Kumari Kandam - Part 3 (Submergence of Kapatapuram)

Lost History of Ancient Tamils / Tamizhs - Submergence of Kapatapuram

            In Continuation from the Part 2 of Kumari Kandam
https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2019/12/kumari-kandam-ancient-tamilakam-part-2.html

      From the last two parts of Kumari Kandam, it is evident that Pandyan King Satyavrata headed as Vaivasvata Manu with the help of Matsya Avatar of Lord Vishnu and Adisesha. Saptarishis were also migrated along with the King to the Bharata Kandam. This post will elaborate details about submergence of Second Tamizh Sangam at Kapatapuram.

         Kumari Kandam contains 49 territories which were grouped as seven lands (Ezhuthangu nadu)

1. Seven Coconut Lands [Elu thenga nadu]
2. Seven Mango Lands [Elu maturai nadu]
3. Seven front sandy lands [Elu munpalai nadu]
4. Seven Back sandy lands [Elu pinpalai nadu]
5. Seven Dwarf palm lands [Elu kurumpanai nadu]
6. Seven Eastern Coastal lands [Elu kunakarai nadu]
7. Seven Hilly lands [Elu kunra nadu]

         In Kanyakumari district, there is a coastal place called 'Thengapattnam', which is named after dense coconut groves. 

        There were 72 kings of Pandyan empire who ruled Kumari kandam for more than 10,000 years. When their capital cities ThenMadurai and Kapatapuram was lost, some of the Pandya Kings have migrated towards North of Tamizhagam and some of them moved towards East and explored many countries. There are many places in the world, ruled by Pandyas which were named in the memory and honor of Kumari Kandam (which will be covered in subsequent parts).

   

he Pandya kings were said to have belonged to the Lunar race. They claimed Pururavas and Nahusha as ancestors. Pururavas is listed as one of the ancestors in the Velvikudi inscription of Nedunchadaiyan Varagunavarman.

The Pandya kings were said to have belonged to the Lunar race. They claimed Pururavas and Nahusha as ancestors. Pururavas is listed as one of the ancestors in the Velvikudi inscription of Nedunchadaiyan Varagunavarman.

he Pandya kings were said to have belonged to the Lunar race. They claimed Pururavas and Nahusha as ancestors. Pururavas is listed as one of the ancestors in the Velvikudi inscription of Nedunchadaiyan Varagunavarman.

        It is mentioned in the ancient book Kandapuranam that Kumari Kandam covers the land of 700 Kavatam from Pahruli river in the north to the Kumari river in the south. Kavatam is a measuring unit in Tamil, which is still unknown to all. 

Kavadapuram / Kapatapuram - The capital city of Pandyas during Second Tamil Sangam around 5500 BCE during Treta Yuga. It was situated at the northern side of Kumari kandam. It was a port city, originally located near Thoothukudi, which is now submerged under sea.

Kavatai - refers to a type of rich pearls, meaning grabbing. As the oyster grabs the pearls in the mouth, it was termed as kavatai. In Arthasastra, Chanakya refers to the Pearls from "PandyaKapatam".  
     
    Around 57 early Pandya Kings ruled Kapatapuram as their capital for 3700 years. Tolkappiyam was composed during the time of Second Tamizh Sangam at Kapatapuram / Kavadapuram. Several seals discovered in the Indus valley site mentioning about certain religious traditions cited in Tolkappiyam. This proves that Tolkappiyam belonged to the age of the last phase of the Indus valley civilization i.e. 1500 B.C. Almost all Tamil scholars agree that Tolkappiyam belonged to the last phase of the Second Tamil Sangam held at Kapatapuram, which was engulfed by the sea around 2000 B.C.E.

        Therefore, we may safely conclude that Tolkappiyam was written before the submergence, i.e before 2000 B.C.E. The social and cultural history of the Tamils in the ancient Tamil Land were portrayed in Tolkappiyam and it's been validated on the basis of the artifacts and other materials discovered from the megalithic sites in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

       The first phase of Second Tamizh sangam was dated between 5500 bce - 5000 bce, as 2000 bce was the last phase of second tamizh sangam. So, 5000 B.C.E has been fixed as the date of Kapatapuram, the second capital of the ancient Pandyas. The famous urn burial site Adichanallur is located 21 kms from Korkai. The ancient Korkai port was also called as 'Pandya Kavada' mentioned in 'Kallithogai'. Because this port was once located at the banks of Tamiraparani river near the seacoast and it was part of Kavadapuram / Kapatapuram. The capital city Kapatapuram was originally located near Thoothukudi, which is now submerged under sea. 

