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Vasavi
Vasavi Kanyaka Parameshvari is a Hindu goddess, primarily revered by the Komati community of Andhra Pradesh. She is primarily recognised by her adherents as a virgin form of Parvati, and sometimes also identified as a form of Lakshmi in Vaishnava tradition. She is regarded to be a kuladevata by members of the Komati community, as well as the Arya Vaishya, Kalinga Vaishya, Arava Vaishya, Marathi Vaishya, Beri Vaishya, and the Trivarnika Vaishya communities, as per the various versions of the ''Vasavi Puranamulu'', written in Telugu during the 18th century CE. The Jaina Komatis venerate her as Shanti Matha Vasavi, who is regarded to have promoted ahimsa for the benefit of all mankind, and averted warfare and loss of life through peaceful means. Legend There is no authentic version of Vasavi's legend, and different versions exist amongst classes who are both Komati and non-Komati. The oral accounts sung by bards vary amongst regions, religious sects, castes, and sub-castes. Accor ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Komati (caste)
The Komati (Kūmūti, Kōmaṭi, Kūmaṭi) is a trading community found primarily in southern and central India, that is currently organised as a caste. The members of the Komati caste are commonly engaged in business pursuits. The community consists of many sects who are followers of Hinduism, namely the Gomata , the Thrivarnika (Trivarṇika) and the Kalinga (Kaliṅga), along with the Jaina Komatis who are followers of Jainism. Traditionally, most Komatis have been vegetarian due to ahimsa (nonviolence). Historically considered among the upper echelons of the Shudra varna, the Komatis over time came to be considered Vaishyas due to their adoption of upper-caste habits such as vegetarianism. Etymology and Terminology The origin of the word "Komati" is uncertain, and there are several speculative theories about it. The affinity of the word "Komati" to "Gomata" has led to speculation that the word is derived from Gomata (Gomateshwara), the name of a Jain deity. This theory ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Komati Caste
The Komati (Kūmūti, Kōmaṭi, Kūmaṭi) is a trading community found primarily in southern and central India, that is currently organised as a caste. The members of the Komati caste are commonly engaged in business pursuits. The community consists of many sects who are followers of Hinduism, namely the Gomata , the Thrivarnika (Trivarṇika) and the Kalinga (Kaliṅga), along with the Jaina Komatis who are followers of Jainism. Traditionally, most Komatis have been vegetarian due to ahimsa (nonviolence). Historically considered among the upper echelons of the Shudra varna, the Komatis over time came to be considered Vaishyas due to their adoption of upper-caste habits such as vegetarianism. Etymology and Terminology The origin of the word "Komati" is uncertain, and there are several speculative theories about it. The affinity of the word "Komati" to "Gomata" has led to speculation that the word is derived from Gomata (Gomateshwara), the name of a Jain deity. This theory ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Suhasini (Telugu Actress)
Suhasini is an Indian actress, who has predominantly appeared in Telugu films. She began her acting career in 2003 in the Telugu film industry with a starring role. She went on to play lead and supporting roles in Telugu films and appear in a number of Tamil and Bhojpuri films, before debuting in television. Career Suhasini hails from Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh, India. Her acting debut was B. Jaya's ''Chantigadu'' after which she went on to act in four Tamil films. In her first Tamil film, the horror flick ''Adhu'', she played a ghost, and The Hindu's critic noted that she was "quite expressive". She later acted in Rama Narayanan's ''Mannin Maindhan'', a remake of the Telugu film '' Yagnam''. About Suha's performance in the film, The Hindu wrote: "Suha is beautiful and charming in the song sequences and has also tried her best to emote". She was also cast as the female lead in ''Unnai Enakku Pidichirukku'', that featured comedian Senthil's son Naveen in his debut. All ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Kuladevata
