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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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He Saw His Death Coming

Yama @ Dharmaraja, the Lord of Death on his buffalo.

My maternal grandmother, Visalatchy, once told me a story. It is regarding her great grandfather (her mother's maternal grandfather). His name was Vaiyapuri Pillai.

So the late Vaiyapuri Pillai lived up to around 80 years of age. He was healthy. Like most of my maternal relatives, Vaiyapuri Pillai was also from Thanjavur.

On one evening, the late Vaiyapuri Pillai was having a chat with his wife outside their house. She was sweeping while listening to her husband's words.

Suddenly, he told his wife, "Look! I see a man riding a buffalo. He is coming towards our house!"

His wife turned and saw nothing. There was nobody at the entrance.

What happened the next moment shocked her. Vaiyapuri Pillai fell down and died......just like that!

He saw his death coming. The Hindus and Buddhist believe that death comes in the form of Yama on a buffalo. 

I have heard of many similar stories about death and afterlife. It is interesting to know that certain people are able to see their death coming. 

If you have a story, do share it :)

Comments

  1. The ListenerSunday, 06 March, 2016

    yes!! even my friend's aunt had a similar experience... she too saw her death invitation :)

    ReplyDelete

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