Mudaliyar ......

"It is indeed a desirable thing to be well-descended, but the glory belongs to our ancestors" Mudaliar also Mudaliyār, Mudali and Moodley in Tamil language literally means a person of first rank in a feudal society in south India. Thondaimandala Mudaliars or Thondaimandala Saiva Velala Mudaliars are a high ranking sub-caste of the Tondaimandala Vellalars in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Thondaimandala Mudaliar are classified as a Forward caste from Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Etymolgy

 The word Mudaliar means first citizens or first ones and is used to denote a Vellalar subcaste. The word Mudali was also used to refer to a position held in a Nakarattar firm as it applies to other non-Vellalar castes Origin.

 The Chola King Karikala Chola conquered the whole of Thondaimandalam and parcelled it out to the Vellalar Chiefs, now known as the Thondaimandala Mudaliars, after defeating the Aruvalar, a nomadic tribe who were also called the Kurumbar. Karikala The Great divided the Thondaimandalam country into 24 Koddams or districts. The expedition was led by his lieutenant and valiant son Athondai.

 

History

Athondai's Expedition and Vellala Migration

Athondai, the son of Karikala proved to possess heroic qualities. When Karikala wanted to give him a Kingom to rule over, an eye was cast northwards at the Kurumbar Bhumi or Land of Kurumbas. After overthrowing the Kurumbar sovereignity, Athondai sent the news of his victory to his father asking him to send inhabitants from Cholamandalam or the Realm of Cholas to settle in his new country; accordingly 48000 Vellalars migrated to Thondaimandalam. Karikala crowned his son Athondai as the ruler of Thondaimandalam, renaming the Kurumba Bhumi after its emperor. He divided Thondaimandalam into 24 Kottams and parcelled it out to the Vellala Chiefs, awarding them the title Mudali or Mudaliyar literally meaning The first ones. Since then, they have been called the Thondaimandala Mudaliars.

 

Mudi-Sutum Vizha: Right to crown the king

These community members had the privilege of handing over the crown at the time of coronation ceremony (mudi-sootu vizha) of the kings, religious heads etc. This fact can be seen from old Tamil classical literature "Thirukkaivazhakkam" which states "mangaiyoru bhagarkum, madhavarkum, mannavarkum thunga mudiyai sootumkai (the hands that handover the crown to kings/religious heads at the time of coronation ceremony)". In the great Tamil classical literature Kamba-ramayana, Kavi-chakravarthy Kambar stated that "the great sage Vashista took the crown from ancestors of Vallal Sadaiyappa Mudaliar and crowned the King Rama" ("Vennaiyur Sadayan thangal marabulore kodukka-vangi Vasittaney punainthan mauli").

 

Sangam Literature

Pattinappaalai, one of the oldest Tamil works of sangam literature, states that the "saiva-velalar community, known for their piousness, honesty, intelliegence and philanthropy, excelled in farming and trading". It is believed that one "Ekambavanan" of this community from "Aamoor" (Aragalur?)once ruled great Magatha (Magadai?)empire. From "Kanchipuranam," it is learned that once a member of the Velalar community was elected to be the king in "Thirukanchinadu." Ekambavanan was featured in 1947 Tamil movie. It will be of interest to note that even to-day, in the Mudaliars' marriage ceremony, the father-in-law ties the "pattam" (meaning crown) on the fore-head of the bride.

 

Ariyanatha Mudaliar

Ariyanatha Mudaliar, was the Vellala Dalavoy(Chief Office Holder) of the Vijayanagar viceroy Viswanatha Nayaka (1529-64). He took power in the rich Tamaraparani rice lands. He is credited with founding the palayam or smal principalities system ruled by petty chiefs called poligar or palayakarars. He divided the Pandya kingdom in 72 palayams and commanded the 72 dry-zone poligar chiefs. Ariyanatha Mudaliar was not only the pre-colonial military man but also enjoyed a cult status in southern Tamil Nadu and became a tutelary patron figure amongst some of the region's cattle-keeping predator groups.

