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Oppose When In Opposition, Support When Seated In Power: DMK’s Hypocrisy On Parandur Airport Project Exposed

By
The Commune
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Netizens share old clips in which DMK opposed greenfield projects when in opposition, while backing them now when in power.

Netizens heavily accused the ruling DMK government of hypocrisy, as they shared old videos of current Chief Minister MK Stalin and Sun News, the DMK’s media outlet, which previously peddled a narrative to oppose the former AIADMK government for selecting greenfield projects on agricultural land. This strategy was once used as a tool to gain power, yet the same party is now advocating for these greenfield projects, claiming they are essential for economic growth.

This comes against the backdrop of actor-turned-politician and TVK chief Vijay visiting farmers and protesters who have been demonstrating for over 900 days against the proposed Parandur airport project. Vijay expressed his solidarity with them during this visit, marking his first on-ground protest, where he engaged directly with the public. While his approach largely mirrored the DMK in opposition mode, which capitalized on people’s emotions against infrastructure projects to gain power, it reflects a similar political tactic.

Below are some instances of how the DMK opposed such projects in the past and has supported them once in power.

For instance, during a speech opposing the then-ruling ADMK, MK Stalin, the current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, criticized the proposed 8-lane highway project, claiming, “This project will affect 8,000 acres of agricultural land. A data shows it will require the destruction of 300 acres of forest, 8 mountains, and cause damage to more than 10,000 wells, 154 lakes, 316 small ponds, 20 schools, over 250 ancient temples, 30,000 coconut trees, 4,200 borewells, and 28,000 houses. Edappadi Palaniswami is pushing this project for mere commissions, despite the severe impact on lakhs of people, particularly the livelihoods of women and children. They are determined to implement this project by cutting down all green trees and taking away half- to one-acre lands from farmers. Today, if anyone tries to stop them, they are being attacked and arrested.”

In another video shared, MK Stalin had criticized the previous AIADMK regime, portraying it as anti-farmer. He remarked, “Is he a farmer? Under his regime, all the farmland of the farmers was expropriated just to secure mere commissions.”

Moreover, the DMK’s first family-owned media outlet, Sun News, played a significant role in promoting the narrative that villagers opposed the proposed greenfield project, amplifying the voices of protesters in 2019 when the DMK was supporting the issue. However, by 2022, the narrative shifted, with Sun News focusing on why Parandur was chosen for the airport and framing the project as necessary for economic development was the height of hypocrisy.

If there is no opposition to a project, Sun News would give credit to the ruling DMK government, but when opposition arises, it would shift the blame to the central government. This reflects their inherent hypocrisy.

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Morattu Muttu: Dravidianist Journo Niranjan Kumar’s Desperate Attempt To Buttress TN Speaker Appavu’s ‘Younger Brother Gnanasekaran’ Comment Falls Flat

By
The Commune
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Niranjan Kumar defends Appavu, who claimed that Gnanasekaran, the accused of the Anna University case, was his younger brother.

After the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, M Appavu claimed that Gnanasekaran, the culprit in the Anna University sexual assault case, was his younger brother, his statement drew heavy criticism on social media. Opposition parties already raised concerns about Gnanasekaran’s ties to the ruling DMK, citing several photos of him with ministers and the Deputy Chief Minister. The Speaker’s comment reignited debate over whether the culprit has connections within the DMK and whether there is an attempt to shield him.

Appavu allegedly made this remark at an event on 10 January 2025, when a book launch ceremony for the book titled “India Won” written by Dravidianist journo Niranjan Kumar in Chennai. 

A portion of the video where Speaker Appavu, who was present at the event, spoke on stage which went viral has him saying, The Madras High Court has appointed three female IPS officers to investigate the case of my younger brother Gnanasekaran“.