A kuladevatā (), also known as a kuladaivaṃ, is an ancestral tutelary deity in Hinduism and Jainism. Such a deity is often the object of one's devotion (''bhakti''), and is coaxed to watch over one's clan (''kula''), gotra, family, and children from misfortune. This is distinct from an '' ishta-devata'' (personal tutelar) and a grāmadevatā (village deities). Male kuladevatas are sometimes referred to as a kuladeva, while their female counterparts are called a kuladevi. Etymology The word ''kuladevata'' is derived from two words: ''kula'', meaning clan, and ''devata'', meaning deity, referring to the ancestral deities that are worshipped by particular clans. Veneration The deity can be represented in a male or a female human, an animal, or even an object, like a holy stone. It is believed that rituals done at a kuladeva/kuladevi temple benefits all those genetically connected with the one performing the ritual. Kuladaivams of the Shaiva tradition are often considere ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Penugonda
Penugonda is a town in West Godavari district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Narasapuram to Nidadavolu main line passes through Penugonda. It is the junction for the people to go to Rajahmundry , Nidadavolu , Palakollu , Tanuku and Bhimavaram. North Peravali Mandal, South Achanta mandal and Poduru mandal, East Godavari River , West Iragavaram mandal and Penumantra mandal sharing boundaries with Vasavi Penugonda. Demographics Census of India, Penugonda had a population of 16038. The total population constitute, 7857 males and 8181 females with a sex ratio of 1041 females per 1000 males. 1377 children are in the age group of 0–6 years, with sex ratio of 1046 females per 1000 males. The average literacy rate stands at 82.50%. Penugonda mandal population of 69857. Penugonda mandal Penugonda Mandal is one of the mandal in West Godavari district. Under Penugonda there are 14 villages and total it is known as Penugonda Mandal. Transport The Andhra Prades ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Meena (actress)
Meena Durairaj (born 16 September 1976), known professionally as Meena, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in the South Indian film industry as well as Hindi cinema. Meena has acted in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi films. In addition to acting, Meena is also a playback singer, TV judge, and occasional dubbing artist. She has received numerous accolades, including two Filmfare Awards South, three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, two Nandi Award for Best Actress and Cinema Express Awards. In 1998, she was honoured with the Kalaimamani Award by Government of Tamil Nadu. Early life Meena was born in 1976 and was brought up in Chennai (then Madras), Tamil Nadu. Her mother rajamallika from Kannur district of Kerala while her father Durairaj is from Andhra. Career Child artist Meena started her career in 1982 as a child artist in the film ''Nenjangal'', featuring Sivaji Ganesan in the lead role after he saw her at a birthday party. She has acted in several ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Murti
In the Hindu tradition, a ''murti'' ( sa, मूर्ति, mūrti, ) is a devotional image such as a statue, or "idol" (a common and non-pejorative term in Indian English), of a deity or saint. In Hindu temples, it is a symbolic icon. Thus, not all Hindu images of gods and saints are ''murti'', for example, purely decorative sculptures in temples and on the streets. A ''murti'' is itself not a god in Hinduism, but it is a shape, embodiment, or manifestation of a deity. ''Murti'' are also found in some nontheistic Jain traditions, where they serve as symbols of revered mortals inside Jain temples, and are worshiped in ''murtipujaka'' rituals. A ''murti'' is typically made by carving stone, wood working, metal casting or through pottery. Ancient era texts describing their proper proportions, positions and gestures include the Puranas, Agamas, and Samhitas.Klaus Klostermaier (2010), ''A Survey of Hinduism'', State University of New York Press, , pages 264–267 The expressio ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Religion In India
Religion in India is characterised by a diversity of religious beliefs and practices. The Indian subcontinent is the birthplace of four of the world's major religions; namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The preamble of Indian constitution states that India is a secular state. Throughout India's history, religion has been an important part of the country's culture. Religious diversity and religious tolerance are both established in the country by the law; the Constitution of India has declared the right to freedom of religion to be a fundamental right. According to the 2011 census, 79.8% of the population of India practices Hinduism, 14.2% adheres to Islam, 2.3% adheres to Christianity, 1.7% adheres to Sikhism, 0.7% adheres to Buddhism and 0.4% adheres to Jainism. Zoroastrianism, Sanamahism and Judaism also have an ancient history in India, and each has several thousands of Indian adherents. India has the largest population of people adhering to Zoroastrianism (i ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Venkateswara
