How can we consider the present Kashi Vishwanath temple as a Jyotirlinga when the original temple was already destroyed and the original lingam too is untraceable?

Kasi itself has vibrations. Visiting Kasi itself sufficient to worshipping original lingam.

South has a tradition of visiting Kasi in one’s lifetime. This will be followed by visiting Rameswaram, another Jyotirlinga.

Rameswaram has two lingas.

 One is constructed by Sita Devi, called Ramanatha Swamy and another brought by Hanuman from Kasi. 

Though main deity is Ramanatha Swami, you can find Kasi Viswanath adjacent.

Another Temple in Then Kasi (Kasi of south) for those who cannot visit Kasi on banks of Tamira Bharani in Podigai Hills.

South has two lingas from Kasi, one by Hanuman and another at Then Kasi.

Do Tamil brothers in India really celebrate Ravana as their God? On 5th Aug20 "Tamil Pride Ravana" is trending in Twitter. People are celebrating and glorifying Ravana, I want to know more about this. Can someone share their views?

 Kaustubh Shukla

It is a Myth to degrade Tamils, by South Indian atheists and North Indians.

Myth Burster1:

North Indians claim Ravana as a Brahmin. Southern Peninsula South of India is exempted from Manu’s Varna System. Ravana is not a Tamil.

Myth Burster2:

Ravana is from North of Vindhyas.

He married Mandodari, Princess of Mandsaur in MP. Actually Mandsaur, the heart of India, MP, do not burn Ravan’s effigy during Dasara. As he is their Son In Law, they celebrate and glorify Ravana.

Is it fair to blame Tamils? It is Central India- Mainland.

Myth Buster3:

If you read Ramayan, Ram’s life is a disaster. He had divine qualities to face challenges from his Relatives (Step Mother, Father) taken away his crown and Citizens uprooted him.

Later part, he found good friends from South to defeat his enemy Ravan and King Ram recovered kingdom, but again to lose his wife and children in Ayodhya citizens.

Tamils were friends to Lord Ram in Ramayan and only helped him.

Myth Buster4:

You only have Ayodhya for Ram.

Tamils have many places- Rameswaram and, there are many towering temples glorify Ram’s presence. A district, Ramanathapuram(Ramnad) is named after him.

Have any one heard of Ayodhyapattinam, in TN where Rama coronated first time there. Read below:

Mohan N R's answer to Is ayodhya temple is world biggest temple?

If Tamils want to glorify Raven, why they should construct big temples for Ram and protect those from invaders while North could not defend Ayodhya.

Myth Buster5:

In TN, we have rational movements who criticize superstitions in Hindu Epics, Bible and Quran. They are backed by political parties and Foreign fund. Their view does not reflect the view of rest.

The above is for clarification, not to hurt anyone. If any one felt so, Michami Dukkadam.

Let New Temple in Ayodhya bring prosperity and abundance to Uttara Pradesh.

Penned by a Tamil, N R Mohan

What are some unknown ancient temples in India?

 Forget about India, the state of Tamil Nadu itself has over 33000 ancient temples of 800 to 5000 years old, reasonable size and architect. Many of these temples are unknown, some may be known nearby regions.

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I will give examples or concepts now promoted to bring such temples into limelight, with reasonable success, in Tirunelveli District (just one of 33 districts) of Tamil Nadu.

1.Nava Tirupati (9 temples of Vishnu, to get rid of afflictions of each planet)

2.Nava Kailasam

3.Pancha Bhuta Sthalams.

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I will also detail, one unknown Temple group, mentioned in 3rd point:

PANCHA BHOOTA STALAMS NEAR SANKARANKOVIL, TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT

1.Pancha Bhoota Stalam refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, air, sky, and fire. Pancha indicates "five," Bhoota means "elements," and Stala means "place."

2.The temples are located in South India, four in Tamil Nadu and one in Andhra Pradesh. The five elements are believed to be enshrined in the five lingams of the temples, with each lingam named based on the element represented

PANCHA BHOOTHA STHALAM

EARTH

PRITHVI LINGAM-

KANCHIPURAM-

EKAMBARESWAR

WATER

JAMBU LINGAM-

THIRUVANAIKAL-

JAMBUKESHWAR

FIRE

AGNI LINGAM-

THIRUVANNAMALAI-

ANNAMALAI

AIR

VAYU LINGAM-

SRI KALAHASTHI-

SRIKALAHATISWAR

SPACE

AKASA LINGAM-

CHIDAMBARAM-

NATARAJA

3. In Tirunelveli District, you can find Pancha Bhootha Sthalams located in and around Sankarankovil, Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu.

