Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari

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Sri Kanyaka Parameshwari Devi
Arya vysya Community
Planet	Earth

Vasavi Maatha is hailed with veneration for promoting peace through Ahimsa. She is credited with averting war and thereby saving many lives through logic and reason and overcoming brute force. She taught the world harming oneself or others isn't the way forward but bringing a change of heart is what matters in averting wars.

She is elevated with heavenly stature as a goddess amongst some sections of the Komti community and for some of these sections has become the "Kula Daivam" or the caste goddess. She is the caste goddess for the Arya Vyshya, Kalinga Vaishya, Arava Vysyier, Marathi Vaishya, Beri Vysya and Trivarnika Vysya community as per the various versions of Vasavi Puranamulu written in Telugu during the 18th century AD.

The many versions of Vasavi Puranas aren't restricted to Komatis alone but are also sung by various castes like Veera Mushtis, Jakkali-vandlu, Mailaris and other bards.

Jaina Komtis venerate her as Shanti Matha Vasavi who promoted Ahimsa for the benefit of all mankind and averted warfare and loss of life through peace and reason. Her actions brought a change of heart in the King who repented and became a Jain Monk handing over his kingdom to his son.

Bhaskaracharya and Parameshwari Mahatvam[]

The head priest of king Vishnuvardhana's kingdom was a renowned Brahmin named Bhaskaracharya and the author of Kanyaka Puranamulu. Varnashrama had not fully taken root in the south of Vindhyas and duties for caste groups had to be appropriated according to their Varna. The Komatis were engaged in trade and supporters of Jaina Dharma. However, since these Komatis were being organised as Vysya's by Bhaskarachrya and imposition of Varnashrama had to be organised by occupation and birth for the benefit of the society. The duty of the King was not suitable for Kusuma Sresti since he had to become a Vysya during the reorganization of society, ruling was not his occupation and would contradict his Varna and Dharma. The Vasavi puranamulu was written to show the ill efforts of following an occupation that contradicts Varna and Dharma. The varnashrama dharma maintains the Brahmins right to perform priestly duties or take up the duties of Kings and the Kshatriyas the right to rule. The right to trade existed with the Brahmins and Kshatriyas, only if they weren't interested in their respective prescribed duty. Agriculture with cattle-rearing was prescribed as a means of livelihood for Vysyas and Shudras. Vysyas, too, along with Brahmins and Kshatriyas had the right to take up trade.

Shanthi Matha Vasavi Devi[]

According to Jain beliefs, Vasavi is a Jain princess of a prosperous kingdom. Her father was a benevolent king and well loved by his subjects. His kingdom was attacked by another powerful king who wanted to plunder the benevolently run kingdom's wealth. Vasavi Matha was able to convince the attacking ruler of his grave shortcoming through Ahimsa and made him repent: he did so, gave up his own realm, and became a wandering monk of the Jain religion. Thus she was also able to prove that Non Violence isn't just physical; one should not even think of acting violently. She blessed the Komatis to prosper in business.

Most Komatis still adhere to this principle: they follow the practice of Ahimsa which is to live in peace and let others live likewise. Komatis abstain from eating meat and meat-based products. They will not take up any profession that involves slaughter of animals.

Story of Vasavi[]

There is no authentic version of Vasavi Puranamulu and different versions exist amongst castes who are Komati, and even those that are not Komatis such as interdependent castes like Veeramushtis - a part of the Veerashaiva sect-, Mailaris, Jakkali-vandlu etc. All these versions point to a period when Komatis faced persecution. Many accounts exist of such stress: they vary only in details according to region, religious sects, castes and sub-castes.

Shaivite Tradition[]

Jangam Komtis are a sub-group of the Veerashaivas who believe Kanyaka became an ardent devotee of Shiva who had turned into a mendicant (bhikshaaNdaar).

Shaivite tradition relates that Kanyaka as Kanyaka Parameshwari cursed a king and killed him. She later showed herself as an incarnation of Paarvati and went to Kailaasa marrying Shiva who was worshipped as Naageshwara. This tradition is more common among Beri Komatis and Gavaras.

Recent times show that the orthodox are dropping the name Vaasavi.. They only call her Kanyaka Parameshwari, indicating a very violent form of Paarvati with 10 hands bearing deadly swords, spears, tridents and chakras. She is blood- thirsty: one of her many hands holds the severed head of Kinh VishNuvardhana. Kanyakaa Parameshwari is shown seated on a ferocious lion, claws and fangs dripping with blood, pouncing on the decapitated body of the king. Orthodox Aarya Vysyas offer many kinds of Vedic sacrifices, which include killing of animals to appease the violence-personified Goddess.

Vaishnavite Tradition[]

Vaishnavite Tradition has a tale still told by Trivarnika's and Gavara Komtis for whom Venkateshwara is the family deity. Kanyaka is not associated with Parameshwari by them. They see her as an incarnation of goddess Lakshmi and pay homage to Lord Venkateshwara in the Tirumala hills. Their Vaishnavism spread down south during the reign of King Vishnu Vardhana seeing a decline of Jainism and Buddhism.