 

Kottams of Thondaimandalam

Karikala Chola divided the Tondai country into 24 Kottams or districts for administrative purposes. The list of 24 Kottams are as follows: Pulal, Puliyur, Eekadu, Manavur, Chenkkadu, Payur, Eyil, Thamal, Uttukadu, Kalathur, Chembur, Amur, Eethoor, Venkundram, Palkunram, Ilankadu, Kaliyur, Chriukarai, Paduvur, Kadikai, Chenthirukai, Kunrapattiram, Venkadam Velur.

 

Culture

Thondaimandala Mudaliars are part of the greater saiva-velaler community, which is spread over the entire length and breadth of Tamilnadu. Saiva-velalars were called by different names in different places. In Thondaimandalam, they were called “Mudaliars”. In some places they were called "Saiva-Pillaimars" and "Karkarthars". Saiva-velalars are vegetarians and share common beliefs, customs and traditions. This view is supported by the fact that there are a number of religious Mutts (Matha)s in Tamilnadu like "Kanchipuram thondaimandala adhinam" "Dharma-puram adhinam," "Thiruvaadudurai adhinam," and "Thirugnanasambandar swamigal adhinam" whose "Matathipathis" are drawn from these communities. It is also a fact that even today, in most places, they have common burial ground exclusively for the saiva-velalars community and owned and managed by respective "Mudaliar-Pillaimar Sangams." For any functions in their families like marriage, all members from these communities are invariably invited. This community had unique names of addressing their relations. Lady members were respectfully addressed as "anni" by all other community members. Sisters-in-law (elder brother’s wife) were addressed as "anniyar" and sisters-in-law (one’s husband’s sisters) were addressed as "aththathai" or "aththachi." Brother-in-law (sister’s husband) is addressed as "aththan". It is of interest to note that lady members of Mysore royal family are addressed as "anni".

 

Historical Personalities

Sekkizhar, the author of the Tamil hagiography Periyapuranam or The Great Purana comprising of the life stories of the 63 Tamil Saiva Saints or the Nayanars hailed from this community. He was the Prime Minister and a poet in the Chola court of Kulottonga II (1130-1150). Kulottonga was a devotee of Lord Siva Nataraja of Chidambaram and continued the reconstruction of the cult center of Tamil Saivism begun by his predecessors. At the same time he was enchanted by the Jain epic Jivaka Cintamani. To wean him away, his minister Sekkizhar composed the Tamil epic Periyapuranam. Ariyanatha Mudaliar, was the Vellala Dalavoy(General) and Prime Minister of the Vijayanagar viceroy Viswanatha Nayaka (1529-64). He took power in the rich Tamaraparani rice lands. He is credited with founding the palayam or smal principalities system ruled by petty chiefs called poligar or palayakarars. He divided the Pandya kingdom in 72 palayams and commanded the 72 dry-zone poligar chiefs. The Aiyaram Kaal Mandapam, or Thousand Pillared Hall, in the famous Meenakshi Temple was constructed by him in 1569. At the entrance of the Mandapam, we can still see majestic pose of Ariyanatha Mudaliar seated on a beautiful horse-back Kotpuli Nayanar was one of the 63 Nayanars haling from Nattiyantankuti. He was so attached to Lord Siva that he allotted a heap of paddy in the form of huge hill in each of the Siva temples to feed the Saiva devotees. Moorga Nayanar was one of the great 63 Nayanars. Sakkiya Nayanar was one of the great 63 Nayanars. Thirunavukkarusu Nayanar also known as Appar was one of the great 63 Nayanars. Vaayilar Nayanar was one of the great 63 Nayanars. He belonged to Agaththular gothram and hailed from thondai-nadu mailapuri (Mylapore) Ambi Aramvalartha Mudaliar was a reputed minister during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509-1530 AD). Andhaka Kavi Vira Raghava Mudaliar was a great poet of the 16th century. He was from "Pon-vilaintha kalathur." Anadhari Pulavar, a great poet in Chola kingdom who hailed from vaayal (Vaayalur) near Thirukkalukundram. Maavai Kumaraswamy Mudaliar administered the 3 districts of Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Trichy from 1688 (kollam calendar(kc) 863) to 1700 (kc875) . His son-in-law "Aarai Aagappa mudaliar" administered these areas from 1701 (kc876) to 1726 (kc 911). Since Aarai Alagappa Mudaliar had no children, he handed over the authority to his sister’s son-in-law Dalawai Kumaraswamy Mudaliar whose direct descendants are even today enjoy the title of "Dalavoyai" to this day.

