Ayurvedam is not only the science of preventive health and healing, but also the philosophy of living. It is not merely a system of treating by symptoms; rather curing by removing the cause of malady from the rich legacies left us by Rishis, the holy bards of ancient India. They culled their information from the cosmos, the western medicine sprang from microscopic examination of the Microcosm, Ayurvedam arose from the microscopic examination of the Macrocosm, the sublime embracing silence that contains all knowledge and the sacred memory of all time.
As a treatment method, it is based on the theory of "tridosham" by which we can assess the condition of the body, and can select the drug and method of treatment. In developing the process, Ayurvedam is classified into eight branches - Ashtaangams, namely kaayachikitsa (general medicine), baalachikitsa (paediatrics), grahachikitsa (psychiatry), oordhwangachikitsa (ENT), salyachikitsa (surgery), damshtrachikitsa (toxicology), jarachikitsa (geriatrics) and vrishachikitsa (aphrodisiac treatment).
Ayurvedam has a well-developed materia medica, describing more than 1,500 plants. Apart from other states, Kerala - the green house of India - has developed Ayurvedic system into a mainstream health care system.
Ayurvedam is the Indian vision of health. Its aim is to increase longevity without diseases and to live with the natural health.
Ayurvedam is a science as well as philosophy. As a science it is accepted as a system of medicine and has been practiced in Indian subcontinent since 6000 B.C. Even after this eight millennium the relevance of this medical science still persist not only in India but other countries of the world. WHO has accepted Ayurvedam as a complimentary and alternative system of medicine. Among the alternative systems Ayurvedam is pioneer being the world’s first medical system. In India, government has taken adequate steps to promote this system. As a medical system, education, hospital services, nursing care, dispensaries, clinics, pharmaceuticals etc. are coming under Ayurvedam in India. In other countries, it was accepted as complimentary or alternative system of medicine rather than pure system of medicine.
As a philosophy it can inco-operate with any school of thought, which aim health and longevity. So it includes the fields of Food, Exercises, Sex, Beauty etc. Also it can associate with education, publication, Academic & Research, Business, Tourism etc.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Temples of Kerala
Temples of Kerala
The Southern State of Kerala has much to offer in terms of its hoary temple tradition. Kerala temple architecture is unique, and it is in harmony with the natural resources and the climatic conditions of the region. Elephants are an integral part of several of the festivities. A colorful calendar of festivals and strict worship protocols are associated with the hundreds of temples that line the landscape of Kerala.
Kerala Temple Architecture: What is it that sets the temples of Kerala apart from those elsewhere in the Indian subcontinent? Study Keralite temple architecture.
Kerala Temple History: Experience the old world charm of Kerala temples. Study the origin and evolution of the Keralite temple architecture.
Temples of Kerala associated with the Tamil Alwars - Eleven temples of Kerala are associated with the Tamil Alwar saints of the 1st millennium CE. The Pancha Pandavas and Kerala: Five temples of Kerala are believed to have been built by the Pandava Princes. Aranmula, known for its water carnival is the best known of these. Tiruvanchikkalam and the Tamil Nayanmars: Tiruvanchikkalam has been revered by Sundaramoorthy Nayanar and Cheraman Perumaal of the 1st millennium CE.
The Padmanabhaswamy temple at Tiruvanandapuram is a serene center of worship and a veritable art gallery as well. Sabarimala - where millions converge: Shasta is enshrined in Sabarimala - pilgrimage to which shrine requires austerities.
At Mannaarsaala near Haripad near Trivandrum, a snake grove is held in regard as a place of worship. Tiruvinjikode near Thrissur has four images of Vishnu in a single shrine with the associated legend that they were installed by the Pandava princes. Chotranikkara - Bhagawati Temple: Bhagawati is one of the most worshipped deities in Kerala. Visit this well known Bhagawati temple at Chottanikara.
Guruvayur : The Sree Krishna temple here attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Naraayaneeyam the acclaimed sanskrit classic extols this shrine. The Krishna temple at Trichambaram in Northern Kerala enshrines Krishna, has a rich tradition of festivals. The Ambalappuzha Krishna temple is one of the well known temples dedicated to Krishna in the state of Kerala.
