Food restriction in Tirupati (My talk in Thandhi TV)

I came on live telecast in Thandhi TV at 5 pm on November 7th, 2025. The topic was about the new restriction imposed by TTD on the food served in hotels in Tirupati. Only Indian vegetarian food has been recommended. A big no to dishes like fried rice and noodles. My talk starts from 6-39 minutes onwards in this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8w9Tp8zmeI

My paper on Oscillating Equinoxes published in a volume of IKS

Vedic astronomy is a fascinating term these days that a number people are giving lectures on ‘Vedic astronomy’ of equinoxes and pole stars in particular without realizing that they are repeating western concepts of the same. My long-time followers know how I faced ridicule, dismissal, and even abuse for discussing the oscillatory motion of equinoxes, as described in Surya Siddhanta and calculated by Mr. Vinay Jha and incorporated in Jhora software. Critics claimed this concept was absurd, unaware that it's rooted in ancient Siddhanta-s and integral to our traditional calendar and horoscope construction. The deduction of ayanamsa from Western ephemeris is a direct result of this understanding.

Some time ago, a senior IVC scholar challenged me on Twitter to get this concept published, which was subsequently published twice, earlier in The Astrological Magazine and now by IKS. I learned that certain research scholars are seriously exploring this topic and have provided mathematical calculations on how the Sun could move in a to-and-fro motion.

The basis for convincing scientists came when I wrote an article on how ancient structures built in various millennia are perfectly aligned with today's equinox, a fact that challenges the Milankovitch theory of axial precession. Western scientists are slowly acknowledging that equinoctial movement is not caused by Earth's axis or planetary gravitational forces, but unfortunately, many Indic scientists and Indologists remain unaware. Particularly, an Indologist engaged in dating the Mahabharata (wrongly) told me on twitter that he would accept it if NASA accepts it! He and his ilk won’t accept what is told by the Vedic texts but deceive the gullible people that they speak nothing but Vedic.

In my Mahabharata book, I demonstrated the flaws in relying on Western astronomy simulators and showed how the oscillating equinox theory and Mr. Vinay Jha's calculations work perfectly for the Kali Yuga's beginning and the Mahabharata war. The super conjunction of planets at the start of Kali Yuga can only be simulated using the oscillating equinox calculation, validating Surya Siddhanta and other Siddhanta-s.

Let me say with all humility, that despite opposition, Vedic astronomy has been revived through my work. This concept will also be featured in my upcoming Ramayana book. Those interested in reading the paper can email me at jayasreebooks@gmail.com.

(Click the image to enlarge)

My paper on Garbhottam published in a volume of IKS.

After nine years of dedicated research on Garbhottam, I'm thrilled to share my findings in a research paper, now published in a book by Indian Knowledge System (IKS). 

(click the image to see enlarged version)

Dive into the ancient wisdom of astro-meteorology and explore its insights! This work brings out the traditional Indic knowledge which I checked continuously for nine years on advanced rainfall prediction covering both South West and North east Monsoon. Additionally, a parallel study on predicting cyclones using satellite maps was also done. New revelations, not covered in traditional texts are also compiled in this paper.  I'm excited to share this research paper with fellow enthusiasts and scholars. The soft copy is available upon request at jayasreebooks@gmail.com. 

Ancient wisdom behind Lord Ganesha's worship (video)

Discover the ancient wisdom behind Lord Ganesha's worship!

Did you know that the fruits offered to him, like kapitha and jambu, grow on trees near underground water sources? Our ancestors might have chosen these fruits for Ganesha's naivedya to protect these trees and the water sources they indicate. Prepared by me, this insightful content is now a video by Mr.

@vmg2016

- watch and share to uncover the mystical bond between nature and spirituality!

The Middle Chola Timeline requires revision

The Middle Chola timeline requires revision due to a fundamental flaw in its construction. Historians have traditionally calculated the reign of each king from the death year of the preceding king, overlooking the overlap of regnal years between consecutive kings. In reality, each king's reign began after the death of the predecessor king's predecessor, indicating parallel rulership.

