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Ancient Temples Demolished To Make Way For Plots In Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal

By
The Commune
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Feature Image Courtesy: Kumudam

In Namakkal district lies Chengapalli Panchayat, a tranquil locale now caught in the midst of a heated controversy. What was once an unassuming plot of land along the Mohanur to Paramathi Vellore route has become the epicenter of a dispute involving ancient idols, a mysterious temple, and allegations of corruption.

The saga began when a resident of Kapilarmalai acquired 6 1/2 acres in the bus stand area of Chengapalli Panchayat, undertaking the task of transforming the land into a house site. As the Pokline underwent repairs, an unexpected discovery was made — a temple-like structure housing idols of Shiva, Vinayaka, and a concealed subterranean temple.

The owner of the Niel estate swiftly decided to dismantle the dilapidated temple structure and remove the ancient idols overnight. This move, however, did not go unnoticed by vigilant villagers, who promptly lodged a complaint with the district collector in November 2023.

Mohanur Tahsildar Janaki took swift action, ordering a halt to any leveling of the land without the involvement of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Despite this directive, reports suggest that the landowners continued their activities, employing 50 tippers to dump sand and level the contested area illegally.

Last week, irate villagers lodged a formal complaint with the Namakkal District Collector, urging immediate intervention. Kamaraj, the individual who filed the complaint, revealed, “Last October, we discovered ancient idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Muruga, and Hanuman. The Tahsildar inspected the site, but no archaeological survey was conducted. Evidence of an ancient temple was found, yet no legal action was taken.”

Kamaraj further alleged the complicity of Chengapalli Panchayat president Nandakumar, a member of the DMK party. “He takes lakhs of rupees and allows them to do this work,” claimed Kamaraj, questioning the government’s reluctance to conduct archaeological research.

The situation escalated when a Sivanadiyar performed a puja at the site, only to meet an untimely demise the following day after the statues were discarded. Villagers now fear the erasure of ancient history and the destruction of the site, accusing officials of accepting bribes to facilitate the construction of flats.

Chengapalli Panchayat president Nandakumar denied any involvement, stating, “I have nothing to do with it. Ask them to buy land. I didn’t do anything.”

At the Mohanur Tahsildar’s office, sources revealed, “The Tahsildar has been transferred in this issue. Money flows into crores of bribes. The Collector himself will not go to the place to inspect. That’s the situation now.”

(With inputs from Kumudam)

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Kanimozhi Criticises Annamalai Over Remarks On Udhayanidhi Interview, Netizens Show Her Videos Of Vulgar Statements Made By Udhayanidhi & Other DMK Cadres

By
The Commune
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The recent interview featuring DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Dravidianist journalist Kathigaichelvan, the Editor of News18 Tamil, has come under criticism for the perceived lack of rigor in the questions directed at the DMK leader. Many have voiced dissatisfaction with the seemingly informal tone of the interview. Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President K Annamalai expressed discontent with the quality of questions, deeming them unserious and characterising the overall interview as excessively “friendly.” Annamalai has openly shared his disapproval during discussions with news reporters, providing further insights into his perspective on the matter.

Annamalai received “backlash” from DMK members and supporters for his using the phrase, “carefully done with touching the teeth”. DMK MP and half-sister to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin criticised the comments made by Annamalai. Taking to social media platform X, Kanimozhi wrote, “Recently BJP leader Mr. @annamalai_k made derogatory remarks about a minister of a state and a senior journalist, these are strongly condemned. A person doing this constantly lowers the quality of politics. I strongly condemn this.”

Netizens were quick to point out her step-nephew Udhayanidhi Stalin’s speeches and comments from the past. They pointed out to Kanimozhi whether she cared to condemn her step-nephew and state minister’s speeches and comments.

In an undated video shared by a netizen, Udhayanidhi is seen saying, “I said Edappadi’s rule, someone said no not Edappadi’s rule, Assistant’s rule. Assistant? Whose assistant? Modi’s assistant (someone who does menial jobs). Another one said, no he is not an assistant, he is a dead body! Dead body? Yes, he lay down like that, he fell at Sasikala’s feet like that only (indicating how EPS prostrated in front of Sasikala in 2016), going under the tables and chairs there, he would have gone between her legs also.” The crowd can be seen laughing hysterically over the “joke”.

