Did Brahma Built The Kaaba Then ?

Atharva Veda X, 2, Mantra 32


Men deep in lore of Brahma know that Animated Being which, Dwells in the golden treasure-chest that hath three spokes and three supports.


http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/av/av10002.htm

An Analysis of Hindu account ( various Vedas ) reveals solid evidences of faith lineage between Islam & Hinduism :

8 Areas Of Similarities between Hindu and Islam in Brahma:

 1- The Meaning of Hindhu

Hinduism is not a religion, but a set of ‘pure beliefs, rites, ceremonies, customs, noble
traditions and cultures’, which have evolved over a period of time in the valley of river
Sindh. In Arabic Language, we can find one word represent the one who adopt ‘pure
beliefs, rites, ceremonies, customs, noble traditions and cultures’ called ‘Hanif’. In
Quran, ‘Hanif’ is known as the beliefs of Prophet Abraham.

2- Brahma is Abraham

That ‘Brahma’ is actually ‘Abrahim’, where initial letter ‘A’ in ‘A’brahim is moved to
the end making it Brahm’a’. This analysis is accurate when one writes the two words in
Arabic script, a language close to that spoken by Prophet Abrahim. Many historians and
researchers such as Suzanne Olsson (Suzanne Olsson Website) approved that Brahma is actually Abraham in Bible and Ibrahim in Quran.(It is according to human traditional of the past, grand prophets were extremely praised to the extend ‘same level with God’ or to relate them as families of God – Holy Quran)

3- The two sons of Brahma

The two sons of Brahma are :

1-Prophet Ismail in Alquran ( Ishmael in Bible )- Atharva in Veda
2-Prophet Ishaq in Alquran ( Isaac in Bible ) - Angira in Veda.

4- Wife of Brahma

Brahma’s wife is called ‘Saraswati’ in Veda or ‘Siti Sarah’ from Islamic historical
account.

5- The ‘Rig Veda’

The Rig Veda is known as one of Abrahim Suhuf ( revelations phamplets/ sheets ) because it contains events of the Babylonian and Egyptian kings and their wars. This coincide Islamic history of Abrahim facing Namrud ( Nebuchadnezar ) ,a king of Babylon.(ref : 1935 Dr Pran Nath-Times of India)

6- The Biggest Flood On Earth

Veda did mentioned a prophet name ‘Manuh’ during the biggest flood on earth which is
Prophet Nuh or Noah in Quranic and biblical account.

7- The Ka’bah in Veda :

Atharva Veda X, 2, Mantras 28 and 31

28. Whether it is built high, its walls are in a straight line or not, but God is seen in
every corner of it. He who knows the House of God, knows it because God is
remembered there.

31. This abode of the angels has eight circuits and nine gates. It is unconquerable, there
is eternal life in it and it is resplendent with Divine light.

Atharva Veda X, 2, Mantra 33

Brahma (Abraham) stayed in this abode which is illumined by heavenly light and
covered with Divine blessings. It is the place that gives (spiritual) life to the people and is
unconquerable.

 The Kabah is not exactly cubical and its sides are not of the same length. The Holy Sanctuary (Haram) of which Ka'abah is at the center remains open day and night throughout the year and it is always filled with people praying and supplicating to Allah (the One True God). Muslims face toward it during prayer forming circle in the Haram (Holy House) and the circle extends out in this manner throughout the planet Earth. The holy sanctuary (Haram) has remained unconquerable. Abraha al-Ashram, the Abbysinian viceroy of Yemen, tried to demolish it in 570 CE with a strong army and hordes of Elephants. By Allah's Command, the 'Abaabeel' (flying creatures, birds) pelted stones at Abraha's army and decimated it, leaving them like green crops devoured by cattle. This incident is described in the Surah 105 of the Qur'an. 

THIS PROVES THAT VEDAS AND OTHER RELIGIONS CONTAIN SOME TRUTHS OF ONE AND ONLY RELIGION TO EVER EXIST i.e ISLAM

P N Oak writes that;

One Koranic verse is an exact translation of a stanza in the Yajurveda. This was pointed out by the great research scholar Pandit Satavlekar of Pardi in one of his articles.

[Note: Another scholar points out that the following teaching from the Koran is exactly similar to the teaching of the Kena Upanishad (1.7).

The Koran:

"Sight perceives Him not. But He perceives men's sights; for He is the knower of secrets, the Aware."

Kena Upanishad:

"That which cannot be seen by the eye but through which the eye itself sees, know That to be Brahman (God) and not what people worship here (in the manifested world)."

A simplified meaning of both the above verses reads:

God is one and that He is beyond man's sensory experience.

Rebuttal: How many Hindus follow the above teachings of the Upanishad ? Whereas most of the Muslims believe, worship and have faith in  Allah swt as without a form. That can be seen in each and every Mosque around the world!

If there are two similar things in two different religions, that does not mean that one has been copied or plagiarized from other! It may mean that both had a same Creator. That's why Allah swt states in the Qur'an that;

SAY: “O PEOPLE OF THE BOOK!

