A TO Z INDIA - JUNE 2023

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

A TO Z INDIA ●JUNE 2023 ●PAGE 2
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A TO Z INDIA magazine
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05
PURI RATH YATRA 2023: CHARIOT FESTIVAL IN ODISHA, INDIA
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.
08
THE ‘GANDHI' OF TRIBAL’S:
GANI RAJENDRA VIJAY
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.
A TO Z INDIA: Editorial Address
inside
FROM THE EDITOR

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.
From the Editor's Desk: Eid al-Adha - the Feast of Sacrifice and Feasting
EID AL-ADHA: THE FEAST OF SACRIFICE
EID AL-ADHA: THE FEAST OF SACRIFICE
AND FEASTING
AND FEASTING

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."
Chariot Festival in Odisha, India
Puri Rath Yatra 2023:

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.

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.

Lalit Garg
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
Gani Rajendra Vijay
The ‘Gandhi' of Tribal’s:
By Lalit Garg
Writer, Journalist, Columnist
E-253, Saraswati Kunj Apartment
25 IP Extensions, Patparganj, Delhi-92
email: lalitgarg11@gmail.com
Phone: 22727486, 9811051133

Lalit Garg
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
Gani Rajendra Vijay
By Lalit Garg
Phone: 22727486, 9811051133

Lalit Garg
Gani Rajendra Vijay
By Lalit Garg
Phone: 22727486, 9811051133
a saint like Ganiji and a human welfare initiative like the Sukhi Pariwar Campaign, a light is indeed being
born, which is exemplary for other violence-affected areas as well. The specialty of Gani Rajendra Vijayji is
that he has made tribal upliftment the resolution and yearning of his life. There is a lot of light in the lives
of tribal people too, but efforts have been made to snatch these lights, are happening and will continue to
happen.
Today there are more internal threats than external threats. There are many challenges of violence and
alienation that beg solutions. But never get the right answer on the wrong question. When bread is needed,
bread becomes the solution. Without bread, you cannot make any theory an injection of strength.

Ayan
All the songs you never wrote
Fill a raindrop in the eye,
What you wrote, rises like a n’orwester
A smile upon a summer sky
For your works are sealed in golden words
That even time cannot forget,
The notes transcend these mortal souls
Beyond banal love and hate
But more than all the moving words,
A grander gift you’ve sown
You have inspired souls with that urge to write -
Each now, an artist on his own
Poem - All the Songs you Never Wrote
A Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore:
That melancholy in subtle grace
Has countered endless tears,
In the darkest night, your verses strong
Has helped conquer those fears
And many have picked, in that wake
The quill of written dreams
Wrapping griefs and joys of life
In countless paper reams
An autumn line has sparked a book,
A single word - a song,
That ‘small rivulet’ has turned a sea,
That legacy is so strong
Rabindranath Tagore in Japan in 1916
By Ayan Adak
e-mail: ayan1adak1@gmail.com

Ayan
And even those who ink not words,
On your rostrum works, they stand
Creating Gora, a Postmaster
Lost in a dreamy land
Poem - All the Songs you Never Wrote
A Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore:
By Ayan Adak
e-mail: ayan1adak1@gmail.com
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…
The n’orwester rains here everyday,
These summers are not dry,
For you’ve ensured there’s always shades
Of indigo in the sky
Rabindranath Tagore

Lalit Garg
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.
The Powerful Message of Buddha for a Peaceful World
Buddha Purnima - Special on 5 May 2023:
By Lalit Garg
Phone: 22727486, 9811051133

Lalit Garg
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.
By Lalit Garg
Phone: 22727486, 9811051133

Lalit Garg
It’s a need of time to establish Buddhism qualities among the masses. Do not limit Buddha in only preaching,
but make Buddha a part of life, shape your life with Buddhism culture.
By Lalit Garg
Phone: 22727486, 9811051133

VAIKASI VISAKAM, 3 JUNE SATURDAY 2023
VAIKASI VISAKAM, 3 JUNE SATURDAY 2023
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.

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Midhun
A Dravidian Monument with European Influences:
Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
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.

Midhun
A Dravidian Monument with European Influences:
Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
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.
Surprisingly, the downfall of this great palace wasn’t caused by the elements, it was the rather jealous and
over-ambitious grandson of Thirumalai Nayak, who tore it down and took away all the jewels and
ornaments of the palace to build his own fantasy in another city. His hubris-filled dream didn’t come to
fruition and what we are left with now is the remnants of a battle between passion and mania.
Spread over 41,979 sqft, the palace stands on 248 pillars that rise up to 20 metres and have a circumference
of 4 metres. Built without a rafter or girder, this wonder has some stunning stucco works and magnificent
arches. As a heritage lover, it’s easy to lose yourself in this forest of columns. The Nayak dynasty ruled over
much of present-day Tamil Nadu for almost 200 years from 1545 to 1740 and has left behind many of its
monuments, built mainly by Thirumalai Nayak.

