remarkable services for medical and service. For the economic progress and self-reliance of the tribal people, they are also running the happy family village industry. For the success of these broad undertakings, they do hard meditation and heat their body. In his programs, along with education among the tribals as well as common people, he awakens the light of drug addiction and eradication of stereotypes. The aim of his efforts is to awaken interest in education and reading as well as to inculcate faith in the minds of tribal people towards non-violence, morality and human values. Let every man look within himself and examine himself. Humanity is in danger today not because immorality is on the rise. Immorality has always been there - sometimes less and sometimes more. The most dangerous thing is that there is no faith in morality. Filled with sacrifice, meditation, simplicity, enlightenment and compassion, you are constantly striving to A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 8

By Lalit Garg Writer, Journalist, Columnist The ‘Gandhi' of Tribal’s: E-253, Saraswati Kunj Apartment 25 IP Extensions, Patparganj, Delhi-92 Gani Rajendra Vijay e mail: [email protected] Lalit Garg Phone: 22727486, 9811051133 protect the identity of the tribal caste and to establish human values. As if he is the emerging 'Gandhi' of Gujarat holding Dandi. Gani Rajendra Vijayji, born in a tribal family on May 19, 1974 in this tribal soil, became a Jain monk at the age of just eleven. There is a flame within this saint who has written more than twenty books, which is sometimes seen agitating against obscenity, and sometimes becomes vocal against those who forcibly convert religion. Sometimes it becomes vocal for the existence of water, land and forest. The kind of efforts that this saint has made for building a healthy and non-violent society, there is no show-off, no demonstration, no hunger for publicity, no longing for any respect, calling any politicians on his platforms There is no desire for a show of power. In his passion, this saint is trying to establish the ideal and change the face of the tribal society and if we want to see the results of these efforts, it can be seen in tribal areas like Kanwat, Balad, Rangpur, Bodeli etc. Gani Rajendra Vijayji is active in the Sukhi PariwarCampaign run by the Sukhi Pariwar Foundation to make the family strong. It is my good fortune that from the year 2006 being the founder general secretary of this foundation, I am currently serving as its president. Ganiji's topmost priority is that first of all the family should become cultured, the parents should become cultured, only then the children will be able to increase the prestige of the family by becoming cultured. If the children go astray from the right path, then their life will go into that deep pit of darkness from where it will be very difficult to get out again. Gani Rajendra Vijay is making special efforts to make children cultured. India is waiting for a cultural revolution today. This task cannot be left to the government machinery. Family, society and nation can be made moral and character-rich in real sense only by building the right education and right values. In my view, the initiative and efforts of Gani Rajendra Vijayji is the incarnation of a light in the tribal area, it is such a light that is becoming the solution to problems like violence, terrorism, Naxalism, Maoism. Often we seek solutions to these problems through politics, while the crisis seems to be deepening instead of the solution. Because due to political interests these neglected and needy people have been seen being exploited. The tribal society under the leadership of Gani Rajendra Vijayji is determined to move forward with the light to improve the life of this tribal area and to motivate the entire humanity. The result of Gani Rajendra Vijayji's spiritual aura and hard penance is the empowerment of the tribal society. It is a matter of great pleasure that Gani Rajendra Vijayji has prepared the basis for building a non- violent society with his spiritual brilliance. Many times he not only pacified the bloody struggle, but also brought different opposing groups on a single platform. While the groups were eager to kill each other with different types of weapons for widespread violence and loss of life. To make this area non-violent surrounded by wide possibilities of violence would be called a revolution and a miracle. Tribal people really need love, compassion, affection and strength, which is possible only through A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 9

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A Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore: By Ayan Adak e-mail: [email protected] Poem - All the Songs you Never Wrote Ayan All the songs you never wrote That melancholy in subtle grace Fill a raindrop in the eye, Has countered endless tears, What you wrote, rises like a n’orwester In the darkest night, your verses strong A smile upon a summer sky Has helped conquer those fears For your works are sealed in golden words And many have picked, in that wake That even time cannot forget, The quill of written dreams The notes transcend these mortal souls Wrapping griefs and joys of life Beyond banal love and hate In countless paper reams But more than all the moving words, An autumn line has sparked a book, A grander gift you’ve sown A single word - a song, You have inspired souls with that urge to write - That ‘small rivulet’ has turned a sea, Each now, an artist on his own That legacy is so strong Rabindranath Tagore in Japan in 1916 A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 12

A Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore: By Ayan Adak e-mail: [email protected] Poem - All the Songs you Never Wrote Ayan And even those who ink not words, The n’orwester rains here everyday, On your rostrum works, they stand These summers are not dry, Creating Gora, a Postmaster For you’ve ensured there’s always shades Lost in a dreamy land Of indigo in the sky What more can we then ask? You have shown us all the way Rest then, for all the songs you never wrote - Are being written everyday… Rabindranath Tagore A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 13

By Lalit Garg Writer, Journalist, Columnist Buddha Purnima - Special on 5 May 2023: E-253, Saraswati Kunj Apartment 25 IP Extensions, Patparganj, Delhi-92 The Powerful Message of Buddha for a Peaceful World email: [email protected] Lalit Garg Phone: 22727486, 9811051133 Gautama Buddha is an illuminator, his birth anniversary is celebrated as Buddha Purnima, his attainment of knowledge was fulfilled on the full moon night and his Nirvana Day' was also accomplished on the full moon day. That's why Buddha has lightened up the human race. It was the day when Buddha was born, got knowledge, sacrificed the body and attained salvation. Buddha is also called ‘Tathagata’, which means to attain the ultimate truth through the practice of enlightenment. Two and a half thousand years ago, the knowledge which he imbibed, the preaching of that knowledge which he shared among his followers, the relevance of that message still has significance in today's time For this, he gave the mantra of 'Appo Deepo Bhava', that is, to become light yourself, one cannot reach the destination through the other's support. Self realization is important. Buddha Purnima is an important day not only for the followers of Buddhism but also for the entire human race. Buddha became the most popular Indian spiritual saint, social-reformer, spiritual teacher with his high values and knowledge. He touched the hearts of not only many effective personalities but also the common people and brought positive changes in their lives. We can also call him the person and ideologue along with the spiritual revolution. His ideologies are not only a reflection of his revolutionary personality, but also an inspiration of intense sarcasm and change on religious, social distortions and blind people, which changed the life direction of innumerable human beings. He preached about 'Sorrow Prevention' and said that this world is full of sorrows, but the end of sorrows is possible; which he called Nirvana. Siddhartha was the prince of Kapilavastu before becoming a monk. In search of peace, he left home at the age of 27, leaving the royal life. While traveling, Siddharth reached Sarnath near Kashi, where he converted into a monk. Here he meditated hard under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. After rigorous penance, Siddhartha attained enlightenment, and he came to be known as the great monk Gautama Buddha. With his knowledge he lit up the whole world. When Buddha saw the people of his era engulfed in ignorance about religious- social, spiritual and other sacrificial rituals, found ordinary people in ignorance in the name of religion, saw women being humiliated, and atrocities against Shudras, he felt pity. He himself took the fast for the attainment of the first knowledge and, after wandering in the forests for years, did penance and enlightened the soul with knowledge. The enlightenment and light with which he has lived each moment of his life is an important chapter in the history of the Indian sage tradition. He himself received the light of truth, lived an inspiring life and then raised the voice against the evils in the public. The efforts he made to elevate folklife are amazing and surprising. Expressing the essence of his knowledge, he said that there is a reason for every grief. The most important reason for the Human problem being so widespread on the world stage is human ignorance, indulgent lifestyle, indiscipline and perverted food. Buddha says that in the core of the things in which people seek happiness, sorrow ultimately comes out of grief. Presently, even in the transition phase of the crisis, the person who finds himself drowned in pleasures, convenience and narcotics in search of happiness, the end of it is sure to be more sad and painful. Therefore, it is important for a person to make his lifestyle eco-friendly and intoxicated. A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 14