COME TO COMMON TERMS AS

BETWEEN US AND YOU:

THAT WE WORSHIP NONE BUT GOD;

THAT WE ASSOCIATE NO PARTNERS WITH HIM;

THAT WE ERECT NOT, FROM AMONG OURSELVES,

LORDS AND PATRONS OTHER THAN GOD.”

IF THEN THEY TURN BACK,

SAY: “BEAR WITNESS THAT WE (AT LEAST)

ARE MUSLIMS (BOWING TO GOD’S WILL)”

                                                                                          (Holy Qur’an 3:64)

 

         “PEOPLE OF THE BOOK”  is the respectful title given to the Jews, Christians and Hindus* in the Holy Qur’an. The Muslim is here commanded to invite—“O People of the Book!”—O Learned people! O People who claim to be the recipients of Divine Revelation, of a Holy Scripture; let us gather together onto a common platform—“that we worship none but God”,  because none but God is worthy of worship. Because He is our Lord and Cherisher, our Sustainer and Evolver, worthy of all praise, prayer and devotion.

            In the abstract the Jews, Christians and Hindus* would agree to all the three propositions contained in this Qur’anic verse. In practice they fail. Apart from doctrinal lapses from the unity of the One True God, there is the question of a consecrated priesthood, as if a mere human being—Cohen, or Pope, or Priest, or Brahman,-- could claim superiority apart from his learning and the purity of his life, or could stand between man and God in some special sense.  ISLAM DOES NOT RECOGNISE PRIESTHOOD!

                    In the view of Islam ALL Religion is ONE, for the Truth is One. IT WAS THE SAME RELIGION PREACHED BY ALL THE EARLIER PROPHETS. (Holy Qur’an 42:13). It was the Truth taught by all the Inspired Books.  IF ANYONE WANTS A RELIGION OTHER THAN THAT, HE IS FALSE TO HIS OWN NATURE, AS HE IS FALSE TO GOD’S WILL AND PLAN.  Such a one cannot expect guidance, for he has deliberately renounced guidance.

{*àCan also be applied to.}

 8- Description Of God Himself

Yajur Veda chapter 31, Rig Veda Mandal 10 sukta 129, Atharva Veda 8/11/3-6 & Saam Veda 617 say that the knowledge of four Vedas is direct from God.

According to four Vedas God is mentioned as SWAYAMBHUHU -- SWAYAM means self and BHUHU means powers which means power of God is due to His own power.

God has unlimited qualities.

Yajur Veda mantra 40/8 says ‘ God is everywhere, He has no shape’.

Upanishads says 'TAD SRISHTA TADNU PRAVISHT' means God created Universe & entered therein. All the four Vedas say about the God, in Yajur Veda chapter 32/3 "The Formless Supreme Spirit that pervades the universe can have no material representation, likeness or image." In Rig Veda Mandal 10 sukta 129 " God creates but nobody create God" and Rig Veda 5:1:81 says "Verily, great is the glory of the divine creator" and
Atharva Veda 20:58:3 says " God is verily great" 

In Sanskrit Brahma means "The Creator" translated into Arabic means "Khaaliq" and Creator in English.
According to Quran (15:86) "Your Lord is the Creator, the knower" and in (6:10) " HE is the Creator of the heaven and earth." So, Worship of one God alone is mentioned in Veda for example Rigveda 8:1:1 "O friends, do not worship anybody but Him, the Divine One. Praise Him alone".

[Bhagavad Gita 9:18-19]: "I am the goal of life, the LORD and support of all, the inner witness, the abode of all. I am the only refuge, the ONE true friend; I am the beginning, the staying, and the end of creation; I am the womb and the eternal seed. I am heat; I give and withhold the rain. I am immortality and I am death; I am what is and what is not"

[Rigveda 8:1:1]: " O friends, do not worship ANYBODY but Him, the Divine One.
Praise Him ALONE."

[Chandogya Upanishad 6:2:1]: "He is ONE ONLY without a second."

[Brahma Sutra]: "There is only ONE God, not the second; not at all, not at all, not in the
least bit."

[Svetasvatara Upanishad 4:19]: "There is no likeness of Him."

[Svetasvatara Upanishad 4:20]: "His form is not to be seen; no one sees Him with the eye."

[Kena Upanishad]: "That which cannot be seen by the eyes, but by which the eyes see,

[Yajur Veda 32:3.]: "The Formless Supreme Spirit that pervades the universe can have no material representation, likeness or image."

[Yajurveda 40:8]: "He is bodiless and pure."

[Svetasvatara Upanishad 6:9]: "Of Him there are neither parents nor lord."

