Skip to main content

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...
Post a Comment

Ponggal Is Not A Secular Festival


Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal with traditional fervour
Pic Credit: Thestatesman. Representative image Photo: AFP

Ponggal, the harvest festival of the Tamils, is often perceived as a secular celebration, observed by various cultures under different names. However, a detailed analysis reveals that Ponggal holds significant religious connotations and is primarily associated with the Hindu Tamil community. From its origins in the Sidereal solar calendar to the specific rituals and deities revered during the festival, Ponggal distinctly aligns with Hindu practices, setting it apart from Christianity and Islam.

The Significance of Ponggal in the Sidereal Solar Calendar
Ponggal marks the day when the Sun enters the 10th zodiac, Capricorn, at an angle of 270 degrees - 300 degrees of the celestial sphere. This event, also known as Makara Sankranti in Sanskrit, is derived from the Sidereal solar calendar and coincides with the Winter Solstice. While any community following this calendar system may acknowledge this celestial moment, in Tamil society, only Hindu Tamils utilize the Sidereal solar calendar for their religious observances.

Gurukkals: Guardians of Ponggal's Date and Time
The date and time of Ponggal are meticulously calculated and determined by the Gurukkals (priests) of Hindu temples who maintain the Panjangam (Almanac). Conversely, the Gregorian calendar is followed by Tamil Christians, while Tamil Muslims adhere to the Hijri lunar calendar. As such, Pastors and Imams do not base their religious or cultural celebrations on the Panjangam, further distinguishing Ponggal as a Hindu event.

Distinctive Rituals and Deities in Ponggal
Ponggal unfolds over three days, each marked by unique rituals and devotional offerings. The eve of Ponggal, Bhogi Pandigai, commemorates Indra, the lord of heaven, also known as Bhogindra or Bhogan, and is a day to express gratitude for rain and favorable weather. This deity holds significance solely in Hindu belief, making Bhogi Pandigai a Hindu celebration.

The first day of Ponggal, Surya Ponggal, involves worship of the Sun, Hari (Vishnu), and Lakshmi, symbolizing life, preservation, and prosperity, respectively. The veneration of celestial objects is exclusive to Hindus, setting Surya Ponggal apart as a Hindu occasion.

On the second day, Maatu Ponggal, bulls and cows receive worship, particularly in Hindu temples during Nandi worship. Although Jallikattu, a traditional sport involving bulls, is observed on this day, Hindu Tamils revere these animals and abstain from consuming beef, distinguishing Maatu Ponggal as a Hindu event.

The final day, Kaanum Ponggal, is devoted to fertility and features rituals honoring the virgin goddesses, Kanni deivam. This practice, unique to rural Tamil Nadu, reflects Hindu beliefs in seeking the blessings of these goddesses for fertile land. Kaanum Ponggal's association with Sakthi worship and the reverence of young unmarried girls as SapthaKannimaar aligns with Hindu traditions, making it exclusive to Hindu Tamils.

Conclusion: Ponggal as a Distinctly Hindu Festival
From its calendar basis to the specific rituals, deities, and practices involved, Ponggal bears the distinct hallmarks of Hinduism. While individuals of different faiths may partake in Ponggal celebrations alongside Hindus, the festival's essence and spiritual significance remain rooted in Hindu culture and belief. Acknowledging the non-secular nature of Ponggal does not imply opposition to participation by non-Hindus; rather, it serves to recognize and appreciate the cultural and religious heritage of this cherished Tamil harvest festival.

Comments

  1. Shankar ShivaWednesday, 08 April, 2020

    Excellent blog ! It is getting very weird that other people want to celebrate our festivals. I am from Singapore by the way. it's horrible to see christian missionaries trying their best to convert gullible Hindus.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SivasiddhiFriday, 30 April, 2021

    Good article bro

    ReplyDelete
  3. rajakrisSaturday, 15 January, 2022

    This article is very informative and excellent presentation on Ponggal Festival. Many signs and facts make one to conclude Ponggal is a Hindu Tamil festival. Christian and Muslim Tamils celebrate Ponggal under the context of Harvest Festival focusing on the aspect of thanksgiving to God Almighty for a bountiful harvest and blessings. The timing of celebration is coincide with harvesting season together as Tamil community.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

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 ...
103 comments
Read more

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 Na...
92 comments
Read more

Muniswaran Worship

(Pictures taken from Google except for the Banyan tree) Hinduism is a world of its own. It is not a single book religion like the Abrahamic religions. It is actually a collection of various religions, philosophies, doctrines, rituals and practices. In Hinduism, worship of minor deities is also practiced. Although it is not part of mainstream Hinduism, it still plays an important part in the daily lives of many individuals and families. The worship of minor deities is much more common in rural areas. It is often more of a clan or family affair. The minor deities fall into different categories. One of it is a class of powerful spirits known as Muni. My family use to offer worship under this tree in Klang. My interest in Muni worship started at a very young age. I have always been a curious kid. I ask alot of questions.. I still am a curious person. Always looking for more clues and hopefully some answers. It is perhaps my late paternal grandmother, Letchumy, who ign...
58 comments
Read more