        In the last 2000 years, due to the excessive sedimentation, the sea has receded about 6km from Bay of Bengal, which pushed Korkai inland today, that is before the delta of Tamiraparani River. Also, in the course of time, Tamiraparani River has shifted its course towards East and South, earlier it used to mix with the sea near Thoothukudi. 

     The ancient site at Korkai was first excavated in 1827 by R. Caldwell, who found a few urns of giant size. Next, during 1968-69 a team of archaeologists led by R. Nagasamy conducted excavations at Korkai. They discovered a number of inscribed potsherd with Tamil scripts, various objects of copper and iron, perforated terracotta tiles, beads of crystal, conch shells, and pearl-oysters.

        Therefore, we may conclude that the Adichanallur which is 15km from Korkai port, was flourished along with the Kumari Land with its culture and even after the submersion of the latter by the sea.

First Kumari kandam was lost, then Kapatapuram was submerged. What was the reason for subsequent Mega Tsunamis ?? 

Here you go -  it's due to impact of Burckle Crater. A large asteriod / comet which was 29km in diameter, that could kill quarter of world's population smashed into Indian Ocean producing mega Tsunami of 600 feet high. 

        This impacted Indian Ocean around 3000–2800 BCE (around 5000 years ago). This has hit the ocean floor with subsequent mega tsunamis for 4000 years and it was the major reason for the mysterious collapse of major civilization in Asia and Europe during that time period. The waves carried huge amount of sedimentation to the land. Currently, this is lying 12,500 feet below the surface in Indian Ocean. 

     Based on some of the Tamil literatures, Second Tamizh Sangam of kumari kandam was destroyed and submerged by a meteorite impact. So, it is evident from Burckle crater that the event of mega tsunamis and flood were common in all these coastlines. 

       

 This crater has triggered many tsunamis and destruction of land along the coastal lines of India. One of the major such event is destruction and submergence of ancient city Dwaraka. Dwarka was also destroyed by mega Tsunami caused by the impact of this crater in Indian Ocean. Submergence of Dwarka and submergence of Kapatapuram has happened during the same time period 1500 - 2000 BCE, i.e 4000 years before (at the end of Dwapara Yuga).

    Unfortunately, the Early Pandyan capitals Thenmadurai and Kapatapuram, were violently hit by successive tsunamis and engulfed by the sea. The first Tamil Sangam functioned at Thenmadurai, the second at Kapatapuram, the third and the last sangam at the modern Madurai.

        Therefore, the Pandyas have  shifted their capitals first from the Thenmadurai to Kapatapuram and then from Kapatapuram to the present- day Madurai. As a result of this shifting, the Pandyas had three capital cities-Thenmadurai, Kapatapuram and modern Madurai and consequently by the assembly of poets also met in the Pandyan courts in these three places, which leads to the formation of three Tamizh Sangams.  

--To be continued...

- Aarthi Thiyagarajan

 Manusmriti about Women - Truth Exposed

What is Manusmriti ?

            Manusmriti meaning "Laws of Manu", also called as 'Manava - Dharma - Sastra'. Manu was this planet's First Law Giver and Manusmriti is the one of the foremost document on Hindu Dharma / Santana Dharma. It deals with set of rules for the humans to follow the path of Dharma and for the betterment of the peaceful society.

        Manusmriti was propounded by Pandya king Satyavrata along with sapta rishis after the great deluge. King Satyavrata was also popularly known as Vaivasvata Manu, the Seventh and current Manu. For more information about King Satyavrata and great flood reach out to the post 

https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2020/05/pandya-king-satyavrata-and-matsya.html?m=1

          Manusmriti prescribes 10 essential rules to follow dharma, Knowledge (Vidhya), Truthfulness (Satya), honesty ( asteya), Forgiveness (Kshama), Patience (Dhriti), self - control (dama), Sanctity (Shaunch), absence of anger, control of senses and reasoning. Manusmriti talks about code of conduct and follows dharma, it also talks about epistemology and metaphysics. 