(Yajur Veda 40:9.): "They are enveloped in darkness, in other words, are steeped in ignorance and sunk in the greatest depths of misery who worship the uncreated, eternal prakrti -- the material cause of the world -- in place of the All-pervading God, but those who worship visible things born of the prakrti, such as the earth, trees, bodies (human and the like) in place of God are enveloped in still greater darkness, in other words, they are extremely foolish, fall into an awful hell of pain and sorrow, and suffer terribly for a long
time"

[Bhagavad Gita 7:20]: "Those whose intelligence has been stolen by material desires surrender unto demigods and follow the particular rules and regulations of worship according to their own natures."

[Rig Veda Mandal 10 sukta 129]: "God creates but nobody create God."

[Atharva Veda 20:58:3]: "God is verily great"

In short, the knowledge of the Vedas have been stopped to be listened during the last five thousand years, that is why, the worship of only one God is not being done. During the materialistic period this traditional task has been ear marked tough by mostly saints & public under the influence of so-called saints.

For-example Tulsi says in Ramayan "DWIJ SHRUTI BECHAK" i.e., present Gurus have sold Vedas means they never study Vedas & do know nothing about Vedas. In the next saying "SHRUTI BIRODH RAT SAB NAR NARI" means man, woman & their children have taken bold steps against the Vedas. Up to the time of Mahabharta there was no temple. Thereafter, the knowledge of Vedas decreased & between two to three thousands years the temple has been made.

The books (Mahabharta & Bhagwat Geeta etc) came after the Vedas have been described and explained on the basis of sects or self made views of present so called saints, whereas the Vedas were written by ancient Rishis. After MAHABHARAT war the knowledge of Vedas did minimize and almost came to an end, and therefore, so many sects and way of worship came in existence.

Murti or ‘Idol worship’ was added by Pundits & Brahmins. Now, it is for Hindu scholar's to think, as to where they stand. So, the reason of the temples and murti is only due to the decrease and little knowledge of Vedas, for the last about three thousands years, because before this period there was no temple. Temple provision is only in the sects made by Pundits and not in the Vedas. So when there was the knowledge of Vedas, only one God was worshiped. This is how religion given in the Vedas changed or converted into Hinduism by the Pundits, Brahmins and so called saints.

Hindu Scriptures prove that Hindus were foretold about the worship of one God and were also foretold about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in their Holy Scriptures. But, they denied their Holy Scriptures and invented their own rules and regulations in the religion, and changed their religion according to their own materialistic and vain desires and made idols (images) of gods and their Avtars Ram & Karishana etc, and worshipped them as God. This is, how true religions of Vedas converted in to man-made religion (Hinduism).

With the above facts references from the Vedas & other Hindu Scriptures, it is possible that, Hindu Pundits and Brahmins might have changed the true concepts given in the Vedas into Hinduism as Christians have changed the true religion (Islam) of Jesus (PBUH) into Christianity.

The thing which is needed to do is that, Muslim scholars should take steps to preach the Hindus not only with the reference of Holy Quran but, with the fact references from their own Hindu Scriptures. According to whom worship of one God is allowed, so they should discard idol and murti worship and worship only one God according to their Scriptures. Secondly, the Kalki Avtar (Coming Prophet) which has been mentioned by name "Muhammad" & "Ahmed" in their Scriptures and all the indications about his Prophet hood mentioned in their Scriptures have been gone through and completed 1,400 years before, with the advent of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the religious law (The Quran) has been revealed on him. So, now it is the religious duty of each Hindu to accept Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as their last Avtar (Prophet), and the Quran as their last revealed Scripture and embrace ISLAM the religion of their last Avtar (Prophet) which has been chosen, perfected and authorized by his one God and become Muslim. Because according to Holy Quran:-

* "This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed my favor to you. I have approved Islam to be your religion ..." (5.3).

* "Allah has chosen for you the religion. Do not die except being Submissive (Muslim) (2.132)

* "It is HE who has been sent His Messenger with guidance the religion of truth (Islam), so that exalts it above all other religions. Allah is the sufficient witness" (48:28)

* "The only religion with Allah is Islam (submission) (3:19)

* "He who chooses a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him and in the everlasting life he will be among the losers" (3:85) 

So, Islam is the only religion chosen and approved by God and Islam supersedes and suppress all the other religions, because no other religion will be accepted except Islam. So for all Hindus who are reading this use your wisdom & intellect and courage, to search for the truth and then finally accept it, free of emotional beliefs and traditions. After these facts mentioned, there should be no doubt in a hindu's mind in relation to the true religion of God, which is Islam.

 http://www.ezsoftech.com/hajj/hajj_article5.asp

Peace! 

Entry of Non-Muslims in Mecca V/s Entry of Non-Hindus in Temples!

Mr P. N Oak Writes,

A few miles away from Mecca is a big signboard which bars the entry of any non-Muslim into the area. This is a reminder of the days when the Kaaba was stormed and captured solely for the newly established faith of Islam. The object in barring entry of non-Muslims was obviously to prevent its recapture.

Was  Kaaba stormed and captured  by prophet Muhammad ?

Let us see what is the meaning of the terms “Storming” and “Capturing”.

stormed, storm·ing, storms

v.intr.

