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India Today
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- India Today
Yogi Adityanath's earrings: A window into Nath Sect traditions
On the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's birthday, attention often turns to one of his most striking features-his earrings. Far from being just decorative, these earrings have deep roots in ancient yogic traditions, carrying profound spiritual meanings connected to immortality, protection, and inner Adityanath is a committed ascetic and spiritual practitioner. His earrings reflect his identity as a yogi and are linked to traditions where such ornaments are believed to channel spiritual energy and guard the wearer against negativity. In ancient Indian beliefs, particularly among yogic practitioners, ear ornaments symbolise the awakening of consciousness and a disciplined spiritual tradition is tied closely to the Kanphata Yogis, an ancient sect of ascetics. George Weston Briggs, in his book Gorakhnath And The Kanphata Yogis, writes, "The distinctive marks of the sect of the Kanphatas are the split-ears (kan-phata) and the huge earrings. In the final stage of their ceremony of initiation, a specially chosen guru, or teacher, splits the central hollows of both ears with a two-edged knife (or razor). The slits are plugged with sticks of nim-wood; and, after the wounds have healed, large rings (mudra) are inserted. These are a symbol of Yogi's faith. Some explain that in splitting the ear a nadi (mystic channel) in the cartilage is cut, thus assisting in the acquirement of yogic power. The Yogi, wearing the mudra, becomes immortal." The initial rings are often made of clay. According to a legend, "Gorakhnath cut holes, three inches long, in Bhartri's ears and inserted ear-rings of clay. Some Yogis continue to wear earthen rings. But, since these are easily broken, others more durable substances are usually substituted. The element of value also enters into the use of more substantial rings."advertisementThe origins of ear-splitting and wearing rings vary across legends. One tradition traces the practice to Gorakhnath, a revered to Briggs, "It is said that Siva ordered Parvati to split Gorakhnath's ears, initiating the practice. Additionally, two followers, Karkai and Bhuskai, are believed to have received permission from Gorakhnath to split each other's ears, symbolising their spiritual commitment. This agreement took place at a sacred shrine on the road to King Laj, a site every accomplished yogi is expected to visit. Gorakhnath is also reported to have split the ears of Bhartri, further solidifying his association with this custom."Another version credits the tradition to Macchendranath, the guru of Gorakhnath. Briggs writes, "The Aipanthis of Hardwar say that Macchendranath, when he began to preach Yoga, by order of Mahadeo, saw that Siva had his ears split and that he (Siva) wore the great rings. Macchendra, thereupon, longed to have similar rings himself. He began to worship Siva and so pleased the god that his desire was granted. Macchendranath was then ordered to split the ears of all who should become his disciples."A separate legend claims that during Macchendranath's incarnation as a fish, he already had rings in his ears. In Puri, it is believed that the command to split ears came from Macchendranath practice also connects with the Aughars, followers of Gorakhnath who haven't undergone full initiation. Briggs explains, "Aughars are followers of Gorakhnath who have not undergone the final ceremony of having their ears split. A legend is current which serves to justify them not completing initiation. Once, two siddhas (perfect Yogis) tried to split the ears of a candidate who had been at Hing Laj; but they found that the slits closed as fast as they were made. So they gave up the attempt. Since then Aughars have dispensed with the custom. It will be seen, further on, that while many Aughars contemplate completing their initiation, there is a division of Gorakhnathis who always remain Aughars."Must Watch
Daily Record
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The Wanted's Max George gives health update following second major heart surgery
The star had heart surgery initially in December and then again in February. Max George has given his fans a health update after he had his second heart surgery. Back in December, The Wanted singer was rushed into hospital when his mum noticed he had turned blue. Doctors told the 36 year old that his heart was dangerously weak, and just before Christmas he had to be fitted with a pacemaker. Max's girlfriend, EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, 23, has been supporting him during his recovery and was also by his side when he had to have a second heart operation in February. The second surgery meant that Max had to cancel a planned live show with The Wanted's new two-member lineup, which includes bandmate Siva Kaneswaran. However, Max's recovery has been going well, meaning he can get back out to work and has even hit the road on tour with Maisie. The pair toured the UK in Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds and Max will also be back on stage with Siva. In an update, Max explained his is now feeling "great", he told Heat magazine: "It's probably taken me until about the last two weeks to almost fully recover where I