Study on narrative of Tamil epic Manimekalai by Cattanar formerly presented at the conference.

Delve into the Epic Sequel: Manimekalai's Journey from Revenge to Enlightenment Step into the world of ancient Tamil literature and embark on a captivating journey with Manimekalai, the sequel to the classic epic Silappadhikaram. This tale, steeped in rich cultural heritage, transcends generations and explores themes of revenge, compassion, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Manimekalai, the daughter of Kannagi, a woman consumed by righteous fury, grapples with a legacy of violence. Haunted by her mother's actions, she seeks a different path. Guided by the teachings of Buddhism and Jainism, Manimekalai embarks on a quest for understanding and inner peace. Her journey takes her to the war-torn city of Madurai, still reeling from the devastation caused by Kannagi's rage. Witnessing the city's suffering, Manimekalai dedicates herself to healing its wounds. Through acts of compassion and dialogue, she paves the way for reconciliation and forgiveness. As Manimekalai delves deeper into her spiritual exploration, she grapples with profound questions about the nature of reality and the path to liberation. Her encounters with Buddhist and Jain philosophies offer insights into achieving ultimate peace and breaking free from the cycle of suffering. This captivating narrative is more than just a thrilling sequel. It's a powerful exploration of human nature, the transformative power of compassion, and the unwavering pursuit of a just and peaceful world. Manimekalai's story resonates with readers today, offering invaluable lessons on navigating conflict, fostering understanding, and achieving inner peace. Are you interested in: Unveiling the legacy of a legendary Tamil epic? Witnessing the power of compassion in healing a city? Exploring the philosophical debates between Buddhism and Jainism? Discovering a timeless tale of transformation and spiritual growth? Then dive into the enthralling world of Manimekalai and embark on a journey that will enlighten and inspire.

While Tamil-speaking South India is celebrated for its preservation of Hindu tradition, other religious communities have played a significant role in shaping the region's religious history. Among these non-Hindu communities is that of the Buddhists, who are little-understood because of the scarcity of remnants of Tamil-speaking Buddhist culture. Here, focusing on the two Buddhist texts in Tamil that are complete (a sixth-century poetic narrative and an eleventh-century treatise on grammar and poetics), Monius sheds light on the role of literature and literary culture in the formation, articulation, and evolution of religious identity and community.

This book is a rendering in English of the Tamil epics Silappadikaram and Manimekalai written by renowned Tamil poets. Silappadikaram is the story of Kovalan and Kannagi and of how Kannagi avenges the wrong done to her husband. Manimekalai is meant to be a sequel to Silappadikaram, being the story of Kovalan s daughter s renunciation. There are strong spiritual undertones in the story that give an insight into the religious influence of those times. The illustrations are by A V Illango who is a well-known name in the Indian art scene. His areas of interest are Tamil folklore and the mythology and temple architecture of Tamil Nadu.

This book explores historical, textual, and social questions relating to the position and experience of women and gay people in the Buddhist world from India and Tibet to Sri Lanka, China, and Japan. It focuses on four key areas: Buddhist history, contemporary culture, Buddhist symbols, and homosexuality, and it covers Buddhism's entire history, from its origins to the present day. The result of original and innovative research, the author offers new perspectives on the history of the attitudes toward, and of the self-perception of, women in both ancient and modern Buddhist societies. He explores key social issues such as abortion, he examines the use of rhetoric and symbols in Buddhist texts and cultures, and he discusses the neglected subject of Buddhism and homosexuality.

Study of ManĐimekalai, Buddhist epic, by Cattanøar, Tamil poet.