 

Modern Personalities

Freedom Fighters

Munthuranga Mudaliar : hailed from Vanavarayar Gothram. A native of Nasarath pettai near Poonthamalli in Chengalpattu dist. Well known freedom-fighter and father-in-law of m/s. M.Bakthavatsalam, Sir P. T. Rajan and O. V. Alagesan. Literature ---------- Makaral Karthikeya Mudaliar : a renowned scholar, poet in 19th century hailed from Veyttur, near Madurangdagam. He authored a number of Tamil books ("veleer varlaatrumanbu," "Tamil Solvilakkam" and “"mozhi nool"). Mahavidwan Vasudeva Mudaliar : renowned poet from Chettipalayam near Pothanur in Coimbatore District Muthu Nainaththai Mudaliar : hailed of Nelvilaiyar Gothram from Chinna-Tharapuram in Karur district. Authored "pachai-nayagi pillai tamizh" and "Perur Kovai." Raosahib Vellakal Pa. Subramania Mudaliar : hailed from Athur Mappothiyar gothram from Vellakal, Tirunelveli dist. He wrote a number of Tamil poems. He was a renowned poet of 19th century. Rasikamani T.K. Chidambaranatha Mudaliar : from Athur Mopothiyar Gothram of Tenkasi. Well known scholar and author particularly "Kambar tharum Ramayanam."

 

Politics

Sir P. T. Rajan: from Nelvilayar gothram of Uthama-Palayam. He was a minister and leader of justice party. He has carried out the renovation of the famous Meenakshi temple in Madurai. His son Palanivel Rajan was a well-known leader, minister and speaker of Tamilnadu assembly. M. Bakthavatsalam Mudaliar: a great freedom fighter, political leader and chief minister of Tamilnadu. O.V. Alagesan Mudaliar : native of Chingleput, a great freedom fighter, political leader and Govt .of India Railway minister. Nedunchezhiian Mudaliar : Great orator, political leader and a minister in Tamilnadu. Anbazhagan Mudaliar : Great orator, political leader and currenly Finance Minister in Tamilnadu. P Shanmugam : Former Chief Minister of Pondicherry.

 

Judiciary

S. Muthiah Mudaliar : native of Kumbakkudi near Mayavaram. He was a renowned high- court lawyer.

 

Spiritual  

Namachivaya guru-moorthigal - he was the founder of Thiruvaadudurai Adhinam. Gurugnanasambandha Moorthigal – founder of Dharmapuram Adhinam and hailed from Srivilliputtur. Arulnandhi tambiran swamigal : hailed from Ariyanagipuram in tirunelveli dist. He was 24th Matapathy of Thiruppanandal Kasi matha.

References ---------- 1) Wikipedia 2) Thondaimandala Mudaliars Vamsavali (1st & 2nd editions), 3) Thondainadum athan tholkudiyum by Sri.C.S.Kannayiram, 4) The great temple of Madurai published by Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukkoil, Madurai. 5) http://mudaliartm.org/

What is real?

Relying faithfully in the information that our senses transmit is a great way to forget about our eternal nature.

What we perceive with our senses is not necessarily real. As a matter of fact, the outside perception is possible only through a referential entity: ourselves, which is made up by our experiences and thoughts.

This collection of information gathered through generations, make up a collective consciousness, which becomes the agreement of what is “real.”

Quantum physics mentions that what we perceive as matter, our bodies and everything else, which are composed of electrons, are particles and waves of light at the same time.

Please see that any “truth” which explains life as being just “one thing,” is denying the other side of perception.

Our physical eyes allow us to perceive matter. Solid particles which get together and make up bigger elements. Our eyes cannot perceive waves of light, which is the other “reality.”

Aren’t we, matter and energy at the same time?

If we trust in what we perceive as being “true,” we will find out that we are missing a different perspective.

That is why consciousness is not related with outside information, which we cannot truly know; (knowing as “being it” and not information or definitions) but instead is related with the understanding of that which we are. That is “being it.”