feel normal." "When I wake up in the morning, my energy's much higher now. I'm getting there. It's taken a while, but I feel really good." Bandmate Siva added: "You've come a long way. I'm very proud of you. You should have seen him in January or February, we're very lucky that he's recovered very fast... I'd let him know if he was lagging!" Max said that his theatre tour was "tiring" because he was still in recovery. "It was more stubbornness than anything because I really wanted to experience doing that show with Maisie so I was going to do it no matter what." The singer insisted he is now in a "really, really good position" regarding his health and is ready for his tour with Siva. "I'm just ready for this now and it feels so natural that, even when I'm not 100%, I still feel great doing it," he said. The Wanted was made up of Max, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Nathan Sykes and the late Tom Parker who tragically died in 2022 at the age of 33 following a cancer battle. However, Max and Siva decided to continue performing. Max and Siva formed 'The Wanted 2.0' and Max announced last year that he would be hitting the road with his bandmate to entertain fans across North America as well as the UK. Due to his health, Max had a setback as he had to undergo a second emergency surgery after his pacemaker was fitted incorrectly. He shared that he had to go to hospital again to fix the issues, and admitted that he was going through a 'pretty rough time.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Daily Mirror
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Max George gives one-word health update after major heart surgery
The Wanted singer Max George has shared a heath update following his second major heart surgery after a terrifying health scare last year as he shares how life's changed Max George has issued an update on his recovery after undergoing two major heart surgeries. The Wanted singer, 36, was rushed to hospital in December when his mum noticed he had turned blue. The terrifying health scare saw Max being told his heart was dangerously weak, and he was fitted with a pacemaker just before Christmas. Girlfriend Maisie Smith, 23, has been by Max's side throughout his recovery and was by his side for the second heart operation in February. The additional surgery forced Max to cancel a live show with The Wanted's new two-member lineup, which includes bandmate Siva Kaneswaran. Thankfully, Max has made huge progress in his recovery and has even hit the road on tour with Maisie. The pair toured the UK in Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds and Max is also returning to the stage with Siva. In an update, Max explained his is now feeling "great". "It's probably taken me until about the last two weeks to almost fully recover where I feel normal," he told Heat magazine. "When I wake up in the morning, my energy's much higher now. I'm getting there. It's taken a while, but I feel really good." Bandmate Siva added: "You've come a long way. I'm very proud of you. You should have seen him in January or February, we're very lucky that he's recovered very fast... I'd let him know if he was lagging!" Max admitted his theatre tour was "tiring" because he was still in recovery. "It was more stubbornness than anything because I really wanted to experience doing that show with Maisie so I was going to do it no matter what." The singer insisted he is now in a "really, really good position" regarding his health and is ready for his tour with Siva. "I'm just ready for thgis now and it feels so natural that, even when I'm not 100% I still feel great doing it," he said. The Wanted, is made up of Max, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Nathan Sykes and late Tom Parker who tragically died in 2022 at the age of 33 following a cancer battle. However, Max has been performing under a spin-off outfit since last year. Joined by Siva to form The Wanted 2.0, Max announced last year that he would be hitting the road with his bandmate to entertain fans across North America as well as the UK. Due to his health, Max had a setback as he had to undergo a second emergency surgery after his pacemaker was fitted incorrectly. He shared that he had to go to hospital again to fix the issues, and admitted that he was going through a 'pretty rough time.' The singer shared a photo of himself lying in a hospital bed with headphones on, with wires and monitors attached to his body. He then followed up with himself in a bathroom after the second surgery, showing a fresh scar on his chest underneath a tattoo of his late bandmate Tom Parker 's date of birth. Alongside the photo, Max wrote: 'A few weeks ago I had to go back into hospital after having some physical symptoms in my chest. It turned out that one of the leads was placed too far into my heart. The second surgery took about 2 hours. Luckily, it was a success and they kindly let me listen to Oasis the whole time. "It's been a setback, but it's just one of those things. I've had a few complications the last couple of months but I'm having loads of tests to make sure everything is all good. "It can take a few weeks / months for the inflammation of my heart to subside (myocarditis) but I'm sure I'll be back on top form in no time! Thanks everyone for all your lovely messages and support through what's been a pretty rough time. Means a lot.'