The Krishna temple at Tripunitura near Ernakulam is associated through legend with the Pandava hero Arjuna. The Subramanya temple at Haripad enshrines an imposing image of Skanda. The Udayanapuram Subramanyar temple is closely associated with the Vaikom Mahadevar temple nearby.
The Vadakkunnathar temple at Thrissur enshrines Shiva, Sankaranarayana and Rama and is one of the largest temple complexes in Kerala. The Ettumaanoor Mahadevar temple is one of the triad of Shiva temples associated with the legends related to the demon Khara and is adorned with exquisite murals. The Vaikom Mahadevar temple is a vast temple rich in legend, architecture and festivals.
Shiva is worshipped as the divine physician at the Vaidyanatha temple in Taliparamba. The Rajarajeswara temple at Taliparamba has legends associated with the Ramayana. The Kottayam Tirunakkara Mahadeva temple has Vaikom to its north and Ettumaanur to its south.
The name Ernakulam is said to be derived from a legend related a Shivalingam worshipped by Arjuna. The Kozhikkode Tali temple is an ancient one rich in legend. The Tiruvangad Rama temple is one of the well visited Rama temples in Kerala and is rich in legend and traditions.
The Triprayar Rama temple in the vicinity of Thrissur is an architecturally beautiful temple. The Vilvamala hill temple in Northern Kerala bears shrines dedicated to Rama and Lakshmana. The Sangameswara Koodalmanikyam temple at Irinjalakkuda in Kerala is a one of a kind temple dedicated to Bharata the brother of Rama.
Along with the Navamukunda temple at Tirunavai are located temples dedicated to Shiva and Bhrahma across the Bharatapuzha river. Tiruvalla near Kottayam houses an ancient temple dedicated to Vishnu - Valabbha and is rich in heritage and tradition. The Vamanamurthy temple at Trikakkara near Irinjalakkuda is associated with the Onam festival tradition of Kerala.
The Kumaranallur temple near Kottayam is home to a Bhagawati temple tied through legend with Madurai, Tamilnadu. The Chengannur Mahadeva - Bhagawati temple is a large temple complex rich in legend and tradition. The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur enshrines Bhagawati - considered to be a manifestation of Kannagi of the Tamil epic Silappadikaaram.
The Lakshmana Perumal temple at Moozhikkalam is dedicated to Lakshmana, brother of Rama and has been venerated by the Tamil hymns of the Alwar saints.
The Kerala Temple Index: Browse through this pointer to over one hundred temples of Kerala.
The Southern State of Kerala has much to offer in terms of its hoary temple tradition. Kerala temple architecture is unique, and it is in harmony with the natural resources and the climatic conditions of the region. Elephants are an integral part of several of the festivities. A colorful calendar of festivals and strict worship protocols are associated with the hundreds of temples that line the landscape of Kerala.
Kerala Temple Architecture: What is it that sets the temples of Kerala apart from those elsewhere in the Indian subcontinent? Study Keralite temple architecture.
Kerala Temple History: Experience the old world charm of Kerala temples. Study the origin and evolution of the Keralite temple architecture.
Temples of Kerala associated with the Tamil Alwars - Eleven temples of Kerala are associated with the Tamil Alwar saints of the 1st millennium CE. The Pancha Pandavas and Kerala: Five temples of Kerala are believed to have been built by the Pandava Princes. Aranmula, known for its water carnival is the best known of these. Tiruvanchikkalam and the Tamil Nayanmars: Tiruvanchikkalam has been revered by Sundaramoorthy Nayanar and Cheraman Perumaal of the 1st millennium CE.
The Padmanabhaswamy temple at Tiruvanandapuram is a serene center of worship and a veritable art gallery as well. Sabarimala - where millions converge: Shasta is enshrined in Sabarimala - pilgrimage to which shrine requires austerities.
At Mannaarsaala near Haripad near Trivandrum, a snake grove is held in regard as a place of worship. Tiruvinjikode near Thrissur has four images of Vishnu in a single shrine with the associated legend that they were installed by the Pandava princes. Chotranikkara - Bhagawati Temple: Bhagawati is one of the most worshipped deities in Kerala. Visit this well known Bhagawati temple at Chottanikara.
Guruvayur : The Sree Krishna temple here attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Naraayaneeyam the acclaimed sanskrit classic extols this shrine. The Krishna temple at Trichambaram in Northern Kerala enshrines Krishna, has a rich tradition of festivals. The Ambalappuzha Krishna temple is one of the well known temples dedicated to Krishna in the state of Kerala.