Dravidianist Journo Niranjan Kumar To The Rescue

Like a true foot soldier of the Dravidianist party, Niranjan Kumar certainly went beyond expectations to buttress the DMK and also prove Speaker Appavu not guilty of anything. In a long post on his X handle, he tried to prove that the Gnanasekaran whom Appavu mentioned was a random person sitting at the event and even went on to claim he was an LIC agent. In the post, he wrote, “Some videos of Assembly Speaker Appavu’s speech are going viral, and explanations are required. The first thing Appavu spoke about was the launch of the book India Won that I had written. So I think it would be best if I provided an explanation for that. There were many people present at the function, one of whom was named Gnanasekaran. I personally do not know who he is. Since it was a book launch function at the Press Club, he had come as one of the public. He gave visiting cards to everyone present as if he were an LIC agent. The two women who came with him also gave visiting cards. As soon as the show started, he came on stage and gave his father a towel. Even though he was old, none of us stopped him. His father asked him what his name was. When the man said Gnanasekaran, he laughed and said, “Oh, this name has become a big problem for us now, and the case is progressing very quickly.” Then, during his speech, the LIC agent Gnanasekaran, who was sitting opposite him, was clapping his hands and getting excited. That’s why he referred to him as “brother” and gestured towards him. It is being spread that Appavu called Gnanasekaran, who is currently embroiled in a case, “Thambi“. While the program was going on, some journalists who came in laughed and said to their father, “They’re going to cut and paste what you said anyway and cause trouble.” Comrade Indrakumar Appavu, who was hosting the program, also provided an explanation of his speech on stage. I feel obligated to report what happened, which is why I am writing this post.”

Here’s why his claims and excuses fall short. Appavu in that short clipping clearly said that 3 female IPS officers are currently investigating the case of “Thambi” Gnanasekaran in the name of the Madras High Court order. One wonders whether the Gnanasekaran that Niranjan is indicating was involved in some case, that too being investigated by 3 women IPS officers!

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Assam STF Arrests Another Member Of Bangladesh-Based ABT Terror Group

By
The Commune
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Assam STF Arrests Another Member Of Bangladesh-Based ABT Terror Group

The Assam Police’s Special Task Force (STF) has arrested one more associate of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a Bangladesh-based terror group affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), officials said on Tuesday.

With the latest arrest, the STF so far arrested 14 associates of the ABT from Assam, West Bengal and Kerala.

An Assam Police spokesperson said that the STF as part of its ‘Operation Praghat’ operation against fundamentalists and Global Terrorist Organisations (GTO) arrested another wanted Jehadi/Islamic extremist identified as Ajibar Rahman (31) from Dhubri, an Assam district, which shares a border with Bangladesh and West Bengal.

He said that of the 14 detainees, including Bangladeshi nationals, they are working under the direction of Md Farhan Israk, a close associate of Jasimuddin Rahmani, the Chief of ABT. The ABT sent one Bangladeshi national Md Sad Radi alias Shab Sheikh a resident of Rajshai, Bangladesh, to India to spread their nefarious ideology amongst like-minded people across India.

“As evidence suggests their activities were organised with the intent to equip and promote their operational capabilities of extremist groups aiming to destabilise the country’s security and sovereignty. The investigation has been going on to unearth the whole nexus spreading across the country,” the spokesman said.

He said that under the direction of STF Chief Partha Sarathi Mahanta, Operation Praghat was conducted. On January 18, the STF in a successful operation arrested the most wanted Jihadi/Islamic extremist Jaheer Ali from Dhubri in western Assam. On December 30 last year, ABT cadre and the absconding prime accused, Gazi Rahman (35) was arrested with the assistance of Kokrajhar Police.

On December 27 last year, ABT associate Shahinur Islam (36) was arrested from Bandhabpara in Dhubri District while on December 24, the STF arrested Abdul Zaher Sheikh and Sabbir Mirdha from Namapara in Kokrajhar District and a huge cache of arms and ammunition and other war-like items were recovered from the hideout of one of the arrested accused persons.

The STF, as part of Operation Praghat on the intervening night of December 17-18, had apprehended eight ABT operatives across Assam, West Bengal and Kerala. Among the eight, five were arrested in Assam’s Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts, two in West Bengal, and one Bangladeshi national in Kerala. Of the eight arrests, Bangladeshi national Muhammad Sad Radi alias Md Shab Sheikh (32) was apprehended from Kerala. After the questioning of the eight detainees, the remaining accused persons were arrested from Dhubri and Kokrajhar, bordering Bhutan and West Bengal.

“With these 14 arrests, the STF achieved a huge success in averting a possible major terror act by fundamentalist/jihadi elements of a Global Terrorist Organisation (GTO),” the spokesman said.