PANCHA BHOOTHA STHALAM NEAR SANKARANKOVIL

EARTH

PRITHVI LINGAM-

SANKARANKOVIL-

SANKARANARAYANAR

WATER

JAMBU LINGAM-

DHARUGAPURAM-

MATHIYASTHANATHAR

FIRE

AGNI LINGAM-

KARIVALAMVANDHANALLUR-

PALVANNANATHAR

AIR

VAYU LINGAM-

THENMALAI-

THIRIPURANATHER

SPACE

AKASA LINGAM-

DEVADANAN-

NACHADAITHAVIRTHUARULIYANATHAR

4. According to Hinduism, life and the various species originated by the combination of planetary globes and the five manifestations of nature namely air, water, fire, land and sky. Bhoota in Sanskrit means compound and maha bhoota indicates a big compound.

5. According to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, the equilibrium of the body with the pancha bhoota is governed by the principles of tridoshas -kaph(phlegm), pitta(bile), vayu(gas), dhātu and malas(waste products).

6.Rabindranath Tagore, a nobel lauerate for literature, in his poem, Pancha bhoota, has explained the emotional faculty of the human mind is keenly sensitive to all objects of light, colour, sound, effect of speed, sun, moon and stars.

7.These five celebrated Ishwarams or Pancha Ishwaram Temples were important landmarks of the country and had India's adoration.

1.Nachadai Thavirththu Aruliyanathar Temple, Devadanam, Virudhunagar

Nachadai Thavirththu Aruliyanathar Temple is a Shiva Temple located at Devadanam Village in Rajapalayam Taluk in Virudhunagar District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Nachadai Thavirththu Aruliyanathar/ Ammai Appan and the Mother is called as Thavam Petra Nayagi. The Temple is considered as equivalent to Chidambaram Nataraja Temple.

This is one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams around Sankarankovil. Pancha Bhuta Sthalam refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, fire, air, space. Pancha indicates “Five” Bhuta means “Elements” and Sthala means “Place”. The temples are located around Sankarankovil. The five elements are believed to be enshrined in the five lingams of the temple, with each lingam named based on the element represented.

Element: This sthalam is called as “Agaya Sthalam”(Sky Element).

Temple: Temple is built by Cholas. Presiding deity is called as Nachadai Thavirththu Aruliyanathar/ Ammai Appan and the Mother is called as Thavam Petra Nayagi. There is a sculpture of Tortoise at the bottom of Dwajasthambam. There are three shrines of Shiva, Kan keduththavar, Kan koduththavar and Kozhuntheeswarar. Lord Brahma can be found in meditation form in this temple.

Festival: 10 days Vaikasi Brahmotsavam, Vaikasi Visagam, Masi Magam, Navaratri, Maha Sivaratriand Skanda Shasti are celebrated here. People visit all Pancha Bhuta Sthalams during Sivaratri festival.

Connectivity: The temple is located at about 7kms from Sivagiri; 16kms from Thenmalai; 23kms from Karivalamvandhanallur; 24kms from Dharugapuram; 34kms from Sankarankovil; 17kms from Rajapalayam; 55kms from Tenkasi; 98kms from Tirunelveli; The temple is situated in Rajapalayam to Tenkasi Route. The temple is situated 2kms from Devadanam Village.

2.Thiripuranathar Temple, Thenmalai, Tirunelveli

Thiripuranathar Temple is a Shiva Temple located at Thenmalai Village in Vasudevanallur Taluk in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Thiripuranathar and the Mother is called as Shivaparipoorni. The Temple is considered as equivalent to Sri Kalahasthi Temple. The Temple is famous for Sarpa Pariharam. The Temple is maintained by Sivagiri Zamin.

This is one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams around Sankarankovil. Pancha Bhuta Sthalam refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, fire, air, space. Pancha indicates “Five” Bhuta means “Elements” and Sthala means “Place”. The temples are located around Sankarankovil. The five elements are believed to be enshrined in the five lingams of the temple, with each lingam named based on the element represented.