Key evidence includes: - Rajaraja I's regnal years starting after Aditya II's death, not Madhurantaka's (Uttama Chola). - An inscription in the Big Temple revealing Rajendra I's 3rd year coinciding with Rajaraja's 29th year, indicating overlapping reigns. Two inscriptions of Rajendra I found in Nanjangud with complete panchanga details help determine his reign, which in turn reveals Rajaraja's first and last years. Notably, Rajaraja's inscriptions lack necessary panchanga features for dating, and some are corrupted. The missing kings are also identified by listing down Parakesari - Rajakesari titles. The findings: - Rajaraja I's reign began in 976-977 CE, not 985 CE. - The Big Temple's 1000-year completion was in 2001, not 2010. - Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple's 1000-year completion was in 2013-14, not 2025. This article is an excerpt from my book "Who Killed Aditya Karikala?" (available in Tamil and English) and can be obtained via email at jayasreebooks@gmail.com The article can be read at https://www.vijayvaani.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?aid=7322

Some excerpts:

The Maritime Legacy of the Cholas: A Thousand-Year Celebration (My article in Vijayvaani)

 The Chola dynasty’s legacy was commemorated in July 2025 through the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu, highlighting Rajendra Chola I’s historic conquests in Southeast Asia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the event, releasing a commemorative Rs 1000 coin to honour the emperor’s maritime achievements. This grand celebration sparked renewed interest in Chola history and their pioneering contributions to naval supremacy, showcasing their maritime prowess long before Western countries established their own naval dominance.

The Origins of the Cholas

The Chola dynasty’s history can be broadly categorized into two distinct periods: the ancient Cholas, known through Sangam literature, and the medieval Cholas, who rose to prominence with Vijayalaya Chola in the 9th century. Inscriptions, such as the Tiruvalangadu copper plates, provide valuable insights into the Chola lineage.

According to these plates, Rajendra Chola traces his ancestry to Cholavarman, said to be born to Bharata, son of Dushyanta. A close examination of these origin stories and lineages mentioned in the Vishnu Purana suggests that the Cholas may have indeed descended from Bharata, sharing a common ancestor with Sibi and Rama, potentially dating back around 7,000 years.

Locational Advantage in Seafaring

The Cholas’ marine supremacy likely began with the first Chola who settled in Poompuhar. Pattinap Palai, the Tamil Sangam text mentions trade with Elam (Sri Lanka) and Kadaram. A notable verse from Purananuru (66) highlights Karikal Chola’s mastery of navigation, leveraging wind currents to his advantage. The Cholas’ strategic location along the Coromandel Coast facilitated their dominance over key Indian Ocean trade routes, setting the stage for their later maritime achievements.

Naval Expeditions

While early Cholas like Manu Neeti Chola were said to have crossed the sea for military expeditions to Ceylon (modern day Sri Lanka), it was Rajaraja Chola I who achieved substantial success in naval warfare, conquering Ceylon. However, his son Rajendra Chola I took the Chola Empire’s naval power to new heights by crossing the Bay of Bengal to reach the Malay Peninsula, scoring a victory in his 14th regnal year and bringing Kadaram (modern-day Kedah) under his control.

The Tanjore inscription, found in the Brihadeeswara temple and inscribed in Rajendra Chola’s 19th regnal year, provides a detailed account of his conquests in Southeast Asia in a particular order, perhaps indicating the route of his movement into the region. According to the inscription, Rajendra Chola defeated Sangrama Vijayotthunga, the king of Kadaram, and captured his wealth, including the “Vidyadhara Torana” and a gem-studded double door. This shows that he entered through the Malacca Strait.

The inscription reveals subsequent targets in Sumatra, detailing Rajendra Chola’s campaign: he first attacked Srivijaya (likely Palembang, the capital city), then proceeded northward to capture Pannai and Malaiyur. His conquests extended to the Malay Peninsula, encompassing territories such as Maayirudinga, Langasoha, Pappaalam, Limbika, Valaipandhoor, Takkola, and Mathamaalinga. Additionally, he seized Lamuri in northern Sumatra and Nakkavaram (Nicobar). Notably, Rajendra Chola achieved these victories in a single expedition, demonstrating his remarkable military prowess and strategic brilliance.