இந் திரா
குரு சரணம்
ஆன் மீகம் :
சூரிய குல மன் னர் கள் மற்றும் சந் திர குல மன் னர் கள்
இதிகாசங் களில் தங் களது குருவின் மீது கொண் ட அவ
நம் பிக் கையால் அவர் களை மாற் ற துணிந் த பொழுது சொல் ல
முடியாத துயரை அனுபவித்துள் ளார் கள் .
இது இதிகாசம் கண் ட உண் மை! அர் ஜுனன் எவ் வளவுதான் பெரிய
வில் லாளியாக இருந் தாலும் அவனுக்கும் தெரியாத அஸ் திரங் கள்
அவன் குரு துரோணர் அறிந் தே வைத்து இருந் தார் ! அல் லது மற் ற
அஸ் திரங் களை இணைத்து செய் யப் படும் "சம் புடிதம் " எனும்
கலையின் மூலம் குருவானவர் மேலும் வியக் கத் தக் க மாற் றங் களை
செய் ய முடியும் !

குரு சரணம்
எனவே தமக்கு முழுவதும் போதித்து இருப் பார் என்று எண்ணுவது
அறிவீனம் ! "குரோர் அவக் ஞய ம்ருத் யு நமந் த் ரோ தரித் ரித:"
குருவை அவமதிப் பவன் மந் திர சித் தியை அறவே
இழக் கிறான் . எந் த மந் திரமும் அவனுக்கு இனி
உதவாது, தெய் வங் கள் அவனை விட்டு ஓடி விடும் !
தரித் ரியத் தை அடைகிறான் . முடிவில் மிருத் யுவினால்
ஆட் கொள் ளப் படுகிறான் என் பது சாஸ் திர வசனம் .

Midhun
Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India:
Shri Shiva Nataraja temple / Shri Sabhanayaka temple
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.

Midhun
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.

Midhun
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.

Midhun
Pillayarpatti, Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu:
Karpaka Vinayagar Temple
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).

Midhun
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.

Midhun
Temple Timings: Karpaka Vinayakar Temple daily worship timings are from 6 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8.30
pm.
How to reach Pillayarpatti Temple: Pillayarpatti is located 10 km west of Karaikudi in the Sivagangai
District of Tamil Nadu. The nearest railway stations are Karaikudi Junction Railway Station and Pudukkottai
Railway Station. Chennai Rameswaram Express and Kamban Express passes through these two railheads.
Tiruchirapalli Airport or Trichy Airport, located on the NH 210 Tiruchirapalli - Rameswaram Highway, is the
nearest air base.

பலி பீடத் தை தொட்டு வணங் கினால் தோஷம் ...!
எல் லா ஆலயங் களிலும் கொடி மரத்துக்கு அடுத் தபடியாக பலிபீடம்
அமைத்து இருப் பார் கள் . கொடி மரத் தை வழிபட்டு முடித் ததும் நாம்
பலி பீடத் தை மனதார வழிபட வேண்டும் . பொதுவாக பலி பீடங் கள்
மூன்று அடுக்கு பீடம் மீது தாமரை மலர் வடிவம்
போன்றுஅமைக் கப் பட்டிருக்கும் . அந் த பீடங் களில் சிற் பங் கள்
இருக்கும் . சில ஆலயங் களில் வெறும் பீடம் மட்டும் இருக்கும் .
திருப் பதி போன் ற ஆலயங் களில் பலி பீடத்துக்கும் தங் க கவசம்
போர் த் தி இருக் கிறார் கள் . இதன் மூலம் கருவறைக்கு
கொடுக் கப் படும்முக் கியத்துவம் பலிபீடத்துக்கும் கொடுக் கபடுவதை
அறியலாம் .
சரி.... பலி பீடம் என் றால் என் ன?
பலி பீடம் என் றதும் 90 சதவீதம் பேர் மனதில் கோழி, ஆடு
போன் றவைகளை பலி கொடுக்கும் இடமா என் ற எண் ணம்
ஏற் பட்டிருக் கலாம் . ஏனெனில் வேத காலத் தில் நம் முன் னோர் கள்
வேள் வித் தூணாகவும் , விலங்குகளை பலியிடும் மேடையாகவும்
இருந் தவை தான் நாளடைவில் கொஞ் சம் , கொஞ் சமாக உருமாறி
இன்று கொடி மரமாகவும் , பலி பீடமாகவும் வடிவெடுத்துள் ளன
என்று சொல் கிறார் கள் . எனவே தான் பலி கொடுக்கும் இடம் பலி பீடம்
என் ற எண் ணம் பலரது மனதிலும் பதிந்துள் ளது. இதை
உறுதிபடுத்துவது போல கிராமங் களில் இன்றும் கோவில் ஆண்டு
திருவிழாக் களின் போது பலி பீட மேடையில் ஆடு, கோழிகளை பலி
கொடுத்து விடுவதைப் பார் க் கலாம் . இது தவறு. ஆனால் ஆகம
விதிகளின் படி அமைக் கப் பட்டுள் ள சிவாலயங் களிலும் , வைணவத்
தலங் களிலும் உள் ள பலி பீடங் கள் , நம் வாழ் வை மேம் படுத்தும்
ஒன் றாக கருதப் பட்டு போற் றப் படுகின் றன.

