Latest news with #Perumal
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
KZN man gets double life sentence for rape and murder of Umkomaas child
KZN man gets double life sentence for rape and murder of Umkomaas child Justice has been served for Lusanda Nkomo who was raped and murdered in Umkomaas last year. South Coast Herald reports that the Pietermaritzburg High Court, sitting in Port Shepstone, handed down a double life sentence to Rogers Perumal (57) for these crimes. Perumal lived in the same area as the child, and they knew each other. On March 17 last year, Perumal's dog went missing. While conducting a search in the neighbourhood, Nkomo joined him as she was fond of the dog. 'When they got to a bushy area, Perumal raped the child,' says Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) KZN spokesperson. 'He then assaulted her all over her body and strangled her before fleeing the scene.' When the child did not return home that day, community members searched for her throughout the day and night. The next day, her lifeless body was found. Investigations were carried out, and as Perumal was the last person she was seen with, he was arrested. Angered locals ransacked Perumal's house and set his belongings alight on the day of his arrest. He abandoned bail on March 20 at the Scottburgh Magistrate's Court. At his sentencing last week, Advocate Mziwodumo Miza led the evidence of witnesses who saw Perumal walking with the child in the direction where her body was found. He also led DNA evidence linking Perumal to the DNA material found on the child. A victim impact statement compiled by the child's mother and facilitated by court preparation officer Beaufort Shinga, was handed in. Perumal was sentenced to a term of life imprisonment each, for the rape and murder. The court also ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. His application for leave to appeal against both convictions and sentences was subsequently refused. 'This sentence underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats crimes against the most vulnerable members of our society,' says Ramkisson-Kara. 'The NPA remains resolute in its pursuit of justice for victims of gender-based violence and child abuse, and will continue to ensure that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are removed from society and face the harshest possible consequences. Justice has been served, and the rights and dignity of our children protected.' Nkomo was described as a bubbly and energetic child. She will be missed dearly by her community and was said to be everything to her family. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Hindu
7 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
109th Divya Desam
Vedas say that a man lives for a 100 years: fifty of these are spent in sleep; of the rest, childhood and puberty take up 15 years; the last 35 years go in sickness, age-related illnesses, etc. With nothing left of one's years, where is the need to be born? I do not want this birth, said Tondaradipodi Azhwar. What are the ways in which one can avoid rebirth? Divya Prabhandam shows the way, said Tirukkudanthai Dr. Venkatesh. Rendered in Tamil, and accessible to all, the verses from Prabhandam showcase God in an easy to comprehend, identifiable manner and one should render relevant verses from this stellar work, every day, at home. The Divya Prabhandam celebrates God and His attributes in a manner that resonates with the emotion of a devotee. Each one experiences God in his own way, internally and the verses in Nalayira Divya Prabahandam bring to life as it were, Perumal in various stages. One may argue that various scriptural literature do likewise. The Vedas describe Perumal in Vaikunta. Agamas refer to Perumal in the Milky Ocean. Ithihasas describe Perumal's manifestations. Smritis say He is antaryami, ever present inside us. However, none of us can grasp the nuances of these four states and experience God. Prabhandam does this job admirably. The verses bring to life the archa murtis in temples and even in our homes. Azhwars say the idols and images that are kept at home, with daily rituals of prayer, puja and offerings are also equally important and powerful. In fact, the idols at home are considered the 109th Divya Desam. There is a verse for each aspect of home prayer rituals in the Prabhandam. Ramanuja has said that conducting daily prayers at home by reciting from Divya Prabhandam is like a trailer to Vaikuntam.
