Latest news with #Nataraja
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
PM Modi links Shaiva philosophy to Chandrayaan-3 landing site during Aadi Thiruvathirai festival
ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi Emphasising that India's heritage and the influence of Shaiva philosophy are no longer confined to its geographic borders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday recalled that when India became the first country to land near the Moon's South Pole, the designated lunar site was named "Shiv-Shakti" and is now recognised globally. Speaking at the valedictory function of the 'Aadi Thiruvathirai' festival at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, held to mark the birth anniversary of King Rajendra Chola I, the Prime Minister said, "India's Shaivite tradition has played a vital role in shaping the nation's cultural identity. The Chola emperors were key architects in this cultural development, and Tamil Nadu continues to be an important centre of vibrant Shaivite heritage." He highlighted the legacy of the Nayanmar saints, their devotional literature, Tamil contributions, and the influence of the Adheenams. He said these traditions sparked a new chapter in India's spiritual and social his recent meeting with the Dikshitars of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, the Prime Minister said they had presented him with a sacred offering from the temple, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his Nataraja said the Nataraja symbol reflects both India's philosophy and scientific foundations. The Prime Minister added that a similar Ananda Tandava idol of Lord Nataraja adorns Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, where global leaders had gathered during the G-20 summit in 2023. PM Modi said the world is facing instability, violence, and environmental crises, and that the Shaivite philosophy could offer meaningful solutions. Referring to the teachings of Tirumular, he said, "Anbe Sivam," meaning "Love is Shiva," could help resolve many global problems if widely accepted. He added that India is advancing this philosophy through the motto 'One World, One Family, One Future.'He said modern India takes pride in its heritage. "Today, India is guided by the mantra of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi,' and modern India takes pride in its history," the Prime Minister also said that efforts have been made to recover India's cultural artefacts. "Since 2014, more than 600 ancient artefacts have been repatriated from various countries around the world," he said, adding that 36 of these items belonged to Tamil Nadu. "Many valuable heritage items, including Nataraja, Lingodbhavar, Dakshinamurthy, Ardhanarishwara, Nandikeswara, Uma Parameshwari, Parvati, and Sambandar, are once again adorning the land," he the event, PM Modi also released a commemorative coin in honour of Rajendra Chola year's celebration also marks 1,000 years since Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and the beginning of construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a major example of Chola architecture. Rajendra Chola I (1014-1044 CE) was among India's most powerful rulers. His empire expanded across South and Southeast Asia. He built the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple after his military campaigns and made the town his capital. The temple served as a centre of Shaiva worship and administration for over 250 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its sculptures, bronzes, and inscriptions. The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival also celebrates the Tamil Shaiva Bhakti movement, supported by the Cholas and immortalised by the 63 Nayanmars--the saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism. Rajendra Chola's birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), began on 23rd July this year, making the festival even more special.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
PM Modi links Shaiva philosophy to Chandrayaan-3 landing site during Aadi Thiruvathirai festival
Emphasising that India's heritage and the influence of Shaiva philosophy are no longer confined to its geographic borders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday recalled that when India became the first country to land near the Moon's South Pole, the designated lunar site was named "Shiv-Shakti" and is now recognised globally. Speaking at the valedictory function of the 'Aadi Thiruvathirai' festival at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, held to mark the birth anniversary of King Rajendra Chola I , the Prime Minister said, "India's Shaivite tradition has played a vital role in shaping the nation's cultural identity. The Chola emperors were key architects in this cultural development, and Tamil Nadu continues to be an important centre of vibrant Shaivite heritage." Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Others Digital Marketing MCA Technology MBA Cybersecurity PGDM Public Policy Leadership Data Analytics Design Thinking Product Management CXO Healthcare Data Science Operations Management Artificial Intelligence others Finance Data Science Project Management healthcare Degree Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT-ISB Transforming HR with Analytics & AI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 28 Weeks MICA CERT-MICA SBMPR Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 months IIM Lucknow SEPO - IIML CHRO India Starts on undefined Get Details He highlighted the legacy of the Nayanmar saints, their devotional literature, Tamil contributions, and the influence of the Adheenams. He said these traditions sparked a new chapter in India's spiritual and social development. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold Container Homes in Laguna - Prices You Won't Believe! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Recalling his recent meeting with the Dikshitars of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, the Prime Minister said they had presented him with a sacred offering from the temple, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his Nataraja form. He said the Nataraja symbol reflects both India's philosophy and scientific foundations. The Prime Minister added that a similar Ananda Tandava idol of Lord Nataraja adorns Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, where global leaders had gathered during the G-20 summit in 2023. Live Events PM Modi said the world is facing instability, violence, and environmental crises, and that the Shaivite philosophy could offer meaningful solutions. Referring to the teachings of Tirumular, he said, "Anbe Sivam," meaning "Love is Shiva," could help resolve many global problems if widely accepted. He added that India is advancing this philosophy through the motto 'One World, One Family, One Future.' He said modern India takes pride in its heritage. "Today, India is guided by the mantra of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi,' and modern India takes pride in its history," the Prime Minister said. He also said that efforts have been made to recover India's cultural artefacts. "Since 2014, more than 600 ancient artefacts have been repatriated from various countries around the world," he said, adding that 36 of these items belonged to Tamil Nadu. "Many valuable heritage items, including Nataraja, Lingodbhavar, Dakshinamurthy, Ardhanarishwara, Nandikeswara, Uma Parameshwari, Parvati, and Sambandar, are once again adorning the land," he noted. During the event, PM Modi also released a commemorative coin in honour of Rajendra Chola I. This year's celebration also marks 1,000 years since Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and the beginning of construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a major example of Chola architecture. Rajendra Chola I (1014-1044 CE) was among India's most powerful rulers. His empire expanded across South and Southeast Asia. He built the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple after his military campaigns and made the town his capital. The temple served as a centre of Shaiva worship and administration for over 250 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site , known for its sculptures, bronzes, and inscriptions. The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival also celebrates the Tamil Shaiva Bhakti movement, supported by the Cholas and immortalised by the 63 Nayanmars--the saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism. Rajendra Chola's birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), began on 23rd July this year, making the festival even more special.
News18
5 days ago
- General
- News18
Vastu Tips: 5 Photos You Should Never Keep At Home
Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian system of architecture, has gained popularity in recent years. Many people now design and decorate their homes based on Vastu principles to attract peace, prosperity, and positivity. But did you know that certain pictures or artworks, whether placed knowingly or unknowingly, can bring negative energy into your home? Sinking Ship or Boat: Never hang a picture of a sinking boat or ship. According to Vastu, such imagery can symbolise failure and instability. It is believed to block career growth and even cause financial losses or business setbacks. (News18 Gujarati) Nataraja Statue or Image: Nataraja, a fierce form of Lord Shiva performing the Tandav dance, represents destruction and struggle. While spiritually significant, displaying this posture at home, especially in living spaces, can invite disruptive energies. It is best avoided for a peaceful domestic environment. (News18 Gujarati) 3/5 Picture of a Rose Plant: Although roses symbolise love, the thorns are associated with negativity. Vastu Shastra discourages placing pictures of thorny plants like rose bushes inside the house. They are believed to cause financial stress, conflicts, and difficulties in both personal and professional life. (News18 Gujarati) 5/5 Crying Child: A picture of a crying child may seem artistic or emotional, but according to Vastu, it should never be kept at home. Such imagery is believed to bring sadness, tension, and poverty. On the other hand, pictures of smiling children are thought to attract joy and positivity. (News18 Gujarati)
The Hindu
01-07-2025
- The Hindu
Thousands of devotees throng Chidambaram to take part in Aani Thirumanjanam festival
Devotees from Cuddalore and neighbouring districts witnessed the car procession at the Sabanayagar Temple, popularly known as Natarajar Temple in Chidambaram, during the Aani Thirumanjanam festival on Tuesday. Five cars carrying the processional-cum-presiding deity, Lord Nataraja, and his consort goddess Sivagamasundari, Lord Vinayaka, Lord Subramaniya, and Lord Chandigeswarar rolled out of the temple premises at around 8 a.m. The devotees pulled the cars through the town, covering four streets. After the procession, Lord Nataraja and goddess Sivagamasundari were brought to the 1,000-pillar mandapam at the temple, where special pujas were performed. This is one of the two important annual 10-day festivals during which Lord Nataraja is taken out in procession along the four streets in the temple town — the other being Arudra Darshan. Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements were put in place by the Cuddalore district police. A huge posse of police personnel had been deployed in Chidambaram for the festival.
