Stories and jewelry from India
Silappathikāram or the lay of the ankle bracelet” is a Tamil epic from 5th century credited to Ilangō Adigal. The story is set in the three kingdoms of Southern India – of Chola, Pandya and Chera and revolves around a gem merchant Kovalan, his wife Kannagi and his mistress courtesan Madhavi. Read the synopsis of
In the 18th Century, AD, in the town of Thirukadaiyur, lived a man named Subramanyam Iyer. Everyday, he would visit the local temple of Amrithaghateswar (Lord Shiva) and would worship his consort (Goddess Parvati) as Mother Goddess Abhirami Devi. He would spend hours in meditation, recollecting her divine face. He was so devoted to her
Continue readingAn Earring becomes the moon – Abhirami Andhadhi
The story of why Naraka chathurdasi came to be observed Long long ago, so very long ago, the Devas and Asuras* – the good and evil demi gods who were mortal enemies of one – another decided to put their enmity aside to achieve their common goal of immortality. In order to access Amrit –
Once upon a time, a fisherman came to Pandarpur to worship Lord Vittal (a form of Lord Vishnu). He had brought along with him two of the fishes that he had caught as an offering to the Lord. The guards and priests of the temple denied him entry. Their sentiments were hurt for a dirty,
Once Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati argued about who was more powerful. They decided to settle this dispute through a dance duel. Shiva, as the master of dance would perform a step and Parvati had to replicate the step perfectly without missing a beat and vice versa. A huge crowd gathers to watch this
Continue readingKanaka Thadanga earrings – of modesty and shame