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Chola Warlords: Who Were the Paluvettaraiyars?

Ponniyin Selvan I movie poster showing actor Sarathkumar as Periya Paluvettaraiyar and actor Parthiban as Chinna Paluvettaraiyar. In 2024, Oxford University Press published  Minor Majesties: The Paluvēṭṭaraiyars and Their South Indian Kingdom of Paluvūr, 9th–11th Centuries A.D ., a groundbreaking study by historian Valerie Gillet. In the book’s opening chapter, A Tentative Biography of the Paluvettaraiyars , Gillet delves into the lineage and origins of this influential fami ly.  These Chola warlords traced their lineage to the formidable Maravars, an ancient warrior tribe renowned for their valor. However, I believe that while the Paluvettaraiyars were indeed of Maravar descent, they likely forged alliances through intermarriage with those of the Kallar and Agambadiyar clans, further solidifying their power and influence. Prominent figures in the medieval Chola era, the Paluvettaraiyars played a pivotal role in shaping the empire’s political and military landscape. Through st...
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Commercialising Baba

I have not posted anything for a very long time. Blog looks empty and it needs something to jump start. I will soon write about my trip to Turkey and Bulgaria.

 Today's post will be on the cult of Shirdi Baba. I have nothing against those who call themselves Baba followers. In fact, I admire these people for their faith. The Shirdi Baba followers believe in seva or service towards the community. They do alot of annathanam (food charity) and other charities.

Nobody knows his real name. He was a holy man revered by both Hindus and Muslims in Shirdi, Maharashta. He is said to have practiced Sufism and lived a simple life. Baba died on 15-10-1918. Many miracles are said to have been performed by him. For example, curing deadly diseases which even the doctors can't cure.



I am not a Baba devotee or a follower but I have alot of respect for this man. He preached tolerance, respect and love. He served everyone irrespective of their caste, status or religion. 

A true Guru.

However, many have deviated from the true teachings of Baba. They have began to equate him to God. See the pictures below.


 




Baba never desired material life. He never encouraged money to be wasted in this manner. In fact, he would have preferred if the money spent on gold or gigantic statues be used to feed the poor. That serves the real purpose of seva. That was his true teaching.

 Baba was a mortal. A human just like us. But he was a remarkable Guru who should be revered.

 A Guru is a teacher who guides us throughout our spiritual journey. They are not meant to be portrayed as God. People should know the difference and not over do it.

 Perhaps the Baba followers need to rethink about the commercialism of Baba. It is much more important to follow his real teachings than to display your love and devotion in this manner.

 Because this is not what he preached.

Comments

  1. Shankar ShivaWednesday, 08 April, 2020

    I don't know how to thank you, it is misfortunate to see people getting confused about their own religion

    ReplyDelete

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