1.

a. To blow forcefully.

b. To precipitate rain, snow, hail, or sleet.

2. To be extremely angry; rant and rage.

3. To move or rush tumultuously, violently, or angrily: stormed into the room.

v.tr.

To assault, capture, or captivate by storm. See Synonyms at attack.

Idiom: 

take by storm

To captivate completely

cap·ture  

tr.v. cap·tured, cap·tur·ing, cap·tures

1. To take captive, as by force or craft; seize.

2. To gain possession or control of, as in a game or contest: capture the queen in chess; captured the liberal vote.

3. To attract and hold: tales of adventure that capture the imagination.

4. To succeed in preserving in lasting form: capture a likeness in a painting.

n.

1. The act of catching, taking, or winning, as by force or skill.

2. One that has been seized, caught, or won; a catch or prize.

3. Physics The phenomenon in which an atom or a nucleus absorbs a subatomic particle, often with the subsequent emission of radiation.

Now storming and capturing are barbaric triats, but Prophet Muhammad practiced Peace and tolerance and even showed humanity in the battle field.

The True Story:

A year after the Battle of Allies (Trench), the Prophet and fifteen hundred of his companions left for Makkah to perform the annual pilgrimage (628 CE). They were barred from approaching the city at Hudaybiyah, where after some negotiations a treaty was signed allowing for them to come next year. This treaty facilitated exchange of ideas among the people of the whole region without interference. Many delegations from all regions of Arabia came to the Prophet to investigate the teachings of Islam, and a large number of people accepted Islam within a couple of years. The Prophet sent many of his companions (who memorized the Qur'an by heart) to new communities to instruct them about the practice of Islam. More than fifty of them were murdered by non-believers.

About two years later at the end of 629 CE, the Quraish violated the terms of the Treaty of Hudaybiyah by helping Banu Bakr in the surprise attack on Bani Khuza’ah who were allied with the Prophet. Some of Bani Khuzah’s men escaped and took shelter in Makkah and they sought redress. However, the leaders of Quraish did nothing. They then sent a message to the Prophet for help. 

The Prophet, after confirming all the reports of the attack and subsequent events, marched to Makkah with an army consisting of three thousand Muslims of Medinah and Muslims from other Arab communities that joined him on the way totaling ten thousand Muslims. 

Before entering the city he sent word to citizens of Makkah that anyone who remained in his home, or in Abu Sufyan’s home, or in the Ka’bah would be safe. The army entered Makkah without fighting and the Prophet went directly to the Ka’bah. He magnified Allah for the triumphant entry in the Holy city. The Prophet pointed at each idol with a stick he had in his hand and said, "Truth has come and Falsehood will neither start nor will it reappear" [Qur'an 17:81]. And one by one the idols fell down. The Ka’bah was then cleansed by the removal of all three hundred sixty idols, and it was restored to its pristine status for the worship of One True God (as built by Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail). 

The people of the city expected general slaughter in view of their persecution and torture of Muslims for the past twenty years. While standing by the Ka'bah, the Prophet (s) promised clemency for the Makkans, stating: "O Quraish, what do you think that I am about to do with you?" They replied, "Good. You are a noble brother, son of a noble brother." The Prophet forgave them all saying: 

"I will treat you as Prophet Yousuf (Joseph) treated his brothers. There is no reproach against you. Go to your homes, and you are all free."

The Prophet also declared: 

Allah made Makkah holy the day He created heavens and earth, and it is the holy of holies until the Resurrection Day. It is not lawful for anyone who believes in Allah and the last day to shed blood therein, nor to cut down trees therein. It was not lawful to anyone before me and it will not be lawful to anyone after me.

The people of Makkah then accepted Islam including the staunch enemies of the Prophet. A few of the staunchest enemies and military commanders had fled Makkah after his entry. However, when they received the Prophet’s assurance of no retaliation and no compulsion in religion, they came back and gradually the message of Islam won their hearts. Within a year (630 CE), almost all Arabia accepted Islam. Among the Prophet’s close companions were Muslims from such diverse background as Persia, Abyssinia, Syria and Rome. Several prominent Jewish Rabbis, Christian bishop and clergymen accepted Islam after discussions with the Prophet. 

http://www.cyberistan.org/islamic/muhammad.html

Now the question, why are Non-Muslims not allowed to enter Mecca & Madinah ?

Answer :

Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur’aan, ‘O who who believe! Verily, the Mushrikeen (idolaters) are impure, so let them not come near Musjidul Haraam after this year.’ (Surah Tawbah Aayat28)

According to the Hanafi Madhab, this verse refers to Hajj and Umrah only, i.e. they are prevented from performing Hajj and Umrah. From prior to Islam, the idolators used to perform Tawaaf, etc. After Islam and in the 9th year of the Hijrah, Allah Ta’ala commands that after this year no idolator may be allowed to perform Hajj or Umrah. The Aayat does not prevent the Kuffaar from entering the Haram or any one Musjid. (Tafseer Mazhari vol.5 pg.232; HM Saeed)

With regards specifically to your question, we understand that Makkah and Madinah are extremely virtuous and sacred places. However, even today there are many non-Muslims present at these places. The abovementioned verse only prohibits them from performing the sacred rituals of Hajj and Umrah. A simple way to understand this better will be that there are rules and regulations for person wishing to enter a foreign country. He has to go through procedures like visa applications, passport, etc. No country will simply accept anyone and everyone. Why then should it not be such with sacred places like Makkah and Madina.