அந் த ஆலயங் களில் பலி பீடங் களில் உயிர் கள் பலி
கொடுக் கப் படுவது இல் லை. அதற்கு பதில் நம் மிடம் உள் ள மோசமான
குணங் களை அங்கு பலியிடுகிறார் கள் .
அதெப் படி குணத் தை பலியிடுவது ?
மனிதர் களாகிய நமக்கு ஆழ் மனதில் கெட் ட குணங் கள் இருக்கும் .
எவ் வளவுதான் பக்குவப் பட் ட பெரிய மனிதர் களாக இருந் தாலும் .
இப் படி கெட் ட குணத்துடன் கருவறை பகுதிக்கு நாம் சென் றால்
கடவுள் நமக்கு எப் படி அருள் புரிவார் ? நம் மனது எந் த ஆசாபாசமும்
இல் லாமல் ,தெள் ளத் தெளிவாக, ஒன்றுமே இல் லாமல் சுத் தமாக,
வெற் றிடமாக இருந் தால் தான் நம் பக் கம் இறைவன் வருவார் .
எதுவும் இல் லாத, எந் த எதிர் பார் ப் பும் இல் லாத மனநிலை
உடையவர் களால் தான் கடவுள் பக் கம் செல் ல முடியும் . எனவே நம்
மனதில் உள் ள தீய குணங் களை எல் லாம் வெளியேற் ற வேண்டும் .
அதாவது கெட் ட நினைவுகளை பலி கொடுக் க வேண்டும் . இது ஆலய
வழிபாட்டில் மிகவும் முக் கியமானது. ஏனெனில் நாம் நம் மனதில்
உள் ள தீய அழுக்குகளை விரட்டும் போது நாம் நல் ல மனிதனாக
மாறி விடுவாம் . இத் தகைய அற் புத மாற் றத் தை ஒவ் வொரு
பக் தனிடமும் ஏற் படுத்தும் அருமையான இடம் தான் பலிபீடம் .
உயிர் ப் பலி இல் லாத இந் த ஆன் மிகப் பலி பீடமானது உயரியமானது.
இந் த பலி பீடத் தை அமைப் பதற்கு என்று விதிகள் உள் ளன. பலி
பீடத் தின் உயரம் , மூலஸ் தானத் தில் எழுந் தருளியுள் ள மூலவரின்
பீடத்து உயரத்துக்கு சமமாக இருக் க வேண்டும் . பலி பீடத் தில்
பாதுகா, ஜகதி, குமுதம் , குமுத பத் திகம் , கலா கம் பம் , நிதிரவம் ,
சுபோதம் , அசுரபத் தி, பத் மம் என்று பல வகைகள் உள் ளன. பலி
பீடத் தை பொதுவாக பத் ரலிங் கம் என்று அழைப் பார் கள் .
பலி பீடத் தை தொட்டு வணங் கினால் தோஷம் ...!