Causes for the military attack

Rajendra Chola’s attack on Srivijaya was a lightning strike that left a lasting impact, crippling the kingdom for centuries. This attack is intriguing, given the long-standing trade connections between the Cholas and Srivijaya, dating back to the 2nd century CE. During Rajaraja Chola I’s reign, the Sailendra dynasty ruler of Srivijaya built the Chudamani Vihara, a Buddhist monastery, in Nagappatinam with Rajaraja’s support. However, within years, Rajendra Chola launched a surprise attack on Srivijaya.

Recent research by Tansen Sen, Associate Professor of Asian History and Religions at the City University of New York, sheds new light on the strained relations between the Cholas and Srivijaya. According to Sen’s analysis of Chinese chronicles, geopolitics coupled with trade interests appear to have played a role in triggering hostilities.

The Srivijaya kingdom’s strategic location controlled the Malacca Strait between the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, as well as the Sunda Strait between Sumatra and Java, making it a crucial hub for maritime trade, particularly with China during the Song dynasty. The Chola kingdom’s trade guilds, including the Ainnururvar, Manimangalam, and Ayyavole, sought to expand their trade opportunities in China. However, according to Chinese chronicles cited by Tansen Sen, the Song Court denied them trading rights, citing that the Chola kingdom was “subject to Srivijaya.” (Tansen Sen, “Buddhism, Diplomacy, and Trade: The Realignment of Sino-Indian Relations,” (2003), p. 224).

This denial of trading rights likely occurred towards the end of Rajaraja Chola’s reign and was reported to Rajendra Chola, who saw it as a challenge to Chola power. It appears that Srivijaya’s establishment of the Buddhist Vihara in Nagappatinam might have created a false impression of Chola subservience, leading the Song rulers to deny trading rights to Chola merchants. It is also opined that Srivijaya deliberately created an impression of supremacy over the Cholas which led to severe backlash by Rajendra Chola.

Rajendra Chola’s diplomatic relations with the Khmer Empire (Kamboja) played a strategic role in his naval expedition to Srivijaya. It is believed that Rajendra Chola timed his attack on Srivijaya to coincide with the Khmer Empire’s assault on Tambralinga (southern Thailand), a region aligned with Srivijaya.

Rajendra I’s grandson, born to Rajendra II, seemed to have played a crucial role in the naval expedition, as known from the title given to him as “Kadaram Kondan” (one who conquered Kadaram). However, challenges persisted, and Rajendra I’s son Veera Rajendra had to intervene with a naval force to Kadaram during his reign. However, during Kulottunga’s reign, emissaries from Kadaram visited, seeking aid thereby reflecting subsidiary status of Kadaram under the Cholas.  

Similar to the Telugu Cholas in Andhra Pradesh, who claimed ancestry from Karikal Chola, there seemed to have existed Malay Cholas tracing their origin to Rajendra Chola’s lineage. Malay chronicles mention kings with the name “Raja Chula,” lending credence to this theory. Further study of these chronicles may reveal more about the Chola Empire’s interactions with Southeast Asia.

Winning Maldives and Lanka

Rajendra Chola’s naval force extended his empire’s reach beyond South East Asia. He brought the Maldives archipelago under his control and exerted influence over Sri Lanka (Elam), capturing Polonnaruwa and constructing the “Vaanavan Madevi Eshwaram” temple, now known as ‘Shivale’, in memory of his mother, Vaanavan Madevi.

Parashurama’s crown

Another remarkable achievement was capturing the legendary crown crafted by Parashurama, a treasure from the Ramayana era. This crown was forged from the melted crowns of 21 defeated kings and stored on the island of “Sandima Dweepa”, one of 77 islands west of Tulu Nadu, according to the ...... Click here to read the rest of the article

Rajendra Chola's maritime legacy (My article in Organiser)

 My article in the Organiser magazine explores the maritime legacy of the Cholas, particularly focusing on the reasons behind Rajendra Chola's strategic attack on Srivijaya, a previously friendly country. The article also highlights Rajendra Chola's enduring spiritual legacy and his contributions to water management, showcasing his multifaceted impact on the region and Sanatan religion.

