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Tag: Mahabharata battle

  • Shiva Family Member Pandya King 3 BC Led Elephants Mahabharata

    The study of the epigraph found in Tamil Nadu give out a mine of information , not only of the Tamil Kings,Tamil Culture, but of the Sanatana dharma itself.

    One of the oldest epigraphy found at Chinnamanur, Tamil Nadu , the epigraph speak of the deeds of the early Pandya Kings.

    These Kings ruled between thrid Century BC to 1345.

    They refer to the Pandyan Kings s having descended from the Lunar Dynasty.

    Chinnamanur epigraph.jpg
    Chinnamanur Pplates, Tamil Nadu speaks of Tamil kings and Sanatana Dharma.

    * The image states , in Tamil, that the Pandya Kings /Poets conclave Tamil Sangam had established a separate shrine for the Poets in Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple and the Mahabharata was translated in Tamil

    They had two fishes as their emblem.

    Of fighting with Indra,

    Sage Agastya as their family Preceptor.

    Lord Shiva ss their Family member,

    Defeating Arjuna,

    These copper plates are in two languages.

    A Portion in Grantha Sanskrit and another Tamil’s earlier form Vattezuthu.

    Brahmi script is also found.

    ‘These are two of the four sets of Pandya copper plate grants discovered so far and are herein published for the first time.  The Velvikudi grant of Parantaka Nedunjadaiyan has been edited by me in the Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XVII, pp. 291 to 309 and the Madras Museum Plates of Jatilavarman, by the late Rai Bahadur V. Venkayya in the Indian Antiquary, Vol. XXII, pp. 57 to 75.  These four, studied together, furnish a genealogy of the Pandyas from the early king Kadungon, who is said to have flourished at the close of the first Sangam of Tamil poets, down to Rajasimha-Pandya the contemporary of the Chola king Parantaka I, who reigned at the commencement of the 10th century A.D.

    One of the Pandya kings is said to have occupied the throne of Indra (v. 4) and another to have shared it with that god, and still another, to have caused the Ten-Headed (i.e., Ravana of Lanka) to sue for peace (v. 5).  One was a conqueror of the epic hero Arjuna (v. 7).  Verse 8 refers to a king who cut off his own head in order to protect that of his master and also to a certain Sundara-Pandya who had mastered all the sciences.  Many kings of this family had performed Vedic sacrifices Rajasuya andAsvamedha (v. 9)….

    The Tamil portion which begins with line 76 also praises the Pandya kings who belonged to the lunar race and bore the crest of the double fish, had Agastya as their family preceptor and counted the god (Siva) as one of the their family members.

    Other deeds.

    (1) churning the ocean for nectar ;

    (2) bathing in the waters of the four oceans in a single day ;

    (3) going round the earth ;

    (4) sending embassy to the gods on many occasions;

    (5) taking away the necklace of Pakasasana (Indra) ;

    (6) mastering the Tamil language of the south ;

    (7) driving away the sea by throwing a javelin ;

    (8) giving a thousand golden hills (Meru) in charity ;

    (9) founding the town of Madura and erecting a wall round it ;

    (10) studying Tamil and Sanskrit (vada-moli) as even to excel Pandits ;

    (11) leading elephants in the Bharata war against the Maharathas ;

    (12) relieving Vijaya (Arjuna) from the curse of vasu ;..

    13) engraving the victorious symbols of the fish, the tiger, and the bow on the top of the Northern mountain, i.e., the Himalayas ;

    (14) getting huge giants to work for them in building many tanks ;

    (15) cutting off the heads of two kings in the battles fought at Chitramayari and Talaiyalanganam ;

    (16) getting the Mahabharata translated into Tamil ; and

    (17) establishing the Tamil Sangam in the town of Madurai.

