Adi Shankaracharya: The Resurgent Sun Of Sanatan Dharma
Today, as we commemorate the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, we reflect upon the extraordinary life and profound contributions of a sage who, in a short span, reshaped the spiritual landscape of Bharatvarsha and continues to inspire millions across the globe. Born in a time when the tenets of Sanatan Vaidik Dharma faced challenges, Shankaracharya emerged as a formidable scholar, tireless traveller, and brilliant philosopher whose teachings resonate with unparalleled clarity and depth even today.
Born in Kalady, a serene village in present-day Kerala, sometime around 200 BC or the 8th century CE (many scholars date him to the pre-Christian era), the young Shankara's life was steeped in legend from the very beginning. His father, Shivaguru, passed away early, leaving his upbringing to his devout mother, Aryamba. Even as a child, Shankara displayed an exceptional intellect and a deep yearning for spiritual knowledge. Stories abound of his prodigious memory, his ability to grasp complex scriptures with ease, and his unwavering determination to renounce worldly life in pursuit of ultimate truth.
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Experts examine 14th century inscription linked to Harihara II
Udupi: An unpublished 14th century inscription located in Hardalli-Mandalli village of Kundapur taluk has drawn renewed attention due to the collaborative efforts of scholars and local history enthusiasts. Found at Kambalagadde in Manigeri Bailu, on the farmland of Shekhar Shetty, the inscription was initially studied by the late historian B Vasantha Shetty. However, the publication of his research was cut short by his untimely demise. The inscription came back into focus when heritage enthusiast Purnima Kamalashile informed Vaishali GR, a PhD researcher at Tumkur University and assistant professor in the department of history at Government First Grade College, Bhatkal. Vaishali, along with Vivek Mityantara, a localite, visited the spot and Shashikumar Naik, a PhD scholar did the preliminary study on the was followed by further study and interpretation by Shruthesh Acharya Moodubelle, a researcher in history and archaeology. According to Acharya, the inscription opens with a hymn to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. It is dated to the reign of Harihara II (1377–1404 CE) of the Vijayanagara empire and is carved on a granite stone slab. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dermatologista recomenda: simples truque elimina o fungo facilmente Acabe com o Fungo Undo The upper portion features solar and lunar emblems, a Shiva linga flanked by a devotee seated in padmasana, and depictions of a lamp and Nandi. The inscription, written in 14th century Kannada script, contains 34 lines, although the lower section was partially eroded. The text eulogises King Harihara II with his royal titles and records a land grant made in the Saka year 1312 (1390 CE), during the rule of Mallapa Wodeya in the Barakur kingdom. The grant was made to Chaudappa, son of Jain Madarasa of Kundugula, by Varadeshwara Edahali (son of Vasu Edahali) and Kotiswara Edahali (son of Narana Edahali), from Haradavalli of Nalvattu Naadu. The inscription specifies the boundaries of the donated land and notes that 28 mudis of rice were given to Chaudappa. Additionally, the four Nayakas of Haradavalli offered 10 Kaati Gadyana Honnu (coins). It also describes annual offerings during Shivaratri including coconut oil to the deity Somayya (Someshwara) at Murukeri, 40 rice mudis to Lord Mallikarjuna at Madiyara, and naivaidhyas to Nandikeshwara. Importantly, the inscription asserts that the donation was made without any injustice. Other notable names mentioned include Chandra, elder brother of Shiva Kedila; Dhananjaya Kedila of Madiyara; Govinda Hebbara, and Keshava Bhatta. The final lines are damaged, but from the remaining legible characters, it appears to contain a traditional curse formula, often intended to deter tampering with the grant. Fieldwork for this study was further supported by local history enthusiasts Kancharti Rajeshwara Upadhyaya and Navan Shetty.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Renovation of Thiruvithamcode Arappally: One of the Oldest Churches in the World
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The exteriors feature terracotta roof tiles, while the mandapam is framed with latticework, and there are super-sized oil lamps carved out of stone nearby. This site is believed to be part of the Ezharappallikal (seven churches and four half-churches) grouping, founded by St Thomas, in the first century. Making sense of the origin of the shrine's name Arappally – it's not exactly a half-church, literally – takes a little bit of digging around. ' The shrine is called a royal church, as it has connotations with the Tamil word Arasan, which means king,' says Reverend Barsleebi Ramban, the vicar and manager of the church. 