Blogs — Tamil

After every grand New Year celebration, another vibrant festival graces the month of January, celebrated across India with joy and cultural diversity. Pongal, a festival of gratitude and abundance, holds special significance in South India.  Pongal 2026 will begin on January 14th and continue for four joyous days, bringing families and communities together to honour nature and express thanks to the Sun God, farmers, and cattle that sustain our lives. History of Pongal  Pongal is mentioned in the Viraraghava temple inscription from the Chola king Kulottunga I (1070–1122 CE), describing a land grant for its celebration. The 9th-century Shaiva Bhakti text Tiruvempavai by Manikkavacakar also references the festival. Variants of the name, such as ponakam, tiruponakam, and ponkal,...

In Tamil culture, time is not merely counted; it is experienced through rhythm, ritual, and cosmic harmony. As the world welcomes a new year every January, Tamils wait for a more celestial renewal — Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, celebrated when the Sun enters Mesha Rasi (Aries) around mid-April. But what makes this day truly special is not just the celebration itself, but the ancient astronomical wisdom that marks its arrival: the Tamil Panchangam.  The Panchangam is much more than a calendar — it is a living testament to how deeply Tamil tradition intertwines science, astronomy, and spirituality. It guides everything from festival dates to agricultural cycles and personal milestones,...

Most of us love visiting ancient temples, admiring their grandeur, carvings, and spiritual aura. Yet, we often overlook the intricate sculptures etched on the walls, pillars, and entrances. Among these fascinating works of art is a mythical creature known as the Yali. Usually depicted with the body and head of a lion, combined with the trunk and tusks of an elephant, the Yali stands out as one of the most unique symbols in temple architecture. More than just artistic imagination, the Yali is revered as a guardian figure and a symbol of immense strength, believed to protect the sacred space...

Lord Ganesha, known as Vinayagar or Vinayaka in Tamil (and affectionately referred to as Pillaiyar), is one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism. With his distinctive elephant head symbolizing wisdom and strength, he is revered as the Remover of Obstacles (Vighnaharta), the God of Wisdom and Learning, and the Patron of Arts and Sciences.  In Tamil tradition, Ganesha is routinely invoked at the start of any new venture or ceremony to ensure success and remove hindrances. Whether through the simple yet powerful mantra “Om Sri Ganeshaya Namah” or elaborate temple rituals, his blessings are sought for clarity of mind...

Have you ever heard of a spiritual path where karma doesn’t matter, gods are not worshipped, and fate is supreme? Welcome to the lesser-known world of Aseevagam, an ancient ascetic tradition that once flourished in South India, particularly in Tamilakam (ancient Tamil country). Often overshadowed by the more widely recognized paths of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, Aseevagam presents a unique and compelling chapter in Tamil spiritual history.  What Is Aseevagam?  Aseevagam (Tamil phonetic for Ājīvika) refers to an early non-Vedic, ascetic tradition that emerged in India around the 5th–6th century BCE. It was founded by Makkhali Gosala (Maskariputra), a wandering...