Udhayanidhi also has shared photos derogating former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. In the post, he wrote, “Close enough! I promise this is not photoshop”. In the post, he posted two pictures: one featuring Jayalalithaa during her days as an actor, and the other showcasing actor Namitha. Both of them raised their hands in a pose for the pictures.

Some others shared a collection of clippings of various speeches and statements made by the DMK cadre. Here is a collection of 12 clippings featuring different members of the DMK who have made vulgar speeches. 

In the first video, a speaker belonging to the DMK says “Can you respond like Kalaignar? In 1957, Kalaignar and Anna spoke for 2 hours in the Assembly – We want a separate state, we want Dravidanadu. After speaking for 2 hours, Anna sits down. He was asked, “Mr Annadurai, where is Dravidanadu?” Anna thought, I spoke for 2 hours and this woman is asking me where is Dravidanadu. Kalaignar immediately gets up and says, Respected Speaker, our leader spoke for 2 hours about Dravidanadu, about the history, you listened to all this and the member asks where is Dravidanadu? Remove the naada (thread) and lift the skirt (pavadai) you can find Dravidanadu!”

In another video, A Raja says, “Stalin was born from a legitimate relationship and through a “healthy and normal” delivery, EPS was born out of wedlock/illegitimate relationship.”

Shivaji Krishnamoorthy who is known to run his mouth unnecessarily making vulgar and crass comments has been featured 4 times in this clipping collection. In the first clipping, “Why Okkala Oli (cuss word in Tamil), the wastrel who sold tea, the one who goes around the world in people’s money, do you want Okkala Oli Narendra Modi or do you want Rahul Gandhi, the one who gave his own wealth to the country?” Then he goes on to speak a few words in Hindi mimicking Modi. 

In another clipping, he is seen saying “The ADMK cadres at the bottom, they said, let us make Chinnamma a mother. What I thought was Natarajan (Sasikala) could not make her a mother (pregnant) in these 32 years, how will these people do it?”

In another clipping, he says, “In ADMK there used to be a CR Shastri, an old anda (big vessel). They would repeatedly coat it with metal and over the years, it got destroyed. That anda would come and stand at the door. She would say, I just combed my mother’s hair, she said make it a bun and not a braid, she ate idli, I gave her sambar too, she asked why Sarasu why is the dal not mashed, I told her this is Amma’s dal and it is not mashing well. Earlier they called her Chinnamma instead of Sasikala. Now they are calling her Sasikala, the servant maid. You guys rolled and licked the servant maids, you p*tta B**** (bastards?)”

In yet another clipping, he says, “Immediately Narendra Modi says Rahul Gandhi Pappu. I don’t know what that means in Hindi. Is it monkey? Now he has been travelling for the past one month, he now says sappu (suck it)”

A DMK member says, “There was a guy named Velumani. Do you know how he looks? He hasn’t been to Bombay to get his operation done. Yes, he looks just like that.” (indicating transgender features).

In another video featuring Gudiyatham Ramesh (who was recently in the news for exposing Duraimurugan’s alleged corruption through illegal sand smuggling), says, “They bring an item from Kodambakkam called Vindhya (Kollywood actor), she acted in Sangamam movie, she is a number 1 item, an Andhra piece, she went to Bangalore, was an item there, then went to Hyderabad, Rajahmundhry, did prostitution in lodges and then when she went to Hosur for a shooting, a producer who went to ask for her to return the loan he gave her, she said that he raped her and filed a complaint in the police station. The police took VIndhya and admitted her to Hosur Govt hospital and tested if she was indeed raped. The doctors who tested her were shocked. They said there is no need to rape her, she has no virginity, she is a number 1 platform item, take her away they said.”

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75th Republic Day Parade At Kartavya Path To Celebrate Women Empowerment Through ‘Viksit Bharat’ And ‘Bharat – Loktantra Ki Matruka’ Themes

By
The Commune
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In a historic move, the upcoming 75th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on 26 January 2024, is set to be a spectacle of women empowerment, echoing the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat‘ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka.’ Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, during a press conference in New Delhi on 19 January 2024, revealed that women would take center stage, forming the primary contingent in the parade.

Emphasizing the significance of the themes, Aramane highlighted that they align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of India being the “Mother of democracy.” The parade aims to celebrate the country’s rich cultural diversity, unity, and progress through the participation of women marching contingents.