The online link is here: The Chola legacy: Acknowledging maritime prowess of Great Kingdom

Pages from the Print edition can be read below: 

                                                                                 

If Rama was born 7000 years ago, how could that have been in Treta yuga? Listen to my talk.

 If Rama was born 7000 years ago, how could that have been in Treta yuga?

To get the answer, listen to my talk on "Time and Yugas" given as a ppt presentation on 25th July, 2025 to "Pride of Bharat" channel. Please share it widely.

The reason behind Rajendra Chola's maritime expedition (my Talk)

 ராஜேந்திர சோழனின் கடாரம், மற்றும் ஸ்ரீவிஜயத்தின் மீதான இராணுவப் படையெடுப்புக்கான பின்னணிக் காரணங்கள், ராஜேந்திர சோழனின் ஆட்சிக் காலத்தில் சோழர்களின் புகழ் உச்சத்தை எட்டிய விவரம், முதல் சோழன், பரதனின் மகன் என்று ராஜேந்திர சோழன், திருவாலங்காடு செப்பேட்டில் எழுதி வைத்திருந்தாலும், சோழர்கள் தங்களை சிபியின் வம்சம் என்றும், ராமனின் வழித் தோன்றல்கள் என்றும் சொல்லிக் கொண்டதன் காரணம் போன்றவற்றை இந்தக் காணொளியில் விவரிக்கிறேன். இறுதியில் ராஜேந்திர சோழனது பேரனுடன் நேரடிப் பரம்பரை முடிவுக்கு வந்ததன் காரணம் குறித்தும் பேசியுள்ளேன். பார்க்கவும். பகிரவும்.

My paper on critical analysis of the date of the Mahabharata and Ramayana published in the IKS book

 I'm delighted to share that my paper on the Mahabharata and Ramayana timelines has been peer-reviewed and published as a chapter in a book on the Indian Knowledge System (IKS). The book is edited by a certified Master's Trainer of UGC & IKS division, adding credibility to the publication. This chapter aims to set the record straight by providing accurate information and debunking misconceptions perpetuated by other researchers, including Nilesh Oak and Manish Pandit.

The chapter delves into the often-misinterpreted historical timelines of the Mahabharata and Ramayana, which have led to confusion and fragmented scholarship. By uncovering inherent chronological indicators within the epics, this research challenges existing dates and proposes a revised chronology backed by modern scientific evidence.

This groundbreaking research chapter not only sheds new light on the epic chronologies but also brings forth compelling evidence on Ram Setu, supported by recent ISRO-NASA research.

I'd be happy to help disseminate this chapter to a wider audience. If you're interested in obtaining a soft copy, please drop an email to jayasreebooks@gmail.com.

My books available in Coimbatore Book Fair

Attention all book lovers in Coimbatore! The Coimbatore Book Festival 2025 is currently underway at the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex on Avinashi Road, and it's a must-visit event for anyone passionate about reading and literature.

The festival, which started on July 18, will run until July 27, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. With over 250 stalls showcasing a wide range of books across genres and languages, you're bound to find something that piques your interest.

If you're looking for my books, pay a visit to Stall Number 318, run by "Padaippaalargal Sangamam" (படைப்பாளர்கள் சங்கமம்). 

Here is the list of my books exhibited there:

1. ஆண்டாள் தமிழும், அறியாத வைரமுத்துவும்

2. ஆதித்த கரிகாலனைக் கொன்றது யார்?

3. ராமானுஜ இதிகாசம் 

4. முதல் வேத ஹோமம் யாரால், எப்பொழுது செய்யப்பட்டது?

5. Mahabharata 3136 BCE

6. Ramanuja Itihasa 

Operation Sindoor: Creators Association Pays Homage to Indian Army's Dedication and Bravery

I was honoured to participate in the felicitation ceremony and seminar held on June 15, 2025, in Chennai, organized by the Creators Association (படைப்பாளர்கள் சங்கமம்). The event was a tribute to the Indian Army soldiers who demonstrated unwavering dedication and bravery during Operation Sindoor, ensuring national security. As an author and researcher, I felt privileged to be part of this initiative, which aimed to recognize and appreciate the selfless service and sacrifices of our soldiers.