These laws were more of code of ethics !! This Manava Dharma Shastra were followed all over the world and these has been absorbed into various other religions to follow the path of Dharma. 

      Please read the post completely to understand about the authentic verses of manusmriti and get enlightened about politics that revolves around this.

Dating of  Manusmriti:

         Manusmriti mentions about the Holy Saraswati River, which was flowing perennial in India. In those days, Saraswati river was considered as the holiest river than Ganges. This Saraswati river disappeared before Mahabharata War and it is older than Rig Veda. Now, one can get a picture about the period when it was composed.

Manusmriti About Women :

        Laws of Manu mandates that highest respect and regard should be given to women. 

Some of the verses are mentioned below..

यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवता:।

यत्रैतास्तु न पूज्यन्ते सर्वास्तत्राफला: क्रिया:।

Where Women are honored, divinity blossoms there, and where ever women are dishonored, all action no matter how noble it may be, remains unfruitful.

Yatra Narestu pujyantey ramantey tatra devata

Yatreta too na pujyantey sarva tatrafla kriya. (Manusmriti 3-56)

Meaning: The correct meaning of the verse is: Gods (who stand for divine qualities, good deeds, sweet nature and blessings for the family, for obedient children and other coveted possessions) make their abode in the household in which women are treated with respect. 

Prajnarth mahabhaga pujhra grihdipatya

Istriya triyashc geheyshu na visheshosti kashchan (Manu Smriti 1-26).

It means that women bring good luck to a household through procreation; they deserve respect and reverence; they irradiate the house with their presence. In fact there is no difference between the goddess of wealth and women."

SON AND DAUGHTER HAVE EQUAL STATUS

"Those unacquainted with Manu's code will be pleasantly surprised to be informed that Manu is the first law-giver to have ordained that son and daughter enjoy an equal status in the family. He has given this concept a constitutional validity. He says: “putrena duhita sama” (Manu Smriti 9-130) which means that daughter is at par with son in every respect."

Avishashna putrnam dayo bhavti dharmata

Mithunana visergadoo manu svembhuvobriveet(Nirukta iii-1-4)

It means in the beginning of the creation Svayambhu Manu ordained and declared that there is equal right for son and daughter in the ancestral parental property. Manu has infact enhanced the importance of girls in the house-hold by laying down that only daughters (and not sons) are entitled to inherit the personal property of the mother(Manusmriti IX-131)".

STRINGENT PUNISHMENT FOR CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN

"Manu has tried to ensure the security of women by laying down that the kidnappers and killers of women should be awarded capital punishment and the rapists be banished after being tortured (VIII-323, IX0232, VIII-352). Manu has given clear instructions for the redressal of all difficulties, big or small, facing women. Men have been instructed not to quarrel with mother, wife and daughter (IV-180). There is a provision for punishment to persons levelling false charges against them; to those deserting women even when they are innocent; to those who fail to fulfil conjugal obligations towards women (VIII-275,389, IX-4)."

 MARITAL FREEDOM TO WOMEN

"Manu has an ideal approach on the subject of marriage of women. He has conceded to her the freedom of marrying a man of her choice who in her opinion is the most suitable for her (IX-90,91). Marriage is a symbol of affection and respect for girls and, therefore, according to Manu dowry in any form is highly improper and hence forbidden(III-51-54). Earnestly wishing for happiness to women he suggests that it is better to remain unmarried lifelong than to marry a wicked and vicious man (IX-89)."

Also, Manusmriti states that Hindus should leave 7 generations from fathers side and 5 generations from mother side before fixing up a marriage, to preserve the integrity of Y chromosome

Chapter 3.56. The society that provides respect and dignity to women flourishes with nobility and prosperity. And a society that does not put women on such a high pedestal has to face miseries and failures regardless of how much noble deeds they perform otherwise.

Chapter 3.57. A family where women remain unhappy due to misdeeds of their men is bound to be destroyed. And a family where women are always happy is bound to prosper forever.

Chapter 3.58. A family- where women feel insulted or discriminated against and curse their menfolk- is destroyed in same manner as poison kills all those who eat it.