A groundbreaking aspect of this year’s Republic Day Parade is the introduction of an all-women Tri-Service contingent, marking a historic moment in the nation’s military history. Additionally, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) contingents will also feature women personnel, presenting an unparalleled representation of women in the parade.

Setting a harmonious tone, the parade will commence with the melodious tunes of traditional Indian musical instruments played by a group of 100 women artists. Instruments like Sankh, Nadaswaram, and Nagada will resonate through the air, creating a unique and empowering atmosphere.

Adding a touch of artistic grandeur, the Ministry of Culture will showcase the ‘Anant Sutra – The Endless Thread’ textile installation at Kartavya Path. This visually-stunning tribute to the saree, a timeless Indian garment, will feature nearly 1,900 sarees and drapes from across the country. The installation will be mounted at a height with wooden frames along the Kartavya Path, creating a captivating display of India’s weaving and embroidery arts. QR codes attached to the installation will allow spectators to delve into the details of each saree, exploring the diverse craftsmanship that makes them unique.

Highlighting the cultural festivities, the third edition of the Vande Bharatam dance competition will be a captivating part of the Republic Day Celebrations 2024. Groups of women artists will showcase their talent at Kartavya Path, with around 200 performers dazzling the audience in front of the Saluting Dais.

The Republic Day Parade is scheduled to start at 10:30 AM and will run for approximately 90 minutes. The Kartavya Path, with a seating capacity of 77,000, will reserve 42,000 seats for the public, providing an opportunity for citizens to witness and celebrate this extraordinary showcase of women-centric patriotism and cultural richness. The 75th Republic Day Parade promises to be a landmark event, honoring the spirit of democracy and women’s empowerment in India.

(With inputs from PIB)

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“I Wont Apologize” Says BJP TN Annamalai For His Jibe At Udhayanidhi Stalin – Karthigaichelvan Interview

By
The Commune
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The recent interview between DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Dravidianist supporter journalist Kathigaichelvan, the Editor of News18 Tamil, has faced backlash primarily due to the perceived leniency in the questions posed to the DMK leader. Criticism has been particularly vocal about the seemingly casual nature of the interview. 

The Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of questions, labeling them as unserious and characterizing the overall interview as a “friendly match”.

On 19 January 2024, at the Pampan Kumaraguru Dasar Swamy temple in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, K Annamalai, shared his response to the event by addressing reporters and provided his perspective on the matter.

When he was questioned about Udhayanidhi Stalin’s stance on the Ram Mandir, Annamalai commented, “I watched the interview yesterday and it felt like ‘carefully done without touching the teeth’. It had friendly questions, felt like the interviewer personally coached Udhayanidhi.” 

Criticism was promptly directed at K Annamalai for his remarks at Udhayanidhi Stalin, alleging that he had used “derogatory language” and a few media outlets and press clubs demanded apology.

Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai, responding to criticism after attending the Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai on 9 January 2024, rejected all claims during a meeting with reporters.  He expressed confusion over the controversy surrounding his speech, emphasizing that his use of colloquial language and the specific dialect from the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu had been misunderstood. 

K Annamalai defended his speech by highlighting the context in which he spoke and criticized the media for misinterpreting his words. refuting all the allegations he stated “If I speak in a dialect that belongs to Kongu part of Tamil Nadu they are accusing me. Their problem is not with Annamalai’s speech, for Tamil Nadu press organizations, the problem is with Annamalai not with his speech. In my home, in a farming family, to milk a cow… cow teat will be massaged with oil, watched carefully after that the calf his fed and after all this we will milk the cow. When feeding, it’s important to attentively observe the calf, ensuring that its teeth do not touch, while also gently massaging it to facilitate milking.”

He also addressed the interview as a coaching given to Udhayanidhi, a political figure, likening it to massaging a cow’s teat by applying the oil without teeth touching.

He said “In this, I do not know what is wrong.  One news organization asks for ‘Apologies!’, another organization says ‘we will protest’ another says ‘we will boycott”

However, Annamalai maintained his stance, refusing to apologize and asserting that he saw no mistake in his words. He urged critics to seek psychological evaluation if they found his speech problematic. He concluded by suggesting that the controversy was not about his speech but rather an attempt by certain groups to oppose him and elevate someone else.