'It was built with the support of the royals. It is also known as Tharusayikkal Church, and refers to the Tarissa Chettikal, a Christian trader community of Thiruvithamcode that had sought the reconstruction of the church many centuries ago. ' Apart from the Thiruvithamcode Arappally in Tamil Nadu , there are three royal churches (Arappallikal) located in Malayattoor, Mylacombu, and Aruvithura in Kerala. Like many historic sites, the Arappally has not been immune to the ravages of time and neglect. Many artefacts that had been part of the church have been lost over the years. In 1941, when the church was found in an almost ruined state, the late Reverend Koottumkal Geevarghese Ramban took it upon himself to restore it to a state of prayer-worthiness. 'All that remain are the baptismal font (a receptacle for holy water) made of granite, which dates back to the days of the original church, located within the antechamber; a stone trough near the exit on the western wall, which served as a spot for the priests to wash their feet before entering the church; a holy casket; a Portuguese hanging lamp; and a panchaloha thurible (censer to burn incense). On the southern wall, a cross said to be carved by St Thomas is fixed. There is also a two millennia old well, which never dries up,' says the Vicar, who adds water from the well is said to be holy by the devout. Renovation of the Thiruvithamcode Arappally at 1 crore has begun, funded by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, which maintains the site. 'There are no structural changes being made to the church, but there are plans for expansion of the museum located within the heritage centre adjacent to it, which houses ancient coins, a mill stone, and gifts to the church such as a 15th century wooden table.' The church was proclaimed an international St Thomas Pilgrim Centre in 2007. But there's also the question of why such heritage sites are not designated protected monuments. The answer lies in the fact that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has certain criteria when it comes to designating monuments historically important. 'The monuments or buildings should not have undergone any structural modifications. Many places of worship like temples, churches and mosques lose their historical relevance owing to constant renovations and modifications, a result of these sites being continuously used by the public,' says D Dayalan, former director of monuments at ASI. Email your feedback with name and address to
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
A photography exhibition puts the spotlight on the oldest Buddhist site in Jammu & Kashmir
Artefacts yielded from an excavation of Ambaran between 1999 and 2000, an archaeological site in Jammu's Akhnoor, form the subject of an ongoing photography exhibition at Delhi's National Museum. Titled 'Ambaran: The Historic Buddhist Citadel of J&K' the show by journalist and photographer Vijay Kranti features images of terracotta heads, pottery, coral jewellery and silver coins. Situated on the bank of Chenab, the site is located at the entry point of Akhnoor, about 30 km north of Jammu. Kranti notes that the Buddhist site, most probably a monastery, remained active for about 900 years between the 2nd century BC and 7th century AD, a period belonging to the Pre-Kushan, Kushan and Post-Kushan Gupta periods. One of the photographs show a circular stone and brick base which helped archaeologists conclude the existence of a spoked wheel stupa. 'It was the most distinguishing proof,' the exhibition notes, adding, 'This circular base of eight-metre diameter, presents eight spokes, distributed in typical geographic Buddhist style, is supported on the outside by a 1.20 metre thick wall of baked bricks.' A version of the exhibition was showcased in 2011, first in Delhi and then in Jammu, after Kranti was invited by the late Congress politician from the state, Madan Lal Sharma, to photograph the findings in order to put Akhnoor on the map. 'As a photographer, I have always been interested in the Buddhist way of life, as a result of which I had extensively photographed Tibet and its people. When I was invited to photograph Ambaran, I was more than happy to take it up,' says Kranti adding, 'When I reached there, I realised that the artefacts lay scattered across different locations in Jammu.' While some were displayed in the small one-room Site Museum at Ambaran, some were at the Dogra Art Museum in Raja Mandi and others at the local ASI office in Gandhinagar. 'In the end, I had a good collection of artefacts to be photographed,' says Kranti. While the pottery items – basins, bowls, spouts, lids, lamps, storage jars – point towards a noteworthy terracotta workmanship, figure moulds show the skills of the artisans in carving statues and reproducing them in large number. If gold caskets evidence the burying of precious things along with bodies, iron nails establish the knowledge of metallurgy during this period. Besides photographs, the exhibition also features images of scenic locations from present-day Akhnoor, including the Gurdwara Shri Tapo Asthan, Jia Pota Ghat and the Akhnoor Fort. 'I believe Jammu has been left out of the tourist circle. I wanted to show people that there are equally beautiful, if not better, places there as well,' says Kranti. The exhibition closes on May 31.