Chapter 3.59. One desiring glory should ensure that he keeps women in the family by giving them respect and pleasing them with good ornaments, dresses, food. Women should always be revered under all circumstances.

Chapter 3.62. A person who does not keep her wife happy causes misery for entire family. And if wife is happy, entire family appears as happiness incarnate.

Chapter 9.26. Women give birth to next generation. They enlighten the home. They bring fortune and bliss. Hence women are synonymous to Prosperity. (Women in family is treated as Kula Devata)

  Now, Manu already declares that women is equal to goddess and should be treated with highest regard and Respect. Then, why he has to contradictingly write against his own words ?? It's clearly proving that FAKE verses have been inserted to this book for political purpose.

For a moment, let's leave Manusmriti and just think about the stories that traveled from our ancestors, did they degrade women ?

1. If Women were slaves and had no freedom, then how did SWAYAMVARAM happened in those days? . Women had rights to ask question and choose her husband.

2. In those days, Queen of the land had much power to rule. Do the FIRST LADY of the country is having such power now ? 

3. Women of the Royal King's family were involved in all political decisions and even in warfare. Girls from the childhood learnt Martial arts as one of the Kala. Is these are being followed in modern times  ?

     The answer to these question proves that Women were powerful and respected in those olden times than Modern times. They all followed Manusmriti.

For example: In Ramayana Rama destroyed Ravana with whole demon clan and in Mahabharta disrespecting Draupadi was the cause for destruction of whole kauravas.

FAKE MANUSMRITI IN POLITICS:

    From the past one decade Manusmriti has been ridiculed for the objectionable verses, which was inserted by Foreign funded agents for the sake of divide and rule politics. 

    Only translated version of Fake manusmriti has gone viral (the one which is degrading Women). WHERE ARE THE AUTHENTIC VERSES? 

    DO WE HAVE ANY PROOF FOR WOMEN SLAVERY THAT HAPPENED DURING PRE VEDIC AND VEDIC AGE?

    MANU WAS NOT A RACIST. ORIGINAL MANUSMRITI DID NOT DEGRADE WOMEN. 

1. If manusmriti is bad mouthing and degrading women, why should the mighty King Ellalan was honoured by the title 'Manu needhi cholan' ? This proves that ManuSmriti was also followed by Dravidians !

2. Along with Manu, sapta rishis were also propounded manusmriti. Sage Agastya / Agasthiyar was one of them. Now, are we going to say sapta rishis were also not dignified towards women ?

    Manusmriti has been translated in a biased mindset with ulterior political move of DIVIDE AND RULE concept. There is no concept of UNTOUCHABLITY in INDIA until the British people arrives. 

       Mahatma Gandhi in his book entitled ‘Varna Vyavastha’ accepts that the objectionable verses found in the Manusmriti are subsequent motivated insertions. Dr.Radhakrishnan, Rabindranath Tagore and other national leaders and scholars too are of the same opinion.

       A FAKE manusrmiti document was cooked by British to divide Hindus, they picked many atheist politician for this purpose. Laws of Manu concerning Dalits and Laws of Manu concerning Women are completely fake and inserted into the book, to divide Hindus and milk votes from particular group of people. These actions had eventually triggered people's emotions and was strategically used during election times for VOTES. 

    It's time for the Hindus to wake up from the baseless allegations of self-centered and biased politicians.  

         In a religion where 4 marriages are legally allowed, Women should wear Burkha, Triple talaq for easy Divorce etc etc, THESE AREN'T DEGRADING / SLAVING WOMEN ??? If the politicians are really concerned about the respect of the Women in the Society, please raise your voice against these current issues prevailing in other religions.. Will it be done ??? 

NO!!!! They won't ! How can they go against their funded parties !! 

       Always only HINDUISM is being ridiculed every time, why not  other religions ?? Are we Hindus are really self - loathing ?? Why should we disown Manusmriti which was the root of Hindu culture ?? People tend to believe the twisted versions of Manusmriti raised by politicians rather than validating them.

     Every time, during Elections one or other concepts / books of Hinduism is being ridiculed and creating a big chaos among the people.

        Enough of the manipulating concepts of Hinduism for cheap political motives and Votes !! Why this Ban on Manusmriti is really coming up now ?? Election time ??? 