Dr Zakir Naik writes,

It is true that non-Muslims are not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, by law. The following points will serve to elucidate the possible reasoning behind such a restriction.

1.   All citizens are not permitted in the cantonment area

I am a citizen of India. Yet, I am not permitted to enter certain restricted areas like the cantonment. In every country there are certain areas where a common citizen of that country cannot enter. Only a citizen who is enrolled in the military or those who are connected with the defence of the country are allowed in the cantonment area. Similarly Islam is a Universal Religion for the entire world and for all human beings. The cantonment areas of Islam are the two holy cites of Makkah and Madinah. Here only those who believe in Islam and are involved in the defence of Islam i.e. the Muslims are allowed.

It would be illogical for a common citizen to object against the restriction on entering a cantonment area. Similarly it is not appropriate for non-Muslims to object against the restriction on non-Muslims against entering Makkah and Madinah.

2.   Visa to enter Makkah and Madinah

a.     Whenever a person travels to a foreign country he has to first apply for a visa i.e. the permission to enter that country. Every country has its own rules, regulations and requirements for issuing a visa. Unless their critera are satisfied they will not issue a visa. 

b.    One of the countries which is very strict in issuing a visa is the United States of America, especially when issuing visas to citizens of the third world. They have several conditions and requirements to be fulfilled before they issue a visa.

c.     When I visited Singapore, it was mentioned on their immigration form - death to drug traffickers. If I want to visit Singapore I have to abide by the rules. I cannot say that death penalty is a barbaric punishment. Only if I agree with their requirements and conditions will I be permitted to enter the country.

d.    The Visa – The primary condition required for any human being to enter Makkah or Madina is to say with his lips, La ila ha illallah Muhammed ur Rasulullah meaning that ‘there is no God but Allah and Muhammed (pbuh) is His Messenger.’

                And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best.
There are many Tempels in India which barr the entry of Non-Hindus, even though there is no such restriction from the Indian Government. Why ?

Article 25 (1) of the Constitution guarantees Freedom of Religion to all citizens. 

 Article 23 (2) of the Constitution guarantees says Government should not discriminate the citizens on the grounds of religion, caste, creed and group. 

“It’s basic human rights. A study done by us shows that 63 per cent of temples prohibit Scheduled Castes and Dalits.

“There was hue and a cry when a few hundred Dalits entered the Jagannath Puri temple recently. 

Now 2007: Rs 1 million worth of food destroyed at Puri's Jagannath temple after a foreigner enters the temple. Non-Hindus are barred from entering temple.  

 2006: Actor Jayamala's claim that she touched Lord Ayappa's statue at Sabarimala shrine creates row. Women aged between 10-50 yrs not allowed within premises. 

 2005: American Pamela Fleig, a Hindu convert, is denied entry into Lingaraj temple, Bhubaneswar. 

 2005: Thailand's Crown Princess Sirindhorn not allowed to visit the Jagannath temple as she is a foreigner and a Buddhist. 

 Also former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was not allowed to enter Jagannath temple as she had married a Parsi.  they are trying to cleanse the premises,

CNN-IBNPosted on Apr 19, 2007 at 02:57

100 Dalits arrested for trying to enter temple

Read more at:  http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/100-dalits-arrested-for-trying-to-enter-temple-82496

A study reveals that discrimination against Dalits at places of worship continues more or less unchanged despite various campaigns.

http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl2615/stories/20090731261504000.htm

Non-Hindus Prohibited from entring Jagannath Temple!

http://realityviews.blogspot.com/2010/12/jagannath-temple-non-hindus-are-not.html

Pashupatinath Temple

Hindus alone are allowed to enter the temple premises. Non-Hindu visitors are allowed to have a look at the temple from the other bank of Bagmati river.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pashupatinath_Temple

Should non-Hindus be allowed in temples?

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-360-nonhindus-in-temples/38804-3.html

No to non-Hindus

http://www.frontline.in/fl2412/stories/20070629003511900.htm

Is the object in barring entry of non-Hindus, obviously to prevent its recapture ?

Your's Imran Khan :-)

Exposing the reality of "King Vikramaditya"

Who is King Vikramaditya ? 

A Comic Hero.

Vikramaditya (Sanskrit: विक्रमादित्य) (102 BCE to 15 CE) was a legendary emperor of Ujjain, India, famed for his wisdom, valour and magnanimity. The title "Vikramaditya" was later assumed by many other kings in Indian history, notably the Gupta King Chandragupta II and Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya (popularly known as 'Hemu'). 

