(Doesn't groups translate into Kuzhaam - PS group can have a name Chozhar kuzhaam?)
I want to know about "Iym padai thaali". I remember reading in some book, that in Sangam/pre-sngam days boy children were adorn with this necklet with pendants depicting five weapons (of vishnu?) - Chakra, Bow, Mace, Vel and Sword.
Do we have epigraphic evidence for this practice? If so, would'nt it be great to reintroduce this in contemprory culture.
Dear sir, Iym padai thaali is a documented custom of the early age. In Puranaanooru, in a song representing Thalaiyaalanganathu seru vendra Pandian Nedunchelian, it is written "THAALI KALAINTHANDRUM ILANEY" which refers to the Iym padai thaali. It is also reffered to in some pillaithamizh poems. I also read about this custom in a novel named 'Paandimadevi', written by N.Paarthasaarathi. If this custom is renewed it'll really be good as you say.
Thanks for this message. Sure, if we have any pictorial proof, then we shall reintroduce this culture!!! :)
Just I found this article while searching for AYM PADAI TAALI. read this:
According to the Tamil Sangham classics, it was the ancient practice to make infants wear a medal with the fivesome vaishNava weaponry (aym-paDai-tAli) embossed on it. These very divine weapons are carried, even to-day, on the coins of Nepal. The sudarSana- chakram and the Sankham are popular emblems in Nepal. Here is the link: http://www.ramanuja.org/sv/bhakti/archives/jun97/0056.html
Offhand, does it mean that Neduchezhian won the battle at an age when he was still wearing the IPThaali. Seems the poets wanted to exaggerate/highlight his youth.
It would be great if we can get a description or better a picture of the ornament
I don't know upto what age people were wearing Iym padai thaali! But I remember that I've read that Nedunchelian must have fought the battle at the age of 17. I'm not sure about it. I think the ornament must be like a dollar.