The Hindu
08-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
10 traits of Nammazhwar
Falling on June 9 this year, the Tamil star of Visakam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi is indeed a special one. It is the day on which Nammazhwar, the great Vaishnavite saint, was born in Tirukurugur in Tirunelveli, rendering Vaikasi Visakam as an extremely auspicious one, said Tirukkudanthai Dr. Venkatesh. Nammazhwar commands an exalted state among the azhwars, the Vaishnavite saints. There are many reasons to celebrate Nammazhwar, but it is worth looking at 10 of them, which set him apart. First, he is considered to be an aspect of Vishvaksena, Lord Narayana's lieutenant, and he had no earthly attachment since at his birth he cut the cord of sadavayu (an aspect that binds us all to earthly matters) and hence his devotion to the Lord is purity personified. Second, he presented Tiruvaimozhi, an unparalleled work comprising 1,102 verses and hailed as Dravida Veda. Thirdly, although he lived for 35 years in this world, he was so consumed by bhakti that he did not care for food, preferring to relish on the attributes of Lord Krishna. Fourth, he is considered to be a veritable sun, since his verses throw light on one's inner darkness and dispels ignorance. The lines, Mayar vara Madhi nalam arulinavan evan avan, encapsulate his knowledge and how he came by it: Perumal Himself gifted it to him, marking his fifth trait. His sixth trait is the most celebrated one of his: he distilled the essence of all the four Vedas in his Tamil works: Rig Veda is contained in Tiruviruttam, Yajur Veda in Tiruvasiriyam; Sama Veda in Tiruvaimozhi and Atharvana Veda in Periya Tiruvandhadi. He is identified as the head of the Vasihnavaite Azhwars, with the rest of them forming the various parts of his physique. Next, he is considered to be greater than everyone, even God: Once, Nammazhwar asked God who is the greatest. 'I am the greatest,' said Perumal, 'I bear the universe.' Nammazhwar gave the famous rejoinder, depicting his devotion, 'I bear You in my heart, therefore, I am the greatest.' Nammazhwar is symbolised by the paduka of Perumal, which is placed on the head of devotees in temples as a benediction. Finally, his works in Tamil have put the Vedas and Upanishads within the reach of the ordinary people. Praying to him would guide a devotee on the way to reach God.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu's Kodumbalur, which was the seat of power of Irukkuvels, is an architectural marvel
Nestled in a corner of Pudukkottai district and often overshadowed by better known temple towns in Tamil Nadu, Kodumbalur holds a distinct place in the history of Tamils. The Sangam era literary work Silapadikaram refers to it as a place situated on the way to Madurai, the capital of Pandyas, from Woraiyur, the Chola capital. It is referred to as Konattu kodi nagaram (the capital city of Konadu) in Periyapuranam. Situated about 40 km from Tiruchi, Kodumbalur was the seat of power of Irukkuvels (Velirs), known for their military prowess and patronage of art and architecture. The powerful feudatory family had played a crucial role in the political landscape of the region, particularly during the reign of the Cholas. Kodumbalur, a sleepy village now, is a veritable treasure trove with temples of great beauty and architectural elements. Inscriptions in the temples carry vital information on the history of the region. Excavation under way The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which maintains the three stand-out monuments of Moovar Kovil, the Muchukundesvara Temple, and the remains of Aivar Kovil, has recently taken up excavation to trace the cultural sequence and the history of the place. Kodumbalur is one of the 32 sites identified for excavations in the Tiruchi Circle under the ASI's Looking Beyond-Vision Statement for Excavations by 2035. The place is referred to as Kodumbai in Silapadikaram. 'We will revisit the literary references to Kodumbalur and correlate them with the present scenario,' A. Anilkumar, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Tiruchi Circle, had told The Hindu, while launching the excavation in January this year. The excavation has been taken up in front of the Perumal temple and Kottaikaraimedu in the village. 'We would collect archaeological data to understand the complete history of Kodumbalur,' says V. Muthukumar, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist and co-director of the excavation. The village's most prominent landmark is the Moovar Kovil (a cluster of three temples) built around 818 CE, a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Irukkuvels. Only two of the temples remain intact and their exquisite carvings and intricate sculptures offer a glimpse into the artistic excellence of the period. The original layout had three west-facing temples almost identical in plan and size. Of the three temples, only the southern and central ones survive, while the one on the north is preserved up to the plinth level. Sanskrit inscription A Sanskrit inscription engraved on the central shrine asserts that the three shrines were built by Bhuti Vikramakesari, an Irukkavel chieftain. He named the central one after