Take the thoughts away, take the ideas and beliefs out, take the emotions out. What do you find?

Look at your face in a mirror.
Take a picture of it.

Look at your face in the same mirror ten years later.
Do you see the change?
Is that change you?

However, we have an inborn “idea” of what beauty is and we compare the past with the present, even though we are never the same. We are always being and becoming.
That idea of beauty is there. Even though we understand that our face in the mirror is not truly us, when we hear someone calling us “ugly,” then we accept that information and behave in a certain way.

We believe to be “ugly” and we start building a complex of inferiority even though we could realize that those changes in our face are not really us. Beauty is a matter of perspective. However, when we call something as “beautiful” we create automatically, that which is ugly. Duality.

Why is it, that we cannot believe in the information that we “clearly” understand, that “I” am not that “face in the mirror”?

Because we are not conscious of who we are. Our eternity, through the recognition of the “reality” of “self and no-self.”
We only understand that mentally or as a belief, as “nice” words, as information.

We could say that we are souls or spirits, but that does not mean a thing when there is no consciousness beyond the information coming from our senses.

To say “I am not the body” is not that useful when the idea of what “I” am instead is something, which “I” have not experienced.

The realization that all information which relies on my sense organs is not necessarily true, will give me the opportunity to look for that “truth” in the only possible place that I could find it, which does not rely in my sense organs, that is in discovering what is “me.”

 

 

Premature of Greying Hair & hair loss
 
 
 

It is normal to see an aged person with grey hair, but in the present times, even young men and women complain of grey hair. Premature graying of hair makes a person look much older than his/her age. Our hair follicles contain a pigment called melanin. When the body stops producing the pigments hair start becoming colorless, turning white. It is the combination of black and white hair, which gives the look of gray color to a person's hair. Lack of nourishment and nutrition are the foremost reasons for premature graying of hair. In the following lines, we have listed the various causes and symptoms of premature graying of hair.

Premature graying of hair is a normal occurrence in people these days. It is characterized by fading out of hair, with the color draining from it. The condition can affect anyone, causing a young person to look much older than he/she actually is. The actual cause of premature graying is lack of oil gland production in the follicles of the scalp. In such a condition, hair looses the nutrition that it needs and starts turning gray. Diet also plays an important role in premature graying of the hair. Especially the deficiency of Vitamin B, copper, iron and iodine causes premature graying. At times, it also results from excessive worry and anxiety. However, the dullness of the hair can be removed easily, regaining the shine and radiance, by resorting to some natural remedies. In the following lines, we provide the best home remedies for premature graying of hair.

Causes Of Premature Graying Of Hair

·         Chronic cold

·         Sinusitis

·         Faulty diet

·         Mental worries

·         Lack of vitamin B complex, iron, copper and iodine

·         Heredity factors

·         Dirty conditions of the scalp

·         Using electric dryers

·         Using concentrated hair dyes

·         Nutritional deficiency

·         Washing hair with ward water

·         Chronic constipation

·         Anemia

·         Hormonal imbalance

·         Illness and infectious diseases

·         Stress and anxiety

·         Toxic / heavy metal poisoning

·         Chemotherapy and radiation

·         Insufficient kidney energy

·         Vitiligo

·         Thyroid disease

·         Folic acid deficiency

Symptoms Of Premature Graying Of Hair

·         Thinning of hair

·         Loss of hair color before the age of 35

·         Brittle hair

·         Headache (if grey hair is the result of sinus/ nutritional deficiency)

 

 

 

Home Remedy For Premature Graying Of Hair

·         One of the best home remedies for premature graying of hair comprises of curry leaves. Include them in your daily diet. Alternatively, you can put some curry leaves in coconut oil and boil it. Strain the oil and let it cool down. Apply it over the scalp.

·         Dry a few pieces of ribbed gourd in the sun. Soak them in coconut oil for about 3 to 4 hours. After this, boil it until the residue becomes black and cool it down a bit. Massage the scalp with the residue.

·         Extract juice from fresh leaves of amaranth vegetable. Apply this juice on the hair. It will prove helpful in retaining the black color of hair and also aid the growth of new hair.