    Reference.

    http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_3/copper_plates_at_tirukkalar.html

    The three Pandya kings Perumbidugu Muttaraiyan alias Kuvavan Maran, his son Ilangovadiyaraiyan alias Maran Paramesvaran, and his son Perumbidugu Muttaraiyan alias Suvaran Maran mentioned in the Sendalai pillar inscriptions of about the 8th century A.D. do not appear in this genealogy.  Theyevidently belonged to a subordinate branch of the family and were perhaps kings of the southern Tanjai country, ruling almost independently of the imperial Pandyas at Madras and sometimes fighting with them.  See Ep. Ind., Vol. XIII, pp. 136 and 137.

    [2]  Spelt Chinnamanur in the Alphabetical list of villages  in the Madras Presidency.

    [3]  Ep. Ind., Vol. VIII, p. 317 f.

    [4]  See Ind. Ant., Vol. XXII, p. 59 and foot-note 4.

    [5]  The Tamil portion gives many more of such attributes to the Pandya ancestors; see below p. 443.

    [6]  Valmiki-Ramayana, Uttarakanda, chapter 34.

    [7]  Valmiki-Ramayana, Uttarakanda, chapter 34.

    [8]  Dr. Krishnaswami Ayyangar suggest, however, that Vilveli here may probably be synonymous with Pallava, since Tirumangai-alvar in his Periya-Tirumoli makes Villagan synonymous with Pallava.  But it must be noted that Vilveli is different from Villavan.

    [9]  Ep. Ind., Vol. XVII, pp.  298 and 295.

  • Aswatthama, The Curse Of Immortality Narayanastra

    I often tell my friends and children that living for  long time is painful.

     

    Ashwatthama use Narayanastrajpg
    Ashwatthama use Narayanastra.

     

    For , beyond a certain age, say after 50 years , everything that happens is Life to an individual, is ‘Action Replay’

     

    One would have seen and gone through nearly all aspects of Life.

     

    And there are no surprises .

     

    To live through the same thing in Life, is monotonous.

     

    One more factor is that even if one wants to take leave of this world, it is not in one’ hands.

     

    I have observed that it is those who have a zest for Life and want to live more, die suddenly .

     

    On the other hand those who feel that they have served their time seem to live and linger on.

     

    It is painful if one falls ill and depends on others for discharging daily functions.

     

    Imagine remaining Immortal!

     

    Nothing can be more painful than this.

     

    And if you were to be cursed to be alone and wander alone..!

     

    This has happened to Aswathama, son of Dronacharya.

     

    Aswathama was agreat warrior.

     

    During the Mahabharat War, Drona was killed by  Dhristathyumna against whom Drona vowed not to bear arms.

     

    Aswathama could not come to terms with it.

     

    As the war drew a to a close, Duryodhana was also killed by Bhima by dubious means, of hitting Duryodhana below the waist in a mace fight.

     

    Duryodhana lay dying a mountain stream.

     

    Aswatahama, angered at this, used an Astra and had all the children of Pandavas killed, save Parikshit who was saved by Krishna.

     

    Duryodhana abused Aswatahama informing him that Children had nothing to do with war and anyway the children of the Panadavas were as much his own,that Aswathama wiped out his own clan by killing these children.

     

    And he died.

     

    Aswathama became more agitated.

     

    He came to the war field and sent in Narayanstra.

     

    There are three powerful Astras.

     

    Brahmastra, Pasupatastra and Narayanstra.

     

    Naranaystra is the most powerful and to my knowledge this is the only instance where it was used.

     

    This astra would wipe out every thing in the universe nd there is no stopping it.

     

    At the time of Aswataham sending down this Astra Narada and Vyasa, who were present in the battle field warned not to use Narayanastra.

     

    Despite this warning Aswathama sent the Astra.

     

    It started destroying everything in its wake , starting from the Heavens.

     

    Arjuna was speechless.

     

    Krishna advised every one that the only way to stop the astra is to lay down Arms and prostate before it.

     

    Everyone did so.

     

    The Astra did not hurt any one and came back to Aswathama asking him to assign a Target, failing which it would kill him.

     

    Aswathama could not retract the Astra as he did not know how to retract it, knew only to send it.

     

    Krishna asked Arjuna to take the Astra and aim it.