himself and the two on the flanks after his queens — Karrali and Varaguna. Significantly, the inscription gives the genealogy of nine generations of the Irukkavel chiefs. The temples were small units with an Ardha Mandapa in front of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The temples feature exquisite sculptures including those of Shiva in fierce aspects from mythology — the most famous being that of Kalantaka, the conqueror of time/death — the form in which he kicks Yama to save his devotee. The makara toranas above the niches and friezes of bhutaganas playing different musical instruments on the top of the walls add to the charm of the structures. The enclosure originally had 16 symmetrically located subsidiary shrines for Parivara Devatas and pillared pavilions too. A circular stone well is situated within the complex. To the south-east of this temple complex are the remains of the Aivar Kovil or Aintali (temple of five), which were exposed by the Pudukkottai Princely State in the early decades of the 20th Century. Though the earliest inscription found on the remains is that of Chola King Aditya I (871-907 CE), historians believe that the temple must have been built by the Irukkuval chiefs. Only the basement of a large main shrine and four subsidiary shrines with pillared hall have survived. Two flights of steps to the north and the south lead to the hall and another to the circumambulatory passage of the main shrine. One of the balustrades of steps depicts dwarf figures blowing conches. Broken architectural elements, animal friezes, and sculptures of gods and goddesses were recovered from the site. The temple, according to the ASI, is tentatively dated to the times of Sattan Marvan (around early 9th Century CE), father of Marvan Pudi alias Bhuti Vikaramakesari. In recent years, the ASI has developed the enclosure with fencing, landscaped lawns, and basic amenities. To the south west of the Moovar Koil is the Muchukundesvara Temple, referred to as Mudukunram in its inscriptions. According to an inscription found on a pillar, the temple was consecrated by Mahimalaya Irukkavel. There are divergent views on dating the temple, but the recent view is that it was built in the early decades of the 10th Century CE. The original structure facing east consists of a square sanctum and a small hall. Traces of four subsidiary shrines can be observed around the main shrine. A pillared hall and the Amman shrine were added and renovated during the Pandya period. A circular stone well is also seen near the temple. Unique temple Explaining the historical importance of Kodumbalur, R. Kalaikkovan, director, Dr. Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research, Tiruchi, said it was one of the very few towns mentioned by Ilango Adigal in Silapadikaram. 'It is one of the oldest towns in Tamil Nadu, where the Velir dynasty had flourished, and had been popular since the 8th Century,' he said. 'The Velirs had been in matrimonial relationships with the Cholas continuously as testified by several inscriptions found in the Tiruchi region. They had a key role to play in most of the Chola expeditions. They patronised temples, arts and culture. Their temple architecture and sculptures are rich and distinct in style. The Aivar Kovil, known as the Panchayatana temple and famous in north India, is the only such temple in Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, only the basement of the temple has survived. The Moovar Kovil has a rare sculpture of Shiva holding a lingam on his shoulder,' Dr. Kalaikkovan said. The excavation, he felt, would lead to significant finds. Already, brick structures and a significant number of artefacts — including gold and glass beads, coins, semi-precious stones, terracotta images and toys — have been unearthed at the site.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Kodumbalur, which was the seat of power of Irukkuvels, is an architectural marvel
Nestled in a corner of Pudukkottai district and often overshadowed by better known temple towns in Tamil Nadu, Kodumbalur holds a distinct place in the history of Tamils. The Sangam era literary work Silapadikaram refers to it as a place situated on the way to Madurai, the capital of Pandyas, from Woraiyur, the Chola capital. It is referred to as Konattu kodi nagaram (the capital city of Konadu) in Periyapuranam. Situated about 40 km from Tiruchi, Kodumbalur was the seat of power of Irukkuvels (Velirs), known for their military prowess and patronage of art and architecture. The powerful feudatory family had played a crucial role in the political landscape of the region, particularly during the reign of the Cholas. Kodumbalur, a sleepy village now, is a veritable treasure trove with temples of great beauty and architectural elements. Inscriptions in the temples carry vital information on the history of the region. Excavation under way The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which maintains the three stand-out monuments of Moovar Kovil, the Muchukundesvara Temple, and the remains of Aivar Kovil, has recently taken up excavation to trace the cultural sequence and the history of the place. Kodumbalur is one of the 32 sites identified for excavations in the Tiruchi Circle under the ASI's Looking Beyond-Vision Statement for Excavations by 2035. The place is referred to as Kodumbai in Silapadikaram. 