By Lalit Garg Writer, Journalist, Columnist Buddha Purnima - Special on 5 May 2023: E-253, Saraswati Kunj Apartment 25 IP Extensions, Patparganj, Delhi-92 The Powerful Message of Buddha for a Peaceful World e mail: [email protected] Lalit Garg Phone: 22727486, 9811051133 In this way, by becoming a monk, Gautam Buddha paid more attention to social welfare than to get himself trapped in the fruitless disputes of the soul and the divine. His teachings became the means of liberating human beings from sorrow and suffering, as well as inspiring the solution of social and worldly problems, which have their own special place in making life beautiful and transmitting honorable values in public opinion. This is the reason that his words started coming into the understanding of the people easily. While Mahatma Buddha propagated the ten pupils with non-violence while adopting the middle Way, people found them easily connected to his words. He believed that if a man conquers his desires, he can attain nirvana. Thus he attacked the priesthood and established the importance of the person. Gautama Buddha practiced Buddhism and very efficiently organized Buddhist monks and developed a sense of unity among them in a democratic form. Its doctrine of non-violence and compassion was so intriguing that after two thousand years, Emperor Ashoka, influenced by it, accepted Buddhism and stopped the wars. In this way, Buddhism crossed the boundaries of the country and spread its light to every corner of the world. Even today, the humanistic, intellectual and populist hypotheses of this religion cannot be denied and through them a strong system of discrimination can be attacked. This Buddhism is able to provide peace and well-being to the grieved, afflicted and restless humanity. It is developing religious unity in the mind of the people by attacking high, low, discrimination, casteism. It has an important role in paving the way for the development of art, literature and culture by creating an environment of world peace and mutual brotherhood. Mahatma Buddha was the pinnacle of the social revolution. His philosophy is not only a philosophy of non- violence and compassion, but a philosophy of revolution. Not only did he enforce the pilgrimage culture but he also created new values and standards for an advanced and healthy society. He not only gave the right direction to progressive ideas, but he broke the stagnation in them and heralded a new revolution. Buddha said - hurry up and do great deeds as soon as possible, otherwise sins overlap the good deeds. It is a great expectation of the present era to highlight his contribution in the context of social revolution. Only by doing this will we be able to build a healthy society. The Buddha preached an egalitarian society. Asymmetry arises where there is attachment and malice. A person wanders in the corridors of inequality to nurture his selfishness, display ego, degrade others, and grab power and property. The Buddha made himself alone, empty, before coming among the people, before sharing his life experiences, before performing rigorous penance and knowing the truth of life. Then he said, do not let anything inside you pollute the inner world. Look neither bad, nor listen bad, nor say bad. This is the message of emptiness, the path to happiness, peace and good health. He spoke of ‘Appo Deepo Bhava' - becoming your own lamp. Because, surrounded by day-night resolutions-choices, happiness-sorrow, joy and sorrow, scorching in the anxiety of tomorrow, carrying the load of stress, how can the mind be empty in such a situation? How can it be balanced? How can it be grasped? The practice of living in the present is necessary to cope with these conditions. Neither the memory of the past nor the worry of the future. One, who learns to live today, must understand that he has attained the meaning of human life and only a society made of such human beings can be balanced, healthy and equitable. A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 15

Vaikasi Visakam is observed as the birthday of Lord Muruga during the month of Vaikasi in the Tamil calender. Vaikasi Visakam occurs when the coinsides of Vishaka star and Full takes place during the Tamil month of Vaikasi. Muruga is the divine son of the supreme God Shiva and the holy mother, Parvati. VAIKASI VISAKAM, 3 JUNE SATURDAY 2023 VAIKASI VISAKAM, 3 JUNE SATURDAY 2023 A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 17

Incredible India: Images of India through Paintwork Chandra A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 18

Incredible India: Images of India through Paintwork Chandra A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 19

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A Dravidian Monument with European Influences: Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace Midhun Built in 1636 by the greatest king of Madurai’s Nayak dynasty, Thirumallai Nayak, Madurai Palace is among the oldest surviving palaces in South India. Spread over 41,979 sqft, the palace stands on 248 pillars that rise up to 20 metres and have a circumference of 4 metres. The Madurai Palace presents a unique synthesis of Dravidian, Islamic and European styles of architecture. Often, we take the ageing wonders of the past as ruins, but they are hardly that. Far from the dying remnants of yesteryears, they are the defiant souls that challenge the vagaries of time and elements. They are the transcendental symbols of human vision, which remains alive even if everything else around it collapses. A monument is not just made of carved ceilings, intricate inlays, giant doors and colonnades or ornamental stuccos. It’s the vision of a dreamer who dared to bring it into reality. It speaks of his taste, class and ambitions. It is a living embodiment of the architect who left a piece of him behind for posterity to admire and ponder. It not only takes us back in time, helping us conjure up the distant past, but it actually gives us a vision of the future that the builder saw. Such is the story of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace – a project of audacious vision and survival. Though bereft of its original grandeur, the Madurai Palace or what remains of it is an architectural marvel for more reasons than one. The 17th century palace is the finest monument to the memory of Nayak Dynasty’s greatest king, Thirumalai Nayak. Built in 1636 by the greatest king of Madurai’s Nayak dynasty, Thirumalai Nayak, it is among the oldest surviving palaces in South India. It is also among the earliest monuments in South India with considerable European influences. Designed by an Italian architect, the 384- year-old monument represents a fine blend of Dravidian, Islamic and Italian styles of architecture. Restored and renovated periodically since the 19th century, first by the British Raj and then by the state archaeological department, only a quarter of the original structure is standing now. A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 21