“In my speech I carefully realize and understand what I speak. Day after tomorrow too I’ll use the same dialect. he said adding that “there is a gang for this in Tamil Nadu which teaches malice and sees malignity in whatever word said.”

Annamalai insisted that the interview questions were inappropriate and questioned the intentions behind them. He argued that his speech was being deliberately misinterpreted by certain groups with an agenda 

He added “The anchor should clarify how the interview was performed. If you ask me as a political party how the question was for Udhayanidhi Stalin means, ‘You are a famous movie actor from there you’ve come to politics which is tough?’ What are these questions? What is this brother? Is this a setting question?

He conveyed his message clearly by saying “In my speech, unnecessary groups have mixed malice means it will be difficult for you, not me. You are asking a question I am answering straight away that is my style. I’m using colloquial language often. In my town till today the dialect is used, still used in my far. If you don’t understand or if you do not know then Accept that you do not know. Do not teach malignity instead.

“Particularly there is a group sitting and doing this to appease the crown prince by applying and massaging him to create him a big man. Please, make him a big man! If you ask me, my comment will be like this.”, he said.

He finally stated “I’m not person who speaks fearing anyone. For whatever reason be, I wont apologize! Again, if I should use these words I will surely use. According to me, I don’t see even a 1% mistake in it”

 

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VCK Thirumavalavan’s Fear Mongering Speech Surfaces; Urges Christians And Muslims To Vote En Masse To ‘Remove Modi’

By
The Commune
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Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) Chief Thirumavalavan has stirred controversy by urging Christian and Muslim communities to cast their votes en masse in the upcoming 2024 elections. The VCK leader’s speech took a contentious turn as he labelled the forthcoming election as a “do or die” scenario and warned against the potential return of the BJP to power.

He said, “I have a request for the Muslims. During the elections, when it comes to voting, Muslims and Christians must register 100% attendance on voting day. The 2024 elections is an election that we are meeting in a dangerous situation. An election that will determine our life and death. If by mistake, BJP comes back to power, no one can save this nation and its people. As soon as they come to power, they will throw away the Constitution. They will declare Sanathana Dharma, Varnashrama Dharma, Manu Dharma as the Constitution. They will bring in President’s rule. There will be no elections anymore. This is a dangerous election. There is a situation that Muslim women don’t vote as much as the Muslim men. I am placing a friendly request. I request the Christians. In the elections, both men and women must register 100% votes, all those people abroad must come to their hometown during the elections; if you really wish to remove Modi from power, not one person should be abroad, no one should stay at home, there must be 100% voting. With regard to Tamil Nadu, all 40 seats will be won by the alliance led by DMK. No one can do anything.”

The VCK Chief’s words have drawn criticism for what some perceive as an attempt to manipulate and create fear among religious communities through what is being termed as fake propaganda. Thirumavalavan’s explicit plea for victory for the DMK in Tamil Nadu further adds to the political intensity surrounding his statements.

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Thamizh Thai Vaazhthu Sung In Western Church Choir Style At Khelo India Games Inauguration Ceremony In DMK-Ruled TN, BJP Leader Annamalai Condemns

By
The Commune
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tamil Nadu on 19 January 2024 to inaugurate the Khelo India Youth Sports Games at the Nehru Sports Arena in Chennai. The event began with a warm welcome for the Prime Minister, followed by the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Youth Tournament.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin addressed the audience during the ceremony, emphasising the significance of sports in youth development. The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, Union Youth Welfare and Sports Minister Anurag Tagore, Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udayanidhi Stalin, and others.

However, the event was not without controversy, as the rendition of the “Tamizh Thai Vazhthu,” deviated from the prescribed guidelines. The song, which was declared the state song by the DMK government in December 2021, was supposed to be sung in 55 seconds in the Mullaipani (Mohana) raga.

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party head Annamalai raised concerns on his social media handle. He questioned why the song had deviated from the established guidelines. At the opening ceremony, the Tamil Thai congratulatory song was not only extended to approximately 90 seconds but was also performed in a Western musical style, drawing strong condemnation.

He wrote, “In December 2021, the DMK government declared the Tamil Thai Vazhthu song as the state song and issued guidelines including that the song should be sung in 55 seconds in Mullaipani (Mohana) raga. But yesterday, at the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Games, apart from singing a Tamil Thai Vazhthu song for about 90 seconds, it was also sung in a Western style, which drew strong condemnation. It has been DMK’s habit to issue announcements for the sake of publicity politics and then fail to follow them and violate them themselves. Singing Tamil Thai greetings in the form of Western music at a function attended by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India will be seen as another attempt by DMK to destroy Tamil culture. #TNwithModi”

Netizens called out the alleged Christianisation of the Tamizh Thai Vazhtu on their posts in social media.