During the ceremony, we paid tribute to the Indian Army's unshakeable resolve and the soldiers' heroism, which serves as a testament to their commitment to protecting the nation. Their courage, loyalty, and sense of duty inspire us to reflect on the values that they embody. We remain forever grateful for their service and sacrifices, which have not only ensured our safety but also instilled a sense of pride and security in our nation.

The event was presided by Sri. Nalli Kuppusamy and participated by many well-known writers and publishers. The event was a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging and honouring the contributions of our soldiers, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep us safe.

As a participant, I was deeply moved by the stories of bravery and sacrifice shared during the ceremony, and I feel grateful to have been a part of this meaningful initiative and present a talk on Dharma Yuddha angle of the Operation Sindoor by citing references from the Ramayana.  

The news report in 'Ore Naadu' magazine (click the pic to enlarge)

The event was reported in Organiser Magazine and specifically mentioned my reference to Tilak / Sindoor in the Ramayana. 

My speech can be heard here:

AI Review of my write-up, "New discoveries around 'Great Attractor' reveal importance of ‘Trishanku’ as a marker in the South!"

 In 2016, I authored an article titled "New Discoveries Around 'Great Attractor' Reveal Importance of 'Triśaṅku' as a Marker in the South!" This piece explored the legend of Triśaṅku in the context of recent discoveries about the hidden galaxies within the Great Attractor and the Milky Way's movement towards the south. The article inferred that this southward movement is not permanent and will eventually reverse direction around the region or axis of Triśaṅku (Alpha Centauri), as indicated by astronomical observations. Recently, an AI review of this article was featured on Academia.edu, where the article was originally posted.

The link to the article: New discoveries around “Great Attractor” reveal importance of ‘Trishanku’ as a marker in the South!

It was also posted in this blog: https://jayasreesaranathan.blogspot.com/2016/03/new-discoveries-around-great-attractor.html

The AI review is reproduced below:

The link: https://www.academia.edu/ai_review/23716142

Summary

This manuscript explores recent cosmological insights regarding the so-called "Great Attractor" region and ties them to concepts from Vedic cosmology. The author presents detailed background material on Laniakea (the larger supercluster that houses the Great Attractor), Hydra–Centaurus, and Perseus–Pisces structures, then draws parallels to Vedic ideas of cosmic directions, the significance of the South and North, and the symbolism of the stars Mrigashirsha, Alpha Centauri (proposed as Trishanku), and Crux (proposed as Vishwamitra). Additionally, the paper interprets the mythological account of Trishanku from Valmiki’s Ramayana to illustrate a possible ancient Indian cosmological understanding of the universe’s large-scale motion.

Main Strengths

1. Interdisciplinary Approach
   The manuscript offers a creative interdisciplinary blend. It links observational astronomy and astrophysics (Laniakea, Great Attractor, superclusters, voids) with aspects of Vedic cosmology and Puranic stories. This synthesis will likely be of interest to readers curious about how ancient traditions might have attempted to communicate deep cosmological concepts through allegory.

2. Detailed Cosmological Descriptions
   The author provides a comprehensible overview of modern cosmological discoveries:

   • The Virgo Supercluster and the Milky Way’s movement toward it.
   • The Great Attractor phenomenon and the hidden galaxies identified in that region.
   • The concept of Laniakea and its structure, including the Hydra–Centaurus and Perseus–Pisces superclusters.
     These descriptions are accompanied by useful references to images and videos, which help visualize the large-scale structure of the universe.

3. Mythological and Cultural Context
   The paper clearly lays out Vedic cosmological directions (North, South, East) and associates them with spiritual concepts (Deva loka, Pithru loka). It then explains how these directions and beliefs about life, death, and rebirth intersect with the new findings about the Galaxy’s motion. The inclusion of myths, mantras, and textual references (e.g., Taittiriya Upanishad, Chandogya Upanishad, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita) adds rich cultural depth.