     

    Arjuna told Krishna that he knew nothing about Narayanastra.

     

    Narada told him,

     

    Krishna tells you, do it’

     

    Astra has to have a Target,

     

    Either it is your life or the Emerald in Your Head. (This emerald is precious and ensures success)

     

    Aswathama assigns the Emerald as the target.

     

    Arjuna takes it.

     

    Then Vyasa and Narada cursed Aswathama,

     

    You shall remain a Chiranjeevi, Immortal through out the Time Cycle.

     

    You shall remain till the end of Prakrutha Pralaya.

     

    And you shall wander the forests, friendless.

     

    A lesson in both how killing children is the greatest t sin and how half baked  knowledge is dangerous.

     

    Hoe Rajapakshe heard this story before killing children in Lanka.

     

     

     

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  • Weapons Used In Mahabharata War List

    The Mahabharata war between the Kauravas and Panadvas was of epic proportions and it lasted for eighteen days.

    Millions were killed and only a few remained alive after the war.

    Please read my post on this.

    What were the weapons used and with what effect?

    The war started on Kartheeka Bahula Amavasya (end of the Kartheeka and the start of the Margasira lunar month), moon on Jyesta star, on Tuesday early morning.( This is under dispute, I shall be posting on this)

    Solar eclipse also happened on that day and this Muhurth was kept by SriKrishna himself.

    As usual Krishna did not directly fix the Muhurta.

    Mahabharata War.Image.jpg.
    Mahabharata War.

    Sahadeva fixed it and Krishna manipulated the Solar Eclipse to happen a Day earlier, knowing well it was started on the Day of Solar Eclipse the one who  chooses that date  would win.

    Duryodhana was tricked into fixing this date.

    This day was not the Amavasya, when Solar Eclipse happens, but a Day earlier.

    This Amavasya is called the Bodhayana Amavasya.

    Asi , Special Sword of Brahma.

    Brahma performed a Yagna, when a demon-like being sprang from the midst of the sacrificial fires scattering flames all around.

    His teeth were sharp and terrible, stomach lean and skinny ,very tall ,slim and very powerful.

    Simultaneously, the earth started shaking, there were turmoil in the oceans, the forceful winds started howling all around, the trees started falling and being torn apart, and the meteors started blazing through the skies!

    Brahma declared: The ‘being’ I have conceived is Asi. It shall effect the destruction of the enemies of the gods and restore the Dharma.

    Upon this, the creature assumed the form of a blazing, sharp-edged sword, glowing like the flames at the end of the Kalpa.(Shantiparva,Mahabharata)

    Sudarsan Chakra.

    2.Vishnu/Krishna’s Disk.

    Though Krishna vowed not to bear arms in the mahabharata War, he became angry at the rate Bhishma was killing the Pandava Sena, He bore the Disk on His hand .

    As Bhishma Bowed and prayed Krishna reminding subtly that He had vowed not to bear arms Krishna withdrew it.

    3.Chentu.

    A chentu is a horse whip which looks like a crooked stick, and is a typical attribute of  Lord Ayyanar, Krishna in his aspect as Rajagopala, and Shiva with Nandi.

    The attribute of chentu, which is etymologically derived from a Tamil word, generally appears in Southern India, especially in Hindu images of Tamil Nadu state, India.

    This was used by all the warriors in the War.

    4.The elephant/hathi goad or Ankusa (Sanskrit) .

    A tool employed in the handling and training of elephants. It consists of a hook (usually bronze or steel) which is attached to a handle.

    The hook is inserted into the elephant’s sensitive skin, either slightly or more deeply, to cause pain and induce the elephant to behave in a certain manner.

    5.Kandiva, the Bow of Arjuna.

    This was given to him by Agni after Ajuna allowed Agni(Fire) to devour the Kandava Forest.

    This was kept in the custody of Varuna.

    Beside Lord Krishna no one except Arjuna could wield the bow in the mortal world.

    6.Khatvanga is a long, club or staff created to be used as a weapon.