The Krishna temple at Tripunitura near Ernakulam is associated through legend with the Pandava hero Arjuna. The Subramanya temple at Haripad enshrines an imposing image of Skanda. The Udayanapuram Subramanyar temple is closely associated with the Vaikom Mahadevar temple nearby.
The Vadakkunnathar temple at Thrissur enshrines Shiva, Sankaranarayana and Rama and is one of the largest temple complexes in Kerala. The Ettumaanoor Mahadevar temple is one of the triad of Shiva temples associated with the legends related to the demon Khara and is adorned with exquisite murals. The Vaikom Mahadevar temple is a vast temple rich in legend, architecture and festivals.
Shiva is worshipped as the divine physician at the Vaidyanatha temple in Taliparamba. The Rajarajeswara temple at Taliparamba has legends associated with the Ramayana. The Kottayam Tirunakkara Mahadeva temple has Vaikom to its north and Ettumaanur to its south.
The name Ernakulam is said to be derived from a legend related a Shivalingam worshipped by Arjuna. The Kozhikkode Tali temple is an ancient one rich in legend. The Tiruvangad Rama temple is one of the well visited Rama temples in Kerala and is rich in legend and traditions.
The Triprayar Rama temple in the vicinity of Thrissur is an architecturally beautiful temple. The Vilvamala hill temple in Northern Kerala bears shrines dedicated to Rama and Lakshmana. The Sangameswara Koodalmanikyam temple at Irinjalakkuda in Kerala is a one of a kind temple dedicated to Bharata the brother of Rama.
Along with the Navamukunda temple at Tirunavai are located temples dedicated to Shiva and Bhrahma across the Bharatapuzha river. Tiruvalla near Kottayam houses an ancient temple dedicated to Vishnu - Valabbha and is rich in heritage and tradition. The Vamanamurthy temple at Trikakkara near Irinjalakkuda is associated with the Onam festival tradition of Kerala.
The Kumaranallur temple near Kottayam is home to a Bhagawati temple tied through legend with Madurai, Tamilnadu. The Chengannur Mahadeva - Bhagawati temple is a large temple complex rich in legend and tradition. The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur enshrines Bhagawati - considered to be a manifestation of Kannagi of the Tamil epic Silappadikaaram.
The Lakshmana Perumal temple at Moozhikkalam is dedicated to Lakshmana, brother of Rama and has been venerated by the Tamil hymns of the Alwar saints.
The Kerala Temple Index: Browse through this pointer to over one hundred temples of Kerala.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Valluvanad - Central Kerala
Walluvanad was an erstwhile princely state in present state of Kerala in south India extending from the Nila River (Bharathapuzha River) in the south to the Panthaloor Mala in the North. On the west, it was bounded by the Sea at Ponnani and on the east by Attapadi Hills. In malayalam Valluvan Means Pulayans. Nad mean land. So the land of Valluvan (Pulayan) is Valluvanad. History can be interpreted thus.
Capital
The capital of the erstwhile Waluvanad was at the present day town of Angadipuram, which is now famous for its Thirumandhamkunnu Temple. During the British period, the capital was moved to Perinthalmanna, a few km from Angadipuram.
[edit] The State
Walluvanad Rajavamsam is considered to be of very ancient lineage. 'Unnu Neeli Sandesam' and 'Unni Yadi Charithram' contain a mention of Vallabha Kshiti (Home of Vallabha), which, by all indications, is likely to be Walluvanad. There is a belief that Walluvanad Kings are descendants of a Pallava prince "Sreevallabha". He moved the entire family from Srevilliputhur in north Tamilnadu to the area around the Nila River about the year AD 300. The eldest person in the family is called Sree Vallabhan or Valluvakonathiri. In most records, the hierarchy was called Arangot Swaroopam.
The four branches of this family, namely Aripra, Ayiranazhi, Kadannamanna and Mankada are now in Mankada panchayat, Perinthalmanna taluk, Malappuram district.
