Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Wikipedia Trail: From Batu Caves To Monks

1. Batu Caves
Wow! This picture definitely caught my attention and that is why I decided to choose this as my Wikipedia trail name is derived from the Batu River, which flows past the hill. Batu Caves is also named after the villages that is close to it. It is dedicated to a lord who is named Murugan.

2.  Murugan
Murugan also goes by the name Skanda, among others. He is an indigenous war god. He has six shrines, which literally means "six warhouses". An account of his birth can be found in Mahabharata. There is a lot of information regarding his birth which was very long and I would have to spend more time on this.

3. Tonsure
Latin word meaning to cut or shave some or all of the hair on a scalp. This religious sign is shows devotion and humility. It is very common in Hinduism and Buddhism and represents something meaningful in both religions. It is however banned in Islam.

4. Monks
Monks are sometimes referred to as Bhikkhu. Anyone who is younger may not become a monk, but they may become a śrāmaṇera. The word Bhikkhu means beggar. The Wikipedia article that I read was very interesting and gave so much detail, that it was almost overwhelming.

(Bhikkhu sitting on a bench. Source:freegreatpicture)

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