Element: This sthalam is called as “Vayu Sthalam” (Air Element).

Temple: The temple is west facing. The Prime deity is called as Thiripuranathar and the Mother is called as Shivaparipoorni. There is no window in the Sanctum.

Sthala Vriksham is Vilva Tree.

Festival: Paurnami Girivalam around the temple is very famous here.

Connectivity: The temple is located at about 9kms from Sivagiri; 11kms from Karivalamvandanallur; 14kms from Devathanam, 19kms from Dharugapuram; 22kms from Sankarankovil; 31kms from Rajapalayam; 55kms from Tenkasi; 86kms from Tirunelveli; The temple is situated in Rajapalayam to Tenkasi Route. Regular busses are available from Rajapalayam.

3.Palvannanathar Temple, Karivalamvandanallur, Tirunelveli

Palvannanathar Temple is a Shiva Temple located at Karivalamvandanallur Village in Sankarankovil Taluk in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Palvannanathar Thirukula easar / Mugalingar and the Mother is called as Oppanaiammal.

The Temple is considered as equivalent to Thiruvannamalai Annamalaiyar Temple.

The Temple is famous for Sukhra Parihara Sthalam. People pray here for Child boon and to remove marriage obstacles.

This is one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams around Sankarankovil. Pancha Bhuta Sthalam refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, fire, air, space. Pancha indicates “Five” Bhuta means “Elements” and Sthala means “Place”. The temples are located around Sankarankovil. The five elements are believed to be enshrined in the five lingams of the temple, with each lingam named based on the element represented.

Element: This sthalam is called as “Agni Sthalam”(Fire Element).

Temple: The temple is east facing temple with 9 tiered Gopuram. The Prime deity is called as Palvannanathar Thirukula easar / Mugalingar and the Mother is called as Oppanaiammal. The temple is built by Puli Devan.

Sthala Vriksham is Kala Tree; Theerthams associated with this temple is Shukra Theertham and Nadhi is Nitcheba nadhi.

Festival: Avani Thapasu similar to Sankarankovil Thapasu is celebrated here.

Connectivity: The temple is located at about 9kms from Thenmalai; 25kms from Devathanam, 19kms from Dharugapuram; 11kms from Sankarankovil; 25kms from Rajapalayam; 55kms from Tenkasi; 75kms from Tirunelveli; The temple is situated in Rajapalayam to Sankarankovil Route.

4.Mathyasthanathar Temple, Dharugapuram, Tirunelveli

Mathyasthanathar Temple is a Shiva Temple located at Dharugapuram, Village in Vasudevanallur Taluk in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Mathyasthanathar / Pinakkarutha Peruman and the Mother is called as Akilandeswari. The Temple is considered as equivalent to Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeshwarar Temple. The Temple is famous for Guru Parihara Sthalam.

This is one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams around Sankarankovil. Pancha Bhuta Sthalam refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, fire, air, space. Pancha indicates “Five” Bhuta means “Elements” and Sthala means “Place”. The temples are located around Sankarankovil. The five elements are believed to be enshrined in the five lingams of the temple, with each lingam named based on the element represented.

Element: This sthalam is called as “Neer Sthalam”(Water Element).

Temple: Temple is believed to be 1500 years old. The temple is being traditionally maintained by Thalaivan Kottai Zamin.

Sthala Vriksham is Mango Tree; There was a spring in the sanctum but it is permanently closed.

Festival: People visit all Pancha Bhuta Sthalams during Sivaratri festival.

Connectivity: The temple is located at about 5kms from Vasudevanallur; 8kms from Chinthamani; 10kms from Puliangudi; 19kms from Thenmalai; 23kms from Devathanam, 20kms from Karivalamvandhanallur; 24kms from Dharugapuram; 14kms from Sankarankovil; 40kms from Rajapalayam; 38kms from Tenkasi; 79kms from Tirunelveli; The temple is situated in Rajapalayam to Tenkasi Route.

5.Sankara Narayanan Temple, Sankaran Kovil, Tirunelveli

Sankara Narayanan Temple is dedicated to God Sankara Narayanan, located at Sankaran Kovil, Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. The temple was built by Pandya King Ukkira Pandyan in 11th Century. The temple also gives the town its name. In this temple you can see an unusual sight of Shiva and Vishnu put in the same sanctum sanctorum.

