HINDUISM
Antiquity of Lord Siva worship
Chelvatamby Maniccavasagar
Lord Siva’s worship has been popular among the Tamils from time
immemorial. There are references to the Siva cult in the Tholkappiyam,
the earliest of the existing Sankam classics and subsequent Sankam
works. It is evident from these references that Lord Siva’s worship is
quite antique in its origin.
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Koneswaram
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Ancient kings of Ceylon particularly Pandukabaya, the grandfather of
Devanampiyatissa had extended full support to Lord Siva’s worship during
his reign. This was about the 5th century BC. The Mahavamsa tells us
that Pandukabaya had built two separate ‘holy’ halls for this purpose.
One was called the Sivikasala, where a Sivalingam was enshrined and
pooja and prayers took place.
The other was called ‘Sothisala’ where the Brahim priests got
together and chanted the holy mantras. These had a flourishing existence
under Pandukabaya and those in succession in the Royal family.
Furthermore, Hinduism had been in Ceylon long before the advent of
Buddhism. Even Devanampiya Tissa was a convert to Buddhism. The
inscription on one of the flight of rocks at Periya Puliyankulam renders
support to the existence of Lord Siva cult during ancient times. The
Tissamaharama and Kirinde inscriptions of the 2nd century AC, Siva cult
was not abandoned by the Royalty in Ceylon.
Professor Paranavitane discovered ruins of Siva temples of ancient
times in Anuradhapura. Apart from these the Brahmins have occupied
respectable positions in various walks of life – always affiliated to
the royal court in Ceylon.
In fact, there are Siva shrines of ancient fame in this country.
Thiruketheeswaram is one of the most ancient Hindu shrines in this
country.
This place is also called by the name ‘Mantai’ and a number of Sankam
works in Tamil speak about it.
During the 7th century AC Saint Sambanthar and later Saint Sundadar
came on pilgrimage and sang hymns in praise of this shrine. Even to this
day it is a place held in great sanctity by the Hindus.
uKoneswaram is another important Siva Shrine in Ceylon that is held
in high esteem. There is so far no direct historical evidence to prove
its antiquity. However, there is circumstantial evidence to show that
this is an ancient shrine. Saint Sambanthar came to Koneswaram on
pilgrimage and sang hymns in praise of Koneswaram.
There is a traditional belief among the Tamils of the Eastern
Province that King Ravana worshipped at Koneswaram. At a later period
Saint Arunagirinathar came to this temple. The inscription on a pillar
at this temple said to have been caused to be inscribed by Chola King
Kulakkoddan bears some historic importance.
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Thirukoneswaram |
* Munneswaram according to the Hindu tradition is another Siva Shrine
of great antiquity. Further, some Sinhalese kings of the olden days
patronized this temple with great regard and devotion. Remarkable among
them were Parakarama Bahu VI, Parakrama Bahu IX and Kirti Sri
Rajasinghe. Even today this temple is held in great esteem and sanctity.
* Naguleswaram is another ancient Siva shrines in Ceylon. The
‘Yalpana Vaipava Malavi’ tells us that his shrine was built by King
Vijaya. There are references to show that Parakrama Bahu VI went on
pilgrimage to this shrine in the north. Naguleswaram and
Thiruketheesaram are two temples renovated by the great Saiva champion
and national hero Sri La Sri Arumuga Navalar.
Indeed, Polonnaruwa also occupies a great place of importance in
respect of Siva temples in Ceylon. During the Chola reign there were
great Siva temples at Polonnaruwa. In fact, the Chola power was supreme
during the 10th century BC and Siva worship received extravagant
patronage. The ancient chronicles, the ancient inscriptions and later
works speak amply about the antiquity of Lord Siva’s worship. In fact,
four of the most cherished Iswarams of the Hindu traditions
(Munneswaram, Koneswaram, Thiruketheeswaram and Naguleswaram), besides
Rameshwaram (in South India) are in Sri Lanka. Further, every village or
town with a pre-dominant Hindu population in Ceylon has a Sivam temple.
It is evident from these facts that the ‘Siva cult’ is both antique and
a life force in Sri Lanka.