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ீ ஆன் மகம்: சரணம் இந் திரா ரிய ல மன் னர்கள் மற் ம் சந் திர ல மன் னர்கள் ீ இதிகாசங் களில் தங் கள வின் ம ெகாண் ட அவ நம் பிக் ைகயால் அவர் கைள மாற் ற ணிந் த ெபா ெசால் ல யாத யைர அபவித்ள் ளார்கள் . இ இதிகாசம் கண் ட உண் ைம! அர் ஜுனன் எவ் வளவதான் ெபரிய வில் லாளியாக இந் தாம் அவக் ம் ெதரியாத அஸ் திரங் கள் அவன் ேராணர் அறிந் ேத ைவத் இந் தார் ! அல் ல மற் ற அஸ் திரங் கைள இைணத் ெசய் யப் பம் "சம்பதம்" எம் கைலயின் லம் வானவர் ேமம் வியக் கத்தக் க மாற் றங் கைள ெசய் ய யம்! A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 25

ீ ஆன் மகம்: சரணம் இந் திரா எனேவ தமக் வம் ேபாதித் இப் பார் என் எண் வ அறிவனீ ம்! "ேரார் அவக்ஞய ம்த்ய நமந்த்ேரா தரித்ரித:" ைவ அவமதிப் பவன் மந் திர சித் திைய அறேவ இழக் கிறான் . எந் த மந் திரம் அவக் இனி உதவா, ெதய் வங் கள் அவைன விட் ஓ விம் ! தரித் ரியத் ைத அைடகிறான் . வில் மித் யவினால் ஆட் ெகாள் ளப் பகிறான் என் ப சாஸ் திர வசனம் . A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 26

Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India: Shri Shiva Nataraja temple / Shri Sabhanayaka temple Midhun The Shri Shiva Nataraja temple, also called Shri Sabhanayaka temple, Chidambaram, India. The temple of Shiva Nataraja (Shri Sabhanayaka) of Chidambaramis one of the great temple complexes of South India. Chidambaram is situated some 250 km south of Chennai, about 10 km from the Bay of Bengal. The temple is the heart of the town with the complex measuring 18 hectares in total. The temple is a living religious institution, and it is therefore still developing. The complex has a rectangular shape and is orientated on the cardinal directions. It is structured as five concentric courtyards or Prakaras, four of which are accessible to the public, the fifth being only accessible to the priests as it lies within the walls of the main sanctum. The Prakaras are separated by approximately 10 meter high granite walls. The two outermost walls have four entrance ways in each of the sides. But whereas the gateways and gopurams of other South Indian temples are orientated aligned into a cross, here the gopurams are placed in an asymmetrical pattern. The fifth Prakara, between the outer (fourth) wall and the third wall of enclosure, is in use for gardens. The four gopurams, pyramidal shaped temple gateways, are situated in the fourth Prakara wall. Within this wall we find the main temple as well as the sacred tirtha or water place, and many subsidiary shrines and buildings. Although the earliest historical references to the temple go back to the 6th century CE, there is now nothing within the complex that can be dated to before the 12th century with any certainty, except for the main sanctum, the Cit Sabha (Hall of Consciousness). This wooden structure on a granite base, covered with a gilded roof, is unique. Very unlike the garbhagriha (womb-house), the square sanctum sanctorum of other Hindu temples. It is rectangular and with a roof that is shaped with an unusual slant. Within the wooden walls lies the first Prakara, a U shaped circumambulatory passage constructed of granite. This passage encloses the actual sanctum which houses the Shiva Nataraja Murti, the presiding deity of the temple, as well as several other divinities. A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 27

Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India: Shri Shiva Nataraja temple / Shri Sabhanayaka temple Midhun The Shri Shiva Nataraja temple, also called Shri Sabhanayaka temple, Chidambaram, India. The temple of Shiva Nataraja (Shri Sabhanayaka) of Chidambaramis one of the great temple complexes of South India. Chidambaram is situated some 250 km south of Chennai, about 10 km from the Bay of Bengal. The temple is the heart of the town with the complex measuring 18 hectares in total. The temple is a living religious institution, and it is therefore still developing. In front of the Cit Sabha we find the Kanaka Sabha (Golden Hall). This is a structure with a granite base, slightly lower than the base of the Cit Sabha, wooden doors and a copper covered wooden roof supported by granite pillars. Here many of the rituals of worship are performed, but at certain times devotees are allowed to have close darshan (viewing of, audience with) of the Nataraja in the sanctum from here. These two sabhas are at the centre of the central courtyard which is enclosed by a cloistered veranda. Around this veranda there are several shrines. A shrine to Govindaraja, the reclining form of Vishnu and one dedicated to Brahma-Chandikeshvara are also situated in this courtyard. From this courtyard two entrances, on the East and on the South side, lead to the third prakara. Here we find the third sabha of the complex, the Nritta Sabha (Hall of Dance) a shrine in the form of a ratha or chariot; the Deva Sabha (Hall of Deities); a shrine for Mahalaksmi; the Mulasthana shrine, where Shiva is worshipped as Linga; a Kalyana Mandapa used for festivals; and a Yaga Shala where Vedic fire rituals are performed. Long hallways of high pillars capped by granite slabs turn this prakara into a cool shaded space reminiscent of a cathedral. This prakara has gates on the East and the West side to the fourth prakara. Flights of steps connect the two spaces, as the inner courtyards are as much as three meters lower then the surrounding courtyard, which has a pavement on street level. In the fourth prakara we find the Raja Sabha (Royal Hall), also called 1000 Pillar Hall; a Hundred Pillars Hall; the Mukkuruni Vinayaka temple; the Sivakamasundari (Amman or Goddess) temple; the Pandya Nayaka or Subrahmanya temple; a shrine dedicated to nine Lingas, worshipped by the nine planets or Navagraha; a small Ganesha shrine; and a shrine dedicated to Sundaresvara and Minakshi, the presiding deities of the temple in Madurai. A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 28

Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India: Shri Shiva Nataraja temple / Shri Sabhanayaka temple Midhun The Shri Shiva Nataraja temple, also called Shri Sabhanayaka temple, Chidambaram, India. The temple of Shiva Nataraja (Shri Sabhanayaka) of Chidambaramis one of the great temple complexes of South India. Chidambaram is situated some 250 km south of Chennai, about 10 km from the Bay of Bengal. The temple is the heart of the town with the complex measuring 18 hectares in total. The temple is a living religious institution, and it is therefore still developing. From the fourth prakara four gopuras or temple gateways lead to the fifth prakara. The wall has a fifth passage next to the East gopuram, which is used for the festival processions. Of the buildings found in the fourth prakara the Nava Linga shrine and the Mukkuruni Vinayaka shrine are ancient shrines but have undergone renovation in the later 19th century and no longer represent ancient architecture. The pillared passages of the third prakara also belong to this period of building, as does the cloister around the central courtyard. The Mulasthana shrine possibly belongs to the same period, or to the 18th century. The Sivakamasundari temple, the Raja Sabha, the 100 Pillars Hall and the cloister and steps surrounding the Shivaganga tirtha (sacred water place) are generally attributed to the time of the later Cholas, (late 11th to 12th century CE) on the basis of epigraphical evidence. This agrees in general with the architecture as we can see it today. The small (1 pillar mandapam) Ganesha temple by the side of the 100 Pillars Hall also was build around this time. The Nritta Sabha is also a building from the later Cholas. The kings of this period build many of this kind of ratha (chariot) shaped halls. The Deva Sabha is known to have been covered by a copper roof in the same period, but its architecture has not been analysed. Both shrines existed in some form before this time, as is known from tradition and historical sources. The Govindaraja shrine in its present form was (re)estabished under the kings of Vijayanagara. Three of the four towers or gopurams recieved their present form during the last phase of the Chola empire in the 13th century. The North gopuram was either build or renovated by Krishnadevaraya, a king of Vijayanagara, in the 16th century. The gopurams have a rectangular granite base, with granite representations of various deities in the niches. While the seven tapering upper storeys are made of bricks and decorated with lime- work. The eastern gopuram maintains the original abstract structure of embedded miniature shrines while the other three have representations of deities and mythological scenes. Although the Nataraja temple of Chidambaram is one of the most intensively studied and described temples of South India, much of its history remains undiscovered. A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 29