Shiva lingams usually represent one particular natural element. This temple is considered to be representing one of the five elements Nilam (Land / Prithvi /Earth). In this area, the other being Karivalam Vandha Nallur (Agni / Fire), Dharukapuram (Neer / Water / Jal), Thenmalai (Vayu) and Devathanam (Sky / Akash / Sky)

The Temple is considered as equivalent to Kanchipuram Ekambareswar Temple.

Sankarankovil is the second largest town in the district.

Element: This sthalam is called as “Nilam” (Land / Prithvi /Earth Element)

Temple: The Temple is a representation of fusion of two faiths Saivism and Vaishnavism.The main deities in the temple are Sankara Lingam (Southern Portion inside the temple) and Gomathy Amman (Northern Portion of the Temple). There is another deity in between to that of two is of Sankara Narayanar.

Festival: It is very noted for the Adi Thapasu Festival.

Prasad: Puthuman or ant hill sand is offered as Prasad to the devotees which can cure a lot of diseases.

Connectivity: Sankara Narayanan Temple is located at Sankaran Kovil, Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. Sankaran Kovil is situated in the train route from Chennai Shencottah route. Sankaran Kovil is located at about 65kms from Tirunelveli; 20kms from Vasudevanallur; 30kms from Kadayanallur; 36kms from Rajapalayam; 44kms from Tenkasi; 40kms from Kovilpatti;110 kms from Thooththukkudi and 140kms from Madurai. Bus and Train facilities are available from Madurai. Nearest Airports are Madurai, Thooththukkudi and Thiruvananthapuram.e

Do Tamil brothers in India really celebrate Ravana as their God? On 5th Aug20 "Tamil Pride Ravana" is trending in Twitter. People are celebrating and glorifying Ravana, I want to know more about this. Can someone share their views?

 Kaustubh Shukla

It is a Myth to degrade Tamils, by South Indian atheists and North Indians.

Myth Burster1:

North Indians claim Ravana as a Brahmin. Southern Peninsula South of India is exempted from Manu’s Varna System. Ravana is not a Tamil.

Myth Burster2:

Ravana is from North of Vindhyas.

He married Mandodari, Princess of Mandsaur in MP. Actually Mandsaur, the heart of India, MP, do not burn Ravan’s effigy during Dasara. As he is their Son In Law, they celebrate and glorify Ravana.

Is it fair to blame Tamils? It is Central India- Mainland.

Myth Buster3:

If you read Ramayan, Ram’s life is a disaster. He had divine qualities to face challenges from his Relatives (Step Mother, Father) taken away his crown and Citizens uprooted him.

Later part, he found good friends from South to defeat his enemy Ravan and King Ram recovered kingdom, but again to lose his wife and children in Ayodhya citizens.

Tamils were friends to Lord Ram in Ramayan and only helped him.

Myth Buster4:

You only have Ayodhya for Ram.

Tamils have many places- Rameswaram and, there are many towering temples glorify Ram’s presence. A district, Ramanathapuram(Ramnad) is named after him.

Have any one heard of Ayodhyapattinam, in TN where Rama coronated first time there. 

If Tamils want to glorify Raven, why they should construct big temples for Ram and protect those from invaders while North could not defend Ayodhya.

Myth Buster5:

In TN, we have rational movements who criticize superstitions in Hindu Epics, Bible and Quran. They are backed by political parties and Foreign fund. Their view does not reflect the view of rest.

The above is for clarification, not to hurt anyone. If any one felt so, Michami Dukkadam.

Let New Temple in Ayodhya bring prosperity and abundance to Uttara Pradesh.

Penned by a Tamil, N R Mohan

Is there any differences between Indian Tamil and Sri Lankan Tamil?

 Differences are many.