The legendary Vikramaditya is a popular figure in both Sanskrit and regional languages in India. His name is conveniently associated with any event or monument whose historical details are unknown, though a whole cycles of tales have grown around him. The two most famous ones in Sanskrit are Vetala Panchvimshati or ' ("The 25 (tales) of the Vampire") and Simhasana-Dwatrimshika ("The 32 (tales) of the throne"). These two are found in varying versions in Sanskrit and also in the regional languages.

The tales of the vampire (Vetala) tell twenty-five stories in which the king tries to capture and hold on to a vampire that tells a puzzling tale and ends it with a question for the king. In fact, earlier the king was approached by a Sadhu to bring the vampire to him but without uttering a word, otherwise the vampire would fly back to its place. The king can be quiet only if he does not know the answer, else his head would burst open. Unfortunately, the king discovers that he knows the answer to every question; therefore the cycle of catching the vampire and letting it escape continues for twenty-four times till the last question puzzles Vikramaditya. A version of these tales can be found embedded in the Katha-Saritsagara.

The name Vikramaditya--Sun of Valour--is probably not a proper name, but a title like Pharaoh or Tsar. No doubt Kalidasa intended to pay a tribute to his patron, the Sun of Valour, in the very title of his play, Urvashi won by Valour.

THE MYSTERIOUS ORIGINAL KING VIKRAMADITYA

V.S.Gopalakrishnan

Whoever may not have heard of the "Vikram-Betal" stories, the fascinating tales about the great King Vikramaditya and Betal, the vampire? Was he a real king or was he only a legendary, imaginary figure? If anything gets my goat, it is the seamless intertwining of the two, the truth and fiction. Let us take this guy under our microscope. After all, very few human beings are known as creators of eras named after them! We all know about Vikram Samvat. 

Somewhere in wikipedia, you find the date of King Vikramaditya as 102 BC to 15 AD, but in the same sentence it is mentioned that he was a legendary emperor of Ujjain, India, known for his wisdom, valour and magnanimity! Where does history end and legend start? I am flummoxed!

However, the Vikram Era that starts from 56 BC is not legend but is historical, and is real even today. That year marks the defeat of the invading Sakas (powerful Central Asian Tribes) by King Vikramaditya when Ujjain was invaded. The Vikram Samvat calendar is popular in Northern India and in Western India. It is a lunar calendar and the year starts with the day after the new moon in Chaitra. While the Government of India has adopted the Saka Calendar (starting 78 AD) for official purposes, the Government of Nepal has been officially following the Vikram Samvat, which they call Bikram Samvat. One must remember that the Saka Era (starting 78 AD) is a misnomer in a sense since really speaking it also celebrates the defeat of Sakas, at the hands of the Satavahana King Shalivahana in the year 78 AD. The Saka era is also called Shalivahana era.

The Saka people (also called Scythians) of Central Asia did however settle down in North India from 2^nd century BC to 4^th century AD, and they gave rise to Indo-Scythians. Sakas occupied and ruled Western India too and the rulers were called Western Satraps. Large sections of the Rajasthanis (kshatriyas) are descendants of the Sakas. There is an amazing combination of foreign blood in the Hindus. Similarly, sections of Rajasthanis and Gujaratis are also considered the descendants of the fierce, formidable and cruel Huna tribe (also called the Huns) of Central Asia which over-ran and ruled North India, under their leader Toramana and later his son Mihirakula in the 5^th and 6^th centuries AD. The two father and son Hun rulers were cruel to the subjects and particularly destroyed Buddhist cities, monuments etc. Mihirakula became a Hindu towards the end of his life.

KATHA-SARIT-SAGARA:

Coming back to the ancient King Vikramaditya, we find accounts about him in “Katha-Sarit-Sagara” (meaning Ocean of Tales) written in Sanskrit by a Kashmiri Pundit called Soma Deva Bhatta in the middle of the 12^th century AD. Soma Deva wrote it for the entertainment of Queen Suryamati, wife of King Anantdeva of Kashmir. It is said that it consisted of 350 stories in 18 books, 124 chapters, 21000 verses and prose too! This is the biggest compilation of Indian tales ever.

Accounts and stories about King Vikramaditya that are found in the Katha-Sarit-Sagara were written 1200 years after his time, and the problem will be one of what is history and truth and what is fiction and legend. There sure must be some admixture of both! The 25 stories of Vikram-Betal form part of the work, as also accounts of Vikramaditya’s life.

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HIS LIFE:

As per Katha-Sarit-Sagara, Vikramaditya was the son of King Mahendraditya of the Paramara Dynasty. However, the Paramara (also known as Pawar) Dynasty came into being around 800 AD only, founded by Upendra. The most significant Paramara Ruler was Bhoja I and the capital city was Dharanagara (present Dhar). Thus, the Ocean seems to be off the mark. However, the Betal story in the Katha-Sarit-Sagara does go with the original Vikramaditya of the first century BC!