The controversy adds a contentious layer to the otherwise celebratory inauguration of the Khelo India Youth Sports Games, which also saw how Chief Minister Stalin stumbled and it was Prime Minister Modi who supported him and prevented him from falling or stumbling further.

It is noteworthy to mention that the DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin who wished to eradicate Sanatana Dharma (aka Hinduism) has time and again said that he is proud to be a Christian.

CM Stalin himself had said that his government was formed because of Christians while participating in the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Church of South India in September 2021.

DMK MLA and Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu had declared that the MK Stalin-led government in the state was formed by Christians and for Christians.

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Lord Rama & Lord Ranganatha: The Ayodhya – Srirangam Connection

By
Sandhya Ravishankar
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“In Srivaishnava sampradayam (tradition), Perumal refers to Sri Rama,” explains Badri Bhattar, the sthalathar or hereditary custodian of the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple in Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

Bhattar is referring to the ancient and influential sect within Hinduism which was started by the great guru and philosopher Ramanujacharya who lived during the time of the Chola kings in the early 1000s CE.

Perumal, in Tamil, means God but when used by followers of Ramanujacharya, it means Lord Rama.

The Sri Ranganathaswamy temple is famed for the enormous statue of Lord Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu) lying down in ananthasayanam (blissful sleep) in His abode of Srivaikuntham.

“There is an intricate connection between Ayodhya and Srirangam,” says Badri Bhattar. “And this is the reason why we were of the view that the Prime Minister must visit Srirangam before the Pran Pratishta (consecration) ceremony of the Ram temple,” he adds.

Bhattar is a direct descendant of Koorathalvar, one of the two key disciples of Sri Ramanujacharya and is a hereditary trustee of the Srirangam temple, although it is now under the control of the government of Tamil Nadu.

Sri Ranganatha & Sri Rama

The story connecting Lord Rama and Lord Ranganatha is told in the Ayodhya Kandam (Ayodhya Kand in Hindi) of the Valmiki Ramayana.

“Sahapathnya Vishaalaakshyaa Naarayana Mupaagamath – Seetha and Rama together went to their kula deivam (kula devata) Narayana’s temple and did pooja. This is a verse in the Ramayana,” explains Bhattar. “It also says that as Seetha sat beside Lord Rama and handed him the flowers and other pooja items, she was mesmerized by the beauty of one God praying to the same God. It is described that her eyes expanded in joy at the sight. That is why she is called Vishalakshi. This too is mentioned in the Ramayana,” he adds.

“Since Lord Rama prayed to Lord Ranganatha, and since Lord Rama is called Perumal in the Srivaishnava tradition, we call Lord Ranganatha as Periyaperumal,” says Bhattar. Periya in Tamil means elder or big.

“Lord Rama prayed to Lord Ranganatha before his coronation and asked that his stepmother Kaikeyi should ask his father King Dasharatha for a boon,” explains Rangarajan Narasimhan, a devotee and activist fighting to free the Srirangam temple from government control.

There is another fascinating story as to how Lord Ranganatha became the kula deivata of the Suryavamshis, the dynasty into which Lord Rama was born.

One of the earliest kings of the Suryavamshi dynasty was King Ikshvaku. In fact, the dynasty is also referred to as Ikshvaku interchangeably.

It is said that Lord Ranganathar used to live in Satyaloka where Lord Brahma too resided. King Ikshvaku is said to have had a glimpse of Lord Ranganathar and was mesmerized by the sight. Longing to bring the Lord to his kingdom, Ikshvaku does penance to propitiate Lord Brahma. This is how Lord Ranganathar arrives in Ayodhya. He is called Ikshvaku Dhanam in the Ramayana – the wealth of the Ikshvakus. All the kings after Ikshvaku worshipped Lord Ranganathar.

From Ayodhya to Srirangam

But how did Sri Ranganatha go from Ayodhya in the north to Srirangam in the south? That story too is interwoven in the Ramayana.

