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Showing posts from January, 2014

Manabharana Is Not Malay (Manabharana Bukan Melayu)

In recent times, an alarming narrative has emerged within the Malaysian blogosphere, suggesting a historical event that appears to be a misinterpretation or perhaps a deliberate misinformation campaign. The claim revolves around a so called Malay prince named Manabharana from Srivijaya, purportedly attacking and conquering the Chola kingdom. This misleading story has gained traction and is spreading like wildfire across various social media platforms. The need to address and rectify such inaccuracies is crucial not only for the sake of historical accuracy but also for fostering a responsible and informed online community. To delve into the matter, it is essential to clarify that historical records reveal the existence of multiple individuals named Manabharana throughout history. However, a nuanced understanding reveals that all these figures were Tamils (Damila) hailing from the Pandya kingdom, with references to their exploits documented in Tamil inscriptions and Sri Lankan chronicles
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Dharma - Mine, Yours, Ours & Theirs

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
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Paal Kudam or Panneer Kudam?

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. Imagine walking into Batu Caves with
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Jallikattu, Maatu Ponggal & Beef

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 actu
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Did Karna Really Pay His Debt?

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
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Tamil Surnames and Hypocrisy

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 society and their surn
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Popular posts from this blog

The Indian confusion - Race, Caste, Clan & Surnames

Before you read, keep in mind that this was not written with the intention to divide the people. It was written with the intention to explain the meaning of each group. The write up on my journey in Bali is still in progress. I have to transfer some image files in order to upload them. So I thought of writing about the biggest confusion in the Indian Malaysian community. It is a sensitive one too. But clarification should be given. Else, when are we going to understand it? To my friends of other races who happened to read my blog, this will probably be enlightening as many may not be aware of our demographics. First of all, there are two main classification for us in Malaysia. Indian & Ceylonese. Many assume it to be a homogenous race like Chinese, but it isn't. The Chinese have many languages but they have a common language called Mandarin. They also have one writing script. This is what makes the over 1 billion Chinese worldwide as a homogenous race. Ancient Chinese
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Dogs of Tamil Nadu

Pictures taken from Google. Credit goes to the various people who uploaded them. I apologise for not being able to identify the original owner of the pics. Whenever we speak of dogs, we tend to focus on the European breeds.  This is due to their popularity and demand. Unknown to many, India has about 88 native dog breeds. Six of these breeds are from the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Most of these dogs from Tamil Nadu evolved naturally. That makes them more suitable to the hot climate in the south. Furthermore, these dogs require less medical attention as their immune system is stronger, making them less prone to disease which are common among the European breeds. In Tamil Nadu, we can find breeds like the famous Rajapalayam, Kombai, Alangu Mastiff, Chippiparai, Kanni and Malayeri. Both the Alangu Mastiff and Malayeri are now extinct. Malayeri The Malayeri (hill climber) was a shepherd dog used by the tribals to herd sheeps. It was commonly found in the hills of Tamil Nadu-K
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How To Find Your Kula Deivam?

*DISCLAIMER-Article written from a believer's perspective.  One of the most common questions I get from my readers is  "How do I find my Kula Deivam?" Kula Deivam is the patron deity of your lineage. Some families have more than 1 deity.  The easiest way to know your Kula Deivam is of course by knowing the ancestral village of your patrilineal lineage (father's side).  Usually the Kula Deivam shrines will be in the ancestral village. If the family has migrated to several villages, then the shrine will usually be in the main village where the family originated from. Knowing your caste or clan background is also helpful in finding out more about your Kula Deivam. For females, they have an advantage. They also inherit the Kula Deivam from their matrilineal lineage (mother's side). So if you are a woman, your mother's Kula Deivam (from her mother) will continue to be present throughout your life. If you are married, your husband's Kula Deivam (from
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