    It is a divine weapon of polysemic significance and accoutrement of chthonic deities and ‘left-handed path’ (Sanskrit: vamamarga) holy people in

    Dharmic Traditions such as Shaivism.

    7.Narayanastra.

    One of the three Great weapons of Mass destruction, others being Brahmastra, Pasupatastra, Narayanstra would destroy anything and the only way to escape its wrath is to drop all the weapons and prostrate before it.

    Aswathama used it unsuccessfully and under instructions from Krishna Arjuna had it withdrawn.

    8.Brahmastra-Though not used in the Mahabharata war, it is one of the Great weapons.

    Please read my post on this.

    9.Pasupathstra.

    Though this was obtained by Arjuna from Lord Shiva, Karna from Parasurama, Arjuna did not have the occasion to use this and Karna could not as he

    was cursed to forget the launching Mantra, by Parasurama.

    10.Aindra astra:
    Presiding Deity: Indra, the god of weather
    Weapon’s Effect: Would bring about a shower of arrows from the sky.

    Used by both the sides.

    11.Varunasta.

    Presiding Deity,Varuna, Water.

    This will ensure heavy downpour.

    12.Vayvastra,

    Presiding Deity, Vayu, God of Wind.

    This will create uncontrollable winds.

    13.Vasvi astra: A deadly weapon like Pasupata.

    Karna used this.

    14.Vajra: Indra’s favorite weapon.
    Arjuna used this.

    15.Indrastra.

    A powerful missile used to scatter the opposing army.
    Users. Arjuna,Drona, Ashwatthama, Yudhishthira.

    16.

    Naga astra:
    Presiding Deity: The Nagas
    Weapon’s Effect: The weapon would have an un-erring aim and take on the form of a snake, proving deadly upon impact.

    Karna used this unsuccessfully against Arjuna.

    Krishna saved Arjuna from its wrath.

    Apart from these traditional weapons like Sword, Spear, Bows and Arrows, Gada, Dagger were used.

    Citation.

    http://thekarna.wordpress.com/2013/06/29/ancient-weapons/

    http://www.chakranews.com/powerful-spiritual-and-physical-weapons-from-ancient-hindu-texts/2762p

    Image Credit.

    http://mahabharathascience.blogspot.in/p/weapons-of-mass-destruction.html

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  • Why Bhishma Was To Be Protected,

    While addressing his troops, preparing them to fight the Epic Battle of the Mahabharata,Duryodhana asks them to protect Bhishma, the Grand Sire, at all costs.

    Bhishma.
    Bhishma.

    Bhishma is warrior par excellence who challenged even the mighty Parasurama, an Avatar of Lord Vishnu and the duel ended in a stalemate.

    Read my post filed under Hinduism.

    Why such a great warrior has to be protected by the troops?

    Bhishmacharya vowed not to bear arms against women.

    In the Pandava army there was Sikandi.

    She was born to Draupada.

    Draupada, being issueless ,prayed Lord Shiva and He granted that Draupada will beget a Girl and later turn into a Boy.

    Sikandi was born a Girl, but Dhrupad hid the fact, brought her up as a Man and let it be known that it was a Boy.

    The Girl was married off to  Hiranyavarma’s daughter.

    Hiranyavarma’s daughter came to know that her husband was not a man but a woman.

    Humiliated , Sikandi entered the forest with the intention of committing suicide.

    There  Yaksha,Sthoonakarna , gave Sikandi hid manliness, made him a man for a temporary period.

    Sikandi returned Home and made his wife happy .

    Meanwhile,Sthoonakarna was cursed to remain as a Girl by Kubera, Lord of Wealth.

    Thus Sikandi came to remain as a Man.

    Bhishma knew the History of Sikandi , and vowed that he could not bear arms against him as he born a Girl.

    This is the reason why Duryodhana wanted Bhishma to be protected by his troops in the sense that Sikandi was to be prevented from nearing Bhishma.(The Bhgagavad Gita 1/10)

    Lord Krishna ensured that Sikandi was pitted directly against Bhishma and Arjuna killed Bhishma.

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