Assam Police Special Director General Harmeet Singh earlier said the eight arrested persons were handlers in Pakistan and Bangladesh. They were working to form ‘sleeper cells’ in different parts of India and there were plans to assassinate leaders belonging to the Hindu community and RSS, besides undertaking violent and subversive activities in India, Singh had said.

The Special DGP had said that Operation Praghat under the direct supervision of STF Chief P.S. Mahanta was launched in November 2024 after a detailed and prolonged examination of intelligence input regarding the clandestine anti-national activities being carried out by a group of individuals under the direction of Md Farhan Israk, a close associate of Jasimuddin Rahmani, the ABT Chief.

In December last year, the Assam Police STF also arrested five members of the Pakistan-linked terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) from Kokrajhar and Dhubri. Four JeM operatives have been arrested from Kokrajhar district, while one JeM linkman was arrested from Dhubri district, a police officer said.

–IANS

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Vijay Adding Fuel To Fire Over Parandur Airport Issue, If He Wants To Be Responsible He Should Suggest Alternative Location: BJP TN Leader Annamalai

By
The Commune
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Vijay Adding Fuel To Fire Over Parandur Airport Issue, He Should Suggest Alternative Location, If He Is Responsible: BJP TN Leader Annamalai

Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has accused Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay of “adding fuel to the fire” with his comments on the Parandur airport issue.

Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, Annamalai said, “Before PM Modi came to power, there were only 73 airports in India in 2014. Today, the number of airports has gone up to 158.”

The BJP leader highlighted that Chennai Airport is spread across just 1,000 acres, compared to Delhi and Hyderabad airports, which span 5,000 acres each, and Bengaluru Airport covers over 4,000 acres. Chennai Airport currently handles 25 million passengers annually, and this number is expected to reach 100 million within the next decade.

Annamalai pointed out that successive DMK and AIADMK governments had been requesting the Centre for a larger airport near Chennai for several years, adding that both governments had included Parandur in their prospective lists as a feasible site for the project.

“It was not the Centre’s decision to shortlist Parandur. If Vijay wants to be a responsible politician, he should recommend a suitable alternative location instead,” Annamalai stated.

The BJP leader emphasized that setting up an airport near Chennai requires at least 3,000 acres of land. He urged Vijay to provide constructive solutions rather than merely questioning the project.

“Only those who deal with problems constructively and provide solutions can become good politicians. Is Vijay going to add fuel to the fire or put it out and suggest solutions?” Annamalai asked. He also clarified that blaming the Central government for the issue was unjustified.

On Monday, Vijay pledged his support to farmers protesting against the proposed Parandur greenfield airport project. Addressing the protesting villagers, Vijay criticized the ruling DMK government for its decision to implement the project, vowing to stand with the farmers until the end. Vijay, who has transitioned from cinema to politics, emphasized the importance of farmers to the country, calling his involvement in the protest the beginning of his “field politics.”

While stating that he is not against development or the construction of a new airport, Vijay strongly opposed the selection of fertile farmland for the project. The TVK leader questioned the DMK government’s contradictory stance on developmental projects.

Referring to the party’s earlier opposition to the Tungsten project, Vijay asked why it now supports the Parandur airport project. Without directly naming the DMK, Vijay criticized its leadership for opposing projects like the eight-lane expressway while in opposition but disregarding farmers’ concerns after coming to power.

He accused the DMK government of being “anti-people” for pursuing the airport project, which he claimed would destroy 90 per cent of the farmlands and water bodies in the proposed area. Vijay also alleged that the ruling government had vested interests in the project, hinting at possible personal gains. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthugai dismissed Vijay’s visit to Parandur, claiming it would not have any impact.

During Vijay’s visit, several farmers and children awaited his arrival, holding bunches of paddy crops as symbols of their struggle. One farmer presented Vijay with a bundle of paddy after his speech. Social activists have also raised concerns about the environmental impact of the Parandur airport project.

They warned that the proposed land acquisition would affect more than 13 water resources in the area. The Parandur airport project, estimated to cost Rs 32,704 crore, requires 2,171 hectares of land. This includes 1,386.43 hectares of agricultural land, 577 hectares of water bodies, and 173 hectares of government land (poromboke).

–IANS

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Erode East Bypolls: NTK Launches Full-Fledged Campaign After Securing ‘Mike’ Symbol

By
The Commune
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Erode East Bypolls: NTK Launches Full-Fledged Campaign After Securing 'Mike' Symbol

The Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), led by actor-turned-politician Seeman, has launched an intensive campaign for the Erode East Assembly bye-election, which is scheduled for February 5.