1. Written and Spoken: As Tamil is a diglossic language, the differences between the standard written languages across the globe is minimal but the spoken varieties differ considerably.
2. Iyal, Isai and Nadagam: In the sangam age in Tamil Nadu, the classical form of Tamil is classified into three - Iyal (literature), Isai (music) and Nadagam(theatre). Tamil, in any point in Time and Space, has borrowed the influence of these three in varying propositions. You can see how the dialogues of Tamil films in Sivaji Ganesan era (1970s) and now (2018) changed. So as the Tamil words written in India and a distant Sri Lanka. However these differences are minimal in comparison with spoken language.
3. Indian Tamil Dialects: Coming to dialects - Tamil spoken in India differs every 250 kilometres - Kumari Tamil, Madurai Tamil, Chetti Nadu Tamil, Kongu Tamil, Madras Tamil and many.
4. Sri Lankan Tamil Dialects: It has four dialects. i)Jaffna Tamil - close to Tamil Nadu Tamil II)Batticaloa Tamil is more literary and unique Tamil iii)Negomba Tamil - Fishermen Tamil - bilingual, strongly influenced by sinhala iv)Moors Tamil - Spoken by Moors strongly influenced by Arabic
5. Commonality: The spoken varieties in Sri Lanka although different from those of Tamil Nadu share some common features between the Southern dialects (Kumari, Madurai) of Tamil Nadu and the northern Sri Lankan Tamil dialect, the language of Jaffna. Sri Lankan Tamil dialects retain many words and grammatical forms that are not in everyday use in India, and use many other words slightly differently.
6. Influencers of Indian Tamil: Indian Tamil dialects are influenced by Sanskrit and English.
7. Influencers of Sri Lankan Tamil: Sri Lankan Tamil dialects are inflenced by Portugese, Dutch as well as English and Sinhalese.
8. Conservative: In general, Sri Lankan Tamil is considered to be more conservative than continental Tamil.

Migration History of Sri Lankan Tamil:

Languages get diluted with space and time. But descendents who migrated maintain the purity of the time in which they migrated. That is why it is importnt to understand the migration history. It is outside the purview of the question and given as an information.

#The migration consists broadly in two stages -who arrived in 7th to 10th centuries ago, during Chola Rulers to Anuradhapura mainly soldiers; and during British in 19th century as a trade workers.

Foot Note - The outward Indian migration on an organized scale came during British Rule. The commissioning of railway line in 1860 made the trading easy across India. In overseas, Parsis running into China; Gujaratis into Red Sea, Persian Gulf; Sindworkies into Ports in Americas, Europe. For the Nattukottai Chettiars of Tamil Nadu, the chief investment destination was South East Asia. From around 1830, confined Chettiars in Madras presidency, started exporting their capital to Ceylon(Sri Lanka), Burma (Myanmar), Straits settlement (Singapore, Malacca and Penang) and Indo-China. As per the Indian Estimate, the working funds of Chettiars were deployed 64% in Burma, 20% in Malaya, 11% in Ceylon, 4% in Indo China. Less than 1% is deployed in Madras. Chettiars taken the plantation workers all over the places.

Do people in South Indian states support or oppose the Ram Temple in Ayodhya?

 

1. It is a proud moment for everyone.
2. Ramayan has regional versions, written over 10 centuries before.
3. You only have Ayodhya for Ram. But Ram’s footprints are there everywhere in India.
4. Rameswaram and many towering temples in Ramanathapuram(Ramnad) district glorify Rama’s name in TN.

Have you ever heard of Ayodhyapattinam, in TN where Rama coronated first time there and a 500 year old temple is there. Read below:

Mohan N R's answer to Is ayodhya temple is world biggest temple?

Let the new temple in Ayodhya bring prosperity, abundance and a Ram Raj to UP.

If 85% of Tamils are Hindus, Why don't they like Sanskrit?

To correct you,

*88% of Tamils are Hindus, whereas all India average is 79.8%. This itself shows that Tamil is the language all Hindus should learn.

*Form of Tamil is Murugan.Tamil with 31 (12+18+1) letters (mantras) uses Lord Murugan as Form (Yantra). Uyir 12 (6x2) Mei 18(6x3) and Aydham (vel)1. Why Hindus in north, not learning Tamil?

*There is a Famous Slogan of Shiv devotees, in Bhajans or in temples or negotiating the pilgrimage.

“Thennadudaya Sivane Potri

Ennattavurkkum Iraiva Potri”

Meaning - Salutations to Siva who belongs to South country. Salutations to him as he is the God of all countries.

“Siva is Love” He has written literary works in Tamil. But people do not value Love. In North, “Sabko Mar Marke Hindi Shikadhiya Gaya” And Now those ‘Mar Pada o’ question Tamils? Who speak one of the classical languages of this holy land.

Yes. Correct yourself, 88% of Tamils are Hindus - Tamil is the oldest classical language of the land. Learn it.