    Nowhere in Hinduism women were disrespected. Smriti and Vedas, Upanishadas declared Woman as Goddess and form of Shakti, and should be respected in all circumstances. In Short, Women is the Heart of Hinduism. Be Proud to have Rich Culture, Traditions, Knowledge, Science, Arts....

- Aarthi Thiyagarajan

Musical Pillars !!

Musical stone pillars in the world  !!

        In South India, Carnatic Music is considered as Sacred and musicians are highly regarded. It is the oldest form of classical music. Samaveda is the origin for Carnatic Music, one can easily find the references of music in the sculptures of Indian temples.

 The stone sculpture of the below picture shows, one man playing Mridangam and a woman playing a Yazh, a classic string instrument.

  Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni... One can hear these sound notes from Vocal Singing and Musical instruments, But can these be heard from STONES ??? Yes, these swaras can be heard from the Musical stone pillars of few magnificent temples in South India. Stones play musical octaves !!

                  Music from stones - its a MAGIC !!!, this shows the artistic and scientific knowledge of highly skilled people of Ancient India. This magic won't happen anywhere outside India. There are various ancient traditional temples in South India where the pillars of which has the magical power to generate the sounds of these 7 swaras. Even today, tourist tap on these pillars to hear the musical sounds. South Indian temple architecture, stone antiquities and workmanship has always been a pride for India, in addition to that, these musical stone pillars in the temple added one more feather to the cap. The logic and scientific method behind the music from these stone pillars are still mystery to the World !!!

          Now, let's see the marvelous ancient south Indian temples with outstanding architecture and their mysterious musical stone pillars. 

Sthanumalayan Shiva Temple - Suchindram, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu

               This temple is important for devotees of both Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Sthanu - means Lord Shiva, Mal - mean - Lord Vishnu and Aya - means Brahma, one can see trinity of gods here. It is known for its sculptural wealth, which exhibits the Hindu mythologies and stories about this temple. The interior of the Dravidian style temple complex is skillfully carved with many scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata Epics. 

Temple Gopuram

Intricate carving in the Temple Gopuram

          Musical pillars of Suchindram is famous across the world.  These pillars are situated at Alankara Mandapam (Alankara complex) of this temple, there are four musical pillars carved out of single stone with the height of 18 feet each. The stone pillars of Alankara Mandapam emits sounds of various musical notes when its beaten accordingly.  

                                 Musical pillars at Alankara Mandapa              

            Apart from the sound of seven swaras, these pillars also produces the sound of Tabla and Chenda instruments. This temple is an architectural wonder of the world, music from stone pillars are amusing millions of tourists visiting this place and the technique behind sound from these pillars are still a mystery. Infinite Knowledge and workmanship of Indian architects are highly admirable  !!!

                  

 Vijaya Vittala Temple -  Hampi, Karnataka

                       Vijaya Vittala temple in Hampi is one of the ancient temple of South India. The main deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu. It is the epic center of Hampi's attraction, it is also known for its amazing architecture, grand complex, stone chariots, musical pillars and unmatched craftsmanship. It's the most magnificent and grandest temple in Hampi. 

              The notable feature of Vittala temple is the Musical pillars. There are 56 musical pillars situated at a large Ranga Mandapa (complex) . They are also called as SaRaGaMa pillars, which emits Sa Re Ga Ma swara sounds.

                           

 There are seven thin pillars circulate around one thick pillar at the center. Each of these emits sounds of different musical notes. Each thick pillar gives supports to the ceiling of the Mandapa.

Ranga Mandapa with ceiling

             One can actually hear the music notes, if you tap on them gently. These seven minor pillars emit different musical notes , each note from these pillars produce different sounds , they will also change itself as string and wind instrument while being played / tapped. 

                The reason behind rhythmic sounds from these stone pillars are unknown. Many white invaders and Mughals tried to destroy the richness of the temple by lighting fire on these pillars. But it just reduced the decibel of the music, the sound was not stopped. During British reign, they cut two pillars to know the logic behind and what's there inside, but they only saw an empty pipe in that. 