This comes a day after the party was allocated the ‘microphone’ symbol on January 20. NTK is the only major political party opposing the ruling DMK in the bypolls. The AIADMK, BJP, and DMDK have chosen not to contest.

Speaking about the campaign, NTK candidate K. Seethalakshmi told IANS, “The allocation of the ‘mike’ symbol has bolstered our efforts. This symbol has already reached people to some extent and will make our campaign more effective. Our aim is to secure victory in this election.”

Seethalakshmi also mentioned that special squads and party cadres have been mobilised to conduct door-to-door campaigns across the constituency. A total of 46 candidates are contesting the Erode East bye-election. Initially, 47 candidates filed nominations, but one independent candidate, Padmavathy, had her nomination rejected.

The rejection followed complaints from two other independent candidates, Azhwar and Noor Mohammed, who alleged that Padmavathy’s name appeared in the voters’ list of K.R. Puram in Karnataka. Under election rules, only Tamil Nadu residents can contest Assembly elections in the state. Returning Officer, N. Manish, confirmed the disqualification after verifying the claim with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Tamil Nadu. Among the 46 candidates, two are from recognised political parties, and 14 represent registered political parties.

The bye-election was necessitated by the passing away of veteran Congress leader EVKS Elangovan, who won the seat in 2023 after the death of his son, Thirumahan Everaa, due to a sudden heart attack on January 4, 2023. In the 2023 bye-election, Elangovan defeated AIADMK candidate K.S. Thenarassu by a margin of 66,233 votes.

This time, the AIADMK and BJP have opted out of the contest. The DMK is fielding V.C. Chandhirakumar, the party’s propaganda committee state joint secretary, against NTK’s K. Seethalakshmi. Despite the absence of strong opposition from the AIADMK and BJP, the DMK is making significant efforts to secure a decisive win.

Deputy Chief Minister and DMK Youth Wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin will spearhead the DMK’s campaign in the constituency. In the previous bye-election, NTK candidate Menaka Navaneethan managed to secure only 10,827 votes. However, the party is optimistic about improving its performance this time, with the new symbol adding momentum to its campaign. The bye-election will take place on February 5, and the counting of votes is scheduled for February 8.

–IANS

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Gautam Adani Attends Maha Kumbh Mela In Prayagraj, Prepares Mahaprasad

By
The Commune
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Gautam Adani Attends Maha Kumbh Mela In Prayagraj, Prepares Mahaprasad

Gautam Adani, the Chairman of the Adani Group along with his wife Priti Adani made a heartfelt visit to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Tuesday, to participate in the ‘Ganga Puja’ and ‘Mahaprasad Seva’.

Gautam Adani immersed himself in the sacred rituals of Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest religious gathering and offered prayers. The billionaire also participated in a host of rituals at the Mela ground, including preparation of the ‘Mahaprasad’ (sacred meal) and distributing it to the Kumbh pilgrims.

After offering prayers, Gautam Adani was also seen eating prasad along with his family members. As Gautam Adani along with his wife reached the ISKCON tent in Sector 18 this morning, they were welcomed with garlands and greeted with the outpouring of warmth from hundreds of devotees. Adani’s visit to Maha Kumbh underscores the deep connection between faith and service, as has been underlined in unique initiatives by the Adani Group like ‘Mahaprasad Seva’ and copies of ‘Aarti Sangrah’ to devotees.

An integral part of the Adani Group’s contribution to the Kumbh Mela is its collaboration with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) for distributing Mahaprasad to the millions of pilgrims. Devotees at Maha Kumbh are continuously praising Gautam Adani for his role in supporting this monumental event. The overwhelming response to the initiative reflects the spiritual and humanitarian impact of Adani Group’s contribution.

The Mahaprasad will be offered for the entire duration of the fair i.e. till February 26. Adani Group has also collaborated with Gita Press for a free distribution of 1 crore copies of “Aarti Sangraha” among the devotees at Maha Kumbh. Meanwhile, the spirit of devotion remained unshaken at the Mela ground despite the challenges posed by the chilly winter weather and dense fog.