When King Dasharatha performs the Putrakameshti Yagya in order to have children, all the kings across India are invited. One king from present day Tamil Nadu too goes to Ayodhya – his name is Dharmavarman.

Dharmavarman too is mesmerized by the sight of Lord Ranganatha and upon hearing the story of Ikshvaku, he decided that he must somehow bring Lord Ranganatha to his kingdom. He begins his penance.

“Dharmavarman sat at the banks of the Chandrapushkarini theertham, a pond in Srirangam and prays for Lord Ranganatha to come. Rishis in the area ask what Dharmavarman was doing penance for – when told, they say that Perumal had already decided that He would reside in Srirangam,” narrates Badri Bhattar.

After winning the war against Ravana and returning to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile in the forests, Lord Rama and Seetha honour those who stood with them during the war.

Of special mention is the role of Vibheeshana – brother of Ravana who was of crucial support in winning the dharmic war. Vibheeshana had followed Lord Rama to Ayodhya, renouncing Lanka and wanting to remain with the Lord.

“But Lord Rama told him that he had a duty to his people and that he must go back to Lanka and rebuild the destroyed land,” explains Bhattar. “Lord Rama gave his kula deivam Lord Ranganatha to Vibheeshana and told him to take the Lord in his stead,” says Bhattar, quoting from the Uttara Kandam.

Vibheeshana sets off south towards Lanka and as he arrives near Srirangam, he is captivated by the beautiful land surrounded by the swirling Cauvery river. He decided to stop and conduct poojas for Lord Ranganatha there.

King Dharmavarman who had been in penance cannot believe his eyes – Lord Ranganatha had arrived in his kingdom. His joy is shortlived though, when he hears that Vibheeshana was to take the Lord away in a few days. Dharmavarman beseeches and pleads with Vibheeshana to allow the Adi Brahmotsavam festival to take place before moving ahead. Since the festival was scheduled to begin the next day, Vibheeshana agreed.

The Brahmotsavam festivities were conducted in a grand manner for the next nine days by Dharmavarman.

On the tenth day, Vibheeshana decides to start back to Lanka. He tries to pick up the idol of Sri Ranganatha but he is unable to lift it off the ground.

“Periyaperumal speaks to Vibheeshana and tells him – I will live here henceforth,” says Rangarajan Narasimhan. “Vibheeshana was heartbroken and asked the Lord – you said you will come to my land. How can you now change your mind? To this, Lord Ranganatha said that He will always watch over him. This is why the deity faces south, toward Lanka,” explains Narasimhan.

“Lord Rama in Ayodhya too looks south towards his kula deivam Lord Ranganatha,” adds Badri Bhattar.

Vibheeshana, it is believed, built the very first temple for Lord Ranganatha at Srirangam.

It is also only in Srirangam that Vibheeshana is worshipped as an Alwar, one of the great devotees of Lord Vishnu.

In subsequent years, the Srirangam temple is said to have been submerged in the Cauvery river. “A Chola king called Kili Chola (kili means parrot in Tamil) had a dream in which it was revealed that Srirangam was underwater and that Lord Ranganatha was there, so the king must reconstruct the temple,” says Rangarajan Narasimhan. “It is this king who dug the temple out and rebuilt it. It was subsequently rebuilt by other kings. When Ramanujacharya came to Srirangam, he restructured the temple,” he says.

The Prime Minister praying to Lord Ranganatha before consecration of the Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya is an unmistakeable tip of the hat to the traditions of kings of yore.

Sandhya Ravishankar is a freelance journalist and a Ramnath Goenka awardee.

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The Homecoming Of Ram: A Triumph Of Faith And Resilience

By
Arun Krishnan
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Let me take you back in time. To the year 1528. Or thereabouts.

The Timurid invader Babur is sitting on the throne in Delhi having won the Battle of Panipat. His generals are marauding across the Ganga-Yamuna Doab, pillaging, plundering, looting, raping and killing.

Imagine that you are a resident of Ayodhya. News has been reaching you about the inexorable march of the brutish, Timurid invaders. Of the temples desecrated and demolished. Of the annihilation of the population. Of women being raped and enslaved. Your heart would fill with fear for your family. You look at your mother, your sister, your wife and your kids and you feel a hollow, sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach.

Imagine that you were a Kshatriya then. You decide that you are going to fight the invaders and either save your beloved city, one of the most ancient cities of the land, the city of Bhagawan Sri Ram, or die trying.