The Hindu
19-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Behind the maligned Muyalagan
Recently, I visited the bronze gallery at the Government Museum in Chennai. It consists of three floors, and houses of some of India's most exquisite ancient sculptures. The mezzanine is almost entirely devoted to bronzes of Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva. Sometimes referred to as 'the thief who stole my heart', on my visit it was not Nataraja who caught my attention but Apasmara, the figure upon whom the Lord stands. It is he who stole my heart. Depicted across the centuries in a variety of 'trampled poses', sculptors have almost always had him point at the viewer — his direct gaze seeming to say something. This pitiable figure led me down a rabbit hole of reading, to explore his symbolic role in the grand iconography of the lord of dance. Understanding Apasmara Apasmara is the name given to the figure in iconographic texts. It combines the words smara, meaning memory, and apa, the negation of it — together meaning forgetfulness. Forgetting is a common human lapse, so why was it depicted as something trampled underfoot? The metaphor's gravity intensified when I learned that in Tamil, Apasmara is called Muyalagan, which translates to epilepsy. In Ayurveda, I discover, the word is described as 'a psychosomatic disorder involving memory, intellect and mind, and present with cardinal features such as transient loss of memory, abnormal movements of body and blackouts'.Ayurvedic texts list it among the eight mahagadas or most dreadful diseases. This deepened my confusion. Did a neuropsychiatric imbalance truly deserve such harsh treatment? Apasmara is also said to represent ignorance, arrogance, abnormal movement, spiritual inertia, delusion, attachment to the material world, and ego. These symbolic meanings invited deeper reflection, especially on how the law treated mental imbalance. What the law says The legal framework governing mental health in India is currently defined by The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which replaced the Mental Health Act of 1987. The addition of 'care' in the title signals a shift towards supporting individuals needing mental health support. This change was influenced by India's ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol in 2007, which came into force on May 3, 2008. Section 2(1)(s) of the 2017 Act defines mental illness as 'a substantial disorder of thinking, mood, perception, orientation or memory that grossly impairs judgment, behaviour, capacity to recognise reality or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life, mental conditions associated with the abuse of alcohol and drugs'. It excludes mental retardation, described as 'a condition of arrested or incomplete development of mind of a person, specially characterised by subnormality of intelligence'. Given the complexity of human behaviour, how does one apply this broad definition? Section 3 states 'nationally or internationally accepted medical standards (including the latest edition of the International Classification of Disease of the World Health Organisation) as may be notified by the Central Government' to be the determinant factors of mental illness. The Act clarifies that a person's background, or non-conformity with prevailing social, moral, cultural, work-related, political, or religious norms cannot qualify as grounds for diagnosis. Unclear standards More than eight years after the Act's passage, the Central Government is yet to notify specific criteria for determining mental illness. When questioned in the Rajya Sabha, the government cited health as a state subject, sidestepping its obligation under Section 3 to refer to internationally accepted medical standards, specifically those set by the World Health Organization (WHO), for defining and diagnosing mental illness. The WHO's Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 defines mental disorders broadly: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, dementia, substance use disorders, intellectual disabilities, and developmental or behavioural disorders like autism and epilepsy. It highlights the concept of vulnerable groups — individuals or groups made vulnerable by their social, economic, or environmental circumstances. These include households living in poverty, people with chronic illnesses, maltreated children, adolescents exposed to substance use, minority and indigenous populations, the elderly, those facing discrimination or human rights abuses, LGBTQIA+ persons, prisoners, and individuals affected by conflict, natural disasters, or other humanitarian emergencies. This expansive definition is worrying as the 2017 Act provides no definite criteria of determining who may avail of the legislation's benefits, leaving the decision to psychiatrists or nominated representatives. The strengths and gaps The 2017 Act empowers those with mental illness, allowing advance directives on care and treatment preferences and easing access to medical establishments. However, these directives don't extend to matters concerning property. When it comes to legal rights over actions and property, 'person of unsound mind' remains a key term. While Indian law has long provided safeguards for such individuals, courts hold that not all mental illnesses qualify; 'legal insanity'refers to a condition when 'the cognitive faculty must be so destroyed as to render one incapable of knowing the nature of his act or that what he is doing is wrong or contrary to law.' The ambiguity is concerning because some provisions could restrict fundamental liberties, such as forced admission to mental health facilities, or may be misused to evade responsibility. I sought to understand how law and the Lord view mental instability. The 2017 Act discourages segregation, promoting integration into mainstream society. Yet the Nataraja iconography draws a stark contrast between the poised deity and the unstable Muyalagan. This separation is literal — Muyalagan is crushed underfoot. But if the intent is control over instability, wouldn't the Lord have held Apasmara gently in his hand? Control is distinct from conquest. If Apasmara stands for arrogance, isn't arrogance often a prelude to justice? If he represents ignorance, does not ignorance precede wisdom? If he signifies inertia, is movement not born from stillness? And if he embodies ego, isn't it needed to appreciate humility? If Apasmara is not a demon to be destroyed but a metaphor for a mental state, then does the iconography of Nataraja risk making him the much-maligned Muyalagan? The Bengaluru-based writer is an author and curator, and a lawyer by profession.