On the ninth day of the Maha Kumbh, over 1.59 million devotees braved the freezing temperatures to bathe at the Triveni Sangam. According to the Uttar Pradesh government, by January 20, more than 88.1 million devotees had already visited the Sangam, making the Kumbh Mela one of the largest gatherings of humanity in the world.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years at four rotating locations—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain—continues to be a beacon of faith and devotion for millions of Hindus around the world. The event holds immense significance, offering an opportunity to cleanse one’s sins and seek spiritual renewal.

–IANS

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Labourer Self-Immolates Outside RK Nagar Police Station Due To Apathy, TTV Dhinakaran Slams DMK Govt For Turning Police Into Puppets

By
The Commune
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Labourer Self-Immolates Outside RK Nagar Police Station Due To Apathy, TTV Dhinakaran Slams DMK Govt For Turning Police Into Puppets

AMMK General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran has demanded a thorough investigation into the attempted suicide of a labourer outside the RK Nagar police station. He has called for stringent action against the police if allegations of negligence are substantiated. According to reports, the laborer’s desperate act stemmed from the alleged refusal of police to register his complaint.

The man had sought help, claiming his life was under threat from individuals working at a workshop in the Pulianthope area. Dhinakaran criticized the police for their reported indifference, which he described as emblematic of a larger issue.

Taking to his official X handle to slam the DMK government, TTK Dinakaran wrote, “A laborer attempted suicide by setting himself on fire in front of the police station after the complaint was refused – strict action should be taken against the negligent RK Nagar police station guards. The news that a laborer from Pulianthope area, who attempted suicide by pouring petrol in front of the RK Nagar police station in Chennai, is receiving treatment in a hospital with burns all over his body and is in a life-threatening condition is shocking. It is said that the main reason for the suicide attempt was the refusal to accept the complaint filed by the laborer at the RK Nagar police station, alleging that his life was in danger due to some people working in a workshop in the Pulianthope area, and the poor treatment he received.

The reason why such tragic incidents occur right in front of the police station is that the police, which should be responsible for addressing the grievances and suffering of the people and providing them with appropriate protection, has become the puppet of the ruling party. Already, in a context where police torture and deaths are said to be on the rise in Tamil Nadu since the DMK came to power, a few police officers who continue to treat those who come to file complaints with disrespect and act indifferently have created distrust among the public towards the entire police force. Therefore, I urge Chief Minister Shri. M.K. Stalin to conduct a proper investigation into the incident of a laborer attempting suicide in front of the R.K. Nagar police station and take strict action against the police officers if it is confirmed that they acted negligently. @CMOTamilnadu”

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Kumbh Mela: A Pilgrimage of Faith, Purification, And Eternal Bliss

By
Prasanna Venkatesan
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Why Maha Kumbh 2025 Is A Once-In-A-Lifetime Spiritual Experience For Hindus

A reference to the churning of the milky ocean which is responsible for the Kumbh Mela can be found in the Vishnu Purana. A pot of nectar came out when Samudra Mandhan happened.  The Devas ran with the pot of nectar to prevent the Asuras from drinking the nectar. The demons also ran after them. While they ran, the droplets of nectar are spilled out at places like Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik where the Kumbh Mela is performed.

It is mentioned in various ithihasa and Puranas. Adhyaya 103 to 113 in Mathsya Purana has Prayaga Mahathmyam where there are discussions about triveni snan.

In the 16th adhyaya of Srusti kandam from Padma purana, the 35th verse states:
triśu stāleśu yā: snāyata prayāke sa puṣkare|
kurukṣetre sathāramātmā sa yādi paramaṃ padaṃ||

Those who take the holy bath at places like Prayagraj, Kurukshethram, and Pushkar will attain the highest place which is Paramapadham.
The meaning of the above sloka is that they will get Moksha.

In Garuda Puranam, both Theertha Mahathmyam and Snana Mahathmyam mention various theerthams and their glory and the good deeds attained through the holy bath in those rivers.
agniṣṭomasahasrāṇi vājabeyasadāni sā|
kumbasnānasya kalanarahamde śodāsīmābi||

Its supreme glory can be discerned by the fact that even thousands of Agnishtomas and hundreds of Vajpayee yagas are not equal to one-sixteenth of a Kumbha bath and with this verse, we can understand the glory of the holy bath at Kumbh Mela.