Venkateswara, also known by various other names, is a form of the Hinduism, Hindu god Vishnu. Venkateswara is the presiding deity of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, located in Tirupati, Sri Balaji District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Etymology Venkateswara literally means, "Lord of Venkata (hill), Venkata". The word is a combination of the words ''Venkata'' (the name of a hill in Andhra Pradesh) and ''isvara'' ("Lord"). According to the ''Brahmanda Purana, Brahmanda'' and ''Bhavishya Purana, Bhavishyottara'' Puranas, the word "Venkata" means "destroyer of sins", deriving from the Sanskrit words ''vem'' (sins) and ''kata'' (power of immunity). It is also said that 'Venkata' is a combination of two words: '''ven''' (keeps away) and kata''' (troubles). Venkata means he 'who keeps away troubles' or 'who takes away problems' or such terms in a similar context. Legend Every year, hundreds of thousands of devotees donate a large amount of wealth at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Veerashaiva
Veerashaivism is a sect within the Shaivism fold of Hinduism. According to tradition, it was transmitted by ''Panchacharyas'', ( kn, ಪಂಚಾಚಾರ್ಯರು, paṃcācāraya from sa, पंचचार्य, pañcācārya), or five acharyas: Renukacharya, Darukacharya, Ekorama, Panditharadhya, Vishwaradhya, and first taught by Renukacharya to Agastya, a Vedic seer. The preachings of Jagadguru Renukacharya Bhagavadpada to rishi Agastya is recorded in the form of a book, ''Shri Siddhantha Shikhamani'', which is regarded as an important holy book for the Veerashaivas. This text is likely a 8th century work, and it likely contains the earliest reference to Veerashaivism in literature. Guru lineage A small manuscript named ''Vira-Saiva-Guru-Parampara'' details the following guru lineage for Veerashaivism in order of priority: Visvesvara Guru, Ekorama, Viresaradhya, Virabhadra, Viranaradhya, Manikyaradhya, Buccayyaradhya, Vira Mallesvaradhya, Desikaradhya, Vrsabha, A ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Varna (Hinduism)
''Varṇa'' ( sa, वर्ण, varṇa), in the context of Hinduism, refers to a social class within a hierarchical caste system in India, caste system. The ideology is epitomized in texts like ''Manusmriti'', which describes and ranks four varnas, and prescribes their occupations, requirements and duties, or ''Dharma''. *Brahmins: Vedas, Vedic scholars, priests or teachers. *Kshatriyas: Rulers, administrators or warriors. *Vaishyas: Agriculturalists, farmers or merchants. *Shudras: Artisan, Artisans, laborers or servants. Communities which belong to one of the four varnas or classes are called savarna Hindus. The Dalits and tribes, tribals who do not belong to any varna were called avarna. This quadruple division is a form of social stratification, quite different from the more nuanced system ''Jātis'' which correspond to the European term caste system in India, "caste". The varna system is discussed in Hindu texts, and understood as idealised human callings. The concept i ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ātman (Hinduism)
''Ātman'' (; sa, आत्मन्) is a Sanskrit word that refers to the (universal) Self or self-existent essence of individuals, as distinct from ego ('' Ahamkara''), mind (''Citta'') and embodied existence (''Prakṛti''). The term is often translated as soul, but is better translated as "Self," as it solely refers to pure consciousness or witness-consciousness, beyond identification with phenomena. In order to attain moksha (liberation), a human being must acquire self-knowledge ('' Atma Gyaan or Brahmajnana''). ''Atman'' is a central concept in the various schools of Indian philosophy, which have different views on the relation between ''Atman'', individual Self ('' Jīvātman''), supreme Self ('' Paramātmā'') and, the Ultimate Reality (''Brahman''), stating that they are: completely identical (Advaita, Non-Dualist), completely different ( Dvaita, Dualist), or simultaneously non-different and different (Bhedabheda, Non-Dualist + Dualist). The six orthodox schools ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