New Indian Express
03-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Exploring the ancient Siva temples of Pazhaiyanur
The ancient village of Pazhaiyanur, located very close to Thiruvalangadu which is famous as the home of Siva worshipped as Vataranyeshwarar, also has two ancient Siva temples, one for Kailasanathar and the other for Thazhuvi Kuzhandishwarar. Pazhaiyanur village was famous and the entire area, in the Chola times, was called Pazhaiyanur Nadu. Inscriptions from the Vataranyeshwarar temple in nearby Thiruvalangadu mention that it was part of Pazhaiyanur and situated in Menmalai Pazhaiyanur Nadu, which was part of Jayankonda Chola Mandalam. A famous 11th century copper-plate inscription from Thiruvalangadu, belonging to the reign of Rajendra Chola I mentions that Pazhaiyanur was also called Puranagrama. Interestingly, the same inscription mentions the name of Vataranyeshwarar as Pazhaiyanur Amma. It is also noteworthy that an epigraph in the Thirusaktimutram temple, close to Kumbakonam, mentions a gift of livestock and lampstands by Vedavanam Udaiyan Karunakara Devan from far away Pazhaiyanur, clearly mentioned as being located in Pazaiyanur Nadu in Jayankonda Chola Mandalam. Over the centuries, Pazhaiyanur has become far less famous than Thiruvalangadu. The Kailasanatha temple in Pazhaiyanur village, which is small in size and much modernised, faces east, but the entrance, which is only a gate, is on the south. The central sanctum, enshrining a Siva Lingam, has a mandapam in front. Adjacent to the main shrine is one for Parvati, worshipped as Parvartavardini, facing south. In the prakaram (enclosure), are sanctums for Ganesa and Subramanya. A Chola inscription discovered on the east wall of the Kailasanatha temple refers to an agreement by people connected with the temple of Kailayamudaiya Nayanar for a lamp in this shrine. Another temple in Pazhaiyanur for Siva, worshipped as Thazhuvi Kuzhandishwarar, is also small in size. Once again, the entrance is from the south with no gopuram but only a gateway, while the temple faces east. The wide prakaram has an entrance leading to the sanctums inside. Straight ahead is a mandapam which leads to the south-facing shrine for Goddess Parvati, called as Anandavalli Amman while to the right is the sanctum enshrining the Siva Lingam worshipped as Thazhuvi Kozhundishwarar, facing east. The mandapam enshrines the images of the four important Siva devotees — Appar, Thirugnanasambandar, Sundaramurti and Manikkavachakar, collectively called Nalvar and also Vinayaka. Shrines for Lakshmi Narayana, Vinayaka, Subramanya and Chandikeshwara are seen in the prakaram and also a lovely Nandi on the east who gazes at Siva in the principal sanctum through a perforated stone window in the wall.
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Hans India
2 red sanders smugglers get 5-year jail
Tirupati: RSS (Red Sanders Special) ADJ court on Thursday sentenced two red sanders smugglers for five years imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 9 lakh on each of the smugglers. According to prosecution, RSASTF (Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task force) team arrested the smugglers while smuggling red sanders logs in the forest area of Nagapatla, Tirupati division. Smugglers - Gouse Basha and Siva from Chandragiri were prosecuted in the ADJ court. Judge Narasimha Murthy upheld the prosecution and sentenced the duo for five years imprisonment. Following the conviction, they were handed over to the authorities of Nellore Central prison. Taskforce SP Srinivas appreciated the taskforce team, who effectively persuaded the case with strong evidence resulting in the conviction of smugglers.