Prayagraj is the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years. It is a site of spiritual significance. It is believed to remove sins and lead to moksha.

The Brahma Kanda of the Brahma-Vaivartha Purana mentions the importance of various holy places and various rituals at various times and places.
prayāke magmase du snāthvāpārṭivamardana:|
sarvapabāī: pramucyetā pitṛpi: saha modāte | |

That is, bathing in Prayagraj in the month of Magh is freed from all sins and their ancestors are happy.
kumbe kumpotabhava: snādva prāyacati hi manavāna|
dādā parāṇa na bābanī diṣṭantiśubakarmaṇam||

It means bathing in Kumbh leads to freedom from sins and good deeds.
kumbe kumpotabhava: snādva – Bathing during the Kumbh Mela is associated with the amrita that came out of the milky ocean.
prāyacati hi manavān – Provides purifying benefits to humans (devotees).
thādhā parāṇ na pāpanī diṣṭantiśubakarmaṇam – After that, those who do pious deeds will have no sin. This verse emphasizes that bathing during the Kumbh Mela purifies individuals, destroys their sins, and leads them toward virtuous deeds. This is a verse from Agni Purana.

Padma Purana, Uttara Kandam Chapter 112, Sloka 16:

tattarāpi yaha snānakrūta puṇyakale|
gaṃgā jalātirathamādivasaṃ||
puṇyaṃ labetha krūtakrūtya: sa katva|
vaikuṇḍaloka paramaṇ samedhi||

That is, one who takes a bath in the Ganges during the auspicious season attains auspiciousness and goes to Vaikunta Loka.
It is in the Padma Purana that Lord Shiva explains to Parvati the greatness of the Ganges and the spiritual benefits of bathing in its waters, especially during auspicious times, highlighting its power to confer suddhi and mukti.

Bhavishya Purana (Pratisarka Parva, Part 3, Chapter 7, Slokam 37-38):

kumbaraśiṃ mayi prabte gaṃgādvāre mahotsava:|
papuvā pahulairbubāī: karitastīrthātparai:||

When the Sun enters the sign of Aquarius, a great festival is held for the pilgrimage to Haridwar on the Ganges. This verse highlights the astrological significance of the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar, which is celebrated when the Sun moves into the sign of Aquarius.

Vana Parva of Mahabharata has a subsidiary Parva called ‘Tirtha-yatra Parva’. It mentions various Tirtha Yatra benefits.

tripuraṃ tahade yajñaṃ snānaṃ thīrathe du tahade|
sarvapāpaṃ sa tīrthe snāthvasarvaṃ bhavatī śudaye||

Sage Lomasha accompanies the Pandavas during their exile and narrates stories of various holy places (theerthas) to encourage them to undertake the pilgrimage. In this chapter, he describes the power of holy theerthas and the virtues that can be attained by bathing in them.

Through this verse, Lomasha emphasizes the spiritual importance of visiting Tirthas. He compares the suddhi effects of yagas (sacrificial rites) to the simple and equally powerful act of bathing in holy water, which purifies all sins and leads to ultimate purity.

This teaching is intended to inspire Yudhishthira and the Pandavas to undertake their pilgrimage with devotion and faith.

Vishnu Purana, Chapter 16, 6th Sloka:

ayaṃg kumbahaṃ paraṃ puṇyaṃ snānaṃ yena kṛtaṃ subhama|
sarvabāpakṣayasa yadi kacade viṣṇusannidhiṃ||

Bathing in Kumbh Mela is very sacred and one goes to Vishnu Lokam. Sri Vishnu Purana mentions that Vaikunta Loka is the highest loka to be reached by taking this Kumbha Mela bath.

Maha Kumbh Mela is a spiritual event steeped in culture and history. Hidden spiritual aspects enhance the experience of people who gather to participate in this sacred event. From the above slokas, it can be understood that Kumbh Mela helps people for spiritual development and attain moksha.

Let us elevate our spirituality and culture by participating in the once-in-a-lifetime event called Kumbh Mela.

G. Prasanna Venkatesan writes on Bharathiya knowledge, Sri Vaishnavism, Puranic and Ithihasa themes, and stories centered on national and social development.