Jaina Tradition[]

Komtis who practice Ahimsa worship her as Shanti Matha Vasavi Devi who convinced the King to give up his kingdom who later became a Jain monk through the teaching of Ahimsa. She blessed all komatis to take up Ahimsa and prosper in trade. Her clever reasoning saved the lives of Komatis and non Komatis alike.

Vasavi Puranamulu in Telugu written by Brahmin Bhaskaracharya[]

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Kusuma Sresti, the king of the Arya Vysyas was ruling the kingdom making Vasavi Penugonda (called the Kasi of Arya Vysyas^{[by whom?]}) (Jestasailam) as capital city for all the 18 mahapattana's during 10th–11th century AD. Kusumamba was his wife. They were ideal couple and led a peaceful domestic life. They were worshipping Lord Siva (Nagareswara swamy) and Lord Vishnu (Janardhana Swamy) as the part of their daily duties. His kingdom was part and parcel of Vengidesha, which was ruled by Vishnu Vardhana-7 or Vimaladitya Maharaj.

The couple were childless and became concerned about who would succeed them. They approached Kulaguru (family teacher) Bhaskaracharya. He advised them to perform Puthra Kamestiyaga which Dasharatha had observed.

During the auspicious hour, Kusuma Sresti couple started the yaga. The Gods were pleased and sent prasadam (a blessed fruit from god) through Yagneswara (fire god). There was a divine utterance that they would get children after eating prasadam. With utmost devotion they ate Prasadam, and within a few days the sign of pregnancy was found with Kusumamba. She expressed unusual desires, which indicated that she would give birth to children who would fight for the welfare of all.

Childhood[]

Kusumamba gave birth to twins on 10th of Vaishakha (a Telugu month). The boy was called Virupaksha, and the girl Vasavamba. During childhood, Virupaksha demonstrated leadership qualities while Vasavamba was inclined towards art, architecture and music and showed a philosophical approach to life.

Under the guidance of the Vysya kula guru Bhaskaracharya, Virupaksha learnt Vedas, fencing, horse riding, martial arts and archery. Vasavamba studied fine arts and mastered philosophical subjects. Virupaksha went on to marry Rathnavathi, the daughter of Aridhisresti of Aelur Town.

Attempted marriage[]

Kusumasresti welcomed and entertained Vishnu Vardhna (Gandharva Chitra Kanta's incarnation on Bhoolok) at Penugonda when the latter visited during an expedition to expand his empire and vanquish his enemies. During this visit, Vardhna noticed Vasavamba and determined to marry her. This caused Kusumasresti a dilemma: he was neither in a position to accept Vardhna's wishes nor to refuse the offer. The disparities of age and caste, as well as the fact that the emperor was already married, were significant objections, but, in consultation with advisers and family members, Kusumasresti decided that Vasavamba should make up her own mind. Her response to was express a desire never to marry and to focus her life on less worldly issues.

Kusumasresti told Vardhana of his daughter's decision, which caused a fury and an attempt to capture Vasavamba by force. The battalion sent to achieve this aim was thwarted by the Vysyas of Penugonda.

Kusumasresti arranged for a Great Conference comprising the Chiefs of the 18 cities and the leaders of all 714 gotras, to be held in the presence of Bhaskaracharya. There were differences of opinion at this conference, with 102 gotra chiefs preferring resistance to the overtures and attacks of Vardhna but the leaders of the other 612 gotras believing that matrimonial alliance would be safer and more beneficial. Bhaskaracharya favoured the minority view, saying that retaining respect was of greater significance than protecting life, and Kusumasresti was inspired by this support. Thus, the unity of the Vysyas was broken and the 102 gotras prepared for the defence of Penugonda against further attacks by Vardhana.

Vasavi Devi's reaction[]

Vasavi entered onto the scene and said: "Why should there be bloodshed among ourselves for the sake of a Girl? Why sacrifice the lives of soldiers for our selfish desire. It is better to give up the idea of war. Instead, let us rebel in a novel way. We can control war through non-violence and self-sacrifice. Only people with strong will power and moral strength can participate in this kind of self-sacrifice." Vasavi's new idea was delightful to her parents and they decided to act in accordance with Vasavi's directions.

Athmam Balidhana[]

As per the directions of Parameshwari, at the holy place of Brahmakunda on the banks of Godavari, the royal servants arranged 103 Agnikundas (fire pits) in a special way. The whole city was observing that day as a festival day. Then Parameshwari asked the couples of the 102 Gotras: "Will you plunge into this holy fire along with me?" Everyone of them whole heartedly gave their consent.

