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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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Hinduism - Keep It Simple

These are the basics for all Hindus to practice.

1.CHOOSE A PATH
There are various paths in Hinduism. This can be determined by your choice of Principal Supreme Being. Shaktam, Shaivam, Vaishnavam are the main paths. Each of these paths have their own set of schools. They may differ with each other but all believes in Karma. Choose what suits you best.

2.ACCEPT THE SCRIPTURES
There are various scriptures. Vedas are Supreme. We also have Samhitas, Agamas and Tantra. They all have their own doctrines and divisions. There are also scriptures in Tamil such as Thirumurai and Nalayra Divyaprabandam. Accept the scriptures as the source of your religious affiliation. Don't be a language fanatic who throws away certain scriptures as alien scriptures.

3.BELIEVE WHOLEHEARTEDLY
Always analyse before deciding. But when you have decided on the path, you need to believe in it wholeheartedly. Do not choose for the sake of choosing. It is better to just be an Atheist who does not believe at all than to be a believer who do not believe fully.

4.RESPECT THE DIFFERENCES
We have many schools within Hinduism. Each with its own do's and don'ts. Sometimes they share a common ground, sometimes they disagree on certain things. Realise that your school of thought may not necessarily be the same as my school of thought. But the path chosen must be based on genuine scriptures, not any blind assumption or opinion.

5.KNOW THE LEVELS
You must understand the differences within Hinduism. Praying to the Almighty is not the same as praying to a Muniswaran under a tree. The former is God, the later is a Spirit. Shirdi Sai is a Guru, not God. Vallalar is a Guru, not God. There are different types of worship for different purposes. They exist at different levels. Never equate everything as the same because they are not the same. 

6.LEARNING NEVER ENDS
Learning about Hinduism is a journey with no end. You will continuously come across new things as you progress. The more you learn, the more you come closer to truth.


Remember that #1 is the core. 
When the core is strong, nothing will go wrong! 
Even the richest Guruji will not be able to con you. 
Even the most influential missionary will not be able to convert you. 

 These simple steps are more than good enough. You don't have to become a Guruji yourself or dream of becoming a Siddhar or Rishi.

Just keep it simple and do good!

The Ashta Bhairavas and Mahakala Bhairava. Individual picture taken from Kaga Ashram and later merged as one.

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  1. Shankar ShivaWednesday, 08 April, 2020

    really good resource, I am going to use this in our temple in Singapore. I think you should start a YouTube channel to share with others. Good luck bro :)

    ReplyDelete

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