Pillayarpatti, Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu: Karpaka Vinayagar Temple Midhun Karpaka Vinayagar Temple is a 1600 year old Ganesha temple, located at Pillayarpatti, near Karaikudi, Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu. Popularly known as Pillayarpatti Temple, Arulmigu Karpaga Vinayagar temple is one of the oldest cave temples in Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity, Desi Vinayaka Pillaiyar or Karpaka Vinayakar, is a 6 foot tall bas-relief carved out of an excavated cave. Lord Ganesh is seen with two arms and a trunk curled towards his right side (Valampuri Vinayagar). Vairavan Kovil or Vairavan Swamy Temple in Vairavanpatti is just 2 km away. Karpaka Vinayakar idol is facing north which is said to be the direction of Lord Kubera – the God of Wealth. Karpaga Vinayagar idol is in meditation posture here with Shiva Lingam at his right hand (most Ganesha idols usually have mothakam in the right hand); hence Ganesha is also called Yoga Vinayagar (Ganesha with meditation and all fortunes), the one who grants success to all requests of his devotees. Arulmigu Karpaga Vinayagar Temple also enshrines Tiruveesar, a Shiva Lingam carved into the cave wall, and Marudankudi Eesar with his consort Vaadaamalar Mangai. A five-headed snake wearing a lingam on its neck is an important carving here. The temple also enshrines Pasupatheeswarar (who showers all wealth), Nagalingam (who gifts offspring to human beings), and Goddess Karthiyayini (who arrange marriages). A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 30

Pillayarpatti, Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu: Karpaka Vinayagar Temple Midhun Karpaka Vinayagar Temple is a 1600 year old Ganesha temple, located at Pillayarpatti, near Karaikudi, Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu. Popularly known as Pillayarpatti Temple, Arulmigu Karpaga Vinayagar temple is one of the oldest cave temples in Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity, Desi Vinayaka Pillaiyar or Karpaka Vinayakar, is a 6 foot tall bas-relief carved out of an excavated cave. The inscriptions within this temple dates back between 1091 AD and 1238 AD. There are 14 Agama texts found on stone sculptures in the cave from 500 BC to 1284 AD. According to the stone sculptures the ancient names of Pillaiyarpatti are Maruthangudi, Ekkattoor, Rajanarayanapuram, and Thiruveenkaikkudi. The temple features two Rajagopurams, a vimana, and a beautiful temple tank. Karpaka Vinayakar Temple is also known by the names Desigavinayaga Pillaiyar Temple, Vinayagar Cave Temple, and often Pillayar Temple. Karpaka Vinayakar Temple Festivals: The 10 day annual Vinayakar Chaturthi festival is observed here during August – September. On the 9th day of Vinayaka Chaturthi, Desi Vinayakar is covered with about 80 kg of sandal wood paste (Santha-na-kkappu). Another ten day festival in honor of Kongu Nachiyamman, a village deity whose processional image is housed in the temple, is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi (May - June). Margazhi Tiruvathirai Festival is also held here in honor of Lord Nataraja and Sivakami during December - January. A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 31