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Mohammad Ansari Throws Kerosene Bomb At Grocery Store In Karur Over Cigarette Dispute; Gets Injured While Fleeing Police

By
The Commune
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Mohammad Ansari Throws Kerosene Bomb At Grocery Store In Karur Over Cigarette Dispute; Gets Injured While Fleeing Police
Image Source: Hindu Tamil

A 21-year-old daily wage worker, Mohammad Ansari, threw a kerosene bomb at a grocery store run by Subramani, after being told there were no cigarettes available. He sustained a broken leg while attempting to evade police and is currently receiving treatment at Karur Government Medical College Hospital.

The incident occurred in Karuppagaundanputhur West Ganga Nagar. Subramani (52), the owner of the grocery store, reported that Ansari, under the influence of alcohol, had come to his shop demanding cigarettes. When Subramani informed him that the store had run out of stock, Ansari left to buy a bidi.

Later, Ansari returned to Subramani’s store with a kerosene-filled quarter-litre bottle. He fashioned a cloth wick, set it alight, and hurled it into the shop before fleeing. Although no one was injured, the fire damaged five empty 20-litre water cans in the shop.

Subramani filed a complaint at the Thanthonimalai police station. Acting on the report, the police launched a search for Ansari, who was found hiding near the Kolandhanur cemetery on 19 January 2025. When officers attempted to apprehend him, he tried to flee, but fell, fracturing his right leg.

Ansari was taken into custody and admitted to Karur Government Medical College Hospital for treatment. Investigations revealed that Ansari has 10 cases registered against him at police stations in Thanthonimalai, Vengamedu, and Modakkurichi in Erode district.

Karur District Superintendent of Police, Lt. Col. Feroz Khan Abdullah, has assured strict action against individuals disturbing public peace or engaging in illegal activities.

The incident has raised concerns among local traders. The Hindu Traders Welfare Association has called on the Tamil Nadu government to ensure the safety of commercial establishments. They have urged authorities to take decisive action under the Prevention of Thugs Act to deter attacks fueled by drunkenness or disputes.

(With inputs from Hindu Tamil)

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Petition Filed Seeking Permission For Traditional Piglet Offering Ritual At Kashi Vishwanathar Temple On Sacred Thiruparankundram Hill

By
The Commune
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Petition Filed Seeking Permission For Traditional Piglet Offering Ritual At Kashi Vishwanathar Temple On Thiruparankundram Hill

A petition submitted to Madurai district collector by Muthukumar, a Madurai-based lawyer, seeking permission to offer piglets at the Kashi Vishwanathar Temple on Thiruparankundram Hill has sparked controversy. The request comes against the backdrop of protests by Islamist groups, under the banner of banned terror outfit PFI’s affiliate SDPI, attempting to hold a sacrificial ritual involving the slaughter of goats and roosters at a Dargah, located on the sacred Hindu site of Thiruparankundram Hill.

In his petition to the Madurai District Collector, Muthukumar has requested approval for the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to regularly hold a ritual at the Kashi Vishwanathar Temple. The ritual would involve a leela in which Lord Shiva is depicted feeding piglets with milk, with devotees passing through Nellithope to offer piglets as a form of devotion to the temple.

In his petition, Muthukumar stated, the Kashi Vishwanathar Temple is located on Nellithope Road on the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple Hill. According to the Puranas, twelve Vellalars, who lived here and violated the principles of Shaivism, were cursed by Guru Bhagavan for killing and torturing animals for pleasure. As a result, they were reborn as twelve piglets, orphaned and suffering from hunger on the hills.

The Puranas further mention that to lift the curse, Lord Shiva assumed the form of a mother pig and fed the twelve piglets. However, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, along with the police, has consistently denied permission to offer these piglets—representing the incarnations of the Supreme Lord—as offerings at the Kashi Vishwanathar Temple. Muthukumar has requested that the Department grant permission to hold the ritual annually on the first new moon day of the month of Thai, allowing Lord Shiva to feed the piglets, and permitting devotees to offer piglets as part of their worship.

In the midst of these events, a protest by Muslims at the Sikandar Auliya Dargah mosque on Thiruparankundram Hill in Madurai has led to a ban and the filing of a case against those involved in the protest.

Amid this context, the lawyer’s petition to the District Collector requests the regular ritual of Lord Shiva feeding piglets at the Kashi Vishwanathar Temple, along with permission for devotees to offer piglets as part of their devotion has sparked controversy.

(With inputs from News7 Tamil)

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