Sharmalan Thevar

Hinduism is a Dharmic religion. Dharma is the Sanskrit word for duty. Hinduism is known as a Dharmic religion mainly because it emphasizes on ones own duty. There are different types of Dharmas. We all have different duties in this world. Our duties are not always the same. The Dharmas of Hinduism can be broken down into many types. Here are some of the Dharmas. I have included my own opinion about it. . Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Law) This is the laws of the universe as mentioned in our faith. This is the ultimate reality of existence and non-existence. The fact that energy exist, dissolution of cosmos, wind moves, gravity pulls, animal eats, humans worship, fire burns, Vedas as non-human origin etc. Every fact of the universe and beyond is part of Sanatana Dharma. Samanya Dharma (general duty) The general duty of all humans is known as Samanya Dharma. We eat, sleep, bathe, interact, move around, perform chores, love, respect, care. It is a general duty which we all do irregard...

At first, I did not want to write this. I was afraid that some Hindu devotees including my own family members will be offended. However, I want my opinion to be heard, in a nice way. We know that thousands of devotees offer Paal Kudam (Milk Pots) during each Thaipusam festival. Firstly, keep in mind that I have nothing against paal abishegam (ritual milk bath) in Hindu temples. It is not wrong at all. But when we do it together in a very large number, it actually matters a lot. There is a big difference between pouring just 10 litres and 100,000 litres. Perhaps the temple management can be the only ones who offer Paal Kudam. Probably 10 litres for ritual sake.  Devotees should be  encouraged to bring Panneer Kudam (Rose Water Pots) instead of Paal Kudam as offerings during each Thaipusam especially in Batu Caves. The smell of rose water is far better than the smell of stale milk. It is also much more hygienic for the environment. ...

Today is the 2nd day of Ponggal, the Tamil harvest festival. It is known as Maatu Ponggal (Cattle Ponggal) and it is dedicated to the cattles. Many would have thought that the Tamils do not eat beef because of Hindu influence. That is not true. It is actualy the culture of the Tamils to respect these animals. Therefore, most Tamils will not eat beef. The cattles have a very special place in the Tamil society. It helps farmers to plough the land, pull carts and its milk is an important element in the daily lives of the Tamil people.  Back in the olden days, many women died of child birth. Furthermore, due to poor health condition, many new mothers do not lactate during the first few days after delivery. In such cases, cow milk is used as a replacement for mother's milk to feed the newborn. So naturally, most Tamils will not eat them. However, the taboo is not applied to everyone. Tamil clans who are involved with leather works or the make of percussion instruments...

I wrote this in my Facebook page on 31 December 2013. It is regarding Karna and the Red Rice Debt... (read further after the words in Yellow Italic) RED RICE DEBT Most of you would know the song "Ullathil Nalla Ullam" from the movie Karnan. Nobody can ever replace the late Sivaji for that role. This is part of the lyric: Senchottru Kadan Theerkka Saeraatha Idam Sernthu Vanjathil Veezhnthaayada Karnaa Vanjagan Kannanadaa Karnaa, Vanjagan Kannanadaa Do you know what is meant by "Senchottru Kadan Theerkka"? Well this is referring to Red Rice Debt.  Back during ancient times, cooked rice will be spread in front of the king. The king will then roll it into small rice balls and give it to the warriors with his own hand. Warriors who eat the rice ball from the hand of the king will swear that they will protect the king with their own life.  If the king dies or get slain in the battle, they will all commit suicide. It was one of the many ritual ...

Many Tamils will go berserk when we speak about surnames. This is because the surnames reflects the caste or clan. Most of the surnames we have are occupational surnames. Each occupational surnames of the Tamil people has its own history and it is clan specific. This is mainly because those clans had their own hereditary occupation in the past.  Take for example the surname Servai used in the Mukkulathor community. It refers to a person who's ancestors were Servaikarars (men who serve). These Servaikarars defended forts and worked inside the palaces. Some also served as royal bodyguards. The Latin word for service is Servus. It is also used as a surname by Europeans who had the same function in the society as our own Servaikarars.  Perhaps the Latin word Servus is a corruption of the Tamil word Servai or vice versa. Are we Tamils the only ones who have occupational surnames? Let's take a look at our very own modern Asian role models, the Japanese societ...