Among the male members the eldest sthani[1] is titled Valluvakonathiri and the rest four were "Vellalpadu", "Thachalpadu", "Idatharapadu" and "Kulathur Thampuran" respectively. Another sthani is nominated by Valluvakonathiri and is called "Patinharakkara Thampuran". He has rights over some landed property and privileges. The eldest Thampuratti[2] of the family is called "Kulathur Thampuratty" and the next eldest is called "Kadannamootha Thampuratty". These eldest five male members and eldest two female members are eligible for malikhan[3] Apart from this, the eldest female members of each Kovilakom have their own rights and privileges.
Capital
The capital of the erstwhile Waluvanad was at the present day town of Angadipuram, which is now famous for its Thirumandhamkunnu Temple. During the British period, the capital was moved to Perinthalmanna, a few km from Angadipuram.
[edit] The State
Walluvanad Rajavamsam is considered to be of very ancient lineage. 'Unnu Neeli Sandesam' and 'Unni Yadi Charithram' contain a mention of Vallabha Kshiti (Home of Vallabha), which, by all indications, is likely to be Walluvanad. There is a belief that Walluvanad Kings are descendants of a Pallava prince "Sreevallabha". He moved the entire family from Srevilliputhur in north Tamilnadu to the area around the Nila River about the year AD 300. The eldest person in the family is called Sree Vallabhan or Valluvakonathiri. In most records, the hierarchy was called Arangot Swaroopam.
The four branches of this family, namely Aripra, Ayiranazhi, Kadannamanna and Mankada are now in Mankada panchayat, Perinthalmanna taluk, Malappuram district.
Among the male members the eldest sthani[1] is titled Valluvakonathiri and the rest four were "Vellalpadu", "Thachalpadu", "Idatharapadu" and "Kulathur Thampuran" respectively. Another sthani is nominated by Valluvakonathiri and is called "Patinharakkara Thampuran". He has rights over some landed property and privileges. The eldest Thampuratti[2] of the family is called "Kulathur Thampuratty" and the next eldest is called "Kadannamootha Thampuratty". These eldest five male members and eldest two female members are eligible for malikhan[3] Apart from this, the eldest female members of each Kovilakom have their own rights and privileges.
God's own country
kerala
Kerala (Keralam) is a state on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India. To its east and northeast, Kerala borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; to its west and south lie the Indian Ocean islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives, respectively. Kerala is one of four states that compose the linguistic-cultural region known as South India.
First settled in the 10th century BCE by speakers of Proto-South Dravidian, Kerala was influenced by the Mauryan Empire. Later, the Cheran kingdom and feudal Namboothiri Brahminical city-states became major powers in the region. Early contact with overseas lands culminated in struggles between colonial and native powers. Finally, the States Reorganisation Act of November 1, 1956 elevated Kerala to statehood. Social reforms enacted in the late 19th century by Cochin and Travancore were expanded upon by post-Independence governments, making Kerala among the Third World's longest-lived, healthiest, most gender-equitable, and most literate regions.
The etymology of Kerala is disputed. The prevailing theory states that it is an imperfect portmanteau that fuses kera ('coconut palm tree') and alam ('land' or 'location'). Natives of Kerala ? Keralites ? thus refer to their land as Keralam. Other theories have the name originating from the phrase chera alam (Land of the Chera). Kerala's tourist industries among others also use the phrase God's own country.
Kerala (Keralam) is a state on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India. To its east and northeast, Kerala borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; to its west and south lie the Indian Ocean islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives, respectively. Kerala is one of four states that compose the linguistic-cultural region known as South India.
First settled in the 10th century BCE by speakers of Proto-South Dravidian, Kerala was influenced by the Mauryan Empire. Later, the Cheran kingdom and feudal Namboothiri Brahminical city-states became major powers in the region. Early contact with overseas lands culminated in struggles between colonial and native powers. Finally, the States Reorganisation Act of November 1, 1956 elevated Kerala to statehood. Social reforms enacted in the late 19th century by Cochin and Travancore were expanded upon by post-Independence governments, making Kerala among the Third World's longest-lived, healthiest, most gender-equitable, and most literate regions.
The etymology of Kerala is disputed. The prevailing theory states that it is an imperfect portmanteau that fuses kera ('coconut palm tree') and alam ('land' or 'location'). Natives of Kerala ? Keralites ? thus refer to their land as Keralam. Other theories have the name originating from the phrase chera alam (Land of the Chera). Kerala's tourist industries among others also use the phrase God's own country.
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