Philosophy of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
K. A. Jegatheeswaran
Whenever Ashanthi or disharmony overwhelms the world, the Lord will
incarnate Himself in human form to establish Dharma and peace in the
world and to re-educate the human community in the path of peace.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya
Sai Baba
* Date of Birth – November
23, 1926
* Place of Birth –
Puttaparthi, Madras Presidency, British India
* Birth Name –
Sathyanarayana Raju
* Date of Death – April 24,
2011 (Age 84)
* Place of death –
Puttaparthi, Andra Pradesh, India |
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Sri Sathya
Sai Baba |
In fact, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba who left the present mortal
frame after 85 years of existence in this world was buried on last
Wednesday in the presence of millions of his devotees from several
countries.
Presidents, Prime Ministers, Members of Parliament, Scientists,
Actors, Cricketers and several others participated in large numbers to
pay their last respects to this spiritual leader who had performed
innumerable miracles and cured their physical ailments.
Born on November 23, 1926, Sai Baba was brought up in the small
Rockstrewn, isolated village of Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh. He did
not have a conventional education.
At the age of 14, Bhagavan came back from his high school, threw away
his books and declared that his present is a continuation of his earlier
incarnation as “Shirdi Sai Baba” of India’s Northern Maharastra state.
His first message to humanity was “Manasa Bhajare” - worship in the
mind. He said “I have come to light the lamp of love in your hearts, to
see that it shines day by day with added lustre. I have not come on any
missions of publicity for any sect or creed or cause, nor have I come to
collect followers for any doctrine”.
”I have no plan to attract disciples or devotees into my fold or any
fold. I have come to tell you of this unitary faith, this spiritual
principle, this path of love, this virtue of love, this duty of love,
this obligation to love.”
The fame of Sri Sathya Sai Baba spread in the beginning by his
“Miracles”, acts which cannot be explained by science and which
transcend all known physical laws. His creation of sacred ash,
materialization of objects as the palms of his hand to be used for
spiritual purposes, changing an object from one metal to another metal
simply by blowing on it, all of these and many more, were done “by an
act of his will”.
He was known to heal the sick, maimed and blind by His mere touch, he
had protected those who called for help, even thousands of miles away,
he had appeared in physical form in more than one place.
But, he had said that His greatest miracles are the inner
transformation he brought about in the people who came to him, often
with doubts and apprehension and they left with love in their hearts,
peace in their minds and a resolve to live a more useful spiritual life.
For Sai devotees, His love was the prime mover of their lives.
Further, he simplified abstract concepts to enable everyone to lead a
life imbued with the universal human values of Satya, Dharma, Shanti,
Prema and Ahimsa.
He further explained that the integration of the world community
could only be possible if we integrate our own lives in the first
instance. In other words, spirituality has to become an integral part of
our living.
The essence of this is to practice the spiritual life. In regard to
education he was of the view that “education must implant elevating
ideals and kindle the lamp of wisdom. Further, character is the most
precious gift of education.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba had emphasized that ‘selfless service to mankind
is the highest spiritual discipline. His inspiration, guidance and
ceaseless efforts have resulted in the formation of thousands of service
organizations all over the world.
Baba had said “Efforts to serve must spring from agony at the
suffering of others, and the service rendered must be a genuine effort
to remove their anguish”. The primary objective of all service
activities in the Sathya Sai organizations is the spiritual uplift of
the participant.
This is a self-enlightenment process and entirely dependent on the
effort of the individual “Sadhana”.
Indeed, the Sai Philosophy, particularly the unity underlying all
faiths represented by His Sarva Dharma symbol was tremendously
recognized as a significant force to bring about peace on earth.
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The chief priest of the Sri
Muthumariamman Kovil, Unugala, Madolkelle, Rev. S. Vashri P
Eganathak Kurukkal was felicitated to mark Kovil Maha
Kumbabisekam, recently. Here the priest receives the award
titled “Sivagama Sagaran” from the kovil chief trustee while
board members look on. Pic: A.Maduraveeran |
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The Hindu religious experience book,
titled Aathmanubava Yaatra authored by Sunitharani Devi was
launched at the Colombo Tamil Sangam, Wellawatta recently.
Here Head of Sri Radhakrishna Kovil New Chetty Street
Nandarani Devi lights the oil lamp to commence the ceremony.
Right: The Authored presents the maiden copy to Sri Vishnu
Kovil, Dehiwela chief priest Rev. Sivashri Sathya Narayanak
Kurukkal. |
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A Carnatic Hindushtani music recital
by Selvi Chinmoyee Xavier was held at the Colombo Tamil
Sangam Wellawatta last week. She is a pupil of Arunanth
Aarudan and Thilani Rodrigo. Here the programme is in
progress. Pictures by A.Maduraveeran |
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