·         Massage the scalp with butter made out of cow's milk. This should be applied at least two times in a week.

·         Indian gooseberry is beneficial in treating premature graying of hair. Cut the fruit into pieces and dry them. Once dried, put them in coconut oil, until the solid matter becomes dusty or powdered. Apply on the hair.

·         Mix a tsp of Indian gooseberry juice with a tsp of almond oil and few drops of lime juice. Apply this mixture on your hair and keep it overnight. In the morning, wash the hair. This is an effective home remedy for treating premature graying of hair.

·         Avoid having refined flour and sugar, soft drinks, pastries, jam, too spicy food, hot food, chilies and oily food.

·         Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. They are effective in treating premature graying of hair.

·         Mix a liter of yoghurt with a tablespoon of yeast. Have a bowl of this mixture before every meal, as it is effective in treating premature graying.

 

 

Chest Pain the facts you better know...

The heart is the pump responsible for circulating blood throughout the body. Myocardium (myo=muscle + cardium=muscle) is the heart muscle that contracts to pump that blood and like any other muscle, it requires oxygen rich blood for energy. Angina pectoris describes the pain, discomfort, or other symptoms that occur when blood flow to heart muscle cells is not enough to meet its energy needs.

The classic description of angina is a crushing pain that radiates across the chest, sometimes down the arm, into the neck, jaw or teeth, or into the back. It may be associated with shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and weakness.

Many patients do not use pain as a description for angina, instead describing the sensation as a fullness, tightness, burning, squeezing, or ache. The discomfort may be felt in the upper abdomen, between the shoulders, or in the back. The pain may be felt just in an arm, right, left or both, and may or may not be associated with other symptoms.

Angina is often brought on by exercise and activity and gets better with rest. When the body requires the heart to pump more blood, the heart muscle is asked to do more work and that can cause it to outstrip its energy supply. When the body rests, angina should start to subside.

Angina tends to progress slowly over time and patients may not recognize that their symptoms are due to heart disease. It may be fatigue and exercise intolerance, the gradually inability to perform work or other activities that had once been easier to do. It may be shortness of breath with activity like walking up steps or uphill. It is worrisome when the pain comes on at rest or at sleep, since it means that little activity is causing enough stress to cause angina symptoms.

This is the same situation that occurs when muscles in the leg or arm fatigue because of overuse and they begin to ache. The difference is that one can stop lifting or running but the heart cannot stop beating to rest. The other difference is that the symptoms of angina are felt in different ways by different patients and may not be recognized as coming from the heart.

Unfortunately for some patients, they may have no symptoms at all, even with significant narrowing of their coronary arteries, and they may first present for care in the midst of a myocardial infarction or heart attack. This is especially true for women who may have atypical angina symptoms including fatigue, malaise, weakness, and dizziness.

Angina is a warning sign that the heart muscle is not getting adequate blood supply and oxygen. If unheeded it may lead to a heart attack or myocardial infarction (myo=muscle + cardium=heart + infarct=death).

 

 

 



 

 

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis refers to a blood clot that develops inside a larger vein - usually deep within the lower leg or thigh. DVT strikes about half a million Americans every year and causes up to 100,000 deaths. The danger is that part of the clot can break off and travel through the bloodstream, where it can lodge in the lungs causing a blockage in blood flow, organ damage, and death.

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Unfortunately, DVT often goes unnoticed. About half of people with DVT have no warning signs. Symptoms may include:

Redness

Swelling

Tenderness or pain

These happen in the area of the blood clot, which is usually the leg (notice the swelling in the leg below the right knee seen here).

Dangers of DVT: Pulmonary Embolism

If part of the clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream, the results can be life-threatening. A clot that blocks the blood supply to the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism. Symptoms include trouble breathing, low blood pressure, fainting, faster heart rate, chest pain, and coughing up blood. If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

What Causes DVT?

Anything that damages the inner lining of a vein may cause DVT, including surgery, injury, or an immune system response. Blood that is thick or flows too slowly is more likely to form a clot, especially in a vein that is already damaged. Other things that raise the risk for blood clotting include genetic disorders, hormone changes, and sitting for long periods of time (such as when flying).

Who’s at Risk for DVT?