Imagine that you go to the Ram temple atop the Ramkot and pray that your heart remains steady and that your sword arm does not falter. Your womenfolk bid you adieu by applying tilak on your forehead, and with dry eyes, despite knowing that, in all probability, you will not be coming back.

Imagine heading off to war, and fighting the good fight against a numerically superior army with superior weapons. You finally fall on the battlefield, a heroic, but ultimately pointless death.

Imagine the scene in front of your eyes. Of Mir Baqi triumphantly entering the city. Of his soldiers carrying the cleaved heads of the Ayodhya army on their spears. Of the bloodied swords and dresses.

Imagine being an ordinary citizen of Ayodhya, watching as Mir Baqi’s rapacious soldiers start their plunder. Hear the pitiful cries of the women as they are violated in front of their husbands, brothers, fathers and children. Fill your eyes with tears on the plights of young children being taken as war booty, as sex slaves to be sold in the distant bazaars of Baghdad.

Imagine the city’s roads running red with blood. Of the sacred river Sarayu, taking the blood of her beloved people into her bosom.

Imagine the plight of the Brahmins in the temples, as they await the inevitable. Imagine them as they are, weapon-less, chanting their mantras and prayers, beseeching Bhagwan Ram to save them.

Imagine the fear that would have gripped them as they watched the uncouth Timurid hordes lay siege to their temple. Draw in your mind’s eyes the scene. Of the temple under attack. Soldiers hacking away at the Idols and Icons. Cutting of noses and ears. And the Brahmins, as they stood in their path. Imagine crowbars being used to smash the temple walls. Think of Mir Baqi astride his horse, stepping into the Garba Griha, the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, and smashing the idol of Ram Lalla to the ground, to be trodden on by his soldiers. Imagine the wicked laughter of those savages.

Imagine what must have passed through the minds of the citizens of Ayodhya as they see Mir Baqi start building a mosque on one of the holiest places of this land. Using the very same stones that housed Ram Lalla. What agony must the people have endured in their hearts? Can you not hear the silent cries that would have filled the city as they watched the mosque come up? Perhaps the original Ram Lalla’s Idol was smashed and used outside the gates of the mosque so the faithful could step on it, to further humiliate the natives.

Step forward a few centuries and imagine the utter desolation of the land. Amidst that desolation stands a mosque on the holiest of Hindu sites. Funnily enough, the Hindus haven’t forgotten about what that original site meant to them. They have still been praying at that site. Praying and hoping that someday, in the distant future, the temple would stand on that spot again.

Spare a thought for generations of Hindus who continued to believe in that and kept alive the memory of the temple that had been destroyed many years ago. Spare a thought for the indescribable hurt and pain of seeing a scene of triumphant invasion on the hillock that had once housed their Ram Lalla.

Spare a thought for Mahant Raghubir Das, who, in 1885, filed a court case to build a temple adjacent to the mosque.

Spare a thought for those who, in 1949,  in the dead of night, placed Ram Lalla inside the precincts of the defunct mosque.

Spare a thought for those 1000s of kar sevaks who gave it their all. Spare a thought for the Kothari Brothers and 100s of other karsevaks, who were killed by the police opening fire on them.

Spare a thought for Lal Krishna Advaniji and Ashok Singhalji and their rath yatra that ultimately culminated in reducing a hated symbol of triumphalism to dust.

Spare a thought for the next generation of Hindus who still waited nearly thirty years for a court verdict to deliver that land to them.

And now, after sparing a thought for all those who went before us, rejoice. Rejoice, because this is a seminal event in not just the history of India, but in civilizational history. Rejoice – because never before has a non-monotheistic, non-expansionist, non-proselytizing faith, EVER taken back its temple, once demolished.

It didn’t happen to the Romans and the Greeks and the Egyptians and the Zoroastrians and the Yazidis and the Mayans and Aztecs and Native Americans or the Australian Aborigines. This is a unique event in human history. So rejoice.

And then celebrate the return of Bhagwan Shri Ram Lalla to his home. A home, lovingly built by contributions from ordinary Hindus from across the land.

Rejoice!

Ram Lalla is finally home.

Arun Krishnan is the author of Battle of Vathapi: Nandi’s Charge.