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ீ ஆன் மகம்: பலி படீ த் ைத ெதாட் வணங் கினால் ேதாஷம்...! இந் திரா எல் லா ஆலயங் களிம் ெகா மரத்க் அத்தபயாக பலிபடீ ம் அைமத் இப்பார்கள் . ெகா மரத்ைத வழிபட் த்தம் நாம் பலி படீ த் ைத மனதார வழிபட ேவண் ம். ெபாவாக பலி படீ ங் கள் ீ ன் அக் படீ ம் ம தாமைர மலர் வவம் ேபான் அைமக் கப் பட் க் ம். அந் த படீ ங் களில் சிற் பங் கள் இக் ம். சில ஆலயங் களில் ெவம் படீ ம் மட் ம் இக் ம். திப் பதி ேபான் ற ஆலயங் களில் பலி படீ த் க் ம் தங் க கவசம் ேபார் த் தி இக் கிறார் கள் . இதன் லம் கவைறக் ெகாக் கப் பம் க் கியத் வம்பலிபடீ த் க் ம் ெகாக் கபவைத அறியலாம். சரி.... பலி படீ ம் என் றால் என் ன? பலி படீ ம் என் றம் 90 சதவதீ ம் ேபர் மனதில் ேகாழி, ஆ ேபான் றைவகைள பலி ெகாக்ம் இடமா என் ற எண் ணம் ஏற் பட் க் கலாம் . ஏெனனில் ேவத காலத் தில் நம் ன் ேனார் கள் ேவள் வித் ணாகவம், விலங் கைள பலியிம் ேமைடயாகவம் இந் தைவ தான் நாளைடவில் ெகாஞ் சம், ெகாஞ் சமாக உமாறி இன் ெகா மரமாகவம், பலி படீ மாகவம் வெவத் ள் ளன என் ெசால் கிறார் கள் . எனேவ தான் பலி ெகாக் ம் இடம் பலி படீ ம் என் ற எண் ணம் பலர மனதிம் பதிந் ள் ள. இைத உதிபத்வ ேபால கிராமங் களில் இன் ம் ேகாவில் ஆண் திவிழாக் களின் ேபா பலி பட ீ ேமைடயில் ஆ, ேகாழிகைள பலி ெகாத் விவைதப் பார் க் கலாம். இ தவ. ஆனால் ஆகம விதிகளின் ப அைமக் கப் பட் ள் ள சிவாலயங் களிம், ைவணவத் தலங் களிம் உள் ள பலி படீ ங் கள் , நம் வாழ்ைவ ேமம்பத் ம் ஒன் றாக கதப் பட் ேபாற் றப் பகின் றன. A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 34

ீ ஆன் மகம்: பலி படீ த் ைத ெதாட் வணங் கினால் ேதாஷம்...! இந் திரா அந் த ஆலயங் களில் பலி படீ ங் களில் உயிர் கள் பலி ெகாக் கப் பவ இல் ைல. அதற் பதில் நம்மிடம் உள் ள ேமாசமான ணங் கைள அங் பலியிகிறார்கள் . அெதப் ப ணத்ைத பலியிவ ? மனிதர் களாகிய நமக் ஆழ்மனதில் ெகட்ட ணங் கள் இக் ம். எவ் வளவதான் பக் வப் பட் ட ெபரிய மனிதர் களாக இந் தாம். இப் ப ெகட் ட ணத் டன் கவைற பதிக் நாம் ெசன் றால் கடவள் நமக் எப் ப அள் பரிவார் ? நம் மன எந் த ஆசாபாசம் இல் லாமல் ,ெதள் ளத் ெதளிவாக, ஒன் ேம இல் லாமல் த் தமாக, ெவற் றிடமாக இந் தால் தான் நம் பக் கம் இைறவன் வவார் . எவம் இல் லாத, எந் த எதிர் பார் ப் பம் இல் லாத மனநிைல உைடயவர்களால் தான் கடவள் பக் கம் ெசல் ல யம். எனேவ நம் மனதில் உள் ள தீய ணங் கைள எல் லாம் ெவளிேயற் ற ேவண் ம். அதாவ ெகட்ட நிைனவகைள பலி ெகாக்க ேவண் ம். இ ஆலய வழிபாட் ல் மிகவம் க் கியமான. ஏெனனில் நாம் நம் மனதில் உள் ள தீய அக் கைள விரட் ம் ேபா நாம் நல் ல மனிதனாக மாறி விவாம். இத்தைகய அற் பத மாற் றத்ைத ஒவ் ெவா பக் தனிடம் ஏற் பத் ம் அைமயான இடம்தான் பலிபடீ ம். உயிர் ப் பலி இல் லாத இந் த ஆன் மிகப் பலி படீ மான உயரியமான. இந் த பலி படீ த் ைத அைமப் பதற் என் விதிகள் உள் ளன. பலி படீ த் தின் உயரம் , லஸ் தானத் தில் எந் தளியள் ள லவரின் படீ த் உயரத் க் சமமாக இக் க ேவண் ம். பலி படீ த் தில் பாகா, ஜகதி, தம், த பத் திகம், கலா கம்பம், நிதிரவம், ேபாதம், அரபத் தி, பத் மம் என் பல வைககள் உள் ளன. பலி படீ த் ைத ெபாவாக பத் ரலிங் கம் என் அைழப் பார் கள் . A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 35