People with a higher risk of DVT include:

People who have cancer

People who have had surgery

Anyone on extended bed rest

The elderly

Smokers

Long-distance travelers

People who are overweight or obese

More risk factors are discussed in the next slides.

DVT and Pregnancy

Women have a greater risk of developing DVT during pregnancy and the four to six weeks after giving birth. This is due to higher levels of estrogen, which may make blood easier to clot. The pressure of an expanding uterus can also slow blood flow of the veins as well. Certain blood disorders can boost the risk even more.

DVT and Hormonal Birth Control

Like pregnancy, hormonal birth control and postmenopausal hormone therapy change blood chemistry and may increase risk of DVT, even in women who don't have blood disorders.

DVT and Travel

Traveling to new and faraway places can be exciting. Squishing into a coach seat for a long international flight is not. Studies show long-distance travel lasting more than four hours doubles your risk of developing DVT. This includes travel by air, bus, train, or car. Not moving around in these cramped conditions can cause sluggish blood flow. 

Diagnosing DVT

An ultrasound is most often used to diagnose DVT. It uses sound waves to create a picture of blood flow in the affected area and can reveal a clot. Before recommending an ultrasound, your health care provider will examine you and check you for signs of DVT. You may be asked about your medical history, medications you are taking, family history, and about any other factors that could raise your risk of DVT.

Treating DVT: Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants, which make the blood thinner, are the most common DVT treatment. They are taken as a pill or by injection. They can’t break up an existing clot, but they prevent new blood clots from forming, giving the body time to dissolve the clot on its own.

Treating DVT: Clot Busters

Medications that actually dissolve blood clots are called thrombolytics. They can cause sudden, severe bleeding, so they are used only in emergencies: for example, to dissolve a life-threatening blood clot that's traveled to the lungs and is causing severe symptoms. Thrombolytics are given by IV in a hospital.

Side Effects of DVT Medications

Because anticoagulants thin the blood, people who take them may get bruises often or bleed more easily. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening, so if you take an anticoagulant, your doctor can test your blood to make sure it's not too thin. Some newer medications do not require routine laboratory monitoring of their blood-thinning effect. 

Warning Signs of Internal Bleeding

Signs of internal bleeding in the belly include pain, vomit that is red or looks like coffee grounds, and bright red or black stools. Bleeding in the brain can cause severe headache or symptoms of stroke such as vision changes, abnormal movement, and confusion. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you develop any of these symptoms. Also check with your health care provider if you bleed a lot from minor injuries.

Treating DVT: Vena Cava Filter

If you can't take anticoagulants or they are not working, your doctor may recommend inserting a filter into a large vein called the vena cava. This filter catches breakaway clots and prevents them from traveling to the lungs. The filter won't stop new clots from forming or cure DVT itself, but it can prevent a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Treating DVT: Compression Stockings

Compression stockings apply pressure to keep the blood in the legs from pooling and clotting. They reduce swelling and help relieve discomfort in a leg where a clot has already formed. You can get compression stockings over the counter or by prescription. Prescription stockings provide greater pressure.

Treating DVT: Home Care

To reduce swelling and discomfort, keep the affected leg raised when possible. If your doctor has recommended compression stockings, be sure to wear them even when you're at home.

Long-Term Complications of DVT

Once a blood clot is gone, DVT sometimes leaves behind an unpleasant calling card. You may have long-term swelling, changes in skin color, and pain where the clot was. These symptoms, known as post-thrombotic syndrome, sometimes show up even a year after the clot.

Preventing DVT: Exercise

Being active increases your blood flow, keeping it from pooling and clotting. Exercising the lower leg muscles in particular can help prevent DVT. When you're not active -- at your desk, for example -- take breaks to stretch your legs. Get up and walk around if you can. Frequent exercise also reduces the risk of obesity, which contributes to DVT risk.

Preventing DVT: Travel Tips

When traveling for more than four hours, avoid tight clothing and drink plenty of water. Get up and walk around at least every two to three hours. If you have to stay in your seat, find ways to keep your legs active. Try clenching and releasing your leg muscles or lifting and lowering your heels with your toes on the floor. And be sure to do plenty of sightseeing by foot once you arrive.