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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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Village Deities & Agamic Rules - A Tip For Tamil Nadu Archaeologists

A shrine for Saptha Kanni Devis. Click here for source.

The worship of Saptamatha/Sapthakanni, Ayyanar (Sasta), Mudevi (Jyesta) is common in Tamil Nadu villages. 

For some reason, Mudevi worship became less popular. Presently Hindu Saktas pray to Dhumavati and the other Hindus usually pray to Sani Bhagawan. These three deities are connected by a common symbol, the Crow.

The placement of shrines of certain deities in villages was mentioned in the following chapter of the Kamika Agama. 

Those who conduct archaeological studies in rural Tamil Nadu should also study the Agamas because the ancient people could have planned the settlement by following some basic rules of the Agama.

If you know the Agamas, you may be able to make an educated guess on where to dig for answers.

Chapter 26 (Kamika Agama)

Directions for Allocation of Appropriate Places for the Deities in Villages and Other Settlements 

26.7

varunyam nairrtavindre sastr sthanam prakirtitam varunyam vatha nairrtyam vayusomantare athavaanyatra ganesasya sthanamuktam ihagame

The location for the shrine of Sasta should be in the west or south-west or east. In this Agama it is maintained that the location for the shrine of Ganesa should be in the west or south-west or between the north-west and the north. Or, the location for Ganesa may be in other directions also.


26.9

aisanyam somabhage vatayormadhye tu matarah agneyyam motikasthanam kamadevasya tatra vai

The shrine for the Saptamatrikas (Seven Mother Goddesses) is to be in the north-east or north or in between the north-east and the north. The location for the shrine of the Goddess Motika (a form of Kali) is to be in the south-east. The same location is recommended for the shrine of Kamadeva (Manmatha).


26.10

jyestha puskaran itire sthapyanyatra bahistu va kama bhaskarayor vastu sanmukhasthanam ucyate

The Goddess Jyestha is to be installed near the bank of the temple tank; or, may be installed in some other place outside the temple. The location allocated for Skanda is also applicable to Kamadeva and Surya (Sun).


26.14

subrahmanyarcanam nityam balanam hitakrdbhavetsastr puja svakrtyesu niyunkte vastu vasinah

The daily worship of Subrahmanya (Skanda) will bring into effect all the best things to the youngsters. The worship of Sasta inspires and impels the people of the village to accomplish the works undertaken by them.

26.16

pujitacen mahamoti balaroga vinasni sarvasiddhiravighnena vighnesasya sapryaya

If Moti (a form of Kali Sakti) is duly worshipped, She becomes favorably disposed to ward off the diseases which afflict the children. By the worship of Lord Ganesa all the works undertaken by the people get accomplished without any impediment.



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