பலி படீ ம் அகில் இக் ம் நந் தி எம் ஆன் மாவில் உள் ள ஆணவமலம், பலி படீ த் தில் தான் ஒங் கியிக் ம். எனேவ பலி படீ ம் அேக ெசன் றவடன் ஆணவம், மாைய, கன் மம் ஆகிய நம ம்மலங் கைளயம் பலியிதல் ேவண் ம். ‘‘நான் ’’ என் ற அகங் காரத் ைத பலியிட ேவண் ம். சிலர் எல் லாேம நம் ஒவரால் தான் நடக் கிற என் ற இமாப் படன் இப் பார் கள் . அந் த இமாப் ைப பலிபடீ ம் அகில் நின் பலியிட ேவண் ம். பிற பலிபடீ ம் அகில் தைரயில் விந் வணங் க ேவண் ம். அந் த வழிபா எப் ப இத் தல் ேவண் ம் ? ஆலயத் தின் கவைற வடக், ேமற் திைசைய பார்த்தப் ப இந் தால் , பலி படீ த் தின் இட பக் கத் திம் , கவைற கிழக் மற் ம் ெதற் ேநாக் கி இந் தால் பலி படீ த் தின் வல பக் கத் திம் நின் வணங் க ேவண் ம். லவக் அபிேஷகம் நடக் ம் ேபாேதா அல் ல வாமிக் ைநேவத்தியம் பைடக் ம் ேபாேதா பலி படீ த் ைத வழிபதல் டா. ரிய ல மன் னர்கள் மற் ம் சந் திர ல மன் னர்கள் ீ இதிகாசங் களில் தங் கள வின் ம ெகாண் ட அவ நம் பிக் ைகயால் அவர் கைள மாற் ற ணிந் த ெபா ெசால் ல யாத யைர அபவித்ள் ளார்கள் . இ இதிகாசம் கண் ட உண் ைம! அர் ஜுனன் எவ் வளவதான் ெபரிய வில் லாளியாக இந் தாம் அவக் ம் ெதரியாத அஸ் திரங் கள் அவன் ேராணர் அறிந் ேத ைவத் இந் தார் ! அல் ல மற் ற அஸ் திரங் கைள இைணத் ெசய் யப் பம் "சம்பதம்" எம் கைலயின் லம் வானவர் ேமம் வியக் கத்தக் க மாற் றங் கைள ெசய் ய யம்! பலி படீ த் ைத வழிபட் த் தம், நம் மனதில் ேமலான எண் ணங் கள் தான் உள் ளன என் ற நிைனப் ைப உவாக்கிக் ெகாள் ள ேவண் ம். அந் த நல் ல மன நிைலயடன் கவைற அகில் ெசன் இைறவைன வழிபம்ேபா, அவர் அள் நம்ைம ஆக் கிரமிக் ம், ஆசீர் வதிக் ம் . பலி படீ த் ைத பலி நாதர் என் ம் ெசால் வார் கள் . பலி படீ த் க் மாயச் சக் கரம் என் ம் ஒ ெபயர் உண் . அதாவ நம பிறப் ப - இறப் ப எம் மாயச் சக் கரமாக பலி படீ மாக ககிறார்கள் . இைத ற் றி வந் வழிபட் டால் , ஸ் ல ட் சம காரண சரரீ ங் களில் இந் என் ைன விவித் வி என் ேவண் வதற் சமமாம். ெபாவாக ேகாவில் களில் எட் ைலகளில் , எட் பலி படீ ங் கள் அைமத் திப் பார் கள் . அைவ இந் திரன் , அக் னி, எமன் , நிதி, வணன் , வாய, ேபரன் , ஈசானன் எம் எட் திக் பாலகர் கைள உணர் த் கிற. இந் த 8 பலி படீ ங் கம் ஒவ் ெவா ேகாவிலின் ஆகம விதிகக் ஏற் ப ேகாவில் பிரகாரங் களில் அைமக் கப் பட் க் ம். A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 36

A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 37

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A TO Z INDIA ENGLISH & TAMIL MONTHLY MAGAZINE REG. WITH REGISTRAR OF NEWSPAPERS FOR INDIA UNDER NUMBER TNBIL/2017/75531 R. DIS NO. 757/2017 ROC NUMBER L-105291/2021 HAPPY FATHER'S DAY SUN, JUN 18, 2023 HAPPY FATHER'S DAY SUN, JUN 18, 2023 A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 40