'We will revisit the literary references to Kodumbalur and correlate them with the present scenario,' A. Anilkumar, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Tiruchi Circle, had told The Hindu, while launching the excavation in January this year. The excavation has been taken up in front of the Perumal temple and Kottaikaraimedu in the village. 'We would collect archaeological data to understand the complete history of Kodumbalur,' says V. Muthukumar, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist and co-director of the excavation. The village's most prominent landmark is the Moovar Kovil (a cluster of three temples) built around 818 CE, a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Irukkuvels. Only two of the temples remain intact and their exquisite carvings and intricate sculptures offer a glimpse into the artistic excellence of the period. The original layout had three west-facing temples almost identical in plan and size. Of the three temples, only the southern and central ones survive, while the one on the north is preserved up to the plinth level. Sanskrit inscription A Sanskrit inscription engraved on the central shrine asserts that the three shrines were built by Bhuti Vikramakesari, an Irukkavel chieftain. He named the central one after himself and the two on the flanks after his queens — Karrali and Varaguna. Significantly, the inscription gives the genealogy of nine generations of the Irukkavel chiefs. The temples were small units with an Ardha Mandapa in front of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The temples feature exquisite sculptures including those of Shiva in fierce aspects from mythology — the most famous being that of Kalantaka, the conqueror of time/death — the form in which he kicks Yama to save his devotee. The makara toranas above the niches and friezes of bhutaganas playing different musical instruments on the top of the walls add to the charm of the structures. The enclosure originally had 16 symmetrically located subsidiary shrines for Parivara Devatas and pillared pavilions too. A circular stone well is situated within the complex. To the south-east of this temple complex are the remains of the Aivar Kovil or Aintali (temple of five), which were exposed by the Pudukkottai Princely State in the early decades of the 20th Century. Though the earliest inscription found on the remains is that of Chola King Aditya I (871-907 CE), historians believe that the temple must have been built by the Irukkuval chiefs. Only the basement of a large main shrine and four subsidiary shrines with pillared hall have survived. Two flights of steps to the north and the south lead to the hall and another to the circumambulatory passage of the main shrine. One of the balustrades of steps depicts dwarf figures blowing conches. Broken architectural elements, animal friezes, and sculptures of gods and goddesses were recovered from the site. The temple, according to the ASI, is tentatively dated to the times of Sattan Marvan (around early 9th Century CE), father of Marvan Pudi alias Bhuti Vikaramakesari. In recent years, the ASI has developed the enclosure with fencing, landscaped lawns, and basic amenities. To the south west of the Moovar Koil is the Muchukundesvara Temple, referred to as Mudukunram in its inscriptions. According to an inscription found on a pillar, the temple was consecrated by Mahimalaya Irukkavel. There are divergent views on dating the temple, but the recent view is that it was built in the early decades of the 10th Century CE. The original structure facing east consists of a square sanctum and a small hall. Traces of four subsidiary shrines can be observed around the main shrine. A pillared hall and the Amman shrine were added and renovated during the Pandya period. A circular stone well is also seen near the temple. Unique temple Explaining the historical importance of Kodumbalur, R. Kalaikkovan, director, Dr. Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research, Tiruchi, said it was one of the very few towns mentioned by Ilango Adigal in Silapadikaram. 'It is one of the oldest towns in Tamil Nadu, where the Velir dynasty had flourished, and had been popular since the 8th Century,' he said. 'The Velirs had been in matrimonial relationships with the Cholas continuously as testified by several inscriptions found in the Tiruchi region. They had a key role to play in most of the Chola expeditions. They patronised temples, arts and culture. Their temple architecture and sculptures are rich and distinct in style. The Aivar Kovil, known as the Panchayatana temple and famous in north India, is the only such temple in Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, only the basement of the temple has survived. The Moovar Kovil has a rare sculpture of Shiva holding a lingam on his shoulder,' Dr. Kalaikkovan said. The excavation, he felt, would lead to significant finds. Already, brick structures and a significant number of artefacts — including gold and glass beads, coins, semi-precious stones, terracotta images and toys — have been unearthed at the site.