4. Focus on the Trishanku Myth
   A distinctive aspect of the paper is the extensive discussion of the Trishanku legend. The author provides etymological analysis of the name "Trishanku" (three blemishes), the connection to Vishwamitra’s creation of stars in the southern sky, and how this may allegorically represent cosmic directions and polar shifts. This enhances the reader’s appreciation for how oral traditions might encode astronomical knowledge.

Points for Further Clarification

1. Transitions Between Scientific Data and Mythic Interpretations
   While the paper succeeds in drawing analogies between modern discoveries and Vedic concepts, some transitions can feel abrupt. Readers might benefit from a brief statement of methodology or rationale each time the discussion shifts from an observational astronomical idea (e.g., the Great Attractor’s mass) to a mythic or spiritual explanation.

2. Clarification of Spatial Orientation
   The paper discusses multiple coordinate systems: ecliptic, galactic, and even references to an Upanishadic system of directions. Clearer astronomical diagrams—showing the positions of Laniakea, Perseus–Pisces, Alpha Centauri, and the Milky Way on a single consistent coordinate system—may help the reader visualize how these different conceptions relate.

3. Use of Visual Aids
   Although the article references helpful images, embedding or clearly labeling them within the text would strengthen the coherence. Where possible, a more direct comparison (e.g., side-by-side views of star clusters or superclusters) might help readers track the argument regarding alignments and “void” areas more smoothly.

4. Historical Basis for the Vedic Assertions
   The manuscript proposes that certain parts of the Vedic tradition might encode advanced cosmological knowledge. While this is a thought-provoking thesis, references to ancient Sanskrit texts or historical commentaries that explicitly associate southern sky features with the mythology would strengthen the argument. This might involve showing direct links between old star catalogs and the positions of objects like Alpha Centauri or Crux.

5. Discussion of Scale and Timeframes
   There are references to our galaxy’s ultimate trajectory over millions of years, and the paper highlights that present civilizations or star systems might long be gone before a hypothetical northward shift occurs. More systematic discussion of these timescales—how they compare with the cycles and yugas described in Vedic cosmology—would provide deeper insight into how the mythic cycles might overlap with modern cosmological timescales.

Style and Structure

Overall, the manuscript is structured as a narrative: it moves from the broader scientific picture (Great Attractor and Laniakea) to narrower Vedic references, concluding with the myth of Trishanku and speculations about cosmic directions and life. The text is written in a way that blends informative expository sections (e.g., describing superclusters) with interpretive theological or mythological reflections. Maintaining some consistent headers or subsections (e.g., "Modern Cosmological Discoveries," "Vedic Cosmogony," "Trishanku and the Southern Sky") could help segment these ideas more clearly.

Potential Directions for Expansion

1. Comparative Mythology
   Including references to other cultural traditions that may also feature pole stars, cosmic axes, or direction-based cosmologies could offer a global perspective on how ancient societies viewed the cosmos.

2. Astrophysical Relevance of Directions
   A more detailed exploration of galactic plane orientation, the role of dark matter in shaping supercluster movements, and how these alignments might be interpreted in Vedic texts could deepen the scientific discussion.

3. Philosophical Implications
   The author touches on themes of karmic cycles, liberation, and cosmic cycles. A separate section reflecting on how these broad cosmological motions might resonate with philosophical teachings regarding samsara and moksha could provide a comprehensive conclusion.

Conclusion

This manuscript is a detailed and creative exploration of the intersection between new astronomical discoveries about the Great Attractor and a rich tapestry of Vedic cosmology and mythology. The seamless linking of astrophysical phenomena with mythological storytelling demonstrates a committed effort to show how ancient texts might hold symbolic references to cosmic realities. Enhanced structural clarity, additional comparisons with existing literature or ancient star catalogs, and some more detailed commentary on timescales and alignment systems could make the narrative even more compelling. Overall, the paper offers valuable reflections on how modern science and traditional knowledge systems can mutually illuminate our understanding of the cosmos without being restricted to a purely scientific or mythological framework.