பலி பீடம் அருகில் இருக்கும் நந் தி எனும் ஆன் மாவில் உள் ள
ஆணவமலம் , பலி பீடத் தில் தான் ஒதுங் கியிருக்கும் . எனவே பலி
பீடம் அருகே சென் றவுடன் ஆணவம் , மாயை, கன் மம் ஆகிய நமது
மும் மலங் களையும் பலியிடுதல் வேண்டும் . ‘‘நான் ’’ என் ற
அகங் காரத் தை பலியிட வேண்டும் .
சிலர் எல் லாமே நம் ஒருவரால் தான் நடக் கிறது என் ற இறுமாப் புடன்
இருப் பார் கள் . அந் த இறுமாப் பை பலிபீடம் அருகில் நின்று பலியிட
வேண்டும் . பிறகு பலிபீடம் அருகில் தரையில் விழுந்து வணங் க
வேண்டும் . அந் த வழிபாடு எப் படி இருத் தல் வேண்டும் ? ஆலயத் தின்
கருவறை வடக்கு, மேற்கு திசையை பார் த் தப் படி இருந் தால் , பலி
பீடத் தின் இடது பக் கத் திலும் , கருவறை கிழக்கு மற்றும் தெற்கு
நோக் கி இருந் தால் பலி பீடத் தின் வலது பக் கத் திலும் நின்று
வணங் க வேண்டும் . மூலவருக்கு அபிஷேகம் நடக்கும் போதோ
அல் லது சுவாமிக்கு நைவேத் தியம் படைக்கும் போதோ பலி பீடத் தை
வழிபடுதல் கூடாது.
சூரிய குல மன் னர் கள் மற்றும் சந் திர குல மன் னர் கள்
இதிகாசங் களில் தங் களது குருவின் மீது கொண் ட அவ
நம் பிக் கையால் அவர் களை மாற் ற துணிந் த பொழுது சொல் ல
முடியாத துயரை அனுபவித்துள் ளார் கள் . இது இதிகாசம் கண் ட
உண் மை! அர் ஜுனன் எவ் வளவுதான் பெரிய வில் லாளியாக
இருந் தாலும் அவனுக்கும் தெரியாத அஸ் திரங் கள் அவன் குரு
துரோணர் அறிந் தே வைத்து இருந் தார் ! அல் லது மற் ற
அஸ் திரங் களை இணைத்து செய் யப் படும் "சம் புடிதம் " எனும்
கலையின் மூலம் குருவானவர் மேலும் வியக் கத் தக் க மாற் றங் களை
செய் ய முடியும் ! பலி பீடத் தை வழிபட்டு முடித் ததும் , நம் மனதில்
மேலான எண் ணங் கள் தான் உள் ளன என் ற நினைப் பை
உருவாக் கிக் கொள் ள வேண்டும் . அந் த நல் ல மன நிலையுடன்
கருவறை அருகில் சென்று இறைவனை வழிபடும் போது, அவர்
அருள் நம் மை ஆக் கிரமிக்கும் , ஆசீர் வதிக்கும் . பலி பீடத் தை பலி
நாதர் என்றும் சொல் வார் கள் .
பலி பீடத்துக்கு மாயச் சக் கரம் என்றும் ஒரு பெயர் உண்டு. அதாவது
நமது பிறப் பு - இறப் பு எனும் மாயச் சக் கரமாக பலி பீடமாக
கருதுகிறார் கள் . இதை சுற் றி வந்து வழிபட் டால் , ஸ் தூல சூட் சம
காரண சரீரங் களில் இருந்து என் னை விடுவித்து விடு என்று
வேண்டுவதற்கு சமமாகும் . பொதுவாக கோவில் களில் எட்டு
மூலைகளில் , எட்டு பலி பீடங் கள் அமைத் திருப் பார் கள் . அவை
இந் திரன் , அக் னி, எமன் , நிருதி, வருணன் , வாயு, குபேரன் , ஈசானன்
எனும் எட்டு திக் பாலகர் களை உணர் த்துகிறது. இந் த 8 பலி
பீடங் களும் ஒவ் வொரு கோவிலின் ஆகம விதிகளுக்கு ஏற் ப
கோவில் பிரகாரங் களில் அமைக் கப் பட்டிருக்கும் .

Owned, Published & Printed by INDIRA SRIVATSA,
Printed at SRI AATHI LAKSHMI GRAPHICS,
14/33, Sivan Koil Cross Street, Kodambakkam, Chennai - 600024 &
Published from E 002, Premier Grihalakshmi Apartments,
Elango Nagar South, Virugambakkam, Chennai - 600092.
EDITOR: INDIRA SRIVATSA

-> உங் களுடைய
படைப் புகளை
அனுப் பவேண் டிய
மின் னஞ் சல் முகவரி:
editor.indira@gmail.com

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY SUN, JUN 18, 2023
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY SUN, JUN 18, 2023
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

A TO Z INDIA - JUNE 2023

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