              

            From time to time, this temple has witnessed many invasion of rulers. Today, this temple is also called as 'Ruins of Hampi', though many invaders tried to destroy the glory of this temple, they couldn't succeed it completely, they destroyed some of the structures and wall, but couldn't ruin more due to its hardness and toughness, That is the strength of this outstanding temple!.  Not only the architecture and craftsmanship, the construction quality was also so strong that it is still standing majestically with pride of Mastery of Indians. 

Nellaiappar Kovil - Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

                  Nellaiappar kovil is one of the most prominent temple located at Tirunelveli city of Tamil Nadu.  Lord Shiva is named as 'Nellaiappar' in this temple, Nellaiappar means 'Protector of Paddy', in Tamil 'Nel' means Paddy. There is mythological story for this temple, which will be covered in my next post.

           It is known for its countless exotic stone carved sculptures, extensive corridors adorned with towering pillars carrying intricate carvings. The thousand pillar hall is famous for its architectural excellence. This temple represents Tamara Sabha (Copper Hall), one of the famous five halls where Lord Shiva has performed the cosmic dance. It is more than 1300 years old with marvelous architecture and mystifying musical stone pillars dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Cosmic Dancer who keeps the universe vibrating with his rhythmic beats.

              The musical pillars in Mani Mandapam which produces musical swaras with various pitches when struck. Mani Mandapam got its name from a hanging bell in the middle of the mandapam, each huge musical pillar was carved out of single rock comprises of small columns around. This mandpam (hall) is placed before the Main deity hall, it was designed in such way that musical prayer will be performed in front of God and for cultural events. 
                These pillars occur in cluster and set manner such that vibrations are generated from the neighboring pillars, when one pillar is tapped. There is a center thick pillar consisting of 48 small thin pillars carved from one piece of stone.  

There are three types of musical pillars.

Type Sruti - can produce musical swaras , basic seven notes

Type Gana - Produce basic tunes that make carnatic Ragas 

Type Laya - Produce Tala (Rythmic beats) when tapped

Also structurally there are two kinds of music pillars,

Tapping Pillars - music is produced from the stone pillar while tapping on it with fingers

Blowing Pillars - Sound is produced by blowing into the holes of the stone pillars

               The musical stone pillars at this temple is unique, because it was designed in the combination of Sruti and Laya types.  Nobody knows the intelligence of how these were designed to resonate musical frequency. 

Meenakshi Amman Temple - Madurai, Tamil Nadu

                Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple is considered as one of the Wonders of the World, for its gigantic tall Gopuram (Tower), rich sculptures, high walls, artistic ceiling and tales embedded with each of them. There are four entrances for this temple facing four directions , the colorful intricates on the outer Gopurams never failed to impress the first time visitors. 

            

 It is a vibrant and rich beauty of Dravidian style architecture, with an estimate of around 33,000 sculptures in this temple.

             It takes one separate post to write about the glory of this temple. So, now coming to the topic of musical pillars, there are five musical pillars just outside the hall of 1000 pillars. There is grand hall named as 'Hall of 1000 pillars' (Aayiram Kaal Mandapam in Tamil), it actually contains 985 sculpted pillars.

                These pillars were arranged brilliantly that from whatever angle one looks from within, the pillars looks in rows and rows. 

                 The pillars at the beginning and at the end of the rows are the bigger ones with small pillars surrounding them and the one at the bottom could also be rolled. These are musical stone pillars, which produce musical notes while tapped. Today, It is not allowed to tap on these pillars now, in order to preserve them.

Musical pillar at Meenakshi Amman Temple

Alwar Tirunagiri Temple -  Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu

               It is famous Vishnu temple in Tamil Nadu. It was flourished during Pandya dynasty. The main attraction of this temple is its musical pillars, here both tapping and blowing pillars are found. 

            The stone Nagaswaram (Double Reed wind instrument) is one of the interesting feature of this temple. There are many other temples in South India, where you find musical pillars.

            The heritage sites are the excellent examples to show infinite knowledge of Indian artisans and their skilled workmanship. Sculptures of many musicians and music instruments are found on the walls of temples, which shows the wealth of carnatic music from ancient times.

  These striking temples and stupendous architecture evinces that the Carnatic Music was considered highly divine and integral part of our culture. 

- Aarthi Thiyagarajan