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Meet News18 Tamil Nadu Editor Karthigaichelvan, The Modi-Baiter And Dravidianist Journo Who Asks Some Of The “Toughest Questions” To DMK

By
The Commune
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The recent interview of DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin by Dravidianist supporter journalist Kathigaichelvan, Editor of News18 Tamil, has received negative criticism especially because of the soft questions that were asked to the DMK scion. 

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President denounced the quality of the questions stating that the questions did not sound serious and it was a “friendly” interview. 

The interview ended up showing Udhayanidhi Stalin in a poor light, especially for someone who has been touted as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state. Critics argue that the quality of the questions and the responses provided by Udhayanidhi are not fitting for someone who aspires to be the Deputy CM. The body language of Udhayanidhi also did not help – as he was seen constantly shaking his feet and shifting in his seat repeatedly. 

 

Karthigalchelvan is a Dravidian propagandist journalist and a Modi-baiter. He has come under fire for some of his buttressing attitude towards the ruling DMK. 

A few years ago, he had interviewed today’s Chief Minister, MK Stalin in a similar fashion which also drew the ire of the public for not asking pointed questions. In this video which is a collection of several interviews of Stalin, he seems to be following a set template in asking the current Chief Minister questions. These questions include what he does to maintain his fitness, how he prepares for long journeys, how he gets his energy to carry out campaigns, and how he prepares himself for such things.

Pro-DMK Behaviour Exhibited By Karthigaichelvan

During a debate on News18 Tamil in June 2023, moderated by Karthigaichelvan, when one of the panelists Advocate Tamil Mani accused Senthil Balaji of corruption, citing his admission to taking money for job placements. Karthigaichelvan defended Senthil Balaji, claiming the ongoing case made labeling him corrupt premature. Despite a DMK spokesperson’s insults, Karthigaichelvan tried to maintain neutrality, softly condemning Saravanan from DMK towards the end.

During a News18 Tamil Nadu debate in October 2022, Karthigaichelvan and DMK spokesperson Constantine Raveendran faced criticism for allegedly protecting CM MK Stalin over a fake news claim related to the Sterlite protest firing. Hindu Munnani’s A.T. Elangovan pointed out the incident where Stalin falsely implicated PM Modi, but Raveendran demanded proof, limiting Elangovan’s response. Karthigaichelvan claimed ignorance and declined to express an opinion. 

Modi Hate

In the past, Karthigaichelvan had consistently expressed animosity towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2015, he shared a derogatory cartoon (now deleted) suggesting that the Union Government, led by Narendra Modi, was influenced by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Karthigaichelvan shared cartoons mocking PM Modi, implying he acts as per Hindu or secular sentiments. One cartoon depicted Modi hitch-hiking on Karunanidhi’s wheelchair during a courtesy visit. Another mocked Digital India, accompanied by a euphoric caption “Hahahaha.”

Once he was called out by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for deliberately trying to peddle anti-Modi propaganda saying that the Centre was waiving off loans taken by corporates.

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“You Want To Put People’s Life At Stake For Welcoming Yourself?” Arappor Iyakkam ‘Flags’ Safety Risk As DMK Erects Flags In Highways Ahead Of DMK Youth Convention

By
The Commune
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The Arappor Iyakkam, has called out Minister and DMK Youth Wing Secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin for risking people’s lives to garner publicity. The controversy revolves around the inauguration of a Relay as part of the upcoming DMK Youth Convention in Salem on 21 January 2024.

With the event looming, the cityscape of Salem has been adorned with DMK posters and flag poles, raising concerns about the potential safety hazards posed by the installation of iron flag poles along the highways. The Arappor movement took to social media to express their condemnation, questioning the necessity of jeopardising public safety for political visibility.

In a scathing tweet directed at DMK, Arappor Iyakkam wrote, “Don’t you know it is dangerous to place iron flagpoles like this on a highway that too on a flyover @SalemRRajendran? Can a responsible legislator do something like this that endangers people’s lives? If you do your job well as a legislator, you will get good publicity among the people and your party. Do you want to seek advertisement by risking people’s lives like this?”

In the past, banners and flagpoles have proved fatal to motorcyclists using the roads on which they have been erected. In 2019, a 22-year-old software company employee, tragically lost her life in Pallikaranai, Chennai, when she was struck by a water tanker after a banner welcoming AIADMK leaders fell on her while she was on her way home from work.

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