She smiled and revealed her true self, which had the glittering radiance surpassing the brightness of the sun. She said: "I am the incarnation of Adi Parashakti. To safeguard the caste system and to reveal to the world the magnanimity of Vysya's by feeding Bramhins regularly. I come here in Kali Yuga. Kusumasresty during last birth was a great Saint by name Samadhi as per his aspirations he could attain salvation along with the people of 102 Gotras. That is why I asked you all to undergo Athmam Balidhana." Parameshwari advised the gathering about Feeding Bramhins, Practising Rituals, Agriculture, and Cow Worship.

Vishnu Vardhana's death[]

Devi disappeared as soon as the divine words came out of her mouth and people saw her in human form. Then all of them entered into holy fire after meditating upon their Gods.

Though Vishnuvardhana felt bad omens, he marched ahead and reached the main entrance of Penugonda. Then his detectives reported all that had happened in the city. He could not bear the great shock and his heart shattered into pieces. He fell down vomiting blood and he was no more.

The self-sacrifice of Vasavi and the end of Vishnuvardhana was the talk of the town. People condemned the deeds of Vishnuvardhana and appreciated the epoch maker Vasavi and her non-violent principle.

Sri Vasavi Devi's legacy[]

The son of Vishnuvardhana, Raja Raja Narendra rushed to Penugonda and repented about the incident. Later, Virupaksha consoled him and said: "Brother, let us learn and formulate the present and future on the strong base of past. Vasavi had come to rescue of the people without giving room for great bloodshed. Her non-violence gave a good result". Hence forth Vysya's shall not fight or rule states but shall engage in service and as well wishers of others including services such as trade and agriculture.

Virupaksha visited many pilgrim centers like Kasi, Gaya and others under the guidance of Vysya kula guru Baskaracharya. To commemorate the pilgrimage they installed 101 lingas for each gotra in Penugonda. Then, Narendra installed a statue of Vasavi as a token of respect. From that day onwards all Vysya's began performing poojas to her and she is considered as Vysyakula Devatha-Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari.

Vasavi's life is worth remembering because of her faith in non-violent religious values and her defense of the status of women. She became immortal because she has been mainly responsible for the propagation of the reputation of Vysya's throughout the world. Vasavi, who had rejected worldly pleasures, won the minds of Vysyas and is the champion of peace and non-violence and is remembered by the faithful. She averted the needless loss of life of many people of her community / kingdom through the Supreme sacrifice of sacrificing one's life through "Sati" or "Self-Immolation".

And through her "Atma Samarpana", she communicated the powerful message that "Common Good is greater than Individual benefit, and one should be ready to give up one's own life if necessary for the same...and, Sacrifice itself is greater than enjoyment of worldly pleasures got through unethical means".

Inspired by her act, couples of 102 gothras too participated in the community event, i.e all of them stepped into the 102 "Agnikundams" after she did.

Gotras[]

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There were 714 gotras before agnipravesham of vasavi matha now there are 102 gotras among Ārya Vaiśyas. They followed 102 Rishis for conducting their rituals. Surname gotras and Rishis for identification and classification for all the Ārya Vaiśyas are one and the same. The gotras is equivalent of the Sanskrit names of Rishis.

Groups of Ārya Vaiśyas became followers of particular Rishi for conducting their rituals and they claimed to be the followers of that particular Rishi. Thus they are identified by the Rishi name. And for still feature identification they use a pre-fix surname generally indicating the area from which they migrated or the profession to which they belong and other such identification.^[1]

Caste Hierarchy[]

The Komatis who accepted the Varnashrama had to submit themselves to the ruling authority of the Kshatriyas regularly paying taxes and filling up the coffers of the kings (Raja Bokkasum) and follow the instructions of Brahmins to conduct all rituals. They had to give charities and had to feed Bramhin's regularly in order to maintain their caste status as Vaishya. However the Niyogi's, a powerful Bramhin caste who are also successful traders opposed them and clashes are recorded and riots occurred between Bramhins and such Komatis who took up Varnashrama. This period saw Komatis going back to Jainism and some sections embracing Buddhism and people in Karnataka and Maharashtra becoming Lingayats. Today Komatis who call themselves Arya Vysya are accepted as one of the many south Indian Vaishya castes whether they engage in trade or are in services.

Sections of Komatis are covered either in OBC or EBC reservations based on central, state or region based guidelines.

Movies[]

Shri Kannika Parameshwari Kathe was a big screen Kannada movie released in 1966 starring Dr. Raj Kumar, Pandhari Bai, BS Dwaraknath, Ramachandra Shastry, Narasimha Raju and Ramadevi as main star cast. This movie was produced and directed by Hunsur Krishnamurthy.

In 2012 a Telugu movie "Sri Vasavi Vaibhavam" was released depicting Goddess Kanyaka Parameshwari Devi life. Actress Meena acted as Goddess Parvati and actress Suhasini played the main role of Goddess Kanyaka Parameshwari.

References[]

External links[]

• NRI Vasavi Association
• www.penugondavasavi.org