BHAVISHYA PURANA:

“Bhavishya Purana” in verse form has a lot to say about the life of Vikramaditya. It is one of the major 18 Puranas and is said to have been written by Vyasa several centuries before Christ. The work literally means “History of the Future”. The Purana starts with the greatness of Shiva, Vishnu, Surya etc. It has uncannily predicted, believe it or not, the following – Jesus Christ, Muhammad, fall of Sanskrit, Chandragupta, Ashoka, Chaitanya, Akbar, Jaichandra, British Rule, Hitler etc. The events are written as having already taken place.

The following account owes itself to the "Bhavishya Purana" as for Vikramaditya, whom we may call Vikram here for brevity. Vikram’s father was Gandharvasena, son of Lord Indra. Are we not into myths here? Once, while Apsara Mohini was on her way to meet Siva on Mount Kailasa, Gandharvasena (Vikram’s father) happened to obstruct her way. Enraged at this, Lord Indra cursed him (his own son Gandharvasena) and turned him into a donkey with certain riders. We may omit portions regarding the donkey becoming a human again. Vikram was only 5 years old when he entered a penance for 12 years. He was bestowed with extraordinary power and insights. His elder brother Bhartuhari renounced his throne and the kingdom came to Vikram. King Vikram was known for justice, sagacity, wisdom, valour, charity and generosity.

I will not go into any aspect of the twenty five Vikram-Betal stories known as “Vetala Panchavimshati” which are fascinating to say the least. Some years ago, Doordarshan telecast the stories in a serial. I shall try to attempt a separate blog about the stories. There are also 32 stories relating to Vikramaditya Simhasan (throne) and they are called “Simhasana Dwatrimshika”. King Shalivahana of Paithan after whom Saka era is named, is said to be Vikram’s grandson.

KAABA AND KING VIKRAM:

Of late, an excitement has been aroused among the people with the alleged discovery of King Vikram’s inscription inside the Kaaba at Mecca. It is alleged that there is a Shiva lingam inside the Kaaba. Thus, Arabia came under the vast extent of King Vikram’s empire. Prophet Mohammad, it is said, took the crescent moon emblem for Islam from Shiva’s adornment. There are quite a few articles in the Net on this subject. However, the Net is hardly the place where you get to really read scientific or highly scholarly papers. I am personally unable to judge the authenticity of all the claims about Kaaba. The readers may throw light on this giving links.

OTHER VIKRAMADITYAS:

The title “Vikramaditya” was adopted by some well-known kings of India in later times. Notable examples are the Gupta King Chandragupta the second Vikramaditya and Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya (also known as Hemu). The former, the great Gupta King, who was the son of Samudragupta, and who ruled from 375 to 413 AD, defeated the last king Rudrasimha III of the Shaka Satrap Dynasty in Gujerat and annexed that kingdom to his vast territory. Hemu (1501-56), the son of a Brahmin priest, became a trusted Army Chief and Prime Minister under the Suri Dynasty (Afghans). The Afghans (Suris) and Mughals (Babar and Humayun) were at loggerheads for the Delhi Throne. Hemu benefited by this and took the Delhi throne in 1556 for a short time and ruled as a Hindu Emperor after 350 years of rule by Muslims.   

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As far as Vikramaditya was concerned, the fiction part could be that he was Lord Indra's grandson and that his father was turned into a horse for some time. Also, despite the loveliness of the Betal tales, the Betal communicating with Vikram is certainly an impossibility.

 I took out my copy of "An Advanced History of India" by RC Majumdar and two others. It is a standard and advanced textbook used by History PG students. This is what the book says (at p.112, 4th edition):

QUOTE
"Some scholars attribute to Azes I the foundation of that reckoning commencing 58 BC which afterwards came to be known as Vikrama samvat., but the matter cannot be regarded as certain.Indian tradition ascribes to it an Indian origin. It (tradition) was handed down by the Malava tribe, and in the post-Gupta period came to be associated with the great Vikramaditya, the destroyer of the Sakas".
UNQUOTE

For me the above skeletal passage is so disappointing! (Azes was a foreigner and how can Azes establish a Vikram era????)

So, Majumdar has totally neglected King Vikramaditya of the first century BC! He talks about indigenous origin, since Azes was a foreigner. This is the poor way our history is written!
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Then I took out my copy of the "Oxford History of India" by Vincent Smith. On p.167 (4th edition), Smith says;

QUOTE
" Later in life, he (Chandragupta II ) took the additional title Vikramaditya ("Sun of Prowess'), which is associated by tradition with the Raja of Ujjain who is believed to have defeated the Sakas and established the Vikrama era in 58-57 BC. It is possible that such a Raja may really have existed, although the tradition has not been verified by the discovery of inscriptions, coins or monuments".
UNQUOTE

I find Smith to be vastly better than Majumdar!

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Is Kutub Minar (in Delhi) king Vikramadiya’s tower commemorating his conquest of Arabia.???

Kutub Minar did not EXIST at the time of Vikramiditya!

The Qutb Minar (also spelled Qutab or Qutub, Urdu: قطب منار), a tower in Delhi, India, is at 72.5 meters the world's tallest brick minaret. Construction commenced in 1193 under the orders of India's first Muslim ruler Qutb-ud-din Aibak, and the topmost storey of the minaret was completed in 1386 by Firuz Shah Tughluq. The complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi, and was also India's most visited monument in 2006, as it attracted 3.9 million visitors, even more than the Taj Mahal, which drew about 2.5 million visitors more than the MAHA KUMBH mela.

If Kutub Minar was a Hindu atrominical tower as Oak claimed what about, the other towers present in undivided India ??? 

Inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan and wishing to surpass it, Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced construction of the QutbMinar in 1193, but could only complete its base. His successor, Iltutmish, added three more stories and, in 1386, Firuz Shah Tughluq constructed the fifth and the last story. The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tughluq is quite evident in the minaret. Like earlier towers erected by the Ghaznavids and Ghurids in Afghanistan, the Qutb Minar comprises several superposed flanged and cylindrical shafts, separated by balconies carried on Muqarnas corbels. 

The purpose for building this monument has been variously speculated upon. It could take the usual role of a minaret, calling people for prayer in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the earliest extant mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. Other possibilities are a tower of victory, a monument signifying the might of

Islam, or a watch tower for defense.

 Oak says: Firstly, the inscription on the iron pillar near the so-called Kutub Minar refers to the marriage of the victorious king Vikramaditya to the princess of Balhika. This Balhika is none other than the Balkh region in West Asia. It could be that Arabia was wrestled by king Vikramaditya from the ruler of Balkh who concluded a treaty by giving his daughter in marriage to the victor.

BUT Balhika/ bahlika has nothing to do with either King Vikramaditya or Kutub Minar, it predates both. Bahlika finds mention in Atharvaveda, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Puranas, Vartikka of Katyayana, Brhatsamhita, Amarkosha etc and in the ancient Inscriptions. The inhabitants of Bahlika were known as the Bahlikas. The other variations of Bahlika are Bahli, Balhika, Vahlika, Valhika, Bahlava, Bahlam/Bahlim, Bahlayana and Bahluva etc.

According to the Puranic traditions, Dhrshta was one of the nine sons of Manu. From him came a number of clans called Dharshtakas who were reckoned as Kshatriyas. According to Shiva Purana the Dharshtaka princes became rulers of Bahlika.

Satapatha Brahmana knows of a king named Bahlika Pratipeya whom it calls Kauravya (=Kaurava) . It has been pointed out that this Kaurava king is identical with Bahlika Pratipeya of Mahabharata.

According to Mahabharata evidence, the king of Bahlika was present at Syamantapanchaka at Kurukshetra on the occasion of a solar eclipse. Also the name 'Bahlika Desa' originates from the name of the middle son of King Pratipa of Hastinapura, Bahlika, who devoted his life to conquer these old Aryan territories in the Uttarapatha. Hence, being the elder to King Santanu, Bahlika was the paternal uncle of Bhishma and pre-dates him.

The King of Bahlika presented to Yudhishtra a golden chariot yoked with four white Kamboja studs at the time of Rajsuya ceremony (2.53.5).

OAK says; Secondly, the township adjoining the so called Kutub Minar is named Mehrauli after Mihira who was the renowned astronomer-mathematician of king Vikram’s court. Mehrauli is the corrupt form of Sanskrit ‘Mihira-Awali’ signifying a row of houses raised for Mihira and his helpers and assistants working on astronomical observations made from the tower.

Mehrauli, Which was earlier known as Mihirawali means Home of Mihir, was founded by the King Mihir Bhoja of the Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty. Mehrauli is one of the seven ancient cities that make up the present state of Delhi. The Lal Kot fort was constructed by the Gurjar Tanwar chief Anangpal I around AD 731 and expanded by AnangPal II in the 11th century, who shifted his capital to Lal Kot from Kannauj. The Gurjar Tanwars were defeated by the Chauhans in the 12th century. Prithviraj Chauhan further expanded the fort and called it Qila Rai Pithora. He was defeated in 1192 by Mohammed Ghori, who put his general Qutb-ud-din Aybak in charge and returned to Afghanistan. Mehrauli remained the capital of the Kanas dynasty which ruled until 1290. During the Khilji dynasty, the capital shifted to Siri.

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I Challenge to show me a single proof from any authentic and proved historical database the existence of an Vikramaditya's empire outside the Indian subcontinent as claimed by Mr P N Oak!

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http://www.lost-civilizations.net/ancient-civilizations.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_history

http://www.gloriousindia.com/history/gupta_empire.html

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For those Interested in reading the fairy tales of Vikram and Betala here are the links :-

http://www.bharatadesam.com/literature/stories_of_vikram_betal/vikram_and_betal.php

http://www.sacred-texts.com/goth/vav/index.htm